Interparfums (IPAR) Q2 EPS Falls 13%

Core Viewpoint - Interparfums reported Q2 2025 financial results that fell short of analyst expectations, with both revenue and EPS declining year-over-year, yet the company maintained improved gross margins and reaffirmed its full-year financial outlook [1][10]. Financial Performance - EPS (GAAP) for Q2 2025 was $0.99, missing the consensus estimate of $1.08, and down 13% from $1.14 in Q2 2024 [2]. - Revenue (GAAP) was $333.94 million, slightly below the $334.0 million estimate, and down 2% from $342.2 million in Q2 2024 [2]. - Gross margin improved to 66.2%, up 1.7 percentage points from 64.5% a year earlier, while operating margin decreased to 17.7%, down 1.2 percentage points from 18.9% [2][7]. - Net income attributable to Interparfums, Inc. was $32.0 million, a 13% decline from $36.8 million in Q2 2024 [2]. Business Model and Strategy - Interparfums develops and distributes prestige fragrances through long-term licensing agreements with brands like Jimmy Choo, Lacoste, Coach, and Montblanc, allowing access to global markets [3]. - Recent initiatives include expanding the brand lineup with new licensing deals for Off-White and Longchamp, and growing proprietary offerings like Solférino [4][6]. Regional Performance - The U.S. accounted for 35% of net sales in Q2 2025, with Western Europe growing sales by 3% year-to-date and Central and South America increasing by 7% [5]. - Eastern Europe saw a 14% increase in sales, while the Asia-Pacific region experienced a 12% decline, primarily due to lower results in Australia and distribution issues in South Korea [5]. - The Middle East and Africa reported a 19% decline in net sales, largely due to the end of the Dunhill fragrance license [5]. Financial Health and Outlook - Cash and short-term investments totaled $205 million as of June 30, 2025, down from $234.7 million at the end of 2024, but working capital remained healthy at $654 million [9]. - The company improved operating cash flow, generating $5 million in cash in the first half of 2025, compared to a $26 million consumption in the prior year [9]. - Interparfums raised its quarterly dividend by 7% to $0.80 per share, payable on September 30, 2025 [9]. Future Guidance - Management reaffirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting net sales of $1.51 billion and diluted EPS of $5.35, indicating confidence in a stronger second half of 2025 [10]. - The company aims to sustain gross margin gains and convert investments in new brands into higher sales and profits while managing regional volatility [11].