We delivered a high level of client service, maintained a strong financial position, and continued to skillfully navigate lingering macroeconomic headwinds in certain key markets, mainly caused by the effect of tariffs and trade destocking and, of course, geopolitical conflicts. Innovation will continue to define our success, including the rollout of brands recently signed or acquired, namely Longchamp, Off-White, and Goutal, as well as a 15-year extension of our GUESS license and our strengthening partners ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first half of 2025, organic net sales rose by 3%, with net sales reported at $334 million for the second quarter, a slight decline from the same period in 2024 [5][21][22] - Gross margin expanded by 170 basis points to 66.2% for the first half and 150 basis points to 65% for the second quarter [22] - Operating income decreased by 9% to $59 million for the quarter, but increased by 1% to $134 million year-to-date [23][24] - Net income attributable to U.S.-based operations decreased by 26% to $18 million, largely due to lower sell-in [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - European-based operations reported net sales growth of 7% in the second quarter and 6% on an organic basis for the first half [5][26] - U.S.-based operations saw a reported second quarter net sales decline of 20%, with organic sales down 14% [6][27] - SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 48.5% for the second quarter compared to 45.6% in 2024 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales rose by 7%, while Western Europe sales increased by 3% [7] - Sales in Eastern Europe were up 14%, but Asia Pacific fragrances declined by 12% [8] - The Middle East and Africa region declined by 19%, reflecting the exit of the Dunhill license [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on product innovation, effective advertising, and promotional programs to maintain demand for fragrance products [4] - Plans to launch new fragrances and expand e-commerce presence, including flagship boutiques in Paris and an e-commerce platform [10][12] - The company is transitioning to third-party logistics to enhance operational efficiency [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that momentum eased in the second quarter, with challenges expected to continue into the second half of the year [4] - The company remains confident in achieving its full-year objectives, supported by a resilient fragrance category and tariff-driven pricing actions [28][29] - Management highlighted the importance of being agile to respond to potential surges in orders during the holiday season [39] Other Important Information - The company has been selected as the exclusive fragrance licensee for Laurentian, with plans to launch a women's fragrance in 2027 [11] - E-commerce channels are experiencing strong momentum, particularly on platforms like Amazon and TikTok [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss promotional levels and destocking trends? - Management indicated that destocking is difficult to assess but noted a slowdown in the market, with retailers being more prudent [34][35] - End demand was reported as good, with the market up 5% in the second quarter [36] Question: Are tariffs impacting retailer purchasing? - Management clarified that retailers are not subject to tariffs, but distributors are, leading to a more cautious purchasing approach [46] Question: Will the company continue to add new brands? - Management expressed a commitment to diversifying the portfolio and indicated capacity to take on more brands in the future [50] Question: What risks does retailer caution impose? - Management acknowledged the risk of revenue being pushed into Q4 due to uncertainty in purchasing [55] Question: Will smaller packaging be considered for TikTok? - Management confirmed that smaller packaging will be developed for certain brands on TikTok to meet price point demands [58] Question: What caused the increase in debt from Q1 to Q2? - Management explained that the increase was due to a loan taken out for asset purchases and additional office space [61]