INTERPARFUMS INC 10-Q/A

Item 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Forward Looking Information Statements in this report which are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. You should not rely on forward-looking statements because actual events or results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the headings “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Inter Parfums’ annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and the reports Inter Parfums files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Inter Parfums does not intend to and undertakes no duty to update the information contained in this report. Overview We operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of fragrances and fragrance related products. We manage our business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. Certain prestige fragrance products are produced and marketed by our European operations through our 72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext. We produce and distribute our European based fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners, and European based fragrance product sales represented approximately 67% and 70% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We have built a portfolio of prestige brands, which include Boucheron, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Spade, Lanvin, Moncler, Montblanc, S.T. Dupont, Rochas and Van Cleef & Arpels , whose products are distributed in over 120 countries around the world. In addition, our exclusive and worldwide license for the production and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics becomes effective in January 2024. Through our United States operations, we also market fragrance and fragrance related products. United States operations represented 33% and 30% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These fragrance products are sold primarily pursuant to license or other agreements with the owners of the Abercrombie & Fitch, Anna Sui, Donna Karan, DKNY, Ferragamo, Graff, GUESS, Hollister, MCM, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli and Ungaro brands. Substantially all of our prestige fragrance brands are licensed from unaffiliated third parties, and our business is dependent upon the continuation and renewal of such licenses. With respect to the Company’s largest brands, we license the Montblanc , Coach , Jimmy Choo , GUESS, Donna Karan/DKNY and Ferragamo brand names. This diversified portfolio of top brands represented 74% of total sales for the first 9 months of 2023 up from 69% in 2022. Page 16 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 Montblanc 18 % 19 % Jimmy Choo 17 % 18 % Coach 15 % 15 % GUESS 11 % 11 % Donna Karan/DKNY 7 % 1 % Ferragamo 5 % 5 % Quarterly sales fluctuations are influenced by the timing of new product launches as well as the third and fourth quarter holiday season. In certain markets where we sell directly to retailers, seasonality is more evident. We primarily sell directly to retailers in France, the United States, and Italy. We grow our business in two distinct ways. First, we grow by adding new brands to our portfolio, through new licenses, other arrangements or out-right acquisitions of brands. Second, we grow through the introduction of new products and by supporting new and established products through advertising, merchandising and sampling as well as phasing out underperforming products so we can devote greater resources to those products with greater potential. The economics of developing, producing, launching and supporting products influence our sales and operating performance each year. Our introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of existing products, which we take into account in our business planning. Our business is not capital intensive, and it is important to note that we do not own manufacturing facilities. We act as a general contractor and source our needed components from our suppliers. These components are received at one of our distribution centers and then, based upon production needs, the components are sent to one of several third-party fillers, which manufacture the finished product for us and then deliver them to one of our distribution centers. As with any global business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. We believe we have a strong brand portfolio with global reach and potential. As part of our strategy, we plan to continue to make investments behind fast-growing markets and channels to grow market share. Our reported net sales are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A strong U.S. dollar has a negative impact on our net sales. However, earnings are positively affected by a strong dollar, because almost 50% of net sales of our European operations are denominated in U.S. dollars, while almost all costs of our European operations are incurred in euro. Conversely, a weak U.S. dollar has a favorable impact on our net sales while gross margins are negatively affected. We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments and primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. Page 17 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Please see our discussion of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which is incorporated by reference to note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Recent Important Events Please see our discussion of Recent Important Events, which is incorporated by reference to note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies Information regarding our critical accounting policies can be found in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Results of Operations Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 as Compared to the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Net Sales: (in millions) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2023 2022 % Change 2023 2022 % Change European based product sales $ 233.5 $ 198.3 18 % $ 661.5 $ 546.7 21 % United States based product sales 134.5 82.2 64 % 327.4 229.2 43 % $ 368.0 $ 280.5 31 % $ 988.9 $ 775.9 27 % Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2023, increased 31% from the three months ended September 30, 2022. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales increased 27% from the third quarter of 2022 of which 7% is related to new brands. The average dollar/euro exchange rate for the current third quarter was 1.09 compared to 1.01 in the third quarter of 2022, while for the nine months ended September 2023 the average dollar/euro exchange rate was 1.08 compared to 1.06 in the nine months ended September 2022. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased 27% as compared to the nine months ended September 2022. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales increased 26% from the nine months ended September 2022 of which 7% is related to new brands. Continuing the trend from the first half of 2023, the current third quarter was exceptionally strong for both European and United States based operations, as net sales increased 18% and 64%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. As previously disclosed, the third quarter growth rate is favorably impacted by a lower base in 2022 where more gift sets were shipped in the fourth quarter due to supply chain disruptions. We currently expect this phasing to adversely impact our fourth quarter growth rates. Page 18 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES For European based operations, our largest brands, Coach, Montblanc, and Jimmy Choo sales rose 32%, 20% and 6%, respectively, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. Continuing the growth trend of the first half of 2023, third quarter sales by our United States operations grew substantially, up 64%, largely from the continued success of GUESS fragrances which performed exceedingly well during the quarter across all geographies and was up 59% from the third quarter of 2022. This was driven by the continued growth in sales of the Seductive line within GUESS. Of note, the significant growth in the quarter builds upon the 45% sales increase we reported for the third quarter of 2022. We also had strong sales of Ferragamo fragrances, which we have enriched with sister scents for the Signorina and Storie di Seta collections. During the quarter, we initiated Phase 1 of the Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce distribution roll-out. We began with introductory distribution of this iconic fragrance in select markets and expect the majority of the Phase 1 distribution to roll-out during the fourth quarter. The increase was also driven by the addition and extension of Donna Karan and DKNY to our portfolio. They have climbed to become our second largest United States based brand in just one year under our expertise. The favorable trends in the first half of the year continued into the third quarter and we look forward to executing our plans for the remainder of the year. Our brands are in high demand in a robust environment for the fragrance industry. We have a large number of brand extensions across many of our brands launching in the fourth quarter of the year, including Guess Bella Vita Paradiso . In sum, 2023 has all the earmarks of another superb year as the growth catalysts currently far outweigh the headwinds, most notably the somewhat limited travel retail business in Asia and supply chain disruptions that have largely abated. Net Sales to Customers by Region Nine months ended September 30, (In millions) 2023 2022 North America $ 370.1 $ 284.7 Western Europe 242.8 196.3 Asia 138.1 120.2 Middle East 82.6 66.3 Eastern Europe 75.4 45.6 Central and South America 71.7 56.2 Other 8.2 6.6 $ 988.9 $ 775.9 In the first three quarters of 2023, sales in our largest market, North America, rose 30%, followed by Western Europe and Asia where comparable three quarter year sales in both regions increased 24% and 15%, respectively. Our sales in Eastern Europe, Central and South America and the Middle East were also robust, up 65%, 28% and 25%, respectively. Additionally, our travel retail business is continuing to show signs of renewed life. Page 19 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Three months ended Nine months ended Gross Profit margin September 30, September 30, (in millions) 2023 2022 2023 2022 European operations Net sales $ 233.5 $ 198.2 $ 661.5 $ 546.7 Cost of sales 73.3 60.5 220.6 176.1 Gross margin $ 160.2 $ 137.7 $ 440.9 $ 370.6 Gross margin as a % of net sales 68.6 % 69.5 % 66.6 % 67.8 % United States operations Net sales $ 134.5 $ 82.2 $ 327.4 $ 229.1 Cost of sales 59.7 38.0 141.9 105.4 Gross margin $ 74.8 $ 44.2 $ 185.5 $ 123.7 Gross margin as a % of net sales 55.6 % 53.8 % 56.7 % 54.0 % The Company’s gross margin percentage was 63.9% and 63.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to 64.9% and 63.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. This decrease in gross margin percentage was largely driven by unfavorable segment mix as well as certain one time expenses related to inventory as discussed further below. Overall, the Company’s pricing actions have broadly compensated for cost inflation impacts. For European based operations, gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales was 68.6% and 66.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 69.5% and 67.8% for the corresponding periods of the prior year. As previously disclosed, a key driver in the decrease in gross profit margin for European based operations in 2023 was due to an increase in inventory reserves in the second quarter of 2023 related to certain underperforming brands. As the Company experienced long lead times in obtaining and building inventory during the COVID-19 Pandemic, high levels of inventory investments were required to protect service levels. Excluding these one-time adjustments, gross margin as a percentage of sales for European based operations would be in line with the prior period, driven by increases in pricing and product mix, offset by cost inflation. For United States operations, gross profit margin was 55.6% and 56.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 53.8% and 54.0% for the corresponding periods of the prior year. The significant margin expansion stems from a number of factors. Firstly, for the most part, the price increases we took in early 2023 weren’t fully offset by a higher cost of goods given our cost containment efforts. Secondly, we are seeing favorable brand and channel mix, as a larger portion of our higher priced fragrances are being sold directly to retailers as opposed to third-party distributors. Lastly, the significant increase in sales in the first three quarters of 2023 allowed us to better absorb fixed expenses such as depreciation and point of sale expenses, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. Page 20 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Generally, we do not bill customers for shipping and handling costs, and such costs, which aggregated $3.9 million and $11.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to $5.5 million and $11.0 million for the corresponding periods of the prior year, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. As such, our Company’s gross profit may not be comparable to that of other companies, which may include these expenses as a component of cost of goods sold. Three months ended Nine months ended, Selling, general and administrative expenses September 30, September 30, (In millions) 2023 2022 2023 2022 European Operations Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 98.7 $ 83.4 $ 265.2 $ 231.2 Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales 42.3 % 42.1 % 40.1 % 42.3 % United States Operations Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 49.1 $ 34.0 $ 128.7 $ 92.1 Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales 36.5 % 41.4 % 39.3 % 40.2 % The Company has seen selling, general and administrative expenses decrease as a percentage of net sales to 40.2% and 39.8% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to 41.9% and 41.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. This decrease of selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was largely driven by sales growth for the three and nine month periods allowing to better absorb certain fixed operating costs, and favorable segment mix. For European operations, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 18% and 15% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year, and represented 42.3% and 40.1% of net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 42.1% and 42.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. For United States operations, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 44% and 40% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year, and represented 36.5% and 39.3% of net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 41.4% and 40.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. As discussed in more detail below, the decreased selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales are primarily the result of high sales growth offset in part by increases in promotion and advertising expenditures as well as the annualization impact of the structural investments of $9.0 million in our United States operations that we made throughout 2022 in order to support the new licenses for the first three quarters of 2023. Promotion and advertising included in selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated $62.8 million and $152.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to $44.8 million and $124.9 million for the corresponding periods of the prior year. Promotion and advertising represented 17.1% and 15.4% of net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 16.0% and 16.1% for the corresponding periods of the prior year. Promotion and advertising are integral parts of our industry, and we continue to invest heavily to support new product launches and to build brand awareness. We believe that our promotion and advertising efforts have had a beneficial effect on sales. All of our brands have benefited from newly launched and enhanced e-commerce sites in existing markets in collaboration with our retail customers on their e-commerce sites. We also continue to develop and implement omnichannel concepts and compelling content to deliver an integrated consumer experience. Long term, we anticipate that on a full year basis, promotion and advertising expenditures should aggregate approximately 21% of net sales, which is in line with pre-COVID historical averages. Page 21 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Royalty expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated $29.1 million and $77.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to $23.1 million and $61.4 million for the corresponding periods of the prior year. Royalty expense represented 7.9% and 7.8% of net sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to 8.3% and 7.9% of net sales for the corresponding periods of the prior year, due to changes in brand mix. Income from Operations As a result of the above analysis regarding net sales, gross profit margins and selling, general and administrative expenses, our operating margins aggregated 23.7% and 23.5% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to 23.0% and 22.1% for the corresponding periods of the prior year. Other Income and Expense Traditionally, interest expense was primarily related to the financing of brand and licensing acquisitions. The increase in interest expense related to prior year acquisitions is the main driver of the increase in other income and expense during 2023. As previously disclosed, in April 2021 we completed the acquisition of the headquarters of Interparfums SA. The acquisition was financed by a 10-year €120 million (approximately $127.1 million) bank loan which bears interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.75%. Also in 2021, approximately €80 million of the variable rate debt was swapped for variable rate debt with a maximum interest rate of 2%. The swap effectively exchanges the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%. We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposure related to receivables from unaffiliated third parties denominated in a foreign currency and occasionally to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a foreign currency. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions have not been significant. Almost 50% of net sales of our European operations are denominated in U.S. dollars. Interest and investment income represents interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of September 30, 2023, short-term investments include approximately $8.8 million of marketable equity securities of other companies in the luxury goods sector. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company sold marketable securities which generated a gain of $3.1 million. The Company purchased additional marketable securities in the second and third quarter of 2023, which generated unrealized losses of $0.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023. Interest and investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2022, includes a gain of $2.3 million, resulting from the interest rate swap. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recognized a gain of $6.4 million related to the interest rate swap which was largely offset by losses of $5.3 million on marketable equity securities during the same period. Page 22 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Income Taxes Our consolidated effective tax rate was 23.5% and 22.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for European operations was 25% for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Our effective tax rate for U.S. operations was 19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to 11% for the corresponding period of the prior year. Our effective tax rate differs from the 21% statutory rate due to benefits received from the exercise of stock options as well as deductions we are allowed for a portion of our foreign derived intangible income, slightly offset by state and local taxes. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2022 our U.S. operations recognized a one-time tax benefit of $2.5 million associated with the 2021 Salvatore Ferragamo acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, we had not recognized deferred tax benefits as there were uncertainties concerning its potential recoverability; however, as of September 30, 2022, the recoverability was deemed likely. Other than as discussed above, we did not experience any significant changes in tax rates, and none were expected in jurisdictions where we operate. Net Income Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (In thousands) Net income European operations $ 45,965 $ 42,417 $ 133,480 $ 106,722 Net income United States operations 20,155 10,880 46,066 27,386 Net income 66,120 53,297 179,546 134,108 Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest 12,906 11,874 37,312 29,769 Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $ 53,214 $ 41,423 $ 142,234 $ 104,339 Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. was $53.2 million and $142.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to $41.4 million and $104.3 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. Net income attributable to European operations was $46.0 million and $133.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to $42.4 million and $106.7 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. Net income attributable to United States operations was $20.2 million and $46.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to $10.9 million and $27.4 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. The significant fluctuations in net income for both European operations and United States operations are directly related to the previous discussions relating to changes in sales, gross margin, and selling, general and administrative expenses. Page 23 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES The noncontrolling interest arises from our 72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext. Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is directly related to the profitability of our European operations and aggregated 28% of European operations net income for all periods presented. Net margins attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 aggregated 14.4% and 13.4%, respectively. Liquidity and Capital Resources Our conservative financial tradition has enabled us to amass significant cash balances. As of September 30, 2023, we had $183.5 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, most of which is held in euro by our European operations and is readily convertible into U.S. dollars. We have not had any liquidity issues to date, and do not expect any liquidity issues relating to such cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of September 30, 2023 short-term investments include approximately $10.2 million of marketable equity securities. As of September 30, 2023, working capital aggregated $514 million and we had a working capital ratio of 2.4 to 1. Approximately 78% of the Company’s total assets are held by European operations, and approximately $245 million of trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets are also held by European operations. The Company is party to a number of license and other agreements for the use of trademarks and rights in connection with the manufacture and sale of its products expiring at various dates through 2039. In connection with most of these license agreements, the Company is subject to minimum annual advertising commitments, minimum annual royalties and other commitments. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 12 – Commitments in our 2022 annual report on Form 10-K which is incorporated by reference herein. Future advertising commitments are estimated based on planned future sales for the license terms that were in effect at December 31, 2022, without consideration for potential renewal periods and do not reflect the fact that our distributors share our advertising obligations. The Company hopes to continue to benefit from its strong financial position to potentially acquire one or more brands, either on a proprietary basis or as a licensee. In July 2023, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Roberto Cavalli brand. This license took effect in July 2023, and we target to start shipping products in January 2024. In December 2022, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Lacoste brand. This new license takes effect January 2024. Cash provided by operating activities aggregated $24.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to cash used in operating activities of $8.2 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, working capital items used $169.1 million in cash from operating activities, as compared to $159.2 million in the 2022 period. Although from a cash flow perspective accounts receivable is up 48.6% from year end 2022, the balance is reasonable based on 2023 record sales levels and reflects a combination of high volumes of shipments towards the end of the third quarter as well as some payment schedules extended going into the holiday season. Strong collection activity resulted in day’s sales outstanding decreasing to 72 days, down from 80 days in the corresponding period of the prior year. From a cash flow perspective, inventory levels as of September 30, 2023, increased 26% from year end 2022 in support of our overall sales growth. Since 2021, we have strived to carry more inventory overall, source the same components from multiple suppliers and when possible, manufacture products closer to where they are sold. Page 24 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2023 reflect purchases and sales of short-term investments. These investments include certificates of deposit with maturities greater than three months. Approximately $2 million of such certificates of deposit contain penalties where we would forfeit a portion of the interest earned in the event of early withdrawal. Our business is not capital intensive as we do not own any manufacturing facilities. On a full year basis, we typically spend approximately $5.0 million on tools and molds, depending on our new product development calendar. Capital expenditures also include amounts for office fixtures, computer equipment and industrial equipment needed at our distribution centers. Our short-term financing requirements are expected to be met by available cash on hand at September 30, 2023, and short-term credit lines provided by domestic and foreign banks. The principal credit facilities for 2023 consist of a $25 million unsecured revolving line of credit provided by a domestic commercial bank and approximately $8 million in credit lines provided by a consortium of international financial institutions. There was $4.5 million of short-term borrowings outstanding pursuant to these facilities as of September 30, 2023 and no short-term borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2022. In February 2022, our Board authorized a 100% increase in the annual dividend to $2.00 per share. In February 2023, the Board of Directors further increased the annual dividend to $2.50 per share. The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.625 per share is payable on December 31, 2023, to shareholders of record on December 15, 2023. We believe that funds provided by or used in operations can be supplemented by our present cash position and available credit facilities, so that they will provide us with sufficient resources to meet all present and reasonably foreseeable future operating needs. Inflation rates in the U.S. and foreign countries in which we operate did not have a significant impact on operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Page 25 INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES