Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first half of 2025, organic net sales rose by 3%, with net sales of $334 million in Q2, a slight decline from the previous year due to sales shifting from Q2 to Q1 [5][21][24] - Gross margin expanded by 170 basis points to 66.2% for the first half, driven by favorable brand and channel mix [22] - Operating income decreased by 9% to $59 million for Q2, but increased by 1% to $134 million year-to-date [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - European operations reported net sales growth of 7% in the first half, while U.S. operations saw a decline of 12% due to the discontinuation of the Dunhill license [25][26] - SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 48.5% for Q2, compared to 45.6% in the previous year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales rose by 7%, while Western Europe sales increased by 3% in the first half [7] - Sales in Eastern Europe were up 14%, but Asia Pacific fragrances declined by 12% [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 a flagship boutique in Paris and an e-commerce platform [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that momentum eased in Q2, with challenges expected to continue into the second half of the year, but remains optimistic about resolving these challenges by 2026 [4][5] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance for net sales of $1.51 billion and earnings per diluted share of $5.35 [28] Other Important Information - The company has been selected as the exclusive fragrance licensee for Laurentian, planning to launch its first women's fragrance in 2027 [11] - The company is transitioning out of its own facility in Dayton, New Jersey, to a third-party logistics partner [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about promotional levels and destocking trends? - Management noted that destocking is difficult to assess, but there has been a slowdown in the market, leading to more prudent purchasing by retailers and distributors [34][35] - End demand was reported as good, with the market up 5% in Q2 [36] Question: What are the tariff-related impacts on second-quarter performance? - Management clarified that retailers are not subject to tariffs, but distributors are, and the uncertainty around tariffs has led to more cautious purchasing [45][46] Question: Will the company continue to add new brands to its portfolio? - The company is always looking to diversify its portfolio and believes it can take on more brands while potentially phasing out smaller brands over time [48][49] Question: What risks does the retailer's cautious purchasing pose? - Management acknowledged that uncertainty could lead to revenue being pushed into Q4, but there is pent-up demand expected to drive orders in the latter half of the year [55][56] Question: Will the company consider smaller packaging for e-commerce platforms? - The company is developing special programs for e-commerce, including smaller sizes for platforms like TikTok, while also expanding its presence on Amazon [58][60]