Richard Barrie Profit Increases 16.7% in Quarter, 42.4% in Half

ORANGE, Conn. -- Spurred by its Baryshnikov line and recently acquired Muelhens brands, Richard Barrie Fragrances Inc. reported earnings jumped 16.7 percent in the second quarter and 42.4 percent in the six months ended Dec. 31.In the quarter, the company earned $252,300, or 2 cents a share, against $216,288, or 2 cents, a year earlier on fewer shares.Sales surged 49.3 percent to $3.2 million from $2.1 million.Richard Barrie, president and chief executive officer, said Baryshnikov product sales were ahead of last year in both quarters, and the Muelhens brands acquired on Dec. 14 had "a big impact" that month. In the half, earnings totaled $347,268, or 3 cents, against $243,842, or 2 cents. Sales climbed 43.4 percent to $4.4 million, or $3.1 million.The firm also said it will have a one-for-three reverse stock split on March 9 to make share worth more.Barrie stock closed Monday at 15/16 on the Pacific Coast Exchange in San Francisco.In addition to the Baryshnikov license, Richard Barrie Fragrances also sells products under the brands Moments and Experiences by Priscilla Presley, Gabriella Sabatini and Magnetic by Gabriella Sabatini, 4711 Original Eau de Cologne and Payot treatment and cosmetics.