Inter Parfums, Inc. Provides Initial 2019 Guidance with Record Sales and Earnings

Inter Parfums, Inc. (NASDAQ GS:IPAR) today announced initial 2019 guidance, which calls for net sales of approximately $705 million, resulting in net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. of approximately $1.81 per diluted share. Guidance assumes an average dollar/euro exchange rate of 1.14 for 2019, down 5% as compared to the exchange rate of 1.20 through September 30, 2018.

Russell Greenberg, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Inter Parfums, stated, “Our initial 2019 sales guidance implies a 6% year-over-year increase based upon our 2018 net sales guidance of $665 million. The projected strengthening of the dollar masks what would have been closer to a 9% increase in net sales in constant dollars. While a strong U.S. dollar has a negative impact on our net sales, it favorably impacts gross margin, because over 45% of net sales of our European operations are denominated in U.S. dollars, while almost all associated costs are incurred in euro. As such, we are looking for 2019 net income per diluted share attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. to increase 12.4% using $1.61, our 2018 estimate, as a base.”

Jean Madar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The increase in projected net sales reflects contributions made by fragrance launches, brand extensions and just as important, the staying power of many of our well-established best sellers. With regard to our largest brands within our European operations, we will unveil Montblanc Explorer, a new men’s scent, in all geographic markets early in the new year. In addition, Jimmy Choo will add a new scent for men as the year draws to a close in the fall. Two new scents for women debut next year, A Girl in Capri for Lanvin in the summer and Floral Blush, a Coach flanker in the fall. In addition, brand extensions, additions to multi-scent collections and limited edition scents are coming to market for our other brands including, Rochas, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, S.T. Dupont, Repetto and Paul Smith, throughout the year.”

With regard to U.S. operations, Mr. Madar pointed out, “GUESS fragrance sales will be recorded for all of 2019 compared to about seven months in 2018. For that brand, we plan to rollout two extensions, one each for the 1981 and Seductive pillars. We will also animate several of our newer fragrance families with flankers, including one or more each for Bella Blanca by Oscar de la Renta, Fantasia for Anna Sui, Century by Dunhill and Wave and Festival Vibes for Hollister. Also coming to market is Authentic, an entirely new fragrance duo for Abercrombie & Fitch planned for a spring introduction and a multi-scent men’s collection for Dunhill in the second quarter. Late in the year, two of our new business initiatives debut. We will unveil our first deluxe fragrance collection for Graff, and offer a new exclusive amenities to the most prestigious hotels and travel venues. 2019 will also mark our entry into direct-to-consumer e-commerce with a fragrance collection created with supermodel Lily Aldridge, our first initiative between our Interstellar Brands subsidiary and IMG models. Everything points to 2019 being a highly ambitious and productive year, resulting in record sales and earnings.”