Core Insights - Interparfums, Inc. (IPAR) reported strong fourth-quarter 2024 results, with earnings per share of 82 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents, and a significant increase of 156% from 32 cents in the prior year [4] - The company achieved consolidated net sales of $362 million, a 10% increase from $329 million in the previous year, driven by robust global demand for its key brands [5] Sales Performance - The top six brands, accounting for approximately 70% of total sales, experienced a 5% increase in the fourth quarter, while new brands Lacoste and Roberto Cavalli contributed 8% to quarterly sales growth [2] - Sales from Europe-based operations rose 6% to $214 million, with Jimmy Choo's sales surging 11% [6] - U.S.-based net sales reached $149 million, reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase, driven by strong performances from GUESS, Donna Karan/DKNY, and Roberto Cavalli [7] Cost and Margin Analysis - Consolidated gross profit increased by 9.6% year over year to $233 million, with a gross margin of 64.5%, slightly down from 64.7% in the previous year [9] - Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) decreased by 0.4% to $193 million, with SG&A as a percentage of sales contracting 560 basis points to 53.4% [10] - Operating income rose to $36 million, up from $18.9 million in the prior year, with an operating margin expansion of 430 basis points to 10% [10] Financial Health - Interparfums ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $125.4 million, long-term debt of $115.7 million, and total equity of $942.6 million [11] - The company announced a cash dividend of 80 cents per share, with a 7% increase in the annual cash dividend from $3.00 to $3.20 per share, reflecting management's confidence in financial strength [12] Future Outlook - For 2025, Interparfums anticipates net sales of $1.51 billion and EPS of $5.35, both indicating a 4% year-over-year increase [13] - The company plans to launch new products and expand brands, including the introduction of its first proprietary niche brand, Solferino, in summer 2025 [3]
Interparfums Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Sales Rise Y/Y