Fourth-quarter revenues at New York-based Inter Parfums Inc. increased 13.1 percent to $113.6 million from $100.4 million in the same period a year ago, the firm reported Tuesday.
At comparable foreign exchange rates, net sales for the quarter ended Dec. 31 were up 3 percent.
Sales of Inter Parfums’ European operations rose 16 percent in the fourth quarter to $96.5 million from $83.2 million in the year-ago period, an increase that was “better than expected,” noted Jean Madar, chairman and chief executive officer of Inter Parfums. U.S.-based operations had sales of $17.1 million, off 0.6 percent from $17.2 million a year ago.
Full-year revenues decreased 8.1 percent to $410.1 million from $446.1 million in 2008. At comparable exchange, net sales for 2009 were down 7 percent.
Meanwhile, Inter Parfums’ Paris-based subsidiary, Inter Parfums SA, last year rang up sales of 259.2 million euros, or $361.5 million at average exchange, down 2.1 percent versus 2008. At constant exchange rates, sales were down 6.2 percent.
Burberry’s beauty business, for which Inter Parfums holds the license, contracted 2 percent year-on-year to 166.2 million euros, or $231.8 million, while sales of Lanvin fragrances gained 4 percent to 40.6 million euros, or $56.6 million. Revenues from scents by Van Cleef & Arpels and Paul Smith dipped 4 percent to 20.2 million euros, or $28.2 million, and 5 percent to 12.8 million euros, or $17.9 million, respectively. S.T. Dupont’s beauty business posted a 1 percent gain to 11.5 million euros, or $16 million, while Nickel slumped 13 percent to 2.3 million euros, or $3.2 million.
The company stated 2010 is “off to a promising start,” adding major fragrance launches are planned for all its brands.