UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2017 or2023

or 

 pro 

Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from  to .

Commission file no.0-16469

Inter Parfums, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware13-3275609
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York10176
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:212.983.2640

IPAR

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 212.983.2640

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each className of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.001 par value per shareThe Nasdaq Stock Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Title of each className of exchange on which registered
NoneNone

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐  No☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No☒No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes☒Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes☒Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation SK is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10K or any other amendment to this Form 10K. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitionthe definitions of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer”filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Act. 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer  ☒
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller Reporting Company☐Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes ☐ No☒ No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. $622,944,744$2,437,984,859 of voting equity and $-0- of non-voting equity.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s $.001 par value common stock as of the close of business on the latest practicable date March 9, 2018: 31,270,893.February 26, 2024: 32,021,700.

Documents Incorporated Byby Reference: None.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Table of Contents
Page
Note on Forward Looking Statementsiiiii

Regulation S-K, Item 10(e), Use of non-GAAP Financial Measures in Commission FilingsPART I

iv1
PART I
Item 1.Business1
Item 1A.Risk Factors1835
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments2845
Item 1CCybersecurity45
Item 2.Properties2846
Item 3.Legal Proceedings3046
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures3046
PART II47
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities3147
Item 6.Selected Financial DataRESERVED3348
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations3449
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk5259
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data5359
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure5460
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures5460
Item 9B.Other Information5660
PART III61
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance5761
Item 11.Executive Compensation6370
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters8285
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence8586
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services8887 
PART IV89
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules9089
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary9089
FINANCIAL STATEMENTSF-1
SIGNATURES91

iii 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and if incorporated by reference into a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, within the meaning of Section 27A of such act. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue” or similar expressions identify certain forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved.

Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in this report, including under the heading “Risk Factors”. Such factors include: OurThe effects of our inability to successfully integrate or manage any future acquisitions; continuation and renewal of existing licenselicenses and similar agreements; potential inability to obtain new licensing, arrangements or agreements for additional brands; potential reduction in sales of our fragrance products due to reduced consumer confidence as the result of a prolonged economic downturn, recession or terrorist attack in the United States, Europe or any of the other countries in which we do significant business; inflation; uncertainties and continued deterioration in global credit markets could negatively impact suppliers, customers and consumers; re-emergence of COVID-19 and related governmental mandates, or outbreak of other disease, epidemic or pandemic, or similar public health threat; inability to protect our intellectual property rights; impact of social impact and sustainability matters; potential liability for infringement of third party brand names; product liability claims; effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts and product acceptance by consumers; our dependence upon third party manufacturers and distributors; our dependence upon existing management; competition in the fragrance industry; risks related to our foreign operations, currency fluctuation and international tariff and trade barriers; compliance with governmental regulation; potential negative effects of “Brexit”;changing political conditions could adversely impact our business and financial results; potential hacking and outages of our global information systems; seasonal variability of our business; our ability to operate our business without infringing, and misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of other parties; and possible liability for improper comparative advertising or “Trade Dress”.parties.

These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific factors that may affect us. It should be recognized that other factors, including general economic factors and business strategies, may be significant, presently or in the future, and the factors set forth herein may affect us to a greater extent than indicated. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth in this report. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

iii  ii

REGULATION S-K ITEM 10(e)

Regulation S-K, Item 10(e), “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures in commission filings,” prescribes the conditions for use of non-GAAP financial information in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Our reported results include an impairment loss net of tax expense, and inventory reserve adjustment net of tax expense, both relating to the discontinuance and wind-down of certain of our mass market product lines, adjustment to deferred tax benefit due to the Tax Act, and tax recovery for dividends net of minority interest for 2017, and the nonrecurring tax settlement payment net of minority interest for 2016.Due to the cumulative effect of these nonrecurring items for 2017 and significance and nonrecurring nature of the tax settlement payment for 2016, exclusion of such amounts in the non-GAAP financial measures provides a more complete disclosure and facilitates a more accurate comparison of current results to historic results. Based upon the foregoing, we believe that our presentation of the non-GAAP financial information included on page 49 of this Form 10-K is an important supplemental measure of operating performance to investors.

iv 

PART I

Item 1. Business

Introduction

We are Inter Parfums, Inc. WeFounded in 1982, we operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of fragranceprestige fragrances, and fragrance related products. Organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in May 1985 as Jean Philippe Fragrances, Inc., we changed our name to Inter Parfums, Inc. in July 1999. We have also retained our brand name, Jean Philippe Fragrances, for some of our mass market products.

Our worldwide headquarters and the office of our three (3) wholly-ownedwholly owned United States subsidiaries, Jean Philippe Fragrances, LLC and Inter Parfumssubsidiary, Interparfums, USA LLC, both New York limited liability companies, and IP Beauty, Inc. (formerly Nickel USA, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, are located at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10176, and our telephone number is 212.983.2640. We also own 100% of Inter Parfums USA Hong Kong Limited indirectly through our 100%have wholly owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums USA, LLC.subsidiaries as follows:

CountrySubsidiaryFunction
Italy for organization, and France for seat of managementInterparfums Italia SrlManufacture, market and distribute a wide array of prestige fragrances, and fragrance related products
SwitzerlandInterparfums, USA Swiss LtdSales Office
United Arab EmiratesInterparfums Middle East DMCCSales Office
Hong Kong, special administrative region of the Peoples Republic of ChinaInter Parfums USA Hong Kong LimitedSales Office

Our consolidated wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums Holdings, S.A., and its majority-ownedmajority owned subsidiary, Interparfums SA, maintain executive offices at 4 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, 7500810 rue de Solférino, 75007 Paris, France. Our telephone number in Paris is 331.5377.0000. Interparfums SA is the sole owner of three (3) distribution subsidiaries: Inter Parfums srl for Italy, Inter España Parfums et Cosmetiques, SL, for Spain and Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation for distribution of prestige brands in the United States. also has wholly owned subsidiaries as follows:

CountrySubsidiaryFunction
ItalyInter Parfums SrlDistribution
USAInterparfums Luxury Brands, Inc.Distribution of prestige brands in the United States
SwitzerlandInterparfums (Suisse) SarlHolds and manages certain brand names
Republic of SingaporeInterparfums Singapore Pte., Ltd.Sales and marketing office

Interparfums SA is also the majority owner of Parfums Rochas Spain, SL, a Spanish limited liability company, which specializes in the distribution of Rochas fragrances, as well as the majority owner of Inter Parfums Gmbh, a distribution subsidiary for Germany. As of December 31, 2017, our German distribution subsidiary has been replaced by the former minority-owner in such subsidiary, which is now acting as the distributor of our products in Germany. In addition, Interparfums SA is also the sole owner of Interparfums (Suisse) SARL, a company formed to hold and manage certain brand names, and Interparfums Singapore Pte., Ltd., an Asian sales and marketing office.fragrances.

Two Publicly Held Companies

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “IPAR”. The common shares of our subsidiary, Interparfums SA, are traded on the NYSE Euronext Exchange.Euronext.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains financial reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. We maintain our internet website atwww.interparfumsinc.com, which is linked to the Securities and Exchange Commission Edgar database.SEC internet site. You can obtain through our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, interactive data files, current reports on Form 8-K, beneficial ownership reports (Forms 3, 4 and 5) and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

 1

 


Company Overview

The following information is qualified in its entirety by and should be read together with the more detailed information and audited financial statements, including the related notes, contained or incorporated by reference in this report.

General Business Development

We operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of fragranceprestige fragrances and fragrance related products. We manage our business in two segments,based operations, our European based operations and our United States based operations. Certain prestige fragrance products are produced and marketed by our European based operations through our 73%72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 27%28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext.

Our business is not capital intensive, and it is important to note that we do not own manufacturing facilities. We act as a general contractor and source our needed components from our suppliers. These components are either received and stored directly at our third-party fillers or received at one of our distribution centers and then, based upon production needs, the components are sent to one of several third party fillers, which manufacture the finished product for us and then deliver them to one of our distribution centers.

Our prestigefragrance products focus on nicheprestige brands, each with a devoted following. By concentrating in markets where the brands are best known, we have had many successful product launches. We typically launch new fragrance families for our brands every year or two,few years, and more frequently seasonal and limited edition fragrances are introduced as well.

The creation and marketing of each product family is intimately linked with the brand’s name, its past and present positioning, customer base and, more generally, the prevailing market atmosphere. Accordingly, we generally study the market for each proposed family of fragrance products for almost a full year before we introduce any new product into the market. This study is intended to define the general position of the fragrance family and more particularly its scent, bottle, packaging and appeal to the buyer. In our opinion, the unity of these four elements of the marketing mix makes for a successful product.

As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. We believe we have a strong brand portfolio with global reach and potential. As part of our strategy, we plan to continue to make investments behindin fast-growing markets and channels to grow market share. We discuss in greater detail risk factors relating to our business in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, and the reports that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.SEC.


European Based Operations

We produce and distribute our fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners, and fragrance product sales through our European based operations represented approximately 81%65% of net sales for 2017.the year ended December 31, 2023. We have built a portfolio of prestige brands, which includeBoucheron, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Lanvin, Moncler, Montblanc, Paul Smith, Repetto, Rochas, S.T. DupontandVan Cleef & Arpels, whose products are distributed in over 100120 countries around the world. The Lacoste fragrance license became effective on January 1, 2024.

With respect to the Company’s largest brands, we own the Lanvin brand name for its class of trade, and license the Montblanc and Jimmy Choo brand names. As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands were as follows:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
Montblanc  21%  23%  21%
Jimmy Choo  18%  17%  20%
Lanvin  11%  12%  15%

United States Based Operations

Prestige brand fragrance products are also produced and marketed through our United States based operations and represented 19%approximately 35% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017.2023. These fragrance products are sold under trademarks owned by us or pursuant to license or other agreements with the owners of brands, which includeAbercrombie & Fitch, Agent Provocateur, Anna Sui, bebe, Dunhill,Donna Karan, DKNY, Ferragamo, Graff, GUESS, Hollister, French ConnectionandMCM, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, brands. and Ungaro.

 2

 

Recent Developments

GUESS LicenseAbercrombie & Fitch

In 2023, we announced our agreement to distribute Abercrombie & Fitch’s number one men's fragrance, Fierce, in selected markets. The first phase of the agreement, which became effective on September 1, 2023, covers Fierce distribution in certain major markets, including Europe, Mexico and Australia. The second phase, which activated in February 2018,2024, covers distribution in additional markets in Western Europe and Latin America, and may include other flankers of the CompanyFierce family of products.

Roberto Cavalli

We entered intoan exclusive 15-year worldwide fragrance license agreement with GUESS?, Inc. for the creation, developmentRoberto Cavalli brand, for 6.5 years, effective July 6, 2023. Our Roberto Cavalli fragrance license is held and distributionoperated by our Italian subsidiary, Interparfums Italia, Srl, in keeping with the Company’s strategy to develop an Italian brand hub, and is managed out of fragrances underParis, France. The first seven months of the GUESS brand. This license will take effecthave been focused on April 1, 2018,producing finished goods, and ourwe actively started distributing these products with key customers in February 2024. Our rights under suchthis license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry.

Jimmy Choo License RenewalLacoste

In December 2017,2022, we closed a transaction agreement with Lacoste, whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted to Interparfums SA for the production and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. The license became effective in January 2024 and will last for 15 years.

Dunhill

The Dunhill fragrance license expired on September 30, 2023 and was not renewed. The Company has now entered the twelve-month sell-off period during which it will maintain the right to sell-off remaining Dunhill fragrance inventory, which is customary in the fragrance industry. All usable components have been converted to finished goods, and any remaining components will be destroyed.

Salvatore Ferragamo

In October 2021, we closed on a transaction agreement with Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted for the production and distribution of Ferragamo brand perfumes. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. The license became effective in October 2021 and will last for 10 years with a 5-year optional term, subject to certain conditions.

With respect to the management and coordination of activities related to the license agreement, the Company and J Choo Ltd amended theiroperates through a wholly owned Italian subsidiary based in Florence, that was acquired from Salvatore Ferragamo on October 1, 2021. The acquisition together with the license agreement and extended their partnership through December 31, 2031. Our initial Jimmy Choo license was signed in 2009.accounted for as an asset acquisition.

Income Tax RecoveryEmanuel Ungaro

The French government had introducedIn October 2021, we also entered into a 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends for entities10-year exclusive global licensing agreement with a 5-year optional term subject to French corporate income tax in 2012. In 2017, the French Constitutional Court released a decision declaring that the 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends is unconstitutional. As a result of that decision, the Company has filed a claim for refund of approximately $3.6 million (€3.2 million) for these taxes paid since 2015 including accrued interest of approximately $0.4 million. The Company recorded the refund claim in the accompanying financial statements as of December 31, 2017.


Impairment Loss

The Company reviews intangible assetscertain conditions, with indefinite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Product sales of some of our legacy mass market product lines have been declining for many years and now represent a very small portion of our net sales. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company set in motion a plan to discontinue several of these product lines over the next few years. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2017, which represented approximately 50% of total intangible assets relating to our mass market product lines. The Company also increased its inventory obsolescence reserves by $0.5 million as of December 31, 2017, to adjust to net realizable value the inventory of the product lines expected to be discontinued.

Paul Smith License Renewal

In May 2017, the Company renewed its license agreement for an additional four years with Paul SmithEmanuel Ungaro Italia S.r.l, for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Emanuel Ungaro brand. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry.

Donna Karan and DKNY

In September 2021, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Donna Karan and DKNY brands. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. With this agreement, we have gained several well-established and valuable fragrance products through December 2021, without any material changesfranchises, most notably Donna Karan Cashmere Mist and DKNY Be Delicious, as well as a significant loyal consumer base around the world. In connection with the grant of license, we issued 65,342 shares of Inter Parfums, Inc. common stock valued at $5.0 million to the licensor. The exclusive license became effective on July 1, 2022, and we are planning to launch new fragrances under these brands in terms and conditions. Our initial 12-year license agreement with Paul Smith was signed in 1998, and had previously been extended through December 31, 2017.2024.

 3

 

Settlement with French Tax Authorities

Rochas Fashion

As previously reported, the French Tax Authorities examined the 2012 tax returna result of Interparfums SA. The main issues challengedoperational challenges faced by the French Tax Authorities related to the commission rate and royalty rate paid to Interparfums Singapore Pte. and Interparfums (Suisse) SARL, respectively. Due to the subjective nature of the issues involved, in April 2016, Interparfums SA reached an agreement in principle to settle the entire matter with the French Tax Authorities. The settlement required Interparfums SA to payRochas Fashion business we took a tax assessment of $1.9$2.4 million covering the issues for not only the 2012 tax year, but also covering the issues for the tax years ended 2013 through 2015. The settlement, which was finalized by the French Tax Authoritiesimpairment charge on our Rochas fashion trademark in the first quarter of 2017,2021. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we again took a $6.8 million impairment charge on the Rochas fashion trademark after an independent expert concluded that the valuation of the trademark was accrued$11.3 million. In 2023, the Rochas teams underwent a strategic shift to take over their own brand operations, exiting contracts with manufacturers and distributors to make this new structure operational beginning in March 2016.2024. An independent expert concluded that the valuation based on this new business model was consistent with prior valuations and no additional impairments were needed.

Fragrance Products

General

We are the owner of the Rochas brand, and the Lanvin brand name and trademark for our class of trade. In addition, we have built a portfolio of licensed prestige brands whereby we produce and distribute our prestige fragrance products under license agreements with brand owners. Under license agreements, we obtain the right to use the brand name, create new fragrances and packaging, determine positioning and distribution, and market and sell the licensed products, in exchange for the payment of royalties. Our rights under license agreements are also generally subject to certain minimum sales requirements and advertising expenditures as are customary in our industry.

As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands represented 73% of sales in 2023 up from 71% in 2022 with a split by brand as follows:

  Year Ended December 31,
  2023  2022  2021
Montblanc  17%   18%   19%
Jimmy Choo  17%   18%   18%
Coach  15%   15%   16%
GUESS  12%   12%   12%
Donna Karan/DKNY  7%   3%   
Ferragamo  5%   5%   1%

In 2023, Macys, our top retail customer, accounted for approximately 12% of net sales. No one customer represented 10% or more of net sales in 2022 and 2021.

 4

 


Our licenses for these brands expire on the following dates:

Brand NameExpiration Date
Abercrombie & FitchExtends until either party terminates on 3 years’ notice
Anna SuiDecember 31, 20212026, plus one 5-year optional term
Agent ProvocateurBoucheronDecember 31, 2023
Anna SuiDecember 31, 2021, plus two 5-year optional terms if certain conditions are met
bebe StoresJune 30, 2020
BoucheronDecember 31, 2025, plus a 5-year optional term if certain sales targets are met
CoachJune 30, 2026
DunhillDKNYDecember 31, 2032, plus a 5-year optional term if certain sales targets are met
Donna KaranDecember 31, 2032, plus a 5-year optional term if certain sales targets are met
DunhillExpired September 30, 2023, subject to earlier termination onsell off period until September 30, 2019,2024
Emanuel UngaroDecember 31, 2031, plus a 5-year optional term if certain minimum sales targets are not met
FerragamoDecember 31, 2031, plus a 5-year optional term if certain sales targets are met
French ConnectionDecember 31, 2027, plus a 10-year optional term if certain sales targets are met
GuessGraffDecember 31, 2026, plus 3 optional 3-year terms if certain sales targets are met
GUESSDecember 31, 2033
HollisterDecember 31, 2021Extends until either party terminates on 3 years’ notice
Jimmy ChooDecember 31, 2031
Kate SpadeJune 30, 2030
Karl LagerfeldOctober 31, 2032
MontblancLacosteDecember 31, 20252038
MCMDecember 31, 2030, plus 4 option years
MonclerDecember 31, 2026, plus a 5-year optional term if certain conditions are met
MontblancDecember 31, 2030
Oscar de la RentaDecember 31, 2025,2031, plus a 5-year optional term if certain sales targets are met
Paul SmithRoberto CavalliDecember 31, 20212029
RepettoDecember 31, 2024
S.T. DupontDecember 31, 2019
Van Cleef & ArpelsDecember 31, 2018, plus a 5-year optional term if certain sales targets are met2024

In connection with the acquisition of the Lanvin brand names and trademarks for our class of trade, we granted the seller the right to repurchase the brand names and trademarks in 2025on July 1, 2027 for the greater of €70 million (approximately $84$77 million) or one timesin accordance with an amendment signed in 2021. In connection with such amendment, we also granted a license to the average of the annual sales for the years ending December 31, 2023seller to develop and 2024.sell cosmetics other than fragrances.

Fragrance Portfolio 

Abercrombie & Fitch—FitchIn December 2014, we entered into a 7-year worldwide license to create, produce and distribute new fragrances and fragrance related products under the Abercrombie & Fitch brand name. The Company distributesWe distribute these fragrances internationally in specialty stores, high-end department stores and duty free shops, and in the U.S., in duty free shops and in select Abercrombie & Fitch retail stores. In 2016 we launched a newOur initial men’s scent,First Instinct,, and during 2017 we was launched in 2016 followed by a women’s version ofFirst Instinct. Forin 2017. Since that time, we unveiled several new fragrances, most notably the first quarterAuthentic and Away duos as well as brand extensions.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a leading, global, omnichannel specialty retailer of 2018,apparel and accessories for men, women and kids. The iconic Abercrombie & Fitch brand was born in 1892 and aims to make every day feel as exceptional as the start of a long weekend.

In 2023, we have scheduled two brand extensions forannounced our agreement to distribute Abercrombie & Fitch’s number one men's fragrance, First InstinctFierce,for men, in selected markets. The first phase of the agreement, which became effective on September 1, 2023, covers Fierce distribution in certain major markets, including Europe, Mexico and Australia. The second phase, which activated in February 2024, covers distribution in additional markets in Western Europe and Latin America, and may include other flankers of the second halfFierce family of 2018, we have planned an Abercrombie & FitchFirst Instinctextension for women.products.

 


Abercrombie & Fitch stands for effortless American style. Since 1892, the brand has been known for high quality apparel and its attention to detail with designs that embody simplicity. For 125 years, the iconic brand has outfitted innovators, explorers and entrepreneurs and today, Abercrombie & Fitch continues to bring its customers iconic, modern classics with an aspirational look, feel, and attitude.

Agent Provocateur— In July 2013, we entered into a 10.5-year exclusive worldwide license to create, produce and distribute fragrances and fragrance related products under London-based luxury lingerie brand, Agent Provocateur. In 2013, we commenced distribution of selected fragrances within the brand’s legacy fragrance portfolio, and in 2014, we launched our first new Agent Provocateur scents,Fatale andFatale Pink.In 2016, we introduced Agent ProvocateurAphrodisiaque, our second fragrance family for the brand. An addition to the brand’s signature fragrance collection took place in 2017 with another planned in 2018. Agent Provocateur fragrance sales are concentrated in the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Agent Provocateur is a brand that is confident, sensual and irreverent. It celebrates and empowers women with a unique brand image renowned for being provocative and yet always leaving something to the imagination.

Anna Sui—SuiIn June 2011, we entered into a 10-yearan exclusive worldwide fragrance license agreement to create, produce and distribute fragrances and fragrance related products under the Anna Sui brand. Our rights under the agreement commenced on January 1, 2012 when we took over production and distribution of the existingThe Anna Sui fragrance collections.

We are workingbrand is mostly popular in Asia. Over the past decade, we have worked in partnership with American designer, Anna Sui and her creative team to build upon the brand’s growing customer appeal and develop newand market a family of fragrances that capture the brand’s very sweet feminine girly aspect, combined with touch of nostalgia, hipness and rock-and-roll. Anna Sui’s devoted customer base, which spans the world, is concentrated in Asia.

During 2017 Anna Sui brand sales experienced an upturn in sales as economic conditions in China, a strong market for the brand, had been improving. During the economic downturn in China, we maintained our strong advertising and marketing commitment to Anna Sui, which was rewarded as the Chinese economy improved. In addition, the brand’s growing popularity in other Asian countries contributed to the upturn in Anna Sui fragrance sales, which we exploited with a major new product launchincluding Fantasia by Anna , Sui with distribution concentrated across Asia. In the second half of 2018, we will introduceFantasia MermaidDreams for Anna Sui. We are currently distributing several lines of product, including top sellers,La Vie de Bohème, RomanticaandSecret Wish.

bebe Stores—In July 2008, we entered into an exclusive 6-year worldwide agreement with bebe Stores, Inc., that has been renewed through June 30, 2020, under which we design, manufacture and supply fragrances for company-owned bebe stores in the United States and Canada, as well as select specialty and department stores worldwide. We have incorporated bebe’s signature look into fragrances for the brand’s strong, hip, sexy, and sophisticated clientele. Scents currently available for domestic and international markets include:bebe,bebe Sheer, bebe gold, bebe Glamandbebe Glam 24 Karat. In 2018,Jetset HollywoodSky, andJetset South BeachSundaeare scheduled to debut for the brand., a new three fragrance collection.


BoucheronBoucheron—In December 2010, we entered into an exclusive 15-year worldwide license agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance related products under the Boucheron brand. For over a century, since becoming the first jeweler to open a boutique on Place Vendôme in 1893, Boucheron ishas embodied very high-end creation, luxury and French know-how. The mysterious and seductive collection of Boucheron fragrances unquestionably continues this prestigious line of creations.

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Boucheron’s legacy scents, Femme and Homme, and the French jeweler “par excellence”. Founded by Frederic Boucheron in 1858,legendary Jaipur perfume form the Housefoundation of brand sales. Our team has produced someenriched the portfolio with Quatre for men and women, a new men’s fragrance, Singulier, along with several special editions, a growing collection of the world’s most beautifulunique scents aptly named, La Collection, and precious creations. Today Boucheron creates jewelry and timepieces and, under license from global brand leaders, fragrances and sunglasses. Currently Serpent Bohème. Boucheron operates through over 40several boutiques worldwide as well as an e-commerce site.

Our first new fragrance under the Boucheron brand,Jaïpur Bracelet,Coachdebuted in 2012, andBoucheron Place Vendôme, which has a beautiful glasswork bottle with a cabochon, the emblematic stone of House Boucheron, was released in 2013. In 2015, we launched a new fragrance duo for the Boucheron brand around its iconicQuatre ring, BoucheronQuatre.A six scent collection was launched under the Boucheron brand in 2017, and a new member of the collection is planned for 2018.

Coach— In April 2015, we entered into an exclusive 11-year worldwide license with Coach, Inc. to create, produce and distribute new men’s and women’s fragrances and fragrance related products under the Coach brand name. We distribute these fragrances globally to department stores, specialty stores and duty free shops, as well as in Coach retail stores.

Coach, established in New York CityFounded in 1941, Coach is a leading design housethe ultimate American leather goods brand and has always been renowned for its quality craftsmanship. Now the luxury brand that best embodies New York’s casual elegance, Coach also offers collections of modern luxuryready-to-wear, lifestyle accessories and lifestyle collections with a rich heritage of pairing exceptional leathersfragrances. Its contemporary approach to luxury combines authenticity and materials with innovative design. Coach is soldinnovation, exported worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, and through Coach’s website atwww.coach.com. Coach’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH and Coach’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388.thanks to its thoroughly American non-conformist vision.

In 2016, we launched our first Coach fragrance, a women’s signature scent, and in 2017, a men’s scent, both of which has quickly become abecame and remain top selling prestige fragrance. The 2017 launchfragrances. Subsequent flankers and extensions have enlarged the Coach fragrance enterprise as have entirely new collections, including Coach Dreams which debuted in early 2020, and its sister scent, Dreams Sunset, Coach Wild Rose, and Coach Open Road, a new fragrance for men. In 2023, we continued to enrich the Coach fragrance lines with the roll-out of a number of flankers. Coach is part of the brand’s signature scent for men produced excellent brand sales growth. For 2018,Tapestry house of brands.

Donna Karan/DKNYIn September 2021, we will start the year withentered into a companion fragrancelong-term global licensing agreement for the Coach signature scentcreation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Donna Karan and DKNY brands, which took effect on July 1, 2022.

The Donna Karan and DKNY brands, which draw from the energy and attitude of New York City, are powerhouses in fashion and fragrance. These global lifestyle brands have been excellent additions to our portfolio. With this agreement, we have gained several well-established and valuable fragrance franchises.

The most notable fragrances for women followedthe fashion house duo include Donna Karan Cashmere Mist and DKNY Be Delicious. Upon joining our portfolio in July 2022, these brands now rank among our largest. In 2023, we enriched DKNY with the newest extension, Be Delicious Orchard St. and plan to launch new blockbuster fragrances under these brands in 2024. Donna Karan and DKNY are part of the G-III house of brands.

DunhillThe Dunhill fragrance license expired on September 30, 2023, and was not renewed. After the expiration of this license, the Company has a twelve-month period to sell-off its remaining Dunhill fragrance inventory, which is customary in the second quarterfragrance industry. All usable components have been converted to finished goods, and any remaining components will be destroyed. 

Emanuel UngaroIn October 2021, we also entered into a 10-year exclusive global licensing agreement with Emanuel Ungaro for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products, under the Emanuel Ungaro brand.Founded in 1965 in Paris, the house of Emanuel Ungaro is an icon of French refinement and haute couture. Its unique style is expressed through unquestioning sensuality, purity of silhouette, flamboyant prints, and exquisite attention to detail. Season after season, Emanuel Ungaro dared to be different, combining unexpected yet sensual clashes of bright colors and prints with beautiful draping.

Ungaro fragrances uphold the same values of audacity and elegance, and the brand is best known internationally, and such presence will remain our sales focus as we continue to produce and distribute the brand’s legacy scents, notably Diva. In 2023, we unveiled an extension, Diva Rouge, and plan to launch a new version of the Coach men’s signature scent.fragrance in 2024.

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Dunhill—

GraffIn December 2012,2018, we entered into an exclusive, 10-year8-year worldwide fragrance license to create, produceagreement with London-based Graff for the creation, development and distributedistribution of fragrances and fragrance related products under the DunhillGraff brand. The agreement has three 3-year automatic renewal options, potentially extending the license until December 31, 2035.

The house of Dunhill was establishedSince Laurence Graff OBE founded the company in 1893 and since that time1960, Graff has been dedicated to providing high quality men’s luxury products,sourcing and crafting diamonds and gemstones of untold beauty and rarity and transforming them into spectacular pieces of jewelry that move the heart and stir the soul. Throughout its rich history, Graff has become the world leader for diamonds of rarity, magnitude and distinction. Each jewelry creation is designed and manufactured in Graff’s London atelier, where master craftsmen employ techniques to emphasize the beauty of each individual stone. The company remains a family business, overseen by Francois Graff, Chief Executive Officer.

For Graff, a six-scent collection for women, Lesedi La Rona, debuted exclusively at Harrods, has now extended to only the most exclusive, limited, ultra-high end retail outlets. New members of the collection have been regularly added since the Lesedi La Rona launch.

GUESS— In 2018, we entered into an exclusive, 15-year worldwide license agreement with core collections offered in menswear, leather goods and accessories. The brand has global reach through a premium mix of self-managed retail outlets, high-level department stores and specialty stores. KnownGUESS?, Inc. for its commitment to elegance and innovation and being a leader of British men’s style, the brand continues to blend innovation and creativity with traditional craftsmanship.


We took over productioncreation, development and distribution of Dunhillfragrances under the GUESS brand.

Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. GUESS?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, footwear and other related consumer products. GUESS products are distributed through branded GUESS stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world. 

We began selling GUESS legacy fragrances beginningscents in 2013, and we introduced a legacy scent flanker,Desire Black, in 2014.2018. In 2015, we rolled out our new Dunhill scent,Icon,2019 the success of which has madeGUESS brand quickly became the Dunhill brand our largest and fastest growing brand within our United States based operations. For 2016,operations, with legacy fragrances dominating the sales mix.

Since joining our portfolio, we launchedhave introduced several product extensionsnew blockbuster scents, includingIcon Luxury Spray SetBella Vita, Effect, andIcon Elite.Uomo Building upon, the established success of theIconnewest men’s fragrance family,for GUESS, which came to market in 2022 with a flanker debuting in 2023. In 2024, we launchedIcon Racing in September 2017. In the second half of 2018 we will introduceplan to launch a new Dunhillblockbuster scent for men calledCentury.women, in addition to the roll-out of an innovative extension.

HollisterFrench ConnectionIn September 2015, we entered into a 12-year license agreement to create, produce and distribute fragrances and fragrance related products under the French Connection brand names. We took over distribution of selected fragrances within the brand’s existing fragrance portfolio in 2016 and new products are planned for 2018.

French Connection operates in the fashion orientated market place offering a fashion-forward range of quality products at affordable prices. Its customers, typically aged 18-35, appreciate that the brand is at the leading edge of high street fashion and offers quality and style in its products. French Connection designs, produces and distributes branded fashion clothing, accessories and household items for men, women, and children in more than 50 countries around the world and has licensed partners operating French Connection stores across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. French Connection operates retail stores and concessions in the United Kingdom, Europe, United States and Canada and also operates an e-commerce business in each of those territories.

Hollister—In December 2014, we entered into a 7-year worldwide license to create, produce and distribute new fragrances and fragrance related products under the Hollister brand name. The Company distributesWe distribute these fragrances internationally in specialty stores, high-end department stores and duty free shops, and in the U.S., in duty free shops and in select Hollister retail stores. In 2016 we launched a new men’s and women’s scent,Wave, for Hollister. In summer 2017, we launched a fragrance duo,Wave 2, to complement theWave franchise by Hollister. Also in the second half of 2018 we will introduce an entirely new fragrance family for Hollister.duty-free shops.

The quintessential apparel brand of the global teen consumer, Hollister Co. celebrates the liberating spirit of the endless summer inside everyone. Inspired by California’s laidback attitude, Hollister’s clothes are designed to be lived in and made your own, for wherever life takes you.

 In 2016, we launched our first men’s and women’s fragrance duo, Wave, which led to several extensions, as did subsequent fragrance families Festival and Canyon Escape. In 2023, we launched a new blockbuster scent, Feelin’ Good, with plans to enrich the line with a new flanker in 2024.

Jimmy Choo—Choo In October 2009, we entered into an exclusive 12-year worldwide license agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance related products under the Jimmy Choo brand, and in December 2017, we entered into an amendedextended the license agreement which now runs through December 31, 2031.

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Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury accessories brand. Women’s shoes remain the core of the product offer,offering, alongside handbags, small leather goods, scarves, sunglasses, eyewear, belts, fragrancefragrances and men’s shoes. Chief Executive Officer Pierre Denis and Creative Director Sandra Choi together share a vision to create one of the world’s most treasured luxury brands. Jimmy Choo has a global store network encompassing more than 150200 stores and is present in the most prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide. Jimmy Choo is part of the Michael KorsCapri Holdings Limited luxury fashion group. On August 10, 2023, Tapestry, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement under which Tapestry will acquire Capri Holdings, with the final closing date expected to come in 2024. There is no current information that would indicate this purchase would have any material impact on the Company’s operations.

        Our first fragrance underIn the decade that followed, Jimmy Choo brand, a women’s signature scent, rolled out globally in 2011. In 2013, we launchedhas grown to become our second largest brand with new pillars and flankers debuting regularly, both for men and women. Our newest women’s fragrance pillar, Rose Passion, was unveiled in 2023. Established fragrance collections, including Jimmy Choo, Jimmy Choo line,FlashMan,, and in 2014, we debuted Jimmy ChooManour first men’s scent which ranked in 2015 as the 9th best-selling men’s fragrance in the United States. In 2015, the launch of Jimmy Choo Illicit, our third women’s fragrance under that label hit the market. For 2016, we debuted a new women’s flanker, Jimmy ChooIllicit Flower. In 2017, building on the very strong fragrance family trees of the Jimmy Choo signature scent for women (2011) and JimmyI Want ChooMan (2014), we successfully launched Jimmy ChooL’Eau for women and Jimmy ChooMan Ice. The brand’s women’s signature scent will add still another membercontinue to the family with Jimmy ChooFeverdebuting during the summer of 2018.see international success.

Karl Lagerfeld—LagerfeldIn October 2012, we entered into a 20-year worldwide license agreement with Karl Lagerfeld B.V., the internationally renowned haute couture fashion house, to create, produce and distribute fragrances under the Karl Lagerfeld brand.

Under the creative direction of the late Karl Lagerfeld, one of the world’s most influential and iconic designers, the Lagerfeld Portfolio represents a modern approach to distribution, an innovative digital strategy and a global 360 degree vision that reflectsreflect the designer’s own style and soul. OurKarl Lagerfeld created the first line, a premium namesake duo scent for both menfragrance that bears his name in 1978, and women, was launched in 2014. However, in 2015, with sales concentrated in Russia and northern Europe, re-orders were disappointing and sales of this brand declined despite the launch ofPrivate Klub, a line extension.

We are seekingthat legacy has expanded to reinvigorate this brand by changing its strategic positioning and instituting new pricing with the launch of a new duo calledinclude several growing multi-scent collection, Les Parfums Matières,and more recently, Karl Cities, a new collection featuring entries for New York, Paris, Hamburg, Tokyo and Vienna was unveiled. A new fragrance due is unveiling in 2024.

Kate SpadeIn 2019, we entered into an exclusive, 11-year worldwide license agreement with Kate Spade to create, produce and distribute new perfumes and fragrance related products under the Kate Spade brand which we distribute globally to department and specialty stores and duty-free shops, as well as in Kate Spade retail stores.

Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, Kate Spade has always stood for optimistic femininity. Today, the brand is a global life and style house with handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, gifts, home décor and more. Polished ease, thoughtful details and a modern, sophisticated use of color—Kate Spade’s founding principles define a unique style synonymous with joy. Under the vision of its creative director, the brand continues to celebrate confident women with a youthful spirit. Kate Spade is part of the Tapestry house of brands.

Our first original scent, Kate Spade New York, debuted in January 2021. We have continued to enrich the second halfcollection with flankers, including Kate Spade Sparkle, and more recently, Kate Spade Cherie.

Lacoste In December 2022, we closed a transaction agreement with Lacoste, whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted for the production and distribution of 2017. Initial salesLacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics.

At the juncture of thissport and fashion, Lacoste frees us up, creates movement in our lives, and liberates our self-expression. In every collection, in every line, Lacoste’s timeless elegance is captured through a combination of the creative and the classic. Since its beginnings, the crocodile’s aura has grown more powerful with every generation who has worn it, becoming a rallying sign beyond style. Passed from country to country, from one generation to the next, from one friend to another, Lacoste pieces become imbued with an emotional connection that raises them to the status of icons.

The Lacoste license took into effect in January 2024, and we have been promising.using the time since the license was signed to develop go-forward strategies, curate the collection, and produce entirely new fresh goods.

LanvinLanvin—In July 2007, we acquired the worldwide rights to the Lanvin brand names and international trademarks listed in Class 3, our class of trade. A synonym of luxury and elegance, the Lanvin fashion house, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, expanded into fragrances in the 1920s.

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Lanvin is currently our third largest brand by sales volume.

Lanvin fragrances occupy an important position in the selective distribution market in France, Eastern Europe and Asia, and we have several lines currently in distribution, including:Arpège,Lanvin L’Homme,including Éclat d’Arpège,Rumeur 2 RoseLanvin L’Homme,Jeanne Lanvin, andModern Princess,. OurÉclat d’Arpège line accounts for approximately 50% of this brand’s sales. To capitalize on the success of ourÉclat d’Arpège line, A Girl in 2015Capri, and Les Fleurs de Lanvin.

MCMIn 2019, we launchedÉclat d’Arpège Hommeas well asÉclat de Fleurs.In late 2016, we released a new women’s line, LanvinModern Princessin limited distribution to counteract depressed sales in 2016, primarily owing to market weakness in Russia and China. In 2017, we successfully rolled out broader international distribution of LanvinModern Princessand premiered another interpretation ofÉclat d’Arpège. In the pipeline for 2018 are new interpretations of Éclat d’Arpège and Modern Princess.


Montblanc—In October 2015, we extended ourentered into an exclusive, 10-year worldwide license agreement with MontblancGerman luxury fashion house MCM for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance related products under the MCM brand. The agreement has a 4-year automatic renewal option, potentially extending the license until December 31, 2034.

MCM is a luxury lifestyle goods and fashion house founded in 1976 with an attitude defined by five years.the cultural Zeitgeist and its German heritage with a focus on functional innovation, including the use of cutting-edge techniques. Today, through its association with music, art, travel and technology, MCM embodies the bold, rebellious and aspirational. Always with an eye on the disruptive, the driving force behind MCM centers on revolutionizing classic design with futuristic materials. MCM’s millennial and Gen Z audience is genderless, ageless, empowered and unconstrained by rules and boundaries.

Following through on our plan to develop extraordinary fragrances that capture the creative spirit of MCM, our first new fragrance, MCM, was released during the first quarter of 2021 to great success. In 2023, we debuted our first ever men’s scent, MCM Onyx, and have plans to enrich the fragrance line with extensions in 2024.

MonclerIn June 2020, we entered into an exclusive, 5-year worldwide license agreement with a potential 5-year extension with Moncler for the creation, development, and distribution of fragrances under the Moncler brand.

Moncler was founded at Monestier-de-Clermont, Grenoble, France, in 1952 and is currently headquartered in Italy. Over the years, the brand has combined style with constant technological research assisted by experts in activities linked to the world of the mountain. The original agreement, signed in 2010, provided usMoncler outerwear collections marry the extreme demands of nature with those of city life.

Our first fragrance for the Moncler brand had a revolutionary LED design, and the flask-shaped bottles of Moncler Pour Femme and Moncler Pour Homme forged a powerful bond with the House Moncler’s alpine roots and pioneering spirit. This playful and unique innovation enables its owner to write a personalized note that scrolls in red letters on the screen of the mirror bottle. In March 2023, we launched Les Sommets Moncler and Home collections, exploring a rich, woody olfactory palette.

MontblancIn 2010, we entered into an exclusive worldwide license rightsagreement to create, producedevelop, and distribute fragrances and fragrance related products under the Montblanc brandbrand. In 2015, we extended the agreement to December 31, 2025 and in 2023, we extended the agreement for a second time through December 31, 2020. The new agreement, which went into effect on January 1, 2016, extends the partnership through December 31, 2025 without any material changes in operating conditions from the prior license.  2030.

Montblanc has achieved a world-renowned position in the luxury segmentluxury-based operations and has become a purveyor of exclusive products, which reflect today’s exacting demands for timeless design, tradition and master craftsmanship. Through its leadership positions in writing instruments, watches and leather goods, promising growth outlook in women’s jewelry, active presence in more than 70 countries,international retail footprint through its network of more than 350600 boutiques, worldwide and high standards of product design and quality, Montblanc has grown to be our largest fragrance brand.

In 2011, we launched our first new Montblanc fragrance,Legend,which quickly became our best-selling men’s line.line and has given rise to a plethora of flankers including Legend Night, Legend Spirit, and Legend Red. In 2012,2014, we launched our first women’s fragrance under the Montblanc brand, and our second men’s line,Emblem, was launched in 2014. Theand like its predecessor, Emblem line was expandedgave rise to brand extensions. In 2019, we unveiled Montblanc Explorer, which has added numerous flankers including Ultra Blue and Platinum. A four-scent premium collection will debut in 2015 to include MontblancEmblem Intenseand a new women’s scent,Lady Emblem. In 2016, we further extended our successful MontblancLegend line with a new men’s scent, MontblancLegend Spirit. For 2017, we continued the rollout of the highly successful launch of MontblancLegend Spiritand launched MontblancLegend Nightduring the 2017 holiday season.For 2018 we will continue the global rollout ofLegend Night.2024.

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Oscar de la Renta—Renta In October 2013, we entered into a 12-yearan exclusive worldwide license to create, produce and distribute fragrances and fragrance related products under the Oscar de la Renta brand. In 2014, we took over distribution of fragrances within2019, the brand’s legacy fragrance portfolio, and our first new women’s fragrance underagreement was extended through December 31, 2031, with an additional five-year option potentially extending the Oscar de la Renta brand,Extraordinary, was launched in 2015. For 2016, in addition to several flankers that we launched throughout the year in select markets, we debuted a new men’s fragrance family, Oscar de la RentaGentlemen.Bella Blanca, a new Oscar de la Renta scent, debuted in early 2018.agreement through December 31, 2036.

Oscar de la Renta is one of the world’s leading luxury goods firms. The New York-based company was established in 1965, and encompasses a full line of women’s accessories, bridal, childrenswear,children’s wear, fragrance, beauty and home goods, in addition to its internationally renowned signature women’s ready to wear collection. Oscar de la Renta products are sold globally in fine department and specialty stores,www.oscardelarenta.com and through wholesale channels. The

After taking over distribution of the brand’s legacy fragrances in 2014, we introduced Extraordinary the following year. Oscar de la Renta brand hasBella Blanca debuted in 2018, followed by Bella Rosa, Bella Essence, Bella Bouquet, and Bella Night. In 2021, we debuted an entirely new fragrance pillar, Alibi, which welcomed sister scents, Alibi Eau de Toilette, and more recently, Alibi Eau Sensuelle. In 2024, we will unveil the Alibi ‘Pop’ three-scent collection.

Roberto CavalliIn July 2023, we closed a loyal following in the United States, Canadatransaction agreement with Roberto Cavalli, whereby an exclusive and Latin America.

Paul Smith— In May 2017, the Company renewed itsworldwide license agreement for an additional four years with Paul Smithwas granted for the creation, development,production and distribution of Roberto Cavalli brand perfumes and fragrance products through December 2021, without any material changesrelated products. The license became effective in termsJuly 2023 and conditions. Our initial 12-year license agreement with Paul Smith was signedwill last for 6.5 years.

Roberto Cavalli scents are sophisticated, luxurious, and flamboyant, while Just Cavalli fragrances are designed to appeal to contemporary, urban customers that are young or young at heart. In addition to the two core lines, the house launched the Roberto Cavalli Gold Collection, an ultra-premium fragrance collection, in 1998, and had previously been extended through December 31, 2017.


Paul Smith is an internationally renowned British designer who creates fashion2014. Cavalli fragrances are distributed globally, with a clear identity. Paul Smith hasconcentration in Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Additionally, we partnered with one of the top luxury retailers and distributors in the Middle East, a modern styleconcentrated market for the brand, to further expand the brand.

We began shipping new freshly produced goods in February 2024, and plan to launch our first signature flanker in the summer of 2024, which combines elegance, inventivenessis planned to be followed by a Just Cavalli duo and a sensenew collection of humorhair and enjoys a loyal following, especially in the UK and Japan. Fragrances include:Paul Smith,Paul Smith Extrême, Paul Smith RoseandPaul Smith Essential.body mists.

Repetto—In December 2011, we entered into a 13-year exclusive worldwide license agreement to create, produce and distribute fragrances under the Repetto brand.

Created in 1947 by Rose Repetto at the request of her son, dancer and choreographer Roland Petit, Repetto is today a legendary name in the world of dance. For a number of years, it has developed timeless and must-have collections with a fully modernized signature style ranging from dance shoes, ballet slippers, flat shoes, and sandals to more recently handbags and high-end accessories.

With Repetto boutiques in several countries throughout the world, the brand has branched out into Asia, notably China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and Japan with a mix of cross-generational appeal and French chic. Our first Repetto fragrance line was launched in 2013 and a floral scent was added in 2015. Despite this brand’s success with footwear, handbags and high-end accessories, fragrance sales have been disappointing due to the lack of brand recognition.Dance with RepettoRochas debuted in the first quarter of 2018.

Rochas— In May 2015, we acquired the Rochas brand from The Procter & Gamble Company. Founded by Marcel Rochas in 1925, the brand began as a fashion house and expanded into perfumery in the 1950s under Hélène Rochas’ direction. This transaction included all brand names

With Rochas, nature is synonymous with French-style gardens, eternal springs, freshness, and registered trademarks for Rochas (Femme, Madame, Eau de Rochas, etc.), mainly for class 3 (cosmetics)innocence. Never dry, these gardens are constantly irrigated by the water of dreams and class 25 (fashion). Substantiallylit by the entire €106 million purchase price forsun of the assets acquired (approximately $118 million) was allocated to trademarks with indefinite lives, including approximately $5.4 million in acquisition related expenses.

This acquisition opened a new pageimagination. Rochas’ birds and flowers are regularly revisited in the Company’s history by integrating forready-to-wear creations and perfumes. They are part of the first time both fragrancesnatural lifeblood of Rochas, a constant presence thronging with a multitude of colors and fashion. This is allowing us to apply a global approach to managing a fragrance brand with complete freedom in terms of creativity and aesthetic choices, as well as a very high degree of visibility to establish a position of even greater preeminence for Rochas in the luxury goods universe. Rochas brand sales currently include approximately $2.5 million of royalties generated by the fashion and accessory business via its portfolio of license agreements. We have been reviving the nearly century old brand’s luster, and ourParisian spirit.

Our first new fragrance for Rochas,Mademoiselle Rochas, had a successful launch that began in the first quarter2017 in its traditional markets of 2017. This success was primarily attributable to the strength of theEau de Rochas line and the successful rollout ofMademoiselle Rochasin markets beyond the traditional Rochas markets in France and Spain. For Rochas in 2018,Over the next few years, we plan to continue the international rollout ofMademoiselle Rochas in additional markets, debutdebuted flankers for legacy scents Eau de Rochas andMademoiselle Rochas,plus others, and in 2019, launch2018 we launched our first new men’s line.line, Rochas MoustacheByzance debuted in early 2020 and Rochas Girl in 2021. The first flanker for both came to market in 2022 as well as one for L’Homme Rochas. In 2023, we rolled-out pillar extensions Eau de Rochas Citron Soleil and Rochas Girl Life.


FerragamoS.T. Dupont—In June 1997,October 2021, we signedclosed on a transaction agreement with Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., whereby an exclusive and worldwide 10-year license agreement with S.T. Dupontwas granted for the creation, manufactureproduction and distribution of S.T. Dupont fragrances.Ferragamo brand perfumes, with a 5-year optional term if certain conditions are met.

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Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. is the parent company of the Salvatore Ferragamo Group, one of the world’s leaders in the luxury industry and whose origins date back to 1927.  Named after its founder, the brand still represents and lives by the original values of Salvatore Ferragamo. The uniqueness and exclusivity of its creations, along with the perfect blend of style, creativity and innovation enriched by the quality and superior craftsmanship of the ‘Made in Italy’ tradition, have always been the hallmarks of the Salvatore Ferragamo’s products notably shoes, leather goods, apparel, silk products and other accessories for men and women.

The current fragrance lineup includes Storie di Seta, a collection of four refined, luminous olfactory works of art. Each fragrance is made with rare, sustainable raw materials, and can be worn alone or in combination, creating a personalized multifaceted scent. The genderless collection is comprised of four fragrances in four colors. Four exclusive motifs drawn from the House’s textile heritage adorn each flacon. Established scents in the Ferragamo portfolio include Ferragamo, a collection of fragrances for men, Signoria, a collection of fragrances for women, the Tuscan Creations series, the Amo series and the Uomo series. In 2011,2023, we rolled out new flankers for the agreement was renewed through December 31, 2016,Signoria collection, Liberia, a Storie di Seta duo, Cieli & Foreste, and a four-scent collection for Ferragamo. New flankers are in September 2016 was renewed again through December 31, 2019, without any material changes in terms and conditions. S.T. Dupont is a French luxury goods house founded in 1872, which is knownthe works for its fine writing instruments, lighters and leather goods. S.T. Dupont fragrances include:S.T. Dupont,S.T. Dupont Essence Pure,S.T. Dupont Passenger,S.T. Dupont Passenger Cruise, 58 avenue Montaigne, So Dupont andS.T. Dupont Collection.2024.

Van Cleef & Arpels—ArpelsIn September 2006,2018, we entered intorenewed its license agreement for an exclusive 12-year worldwide license agreementadditional six years with Van Cleef & Arpels for the creation, development, and distribution of fragrance products under thethrough December 2024. Our initial 12-year license agreement with Van Cleef & Arpels brandwas signed in 2006.

 Since its founding in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has often turned to nature as an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Enthralled by the constant metamorphoses of flora and related trademarks.fauna, the Maison creates pieces that echo the blooming of flowers and the lushness of gardens. Over the decades, the excellence and creativity of the High Jewelry Maison established its reputation across the world.

Van Cleef & Arpels fragrances in current distribution include:First,and Van Cleef pour Homme,Tsar,Van Cleef,Féerie,Collection ExtraordinaireExtraordinaire. , andRêve.For 2016, we launched a new men’s line,In New York, and a new women’s line,So First.Sales of theCollection Extraordinaire line have experienced continued growth since its debut. For 2017 we introduced aWe continue to introduce new additionadditions to the Van Cleef & ArpelsCollection Extraordinaire assortment annually, including Oud Blanc, Rêve de Matiere, and for 2018, we are looking to add new lines to the collection. We arePatchouli Blanc, with further additions planned. Founded in discussions for an extension of the1896, Van Cleef & Arpels license, and although we expect to agree to an extension, we cannot assure you that one will be reached.is a French luxury jewelry company owned by Richemont Holdings Limited.

Business Strategy

Focus on prestige beauty brands. Prestige beauty brands are expected to contribute significantly to our growth. We focus on developing and launching quality fragrances utilizing internationally renowned brand names. By identifying and concentrating in the most receptive market segmentsbased operations and territories where our brands are known, and executing highly targeted launches that capture the essence of the brand, we have had a history of successful launches. Certain fashion designers and other licensors choose us as a partner because our Company’s size enables us to work more closely with them in the product development process as well as our successful track record.

Grow portfolio brands through new product development and marketing. We grow through the creation of fragrance family extensions within the existing brands in our portfolio. Every year or two, weWe regularly create a new family of fragrances for each brand in our portfolio. We frequently introduce seasonal and limited edition fragrances as well. With new introductions, we leverage our ability and experience to gauge trends in the market and further leverage the brand name into different product families in order to maximize sales and profit potential. We have had success in introducing new fragrance families (sub-brands flanker brands or flankers) within our brand franchises. Furthermore, we promote the smooth and consistent performance of our prestige fragrance operations through knowledge of the market, detailed analysis of the image and potential of each brand name, a “good dose” of creativity and a highly professional approach to international distribution channels.

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Continue to add new brands to our portfolio, through new licenses or acquisitionsacquisitions.. Prestige brands are the core of our business, and we intend to add new prestige beauty brands to our portfolio. Over the past twenty35 years, we have built our portfolio of well-known prestige brands through acquisitions and new license agreements. We intend to further build on our success in prestige fragrances and pursue new licenses and acquire new brands to strengthen our position in the prestige beauty market. To that end, during 2014,in 2021, we signed fragrance licenses for Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister brands; in 2015, we signed fragrance licenses for Coach and French Connection, extended our Montblanc fragrance license and purchased the Rochas brand, and in 2016, we extended the terms of our S.T. Dupont and bebe licenses. In 2017, we extended our Jimmy Choo license through December 31, 2031 and our Paul Smith license until December 2021 and in February 2018, we signedclosed on a licensetransaction agreement with GUESS?Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., Inc.whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted for the production and distribution of Ferragamo brand perfumes. Also in 2021, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Donna Karan and DKNY brands. This exclusive license became effective in July 2022. During 2022, we closed a transaction agreement with Lacoste, whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted to Interparfums SA for the production and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics effective January 1, 2024. During 2023, we closed on a transaction agreement with Roberto Cavalli, whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted for the production and distribution of Roberto Cavalli brand perfumes and fragrance related products. This license became effective in July 2023. As of December 31, 2017,2023, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of approximately $278$182.8 million, which we believe should assist us in entering new brand licenses or out-rightoutright acquisitions. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into any future agreements, or acquire brands or assets on terms favorable to us, or if we do, that any such transaction will be successful. We identify prestige brands that can be developed and marketed into a full and varied product families and, with our technical knowledge and practical experience gained over time, take licensed brand names through all phases of concept, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

Expand existing portfolio into new categories. We intend to selectively broaden our product offering beyond the fragrance category and offer other fragrance related products and personal care products under some of our existing brands. We believe such product offerings meet customer needs, generate trial and further strengthen customer loyalty.

Continue to build global distribution footprint. Our business is a global business, and we intend to continue to build our global distribution footprint. In order to adapt to changes in the environment and our business, and in addition to our arrangements with third party distributors globally, we have formed and are operating distribution subsidiaries or divisions in the major markets of the United States, France, Italy and Spain for distribution of prestige fragrances. We may look into future joint arrangements or acquire distribution companies within other key markets to distribute certain of our prestige brands. While building a global distribution footprint is part of our long-term strategy, we may need to make certain decisions based on the short-term needs of the business. We believe that in certain markets, vertical integration of our distribution network may be one of the keys to future growth of our Company, and ownership of such distribution should enable us to better serve our customers’ needs in local markets and adapt more quickly as situations may determine.

Production and Supply

The stages of the development and production process for all fragrances are as follows:

Simultaneous discussions with perfume designers and creators (includes analysis of esthetic and olfactory trends, target clientele and market communication approach)

Concept choice


Produce mock-ups for final acceptance of bottles and packaging

Receive bids from component suppliers (glass makers, plastic processors, printers, etc.) and packaging companies

Choose suppliers

Schedule production and packaging

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Issue component purchase orders

Follow quality control procedures for incoming components; and

Follow packaging and inventory control procedures.

Suppliers who assist us with product development include, but are not limited to:

Independent perfumery design companies (Aesthete, Carré Basset, PI Design, Cent Degres)

Perfumers (IFF, Givaudan, Firmenich, Robertet, Takasago, Mane) whichwho create a fragrance consistent with our expectations and, that of the fragrance designers and creators

Fillers (Voyant, CPFPI, Omega Packaging, Societe de Diffusion de Produits de Parfumerie, TSM Brands, ICR, Cosmint, Tatra, Arcade Beauty)

Bottle manufacturers (Pochet du Courval, Verescence, Verreries Brosse, Bormioli Luigi, Stoelzle Masnières, ),Heinz), caps (Qualipac, , ALBEA, RPC, Codiplas, LF Beauty, Texen Group, S.A.R.L. J3P SBG Packaging Group)), Pumps (Silgan Dispensing Systems Thomaston Corp, Aptar, Rexam) or boxes (Autajon, , MMPP, Nortier, Draeger)Diamond Packaging, TPC Printing)

Production specialists who carry out packaging (CCI, Edipar , Jacomo, SDPP, MF Productions, Biopack) or logistics (BolloréLogistics (DiFarco, Bansard, Bolloré Logistics for storage, order preparation and shipment)

Suppliers’ accounts for our European based operations are primarily settled in euro and for our United States based operations, suppliers’ accounts are primarily settled in U.S. dollars. For our European operations, prestige fragrances, components and contract filling needs are purchased from many different suppliers located around the world. For United Statesbased operations components for our prestige fragrances are purchased from many suppliers around the world and are primarily manufactured in France.

For United States based operations, components for our prestige fragrances are sourced producedfrom many suppliers around the world and filledare primarily manufactured in the United States and Italy. Additionally, we occasionally utilize third party manufacturers in China, Poland and Turkey. 

Environmental, Social & Governance

Both our mass marketUnited States based operations and our European based operations are good corporate citizens and take our responsibilities seriously. We comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in general, and in particular with regard to chemicals and hazardous materials. Throughout our supply chain, from procurement of components to distribution of finished products, we act responsibly and monitor and comply with all legal requirements. While we do not own our manufacturing facilities, we set a high bar with our industrial partners by placing an emphasis on quality, the use of good manufacturing practices and innovation, and encouraging them to build strong ESG programs of their own. Like many of our industry competitors, we are primarily manufactured, produced or filledapplying a multifunctional and comprehensive approach in addressing the issues of corporate, environmental and social responsibility and transparency, building off the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our European based operations have led the way on this initiative, but our US operations are actively catching up.

ESG Strategy

Inter Parfums, Inc., our parent company, is using a multi-step process for Environment, Social, Governance (“ESG”) related activities and reporting. Following the work done in ESG by our French based subsidiary, Interparfums SA, in September 2022 we launched our United States ESG program for our subsidiaries, Interparfums, USA LLC in the United States or China. and Interparfums, Italia Srl in Italy. Environmental data regarding our regional sales offices in Geneva, Dubai and Hong Kong are not yet included in the ESG strategy. The final step in our ESG reporting will be the combination of both ESG programs into a single cohesive report.

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United States based operations ESG

This section of our annual report discusses our United States based operations ESG program, and when we refer to ESG activities of Interparfums in the rest of the report, we are referring solely to our United States based operations ESG program. The ESG report by our French based subsidiary Interparfums SA, follows in the next section. When we refer to Inter Parfums, Inc., or the Company, we are referring to our Nasdaq publicly traded parent company. ESG related information is as of December 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted.

Introduction

We have defined Interparfums’ United States based operations ESG strategy and have been developing new projects and activities to reflect the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (https://sdgs.un.org/fr/goals), which are present throughout the document. Our ESG strategy is based upon the challenges we face, our risk analysis and the expectations of our stakeholders.

We are committed to:

● Creating a more diverse and inclusive culture and impacting our community: Our human capital is our greatest asset. We want to build a culture genuinely focused on listening to employees, supporting their development, and leveraging their value.

● Reducing and optimizing our environmental footprint: Climate change requires urgent action. We want to improve our environmental footprint and measure our carbon footprint to disclose it for all its scopes.

● Sustainable fragrances throughout their whole life cycle. Sustainability is at the heart of our product creation to respond to evolving social and environmental challenges. The procurement of materials should consider all those aspects.

● Transparency and compliance: Interparfums complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in general, and in particular with regard to chemicals and hazardous materials.

Act as a Climate Stakeholder and Anticipate Future Regulations

The first step is to know where we are starting from by measuring our carbon footprint across the board. It will enable us to initiate a low-carbon trajectory compatible with the Paris Agreements. As we do not own manufacturing facilities, our scope 1 is negligible and our scope 2 is restricted to the electricity consumption of our offices and warehouse. Finally, our scope 3 represents most of our emissions.

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Measure the Carbon Footprint of Our Activities

The carbon footprint has been calculated for scopes 1, 2, and 3 for 2022. Scope 1 covers direct greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumption for heating and fuel for company vehicles. Scope 2 covers indirect energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. electricity consumption of our offices and warehouses. Scope 3 refers to indirect emissions in an organization’s supply chain, i.e. those indirectly related to its activity, both upstream and downstream. Inter Parfums, Inc. has calculated its total carbon footprint in accordance with international standards, and namely the International Green House Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) for the conversion of all emission sources into tons of CO2 equivalent and the Base Carbone®, a public database of emission factors made available by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME).

in tons of CO2 equivalent

2022

Emissions

Weighted Average
Scope 1230.02%
Scope 27020.61%
Scope 3113,99699.37%
Total114,721 

in tons of CO2 equivalent2022
Scope 3 Upstream
Products and services purchased111,150
Fixed assets531
Emissions from fuels and energy not included in Scope 1 or 263
Upstream freight transport and distribution  2,252
Waste generatedNegligible
Business travelIn services purchased
Commuting to workNegligible
Upstream leasing assets
Other indirect upstream emissions
Scope 3 Downstream
Downstream freight transport and distributionIn services purchased
Transformation of products sold
Use of products sold
End of life of products soldNon determined for 2022
Downstream leasing assets
Franchises
Investments
Other indirect downstream emissions
Total scope 3113,996

Interparfums carbon intensity is in the low end of its industry sector. Calculating this first carbon footprint across the board has given us a starting point and highlighted our need to ask our suppliers more about their climate strategy and encourage them to make their own calculations to refine ours. We will then be able to forecast our carbon trajectory more precisely.

Commitment to Create a More Diverse, Fair and Inclusive Culture, and Impact Our Community

Interparfums is a company serving many customers in different countries. To serve our customers well, we must attract and retain the best talent who bring with them different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints. Fostering an inclusive culture is key to enabling our talents to work together effectively.

In United States based operations, as of December 31, 2022, women accounted for 67% of the workforce and black, indigenous, and people of color accounted for 58% of the workforce. Our workforce as of December 31, 2022 included 241 full time employees.

We strive to maintain an inclusive environment free from discrimination of any kind, including sexual or other discriminatory harassment, and all our US employees are trained once a year on Preventing Harassment at Work through on-line training.

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At Interparfums, we strongly believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to reveal their authentic selves. This approach to diversity includes diversity of gender, ethnicity, ability, background, gender identity, and sexual orientation and is recognized at the leadership level and throughout our whole organization.

Offer a Healthy and Environmental Conscious Workplace

Since September 2022 our New York office has been partnering with Fraîche, which provides smart fridges that are stocked every day with high-quality and on-trend items curated from their local partner restaurants and brands. Our New York based employees can have access to meals, drinks, and snacks and the Company gives each employee a daily credit to be used. We are very glad to be part of the Fraîche journey.

To ensure that all our employees play an active role in our environmental approach, we have carried out several initiatives aimed to reflect on how Interparfums impacts climate change, global warming, pollution, and other environmental challenges, and how we can promote sustainability.

To commemorate Earth Day, we encouraged all employees to participate in activities that promote sustainability, distributed info on the UN Sustainable Goals, tips on how to be more sustainable in the office and shared a QR code linked to a survey where employees were invited to share suggestions on how we can make Interparfums a more sustainable workplace.

In Interparfums’ offices we also launched our recycling initiative. For example, in New York, we have now color-coded bins as follows:

● green bins for paper/cardboard placed next to the copy-machines and in the kitchens.

● blue bins for metal, plastic, glass, and cartons placed in the kitchens.

● black bins for regular trash/non-recycling items.

Moreover, we shared good practices on “how to be more sustainable in the office” tips on printing, electricity management, and cyberlearning. This is a first but necessary step in promoting sustainability in our day-to-day work.

Caring Employer Committed to Everyone’s Success

With a management style that is very family oriented and close to employees, everyone is free to share their ideas while respecting the Company’s. Management attaches the utmost importance to ensuring that everyone understands and supports Interparfums’ strategy.

Regular briefings on business developments and monetary results keep employees up to date with management and market expectations. The flexibility of the organization, which is essentially made up of small teams, means that it can constantly adapt to any changes or developments in the external environment.

The Company cultivates a positive and inclusive culture through various initiatives including the following that were implemented during 2023 in our United States based operational locations:

Launched Global Employee Anniversary Recognition Program

Distributed IP branded swag & product launches

Engagement & Pulse Surveys

Distributed company internal logo and Teams backgrounds

CPR Training Certification (New York and New Jersey)

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Holiday Parties (US and Italy)

Greater diversity, equality and recognition

14th and 15th floor renovations for New York office

Social- Positive Contribution Through Impactful Philanthropy

To start the new year off strong, we’re proud to announce that Interparfums partnered with I Support the Girls https://isupportthegirls.org/programs/our-impact/ to distribute 1,100 Interparfums products to various American and international shelters for the holiday season. Our products were distributed to 13 different shelters that donate hygiene and cosmetic products to domestic abuse survivors and low-income schools.

Commitment To Sustainable Fragrances Throughout Their Life Cycle

Compliance Policy - As a global distributor of fragrances under licenses, Interparfums, fragrance oils and ingredients must comply with relevant global legislation, including, but not limited to, the countries and jurisdictions where the products are sold. We do not support animal testing on any bulk, raw materials, or finished product. We encourage our suppliers and any testing laboratories to find alternative test methods to ensure the safety and stability of our products. We also encourage development, use, and regulatory acceptance of alternatives to animal testing to ensure health and safety of consumers. Fragrance oil compounds must not be tested on animals (any mixtures of blended raw materials supplied to Interparfums). Fragrance ingredients must also not be tested on animals by the fragrance manufacturer for cosmetic safety assessment purposes.

The fragrance suppliers share with Interparfums an analysis report with physiochemical data (color, pH, density, organoleptic profile, etc.). We rely on these reports shared by our partners.

Measurements are taken after receipt to check the ingredients before formulation. Compliance with the specifications is verified for each batch, and at each renewal. If compliance is not obtained, then the product is not launched. In other words, 100% of the products launched are compliant. As there is no claim regarding our products, there is no further investigation made on them (unlike cosmetic products for instance).

Vegan-Friendly Fragrances Policy - We support a shift toward a vegan consciousness. As vegan products are becoming a standard request on the part of many of Interparfums’ licensors and clients, all fragrance oils developed for Interparfums are vegan in accordance with the definition provided below:

Vegan products do not contain any animal products, animal by-products, or animal derivatives. Animal products are anything obtained from living or killed animals. Animal by-products are anything obtained from living animals, including, but not limited to, beeswax, honey, shellac (including Ambretollide), and lanolin. Animal derivatives are anything derived from animals, animal products, or animal products, such as casein derived from milk.

Responsible Ingredients - As consumer interest continues to grow toward sustainable products and sustainably sourced ingredients, we understand our responsibility to ensure that we can speak about sustainably sourced ingredients within our products. Of course, all claims are compliant with the new French claims guide preparing the future European Commission regulation on explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive), as our products are also sold in Europe. All fragrances developed for Interparfums should provide an environmentally added value ingredient storyline, such as use of responsibly sourced lavender. Of course, the exact storyline or ingredient requested may vary depending on the brand or project.

While we understand some of these may be safe-as-used and well proven as solvents, all fragrance oils developed for Interparfums are formulated without phthalates and without gluten. This restriction also applies to ingredients that contain gluten such as wheat, barley, oats and rye, as well as raw materials that may be derived from gluten containing ingredients (e.g., Tocopherol derived from wheat germ oil).

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To complete our approach, we have formalized a list of ingredients prohibited in our fragrances, which is shared by our development teams. In addition, we strictly adhere to the requirements of our licensors.

It is important to specify that most of our alcohol is of plant origin, mainly corn.

MCM Ultra - We have MCM Ultra fragrance, a bold new scent that fuses expert craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies. Inspired by the brand’s signature backpack in eye-catching Berlin Gold, MCM Ultra features a rich scent profile in a show-stopping packaging that meets the opulence of this exquisite fragrance. MCM Ultra is 100% vegan, made with 74% biodegradable ingredients, and contains 79% responsibly sourced ingredients from Firmenich Naturals Together™ program that make a positive social impact to local communities all over the world.

Created in collaboration with our amazing partners at MCM, the ULTRA campaign foreshadows MCM Worldwide AW22’s campaign, “The Movement”. The campaign takes place in a seemingly infinite room made of entirely gold-tinted mirrors, reminiscent of a Berlin discotheque. The MCM tribe moves through the warm, ultra-luxurious light to reveal the ULTRA bottle emerging from liquid gold, capturing the feeling of upscale, sensual glitz and glamour that encapsulates ULTRA.

Contractors

Interparfums does not tolerate child labor or any form of involuntary labor and demands that its business Contractors (including its contractors, consultants, fillers, vendors and suppliers) conduct themselves with the utmost fairness, honesty and responsibility in all aspects of their business. As a general principle, our business Contractors are required to comply fully with all legal requirements applicable to the conduct of their business. We also demand that they comply with rigorous standards with respect to the manner in which they treat their employees and accept Interparfums’ Supplier Code of Conduct, which reflects our principles and values.

Governance

Inter Parfums, Inc. adheres to corporate governance codes including but not limited to anti-hedging, bribery, fraud, and prohibition against insider trading. The Company’s management is responsible for the development and implementation of its ESG strategies and programs. Ultimate oversite by the Company’s Board of Directors is included in its committee charters and practices. Inter Parfums, Inc. is a publicly traded company (Nasdaq GS: IPAR), and files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our largest subsidiary, 72% owned Interparfums SA, is also a publicly traded company as 28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the Euronext and is subject to the reporting requirements of the Euronext. Interparfums SA also maintains a governance policy that relates to its status as a French publicly held company, in addition to complying with this governance policy, where applicable.

Interparfums SA CSR/ESG

Introduction

Interparfums SA has identified its Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) challenges based on the expectations of its stakeholders and the market. The first step was to identify them. A materiality analysis was then carried out to list the CSR challenges and highlight the priorities to be addressed in the coming years to ensure the model’s sustainability. Stakeholders and priorities consist of the following:

Interparfums SA
StakeholdersPriorities
LicensorsSynergy, mutual involvement, sharing common values
Suppliers and subcontractorsResponsible sourcing policy, product traceability and security, long-term relationships based upon trust, industrial synergies
EmployeesSense of belonging, maintaining skills, equal opportunities, social dialogue, working conditions
Civil SocietyEcological footprint, local economy, relationships with schools, patronage
DistributorsSatisfaction, relationships built on trust, long-term relationships
ConsumersHealth & safety, packaging recycling, name recognition
Shareholders, financial community, Autorité des marchés financiers (financial market regulation) (“AMF”)Regular relations based upon trust and transparency

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Interparfums SA is committed to a global approach to social, environmental and corporate responsibility and transparency. Year after year, it develops a CSR policy implemented by its operational and functional divisions and involving all staff. It identifies its main challenges based on several key areas: its responsibilities to consumers, the environment, operational stakeholders and society, and employees. To support this approach, a CSR Executive Committee was set up at the beginning of 2021 at the initiative of management. Comprising the Operations & Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance, Legal and Communications departments, it has formalized the Company’s CSR strategy, with goals to:

        Consolidate its status as a responsible employer with, in particular, the formalization of a "Responsible Employer Charter" and reinforcement of the employee training plan

        Reduce its ecological footprint and involve suppliers in the process, thanks to the introduction of optimized eco-design specifications, including the reduction of packaging and the introduction of recycled and recyclable materials on each product developed

        Measure its carbon footprint according to the GHG protocol methodology (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) to initiate a low- carbon trajectory compatible with the Paris Agreements

        Strengthen its sustainable development approach by formalizing a business ethics charter that can be enforced against operational stakeholders

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ESG Targets

In line with the Interparfums SA’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, the following table presents Interparfums SA’s main objectives and compares them to market benchmarks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). In January 2024, as part of its continuing improvement in ESG performance, Interparfums SA announced that it had increased its rating with Sustainalytics, a leading ESG rating firm, and now ranks 26th out of 104 companies.

SGD 2025 Targeted Performance2023 Status
Attracting,  supporting and developing all talent
Deploy responsible employer charterCompleted 2023
Train 70% of employees per year55% of employees trained
CSR training for employeesDeployment of the Word for Good platform
Raising employee awareness about disabilitiesAnnual intervention of a committed association/personality

Proposing environmentally and socially responsible packaging
Work with suppliers with an EcoVadis score of 70/100Average score of suppliers evaluated with EcoVadis 68.1/100
Propose 85% recyclable packaging82% of our packaging is recyclable

Initiating a low carbon trajectory
Reduce emissions from scopes 1, 2 and 3Emissions increase by 13.6% from 2022 to 2023
Engage in contribution projects (carbon sequestration)Initiation of a first project

Strengthen relationships with our partners
Distribute eco-design charter to all industrial suppliers100% completed in 2022
Committing 100% of industrial suppliers to a low carbon trajectoryNew Objective

Ethical conduct and compliance
Deploy the business ethic charter to all stakeholders51% of industrial suppliers have received and signed the Business Ethics Charter
Raising employee awarenessAction initiated at end of 2023 with Climate collage

Ensure the Health and Safety of Consumers

Interparfums SA is responsible for marketing the cosmetic products it sells and for assessing their safety. It also relies on information provided by perfumers, who assess the safety of the raw materials used to make fragrances. Interparfums SA carries out skin and eye safety tests on the products it markets. In accordance with EC regulation 1223/2009, none of these tests are carried out on animals. Dermal safety tests are carried out on healthy adult volunteers and ocular safety tests on cultured cells. Interparfums SA has taken account of the REACH regulation (EC Directive No. 1907/2006 of 18 December 2006) on the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals with all its suppliers, and has taken the initiative of contacting its various subcontractors and suppliers to ensure that they effectively comply with the necessary registrations, notifications and requests for authorization from those upstream in their supply chain. Interparfums SA has proactively communicated with all its suppliers to commit to supplying items that do not contain any substance listed in Appendix XIV (substances of very high concern). To date, no supplier has declared the presence of substances subject to authorization in items supplied to Interparfums SA.

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High Priority for High Levels of Natural Ingredients

Interparfums SA uses only plant-based alcohol in all its fragrance lines, essentially beet alcohol, 99.5% of which is natural. The remainder is made up, depending on the line, of a variable proportion of natural ingredients. All the perfumers we work with have concentrates with a proportion of ingredients certified to ISO 9235 or ISO 16128. The proportion of natural fragrances is therefore over 80%. For its other products (aftershave balm, hand cream, shower gel and body lotion), Interparfums SA uses between 79% and 88% natural ingredients.

Rochas Girl Franchise

The launch of Rochas’ first low environmental impact line in 2021 was the first eco-design initiative to be led by Interparfums SA teams. This proposal allowed us to test with Rochas Girl the possibilities available to us in this area, taking our thinking as far as possible. The aim was to offer consumers a fragrance that met their expectations in terms of environmental engagement. This project combined the codes of luxury perfumery with a new awareness by modernizing the Rochas portfolio, in an inclusive and eco-responsible approach. Rochas Girl is made from 90% natural ingredients, with neroli extract with relaxing properties, and is vegan. Its glass bottle contains 40% post-consumer recycled glass (“PCR”), which is the maximum level currently proposed by glassmakers, and its cap is made from recycled plastic. Its cardboard case is FSC-certified, printed with water-based ink and without unnecessary decoration. It is made in France. Its formula contains no colorants, stabilizers, controversial additives or UV filters. It contains a reduced number of allergens. In the same vein, a refill is now available for even less impact on the environment.

The multi-channel advertising was consistent with the product, with an advertisement filmed in the Paris region, with pictures of unretouched models conveying an authentic image. FSC certified cardboards point-of-sale advertising was also used. With Rochas Girl, Rochas also wanted to join the "1% for the planet" initiative, redistributing 1% of turnover generated to various charities.

The new version of Rochas Girl, Rochas Girl Life, launched in spring 2023, offers a direct refill and its bottle is made from 40% PCR glass.

Environmental Responsibilities

Interparfums SA does not directly manage industrial sites but is involved in developing an environmental policy in collaboration with its subcontracting partners and suppliers throughout its value chain, particularly in the following areas:

● choice of ingredients;

● choice of techniques and materials;

● recycling and waste disposal measures; and

● reducing CO2 emissions.

Interparfums SA has no manufacturing activity and entrusts the manufacturing process to partners, each offering the best expertise and commitment in their respective fields: fragrance, glassmaking and packaging. Interparfums SA asks them about their CSR strategies, in addition to the EcoVadis assessment, and works with them to incorporate the environmental issues identified at each stage, in particular the choice of materials used in components, waste treatment and reducing the carbon footprint.

An optimized eco-design charter was formalized in 2022 and shared both internally and externally to ensure that the possible options in this area are clear to all stakeholders. The aim of this charter is to highlight the best practices of Interparfums SA for optimizing the eco-design of the products it develops. The objectives for each product category are clearly stated: glass, decoration, covers, wedges and cases.

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Promotional products are not forgotten either with boxes, tubes and point-of-sale advertising. This is a global approach that will enable Interparfums SA to prepare for the regulatory obligations of the French AGEC law (anti-waste law for a circular economy).

Manage the Environmental Impact of Our Operations

Interparfums SA uses an HQE (High Environmental Quality) certified warehouse located in Normandy France, for its logistics and storage needs. This certification covers improved insulation, lighting using presence detectors, Ecolabel finishing materials, centralized technical management for energy control, rainwater recovery and efficient waste sorting.

Interparfums SA constantly monitors energy and water consumption indicators to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency in lighting, heating and ventilation throughout the logistics site, such as modulating ventilation flow rates and programming weekend heating/ventilation slowdowns.

To this end, the warehouse lighting is switched off automatically when employees are on a break outside and the temperature in the warehouse is kept at 11°C. This energy management also includes measures to manage the recharging schedules of the electric forklift trucks during off-peak hours at night, with a low consumption of 280 kW maximum instead of 600 kW during the day. Monthly electricity consumption reports are drawn up and in the event of significant peaks in consumption, the Company analyses the causes of this over-consumption in order to remedy the situation where necessary. Finally, to help preserve the environment, Interparfums SA has installed dedicated parking spaces for bicycles and electric terminals for cars on the logistics site.

 202120222023
Total Energy consumption in kWh1,845,7151,753,7291,696,084

Waste

Interparfums SA closely monitors its waste production at warehouse level. In 2023, 27 tons of waste were recycled through various channels (plastic, pallets, paper and cardboard). In addition, 3 tons of non-hazardous waste were incinerated with heat recovery. There was no dangerous waste elimination in 2023.

Logistics

Actions undertaken in collaboration with the warehouse and goods dispatch manager as part of the improvement and optimization of inter-plant transport and the logistics platform have contributed to a reduction in the number of trucking turnarounds.

As regards transport to distributors, Interparfums SA uses road transport for shipments in France and Europe and sea transport for America, Asia and the Middle East. Interparfums SA makes very limited use of air transport, reserving it for unavoidable emergencies. Some promotional products manufactured in Asia are sent directly to American distributors without being imported and stored in France.

Measure the Carbon Footprint Of Our Activities

The carbon footprint has been calculated for scopes 1 and 2 since 2020. Scope 1 covers direct greenhouse gas emissions (gas and fuel consumption by Interparfums SA vehicles), while Scope 2 covers indirect emissions associated with energy (electricity consumption). The sites studied were the warehouse and offices of the Paris head office. On rue de Solférino, the premises are connected to the City of Paris heating network and to a district cooling network that uses the cool temperature of the River Seine to cool the water in the distribution network. The emission factors for these two networks are very favorable in terms of carbon footprint. Gas consumption is now reduced to that of the warehouse. In addition, the solar panels on the roof have produced 4.9 MWh of renewable energy.

in tons of CO2 equivalent202120222023
Scope 1226205194
Scope 2293027
Total255235221

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The variations between 2023 and 2022 are linked to the periods of lockdown relating to the pandemic in 2020. In 2022, Interparfums SA moved its head office to BREEAM and HQE-certified premises, which are expected to reduce energy consumption by around 30%. In addition, the use of renewable energies and the Paris heating network help improve these results.

Since 2021, a full scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon footprint has been calculated using the GHG protocol method and either emission factors available in databases, monetary ratios, or data shared by suppliers. Therefore, 2021 is the reference year chosen by Interparfums SA for its carbon trajectory.

We are convinced that it is by involving our suppliers in our approach that we will be able to make progress on a low-carbon trajectory. For the moment, only 53% of suppliers within the EcoVadis scope are tracking their carbon footprint. However, 86% of purchases of goods and services for production are made from suppliers located in Europe, who will be subject to the CSRD regulations (with a deadline depending on their size) and will therefore initiate the process of measuring their carbon footprint. If they wish, we will support them in terms of methodology so that they can make progress on these crucial issues.

in tons of CO2 equivalent202120222023
Scope 3 Upstream 
Products and services purchased166,934144,320177,188
Fixed assets2,6683,8393,965
Emissions from fuels and energy not included in Scope 1 or 2554845
Upstream freight transport and distribution7291,0502,026
Waste generated172324
Business travel494265585
Commuting to workNegligibleNegligibleNegligible
Upstream leasing assets
Other indirect upstream emissions
Scope 3 Downstream 
Downstream freight transport and distribution12927911,078
End of life of products sold3,6592,8783,534
Downstream leasing assets
Total scope 3174,685152,702198,445

The variations observed between the two years can be explained by changes in suppliers, some of whom are more advanced in terms of carbon strategy and disclose their new scope 3, which we integrated in our measurements. More assets were tied up over the period and more business trips were made.

202120222023

Variation

2022/2023

Carbon footprint (scopes 1, 2 and 3)

- in teqCO2

174,940

 

152,937

 

198,666

 

13.6%

 

     

 23

Interparfums carbon intensity is at the low end of its sector. The significant change between 2021 and 2022 is also linked to the increase in sales.

202120222023

Variation

2022/2023

Carbon intensity

- in kg of CO2 

per k€ of turnover

312

 

216

 

249

 

15.2%

 

     

Once the carbon footprint measurement had been completed, it was found only some of production purchases were made from suppliers with targets for reducing their carbon footprint by 2030 (often in line with the European fit for 55). We will be continuing our dialogue with them to increase the number of partners involved and thus avoid carbon emissions.

Interparfums SA wants to ensure that its climate trajectory is in line with the most recognized standards. A first step is to align its reporting with the principles of the TCFD (Task Force on Climate- Related Financial Disclosures).

Commitment to Carbon Sequestration Programs

At the end of 2022, Interparfums teamed up with TerraTerre, a young French Company with a mission to connect farmers committed to the ecological transition and companies wishing to contribute to the global goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

Improve the Environmental Impact of Products

Action to prevent environmental risks and pollution begins with the choice of techniques and materials, which must be optimized.

To reduce the impact of its activities, some of the bottles produced by Interparfums SA are colored by applying a water-soluble solution, making it possible to obtain a partly biodegradable color with no harmful impact on the natural environment. For the rest of its product ranges, Interparfums SA is pursuing its objective of gradually phasing out the use of "solvent-based" lacquers, with a view to using "water-based" lacquers for all its product ranges.

In addition, Interparfums SA is committed to reducing the volume of packaging and selecting appropriate materials at every stage of product development, to ensure that they can be recycled or disposed of under optimum conditions. Recyclable glass bottles are manufactured using a system that recovers, crushes and remelts the waste. Interparfums SA has revised boxes and secondary packaging (perfume cases and boxes) to optimize pallet filling, reduce cardboard purchases and cut transport volumes by reducing empty space. Tester boxes are entirely recyclable. Interparfums SA is now imposing a minimum number of pallets per truckload.

Promotional Products Integrated Into the CSR Initiative

Packaging for our boxes and cases has long been made from FSC-certified cardboard and paper. The transport crates have also been FSC-certified since 2022.

The design of the boxes also takes environmental concerns into account, with a choice of two formats, each with 3 recipient heights to match the volume of perfume. In addition, because of new specifications from certain distributors, the boxes will be subject to further developments. The new configuration will enable us to reduce our use of PS (polystyrene) plastic by more than 200 tons and our use of 100% recycled APET plastic by 40 tons.

Thanks to an innovative proposal from a supplier, in 2022 the new capsules helped reduce the amount of virgin PP plastic used by 3.6 tons. The replacement of virgin plastic in the boxes has begun, with the essential steps of testing compatibility with the formulas. In 2022, 60% of tube have been made from PE PCR, saving 16 tons of virgin PE plastic. PVC has definitively been banned for perfumery items.

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Further, more than 50% of tubes are recyclable, and more than 2 million of them contain no or no more carbon black (making them difficult, if not impossible, to recycle). Another action aimed at reducing the consumption of unnecessary packaging is to discourage its use and replace it, particularly polybags. We progressively suppress the carbon black in the plastic tubes to make them recyclable in an easier way.

Gifts with Purchase (GWPs) are a major driver of consumer decisions. The CSR initiative extends to their selection. Our five suppliers are already assessed by EcoVadis, and their average score is 77.6 (4 are Platinum and 1 Gold according to the 2022 ranking), which is well above the average score for their sector (which is either 39 or 47, depending on the company). We are therefore exercising our duty of care in this area and, in addition, will be sharing our ethics charter with them in 2023. The search for eco-labelled products is also a priority.

In 2024, except for fragile items, promotional products will be wrapped in Kraft paper rather than plastic.

Help Consumers Recycle Their Packaging

Cardboard packaging for perfumes sold by Interparfums SA can be recycled if the correct procedure is followed. The optimized eco- design charter recommends using traditional glass (i.e., soda-lime glass), which is recyclable, and avoiding technical glass (i.e., boro-silicate glass), which is not.

Since January 2022, European regulations have made it compulsory to display the Triman logo with instructions on how to recycle waste. This has been done for all products sold by Interparfums SA.

We are taking part in the Selective Perfumery working group run by the Institut du Commerce, which aims to mobilize brands and distributors around the issue of collecting and recycling plastic in-store advertising in France. This collective approach also brings together in-store advertising manufacturers already committed to eco-design and potential dismantling.

All these actions reflect Interparfums SA’s determination to integrate circular economy initiatives into its business model.

Responsibilities to Operational Stakeholders and Society

As it carries out and develops its activities, Interparfums SA has identified the following challenges:

●             Maintain a high level of relationship with its licensors through synergy, mutual involvement and the sharing of common values;

●             Develop long-term partnerships with its suppliers and subcontractors through close collaboration in information exchange, in particular about their CSR approach, their carbon footprint and their trajectory; and

●             Develop long-term, trust-based relationships with its distributor customers.

Build Trusting Relationships with Licensors and Distributors

Since signing its first license agreement in 1988, Interparfums has developed a significant portfolio of luxury brands under license. Contact with luxury houses is systematically initiated by managers who develop and maintain a close relationship with the licensors. Through the close collaboration between the marketing departments and the brands, which has increased over the years, products are developed according to the desires and collections of each brand, to offer a unique fragrance that represents shared values.

Interparfums SA has developed long-standing relationships with its distributors in each of the countries or regions in which it operates. More than 60 employees use their expertise in France and over 100 countries to distribute its fragrances. As each continent and region of the world has its own tastes, identity and olfactory culture, as well as its own sensitivities and attachment to a brand, there is no single destination, and it is crucial to develop close commercial relationships with our distributors, to provide optimum service to the consumer.

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Every two or three years, Interparfums SA organizes a seminar lasting several days, bringing together all its distributors from around the world. This seminar, scheduled for 2024, will be an opportunity to present all the brands and products on offer, to meet all the distributors and involve them closely in our development, and for the distributors to meet the employees with whom they work closely on a daily basis.

Forge Lasting Industrial Partnerships

Most of the subcontractors' factories and the warehouse for storing finished products are in Haute Normandie (France). The activity generated by Interparfums SA thus contributes to the development of the local economy.

All of the perfumers we work with answer the CDP Climate Change questionnaire. Their grades are above B, which is a reassuring performance for our relationship with them. This means that they are dealing with climate change and biodiversity at the right level. Ratings of this level reflect a mature analysis of climate risks and opportunities.

The Forests questionnaire is also important for Interparfums SA, which pays close attention to the management of natural areas and considers it essential not to introduce raw materials responsible for deforestation in any country.

Of our suppliers assessed by EcoVadis, 45% are ISO 14001 certified, and 28% are ISO 45001/ OHSAS 18001 certified.

Run a Quality Management System with Confidence

Interparfums SA has introduced specifications for purchasing, logistics, and best manufacturing practice standards for its subcontractors. In addition, Interparfums SA has drawn up a business ethics charter that will be binding for its partners, to ensure that they comply with the rules of ethics, morality and law that we are committed to respecting. Its roll-out can thus be measured and improvement plans can be requested from partners.

Since 2013, all our suppliers have been implementing the ISO 22716 international standard on Best Manufacturing Practices, which sets out guidelines for the production, checks, packaging, storage and dispatch of cosmetic products. It is the practical development of the quality assurance concept, through the description of the plant's activities. Against this regulatory backdrop, regular audit campaigns of all packaging plants carried out by the Quality department in accordance with the ISO 22716 standard have been introduced. The purpose of these audits is to ensure that packagers maintain a good level of traceability. All plant activities have been reviewed, including the processes for receiving raw materials and packaging items, manufacturing, packaging and quality control. These reports have demonstrated that our subcontractors comply with ISO 22716 Best Manufacturing Practices and in particular the traceability required for all fragrance production.

Assess the CSR Performance of Suppliers

As part of its CSR strategy, Interparfums SA has teamed up with EcoVadis to assess the CSR performance of its supply chain and suppliers. EcoVadis operates a global platform for assessing and sharing CSR performance, and their assessment method is based on international CSR standards.

In 2023, 110 suppliers were assessed or in the process of being assessed, representing 92% of Interparfums SA’s purchasing activity. As part of a continuous improvement approach, Interparfums SA’ s objective is to monitor and encourage the CSR performance of its suppliers in 4 major areas: Environment, Social and Human Rights, Business Ethics and Responsible Purchasing.

Results of EcoVadis Evaluations
Number of Supplies Assessed91
Average Score (overall score)68.1/100
Environment Score71.5/100
Social and Human Rights Score67.8/100
Business Ethics Score61.4/100
Responsible Purchasing Score66.2/100

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Social- Positive Contribution Through Impactful Philanthropy

Plastic pollution is a major issue. The oceans are its first victims and taking concrete action to protect them is a cause that Interparfums SA defends. With this in mind, we have decided to support The Sea Cleaners, a charity founded by yachtsman Yvan Bourgnon. The charity's mission is to help clean up the oceans by deploying boats to collect and recycle plastic waste. Awareness-raising campaigns are also run for the general public to bring about lasting changes in behavior.

Since 2018, through the Givaudan Foundation, Interparfums SA has helped seven schools manage their libraries. In 2022, the school library installation program continued in Sulawesi with the opening of 2 new libraries in Mamuju (West Sulawesi). A total of more than 5,000 books were delivered to 1,163 children and 95 schoolteachers. Interparfums SA renewed this partnership for 2023.

Caring Employer Committed to Everyone's Success

With a management style that is very family oriented and close to employees, everyone is free to share their ideas while respecting Interparfums SA’s values. Management attaches the utmost importance to ensuring that everyone understands and supports Interparfums SA’s strategy.

Regular briefings on business developments keep employees up to date with management and market expectations. The flexibility of the organization, which is essentially made up of small teams, means that it can constantly adapt to any changes or developments in the external environment.

Sharing the "Interparfums SA spirit" also means that all employees adhere to and are aware of the Company's ethical values, as well as ensuring that employees feel fulfilled at work and respect good working conditions. This ethical commitment has been formalized in a charter called the "Code of Conduct," to which each employee adheres, and which particularly focuses on health, safety, discipline, risk prevention, harassment, respect for individual freedoms, sensitive transactions, fraud and business confidentiality. Diversity of profiles, cultures, ages and genders is a source of strength for our teams, the Company's greatest asset.

Since 2019, Interparfums SA has organized an annual disability awareness campaign. In 2022, employees had the opportunity to take part in a conference organized in partnership with the Café Joyeux Company, which employs people with disabilities, mainly with Down's syndrome or autism. Thanks to these discussions and testimonials, employees were able to talk about any obstacles they might face and share their visions and experiences.

Thanks to these awareness-raising campaigns and local support from the Human Resources teams, three employees have been recognized as disabled workers via the RQTH (Recognition as a Worker with a Disability).

The quality of the work carried out by the teams is enhanced throughout the careers of our employees through training courses in order to maintain a high level of competence in all business categories. To this end, Interparfums SA offers all its employees development plans enabling them to broaden their technical, managerial and personal skills.

Our employees, who work mainly in the offices at our Paris headquarters, enjoy excellent working conditions. In 2022, the premises were transferred to a single site on rue de Solférino, in a building renovated to the latest standards in terms of user comfort. Smart systems mean everyone can manage their own lighting and ventilation. The site is easily accessible by public transport, and its car park has bicycle spaces and two vehicle charging points.

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In addition, as part of the drive to prevent psychosocial risks, a counseling and psychological support service is available to employees via a dedicated toll-free number, in partnership with the Institut d'Accompagnement Permanent Psychologique et de Ressources (“IAPR”).

The CSR Executive Committee has therefore decided to set up a dedicated internal interactive platform: Work for Good. Work for Good is a socially responsible platform which, with just a few clicks of the mouse, aims to raise awareness among employees and encourage them to think about their consumption habits, both at work and at home and also think about how our professions need to change.

The platform also provides year-round information on Interparfums’ strategy. A number of modules will also be dedicated to understanding climate change. And for those who want it, turnkey training courses on environmental and social issues along with simple solutions that are easy to integrate into everyday life.

Governance

Interparfums SA adheres to the Middlenext corporate governance code and in this context is developing its governance in line with the ESG issues identified in its materiality matrix above. Since its listing on the Paris stock exchange, Interparfums SA has made every effort to be as transparent as possible by regularly explaining its strategy, outlook and concerns, and by answering all its shareholders' questions to the best of its ability.

In 2022, we set up an Individual Shareholders’ Consultative Committee to strengthen our communication and respond more effectively to the legitimate expectations of our shareholders. In 2023, the members of the Board of Directors attended information-sharing sessions designed to help them anticipate future regulations, particularly in terms of climate change, business ethics and the fight against corruption and forced labor. At the 2023 Annual General Meeting, new Directors were appointed to achieve double parity, with the Board of Directors now made up of 50% independent directors and 50% women.

Interparfums SA does not engage in any lobbying activities. Interparfums SA is a member of Middlenext to ensure that management is informed and trained in new regulations.

Ethics

The business ethics charter formalized in 2022 was sent in the second half-year to supply chain suppliers via the Provigis platform. This will enable us to guarantee suppliers' regulatory compliance and monitor the electronic signature system that will be put in place for the ethics charter. Other suppliers and partners will also be involved. In addition to distributing the ethics charter, we have decided to provide anti-corruption training for all our employees. Employees who are most exposed to risk will benefit from a special, tailor-made training day led by an expert.

Marketing and Distribution

Our products are distributed in over 100120 countries around the world through a selective distribution network. For our international distribution, we either contract with independent distribution companies specializing in luxury goods or distribute prestige products through our distribution subsidiaries. In each country, we designate anywhere from one to three distributors on an exclusive basis for one or more of our name brands. We also distribute our products through a variety of duty free operators, such as airports and airlines, and select vacation destinations.


As our business is a global one, we intend to continue to build our global distribution footprint. For the distribution of brands within our European based operations, we operate through our distribution subsidiaries or divisions in the major markets of the United States, France, Italy and Spain, in addition to our arrangements with third party distributors globally. Our third party distributors vary in size depending on the number of competing brands they represent. This extensive and diverse network together with our own distribution subsidiaries provides us with a significant presence in over 100120 countries around the world.

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Almost 45%

Over 50% of our European based prestige fragrance net sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. We primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. 

The business of our European based operations has become increasingly seasonal due to the timing of shipments by our majority-owned distribution subsidiaries and divisions to their customers, which are weighted to the second half of the year.

For our United States operations, we distribute productproducts to retailers and distributors in the United States as well as internationally, including duty free and other travel-related retailers. We also utilize our in-house sales team to reach our third party distributors and customers outside the United States. In addition, the business of our United States operations has become increasingly seasonal as shipments are weighted toward the second half of the year.

Geographic Areas

United States export sales were approximately $71.4 million, $77.5 million and $66.3 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Consolidated net sales to customers by region are as follows:

(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
North America $176,900  $149,000  $125,700 
Europe  214,800   194,700   170,600 
Central and South America  51,200   44,000   41,100 
Middle East  50,500   41,600   41,900 
Asia  88,000   81,300   78,200 
Other  9,900   10,500   11,000 
             
  $591,300  $521,100  $468,500 


Consolidated net sales to customers in major countries are as follows:

(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
United States $173,000  $144,000  $122,000 
United Kingdom $33,000  $31,000  $32,000 
France $44,000  $47,000  $34,000 

Competition

The market for prestige fragrance products is highly competitive and sensitive to changing preferences and demands. The prestige fragrance industry is highly concentrated around certain major players with resources far greater than ours. We compete with an original strategy, regular and methodical development of quality fragrances for a growing portfolio of internationally renowned brand names.

Inventory

We purchase raw materials and component parts from suppliers based on internal estimates of anticipated need for finished goods, which enables us to meet production requirements for finished goods. We generally deliver productship products to customers within 72 hours of the receipt of their orders. Our business is not capital intensive, and it is important to note that we do not own manufacturing facilities. We act as a general contractor and source our needed components from our suppliers. These components are received at one of our distribution centers and then, based upon production needs, the components are sent to one of several third party fillers or directly to one of those third party fillers, which manufacture the finished productproducts for us and then deliver them to one of our distribution centers.

Product Liability

Our United States operations maintain product liability coverage in an amount of $10.0 million, and our European based operations maintain product liability coverage in an amount of €20.0€14.7 million (approximately $24.0$16.2 million). Based upon our experience, we believe this coverage is adequate and covers substantially all of the exposure we may have with respect to our products. We have never been the subject of any material product liability claims.  

Government Regulation

A fragrance is defined as a “cosmetic” underUnder the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act. ACosmetic Act, fragrance products are regulated as cosmetics, and fragrances include, but are not limited to, perfumes, colognes, fragrance mists, body sprays and aftershave. They must comply withmeet the labelingsame requirements for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. Compliance required of this FDC Actfragrance ingredients include being safe for consumers when they are used according to labeled directions or as well asconsumers customarily use them.

Under the Fair Packaging and LabelingLabelling Act, companies and its regulations. Some of our color cosmeticindividuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have the legal responsibility to ensure the products may contain mentholare safe and are also classified as a “drug”. Under U.S. law, a product may be classified as both a cosmetic and a drug. Additional regulatory requirements for products which are “drugs” include additional labeling requirements, registration of the manufacturer and the semi-annual update of a drug list. In addition, various jurisdictions prohibit the use of certain ingredients in fragrances and cosmetics.


Our fragrances are subjectlabelled according to the approval of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as a result of the use of specially denatured alcohol. So far we have not experienced any difficulties in obtaining the required approvals.Act.

Our fragrance products that are manufactured or soldand marketed in Europe are also regulated as cosmetics and subject to certain regulatory requirementsEU Regulation 1223/2009, and after Brexit, the United Kingdom regulation of The UK Schedule 34 to the European Union, such as Cosmetic Directive 76/768/CEEProduct Safety and Metrology Regulation number 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, but as2019. As of the date of this report, we have not experienced any material difficultiesInterparfums products are in complyingcompliance with such requirements.these regulations.

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Trademarks

The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the value associated with our trademarks and brand names. We have licenses or other rights to use, or own, the material trademark and brand name rights used in connection with the packaging, marketing and distribution of our major products both in the United States and in other countries where such products are principally sold. Therefore, trademark and brand name protection isare important to our business. Although most of the brand names we license, use or own are registered in the United States and in certain foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or brand name protection. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The costs required to protect our trademarks and brand names may be substantial.

Under various licenselicenses and other agreements, we have the right to use certain registered trademarks throughout the world (except as otherwise noted) for fragrance products. These registered trademarks include:

Abercrombie & Fitch
Agent Provocateur
Anna Sui
bebe
Boucheron
Coach
Dunhill
French Connection
Guess(effective April 1, 2018)
Hollister
Jimmy Choo
Jordache
Karl Lagerfeld
Montblanc
Anna Sui
Boucheron
Coach
Donna Karan and DKNY
Dunhill (license expired September 30, 2023, sell off period until September 30, 2024)
Emanuel Ungaro
Ferragamo
French Connection
Graff
GUESS
Hollister
Jimmy Choo
Kate Spade
Karl Lagerfeld
Lacoste
MCM
Moncler
Montblanc
Oscar de la Renta
Paul Smith
RepettoRoberto Cavalli
S.T. Dupont
Van Cleef & Arpels


In addition, we are the registered trademark owner of several trademarks for fragrance and beauty products, including:

Rochas
Lanvin
Intimate
Lanvin
Intimate
AzizaTristar

Employees

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Equity Investments

In June 2020, the Company and Divabox, owner of the Origines-parfums e-commerce platform for beauty products, signed a strategic agreement and equity investment pursuant to which we acquired 25% of Divabox capital for $14 million through a capital increase.

Human Capital

General

As of March 1, 2018,December 31, 2023, we had 355607 full-time employees worldwide. Of these, 266334 are full-time employees of our European based operations and its subsidiaries, with 10990 employees engaged in sales activities and 157244 in administrative, production and marketing activities. Our United States based operations have 89has 273 full-time employees, and of these, 13 were85 are engaged in sales activities and 76188 in administrative, production and marketing activities. WeOther than for the employees of Interparfums Italia Srl, we do not have collective bargaining agreements relating to any of our employees, and we believe the collective bargaining agreement for our employees of Interparfums Italia Srl will not have a material adverse effect on our operations.

At Interparfums, we strongly believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace free from discrimination of any kind, including sexual or other discriminatory harassment, an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to reveal their authentic selves. This approach to diversity includes diversity of gender, ethnicity, ability, background, gender identity, and sexual orientation and is recognized at the leadership level and throughout our whole organization.

Goals for our employees Company-wide are:

-// cultivating a culture that promotes our values of entrepreneurship, commitment, creativity and passion;

-//  developing a respectful and inclusive work environment;

-//  developing team spirit and cross-functional collaboration;

-//  ensuring equal opportunity employment;

-//  empowering employees to develop their skills and grow their career;

-//  maintaining a high level of expertise;

-//  maintaining a proper balance between professional and private life;

-//  promoting dialogue between employees and management;

-//  offering quality of working conditions;

-//  preserving the health and safety of all.

United States Based Operations

Our employees are one of our most valuable assets, and fostering long-term relationships is beneficial to the continuity of our business. After experience and expertise in the respective fields of employment, we look for dedication and loyalty among our employees, as we believe having a long-standing workforce benefits our company. All of our executive officers have been with us for a long time (other than our CFO and our head of HR who joined our Company in 2022), and we also have several senior members of staff with years of experience at Interparfums. These experienced executives and employees believe that our relationshipcompany and their co-workers are an extended family and share the same values of entrepreneurship, commitment, creativity and passion. Their efforts and dedication are what allow our company to prosper.

Every year, Interparfums organizes two seminars over several days for all its global employees. This seminar provides an opportunity to present all the company’s brands, products and marketing strategies.

In Italy, an onboarding process is deployed including a welcome day with training on the company’s history and values, meeting with all teams and dinner with the new employee’s team. We also have an onboarding program in the US, which includes a two-day newcomers’ seminar, twice a year where new hires learn more about our Company, our vision, our brands, our teams, our ways of working and have team building activities.

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The safety of our employees is good.of paramount importance to us. In the early stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic we experienced brief closures at all of our locations and adapted to working remotely. Upon reopening, we implemented prevention protocols to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our workplaces. These protocols, which remained in place until June 2023, are in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and state requirements. In Italy, the application of COVID-19 anti-contagion measures and protocol are followed and as required by the law, we provide occupational health and safety training.

Compensation and Benefits

We aim to provide an increasingly attractive employment package at our United States operations, this includes a comprehensive benefits package (including Medical, Dental, Vision, basic and voluntary Life Insurance, AD&D Short-term and Long-Term Disability and 401K program (plus company match after 1 year of service, 50% of employee contribution, capped at 3%) parental leave and commuter benefits).

We also allow Friday remote working arrangements for our employees, have shorter hours on Fridays during the summer months, and have made available food choices for purchase in our lunchroom in New York from the “Fraîche” fridge.

For the Italian operations, some of the benefits are required by law, such as health insurance for employees and family coverage, supplementary voluntary severance scheme, parental leave, study leave and paid time off.

A welfare plan is provided for employees in Italy, consisting of €500 per year, that each employee can use through a dedicated platform that comprises a broad range of benefits and services (Transport and mobility, education, health, culture and leisure time, supplementary pension and fringe benefit). Ten paid hours per year are allocated for medical appointments. Luncheon vouchers worth €8 per day worked are given to cover lunch expenses. Depending on the position in question, specific categories of employees are entitled to a company mobile phone and unlimited internet access.

In Italy, we also implemented remote working two days per week and flexible working hours (different start and end times for employee’s workday).

Performance Evaluation System

Performance management was introduced in 2022. It is designed mainly to drive individual performance and organizational effectiveness by aligning individual and company objectives and to set clear, fair and transparent expectations for success. Enabling and empowering all employees to develop their skills and be in line with professional advancement possibilities is an integral part of this process. Finally, the aim is to promote ongoing opportunities for employees and managers to exchange feedback on performance, milestones, development, and build stronger work relationships.

The process begins in January with goal setting and development planning. Two check-ins are scheduled over the course of the year. In November-December, an end-of-year review is carried out for performance assessment. The latter represents a key step in the career management of all our employees as it covers four main objectives:

// provides an accurate evaluation on employee’s progress and performance against annual goals;

// evaluates strengths and opportunity areas;

// enables self-reflection;

// rates overall performance.

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Employee Engagement

During Q3 of 2022, we conducted a Companywide Engagement Survey as we want to hear everyone’s voice and understand their expectations. We want to build a culture where all our employees feel included, engaged, and motivated – a workplace where they can bring their best to make things happen and achieve our collective goals. Based on the survey’s feedback, we implemented various People & Talent programs with a focus on onboarding, talent management, performance, learning, internal communications, and company culture. Some examples include more enhanced benefits, our Performance Management Program, LinkedIn Learning, our toolkit for new hires, Employee Anniversary Rewards and community events.

To nurture employee engagement, we hold quarterly presentations with all employees presenting Company results, function updates, celebrate successes and open the floor to Q&As.

In Italy, community and team building events are organized to actively promote and strengthen the sense of belonging (Interparfums Italia’s birthday, Christmas and Easter dinners). The offices have been refurbished with a dining room for socializing and relaxing over complimentary coffee, tea and cookies. At Easter and Christmas, associations benefited from philanthropic funding by purchasing chocolate eggs (for AIL - Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma) and Christmas cards and gift baskets (for ANT - Home Medical Care for Cancer Patients).

European Based Operations

Interparfums SA’s employees constitute its most important contributor for creating value. For that reason, their professional fulfillment and motivation are indispensable drivers for our development.

With a family-style management culture that is close to its employees, everyone is free to share their ideas in a manner that respects the Company’s values. Management attaches great importance to ensuring that each employee fully understands and supports Interparfums SA’s strategy.

Through regular information meetings on business developments and trends, employees are kept up-to-date on expectations of management and the market. The organization’s flexibility, largely made up of small teams, facilitates its continuous adaptation to all changes or evolving external conditions.

This sharing of the “Interparfums” spirit also entails a commitment to and understanding of its ethical values by each employee, the fulfillment of employees at work and compliance with good working conditions. This ethical commitment is formalized by a “Code of Good Conduct” to which each employee subscribes, and that is focused in particular on health, safety, discipline, risk management, preventing harassment, respecting individual freedoms, sensitive transactions, fraud and business confidentiality.

In 2017, Interparfums SA adopted a Charter relating to the right to disconnect from digital devices that was accepted by each employee.

Every two to three years, Interparfums SA organizes a seminar over several days for all its distributors from throughout the world. This seminar provides an opportunity to present all the Company’s brands and products, meet with all distributors and involve them in Interparfums SA’s development while giving the distributors an opportunity to meet with staff with whom they work closely on a daily basis.

The Human Resources Department pays particular attention to ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination for each recruitment. Only skills, experience, qualifications and the personality of the candidates are taken into account in the selection process for new employees. This diversity in terms of profiles, culture, age and gender constitutes a decisive strength of its teams, the Company’s most important asset.

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Women account for 74% of Interparfums SA’s workforce and 60% of management positions are occupied by women in 2023.

Since 2019, Interparfums SA has organized an annual disability awareness raising campaign. In 2021, employees were given an opportunity to participate in a role-playing workshop designed to give them a first-hand perspective of a person with a disability (hearing, visual, psychological, motor). Thanks to these opportunities for exchange, employees were able to talk about their possible impediments and share their views and experiences.

Through these awareness-raising campaigns and local support from the Human Resources teams, two employees were accorded the status of employees with disabilities through a specific procedure available in France for that purpose (Reconnaissance de la Qualité de Travailleur Handicapé or RQTH).

Interparfums SA also participates indirectly in promoting the employment of persons with disabilities and combating exclusion discrimination. The Company has chosen to use a sheltered work enterprise to package its perfume boxes and a global communications agency called “Les Papillons de Jour” to organize the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities (“EWPD”).

In addition, Interparfums SA has adopted action plans promoting the employment of seniors and equal opportunity between men and women.

Compensation and wage increases

Interparfums SA has a compensation policy as well as a system of job classifications and performance evaluations applied to all employees. These procedures guarantee the principle of fairness as well as equal treatment of men and women employees. All employees benefit from a combination of fixed and variable incentive compensation benefits linked to Interparfums SA’s performance.

Profit-sharing

As required by French law, Interparfums SA maintains a statutory employee profit-sharing agreement, which represents an important component of compensation and motivation for all staff and reviewed every year.

Savings plan and pension plan

All employees of Interparfums SA benefit from a company savings plan which proposes several types of funds corresponding to the specific projects of each. Since 2017, it has adapted its plan by proposing an Interparfums stock ownership fund allowing employees to take advantage of the growth of Interparfums’ shares under favorable tax conditions. The amounts employees pay into this fund are supplemented by an important contribution from the Company.

In addition, a group retirement savings plan (Plan d’Epargne Retraite Collectif or “PERCOL”) is available to employees as a vehicle for preparing for their retirement and to which the Company contributes significantly. Employees also can transfer a portion of their unused annual vacation days into the Interparfums SA retirement savings plan.

Supplemental defined contribution retirement plan contract (Article 83)

Management employees benefit from a supplemental defined-contribution retirement plan. Participation in this plan is mandatory. This individual plan is funded by monthly employee and employer contributions, with the breakdown of these latter contributions freely determined. Interparfums SA has decided to assist its employees in financing this supplemental retirement benefit, by assuming an important percentage of these contributions itself.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider these material risk factors before you decide to purchase or sell shares of our common stock. These factors could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements made by us. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Fragrance Business, Brand Names and Intellectual Property

We are dependent upon the continuation and renewal of various licenses and other agreements for a significant portion of our sales, and the loss of one or more licenses or agreements could have a material adverse effect on us.

All of our rights relating to prestige fragrance brands, other than Lanvin and Rochas, are derived from licenses or other agreements from unaffiliated third parties, and our business is dependent upon the continuation and renewal of such licenses and other agreements on terms favorable to us. Each license or agreement is for a specific term and may have additional optional terms. Generally, each license is subject to us making required royalty payments (which are subject to certain minimums), minimum advertising and promotional expenditures and meeting minimum sales requirements. Other agreements are generally subject to meeting minimum sales requirements. Just as the loss of a license or other significant agreement may have a material adverse effect on us, a renewal on less favorable terms may also negatively impact us.

OurIf we are unable to acquire or license additional brands or obtain the required financing for these agreements and arrangements, then the growth of our business could be adversely affected by a prolonged downturnimpaired.

Our future expansion through acquisitions or recession innew product license or distribution arrangements, if any, will depend upon the United States, Europecapital resources and working capital available to us. Further, we may be unable to obtain financing or credit that we may require for additional licenses, acquisitions or other countriestransactions. We may be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, financing and consummating such acquisitions or arrangements on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which we conduct business.

A prolonged economic downturn or recession in the United States, Europe, China or any of the other countries in which we do significant business could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, such a downturn or recession could adversely impact (i) the level of spending by our ultimate consumers, (ii)hinder our ability to collect accounts receivable on a timely basis from certain customers, (iii)increase revenues and build our ability of certain suppliers to fill our orders for raw materials, packaging or co-packed finished goods on a timely basis, and (iv)business. Just as the mix of our product sales.


Consumers may reduce discretionary purchases of our products as a resultloss of a general economic downturn.

We believe that a high degree of global economic uncertainty couldlicense or other significant agreement may have a negativematerial adverse effect on consumer confidence, demand and spending. In addition, we believeus, our failure to acquire rights to new brands may also negatively impact us.

We may engage in future acquisitions that consumer spending on beauty products is influenced by general economic conditions and the availability of discretionary income. Accordingly, we may experience sustained periodsnot be able to successfully integrate or manage. These acquisitions may dilute our stockholders and cause us to incur debt and assume contingent liabilities.

We continuously review acquisition prospects that would complement our current product offerings, increase our size and geographic scope of declines in sales during periodsoperations or otherwise offer growth and operating efficiency opportunities. The financing, if available, for any of economic downturn as it may affect consumer purchasing patterns. In addition, a general economic downturn maythese acquisitions could significantly dilute our stockholders and/or result in reduced traffican increase in our customers’ stores whichindebtedness. We may acquire or make investments in turn, resultbusinesses or products in reduced net salesthe future, and such acquisitions may entail numerous integration risks and impose costs on us, including:

difficulties in assimilating acquired operations or products, including the loss of key employees from acquired businesses;

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diversion of management’s attention from our core business;
adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;
risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited prior experience;
dilutive issuances of equity securities;
incurrence of substantial debt;
assumption of contingent liabilities;
incurrence of significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets and the potential impairment of acquired assets; and
incurrence of significant immediate write-offs.

Our failure to our retail store customers. Any resulting material reduction in our salessuccessfully complete the integration of any acquired business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

UncertaintiesJoint arrangements or strategic alliances in geographic markets in which we have limited, or no prior experience may expose us to additional risks.

We review, and deteriorationfrom time to time may establish, arrangements and strategic alliances that we believe would complement our current product offerings, increase the size and geographic scope of our operations or otherwise offer growth and operating efficiency opportunities. These business relationships may require us to rely on the local expertise of our partners with respect to market development, sales, local regulatory compliance and other matters. Further, there may be challenges with ensuring that such arrangements or strategic alliances implement the appropriate internal controls to ensure compliance with the various laws and regulations applicable to us as a U.S. public company. Accordingly, in global credit markets,addition to commercial and operational risk, these arrangements and strategic alliances may entail risks such as evidenced by previous reductionsreputational risk and regulatory compliance risk. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable alliances or candidates, that we will be able to consummate any such alliances or arrangements on favorable terms, or that we will realize the anticipated benefits of entering into any such alliances or arrangements.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, specifically trademarks and brand names, our ability to compete could be negatively impacted.

The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the value associated with trademarks and brand names that we license, use or own. We have licenses or other rights to use or own the material trademark and brand name rights in sovereign credit ratingsconnection with the packaging, marketing and distribution of our major products both in the United States and Europe, could negatively impact suppliers, customersin other countries where such products are principally sold. Therefore, trademark and consumers, which could have an adverse impact onbrand name protection are important to our business as a whole.

Uncertainties and deterioration inbusiness. Although most of the global credit markets as evidenced by previous reductions in sovereign credit ratingsbrand names we license, use or own are registered in the United States and Europe, could negatively impactin certain foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or brand name protection. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our suppliers, customersintellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The costs required to protect our trademarks and consumers which, in turn, could have an adverse impact on our business. While thus far, uncertainties in global credit markets have not significantly affected our access to credit due to our strong credit rating, a further deterioration in global financial markets could make future financing difficult or more expensive. Such lack of credit or lack of credit on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.brand names may be substantial.


IfIf our intangible assets, such as trademarks and licenses, become impaired, we may be required to record a significant non-cash charge to earnings which would negatively impact our results of operations.

Under United States generally accepted accounting principles, we review our intangible assets, including our trademarks and licenses, for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of our intangible assets may not be fully recoverable. The carrying value of our intangible assets may not be recoverable due to factors such as reduced estimates of future cash flows, including those associated with the specific brands to which intangibles relate, or slower growth rates in our industry. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a long-term financial outlook of our operations and the specific brands to which the intangible assets relate. However, actual performance in the near-term or long-term could be materially different from these forecasts, which could impact future estimates and the recorded value of the intangibles. Any significant impairment to our intangible assets would result in a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which the impairment is determined to exist.


If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, specifically trademarks and brand names, our ability to compete could be negatively impacted.

The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the value associated with trademarks and brand names that we license, use or own. We have licenses or other rights to use, or own the material trademark and brand name rights in connection with the packaging, marketing and distribution of our major products both in the United States and in other countries where such products are principally sold. Therefore, trademark and brand name protection is important to our business. Although most of the brand names we license, use or own are registered in the United States and in certain foreign countries in which we operate, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or brand name protection. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The costs required to protect our trademarks and brand names may be substantial.

The illegal distribution and sale by third parties of counterfeit versions of the Company’s products or the unauthorized diversion by third parties of the Company’s products could have an adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and a negative impact on the Company’s reputation and business.

Third parties may illegally distribute and sell counterfeit versions of the Company’s products. These counterfeit products may be inferior in terms of quality and other characteristics compared to the Company’s authentic products and/or the counterfeit products could pose safety risks that the Company’s authentic products would not otherwise present to consumers. Consumers could confuse counterfeit products with the Company’s authentic products, which could damage or diminish the image, reputation and/or value of the Company’s brands and cause consumers to refrain from purchasing the Company’s products in the future, whichfuture. In addition, the sale of the Company’s prestige products through non-authorized “grey market” channels could damage or diminish the image, reputation and/or value of the Company’s brands and could adversely affect the Company’s revenues and have a negative impact on the Company’s reputation.

Our success depends on our ability to operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights and proprietary rights of other parties.

Our commercial success depends at least in part on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights and other proprietary rights of others. However, we cannot be certain that the conduct of our business does not and will not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate such rights. Many companies have employed intellectual property litigation as a way to gain a competitive advantage, and to the extent we gain greater visibility and market exposure, we may also face a greater risk of being the subject of such litigation. For these and other reasons, third parties may allege that our products, services or activities infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate their trademark, patent, copyright or other proprietary rights. Defending against allegations and litigation could be expensive, take significant time, divert management’s attention from other business concerns, and delay getting our products to market. In addition, if we are found to be infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating third party trademark, patent, copyright or other proprietary rights, we may need to obtain a license, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or redesign or rebrand our products, which may not be possible. We may also be required to pay substantial damages or be subject to a court order prohibiting us and our customers from selling certain products or engaging in certain activities. Our inability to operate our business without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the trademarks, patents, copyrights and proprietary rights of others could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The success of our products is dependent on public taste.

COVID-19 or New Pandemic and Economic Downturn

 

Our revenues are substantially dependent onAlthough we weathered the success of our products, which depends upon, among other matters, pronouncedCOVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing public tastes, factors which are difficultits effects to predict and over which we have little,date, if this pandemic reemerges or another pandemic emerges, any control. In addition, we have to develop successful marketing, promotional and sales programs in order to sell our fragrances and fragrance related products. If we are not able to develop successful marketing, promotional and sales programs, then such failure willpandemic may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and operating results.cash flows.

We are subjectThe public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, its variants and the measures being taken by governments, businesses, including us, our suppliers, our distributors, retailers and the public, to extreme competition in the fragrance industry.

The market for fragrance products is highly competitive and sensitive to changing market preferences and demands. Manylimit COVID-19’s spread, previously had certain negative impacts on our business. Any reemergence of our competitors in this market are larger than we are andCOVID-19, or a new pandemic, could have greater financial resources than are available to us, potentially allowing them greater operational flexibility. Our success in the prestige fragrance industry is dependent upon our ability to continue to generate original strategies and develop quality products that are in accord with ongoing changes in the market.

If there is insufficient demand for our existing fragrance products, or if we do not develop future strategies and products that withstand competition or we are unsuccessful in competing on price terms, then we could experience a material adverse effectcertain negative impacts on our business, financial condition and operating results.including but not limited to, the following:

If we are unable to acquire or license additional brands, or obtain the required financing for these agreements and arrangements, then the growth of our business could be impaired.

Our future expansion through acquisitions or new product license or distribution arrangements, if any, will depend upon the capital resources and working capital available to us. Further, we may be unable to obtain financing or credit that we may require for additional licenses, acquisitions or other transactions. We may be unsuccessful in identifying, negotiating, financing and consummating such acquisitions or arrangements on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could hinder our ability to increase revenues and build our business. Just as the loss of a license or other significant agreement may have a material adverse effect on us, our failure to acquire rights to new brands may also negatively impact us.


We may engage in future acquisitions that we may not be able to successfully integrate or manage. These acquisitions may dilute our stockholders and cause us to incur debt and assume contingent liabilities.

We continuously review acquisition prospects that would complement our current product offerings, increase our size and geographic scope of operations or otherwise offer growth and operating efficiency opportunities. The financing, if available, for any of these acquisitions could significantly dilute our stockholders and/or result in an increase in our indebtedness. We may acquire or make investments in businesses or products in the future, and such acquisitions may entail numerous integration risks and impose costs on us, including:

difficultiesDeteriorating economic and political conditions in assimilating acquired operationscertain of our major markets affected by such pandemic, such as increased unemployment, decreases in disposable income, declines in consumer confidence, or products, including the loss of key employees from acquired businesseseconomic slowdowns could cause a decrease in demand for our products.
diversionWe may be required to record significant impairment charges with respect to noncurrent assets, including trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets whose fair values may be negatively affected by the effects of management’s attention fromre-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic or emergence of a new pandemic on our core businessoperations.
adverse effectsConsiderable uncertainty remains regarding the potential re-emergence of COVID-19 variants, or emergence of new a new pandemic, including potential reinstatement of measures by various authorities and others in response to any such re-emergence or new pandemic emergence. As we continue to monitor potential COVID-19 variant or new pandemic developments, including the impacts on existingour consumers, customers and suppliers, we will take further measures as necessary to protect our business relationships with suppliers and customersour employees. Some of the actions we take could adversely impact our business, and there is no certainty that our actions will be sufficient to mitigate the risks and the impacts of a re-emergence of COVID-19 variants or new pandemic.
risksActions we may take, or decisions on potential actions that we did not take, as a consequence of entering marketsa resurgence of a COVID-19 variant pandemic or new pandemic emergence may result in which we have noclaims or limited prior experiencelitigation against us.
dilutive issuances of equity securities
incurrence of substantial debt
assumption of contingent liabilities
incurrence of significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets and the potential impairment of acquired assets and
incurrence of significant immediate write-offs.

The extent and potential short and long-term impact of a re-emergence of COVID-19 variants any other pandemic on the Company’s operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, our customers’ willingness to travel and purchase our products, and the impact on our supply chain and the financial markets, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Our failure

Consumers may reduce discretionary purchases of our products as a result of a general economic downturn.

We believe that a high degree of global economic uncertainty could have a further negative effect on consumer confidence, demand and spending. In addition, we believe that consumer spending on beauty products is influenced by general economic conditions and the availability of discretionary income. Accordingly, we may experience sustained periods of declines in sales during periods of economic downturn as it may affect consumer purchasing patterns. In addition, a further general economic downturn may result in further reduced traffic in our customers’ stores which may, in turn, result in reduced net sales to successfully complete the integration of any acquired businessour retail store customers. Any further material reduction in our sales could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

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Global Operations

 

Joint arrangements or strategic alliancesWe are subject to risks related to our foreign operations, and a disruption in geographic markets in which we have limited or no prior experience may expose us to additional risks.

We review, and from time to time may establish, arrangements and strategic alliances that we believe would complement our current product offerings, increase the size and geographic scope of our operations or otherwise offer growthsupply chain could adversely affect our business and operating efficiency opportunities. These business relationships may require us to relyfinancial results.

We operate on the local expertisea global basis, with a substantial portion of our partners with respect to market development,net sales local regulatory compliance and other matters. Further, there may be challenges with ensuringnet income generated outside the United States, and we anticipate for the foreseeable future that such arrangements or strategic alliances implement the appropriate internal controls to ensure compliance with the various lawsa substantial portion of our net sales and regulations applicable to us as a U.S. public company. Accordingly, in addition to commercial and operational risk, these arrangements and strategic alliances may entail risks such as reputational risk and regulatory compliance risk. In addition, there can be no assurance that wenet income will be ablegenerated outside the United States. A substantial portion of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments that result from these earnings remain outside the United States. As a company engaged in manufacturing and distribution on a global scale, we are subject to identify suitable alliance or candidates, that we will be able to consummate any such alliances or arrangements on favorable terms, or that we will realize the anticipated benefits of entering into any such alliances or arrangements.many risks and uncertainties, including:


We are dependent upon Messrs. Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin, the loss of their services could harm our business

changes in foreign laws, regulations and policies, including restrictions on trade, import and export license requirements, and tariffs and taxes, as well as changes in United States laws and regulations relating to foreign trade and investment; and
industrial accidents, environmental events, strikes and other labor disputes, disruptions in supply chain or information technology, loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites or suppliers, product quality control, safety, as well as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, social, economic and geopolitical conditions, such as terrorist attacks, war or other military action and other external factors over which we have no control.

 

Jean Madar, our Chief Executive Officer, and Philippe Benacin, our President and Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA, are responsible for day-to-day operations as well as major decisions. Termination of their relationships with us, whether through death, incapacity or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we cannot assure you that qualified replacements can be found.

Our reliance on third party manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on us.

We rely on outside sources to manufacture our fragrances and cosmetics. The failure of such third party manufacturers to deliver either compliant, quality components or finished goods on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we believe there are alternate manufacturers available to supply our requirements, we cannot assure you that current or alternative sources will be able to supply all of our demands on a timely basis. We do not intend to develop our own manufacturing capacity. As these are third parties over whom we have little or no control, the failure of such third parties to provide components or finished goods on a timely basisThese risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition and operating results.condition.

Our reliance on third party distributors could have a material adverse effect on us.

We sell a substantial percentage of our prestige fragrances through independent distributors specializing in luxury goods. Given the growing importance of distribution, we have modified our distribution model by owning a controlling interest in certain of our distributors within key markets. However, we have little or no control over third party distributors and the failure of such third parties to provide services on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, if we replace existing third party distributors with new third party distributors or with our own distribution arrangements, then transition issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Terrorist attacks, acts of war or military actions, other civil unrest or natural disasters may adversely affect territories in which we operate, and therefore affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Terrorist attacks such as those that have previously occurred in Paris, France where we have our European headquarters, amongst other locations, and attempted terrorist attacks, military responses to terrorist attacks, other military actions, or governmental action in response to or in anticipation of a terrorist attack, or civil unrest as occurring in the Middle East, the Ukraine and Africa or natural disaster,disasters, may adversely affect prevailing economic conditions, resultingconditions. These events could result in work stoppages, reduced consumer spending or reduced demand for our products. These developments subject our worldwide operations to increased risks and, depending on their magnitude, could reduce net sales and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.


The loss of or disruption in our distribution facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

We currently have several distribution facilities in Europe, China and the United States. The loss of any of those facilities, as well as the inventory stored in those facilities, would require us to find replacement facilities and assets. In addition, acts of God, such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters and the like or terrorist attacks, could disrupt our distribution operations. If we cannot replace our distribution capacity and inventory in a timely, cost-efficient manner, then such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect our business could adversely affect our financial results.

Our business is subject to numerous laws, regulations and policies. Changes in the laws, regulations and policies, including the interpretation or enforcement thereof, that affect, or will affect, our business, including changes in accounting standards, tax laws and regulations, environmental or climate change laws, regulations or accords, trade rules and customs regulations, or increased cosmetics regulation, and the outcome and expense of legal or regulatory proceedings, and any action we may take as a result could adversely affect our financial results.

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products.

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products. If our products are found to be defective or unsafe, or if they otherwise fail to meet our consumers’ standards, then our relationships with customers or consumers could suffer, the appeal of one or more of our brands could be diminished, and we could lose sales and/or become subject to liability claims, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to risks related to our foreign operations.

We operate on a global basis, with a substantial portion of our net sales and net income generated outside the United States, and we anticipate for the foreseeable future that a substantial portion of our net sales and net income will be generated outside the United States. A substantial portion of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments that result from these earnings remain outside the United States. Foreign operations are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including:

●              changes in foreign laws, regulations and policies, including restrictions on trade, import and export license requirements, and tariffs and taxes, as well as changes in United States laws and regulations relating to foreign trade and investment; and


●             adverse weather conditions, social, economic and geopolitical conditions, such as terrorist attacks, war or other military action.

These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

The United Kingdom’s pending departure from the European Union could adversely impact our business and financial results.

In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum for the United Kingdom to exit the European Union (“Brexit”), the announcement of which resulted in significant but short-term currency exchange rate fluctuations and volatility in global stock markets. Given the lack of certainty and comparable precedent, the implications of Brexit or how such implications might affect the Company are unclear. Brexit could, among other things, disrupt trade and the free movement of goods, services and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union or other countries as well as create legal and global economic uncertainty. These and other potential implications of Brexit could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results.

Changes in foreign tax provisions, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our profitability and cash flows.

In addition to being subject to taxation in the United States, we are subject to income and other taxes in other foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes to our operating structure, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the discovery of new information in the course of our tax return preparation process. From time to time, tax proposals are introduced or considered by the United States Congress or the legislative bodies in foreign jurisdictions that could also affect our tax rate, the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, or our other tax liabilities. Our tax liabilities are also affected by the amounts we charge for inventory, services, licenses, funding, cross-jurisdictional transfer pricing, and other items in intercompany transactions. A negative determination or ultimate disposition in any tax audit, changes in tax laws or tax rates, or the ability to utilize our deferred tax assets could materially affect our tax provision, net income and cash flows in future periods.

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The international character of our business renders us subject to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates and international trade tariffs, barriers and other restrictions.

A substantial portion of our European based operations’ net sales (almost 45%(over 50%) are sold in U.S. dollars. In an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations, we engage in a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments for all major currencies with which we operate. Despite such actions, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for the U.S. dollar, particularly with respect to the euro, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Possible import, export, tariff and other trade barriers, which could be imposed by the United States, other countries or the European Union or other countries might also have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Changing political conditions could adversely impact our business and financial results.

Changes in the political conditions in markets in which we manufacture, sell or distribute our products may be difficult to predict and may adversely affect our business and financial results. In addition, results of elections, referendums or other political processes in certain markets in which our products are manufactured, sold or distributed could create uncertainty regarding how existing governmental policies, laws and regulations may change, including with respect to sanctions, taxes, the movement of goods, services, capital and people between countries and other matters. The potential implications of such uncertainty, which include, among others, exchange rate fluctuations, tariffs, trade barriers and market contraction, could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results.

The wars between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas could adversely impact our business and financial results.

The wars between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas have negatively impacted our operations to a limited degree to date. However, future impacts to our Company are difficult to predict due to the high level of uncertainty as to how these wars will evolve. Fuel supplies and supply chains increases, as well as retailers or consumers, could all be negatively impacted by these wars. Such negative impacts could have a material adverse effect on our net sales, earnings and cash flows.

Operational Risks

 

We are dependent upon Messrs. Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin, and the loss of their services could harm our business.

Jean Madar, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Philippe Benacin, our President, and Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA, are responsible for day-to-day operations as well as major decisions. Termination of their relationships with us, whether through death, incapacity or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we cannot assure you that qualified replacements can be found.

Our reliance on third party manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on us.

We rely on outside sources to manufacture our fragrances and cosmetics. The failure of such third party manufacturers to deliver either compliant, quality components or finished goods on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we believe there are alternate manufacturers available to supply our requirements, we cannot assure you that current or alternative sources will be able to supply all of our demands on a timely basis. We do not intend to develop our own manufacturing capacity. As these are third parties over whom we have little or no control, the failure of such third parties to provide components or finished goods on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.


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Our reliance on third party distributors could have a material adverse effect on us.

We sell a substantial percentage of our prestige fragrances through independent distributors specializing in luxury goods. Given the growing importance of distribution, we have modified our distribution model by owning a controlling interest in certain of our distributors within key markets. However, we have little or no control over third party distributors and the failure of such third parties to provide services on a timely basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, if we replace existing third party distributors with new third party distributors or with our own distribution arrangements, then transition issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Our business is subject to governmental regulation, which could impact our operations.

Fragrance products must comply with the labeling requirements ofUnder the Federal Food, Drug and CosmeticsCosmetic Act, fragrance products are regulated as wellcosmetics, and fragrances include perfumes, colognes and aftershave. They must meet the same requirements for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. Compliance required of fragrance ingredients include being safe for consumers when they are used according to labelled directions or as consumers customarily use them.

Under the Fair Packaging and LabelingLabelling Act, companies and their regulations. Some of our color cosmeticindividuals who manufacture or market cosmetics have the legal responsibility to ensure the products may also be classified as a “drug”. Additional regulatory requirements for products which are “drugs” include additional labeling requirements, registration of the manufacturersafe and the semi-annual update of a drug list. In addition, various jurisdictions prohibit the use of certain ingredients in fragrances and cosmetics.

Our fragrances are subjectlabelled according to the approval of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as a result of the use of specially denatured alcohol. So far, we have not experienced any difficulties in obtaining the required approvals.Act.

Our fragrance products that are manufactured or soldand marketed in Europe are also regulated as cosmetics and subject to certain regulatory requirementsEU Regulation 1223/2009, and after Brexit, the United Kingdom regulation of The UK Schedule 34 to the European Union, such as Cosmetic Directive 76/768/CEEProduct Safety and Metrology Regulation number 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, but as2019. As of the date of this report, we have not experienced any material difficultiesInterparfums products are in complyingcompliance with such requirements.these regulations.

However, we cannot assure you that, should we use proscribed ingredients in our fragrance products that we develop or market, or develop or market fragrance products with different ingredients, or should existing regulations or requirements be revised, we would not in the future experience difficulty in complying with such requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business could be negatively impacted by social impact and sustainability matters.

There continues to be an increased focus from certain investors, customers, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders concerning social impact and environmental matters. We are spending considerable time addressing social impact and sustainability matters, which are becoming more prominent issues for certain of our institutional shareholders. From time to time, we may announce certain initiatives, including goals and commitments, regarding environmental matters, packaging, responsible sourcing and corporate social responsibility. We could fail, or be perceived to fail, in our achievement of such initiatives, or in accurately reporting our progress on such initiatives. Such failures could be due to changes in distribution channels, new licenses or other acquisitions. Moreover, the standards by which corporate social responsibility is measured are developing and evolving, and certain areas are subject to assumptions that could change over time. In addition, we could be criticized for the scope of our initiatives or goals or perceived as not acting responsibly in connection with these matters. Any such matters could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business is subject to seasonal variability.

Our business is somewhat seasonal due to the timing of shipments to our customers, which are weighted to the second half of the year. Accordingly, our financial performance, sales, working capital requirements, cash flow and borrowings generally experience variability during the third and fourth quarters.

 41

Our business is subject to inflationary pressures.

Despite significant inflationary pressures that started during 2022 and continued into 2023 affecting many aspects of our business, especially increase component costs and shipping, we were able to offset the effects of inflation during 2022 by increasing the prices of our products. Although we believe inflation will continue to be a major factor in 2024, a further increase in sales prices, if necessary, should help to mitigate its impact to some degree. However, we may not be able to continue increasing our prices indefinitely without causing a reduction in the number of consumers with sufficient disposable income to buy our certain of our fragrance products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Fragrance Markets

 

The success of our products is dependent on public taste.

Our information systemsrevenues are substantially dependent on the success of our products, which depends upon, among other matters, pronounced and websites may be susceptiblerapidly changing public tastes, factors which are difficult to outages, hackingpredict and other risks.

Weover which we have information systems that supportlittle, if any, control. In addition, we have to develop successful marketing, promotional and sales programs in order to sell our fragrances and fragrance related products. If we are not able to develop successful marketing, promotional and sales programs, then such failure will have a material adverse effect on our business, processes, including product development, production, marketing, order processing, sales, distribution, financefinancial condition and intra-company communications. operating results.

We also have Internet websitesare subject to extreme competition in the United Statesfragrance industry.

The market for fragrance products is highly competitive and Europe. These systems may be susceptiblesensitive to outages duechanging market preferences and demands. Many of our competitors in this market are larger than we are and have greater financial resources than are available to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, hackingus, potentially allowing them greater operational flexibility. Our success in the prestige fragrance industry is dependent upon our ability to continue to generate original strategies and similar events. Despitedevelop quality products that are in accord with ongoing changes in the implementation of network security measures,market.

If there is insufficient demand for our systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses, hackingexisting fragrance products, or if we do not develop future strategies and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering. The occurrence of theseproducts that withstand competition or other eventsif we are unsuccessful in competing on price terms, then we could disrupt or damageexperience a material adverse effect on our information systemsbusiness, financial condition and operating results.

Changes in laws, regulations and policies that affect our business could adversely affect our financial results. 

Our business is subject to numerous laws, regulations and policies. Changes in the laws, regulations and policies, including the interpretation or enforcement thereof, that affect, or will affect, our business, including changes in accounting standards, tax laws and regulations, environmental or climate change laws, regulations or accords, trade rules and customs regulations, or increased cosmetics regulation, and the outcome and expense of legal or regulatory proceedings, and any action we may take as a result could adversely affect our financial results. 

General Risk Factors

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products.

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our products. If our products are found to be defective or unsafe, or if they otherwise fail to meet our consumers’ standards, then our relationships with customers or consumers could suffer, the appeal of one or more of our brands could be diminished, and we could lose sales and/or become subject to liability claims, any of which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations.operations and financial condition.

 42

 

Our failure to protect our reputation, or the failure of our partners to protect their reputations, could have a material adverse effect on our brand images.

Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to our various brand images. Our reputation could be jeopardized if we fail to maintain high standards for merchandise quality and integrity or if we, or the third parties with whom we do business, do not comply with regulations or accepted practices. Any negative publicity about these types of concerns may reduce demand for our merchandise. Failure to comply with ethical, social, product, labor and environmental standards, or related political considerations, such as animal testing, could also jeopardize our reputation and potentially lead to various adverse consumer actions, including boycotts. Failure to comply with local laws and regulations, including applicable U.S. trade sanctions, to maintain an effective system of internal controls or to provide accurate and timely financial statement information could also hurt our reputation. We are also dependent on the reputations of our brand partners and licensors, which can be affected by matters outside of our control. Damage to our reputation or the reputations of our brand partners or licensors or loss of consumer confidence for any of these or other reasons could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.


Our information systems and websites may be susceptible to outages, hacking and other cybersecurity risks.

We have information systems that support our business is subjectprocesses, including product development, production, marketing, order processing, sales, distribution, finance and intra-company communications. We also have Internet websites in the United States and Europe. These systems may be susceptible to seasonal variability.

Our business has become increasingly seasonaloutages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, hacking, attacks and similar events. Despite the timingimplementation of shipmentsnetwork security measures, our systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses, hacking, attacks and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering. The occurrence of these or other events could disrupt or damage our customers, which are weighted to the second halfinformation systems and adversely affect our business and results of the year. Accordingly, our financial performance, sales, working capital requirements, cash flow and borrowings generally experience variability during the third and fourth quarters.operations.

The trading prices of our securities periodically may rise or fall based on the accuracy of predictions of our earnings or other financial performance.

Our business planning process is designed to maximize our long-term strength, growth and profitability, not to achieve an earnings target in any particular fiscal quarter. We believe that this longer-term focus is in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders. At the same time, however, we recognize that it may be helpful to provide investors with guidance as to our forecast of annual net sales and diluted earnings per share. Accordingly, we provide guidance as to our expected annual net sales, and diluted earnings per share, which is updated as appropriate throughout the year. While we generally provide updates to our guidance when we report our results each fiscal quarter if called for, we assume no responsibility to update any of our forward-looking statements at such times or otherwise. In addition, longer-term guidance that we may from time to time provide is based on goals that we believe, at the time guidance is given, are reasonably attainable.

In all of our public statements when we make, or update, a forward-looking statement about our sales and/or earnings expectations or expectations regarding other initiatives, we accompany such statements directly, or by reference to a public document, with a list of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those we expect. Such a list is included, among other places, in our earnings press releases (by reference to our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission) and in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (e.g., in our reports on Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q). These and other factors may make it difficult for outside observers, such as research analysts, to predict what our earnings will be in any given fiscal quarter or year.

 43

 

Outside analysts and investors have the right to make their own predictions of our financial results for any future period. Outside analysts, however, have access to no more material information about our results or plans than any other public investor, and we do not endorse or adopt their predictions as to our future performance. Nor do we assume any responsibility to correct the predictions of outside analysts or others when they differ from our own internal expectations. If and when we announce actual results that differ from those that outside analysts or others have been predicting, the market price of our securities could be affected. Investors who rely on the predictions of outside analysts or others when making investment decisions with respect to our securities do so at their own risk. We take no responsibility for any losses suffered as a result of such changes in the prices of our securities.

 44

 


We may become subject to possible liability for improper comparative advertising or “Trade Dress”.

Brand name manufacturers and sellers of brand name products may make claims of improper comparative advertising or trade dress (packaging) with respect to the likelihood of confusion between some of our mass market products and those of brand name manufacturers and sellers. They may seek damages for loss of business or injunctive relief to seek to have the use of the improper comparative advertising or trade dress halted. However, we believe that our displays and packaging constitute fair competitive advertising and are not likely to cause confusion between our products and others. Further, we have not experienced to any material degree, any of such problems to date.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity for our Company is conducted by our United States based operations and European based operations. For our United States based operations, our Information Technology department (“ITUS”) in New York, New York is in charge of our cybersecurity for offices in the United States, Italy, and other remote locations. For our European based operations, our Information Technology department (“ITEU”) in Paris, France is in charge of our cybersecurity for offices in France, and other remote locations. Each of ITUS and ITEU report to their respective segment Chief Executive Officers, Messrs. Madar for ITUS and Benacin for ITEU, who are also directors of our Company. Any material issues of cybersecurity would then be reported to our board of directors. As of the date of this report, we have not had any material cybersecurity incidents.

Both departments have established strict security rules for infrastructure, application and limitations on access rights. New employees are instructed on aspects of cybersecurity, and reminders for safe internet access are periodically sent. Access to our networks for former employees and contractors is immediately revoked upon severance of association, and any hardware such as laptops, company phones, access keys are returned. Each department has also installed equipment and tools to protect and update against the risks of intrusions, cyberattacks, and system obsolescence. Various applications and methods to manage our cybersecurity include, but not limited to, use of EDI (electronic digital interface) for receiving orders, fire walls, virtual private network, antivirus software, encryption, and requiring two factor authentication for remote access after business hours. Redundancy is important as data is routinely backed up daily.

In addition, Interparfums SA has adopted an IT Charter that defines the rights and obligations of employees and users of their information system, to ensure that the information technology resources are used in a secure environment complying with the procedures of internal control, and regularly performs penetration testing. Beginning in January 2024, Interparfums SA commenced enrolling all employees of Interparfums SA in cybersecurity training. United States based operations provides specific user IDs, and employees are instructed to set up passwords that are not easy to guess, keep passwords confidential, and immediately change such employee’s password if such employee believes it has been compromised. All desktop and laptop computers must be password protected and must be changed every 90 days. In addition, employees must not knowingly input erroneous, fraudulent, fictitious or otherwise inappropriate data into any application/system and report any suspicious activity to ITUS. Company employees are prohibited from downloading any files or software for personal use, and not create any independent data connections from Company offices that attempt to sidestep the Company’s network security policy or mechanisms.

Neither United States based operations nor European based operations sells directly to retail consumers, which diminishes to some degree, but does not preclude, the likelihood of third party access to our data.

 45

 

None.

Item 2. Properties

United States Based Operations

UseLocationApproximate SizeTerm Expires
Office Space-Corporate headquarters and United States operations

551 Fifth Avenue, 

15thFloor, 

New York, NY 

10176 

16,800 square feetApril 30, 2024
Distribution center

60 Stults Road 

Dayton, NJ 

08810 

140,000 square feetOctober 31, 2018

Corporate Office for Inter Parfums USA Hong Kong Limited

Leighton Centre 

77 Leighton Road 

Causeway Bay, 

Hong Kong 

Suite 1413

9,685 square feet

June 20, 2020

We maintain our corporate headquarters and United States based operations in approximately 32,000 square feet with a term that expires on December 31, 2029, and have been at the same location in New York City since 1992. We also have a 140,000 square foot distribution center in New Jersey, and this lease expires on October 31, 2025. In October 2021 we leased office space in Florence, Italy for a 6-year term with an option for an additional 6 years for Interparfums Italia Srl, and office space in Paris, France. We also maintain a distribution center in Liscate, Italy. In 2023 we obtained small, leased space for our new sales subsidiaries in Dubai and Switzerland, in addition to maintaining a leased sales office in Hong Kong.


European Based Operations

UseLocationApproximate
Size
Term ExpiresOther Information
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations

4 Rond Point Des 

Champs Elysees 

Ground and 1st Fl.
Paris, France 

571 square metersMarch 2022Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months’ notice
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations

4 Rond Point Des 

Champs Elysees 

2nd Fl. 

Paris, France 

544 square metersSeptember 2026Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months’ notice
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations

4 Rond Point Des 

Champs Elysees 

4th Fl. 

Paris, France 

540 square metersMarch 2023Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months’ notice
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations

4 Rond Point Des 

Champs Elysees 

5th Fl.- left 

Paris, France 

155 square metersMarch 2022Lessee has early termination right on 3 months’ notice
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations

4 Rond Point Des 

Champs Elysees 

6th Fl.-Right

Paris, France 

157 square metersMarch 2022Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months’ notice
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations

4 Rond Point Des 

Champs Elysees 

6th Fl.- Left 

Paris, France 

60 square metersSeptember 2026Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months’ notice
European Distribution Center

Criquebeuf sur 

Seine (27340), the 

“Le Bosc Hetrel” 

business park 

31,000 square metersMay 2020NA

Rochas Studio & 

Production Department 

1 Rond Point des
Champs Elysees 

2ndFl. 

Paris, France 

755 square meters

June 2021

Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months’ notice

Since March 2022, our European based operations have maintained their corporate headquarters at 10 rue de Solférino in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. This is an office complex combining three buildings connected by two inner courtyards and consists of approximately 40,000 total sq. ft. United States distribution operations for European based operations maintain their headquarters in New York City, with a lease that expires in May 2029. During 2022, we also purchased several small apartments at 96 rue de l’Université, Paris adjacent to the main office complex and have converted them into additional offices. A small office is located in Singapore for Asia-Pacific distribution by European based operations.

Office Space – 

Singapore regional office, for Asia-Pacific region 

European operations 

163 Penang Road, 

#06-03/04 Winsland House 2, 

Singapore 238463

2,900 square feet

November 2019

NA
Office Space-US Distribution for European operations112 Madison Ave. New York, NY  100167,500 square feetOctober 2024Lessee has (i) early termination rights at the 5 year mark with 9 months’ notice; (ii) renewal option for 5 year term with 11-14 months’ notice; (iii) right of first offer on the 11th floor


In addition, European based operations maintain an approximately 37,000 square meters (approximately 398,265 square feet) distribution center located in Criquebeuf sur Seine, France, with a term that expires May 2027 and an option to extend the term for an additional two years. Interparfums SA also has had an agreement with Bolloré Logistics (and its predecessor, Sagatrans, S.A.)several agreements for warehousing and distribution services which are renewed on an annual basis, as well as one with a service provider that expires in 2024. Fees for several years. The current agreement with Bolloré Logistics for warehousing and distributionsuch services expires on December 31, 2020. Service fees payable to Bolloré Logistics are partially calculated based upon a percentage of sales, which is customary in the industry. Service fees actually paid were €4.2 million in 2017, €4.3 million in 2016 and €3.4 million in 2015.

We believe our office and warehouse facilities are satisfactory for our present needs and those for the foreseeable future.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are not a party to any material lawsuits.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 46

 

Not applicable.


PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Market for Our Common Stock

Our Company’s common stock, $.001 par value per share, is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “IPAR”. The following table sets forth, in dollars, the range of high and low closing prices for the past two fiscal years for our common stock.

Fiscal 2017High Closing PriceLow Closing Price
Fiscal 2023High Closing PriceLow Closing Price
Fourth Quarter46.3041.05147.71121.48
Third Quarter42.1035.55150.70129.06
Second Quarter38.5034.25157.59125.60
First Quarter37.6531.55143.8796.65

Fiscal 2016High Closing PriceLow Closing Price
Fiscal 2022High Closing PriceLow Closing Price
Fourth Quarter36.4029.4099.3574.26
Third Quarter35.0727.0586.7870.02
Second Quarter31.7127.1989.4564.74
First Quarter32.4720.37106.8280.22

As of February 20, 2018,9, 2024, the number of record holders, which include brokers and broker’sbroker nominees,etc. etc., of our common stock was 39.25. We believe there are approximately 10,40047,503 beneficial owners of our common stock.

 47

 

Corporate Performance Graph

The following graph compares the performance for the periods indicated in the graph of our common stock with the performance of the Nasdaq Market Index, the average performance the Company’s peer group for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “2022 Peer Group”), and the average performance of a group of the Company’s peer corporations consisting of: Avon Products Inc.,group for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Peer Group”). The 2022 Peer Group consists of CCA Industries, Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., Inter Parfums, Inc., Kimberly Clark Corp., Natural Health Trends Corp., Procter & Gamble Co., Revlon, Inc., Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Stephan Co., Summer Infant, Inc. and United Guardian, Inc. The 2023 Peer Group also includes Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. and Procter & Gamble Co. and replaces all other companies with e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., Coty Inc., L’Oréal SA, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Natura &Co Holding SS, Olaplex Holdings, Inc., and Shiseido Co Ltd. The Company changed its peer group in order to reflect the current competitive landscape in our industry more accurately. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and each index was $100 at the beginning of the period indicated in the graph, and that all dividends were reinvested.

 


 

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Inter Parfums, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index,
2022 Peer Group and 2023 Peer Group 

 

*$100 invested on 12/31/18 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

Fiscal year ending December 31.

Below is the list of the data points for each year that corresponds to the lines on the above graph.

  12/12  12/13  12/14  12/15  12/16  12/1712/1812/1912/2012/2112/2212/23
                         
Inter Parfums, Inc.  100.00   189.53   147.64   130.52   183.07   247.27 100.00112.7394.40168.99156.49237.77
NASDAQ Composite  100.00   141.63   162.09   173.33   287.19   242.29 100.00136.69198.10242.03163.28236.17
Peer Group  100.00   125.49   141.67   134.73   141.06   162.00 
2022 Peer Group100.00137.57160.49193.85173.59161.94
2023 Peer Group100.00142.28167.60202.03171.31168.21

 

Dividends

In January 2016,February 2021, our Board of Directors authorized an annual dividend of $1.00 per share, payable quarterly. In February 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a 15% increase in the cash dividend to $0.60 per share on an annual basis. In October 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a 13%100% increase in the annual dividend to $0.68$2.00 per share. In October 2017, ourshare and in February 2023 the Board of Directors authorized a 24% increase inincreased the annual dividend to $0.84$2.50 per share. Just recently, in February 2024, the Board of Directors further increased the annual dividend to $3.00 per share. The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.21$0.75 per share is payable on April 13, 2018March 29, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 30, 2018.15, 2024.


Sales of Unregistered Securities

In October, November, December 2017 and February 2018, our non-employee directors exercised stock options to purchase an aggregate of 4,625 shares of restricted common stock. These transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act under Sections 4(2) and 4(6) of the Securities Act. Each option holder agreed that, if the option is exercised, the option holder would purchase his common stock for investment and not for resale to the public. Also, we provide all option holders with all reports we file with the SEC and press releases issued by us.

Item 6.   Selected Financial Data[RESERVED]

 48

 

The following selected financial data have been derived from our financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements, including the related footnotes.

  

Years Ended December 31,

 
(In thousands except per share data) 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
Income statement data:                    
Net sales $591,251  $521,072  $468,540  $499,261  $563,579 
Cost of sales  214,965   194,601   179,069   212,224   234,800 
Selling, general and administrative expenses  295,540   258,787   228,268   233,634   250,025 
Operating income  78,623   66,678   61,203   53,403   78,754 
Income before taxes  78,065   67,074   60,496   56,715   80,646 
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest  13,659   9,917   8,532   7,909   11,755 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  41,594   33,331   30,437   29,436   39,211 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. common shareholders per share:                    

Basic

 $1.33  $1.07  $0.98  $0.95  $1.27 

Diluted

 $1.33  $1.07  $0.98  $0.95  $1.27 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    

Basic

  31,172   31,072   30,996   30,931   30,764

Diluted

  31,305   31,176   31,100   31,060   30,954 
                     
Depreciation and amortization $11,914  $15,341  $9,078  $10,166  $11,110 


  

As at December 31,

 
(In thousands except per share data) 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

  

2013

 
    
Balance sheet and other data:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $208,343  $161,828  $176,967  $90,138  $125,650 
Short-term investments  69,899   94,202   82,847   190,152   181,677 
Working capital  382,171   337,977   337,674   382,935   399,344 
Total assets  777,772   682,409   687,659   604,506   664,058 
Short-term bank debt  -0-   -0-   -0-   298   6,104 
Long-term debt (including current portion)  60,579   74,562   98,606   -0-   -0- 
Inter Parfums, Inc. shareholders’ equity  433,298   370,391   365,587   382,065   407,211 
Dividends declared per share $0.72  $0.62  $0.52  $0.48  $0.96 
                     

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of prestige fragrances and fragrance related products. We manage our business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. Certain prestige fragrance products are produced and marketed by our European based operations through our 73%72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 27%28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext.

 

We produce and distribute our European based fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners, and European based fragrance product sales represented approximately 81%65%, 78%68% and 77%75% of net sales for 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. We have built a portfolio of prestige brands, which includeBoucheron, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Spade, Lanvin, Moncler, Montblanc, Paul Smith, Repetto, Rochas, S.T. DupontandVan Cleef & Arpels, whose products are distributed in over 100120 countries around the world.

With respect to the Company’s largest brands, we own the Lanvin brand name for its class of trade, In addition, our exclusive and worldwide license the Montblanc and Jimmy Choo brand names. As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands were as follows:production and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics became effective in January 2024.

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
Montblanc  21%  23%  21%
Jimmy Choo  18%  17%  20%
Lanvin  11%  12%  15%

Through our United States based operations, we also market fragrancefragrances and fragrance related products. United States based operations represented 19%35%, 22%32% and 23%25% of net sales in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. These fragrance products are sold primarily pursuant to license or other agreements with the owners of theAbercrombie & Fitch, Agent Provocateur, Anna Sui, bebe, Dunhill, French Connection,Donna Karan, DKNY, Emanual Ungaro, Ferragamo, Graff, GUESS, Hollister, andMCM, Oscar de la Renta,and Roberto Cavalli brands.

Substantially all of our prestige fragrance brands are licensed from unaffiliated third parties, and our business is dependent upon the continuation and renewal of such licenses. With respect to the Company’s largest brands, we license the Jimmy Choo, Montblanc, Coach, GUESS, Donna Karan/DKNY and Ferragamo brand names. This diversified portfolio of top brands represented 73%, 71% and 66% of total sales in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

 


As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands were as follows:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
Jimmy Choo  17%  18%  18%
Montblanc  17%  18%  19%
Coach  15%  15%  16%
GUESS  12%  12%  12%
Donna Karan/DKNY  7%  3%   
Ferragamo  5%  5%  1%

Quarterly sales fluctuations are influenced by the timing of new product launches as well as the third and fourth quarter holiday season. In certain markets where we sell directly to retailers, seasonality is more evident. We primarily sell directly to retailers in France, as well as through our own distribution subsidiaries in Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States.States, and Italy.

We grow our business in two distinct ways. First, we grow by adding new brands to our portfolio, either through new licenses, or other arrangements or out-rightoutright acquisitions of brands. Second, we grow through the introduction of new products and by supporting new and established products through advertising, merchandising and sampling, as well as by phasing out underperforming products, so we can devote greater resources to those products with greater potential. The economics of developing, producing, launching and supporting products influence our sales and operating performance each year. OurThe introduction of new products may have some cannibalizing effect on sales of existing products, which we take into account in our business planning.

Our business is not capital intensive, and it is important to note that we do not own manufacturing facilities. We act as a general contractor and source our needed components from our suppliers. These components are received at one of our distribution centers and then, based upon production needs, the components are sent to one of several third party fillers, which manufacture the finished product for us and then deliver them to one of our distribution centers.

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As with any global business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. We believe we have a strong brand portfolio with global reach and potential. As part of our strategy, we plan to continue to make investments behind fast-growing markets and channels to grow market share. 

For the past several years, the economic and political uncertainty and financial market volatility in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and China had a minor negative impact on our business, but our sales in these regions have been improving and we do not anticipate dramatic changes in business conditions for the foreseeable future. However, if the degree of uncertainty or volatility worsens or is prolonged, then there will likely be a negative effect on ongoing consumer confidence, demand and spending and accordingly, our business. We believe general economic and other uncertainties still exist in select markets in which we do business, and we monitor these uncertainties and other risks that may affect our business.

Our reported net sales are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. A strong U.S. dollar has a negative impact on our net sales. However, earnings are positively affected by a strong dollar, because almost 45%over 50% of net sales of our European based operations are denominated in U.S. dollars, while almost all costs of our European based operations are incurred in euro. Conversely, a weak U.S. dollar has a favorable impact on our net sales while gross margins are negatively affected. Our Company addressesWe address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. Weinstruments and primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. We are also carefully monitoring currency trends in the United Kingdom as a result

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Please see our discussion of the volatility created from the United Kingdom’s decision to exit the European Union. We have evaluated our pricing models and we do not expect any significant pricing changes. However, if the devaluationImpact of the British Pound worsens, it may affect future gross profit margins from salesCOVID-19 Pandemic, which is incorporated by reference to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the territory.SEC for the year ended December 31, 2023.


Recent Important Events

GUESS License

In February 2018,Please see our discussion of Recent Important Events, which is incorporated by reference to Note 3 to the Company entered into an exclusive, 15-year worldwide license agreementConsolidated Financial Statements contained in this 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with GUESS?, Inc.the SEC for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances under the GUESS brand. This license will take effect on April 1, 2018, and our rights under such license agreement are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry.

Income Tax Recovery

The French government had introduced a 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends for entities subject to French corporate income tax in 2012. In 2017, the French Constitutional Court released a decision declaring that the 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends is unconstitutional. As a result of that decision, the Company has filed a claim for refund of approximately $3.6 million (€3.2 million) for these taxes paid since 2015 including accrued interest of approximately $0.4 million. The Company recorded the refund claim in the accompanying financial statements as ofyear ended December 31, 2017.2023.

Impairment Loss

The Company reviews intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Product sales of some of our legacy mass market product lines have been declining for many years and now represent a very small portion of our net sales. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company set in motion a plan to discontinue several of these product lines over the next few years. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2017, which represented approximately 50% of total intangible assets relating to our mass market product lines. The Company also increased its inventory obsolescence reserves by $0.5 million as of December 31, 2017, to adjust to net realizable value the inventory of the product lines expected to be discontinued.

Jimmy Choo License Renewal

In December 2017, the Company and J Choo Ltd amended their license agreement and extended their partnership through December 31, 2031. Our initial Jimmy Choo license was signed in 2009.


Paul Smith License Renewal

In May 2017, the Company renewed its license agreement for an additional four years with Paul Smith for the creation, development, and distribution of fragrance products through December 2021, without any material changes in terms and conditions. Our initial 12-year license agreement with Paul Smith was signed in 1998, and had previously been extended through December 31, 2017.

Settlement with French Tax Authorities

As previously reported, the French Tax Authorities examined the 2012 tax return of Interparfums SA. The main issues challenged by the French Tax Authorities related to the commission rate and royalty rate paid to Interparfums Singapore Pte. and Interparfums (Suisse) SARL, respectively. Due to the subjective nature of the issues involved, in April 2016, Interparfums SA reached an agreement in principle to settle the entire matter with the French Tax Authorities. The settlement required Interparfums SA to pay a tax assessment of $1.9 million covering the issues for not only the 2012 tax year, but also covering the issues for the tax years ended 2013 through 2015. The settlement, which was finalized by the French Tax Authorities in the first quarter of 2017, was accrued in March 2016.

Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies

We make estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. These accounting policies generally require our management’s most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management of the Company has discussed the selection of significant accounting policies and the effect of estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

We sell our products to department stores, perfumeries, specialty stores, and domestic and international wholesalers and distributors. Sales of such products by our domestic subsidiaries are denominated in U.S. dollars and sales of such products by our foreign subsidiaries are primarily denominated in either euro or U.S. dollars. We recognize revenues when contract terms are met, the price is fixed and determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and product is shipped or risk of ownership has been transferred to and accepted by the customer. Net sales are comprised of gross revenues less returns, trade discounts and allowances.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable represent payments due to the Company for previously recognized net sales, reduced by allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they become uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously recorded against the allowance are recorded in the consolidated statement of income when received. We generally grant credit based upon our analysis of the customer’s financial position as well as previously established buying patterns.


Sales Returns

Generally, we do not permit customers to return their unsold products. However, for U.S. distribution of our prestige products, we allow returns if properly requested, authorized and approved. We regularly review and revise, as deemed necessary, our estimate of reserves for future sales returns based primarily upon historic trends and relevant current data, including information provided by retailers regarding their inventory levels. In addition, as necessary, specific accruals may be established for significant future known or anticipated events. The types of known or anticipated events that we have considered, and will continue to consider, include, but are not limited to, the financial condition of our customers, store closings by retailers, changes in the retail environment and our decision to continue to support new and existing products. We record estimated reserves for sales returns as a reduction of sales, cost of sales and accounts receivable. Returned products are recorded as inventories and are valued based upon estimated realizable value. The physical condition and marketability of returned products are the major factors we consider in estimating realizable value. Actual returns, as well as estimated realizable values of returned products, may differ significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from our estimates, if factors such as economic conditions, inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from our expectations.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is principally determined by the first-in, first-out method. We record adjustments to the cost of inventories based upon our sales forecast and the physical condition of the inventories. These adjustments are estimates, which could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual results if future economic conditions or competitive conditions differ from our expectations.

Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets

Equipment, which includes tools and molds, is recorded at cost and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Changes in circumstances such as technological advances, changes to our business model or changes in our capital spending strategy can result in the actual useful lives differing from our estimates. In those cases where we determine that the useful life of equipment should be shortened, we would depreciate the net book value in excess of the salvage value, over its revised remaining useful life, thereby increasing depreciation expense. Factors such as changes in the planned use of equipment, or market acceptance of products, could result in shortened useful lives.

We evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently when events occur or circumstances change, such as an unexpected decline in sales, that would more likely than not indicate that the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. When testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the evaluation requires a comparison of the estimated fair value of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The fair values used in our evaluations are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections using a weighted average cost of capital of 6.22%10.39%. The cash flow projections are based upon a number of assumptions, including, future sales levels and future cost of goods and operating expense levels, as well as economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in consumer acceptance of our products which are more subjective in nature. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded.


We believe that the assumptions we have made in projecting future cash flows for the evaluations described above are reasonable. However, if future actual results do not meet our expectations, we may be required to record furtheran impairment charges,charge, the amount of which could be material to our results of operations.

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At December 31, 20172023 indefinite-lived intangible assets aggregated $129.0$108.8 million. The following table presents the impact a change in the following significant assumptions would have had on the calculated fair value in 20172023 assuming all other assumptions remained constant:

$ in millions Change Increase (decrease)
to fair value
  Change Increase (decrease)
to fair value
 
     
Weighted average cost of capital  +10%  $(24.4)  +10% $4.4 
Weighted average cost of capital  -10% $30.7   -10% $31.8 
Future sales levels  +10%  $22.3   +10% $33.3 
Future sales levels  -10% $(22.3)  -10% $7.5 

Intangible assets subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an amortizable intangible asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist for an amortizable intangible asset, the undiscounted future cash flows associated with the expected service potential of the asset are compared to the carrying value of the asset. If our projection of undiscounted future cash flows is in excess of the carrying value of the intangible asset, no impairment charge is recorded. If our projection of undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the intangible asset, an impairment charge would be recorded to reduce the intangible asset to its fair value. The cash flow projections are based upon a number of assumptions, including future sales levels and future cost of goods and operating expense levels, as well as economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in consumer acceptance of our products which are more subjective in nature. In those cases where we determine that the useful life of long-lived assets should be shortened, we would amortize the net book value in excess of the salvage value (after testing for impairment as described above), over the revised remaining useful life of such asset thereby increasing amortization expense. We believe that the assumptions we have made in projecting future cash flows for the evaluations described above are reasonable.

In determining the useful life of our Lanvin brand names and trademarks, we applied the provisions of ASC topic 350-30-35-3. The only factor that prevented us from determining that the Lanvin brand names and trademarks were indefinite lifelived intangible assets was Item c. “Any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life.” The existence of a repurchase option originally in 2025 and amended to 2027, may limit the useful life of the Lanvin brand names and trademarks to the Company. However, this limitation would only take effect if the repurchase option were to be exercised and the repurchase price was paid. If the repurchase option is not exercised, then the Lanvin brand names and trademarks are expected to continue to contribute directly to the future cash flows of our Company and their useful life would be considered to be indefinite.

 


With respect to the application of ASC topic 350-30-35-8, the Lanvin brand names and trademarks would only have a finite life to our Company if the repurchase option were exercised, and in applying ASC topic 350-30-35-8, we assumed that the repurchase option is exercised. When exercised, Lanvin has an obligation to pay the exercise price and the Company would be required to convey the Lanvin brand names and trademarks back to Lanvin. The exercise price to be received (Residual Value)(residual value) is well in excess of the carrying value of the Lanvin brand names and trademarks, therefore no amortization is required.

Derivatives

We account for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC topic 815, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. This topic also requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and that they are measured at fair value.

We currently use derivative financial instruments to hedge certain anticipated transactions and interest rates, as well as receivables denominated in foreign currencies. We do not utilize derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Hedge effectiveness is documented, assessed and monitored by employees who are qualified to make such assessments and monitor the instruments. Variables that are external to us such as social, political and economic risks may have an impact on our hedging program and the results thereof. 

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in its financial statements or tax returns. The net deferred tax assets assume sufficient future earnings for their realization, as well as the continued application of currently anticipated tax rates. Included in net deferred tax assets is a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the relevant jurisdiction. If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset will not be realizable, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will result in a reduction of net income at that time. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax asset or liability in the accompanying financial statements. In addition, the Company follows the provisions of uncertain tax positions as addressed in ASC topic 740.


Quantitative Analysis

During the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, we have not made any material changes in our assumptions underlying these critical accounting policies or to the related significant estimates. The results of our business underlying these assumptions have not differed significantly from our expectations.

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While we believe the estimates we have made are proper and the related results of operations for the period are presented fairly in all material respects, other assumptions could reasonably be justified that would change the amount of reported net sales, cost of sales, and selling, general and administrative expenses as they relate to the provisions for anticipated sales returns, allowance for doubtful accounts and inventory obsolescence reserves. For 2017,2023, had these estimates been changed simultaneously by 5% in either direction, our reported gross profit would have increased or decreased by approximately $0.3$0.7 million and selling, general and administrative expenses would have changed by approximately $0.04$0.1 million. The collective impact of these changes on 20172023 operating income, net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc., and net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per diluted common share would be an increase or decrease of approximately $0.4$0.6 million, $0.2$0.3 million and $0.01, respectively.

Results of Operations

Net Sales Years ended December 31,  Years ended December 31, 
(in millions) 2017  % Change  2016  % Change  2015  2023 % Change 2022 % Change 2021 
           
European based product sales $476.5   18% $404.0   11% $362.7  $861.9   16% $744.0   12% $663.2 
United States based product sales  114.8   (2)%  117.1   11%  105.8   455.8   33%  342.7   58%  216.4 
                    
Total net sales $591.3   13% $521.1   11% $468.5  $1,317.7   21% $1,086.7   24% $879.6 

Net sales in 2023 increased 13% in 2017 to $591.3 million, as21% compared to $521.1 million in 2016.2022. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales increased 12%. Net sales increased 11%20% in 2016 to $521.1 million,2023, as compared to $468.5 million in 2015. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales increased 12%.2022, of which 5% is related to new brands. The average U.S. dollar/euro exchange rates were 1.13rate for 2023 was 1.08 compared to 1.05 in 2017 and 1.11 in both 2016 and 2015.2022.

  

For European based prestige productoperations, our largest brands, Jimmy Choo, Montblanc, and Coach grew 2023 sales increased 18% in 2017 to $476.5 million,by 19%, 15% and 25%, respectively, as compared to $404.0 million2022. There were also significant gains made by our mid-sized brands, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Rochas, and Karl Lagerfeld. The year-over-year gains, in 2016. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, Europeanboth euro and dollars, are all the more impressive considering our new product pipeline was dominated by flankers and extensions. The increase was also driven by the continued success of our established lines including Jimmy Choo I Want Choo, Montblanc Legend, Coach Woman, and Coach Man.

Sales by our United States based prestige product sales increased 16%operations grew substantially in 2017. European based prestige product sales increased 11% in 2016 to $404.0 million,2023, up 33%, as compared to $362.7 million2022, largely from the continued success of GUESS fragrances, which performed exceedingly well during the quarters across all geographies, and was up 23% in 2015. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, European based prestige product2023 as compared to 2022. This was driven by the continued growth in sales increased 12.5% in 2016.

Net sales in 2017 were stronger than our original expectations, with our newCoach for Men fragrance contributing much of the upside surprise. CoachSeductive line within GUESS. The increase was also driven by the addition and extension of Donna Karan and DKNY to our portfolio. These two sister fragrance groups have climbed to become our second largest United States based brand in just one year under our expertise. We also had strong sales of Ferragamo fragrances, which commencedwe have enriched with sister scents for the Signorina and Storie di Seta collections. There were also gains made by our mid-sized brands, Oscar de la Renta Abercrombie & Fitch, and Hollister. In the second half of the year, we successfully completed Phase 1 of the Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce distribution roll-out.

We are confident in our future as 2024 has many exciting developments for the Company. We transitioned to a new modern enterprise resource planning system (“ERP”) for our United States based operations, which has enabled us to operate more efficiently and offer more scale to absorb our newer brands. Distribution of Roberto Cavalli and Lacoste products, our newly acquired licenses, have begun in the first quarter. A new blockbuster fragrance line for Lacoste, and a new flanker for Roberto Cavalli Signature are planned to launch in the second half of 2016, increased 149% in 2017 reaching $57.5 million, as compared to $23.1 million in 2016, quickly making it our fourth largest brand. Rochas, another2024. We also have a solid line-up of our newer brands, also performed quite well with the 2017 launch of our first new fragrance,Mademoiselle Rochas. Rochas brand sales aggregated $46.2 million, up 34% in 2017, as compared to $34.6 in 2016. Our three largest brands, Montblanc, Jimmy Choo and Lanvin, achieved year-over-year sales growth of 4%, 20%, and 5%, respectively.


In 2016, Montblanc led the way in sales growth reaching $121.7 million in brand sales, a 25% increase from the prior year. The successful launch of MontblancLegend Spirit and the continued popularity of the originalLegend line were important contributors to Montblanc brand sales. Our newer brands were also contributors to the increase in net sales. Coach brand sales were well ahead of expectations generating $23.1 million in incremental sales. Strong demand for theEau de Rochas andRochas Man lines in Spain and France contributed to the successful integration of Rochas, and brand sales aggregated $32.3 million in 2016. In the absence of a major new product launch, Jimmy Choo fragrance sales declined 2%launches in 2016 as the bar was set unusually high in 2015 when brand sales were up 18% compared to the preceding year. Lanvin brand sales declined 13% in 2016 as that brand’s product sales continue to be affected by the economic slowdowns in its two flagship markets of Russia and China.

We maintain confidence in our future as we continue to strengthen advertising and promotional investments supporting all portfolio brands, accelerate brand development and build upon the strength of our worldwide distribution network. With continued sales of our legacy scents combined with product launchespipeline for many of our brands, including Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, Coach, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron, we look for continued sales growth in 2018.

United States based product sales aggregated $114.8 million in 2017, representing a slight decline from 2016, where a high bar was set with sales up 11% to $117.1 million, as compared to $105.8 million in 2015. Internationalexisting brands. This includes the Phase 2 distribution roll-out of our first new Abercrombie & Fitch men’s scent,First InstinctFierce in the first quarter, a roll out of the Donna Karan Cashmere Collection in the first quarter, a new DKNY blockbuster in the third quarter, a launch of a new GUESS fragrance in the second quarter, as well as an Uomo flanker in the third quarter. Extensions of Jimmy Choo I Want Choo, Montblanc Legend, and Coach Dreams, are set to debut throughout the year. Brand extensions and flankers are also in the works for Ferragamo, MCM, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, duo,Wave, were major contributors to our top line growth in 2016 as they were rolled out into international markets throughout 2016Anna Sui, Emanuel Ungaro, and made sales comparisons for 2017 difficult. Nonetheless, sales of Oscar de la Renta’s signature scent, and initial shipmentsRenta. In sum, 2024 has all the earmarks ofIcon Racing by Dunhill andFantasiaby Anna Sui, energized U.S. operations sales another strong year as the growth catalysts, such as the rebound of the travel retail business in 2017.Asia, currently far outweigh the headwinds, most notably supply chain disruptions that have largely abated. 

  

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We have an active year planned for our U.S. operations in 2018. Oscar de la Renta has introduced a new women’s scent,Bella Blanca, and Dunhill will launch its new scent,Century. Abercrombie & Fitch will have several brand extensions introduced throughout the year, and we will launchFree Wave, a brand extension for the HollisterWave collection coming to market early

As in the year. We also have a complete new Hollister fragrance family launching this summer. In addition, we haveFantasia Mermaid, a brand extension for Anna Sui in the works.

Lastly,past, we hope to benefit our worldwide operations from our strong financial position to potentially acquire one or more brands, either on a proprietary basis or as a licensee. However, we cannot assure youhave no certainty that any new license or acquisition agreements will be consummated.


Net Sales to Customers by Region

  

Years ended December 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2021

 
  (in millions) 
    
North America $511.7  $421.0  $346.9 
Western Europe  301.2   259.2   202.0 
Asia  191.8   163.6   135.2 
Middle East  107.3   87.8   61.0 
Eastern Europe  103.2   74.2   69.7 
Central and South America  92.7   69.9   56.4 
Other  9.8   11.0   8.4 
  $1,317.7  $1,086.7  $879.6 

Our largest market, North America, achieved sales growth of 22% in 2023 compared to 2022, followed by Western Europe and Asia where sales grew by 16% and 17% in 2023, respectively, compared to 2022. Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central and South America also achieved top line growth of 22%, 39% and 33% in 2023, respectively, compared to 2022. Additionally, our travel retail business is continuing to show signs of renewed life.

 

  

Years ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
  (in millions) 
    
North America $176.9  $149.0  $125.7 
Western Europe  165.4   153.6   123.6 
Eastern Europe  49.4   41.1   47.0 
Central and South America  51.2   44.0   41.1 
Middle East  50.5   41.6   41.9 
Asia  88.0   81.3   78.2 
Other  9.9   10.5   11.0 
  $591.3  $521.1  $468.5 

Gross Profit Margin

  

Years ended December 31,

 
  

2023

  

2022

  

2021

 
  (in millions) 
European based operations:            
Net sales $861.9  $744.0  $663.2 
Cost of sales  282.6   236.9   221.2 
Gross margin $579.3  $507.1  $442.0 
Gross margin, as a percent of net sales  67.2%  68.2%  66.6%
             
United States based operations:            
Net sales $455.8  $342.7  $216.4 
Cost of sales  196.0   155.4   101.5 
Gross margin $259.8  $187.3  $114.9 
Gross margin, as a percent of net sales  57.0%  54.7%  53.1%

Virtually all regions registered strong growth for the year ended December 31, 2017,The Company’s gross margin percentage was 63.7% in 2023 as compared to 2016. Some of63.9% in 2022. The slight decrease in gross margin percentage was driven by unfavorable segment mix as well as certain one-time expenses related to inventory as discussed further below. Overall, the strongest performing regions were the laggards of recent years, namely Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, which increased 20%, 21% and 8%, respectively. Our largest markets, North America and Western Europe increased 18% and 8%, respectively.Company’s pricing actions have broadly compensated for cost inflation impacts.

In 2016, we continued to feel the effect of negative market conditions in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and China, while Western Europe and North America continued to perform well.

Gross Margins

  

Years ended December 31,

 
  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

 
  (in millions) 
    
Net sales $591.3  $521.1  $468.5 
Cost of sales  215.0   194.6   179.0 
Gross margin $376.3  $326.5  $289.5 
Gross margin, as a  percent of net sales  63.6%  62.7%  61.8%

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit margin was 63.6%, 62.7%, and 61.8% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For European based operations, gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales was 67%67.2%, 66%68.2% and 65%66.6% in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. The margin fluctuation for European operations in 2017 and 2016 is primarily the result of increased product sales, much of which was through our distribution subsidiaries that sell product directly to retailers. In addition to increased sales of Montblanc, Jimmy Choo and Coach product sold through our United States distribution subsidiary, the Rochas brand was also a major contributor as its sales are concentrated in France and Spain, both of which are countries where we distribute directly to retailers.

We carefully monitor movements in foreign currency exchange rates as almost 45%over 50% of our European based operations net sales is denominated in U.S. dollars, while most of our costs are incurred in euro. From a margin standpoint, a strong U.S. dollar has a positive effect on our gross margin while a weak U.S. dollar has a negative effect. The average dollar/euro exchange rate was 1.131.08 in 20172023, 1.05 in 2022, and 1.111.18 in both 20162021. The weaker dollar in 2023 resulted in a decline in our gross margin. This decline was partially offset as distribution in the United States for European based operations is handled by a 100% owned subsidiary of Interparfums SA based in the United States. Therefore, sales are made at a wholesale price rather than at an ex-factory price, resulting in higher gross margins. Net sales of our United States based distribution subsidiary increased 14% in 2023, as compared to 2022, leading to favorable mix and 2015. Currency fluctuation had only a minor effect onhelping to further offset the gross margin decline. The decline was also driven by an increase in inventory reserves made during 2023 related to certain underperforming brands. As the Company experienced long lead times in obtaining and building inventory during the COVID-19 Pandemic, high levels of inventory investments were required to protect service levels. Excluding these one-time adjustments, gross margin as a percentage of sales for European based operations would be in our European operations for 2017line with the prior period, driven by increases in pricing and 2016.product mix, offset by cost inflation.

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For United States based operations, gross profit margin was 49.3%57.0%, 49.7%54.7% and 49.9%53.1% in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. The slight fluctuationsignificant margin expansion stems from a number of factors. Firstly, for the most part, the price increases we took in gross margin isearly 2023 weren’t fully offset by a higher cost of goods given our cost containment efforts. Secondly, we are seeing favorable brand and channel mix, as a larger portion of our higher priced fragrances are being sold directly to retailers as opposed to third-party distributors. Lastly, the resultsignificant increase in sales in 2023 allowed us to better absorb fixed expenses such as depreciation and point of higher promotional product sales withinsale expenses, as compared to the overall sales mix.prior year.

Costs relating to purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions are reflected in cost of sales, and aggregated $33.8$52.3 million, $30.0$43.1 million and $25.4$36.9 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, and represented 5.7%4.0%, 5.8%4.0% and 5.4%4.2% of net sales, respectively.

Generally, we do not bill customers for shipping and handling costs and such costs, which aggregated $5.9$14.2 million, $5.1$15.8 million and $4.7$10.0 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. As such, our Company’s gross margins may not be comparable to other companies, which may include these expenses as a component of cost of goods sold.sales.

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

 

Years ended December 31,

  

Years ended December 31,

 
 

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2023 

  

2022

  

2021 

 
 (in millions)  (in millions) 
   
European based operations            
Selling, general & administrative expenses $295.5  $258.8  $228.3  $406.6  $358.3  $327.5 

Selling, general & administrative expenses as a percent of net sales

  50%  50%  49%  47.2%  48.2%  49.4%
            
United States based operations            
Selling, general & administrative expenses $181.1  $134.0  $79.0 
Selling, general & administrative expenses as a percent of net sales  39.7%  39.1%  36.5%

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 14% in 2017 as compared to 2016 and increased 13% in 2016 as compared to 2015. As a percentage of sales,The Company’s selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of nets sales were 50%44.6%, 45.3% and 46.2% in both 20172023, 2022 and 2016,2021, respectively. This decrease was largely driven by sales growth during 2023 and 49% in 2015. 2022 allowing for better absorption of fixed operating costs, and favorable segment mix.

For European based operations, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 18%13% and 9% in 2017,2023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to 2016the corresponding prior year period, and represented 53%47.2%, 48.2% and 49.4% of net sales in both 20172023, 2022 and 2016.2021, respectively. As discussed in more detail below, the 2017 and 2016 increases,these fluctuations, which are in line with the increasefluctuations in sales for European operations, are primarily from increasedvariations in promotion and advertising expenditures.

For United States based operations, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2%increased 35% and 70% in 20172023 and 2022, respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior year period and represented 38%39.7%, 39.1% and 36.5% of net sales in both 20172023, 2022 and 2016. This decrease is2021, respectively. As discussed in more detail below, these fluctuations, which are in line with slight declinethe fluctuations in sales for United States based operations, are primarily from variations in promotion and advertising expenditures. Additionally, the United States based operations increased expenses related to salaries and benefits as we build the organization and infrastructure to support our U.S. operations.new brands and future growth. The increase related to these structural and personnel investments began throughout 2022 and had full year impact in 2023 of $7.8 million.

 

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Promotion and advertising included in selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated $123.7$259.9 million, $99.0$212.4 million and $83.8$171.1 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Promotion and advertising as a percentage of sales represented 20.9%19.7%, 19.0%19.5% and 17.9%19.5% of net sales in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. As planned,Promotion and advertising are integral parts of our industry, and we continue to invest heavily in promotional spending to support new product launches and continued worldwide buildingto build brand awareness. We believe that our promotion and advertising efforts have had a beneficial effect on sales. All of brand awareness for our brand portfolio.brands have benefitted from newly launched and enhanced e-commerce sites in existing markets in collaboration with our retail customers on their e-commerce sites. We also continue to develop and implement omnichannel concepts and compelling content to deliver an integrated consumer experience. Long term, we anticipate that on a full year basis, promotion and advertising expenditures should aggregate approximately 21% of net sales, which is in line with pre-COVID historical averages.

Royalty expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses aggregated $39.6$103.8 million, $37.8$87.0 million and $33.8$68.9 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Royalty expense as a percentage of sales represented 6.7%7.9%, 7.3%8.0% and 7.2%7.8% of net sales in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015, respectively. The decline2021, respectively, due to changes in 2017 as a percentage of sales, relates primarily to a lower minimum guaranteed royalty in connection with the renewals of two licenses as well as the 2016 exit from the Balmain license.brand mix.


Service fees, which are fees paid within our European based operations to third parties relating to the activities of our distribution subsidiaries, aggregated $11.7$11.0 million, $9.9$7.9 million and $12.3$9.4 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. The 2017 increase isamounts are in line with increasedand directly related to fluctuations in sales of European operations, while the 2016 decreased is a result ofwithin our U.S. distribution subsidiary, Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc.’s 2016 conversion to an in-house sales team model. However, much of this savings was mitigated by an increase in compensation costs of the in-house sales team.subsidiary.

  

Buyout of License

In December 2016, the Company reached an agreement with the Balmain brand calling for Balmain to buyout the Balmain license agreement, effective December 31, 2016, in exchange for a payment aggregating €5.4 million (approximately $5.7 million). As a result of the buyout, the Company recognized a gain of $4.7 million as of December 31, 2016.

Impairment Loss

The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Product sales of some of our legacy mass market product lines have been declining for many years and now represent a very small portion of our net sales. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company set in motion a plan to discontinue several of these product lines over the next few years. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2017.

Product sales of our Karl Lagerfeld brand had not met with our original expectations. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $5.7 million as of December 31, 2016.

Income from Operations

As a result of the above analysis regarding net sales, gross profit margins and selling, general and administrative expenses, buyout of license and impairment loss, income from operations increased 18% to $78.6 million in 2017 as compared to 2016, after increasing 9% to $66.7 million in 2016 from $61.2 million in 2015. Operatingour operating margins aggregated 13.3%19.1%, 12.8%17.9% and 13.1%16.8% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Excluding the gain on buyout of license in 2016 and impairment losses in both 2017 and 2016, as well as the $0.5 million inventory reserve in 2017, income from operations would have aggregated $80.2 million, an increase of 18.5%, compared to 2016, and in 2016, income from operations would have aggregated $67.7 million, an increase of 10.6%, compared to 2015. Operating margins would have aggregated 13.6%, 13.0% and 13.1% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In summary, excluding nonrecurring items during the past two years, the increase in gross margin was mitigated by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily promotion and advertising expenditures, explaining the effect on operating margin. The Company plans to continue to increase sales without a substantial increase in fixed costs. Our goal is to reach an operating margin of at least 14%.


Other Income and Expenses

Interest expense aggregated $2.0 million, $2.3 million and $2.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest expense is primarily related to the financing of the Rochas brand acquisition. We use the credit lines availableand licensing acquisitions. The increase in interest expense in 2023 is related to us, as needed,prior year acquisitions. In December 2022, to finance our working capital needs as well as our financing needsthe acquisition of the Lacoste trademark, the Company entered into a $55.3 million (€50 million) four-year loan agreement. The loan agreement bears interest at EURIBOR-1 month rates plus a margin of 0.825%. This variable rate debt was swapped for acquisitions. Loans payable – banks and long-termvariable interest rate debt with a maximum rate of 2% per annum. Additionally, in April 2021, we completed the acquisition of the headquarters of Interparfums SA. The acquisition was financed by a 10-year approximately $132.6 million (€120 million) bank loan which bears interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.75%. Approximately $88.4 million (€80 million) of the variable rate debt was swapped for fixed interest rate debt with a maximum interest rate of 2% per annum. The swap effectively exchanges the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%. Long-term debt including current maturities aggregated $60.6$157.5 million, $74.6$180.0 million and $98.6$148.8 million as of December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

Foreign currency losses aggregated $1.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We typically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposure related to receivables from unaffiliated third parties denominated in a foreign currency and occasionally to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a foreign currency. Almost 45%Over 50% of 2017 net sales of our European based operations wereare denominated in U.S. dollars. Gains and losses in derivatives designated as hedges are accumulated in other comprehensive income and gains and losses in derivatives not designated as hedges are included in (gain) loss on foreign currency on the accompanying consolidated income statements. Such gains and losses were immaterial in each 2023, 2022, and 2021.

  

Interest and dividendinvestment income aggregated $3.0 million, $3.3 million and $3.0 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cashrepresents interest earned on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are primarily invested in certificates of deposit with varying maturities.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to: (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries; and (iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property.

The Tax Act also established new tax laws that will affect 2018, including, but not limited to: (i) the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate discussed above; (ii) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (iii) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”); (iv) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation; (v) limitations on the use of foreign tax credits to reduce the U.S. income tax liability; and (vi) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”).

The Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the related accounting under ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for a certain income tax effect of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.


The Company’s accounting for certain elements of the Tax Act is incomplete. However, the Company was able to make reasonable estimates of the effects and, therefore, recorded provisional estimates for these items. In connection with its initial analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the Company has recorded a tax expense of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This estimate consists of no expense for the one-time transition tax and an expense of $1.1 million related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, caused by the new lower corporate tax rate. To determine the transition tax, the Company must determine the amount of post-1986 accumulated earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. While the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the transition tax, it is continuing to gather additional information to more precisely compute the final amount. Likewise, while the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction to the corporate tax rate, it may be affected by other analyses related to the Tax Act, including, but not limited to, the state tax effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences. Due to the complexity of the new GILTI tax rules, the Company is continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740. Under GAAP, the Company is allowed to make an accounting policy choice to either: (1) treat taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period cost method”); or (2) factor in such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). The Company’s selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules is dependent on additional analysis and potential future modifications to existing structure, which are not currently known. Accordingly, the Company has not made any adjustments related to potential GILTI tax in our financial statements and has not made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI. The Company will continue to analyze the full effects of the Tax Act on its financial statements. The impact of the Tax Act may differ from the current estimate, possibly materially, due to changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, future guidance that may be issued and actions the Company may take as a result of the law.

Our effective income tax rate was 29.2%, 35.5% and 35.6% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The French government had introduced a 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends for entities subject to French corporate income tax in 2012. In 2017, the French Constitutional Court released a decision declaring that the 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends is unconstitutional.investments. As a result of that decision, the Company has filed a claim for refund of approximately $3.6 million (€3.2 million) for these taxes paid since 2015 including accrued interest of approximately $0.4 million. The Company recorded the refund claim in the accompanying financial statements as of December 31, 2017.

As previously reported,2023, short-term investments include approximately $9.4 million of marketable equity securities of other companies in the French Tax Authorities examined the 2012 tax return of Interparfums SA, and in August 2015 issued a $6.9 million tax adjustment. The main issues challenged by the French Tax Authorities related to the commission rate and royalty rate paid to Interparfums Singapore Pte. and Interparfums (Suisse) SARL, respectively. Due to the subjective nature of the issues involved, in April 2016, Interparfums SA reached an agreement in principle to settle the entire matter with the French Tax Authorities. The settlement required Interparfums SA to pay a tax assessment of $1.9 million covering the issues for not only the 2012 tax year, but also covering the issues for the tax years ended 2013 through 2015. The settlement, which was finalized by the French Tax Authorities inluxury goods sector. In the first quarter of 2017, was accrued as2023, the Company sold marketable securities which generated a gain of March 31, 2016$3.1 million. The Company purchased additional marketable securities in the second and income taxthird quarter of 2023, which generated unrealized losses of $0.3 million during 2023. Overall the increases in interest rates led to higher net interest expenses. These increases in interest expense forcombined with losses on foreign currency were partially offset by the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes the $1.9 million settlement.gains on marketable securities.

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Excluding the effects of the Tax Act, the 2017 claim for refund and the 2016 settlement, our

Income Taxes

Our consolidated effective tax rate was 32.4%24.8%, 32.7%22.2% and 35.6%27.1% in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

The adoption in 2016 of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”) resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits of $0.7 million and $0.4 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, since 2016 the effective tax rate for European based operations was favorably impacted by27.3%, 25.2% and 30.6% in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The French Government voted the reduction of the French corporate income tax rate from approximately 1.5%,33% to 25% over a three-year period resulting in the decrease in rate from 2021 to 2022. Our effective tax rate in 2023 differs from the 25% statutory rate due to lowera one-time tax ratesassessment of € 2.8 million ($3.1 million) included in France, Spain,tax expense as the result of a tax audit conducted for the 2020 and 2021 tax years.

The effective tax rate for United States based operations was 19.3%, 13.8% and 15.6% in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our effective tax rate differs from the 21% statutory rate due to benefits received from the exercise of stock options as well as deductions we are allowed for a portion of our foreign derived intangible income, slightly offset by state and local taxes. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2022, our United States.

States based operations recognized a one-time tax benefit of $2.5 million associated with the 2021 Salvatore Ferragamo acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, we had not recognized deferred tax benefits as there were uncertainties concerning its potential recoverability; however, as of September 30, 2022, recoverability was deemed likely. Other than as discussed above, we did not experience any significant changes in tax rates, and none were expected in the jurisdictions where we operate.

The Company has determined that it has no tax liability related to global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The Company also estimated the effect of its foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”) and recorded a tax benefit of $2.4 million, $1.5 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Share-based compensation resulted in a discrete tax benefit of $1.2 million, $0.8 million and $1.3 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
  (In thousands except share and per share data) 
          
Net income attributable to European operations $48,236  $35,037  $31,328 
Net income attributable to United States operations  7,017   8,211   7,641 
Net income  55,253   43,248   38,969 
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest  13,659   9,917   8,532 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $41,594  $33,331  $30,437 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. common shareholders:            
Basic $1.33  $1.07  $0.98 
Diluted  1.33   1.07   0.98 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:            
Basic  31,172,285   31,072,328   30,996,137 
Diluted  31,305,101   31,175,598   31,100,215 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
  (In thousands) 
          
Net income attributable to European based operations $123,994  $107,292  $80,670 
Net income attributable to United States based operations  63,782   43,745   29,357 
Net income  187,776   151,037   110,027 
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest  35,122   30,099   22,616 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $152,654  $120,938  $87,411 

 

Net income has continuedattributable to increase over the past three years and aggregated $55.3Inter Parfums, Inc. was $152.7 million, $43.2$120.9 million and $39.0$87.4 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

Net income attributable to European based operations was $48.2$124.0 million, $35.0$107.3 million and $31.3$80.7 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, while net income attributable to United States based operations was $7.0$63.8 million, $8.2$43.7 million and $7.6$29.4 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. The significant fluctuations in net income for both European and United States based operations in are directly related to the previous discussions relating to changes in sales, gross profit margins, selling, general and administrative expenses, buyout of license, impairment loss, the French tax refund as well as the French tax settlement.expenses.

For United States operations in 2017, net income, excluding the effect of the $2.1 million impairment loss and $0.5 million inventory reserve, was in line with that of the prior year. In 2016, sales increased 11% while gross margins as a percentage of sales were unchanged and selling, general and administrative expenses increased 9%, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year.


The noncontrolling interest arises primarily from our 73%72% owned subsidiary in Paris, Interparfums SA, which is also a publicly traded company as 27%28% of Interparfums SA shares trade on the NYSE Euronext. Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest is directly related to the profitability of our European based operations and aggregated 28.3%28.1%, 27.9% and 28.0% of European based operations net income in both 20172023, 2022 and 2016 and 27.2% in 2015.2021, respectively. Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. aggregated $41.6 million, $33.3 million and $30.4 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Netprofit margins attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. aggregated 7.0%11.6%, 6.4%11.1% and 6.5%9.9% in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

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Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc., is deemed a “non-GAAP financial measure” under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. This non-GAAP measure is calculated using GAAP amounts derived from our consolidated financial statements. Adjusted net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. has limitations and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, cash flow from operations or other consolidated income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of adjusted income may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of other companies.

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. Reconciliation

Adjusted net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. is defined as net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc., plus the previously discussed impairment loss net of tax expense, and inventory reserve adjustment net of tax expense, both relating to the discontinuance of certain of our mass market product lines, the adjustment to deferred tax benefit due to the Tax Act, and the tax recovery for dividends net of minority interest for 2017, and the nonrecurring tax settlement payment net of minority interest for 2016. We believe that certain investors would consider adjusted net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. a useful means of evaluating our financial performance.


The following table provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. to adjusted net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. for the periods indicated.

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
  (In thousands except share and per share data) 
          
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $41,594  $33,331  $30,437 
Impairment loss (net of tax expense of $828)  1,295       
Inventory reserve adjustment (net of tax expense of ($195)  305       
Adjustment to deferred tax benefit due to Tax Act  1,087       
Tax recovery for dividends (net of minority interest of $973)  (2,590)      
Nonrecurring tax settlement payment (net of minority interest of $500)     1,400    
Adjusted net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $41,691  $34,731  $30,437 
Adjusted net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. common shareholders:            
Basic $1.34  $1.12  $0.98 
Diluted  1.33   1.11   0.98 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:            
Basic  31,172,285   31,072,328   30,996,137 
Diluted  31,305,101   31,175,598   31,100,215 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’sOur conservative financial position remains strong. Attradition has enabled us to amass significant cash balances. As of December 31, 2017, working capital aggregated $382 million and2023, we had a working capital ratio of almost 3.3 to 1. Cash$182.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, aggregated $278 million most of which isare held in euro by our European based operations and is readily convertible into U.S. dollars. We have not had any liquidity issues to date, and do not expect any liquidity issues relating to such cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of December 31, 2023, short-term investments held by our European operations.include approximately $12.9 million of marketable equity securities.

As of December 31, 2023, working capital aggregated $514 million, and we had a working capital ratio of 2.6 to 1. Approximately 89%78% of the Company’s total assets are held by European operations. In addition to $265 million of the cashbased operations, and cash equivalents and short-term investments referred to above, approximately $193$255 million of trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets are also held by European based operations.

The Company is party to a number of licenses and other agreements for the use of trademarks and rights in connection with the manufacture and sale of its products expiring at various dates through 2039. In connection with most of these license agreements, the Company is subject to minimum annual advertising commitments, minimum annual royalties and other commitments. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 12 – Commitments in this annual report on Form 10-K. Future advertising commitments are estimated based on planned future sales for the license terms that were in effect at December 31, 2023, without consideration for potential renewal periods and do not reflect the fact that our distributors share our advertising obligations.

The Company hopes to continue to benefit from its strong financial position to potentially acquire one or more brands, either on a proprietary basis or as a licensee. OpportunitiesIn July 2023, we entered into a global licensing agreement for external growth continuethe creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Roberto Cavalli brand. Our rights under this license are subject to be examined,certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. This license took effect in July 2023, and began shipping products in February 2024.

In December 2022, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Lacoste brand. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. This new license took effect and products have started to ship in January 2024.

In September 2021, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrances and fragrance-related products under the Donna Karan and DKNY brands. Our rights under this license are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. With this agreement, we gained several well-established and valuable fragrance franchises, most notably Donna Karan Cashmere Mist and DKNY Be Delicious, as well as a significant loyal consumer base around the world. The exclusive license became effective on July 1, 2022, and we are planning to launch new fragrances under these brands in 2024.

In October 2021, we closed a transaction agreement with Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., whereby an exclusive and worldwide license was granted for the production and distribution of Ferragamo brand perfumes. The license became effective in October 2021 and will last for 10 years with a 5-year optional term, subject to certain conditions. With respect to the management and coordination of activities related to the license agreement, the Company is operating through a wholly-owned Italian subsidiary based in Florence, that was acquired from Salvatore Ferragamo on October 1, 2021. The acquisition together with the prioritylicense agreement was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The total cost of maintaining the quality and homogeneous natureassets acquired net of our portfolio. However,liabilities assumed aggregated approximately $35.8 million. In connection with this acquisition, we cannot assure you that any new license or acquisition agreements will be consummated.agreed to pay $17.0 million in equal annual installments of $1.7 million including interest imputed at 2.0%.

Cash provided by operating activities aggregated $35.9$105.8 million, $54.6$73.0 million, and $50.1$119.6 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. In 2017,2023, working capital items used $32.5$102.0 million in cash from operating activities, as compared to $0.2$107.7 million in 20162022 and $0.6$13.7 million in 2015.2021. Although, from a cash flow perspective, accounts receivable is up 19% from that ofyear-end 2022, the prior year, daysbalance is reasonable based 2023 record sales levels and reflects a strong collection activity as day’s sales outstanding continueddecreased slightly to improve to 6760 days in 2017,2023, as compared to 7164 days and 7561 days in 20162022 and 2015,2021, respectively. From a cash flow perspective, inventory levels are up 25% from year-end 2022. Inventory days on hand aggregated 189increased to 249 days in 2017,2023, as compared to 185231 days in 20162022, and 213208 days in 2015, respectively. Fluctuations are primarily a function of new product launch dates.2021 as we have built up inventory related to the newly acquired licenses for Lacoste and Roberto Cavalli which began shipping to customers in 2024.

  


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Cash flows used inprovided by investing activities in 2023 reflect the purchasepurchases and sales of short-term investments by our European operations.investments. These investments are primarilyconsist of certificates of deposit with maturities greater than three months.months, marketable equity securities and other contracts. At December 31, 2017,2023, approximately $69$2.2 million of certificates of deposit contain penalties where we would forfeit a portion of the interest earned in the event of early withdrawal.

Furthermore, in December 2023, the second installment payment to Lacoste related to the acquisition of the Lacoste trademark in 2022 for $43.3 million (€40 million) was made.

 

Our business is not capital intensive as we do not own any manufacturing facilities. However, onOn a full year basis, we spenttypically spend approximately $3.0$5.0 million on capital expenditures including tools and molds, needed to supportdepending on our new product development calendar. Capital expenditures also include amounts for office fixtures, computer equipment and industrial equipment needed at our distribution centers.

Cash flows used in financing activities in 2023 reflect issuances and repayment of debt, purchases of treasury shares, and payment of dividends to stockholders.

In December 2016, the Company agreed2022, to a buyout of its Balmain license, effective December 31, 2016, for a payment aggregating €5.4 million (approximately $5.9 million). The Company received the buyout payment in May 2017.

In connection with the 2015finance Interparfums SA’s acquisition of the Rochas brand, weLacoste trademark, Interparfums SA entered into an approximately $55.3 million (€50 million) four-year loan agreement. The loan agreement bears interest at EURIBOR-1 month rates plus a 5-year termmargin of 0.825%. This variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with a maximum rate of 2% per annum.

In April 2021, Interparfums SA completed the acquisition of its headquarters at 10 rue de Solférino in the 7th arrondissement of Paris from the property developer. This is an office complex combining three buildings connected by two inner courtyards, and consists of approximately 40,000 total sq. ft. The $142 million purchase price is in line with market value and includes the complete renovation of the site. As of December 31, 2023, $154 million of the purchase price, including approximately $3.1 million of acquisition costs, is included in building, equipment and leasehold improvements on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2023, there was no cash held in escrow included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In addition, Interparfums SA borrowed $17.0 million pursuant to a short-term loan payableequal to the VAT credit, and in equal quarterly installments of €5.0July 2021, the $17.0 million VAT credit was reimbursed by the French Tax Authorities and the loan was repaid. The acquisition was financed by a 10-year €120 million (approximately $6.0$132.6 million) bank loan which bears interest at one-month Euribor plus interest. This term loan requires0.75%. Approximately €80 million of the maintenance of certain financial covenants, tested semi-annually, includingvariable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio.rate of 2% per annum. The facility also contains new debt restrictions among other standard provisions. The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants and other restrictions of the debt agreements. In order to reduce exposure to rising variable interest rates, the Company entered into a swap transaction effectively exchangingexchanges the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.2%1.1%. The swap is a derivative instrument and is therefore recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Our short-term financing requirements are expected to be met by available cash on hand at December 31, 2017, cash generated2023, and by operations and short-term credit lines provided by domestic and foreign banks. The principal credit facilities for 20182023 consist of a $20.0$25.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit provided by a domestic commercial bank and approximately $30.0$8 million in credit lines provided by a consortium of international financial institutions. There were no balancesBalances due from short-term borrowings totaled $4.4 million and $0 million as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022, respectively.

In December 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for our outstanding common stock. During 2023, the Company repurchased 116,860 shares at a cost of $15.4 million. These shares are classified as treasury shares on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In February 2024, our Board of Directors authorized the Company to continue repurchasing up to 130,000 shares throughout 2024.

 

In January 2015,February 2021, our Board of Directors authorized an 8% increase to $0.52annual dividend of $1.00 per share.share, payable quarterly. In January 2016, theFebruary 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a 15%100% increase in the annual dividend to $0.60$2.00 per share and in October 2016, ourFebruary 2023 the Board of Directors authorized a 13% increase inincreased the annual dividend to $0.68$2.50 per share andshare. Just recently, in October 2017 ourFebruary 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a further 24% increase inincreased the annual dividend to $0.84$3.00 per share. The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.21$0.75 per share is payable on April 13, 2018March 29, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 30, 2018.15, 2024. Dividends paid, including dividends paid once per year to noncontrolling stockholders of Interparfums SA, aggregated $27.2$100.3 million, $22.9$79.8 million and $19.6$41.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. The cash dividends to be paid in 20182024 are not expected to have any significant impact on our financial position.

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We believe that funds provided by or used in operations can be supplemented by our present cash position and available credit facilities, so that they will provide us with sufficient resources to meet all present and reasonably foreseeable future operating needs.


Inflation rates in the U.S. and foreign countries in which we operate did not have a significant impact on operating results for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes2023 as they were either offset by price increases we passed onto our contractual obligations over the periods indicated, as well as our total contractual obligations ($ in thousands):respective customers or operating efficiencies.

Contractual Obligations Payments due by period 
 Total  Less than
1 year
  Years
2-3
  Years
4-5
  More than
5 years
 
Long-Term Debt $60,579  $24,372  $36,207  $-0-  $-0- 
Operating Leases $25,748  $5,835  $8,136  $6,614  $5,163 
Purchase Obligations(1) $1,877,029  $136,345  $311,600  $322,055  $1,107,029 
Total $1,963,356  $166,552  $355,943  $328,669  $1,112,192 

(1)

Consists of purchase commitments for advertising and promotional items, minimum royalty guarantees, including fixed or minimum obligations, and estimates of such obligations subject to variable price provisions. Future advertising commitments were estimated based on planned future sales for the license terms that were in effect at December 31, 2017, without consideration for potential renewal periods and do not reflect the fact that our distributors share our advertising obligations.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

General

We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that primarily consists of the use of derivative financial instruments. We primarily enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts in order to reduce the effects of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. We do not engage in the trading of foreign currency forward exchange contracts or interest rate swaps.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

We periodically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure related to receivables denominated in a foreign currency and to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a currency other than our functional currency. We enter into these exchange contracts for periods consistent with our identified exposures. The purpose of the hedging activities is to minimize the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on the receivables and cash flows of Interparfums SA, our French subsidiary, whose functional currency is the euro. All foreign currency contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries and are with large financial institutions, which are rated as strong investment grade.grade.

All derivative instruments are required to be reflected as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet measured at fair value. Generally, increases or decreases in fair value of derivative instruments will be recognized as gains or losses in earnings in the period of change. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, then the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument will be recorded in other comprehensive income.


Before entering into a derivative transaction for hedging purposes, we determine that the change in the value of the derivative will effectively offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item from a movement in foreign currency rates. Then, we measure the effectiveness of each hedge throughout the hedged period. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized in the income statement.

AtAs of December 31, 2017,2023, we had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward exchange contracts with notional amounts of approximately U.S. $10.1 million, GB £8.0$61.0 million and JPY ¥18.0GB £2.5 million which all havewith maturities of less than one year. We believe that our risk of loss as the result of nonperformance by any of such financial institutions is remote.

Interest Rate Risk Management

We mitigate interest rate risk by monitoring interest rates, and then determining whether fixed interest rates should be swapped for floating rate debt, or if floating rate debt should be swapped for fixed rate debt. We entered into an interest rate swap in June 2015 on €100 million of debt, effectively exchanging the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.2%. This derivative instrument is recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The required financial statements commence on page F-1.

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Supplementary Data

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

 (In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

  1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter  Full Year 
Net sales $143,058  $129,136  $169,531  $149,526  $591,251 
Gross margin  90,070   83,943   103,472   98,801   376,286 
Net income  18,167   9,211   22,103   5,772   55,253 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  13,373   6,744   17,077   4,400   41,594 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per share:                    
Basic $0.43  $0.22  $0.55  $0.14  $1.33 
Diluted $0.43  $0.22  $0.55  $0.14  $1.33 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
Basic  31,145   31,169   31,175   31,200   31,172 
Diluted  31,254   31,281   31,307   31,378   31,305 


Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

 (In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

  1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter  Full Year 
Net sales $111,522  $117,157  $157,622  $134,771  $521,072 
Gross margin  71,317   74,428   94,832   85,894   326,471 
Net income  9,448   7,729   21,479   4,592   43,248 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  7,334   5,831   16,239   3,927   33,331 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per share:                    
Basic $0.24  $0.19  $0.52  $0.13  $1.07 
Diluted $0.24  $0.19  $0.52  $0.13  $1.07 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                    
Basic  31,039   31,055   31,080   31,072   31,072 
Diluted  31,115   31,160   31,197   31,231   31,176 

Item 9.   Changes Inin and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on their review and evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Inter Parfums, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established inInternal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.


2023.

Our independent auditor, Mazars USA LLP, a registered public accounting firm, has issued its report on its audit of our internal control over financial reporting. This report appears below.on page F-2.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Inter Parfums, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Inter Parfums, Inc’s (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the balance sheets and the related statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index in Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”) of the Company, and our report dated March 13, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Mazars USA LLP 

Mazars USA LLP 

New York, New York 

March 13, 2018


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the fourth quarter of 20172023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.Other Information.

None.

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PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Officers and Directors

As of the date of this report, our executive officers and directors were as follows:

NamePosition
Jean Madar

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, Inc. and Director General of Interparfums SA

Philippe Benacin

Vice Chairman of the Board, President of Inter Parfums, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA

Russell GreenbergMichel AtwoodDirector and Chief Financial Officer
Philippe SantiDirector and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officerof Interparfums SA
Philippe SantiFrançois HeilbronnDirector Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Interparfums SA
François HeilbronnRobert BensoussanDirector
Robert BensoussanVeronique Gabai-PinskyDirector
Patrick ChoëlGilbert HarrisonDirector
Michel DyensGerard KappaufDirector
Veronique Gabai-PinskyDirector
Frederic Garcia-PelayoExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Interparfums SA

Our directors will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and thereafter until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. Messrs. Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin have a verbal agreement or understanding to vote their shares and the shares of their respective holding companies in a like manner.

With the exception of Mr. Benacin, the officers are elected annually by the directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. There are no family relationships between executive officers or directors of our Company.

Board of Directors

Our board of directors has the responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and for the overall performance of our Company. Although certain directors are not involved in day-to-day operating details, members of the board of directors are kept informed of our business by various reports and documents made available to them. Our board of directors held 1519 meetings (or executed consents in lieu thereof), including meetings of committees of the full board of directors during 2017,2023, and all of the directors attended at least 75% of the meetings (or executed consents in lieu thereof) of the full board of directors and committees of which they were a member. Our board of directors presently consists of nine (9) directors.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, as well as other persons performing similar functions and all employees, applicable, and we agree to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of our Code of Business Conduct. Any person who requests a copy of our Code of Business Conduct should provide their name and address in writing to: Inter Parfums, Inc., 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10176, Att.: Shareholder Relations. In addition, our Code of Conduct is also maintained on our website, atwww.interparfumsinc.com.


During 2017,2023, our board of directors had the following standing committees:

Audit Committee – The Audit Committee has the sole authority and is directly responsible for, the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent accountants employed by our company which prepare or issue audit reports for our company. During 2017, the Audit Committeefirst 9 months of 2023, this committee consisted of Messrs. Heilbronn Levy and Choël, untiland Ms. Gabai-Pinsky. In September 2023, Mr. LevyChoël retired, in September 2018, when heand was replaced by Ms. Gabai-Pinsky.Mr. Robert Bensoussan. The charter of the Audit Committee is posted on our company’sCompany’s website.

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The Company does not have an “audit committee financial expert” within the definition of the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. First, findingFinding qualified nominees to serve as a director of a public company without substantialthe comparable financial resources of other larger, more established companies has been challenging. Second,In addition, despite the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rule which states that being named as the audit committee financial expert does not impose any greater duty, obligation or liability, our company has been met with resistance from both present and former directors to being named as such, primarily due to potential additional personal liability. However, as the result of the background, education and experience of the members of the Audit Committee, our board of directors believes that such committee members are fully qualified to fulfill their obligations as members of the Audit Committee. The Chair of the Audit Committee, Mr. François Heilbronn, is a graduate of Harvard Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and is currently the managing partner of the consulting firm of M.M. Friedrich, Heilbronn & Fiszer which is specialized in business strategy and complex financial operations and investments.

Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee – The Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee oversees the compensation of our company’sCompany’s executives and administers our company’s stock option plans. During 2017, the membersfirst 9 months of such2023, this committee consisted of Messrs. Heilbronn Levy and Choël, untiland Ms. Gabai-Pinsky. Following the election of directors at the 2023 annual meeting, Robert Bensoussan replaced Mr. Levy retired in September 2018, when he was replaced by Ms. Gabai-Pinsky.Choël on the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee. The charter of the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee is posted on our company’s website.

 

Nominating Committee – During 2017, the membersfirst 9 months of such2023, this committee consisted of Messrs. Heilbronn Levy and Choël, untiland Ms. Gabai-Pinsky. Following the election of directors at the 2023 annual meeting, Robert Bensoussan replaced Mr. Levy retired in September 2018, when he was replaced by Ms. Gabai-Pinsky.Choël on this committee. The purpose of the Nominating Committee is to determine and recommend qualified persons to the Board of Directors who will be put forth as management’s slate of directors for vote of the Corporation’s stockholders, as well as to fill vacancies in the Board of Directors. The charter of the Nominating Committee is posted on our company’sCompany’s website.

 

In January 2018 our board of directorsWe have adopted a board diversity policy, which was revised in early 2024. This policy provides that the selection of candidates for appointment to our board will be based on an overriding emphasis on merit, but the Nominating Committee will seek to fill board vacancies by considering candidates that bring a diversity of background and industry or related expertise to our board. The Nominating Committee is to consider an appropriate level of diversity having regard for factors such as skills, business and other experience, education, gender, age, ethnicity and geographic location. A copy of the board diversity policy is posted on our company’s website. In addition, Nasdaq has adopted a Board Diversity Rule, which requires Nasdaq listed companies to publicly disclose board-level diversity statistics using a standardized template. By the 2025 annual meeting, we will be required to disclose whether or not we have two directors that are diverse under the applicable Nasdaq rule, and if not, then why not. We do not foresee any issue in complying with Nasdaq Board Diversity Rule at this time.

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Nasdaq Board Diversity

As required by the Nasdaq Diversity Rule, the board of directors of our company presently has one (1) member who self-identifies as a female and white, and one (1) male member who identifies as Hispanic and white (two or more races or ethnicities), which is in compliance with the Nasdaq Board Diversity rule. Below is the Nasdaq Board Diversity Matrix, which shows the gender identity and demographic background of our board of directors as they have self-identified.

Board Diversity Matrix forINTER PARFUMS, INC.
 As of July 18, 2023As of February 12, 2024
Total Number of Directors109
Gender IdentityFemaleMaleNon- BinaryDid Not Disclose GenderFemaleMaleNon- BinaryDid Not Disclose Gender
   
Directors19001800
Part II: Demographic Background
African American or Black00000000
Alaskan Native or Native American00000000
Asian00000000
Hispanic or Latinx00000000
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander00000000
White18001600
Two or More Races or Ethnicities*01000100
LGBTQ+00
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background01

*One director self-identified as both “White” and “Hispanic or Latinx”.

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Business Experience

The following sets forth biographical information as to the business experience of each executive officer and director of our company for at least the past five years.

Jean Madar

Jean Madar, age 57,63, a Director, has been the Chairman of the Board since our company’sCompany’s inception, and is a co-founder of our companyCompany with Mr. Philippe Benacin. From inception until December 1993, he was the President of our company;Company; in January 1994, he became Director General of Interparfums SA, our company’sCompany’s subsidiary; and in January 1997, he became Chief Executive Officer of our company.Company. Mr. Madar was previously the managing director of Interparfums SA, from September 1983 until June 1985. At such subsidiary, he had the responsibility of overseeing the marketing operations of its foreign distribution, including market research analysis and actual marketing campaigns. Mr. Madar graduated from The French University for Economic and Commercial Sciences (ESSEC), the prestigious French business school, in 1983. We believe that Mr. Madar’s skills in guiding, leading and determining the strategic direction of our company since its inception together with Mr. Benacin, in addition to his contacts in the fragrance and cosmetic industry, render him qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.

Philippe Benacin

Mr. Benacin, age 59,65, a Director, is President of our Company and the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA, has been the Vice Chairman of the Board since September 1991, and is a co-founder of our companyCompany with Mr. Madar. He was elected the Executive Vice President in September 1991, Senior Vice President in April 1993, and President of the Company in January 1994. In addition, he has been the President of our Company and Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA for more than the past five years. Mr. Benacin graduated from The French University for Economic and Commercial Sciences (ESSEC), the prestigious French business school, in 1983. In June 2014 Mr. Benacin was elected as a member of the Supervisory Board of Vivendi, and Chairman of its Corporate Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee. We believe that Mr. Benacin’s skills in guiding, leading and determining the strategic direction of our company since its inception together with Mr. Madar, in addition to his contacts in the fragrance and cosmetic industry, render him qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.

Russell GreenbergMichel Atwood

Mr. Greenberg,Atwood, age 61, the54, became our Chief Financial Officer on September 6, 2022, succeeding Mr. Russell Greenberg, the former Chief Financial Officer, who retired on that same date. Mr. Atwood was Vice-President, Finance when he joined the Company in June 1992; became Executive Vice President in April 1993; and was appointedfirst elected to our boardBoard of directorsDirectors at the 2022 Annual Meeting held in September 2022.

From September 2018 through March 2022 while at Estée Lauder, Mr. Atwood had strategic oversight for the fragrance category across that company and operational accountability for several of its fragrance brands. He also had senior level merger and acquisition (“M&A”) duties, including acquisition integration and brand divestitures/discontinuations. Over his nearly four years at Estée Lauder, he also drove cross-brand synergies across research and development and supply chain for the fragrance category. From February 1995. He is2017 to August 2018, he was an independent consultant as an M&A advisor on multiple fragrance license acquisitions and also acted as a certified public accountant licensedprivate investor. 

From 1995 to 2017, Mr. Atwood has held several executive positions at Procter & Gamble (“P&G”) in France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. His final title at P&G was Divisional CFO of Global Prestige Fragrances, leading a 90 member team, and ultimately spearheading the Statedivestiture of New York,that division to Coty. Earlier he was CFO Global Markets – Prestige Fragrances, a business generating over $2 billion in sales, where he headed a globally dispersed team of 60 people supporting the go-to-market organization (affiliates, Travel Retail and is a memberdistributors) of the AmericanPrestige Division. Before that, he was Global Prestige Director of Strategic Planning, Licensing and Acquisition shaping and executing the overall business direction and licensing and acquisition strategy of P&G’s Global Fragrance and Premium skin and cosmetics businesses.

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Michel Atwood holds a master’s degree in software engineering from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées of Lyon, and a master’s in international finance from HEC Paris, the prestigious French business school. He also earned the designation of Certified Management Accountant from the Institute of Certified Public AccountantsManagement Accountants. He has a truly international background, working/living in France, Switzerland, the U.S., Canada, Turkey and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. After graduating from The Ohio State University in 1980, he was employed in public accounting until he joined our company in June 1992.Italy. We believe that Mr. Greenberg’sAtwood’s skills and experience in accounting, international tax, mergers and tax,acquisitions, as well as his knowledge of the fragrance industry, and our Company’s operations, render him qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.


Philippe Santi

Philippe Santi, age 5662, and a Director since December 1999, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Interparfums SA. Mr. Santi, who is a Certified Accountant and Statutory Auditor in France, has beenwas the Chief Financial Officer of Interparfums SA sincebeginning in February 1995.1995 until November 2023. Prior to February 1995, Mr. Santi was the Chief Financial Officer for Stryker France and an Audit Manager for Ernst and Young. We believe that Mr. Santi’s skills in accounting and tax, as well as his knowledge of the fragrance industry and our Company’s European based operations, render him qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.

Francois Heilbronn

Mr. Heilbronn, age 57,63, a Director since 1988, an independent director and a member of the Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee, is a graduate of Harvard Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and is currently the managing partner of the consulting firm of M.M. Friedrich, Heilbronn & Fiszer. He was formerly employed by The Boston Consulting Group, Inc. from 1988 through 1992 as a manager. Mr. Heilbronn graduated from Institut d’ Etudes Politiques de Paris in June 1983. From 1984 to 1986, he worked as a financial analyst for Lazard Freres & Co. In addition, during 2009, Mr. Heilbronn became an Associate Professor in Business Strategy at Sciences Po, Paris, France. As the result of his business and financial acumen, as well as his experience as managing partner of a business consulting firm in the area of mergers and acquisitions of large international companies in retail, consumer goods and consumer services throughout the world, we believe Mr. Heilbronn is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.

Robert Bensoussan

Mr. Robert Bensoussan, age 59,66, has been a Director since March 1997 and is also is an independent director. Mr. Bensoussan is the co-founder offounded Sirius Equity Consultants, a retail and branded luxury goods investment company. Since 2008, Sirius has invested in UK shoe and clothing retailer LK Bennett, Italian sportswear retailer and wholesaler Jeckerson Spa and feelunique.com, Europe’s largest online beauty retailer.To date, Mr. Bensoussan served previously as Executive Chairman and CEO of LK Bennett and is now Non-Executive Chairman. He has also acted as the Non-Executive Chairman of Jerkerson Spa since May 2008 and of feelunique.com since December 2012. Mr. Bensoussan is a board member of lululemon athletica inc. remains an investor in Hapy Sweet Bee Ltd, natural health food product. 

He is also a member of three private Boards, including Men’s retailer Celio International (Belgium), Zen Cars (Belgium), an electric car rental company,the Advisory Board of Pictet Bank Premium Brands Fund and Eaglemoss Ltd. (UK) a part-works publisher. sits on the board of Yonderland, Europe’s largest premium outdoor retailer. 

Previously Mr. Bensoussan was asa director of, and had an indirect ownership interest in, J. Choo Limited until July 2011, and was CEO (fromfrom 2001 to 2007)2007, and was a member of the Board of Jimmy Choo Ltd, (fromfrom 2001 to 2011),2011, which had been a privately held luxury shoe wholesaler and retailer. He was previously Chairman of Camaïeu, the French retail conglomerate, a board member of Celio International, the French retail conglomerate and Vivarte representing the GLG hedge fund. In the latter part of 2019, Mr. Bensoussan resigned after 6 years as the only non-North American board member of Lululemon Athletica Inc. Following the successful sale in 2021, Mr Bensoussan stepped down from the board of Feelunique.com, one of Europe’s largest online beauty retailers after serving for 9 years. Mr. Bensoussan served on the board of SNS, a prominent aspirational streetwear and entertainment hub in addition to serving on the board of Pronovias, the worldwide leader of wedding dresses. 

We believe Mr. Bensoussan is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his business and financial acumen as well asand his experience in the retail and branded luxury goods market.

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Patrick Choël

Mr. Choël, age 74, was appointed to the board of directors in June 2006 as an independent director, and is a member of the Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Mr. Choël is a director of our majority-owned subsidiary, Interparfums SA, a publicly held company, and Christian Dior and Guerlain, both privately held companies. He is also the manager of Université 82, a business consultant and advisor. For approximately 10 years, through March 2004, Mr. Choël was the President and CEO of two divisions of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A., first Parfums Christian Dior, a leading world-wide prestige beauty/fragrances business, and later, the LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics Division, which included such well-known brands as Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, and Parfums Givenchy, among others. Prior to such time, for approximately 30 years, he held various executive positions at Unilever, including President and CEO of Elida Fabergé France and President and CEO of Chesebrough Pond’s USA. Because of this experience, especially in the prestige beauty business, we believe that Mr. Choël is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors.

Michel Dyens

Michel Dyens, age 78, is the owner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Michel Dyens & Co., which he founded more than 25 years ago. With headquarters in New York and Paris, Michel Dyens & Co. is a leading independent investment banking firm focused on mergers and acquisitions. Michel Dyens & Co. has vast experience in the luxury goods, beauty, spirits and other premium branded consumer goods in which it has concluded numerous landmark deals. Michel Dyens & Co. has advised in such deals as the sale of the Grey Goose ultra-premium vodka brand to Bacardi, John Frieda Professional Hair Care and Molton Brown to the Kao Company, the Svedka vodka brand to Constellation Brands, Chambord liqueur to Brown-Forman, Harry Winston to Aber Diamond Company and Boucheron to Gucci. Michel Dyens & Co. also has a strong track record of deals in media and internet, including the deals in which AuFeminin was sold to Axel Springer and Cyréalis to M6, among others.

In 2015, Michel Dyens & Co. represented Mr. ChinWook Lee, the founder and CEO of Dr. Jart+, for the sale of an interest in Have & Be Co. Ltd. to The Estée Lauder Companies. Michel Dyens & Co. also advised the shareholders of the largest independent hair color and hair care company in Brazil, Niely Cosmeticos in the sale of the company to L’Oréal, as well as advising the owner of the super-premium liqueur St-Germain in the sale of the brand to Bacardi, the Colomer Group (American Crew and CND/Shellac brands) in its sale to Revlon, and Sydney Frank Importing Company in the sale of the company to Jaegermeister. Other recent transactions include the sale of Essie cosmetics business to L’Oréal, the acquisition of the Swiss watchmaker Hublot by LVMH, the sale of TIGI (BedHead and Catwalk brands) to Unilever and the sale of NIOXIN Research Laboratories to Procter & Gamble.


Mr. Dyens is also the owner of Varenne Enterprises, a media company which he founded more than 25 years ago. From April 2004 to September 2014, Mr. Dyens was an independent director of Interparfums SA. We believe Mr. Dyens is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his knowledge of our company’s luxury business, his business and financial acumen, as well as his experience in the luxury goods market.

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

Ms. Gabai-Pinsky, age 52,58, was elected for the first time to our board in September 2017. She became a director of Interparfums, SA in April 2017. She is currently operating a startup specialty fragrance business, and a director of Lifetime Brands (Nasdaq: LCUT), which is in the home goods business. She was appointed President of Vera Wang Group infrom January 2016 through June 2018, after a year of consulting with the company and she currently overseesoversaw all product categories and markets. Prior to joining Vera Wang, from 2006 to December 2014, Ms. Gabai-Pinsky was the Global President for Aramis and Designers Fragrances as well as Beauty Bank and Idea Bank at theThe Estée Lauder Companies, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of such company. During her tenure, Ms. Gabai-Pinsky developed and ensured the growth of several beauty and skin care brands, including Lab Series for Men. She was highly instrumental in the evolution of the fragrance category for such company, as she improved its overall business model, globally grew brands such as Donna Karan and Michael Kors, evolved and harmonized the portfolio, divested dilutive brands and brought in Tory Burch, Zegna and Marni under licenses. She ultimately actively participated in the acquisitions of Le Labo, Frederic Malle, and By Kilian and assisted in the transformation of the long-term strategic direction of such company.

In the earlier years of her career, Ms. Gabai-Pinsky served as Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Guerlain, a division of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A., where she led the successful re-launch of Shalimar, the introduction of Aqua Allegoria, and contributed to the re-focus of the beauty category around its pillars, Terracotta, Meteorites and Issima, while redesigning all communication strategies and content. She started her career at L’Oréal, and was also Vice President of Marketing for Giorgio Armani, where she was instrumental in the overall development of its fragrance business by developing the successful Acqua di Gio for men and introducing the Emporio Armani franchise. A graduate from ESSEC Business School in Paris, France, she has received several awards, including Marketer of the Year by Women’s Wear Daily in December 2013.

Ms. Gabai-Pinksy is an independent director, and is a member of the Audit Committee, Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee and the Nominating Committee of our company.Company. We believe Ms. Gabi-Pinsky is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to her more than 25 years of experience in the luxury, fashion, beauty and fragrance fields, success as a brand builder, creative thinker, business acumen, and a broad understanding of consumers, brands and business models.

Gilbert Harrison

Mr. Harrison, age 83, an independent director, was appointed to our board in April 2018. Mr. Harrison has more than 50 years of experience in corporate finance and strategic transactions, specializing in the consumer products space. He began his career in 1965 practicing corporate and securities law in New York and Philadelphia. In 1971 he founded Financo, which he grew to become one of the leading independent middle market transaction firms in the country. In 1985, Financo was acquired by Lehman Brothers, where the firm’s primary efforts were focused on increasing its expertise in retail, apparel and other merchandising transactions of all types. At Lehman, Mr. Harrison was Chairman of the Merchandising Group and on the firm’s Investment Banking Operating Committee while continuing as Chairman of Financo, which was renamed the Middle Market Group of Lehman. In 1989, he re-acquired Financo from Lehman, re-establishing Financo as one of the leading investment banking firms handling transactions and providing strategic advice in connection with merchandising companies. Mr. Harrison retired as Chairman of Financo in December of 2017, after which he formed the Harrison Group, a firm that provides consulting and financial advisory services to merchandising and products companies.

Mr. Harrison’s other activities include his membership on the Advisory Council of the World Retail Congress, Shoptalk and the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit. Additionally, he has created a course on mergers and acquisitions at The Wharton School and has published various articles and academic studies on the state of retailing and mergers and acquisitions, including a chapter in the book entitled, “The Mergers and Acquisitions Handbook.” Mr. Harrison lectures throughout the country, including chairing seminars for Retail Week as well as for the International Council of Shopping Centers, the National Retail Federation, Young President’s Center, The Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education and The President’s Association of the American Management Association. He also appears frequently on Bloomberg TV and CNBC as an expert on retail and apparel.

Mr. Harrison received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania in 1962 and his Juris Doctor from The University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1965. He is also Chairman Emeritus of the Fashion Division of UJA, Treasurer and a Board member of the Southampton Hospital, a retired Director of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and former Board member of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. We believe Mr. Harrison is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors due to his tremendous depth and breadth of knowledge about the merchandising and consumer industry, and he has a long track record of facilitating value-creating transactions for companies in this sector. Mr. Harrison’s autobiography, Deal Junky, was published in January 2022.

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Kappauf

Gerard Kappauf (“Kappauf”), age 62, a director, was born in Madagascar. After studying Classic Literature at the Sorbonne in Paris, he attended the San Francisco Art Institute on a scholarship and worked as a special effects make-up artist in Los Angeles. Upon traveling to Paris, Kappauf became interested in fashion and worked at a Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show. Thanks to this experience, he began to expand his network by meeting emblematic figures in the industry such as Paco Rabanne. While providing marketing and acquisition consulting services to L’Oréal Group during the tenure of Lindsay Owen Jones as its Chairman, in a bid for independence and emancipation he founded his own magazine in 1992, Citizen K. 

Through Citizen K, he realized his ambition to launch a major magazine for a wide audience on fashion, luxury, culture, and the art of living, truly different from the magazines already in existence. Citizen K magazine then became Citizen K International in 2012, a benchmark in fashion, luxury, and lifestyle. Kappauf expanded the magazine’s offering with the launch of Citizen K Homme in 2013, and 2014 was the year of change for Citizen K International with a new format and a fresh look. 

In 2016 Kappauf’s launched Citizen K Arabia. This title, distributed in the Middle East, benefits from editorial development and format adapted to the market. Although 80% of Citizen K International’s editorial content is contained in Citizen K Arabia, this magazine still features 20% of content tailored to The Emirates and the Middle East. In 2021, Kappauf launched The Kurator, the first a-gender magazine in the Middle East, as a luxury supplement to Gulf News, the leading daily newspaper in the region.

Founded in January 1992 by Kappauf, he has been the Chief Executive Officer, and Creative and Editorial Director of the K Groupe since inception, which owns Citizen K magazines in Paris, as well as Enkore Studio in Dubai. Enkore Studio specializes in visual brand identity, digital content, storytelling and concept development for the fashion, luxury, beauty, and lifestyle industries. Kappauf now lives in Dubai and is currently working on projects in India. We believe that Kappauf’s perspective on fashion, luxury, culture, and the art of living will bring diversity of viewpoints to our Board of Directors.

Frederic Garcia-Pelayo

Frederic Garcia-Pelayo, age 58,61, has been with Interparfums SA for more than the past 20 years. He is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Interparfums SA, and was previously the Director of its Luxury and Fashion division beginning in March 2005. He was also previously the Director of Marketing and Distribution for Perfume and Cosmetics and was first named Executive Vice President in 2004.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and any amendments to such forms furnished to us, and written representations from various reporting persons furnished to us, we are not aware of any reporting person who has failed to file the reports required to be filed under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on a timely basis.

Insider Trading Policy

The use of material non-public information in securities transactions (“Insider Trading”) or the communication of such information to others who use it in securities trading (“Tipping”) violates the federal securities laws. Such violations are likely to result in harsh consequences for the individuals involved including exposure to investigations by the SEC, criminal and civil prosecution, disgorgement of any profits realized or losses avoided through use of the non-public information and penalties equal to three times such profits or losses. Further, Insider Trading violations expose the Company, its management, and other personnel acting in supervisory capacities to potential civil liabilities and penalties for the actions of employees under their control who engage in Insider Trading violations.

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If a director, officer or employee of our Company is aware of material information relating to the Company, which has not yet been made available to the public for at least two (2) full business days, then such person is prohibited by law as well as by Company policy from trading in the Company’s shares or directly or indirectly disclosing such information to any other persons so that they may trade in the Company’s shares. It is difficult to describe what constitutes “material” information, but one should assume that any information, positive or negative, which might be of significance to an investor in determining whether to purchase, sell or hold our stock, would be material.

Information may be significant for this purpose even if it would not alone determine the investor’s decision. Examples include a potential business acquisition, internal financial information which departs in any way from what the market would expect, important product developments, the acquisition or loss of a major contract, or an important financing transaction. We emphasize that this list is not meant to be exhaustive, but merely illustrative.

Not only is it illegal to engage in Insider Trading or convey such information to others in breach of a duty, it is also generally illegal to “tip” such information to others who may trade in the securities involved or to recommend the purchase or sale of securities to others while you are in possession of such information. It is the policy of the Company that one should never trade while in possession of material, non-public information or tip or communicate such information to others without first receiving authorization from the Company or our counsel. This policy applies to your personal transactions and those indirectly through a spouse, friend, corporation or other entity. This applies to the securities of the Company and of other corporations. Thus, if in the course of the Company’s business, a person learns of material non-public information concerning another corporation (such as a customer or supplier) you should abstain from trading in that corporation’s securities.

Further, this policy applies to securities transactions by individuals who reside in the same household with directors, officers and employees of the Company. Strict compliance with these policies and procedures is expected of all directors, officers and employees and members of their households, and any infringement thereof may result in sanctions, up to and including, termination of office or employment.

Insider Trading Procedure

In addition, to avoid the appearance of impropriety, no trading in the Company’s securities is permitted to take place without compliance with the following rules.

The person who intends to trade in the Company’s securities must first contact the Chief Financial Officer of Inter Parfums, Inc., prior to any contemplated purchase or sale.

There shall be no trading in the Company’s securities by Company personnel

within ten (10) full business days before the earlier of

(i) the issuance of a press release by the Company concerning its periodic financial information, which occurs approximately five (5) to ten (10) business days before the filing with the SEC of the Company’s periodic reports, which are due no later than March 1, May 10, August 9 and November 9 of each year, or

(ii) the actual filing of such periodic reports; and

until two (2) full business days AFTER the actual filing of such periodic reports.

There shall also be no trading in the Company’s securities until not less than two (2) full business days after the release of any other press release or filing with the SEC of a Current Report on Form 8-K by the Company.

In no event shall there be any trading in the Company’s securities by Company personnel without the prior consent from the Company.

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Anti-Hedging Policy

Under the terms of our Anti-Hedging Policy, no officers, employees or members of our board of directors (and their respective family members or any affiliated entities) may engage in hedging or monetization transactions involving our securities, including buying any financial instrument or entering into any transaction that may offset any potential decrease in the market value of stock options or similar security that is granted as compensation. This policy also prohibits all actions to avoid any downward price of such compensation award. This same prohibition applies as well to any other person or company who is holding such equity security for the benefit of our employees, officers, directors or family members. This policy is not intended to prohibit the exercise of our stock options granted under our stock option plans.

Option Grants Policy and Practice

Option grants to officers and employees have historically been granted on the last business day of the calendar year, as the board believes that as a general rule, there should not be any material non-public information available at that time of year. However, no options were granted during in years 2021, 2022 and 2023 to any executive officers, other than Michel Atwood, who received an option grant to purchase 5,000 shares on December 30, 2022 as part of his initial compensation package, and 4,000 shares on December 29, 2023, the last day of both calendar years. Options have historically been granted at the fair market value on the date of grant with a 6-year term, and vested 20% each year after the first year on a cumulative basis. Options granted to officers and employees terminate upon the termination of association with the Company, for other than death or permanent disability.

Historically, options were granted to independent directors on the first business day of February of each year in accordance with our stock option plan. As the option grant date and number of shares underlying options were determined in our stock option plan, there would be no room for manipulation. As previously reported, in 2022 our board cancelled the automatic option grant on February 1, 2022 in view of determining an alternate form of compensation for the independent directors. However, after discussions with certain financial consultants relating to potential compensation plans in lieu of stock option grants to its independent directors, it was determined that the most favorable way for the independent directors to be compensated was to amend our stock option plan to reinstate the automatic grant of stock options. Accordingly, our board authorized a new automatic grant to our independent directors commencing on the last business day December 30, 2022 to coincide with the historic grant date to officers and employees and continuing on the last business day of each year thereafter, which was approved by our shareholders at the 2023 annual meeting.

Clawback Policy for Erroneously Awarded Executive Compensation

Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy for the recovery of the award of erroneously awarded incentive compensation for our executive officers (the “Recovery Policy”). If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period, then, in accordance with the provisions of this Recovery Policy, the Company will recover reasonably promptly the amount of all Erroneously Awarded Compensation from its executive officers, as defined below.

The term “Erroneously Awarded Compensation” is defined in the Recovery Policy as the amount of incentive-based compensation that exceeds the amount of incentive-based compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts, and computed without regard to any tax liability. For incentive-based compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of erroneously awarded compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in an accounting restatement, the amount must be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the accounting restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the incentive-based compensation was received.

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The Recovery Policy applies to all incentive-based compensation received by an executive officer during the three (3) completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, for all incentive-based compensation received by executive officers on or after October 2, 2023.

Item 11. Executive CompensationCompensation.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

General

The executive compensation and stock option committee of our board of directors is comprised entirely of independent directors and oversees all elements of compensation (base salary, annual bonus, long-term incentives and perquisites) of our company’s executive officers and administers our company’s stock option plans, other than the non-employee directors stock option plan, which is self-executing.

The objectives of our compensation program are designed to strike a balance between offering sufficient compensation to either retain existing or attract new executives on the one hand, and maintaining compensation at reasonable levels on the other hand. We do not have the resources comparable to the cosmetic giants in our industry, and, accordingly, cannot afford to pay excessive executive compensation. In furtherance of these objectives, our executive compensation packages generally include a base salary, as well as annual incentives tied to individual performance and long-term incentives tied to our operating performance.

Mr. Madar, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, takestook the initiative after discussions with Mr. Russell Greenberg, Executive Vice President,Atwood, the Chief Financial Officer and a Director,board member, and recommendsrecommended executive compensation levels for executives for United States operations. Mr. Benacin, the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA, takestook the initiative after discussions with Philippe Santi, the Chief Financial OfficerExecutive Vice President of Interparfums SA, and recommendsrecommended executive compensation levels for executives for European based operations. The recommendations are presented to the compensation committeeCompensation Committee for its consideration, and the compensation committeeCompensation Committee makes a final determination regarding salary adjustments and annual award amounts to executives, including Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin. Messrs. Madar and Benacin are not present during deliberations or determination of their executive compensation by the compensation committee.Compensation Committee. Further, Messrs. Madar and Benacin, in addition to being executive officers and directors, are our largest beneficial shareholders, and therefore, their interests are aligned with our shareholder base in keeping executive compensation at a reasonable level.

 

The compensation committeeCompensation Committee was pleased that the most recent shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation held at our last annual meeting of shareholders in September 20172023 overwhelmingly approved the compensation policies and decisions of the compensation committee.Compensation Committee. The compensation committeeCompensation Committee has determined to continue its present compensation policies in order to determine similar future decisions.

 


Our compensation committeeCompensation Committee believes that individual executive compensation is at a level comparable with executives in other companies of similar size and stage of development that operate in the fragrance industry, and takes into account our company’s performance as well as our own strategic goals. Further, the compensation committee believes that its present policies to date, with its emphasis on rewarding performance, has served to focus the efforts of our executives, which in turn has permitted our company to weather economic and political turmoil in certain parts of the world and keep our company on track for continued profitability, which management believes will result in enhanced shareholder value.

During 2017,2023, the members of such committee initially consisted of Messrs. Francois Heilbronn Levy and Patrick Choël, untiland Ms. Gabai-Pinsky. Mr. LevyChoël retired in September 2017, when he2023, and was replaced by Ms. Gabai-Pinsky. Accordingly, it should be noted that executive compensation arrangements for 2017 were finalized in the first quarter of 2017 (other than year-end option grants), several months prior to Ms. Gabai-Pinsky joining our board of directors. Finally, we were saddened to learn that Mr. Levy passed away in December 2017.Robert Bensoussan. 

Elements of Compensation

General

The compensation of our executive officers is generally comprised of base salaries, including a fee paid to the holding companies of each of Messrs. Madar and Benacin, annual cash bonuses and long-term equity incentive awards. In determining specific components of compensation, the compensation committeeCompensation Committee considers individual performance, level of responsibility, skills and experience, other compensation awards or arrangements and overall company performance. The compensation committeeCompensation Committee reviews and approves all elements of compensation for all of our executive officers taking into consideration recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer of our company and the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA, as well as information regarding compensation levels at competitors in our industry.

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Our named executive officers have all been with the companyCompany for more than the past ten (10) years, other than Mr. Atwood who joined our Company in September 2022, with Messrs. Madar and Benacin being founders of the company in 1985.Company. As Messrs. Madar and Greenberg for United States operations,Atwood, the Chief Financial Officer, and Benacin and Santi for European based operations, arewere most familiar with the individual performance, level of responsibility, skills and experience of each executive officer in their respective operating segments,based operations, the compensation committeeCompensation Committee relies upon the information provided by such executive officers in determining individual performance, level of responsibility, skills and experience of each executive officer.

 

The compensation committeeCompensation Committee views the competitive market placemarketplace very broadly, which would include executive officers from both public and privately held companies in general, including fashion and beauty companies, but not limited to the peer companies contained in the corporate performance graph contained in our annual report. RatherGenerally, rather than tie the compensation committee’sCompensation Committee’s determination of compensation proposals to any specific peer companies, the members of our committee have used their business experience, judgment and knowledge to review the executive compensation proposals recommended to them by Mr. Madar for United States operations and Mr. Benacin for European based operations. As such, compensation committeeas a general rule the Compensation Committee did not determine the need to “benchmark” ofbenchmark any material item of compensation or overall compensation.

 


The members of the compensation committeeCompensation Committee have extensive experience and business acumen and are well qualified in determining the appropriateness of executive compensation levels. Mr. Heilbronn is a managing partner of a business consulting firm in the area of mergers and acquisitions of large international companies in retail, consumer goods and consumer services throughout the world. Prior to his death, Mr. Levy had over thirty years’ experience as an executive officer, including more than ten years as President and Chief Executive Officer of well-known cosmetic companies such as Cosmair and Sanofi Beaute (France). Mr. Choël, the final committee member, is presently a business consultant and advisor, who previously worked as President and Chief Executive Officer of two divisions of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A., which included such well-known brands as Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, and Parfums Givenchy. Mr. Choël has also been President and CEO of both Elida Fabergé France and Chesebrough Pond’s USA. Ms. Gabai-Pinsky, has executive experience as she was appointedthe former President of Vera Wang Group, in January 2016, and prior to joining Vera Wang, from 2006 to December 2014, Ms. Gabai-Pinsky wasas well as the Global President for Aramis and Designers Fragrances as well asin addition to Beauty Bank and Idea Bank at theThe Estée Lauder Companies. Mr. Bensoussan, the final committee member who replaced Mr. Patrick Choel, who retired in September 2023, was previously a member of the boards of lululemon athletica Inc., Feelunique.com, one of Europe’s largest online beauty retailers, and Jimmy Choo Ltd, from 2001 to 2011. 

Base Salary

Base salaries for executive officers are initially determined by evaluating the responsibilities of the position held and the experience of the individual, and by reference to the competitive market placemarketplace for executive talent. Base salaries for executive officers are reviewed on an annual basis, and adjustments are determined by evaluating our operating performance, the performance of each executive officer, as well as whether the nature of the responsibilities of the executive has changed.

As stated above, as Messrs. Madar and GreenbergAtwood for United States based operations, and Messrs. Benacin and Santi for European based operations, arewere most familiar with the individual performance, level of responsibility, skills and experience of each executive officer in their respective segments,based operations, the committee reliesrelied upon the information provided by such executive officers in determining individual performance, level of responsibility, skills and experience of each executive officer.

For executive officers of United States based operations, the bulk of their annual compensation is in base salary including a fee paid to the holding company for Mr. Madar for services rendered outside the United States. However, for executive officers of European based operations base salary comprises a smaller percentage of overall compensation. We have paid a lower percentage of overall compensation in the form of base salary to executive officers of European based operations for several years, principally because European based operations historically have had higher profitability than United States operations, and European based operations are run differently from United States operations by the Chief Executive Officer of European based operations, Mr. Benacin. As the result of this historically higher profitability, European based operations have had the ability to pay higher bonus compensation in addition to base salary. As bonus compensation is and has historically been discretionary, no targets were set in order to maintain flexibility. Further, if results of operations for European based operations were not satisfactory (again, no target amounts were set to maintain flexibility), then bonus compensation, as well as overall compensation could be lowered without otherwise affecting base salary. Finally, by keeping annual bonus compensation at a higher percentage of overall compensation and base salary at a lower percentage, our company benefits because the base amount for annual salary adjustments would be smaller.

  


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For 2017 and 2016,2023, Mr. Benacin did not receive any increase in hisreceived a base salary of €420,000 ($474,000), while in 2015,$795,000, as compared to 2022, when he received a base salary of $756,000. In addition, Mr. Benacin did receive a modest increase of €6,000 from €414,000 to €420,000. Further, Mr. Benacin’s personal holding company received the same $250,000 in 2017 that it received in 2016 and 2015 for services rendered outside of the United States by Mr. Benacin for the benefit of the Company’s United States operations in his capacity as President of our company. Payment is being madepaid by the Company’s United States based operations, to Mr. Benacin’s holding companywhich is included in the calculation of his base salary for each of those years. This same consulting fee has been paid for more than each of the past three years, in accordance with the consulting agreement with Mr. Benacin’s holding company, which provides for review on an annual basis of the amount of compensation payable to such company.

The compensation committee took into accountCompensation Committee considered the following salient factors in authorizing payment to Mr. Benacin’s holding company—company; services rendered to United States based operations for several years by Mr. Benacin in connection with licensing and distribution of international brands, as well as future services to be performed by Mr. Benacin internationally relating to licensing and distribution of international brands for United States based operations.

 

For 2017,

As Mr. Benacin values the services of two named executive officers of Interparfums SA, Mr. Philippe Santi, Executive Vice President, and the Chief Financial Officer of Interparfums SA, and Mr. Frederic Garcia-Pelayo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, of Interparfums SA, each received €52,800 ($59,632) salary increases that broughtequally, their 2017 base salaries, to €360,000 ($406,584). This increase was awarded primarily to reward these two executive officers foras well as their contributionsbonus compensation discussed below, have been in European Operations achieving increases in bothlockstep.

For 2023, the sales and earnings. For 2016base salary of each of Messrs. Santi and Mr. Frederic Garcia-Pelayo was €458,000, a nominal increase of €26,000. In 2022, the base salary of each received €7,200 ($8,000) salaryof Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo was €432,000, an increase of €24,000 from 2021. Such increases that brought their 2016 base salarieswere nominal, as compared to €307,200 ($340,000), which wasbonus compensation, as discussed later in line with their modest increases in their base salaries to €300,000 in 2015.the section. The compensation committeeCompensation Committee considered the recommendations of Mr. Benacin, results of operations for the year, as well as the services performed for European based operations by Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo in authorizing these salary levels.

A different approach is taken for United States based operations as that segmentbased operations is smaller and less profitable. A more significant base salary is paid in order to attract and retain employees with the skills and talents needed to run the operation with a lesser emphasis placed on bonuses. Neither of the executive officers for United States based operations have employment agreements (although Mr. Madar’s personal holding company has a consulting agreement that provides for review on an annual basis of the amount of compensation payable to such company), as we believe that having flexibility in structuring annual base salary is a benefit, which permits us to act quickly to meet a changing economic environment.

 


For eachAs previously reported, from 2013 until 2019 the annual aggregate base salary paid to Mr. Madar individually and fees paid to his holding company remained unchanged at $630,000, which was substantially below the amounts indicated by two surveys of 2017, 2016chief executive officer salaries for 2019 (collectively the “CEO Salary Surveys”). The CEO Salary Surveys indicated that the annual and 2015,median average CEO salaries for peer companies (excluding the Madar salary) were $2,854,656 and $1,540,000, respectively, and $2,604,346 and $1,750,000 for comparable market capitalization companies, respectively. In recognition of the efforts of Mr. Madar and his holding company as one of the prime causes for our substantial increase in net sales and net income, as well as market capitalization from 2014 through 2019, thus substantially increasing shareholder value, on February 4, 2020 the Compensation Committee jointly authorized the aggregate annual increase in the fees paid to Mr. Madar’s holding company, which are attributed to Mr. Madar as base salary, remained steady and aggregated $630,000, which includes $250,000 received by $600,000 to $1.23 million effective as of January 1, 2020. For 2023 Mr. Madar’s personal holding companyHolding Company received an increase in each year for services rendered outside ofits management fees to $2 million, after not receiving an increase in 2022 and 2021.

Mr. Atwood, who became the United States by Mr. Madar in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer. In determining Mr. Madar’s base salary including the consulting fee for 2017, the Committee took into account Mr. Madar’s leadership of our company in general, the increasing profitability of United States operations over the past several years, and his leadership in assisting United States operations in obtaining new licensing opportunities and his assistance in developing new products and expanding international distribution of U.S. operations.

Russell Greenberg, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer hasin September 2022 after the retirement of the former Chief Financial Officer, was granted a $500,000 annual base salary, as well as a signing bonus of $100,000 that was paid in September 2022. An additional bonus of $50,000 was also paid in December 2022 for the September-December period. For 2023, Mr. Atwood received the same $30,000an increase in base salary for 2017, 2016 and 2015, and for 2017 his base salary was $630,000. In connection with these increases in salary, theto $525,000. The Compensation Committee considered the following material factors in grantingapproving the base salary of Mr. Greenberg his salary increases:Atwood for 2023: his individual performance,performances, level of responsibility,responsibilities, and skill, and experience, as well as the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer.

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Bonus Compensation/Annual Incentives

As discussed above, we have paid

In recognition of the 2023 record setting performance in both sales and earnings of Interparfums SA, our French operating subsidiary, Mr. Benacin received a higher percentagebonus of overall compensation$216,000, and in recognition of the formCompany’s turnaround from the effects of bonus compensation to executive officersthe COVID-19 Pandemic, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical turmoil in 2022 and record results in 2022, and after the recommendations of European operations for several years, principally because European operations historically have had higher profitability than United States operations. As the result of this historically higher profitability, European operations have had the ability to pay higher bonus compensation in addition to base salary. As bonus compensation is discretionary, no targets were set in order to maintain flexibility. Further, if results of operations for European operations were not satisfactory (again, no target amounts were set to maintain flexibility), then bonus compensation, as well as overall compensation could be lowered without otherwise affecting base salary. Individual performance, level of responsibility, skillMessrs. Madar and experience, were the salient factors considered byBenacin, the Compensation Committee in awarding bonus compensation described below.

For 2017determined that Mr. Benacin receive a bonus of $211,000. Also, in recognition of record results in 2021 while dealing with the chief decision maker for European operations, proposedeffects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical turmoil, and after the compensation committee concurred inrecommendations of Messrs. Madar and Benacin, the payment of bonus compensation of €90,000 ($101,646) toCompensation Committee determined that Mr. Benacin (approximately 21%receive a bonus of base salary), and €268,000 ($302,679) to each of Messrs. Santi and Garcia- Pelayo (approximately 74% of base salary). This$166,000. Discretionary bonus compensation for Mr. Benacin has ranged from 17% to 21%been approximately 27%, 28%, and 30% of his base salary overin 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. 

In addition, the past three years. However,Compensation Committee agreed with the bonusrecommendation of Mr. Benacin and the contributions made by Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo to the Company’s success and growth. Bonus compensation has decreased both in terms of actual payments and in percentage of salary for Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo fromhave remained in lockstep, and each was awarded a discretionary bonus compensation awardedof $458,000, $437,000, and $378,000 in both 2016 and 2015, which are set forth below.

For 2016, Mr. Benacin proposed and the compensation committee concurred in the payment of bonus compensation of €70,000 ($77,000) to Mr. Benacin (approximately 17% of base salary)2023, 2022, 2021, respectively, or 92%, 96%, and €290,000 ($321,000) to each78% of Messrs. Santi and Garcia- Pelayo (approximately 94% oftheir base salary). This bonus compensation was in line with payments madesalary for 2015 which are set forth below. For 2015, Mr. Benacin proposed and the compensation committee concurred in the payment of bonus compensation of €86,000 ($95,000) to Mr. Benacin (approximately 20% of base salary), and €280,000 ($311,000) to each of Messrs. Santi and Garcia- Pelayo (approximately 93% of base salary).those years.


A different approach is taken for United States based operations as that segmentbased operations is smaller and less profitable. As discussed above, a more significant base salary is paid in order to attract and retain employees with the skills and talents needed to run United States based operations with a lesser emphasis placed on bonuses. Based upon

In 2022, the recommendationformer Chief Financial Officer retired and did not receive a discretionary bonus. Mr. Atwood, who became the Chief Financial Officer in September 2022 after the retirement of the former Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer, for eachreceived a sign on bonus of 2017, 2016$100,000. His compensation arrangement also entitles him to a guaranteed annual bonus of $100,000, as well as a $100,000 bonus based upon achieving certain milestones. For 2022, Mr. Atwood received his $100,000 sign on bonus and 2015,$50,000 pro-rated performance bonus related to the September-December period. For 2023, Mr. GreenbergAtwood received a discretionary cash bonus of $50,000.$125,000. The Compensation Committee considered the following materialsame factors in granting Mr. Greenbergthese two bonuses as in approving his bonuses: his individual performance, level of responsibility, skill and experience, as well asannual base salary.

Jean Madar Holding SAS, the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer.

management company beneficially owned by Mr. Madar, the Chief Executive Officer, has not received any cash bonus in the past three years.

As required by French law, Interparfums SA maintains its own profit sharing plan for all French employees who have completed three months of service, including executive officers of our European based operations other than Mr. Benacin, the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA. Benefits are calculated based upon a percentage of taxable income of Interparfums SA and allocated to employees based upon salary. The maximum amount payable per year per employee is €29,420, or approximately $33,227.$37,603.

Calculation of the total annual benefits contribution is made according to the following formula:

67%50% of (Interparfums SA net income, less 2.5% of shareholdersshareholders’ equity without net income for the year) times a fraction, the numerator of which is wages, and the denominator of which is net income before tax + wages + taxes (other than income tax) + valuation allowances + amortization expenses + interest expenses.

Contribution to individual employees is then made pro rata based upon their individual salaries for the year.

Long-Term Incentives

Stock Options. We linkIn prior years, we had linked long-term incentives with corporate performance through the grant of stock options. AllHowever, no options arewere granted with an exercise price equalin 2021 or 2020 to either employees of United States based operations or European based operations, as other compensation arrangements were being considered as part of a review of the executive compensation strategy. In December 2023, at the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee authorized the grant of a stock option to purchase 4,000 shares to Mr. Atwood who had received a stock option to purchase 5,000 shares in December 2022, both at the fair market value of the underlying shares of our common stock on the datedates of grant, and terminate on or shortly after severanceas part of the executive’s relationship with us.his long-term incentives. Unless the market price of our common stock increases, corporate executivesMr. Atwood will have no tangible benefit.benefit from this option. Thus, they arethe option holder is provided with the additional incentive to increase individual performance with the ultimate goal of increasing our overall performance. We believe that enhanced executive incentives whichthat result in increased corporate performance tend to build company loyalty. As a general rule, the number of options granted is determined by several factors including individual performance, company operating results and pastNo other stock option grants were made to such executives.


For executive officers of United States operations and European operations, we typically grant nonqualified stock options with a term of 6 years that vest ratably over a 5-year period on a cumulative basis, so that the option will become fully exercisable at the beginning of the sixth year from the date of grant.

We believe that the vesting period of these options serve a dual purpose: 1. executives will not receive any benefit if they leave prior to such portion of the option vesting; and 2. having a vesting period, matches the service period with the potential benefits of the option. Pursuant to our stock option plan, non-qualified stock options granted to executives terminate immediately upon the executive’s termination of association with our company. This termination provision coupled with a vesting period reduces benefits afforded to an executive when an executive officer leaves our employ.

Over the past several years, as our company has grown and the market price of our common stock has increased, Messrs. Madar and Benacin have realized substantial compensation as the result of the exercise of their options. As the two executives most responsible for continued growth and success of our company, the compensation committee believes the granting of options is an appropriate tool to tie a substantial portion of their compensation to the success of our company and is completely warranted.

The actual compensation realized as the result of the exercise of options in the past, as well as the future potential of such rewards, are powerful incentives for increased individual performance and ultimately increased company performance. In view of the fact that the executive officers named above contribute significantly to our profitable operations, the compensation committee believes the option grants are valid incentives for these executive officers and are fair to our shareholders. Generally we grant options toother executive officers in December of each year.

In December for each of the years 2015 and 2016, upon the recommendation of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee granted options to purchase a total of 19,000 shares of our common stock to each of2023 or 2022, including Messrs. Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin at the fair market value on the date of grant. In 2017 in view of the contributions of both Messrs. Madar and Benacin to the company’s increased profitability, upon the recommendation of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the compensation committee granted options to purchase a total of 25,000 shares of our common stock to the personal holding companies of each of Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin at the fair market value on the date of grant. Option grants to Messrs. Madar and Benacin, either directly or indirectly to their personal holding companies, were identical as each is the Chief Executive Officer of their respective operating segments. Also in December for each of the years 2015-2017, the compensation committee granted options to purchase 25,000 shares to Mr. Greenberg, the Chief Financial Officer. The Compensation Committee determined that the option grants for Mr. Greenberg, which have remained the same for years 2015-2017, were reasonable, so based upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer, it determined to keep the option grants for such executive officer at the same level for 2017.Benacin.

 


 73

Upon recommendation of both Messrs. Madar and Benacin, in December 2016 and 2015, the compensation committee authorized the grants of options to purchase a total of 6,000 shares to Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo, which was the same amount as the aggregate amount granted for 2014 (as options were granted in December 2014 and January 2015). However, for 2017, upon the recommendations of Messrs. Madar and Benacin the option grants were increased to purchase an aggregate of 10,000 shares for Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo, by the grants of options to purchase 6,000 in December 2017 and 4,000 shares in January 2018. The compensation committee believes that these grants were proper in view of their contribution to our company’s results in each of 2015, 2016 and 2017.

 

Interparfums SA Stock Compensation Plan.Plans

2023 - No shares were granted to any employees or corporate officers during 2023.

2022 Free Share Plan – On March 16, 2022, the Board of Interparfums SA (“IPSA”) decided to grant 88,400 free shares of its capital stock to all of the IPSA’s employees and corporate officers having more than 6 months seniority at the grant date. The free shares are to be issued in June 2025. Issuance of those shares is based on satisfaction of performance conditions, relating to the 2024 IPSA sales for 50% of the shares and 2024 operating income for the balance.

IPSA used the services of third party to assist them in the valuation of the plan, with the calculations and assumptions as follows:

-Management expects the rate of staff turnover to be 12%,

-Using the Monte Carlo method, management expects the performance rate to be 80% on the consolidated sales and 80.8% on the consolidated operating income.

-As of December 31, 2022 management has updated its expectation related to the performance rate to be 100% for both consolidated sales and consolidated operating income based on the above assumptions, the total expenses related to this plan are valued at $4.1 million.

As of December 31, 2023:

-87,609 shares of IPSA Capital Stock, representing $4.1 million were purchased in the open market and allocated to this plan.

$1.4 million of expense was recorded (or $1.6 million including social contributions).

2019 Plan In September 2016,December 2018, Interparfums SA approved a plan to grant an aggregate of 15,10026,600 shares of its stock to employees with no performance condition requirement, and an aggregate of 133,000 shares to officers and managers, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits, willwere distributed in June 2022. Under this plan in June 2022, Messrs. Benacin, Madar, Garcia Pelayo and Santi received 4,000 shares each (5,857 shares as adjusted for stock splits).

In June 2020, the performance conditions were modified effecting 96 employees. As of December 31, 2021, the number of shares to be distributed, after forfeited shares and adjusted for stock splits, increased to 172,343. The increase in Septembershares anticipated to be distributed were transferred from treasury shares at the Interparfums SA level. The modification resulted in a revised cost of the grant to approximately $4.6 million.

In connection with the 2019 so long as the individual is employedPlan referred to above, an incentive plan was established by Interparfums SA atfor certain employees of Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc. (“IPLB”), Interparfums Singapore (“IP Singapore”) and Inter Parfums, Inc. The proposed incentive plan would not provide shares but rather, would give a cash payment or bonus (“incentive” or “award”) that mirrors the time, and in the caseshares that Interparfums SA employees will receive. An aggregate of officers and managers, only to the extent that the performance conditions42,140 “phantom” shares have been met. Once distributed,awarded in 2022, with Mr. Greenberg, the former Chief Financial Officer being awarded 1,000 of such “phantom” shares, will be unrestricted and the employees will be permitted to trade their shares. Under this plan, Mr. Benacin is estimated to receive 3,000 shares and Messrs. Santi and Garcia are estimated to receive 7,000 shares each, all subject to adjustment for stock splits.

The fairsplits, with a value of the grant of €22.46 per share (approximately $25.00 per share) has been determined based on the quoted stock price of Interparfums SA shares as reported by the NYSE Euronext on the date of grant taking into account the dividend yield as no dividends on this grant will be earned until the shares are distributed. The estimated number of shares to be distributed of 137,381, subject to adjustment for stock splits, has been determined taking into account employee turnover. The aggregate cost of the grant of €3.1 million (approximately $3.4 million) will be recognized as compensation cost by Interparfums SA on a straightline basis over the requisite three year service period. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of compensation cost has been recognized.approximately $69,839.

Stock Appreciation Rights.Rights

Our stock option plans authorize us to grant stock appreciation rights, or SARs. A SAR represents a right to receive the appreciation in value, if any, of our common stock over the base value of the SAR. To date, we have not granted any SARs under our plans. While the compensation committeeCompensation Committee currently does not plan to grant any SARs under our plans, it may choose to do so in the future as part of a review of the executive compensation strategy.

 74

 

Restricted Stock.Stock

We have not in the past, and we do not have any future plans to grant restricted stock to our executive officers. However, while the compensation committeeCompensation Committee currently does not plan to authorize any restricted stock plans, the compensation committeeCompensation Committee may choose to do so in the future as part of a review of the executive compensation strategy. Our French operating subsidiary, Interparfums, SA, however, has instituted the Interparfums SAits 2022 and 2019 Stock Compensation Plan in September 2016Plans as discussed above.


Other Compensation

Mr.For 2023, each of Messrs. Benacin is the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA (European operations), as well as a founder of our company, and we believe we should recognize his responsibility, skills and experience, as well as the results of our company. For 2017, Mr. BenacinGarcia-Pelayo received an automobile allowance of €10,800, which is the same amount paid in since 2010. Also, Mr. Garcia-Pelayo, Director Export Sales of Interparfums SA, also receives an automobile allowance of €7,300 per year.$11,678.

No Stock Ownership Guidelines

We do not require any minimum level of stock ownership by any of our executive officers. As stated above, Messrs. Madar and Benacin, are our largest beneficial shareholders, which aligns their interests with our shareholder base in keeping executive compensation at a reasonable level.

Retirement and Pension Plans

We maintain a 401(k) plan for United States based operations. However,Commencing in October 2021 we do not match anystarted matching the first 50% of the first 6% of contributions to such plan,made by each employee on an annual basis, as we have determined that base compensation together with annual bonuses, and stock option awards, are sufficient incentives to retain talented employees. Our European based operations maintain a pension plan for its employees as required by French law. For 2017,each of 2023, 2022, and 2021, each of Messrs. Benacin, Santi and Garcia-Pelayo received an increase of €14,500 ($16,376)$17,600, $16,006 and $17,773, respectively, in their valevalue of deferred compensation earnings.

Compensation Committee Report

We have reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis provisions to be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 20172023 and the proxy statement for the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders. Based on this review and discussion, we recommend to the board of directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis referred to above be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as the proxy statement for the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders.

Francois Heilbronn

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky and

Robert Bensoussan

 75

 

Francois Heilbronn

Patrick Choël and

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our “named executive officers,” who are our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and each of the three most highly compensated executive officers of our company. This table covers all such compensation during fiscal years ended December 31, 2017,2023, December 31, 20162022 and December 31, 2015.2021. For all compensation related matters disclosed in the summary compensation table, and elsewhere where applicable, all amounts paid in euro have been converted to U.S. dollars at the average rate of exchange in each year.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE 
Name and Principal Position Year Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)
 Stock
Awards
($)
 Option
Awards
($)(1)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation
($)(2)
 Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
 Total
($)
 
Jean Madar, (4) 2023 2,000,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- 2,000,000 
Chairman and 2022 1,230,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- 1,230,000 
Chief Executive Officer 2021 1,230,000 -0- 157,603 -0- -0- -0- -0- 1,387,603 
                    
Michel Atwood (5) 2023 525,000 125,000 -0- 140,327 -0- -0- -0- 790,327 
Chief Financial Officer 2022 161,218 150,000 -0- 101,814 -0- -0- -0- 413,032 
                    
Russell Greenberg, (5) 2022 750,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- 750,000 
Former Chief Financial Officer and 2021 720,000 70,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- 790,000 
Executive Vice President                   
                    
Philippe Benacin, President Inter 2023 794,975 216,260 -0- -0- -0- 17,600 11,678 1,040,513 
Parfums, Inc., Chief Executive 2022 755,440 210,600 139,077 -0- -0- 16,006 11,372 1,132,495 
Officer of Interparfums SA 2021 803,504 165,578 -0- -0- -0- 17,733 12,774 999,589 
                    
Philippe Santi, Executive Vice 2023 495,668 457,714 -0- -0- 37,603 17,600 -0- 1,008,585 
President, Interparfums SA 2022 454,896 436,995 139,077 -0- 32,485 16,006 -0- 1,079,459 
  2021 482,542 378,464 -0- -0- 34,940 17,733 -0- 913,679 
                    
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo, 2023 495,668 457,714 -0- -0- 37,603 17,600 11,678 1,020,263 
Executive Vice President and 2022 454,896 436,995 139,077 -0- 32,485 16,006 11,372 1,090,831 
Chief Operating Officer Interparfums SA 2021 482,542 378,464 -0- -0- 34,940 17,733 12,774 926,453 

 


76 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($)  Bonus ($)   Stock Awards ($)  Option Awards ($)(1)  Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(2)  Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)  All Other Compensation ($)(3)  Total ($) 
Jean Madar, 2017 630,000  -0-  -0-  247,237  -0-  -0-  -0-  877,237 
Chairman and 2016 630,000  -0-  -0-  141,709  -0-  -0-  -0-  771,709 
Chief Executive Officer 2015 630,000  -0-  -0-  112,408  -0-  -0-  -0-  742,408 
                           
Russell Greenberg, 2017 630,000  50,000  -0-  247,237  -0-  -0-  -0-  927,237 
Chief Financial Officer and 2016 600,000  50,000  -0-  186,456  -0-  -0-  -0-  836,456 
Executive Vice President 2015 570,000  50,000  -0-  147,905  -0-  -0-  -0-  767,905 
                           
Philippe Benacin, President Inter 2017 723,348  101,646  -0-  247,237  -0-  16,376  12,198  1,100,805 
Parfums, Inc., Chief Executive 2016 714,722  77,462  84,232  141,706  -0-  15,824  11,951  1,045,897 
Officer of Interparfums SA 2015 716,074  95,434  -0-  112,408  -0-  18,573  11,985  954,474 
                           
Philippe Santi, Executive Vice 2017 406,584  302,679  -0-  59,337  26,069  16,376  

-0-

  

811,045

 
President and Chief Financial 2016 339,948  320,914  196,754  44,749  -0-  15,824  -0-  

918,189

 
Officer, Interparfums SA 2015 332,910  310,716  -0-  42,271  17,276  18,573  -0-  721,746 
                           
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo, 2017 406,584  302,679  -0-  59,337  

26,069

  16,376  8,245  

819,290

 
Executive Vice President and 2016 339,948  320,914  196,754  44,749  

-0-

  15,824  7,525  

925,714

 
Chief Operating Officer Interparfums SA 2015 332,910  310,716  -0-  42,271  17,276  18,573  7,590  817,424 

 


 

1 Amounts reflected under Option Awards represent the grant date fair values in 2017, 2016 and 2015 based on the fair value of stock option awards using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used in this model are detailed in Footnote 13 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and filed with the SEC.

 1Amounts reflected under Option Awards represent the grant date fair values in 2023, 2022 and 2021 based on the fair value of stock option awards using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used in this model are detailed in Footnote 13 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and filed with the SEC.

 

2
2As required by French law, Interparfums SA maintains its own profit sharing plan for all French employees who have completed three months of service, including executive officers of our European based operations other than Mr. Benacin, the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA. Benefits are calculated based upon a percentage of taxable income of Interparfums SA and are allocated to employees based upon salary. The maximum amount payable per year is approximately $37,603.

Calculation of total annual benefits contribution is made according to the following formula:

50% of (Interparfums SA net income, less 2.5% of shareholders’ equity without net income for the year) times a fraction, the numerator of which is wages, and the denominator of which is net income before tax + wages + taxes (other than income tax) + valuation allowances + amortization expenses + interest expenses.

Contribution to individual employees is then made pro rata based upon their individual salaries for the year.

3The following table identifies (i) perquisites and other personal benefits provided to our named executive officers in fiscal 2023, and quantifies those required by SEC rules to be quantified and (ii) all other compensation that is required by SEC rules to be separately identified and quantified.

4Represents fees paid to Jean Madar Holding SAS in accordance with a Supervising and Coordinating Service Agreement, as amended.
5Mr. Atwood replaced Mr. Greenberg on September 6, 2022, who retired in September 2022. Mr. Atwood’s  base salary in 2022 was prorated from $500,000, annually.

Name and Principal Position Perquisites
and other
Personal
Benefits
($)
  Personal
Automobile
Expense
($)
  Lodging
Expense
($)
  Total
($)
 
Jean Madar, Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0- 
                 
Michel Atwood, Chief Financial Officer  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0- 
                 
Philippe Benacin, President of Inter
Parfums, Inc. and Chief Executive
Officer of Interparfums SA
  -0-   11,678   -0-   11,678 
                 
Philippe Santi,
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Interparfums SA
  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0- 
                 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo,
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer,
Interparfums SA
  -0-       11,678   -0-   11,678 

Plan based Awards

The following table sets certain information relating to each grant of an award made by our company to the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table during the past fiscal year.

    Grants of Plan-based Awards          
Name Grant Date Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  All Other Stock Awards:
Number of Shares of Stock or
  All Other Option Awards:
Number of Securities Underlying
  Exercise or Base Price of Option  Closing 
    Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
  Units
(#)
  Options
(#)
  Awards
($/Sh)
  Price
($/Sh)
 
Jean Madar NA  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   NA   NA 

Michel Atwood

    -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   4,000   $147.41   $144.01 
Philippe Benacin    -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   NA   NA 
Philippe Santi    -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   NA   NA 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo    -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   -0-   NA   NA 

NA means not applicable.

78 

Interparfums SA Stock Compensation Plan

No awards were granted in 2023 by Interparfums SA under its Stock Compensation Plan.

Interparfums SA Profit Sharing Plan

As discussed above and required by French law, Inter Parfums, SA maintains its own profit sharing plan for all French employees who have completed three months of service, including executive officers of our European based operations other than Mr. Benacin, the Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SAInter Parfums, SA. Benefits are calculated based upon a percentage of taxable income of Interparfums SA and are allocated to employees based upon salary. The maximum amount payable per year per employee is 29,420 euro, or approximately $33,227.$37,603.

Calculation of total annual benefits contribution is made according to the following formula:

67%50% of (Interparfums SA net income, less 2.5% of shareholders equity without net income for the year) times a fraction, the numerator of which is wages, and the denominator of which is net income before tax + wages + taxes (other than income tax) + valuation allowances + amortization expenses + interest expenses.

Contribution to individual employees is then made pro rata based upon their individual salaries for the year.

3 The following table identifies (i) perquisites and other personal benefits provided to our named executive officers in fiscal 2017, and quantifies those required by SEC rules to be quantified and (ii) all other compensation that is required by SEC rules to be separately identified and quantified.

Name and Principal Position Perquisites and other Personal Benefits ($)  Personal Automobile Expense($)  Lodging Expense($)  Total ($) 
             
Jean Madar, Chairman Chief Executive Officer  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0- 
                 
Russell Greenberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0- 
                 
Philippe Benacin, President of Inter Parfums, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA  -0-   12,198   -0-   12,198 
                 
Philippe Santi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Interparfums SA  -0-   -0-   -0-   -0- 
                 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Interparfums SA  -0-   8,245   -0-   8,245 


Plan Based Awards

The following table sets certain information relating to each grant of ana non-equity award made by our company to the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table during the past fiscal year.

    Grants of Plan-Based Awards          
Name Grant Date Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards  Estimated Future Payouts  
Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards
  All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)  All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)  Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards
($/Sh)
  Closing Price
($/Sh)
 
    Threshold ($)  Target
($)
  Maximum ($)  Threshold (#)  Target (#)  Maximum (#)         
Jean Madar* 12/29/17 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  25,000  43.80  43.45 
Russell Greenberg 12/29/17 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  25,000  43.80  43.45 
Philippe Benacin* 12/29/17 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  25,000  43.80  43.45 
Philippe Santi 12/29/17 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  6,000  43.80  43.45 
Philippe Santi 01/19/18 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  4,000  49.9025  47.80 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo 12/29/17 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  6,000  43.80  43.45 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo 01/19/18 -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  -0-  4,000  49.9025  47.80 

*Options were granted to the personal holding companies of Messrs. Madar and Benacin, as each of Messrs. Madar and Benacin own 99.99% of their respective personal holding companies.

Options

As discussed above, we typically grant nonqualified stock options with a term of 6 years that vest ratably of a 5-year period on a cumulative basis, so that the option will become fully exercisable at the beginning of the sixth year from the date of grant.

We believe that the vesting period of these options serves a dual purpose: 1. executives will not receive any benefit if they leave prior to such portion of the option vesting; and 2. having a vesting period matches the service period with the potential benefits of the option.

Under our company’s stock option plans, the exercise price is determined by the average of the high and low price on the date of grant, not the closing price as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market.

We also note that the Summary Compensation Table does not include income realized by the named executive officers as the result of the exercise of stock options, but rather reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for options granted in accordance with ASC topic 718-20. However, value realized as the result of stock option exercises is set forth in the table entitled “Option Exercises and Stock Vested”.


Interparfums SA Stock Compensation Plan.

No options were granted by Interparfums SA to the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table during the past fiscal year.

In September 2016, Interparfums SA approved a plan Equity awards relate to grant an aggregate of 15,100 shares of its stock to employees with no performance condition requirement, and an aggregate of 133,000 shares to officers and managers, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits, will be distributed in September 2019 so long as the individual is employed by Interparfums SA at the time, and in the case of officers and managers, only to the extent that the performance conditions have been met. Once distributed, the shares will be unrestricted and the employees will be permitted to trade their shares. Under this plan in September 2019, Mr. Benacin is estimated to receive 3,000 shares of Interparfums SA stock, and Messrs. Santi and Garcia are estimated to 7,000 shares each, all subject to adjustment for stock splits.SA.

The fair value of the grant of €22.46 per share (approximately $25.00 per share) has been determined based on the quoted stock price of Interparfums SA shares as reported by the NYSE Euronext on the date of grant taking into account the dividend yield as no dividends on this grant will be earned until the shares are distributed. The estimated number of shares to be distributed of 137,381, subject to adjustment for stock splits, has been determined taking into account employee turnover. The aggregate cost of the grant of €3.1 million (approximately $3.4 million) will be recognized as compensation cost by Interparfums SA on a straightline basis over the requisite three year service period. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of compensation cost has been recognized.

NamePlan NameAmount Awarded
Jean MadarNA$0
Michel AtwoodNA$0
Philippe BenacinNA$0
Philippe SantiInterparfums SA Profit Sharing Plan$37,603
Frédéric Garcia-PelayoInterparfums SA Profit Sharing Plan$37,603

Interparfums SA Profit Sharing Plan

As required by French law, Inter Parfums, SA maintains its own profit sharing plan for all French employees who have completed three months of service, including executive officers of our European operations other than Mr. Benacin, the Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, SA. Benefits are calculated based upon a percentage of taxable income of Interparfums SA and allocated to employees based upon salary. The maximum amount payable per year per employee is €29,420, or approximately $33,227.

Calculation of total annual benefits contribution is made according to the following formula:

67% of (Interparfums SA net income, less 2.5% of shareholders equity without net income for the year) times a fraction, the numerator of which is wages, and the denominator of which is net income before tax + wages + taxes (other than income tax) + valuation allowances + amortization expenses + interest expenses.


Contribution to individual employees is then made pro rata based upon their individual salaries for the year.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth certain information relating to outstanding equity awards of our Company held by the executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table as of December 31, 2017.2023.

  Option Awards 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable(1)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
 
 Jean Madar  25,000(2)  0(2)  0   65.25  12/30/24 
   20,000(2)  5,000(2)  0   73.09  12/30/25 
                    
Michel Atwood  1,000   4,000   0   97.84  12/30/28 
      4,000    0   147.71  12/28/29 
                    
 Philippe Benacin  25,000(2)  0(2)  0   65.25  12/30/24 
   20,000(2)  5,000(2)  0   73.09  12/30/25 
                    
  Philippe Santi  2,000   0   0   65.25  12/30/24 
   2,000   2,000   0   73.09  12/30/25 
                    
 Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo  2,000   0   0   65.25  12/30/24 
   2,000   2,000   0   73.09  12/30/25 

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END[Footnotes from table above]

1All options expire 6 years from the date of grant, and vest 20% each year commencing one year after the date of grant.

 

 Option Awards
NameNumber of Securities  Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable(1)Number of Securities  Underlying Unexercised Options (#) UnexercisableEquity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#)

Option Exercise Price ($)

Option Expiration Date

Jean Madar19,000-0--0-19.32512/30/18
 15,2003,800-0-35.7512/30/19
 11,4007,600-0-27.79512/30/20
 7,60011,400-0-23.60512/30/21
 3,80015,200-0-32.82512/29/22
 -0-25,000(2)-0-43.8012/28/23
      
Russell Greenberg25,000-0--0-19.32512/30/18
 20,0005,000-0-35.7512/30/19
 15,00010,000-0-27.79512/30/20
 10,00015,000-0-23.60512/30/21
 5,00020,000-0-32.82512/29/22
 -0-25,000-0-43.8012/28/23
      
Philippe Benacin19,000-0--0-19.32512/30/18
 15,2003,800-0-35.7512/30/19
 11,4007,600-0-27.79512/30/20
 7,60011,400-0-23.60512/30/21
 3,80015,200-0-32.82512/29/22
 -0-25,000(2)-0-43.8012/28/23
      
Philippe Santi1,200-0--0-19.32512/30/18
 400400-0-22.1951/30/19
 4,0001,000-0-35.7512/30/19
 3,0002,000-0-27.79512/30/20
 400600-0-25.8211/27/2021
 2,4003,600-0-23.60512/30/21
 1,2004,800-0-32.82512/29/22
 -0-6,000-0-43.8012/28/23
      
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo1,800-0--0-19.32512/30/18
 1,600400-0-22.1951/30/19
 4,0001,000-0-35.7512/30/19
 3,0002,000-0-27.79512/30/20
 400600-0-25.8211/27/2021
 2,4003,600-0-23.60512/30/21
 1,2004,800-0-32.82512/29/22
 -0-6,000-0-43.8012/28/23
2Options are held in the name of personal holding company.

 


[Footnotes from table above]

1 All options expire 6 years from the date of grant, and vest 20% each year commencing one year after the date of grant.

2 Options are held in the name of personal holding company.

The following table sets certain information relating to outstanding equity awards granted by Interparfums SA, our majority-owned French subsidiary which has its shares traded on the NYSE Euronext, held by the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table as of the end of the past fiscal year.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END


OF INTERPARFUMS SA

Option AwardsStock Awards Option Awards Stock Awards 
NameNumber of Securities  Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable)Number of Securities  Underlying Unexercised Options (#) UnexercisableEquity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#)

Option Exercise Price ($)

Option Expiration Date

Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#)Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested ($)Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested (#)(1)Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested ($)(2) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned
Options (#)
 Option
Exercise
Price ($)
 Option Expiration
Date
 Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#)(1) Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested ($) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested (#) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested($) 
 
Jean Madar-0-N/A-0-NA -0- 0 -0- NA NA 3,630 182,952 -0- -0- 
                    
Russell Greenberg-0-N/A-0-NA
Michel Atwood -0- 0 -0- NA NA -0- -0- -0- -0- 
                    
Philippe Benacin-0-N/A-0-3,00086,647 -0- 0 -0- NA NA 3,630 182,952 -0- -0- 
                    
Philippe Santi-0-N/A-0-7,000202,176 -0- 0 -0- NA NA 7,260 365,904 -0- -0- 
                      
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo-0--0--0-N/A-0-7,000202,176 -0- 0 -0- NA NA 7,260 365,904 -0- -0- 

 

[Footnotes from table above]

1 Estimated number of shares are to be issued only to the extent that the performance conditions have been met.

In September 2016, Interparfums SA, approved a plan to grant an aggregate2 As of 15,100 shares of its stock to employees with no performance condition requirement, and an aggregate of 133,000 shares to officers and managers, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits, will be distributed in September 2019 so long asDecember 31, 2023, the individual is employed by Interparfums SA at the time, and in the case of officers and managers, only to the extent that the performance conditions have been met. Once distributed, the shares will be unrestricted and the employees will be permitted to trade their shares. Under this plan in September 2019, Mr. Benacin is estimated to receive 3,000 shares of Interparfums SA stock, and Messrs. Santi and Garcia are estimated to 7,000 shares each, all subject to adjustment for stock splits.


The fair value of the grant of €22.46 per share (approximately $25.00 per share) has been determined based on the quoted stockclosing price of Interparfums SA shares as reported by the NYSE Euronext onwas 50.40 euros, and the date of grant taking into account the dividend yield as no dividends on this grant will be earned until the shares are distributed. The estimated number of sharesexchange rate was 1.08 U.S. dollars to be distributed of 137,381, subject to adjustment for stock splits, has been determined taking into account employee turnover. The aggregate cost of the grant of €3.1 million (approximately $3.4 million) will be recognized as compensation cost by Interparfums SA on a straightline basis over the requisite three year service period. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of compensation cost has been recognized.1 euro.

 

80 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth certain information relating to each option exercise affected during the past fiscal year, and each vesting of stock, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments of our company during the past fiscal year, for the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTEDOPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTEDOPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED 
Option AwardsStock Awards  
 Option Awards Stock Awards 

Name

Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)

Value Realized on Exercise 

($)1

Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)

Value Realized On Vesting ($)

 Number
of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)
 Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)1
 Number
of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
(#)
 Value
Realized On
Vesting
($)
 
Jean Madar  25,000 2,432,417 -0- -0- 
          
Jean Madar19,000539,588-0-
Michel Atwood -0- -0- -0- -0- 
          
Russell Greenberg20,000449,287-0- 25,000 1,425,609 -0- -0- 
          
Philippe Benacin19,000537,665-0- 25,000 2,542,813 -0- -0- 
          
Philippe Santi60016,782-0- 9,200 459,701 -0- -0- 
          
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo1,20035,209-0- 12,000 616,728 -0- -0- 

 

[Footnotes from table above]

11Total value realized on exercise of options in dollars is based upon the difference between the fair market value of the common stock on the date of exercise, and the exercise price of the option.

 

Regarding Interparfums SA, our majority-owned French subsidiary which has its shares traded on the Euronext, no options were exercised during the past fiscal year, and there was no vesting of stock, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments during the past fiscal year, for the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table.


Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth certain information relating to payment of benefits in connection with retirement plans during the past fiscal year, for the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table.

PENSION BENEFITS

Name Plan Name Number
of Years
Credited
Service
(#)
 Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit*
($)
  Payments
During
Last Fiscal
Year
($)
 
Jean Madar NA NA  -0-   -0- 
Michel Atwood NA NA  -0-   -0- 
Philippe Benacin Inter Parfums SA Pension Plan NA  348,839   17,600 
Philippe Santi Inter Parfums SA Pension Plan NA  348,839   17,600 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo Inter Parfums SA Pension Plan NA  348,839   17,600 

 

*Does not include any contributions made by prior employers, or individually by the recipients as such information is confidential under French law.

PENSION BENEFITS

Name

Plan Name

Number of Years Credited Service

(#)

Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($)

Payments During Last Fiscal Year

($)

Jean MadarNANA-0--0-
Russell GreenbergNANA-0--0-
Philippe BenacinInter Parfums SA Pension Plan

NA

 

291,000

 

16,376

 

Philippe SantiInter Parfums SA Pension Plan

NA

 

518,000*

 

16,376

 

Frédéric Garcia-PelayoInter Parfums SA Pension Plan

NA

288,000

16,376

81 

 

*Includes contributions made individually by Mr. Santi.

Interparfums SA maintains a pension plan for all of its employees, including all executive officers. The calculation of commitments for severance benefits involves estimating the probable present value of projected benefit obligations. This projected benefit obligations isare then prorated to take into account seniority of the employees of Interparfums SA on the calculation date.

In calculating benefits, the following assumptions were applied:

-voluntary retirement at age 65;

-a rate of 45% for employer payroll contributions for all employees;

-a 3% average annual salary increase;

-an annual rate of turnover for all employees under 55 years of age and nil above;

-the TH 00-02 mortality table for men and the TF 00-02 mortality table for women;

-a discount rate of 3.8%.

 

- voluntary retirement at age 65;

- a rate of 45% for employer payroll contributions for all employees;

- a 4% average annual salary increase;

- an annual rate of turnover for all employees under 55 years of age and nil above;

- the TH 00-02 mortality table for men and the TF 00-02 mortality table for women;

- a discount rate of 2.0%.

The normal retirement age is 65 years, but employees, including Messrs. Benacin, Santi and Garcia-Pelayo, can collect reduced benefits if they retire at age 62.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

We do not maintain any nonqualified deferred compensation plans.


CEO Pay Ratio

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our mean employee and the annual total compensation of Mr. Jean Madar, Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”):

For 2017,2023, our last completed fiscal year:year:

Our median employee’s compensation was $72,274

Our Chief Executive Officer’s total 2023 compensation was $4,432,417

Accordingly, our 2023 CEO to Median Employee Pay Ratio was 61.33 to 1

 

Our median employee’s compensation was $53,799.

Our Chief Executive Officer’s total 2017 compensation was $877,237 as reported in the Summary Compensation Table on page 74.

Accordingly, our 2017 CEO to Median Employee Pay Ratio was 16.31 to 1.

This pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules based on our payroll and employment records. We identified our median employee using our total employee population as of December 31, 20172023 by applying a consistently applied compensation measure across our global employee population. For our consistently applied compensation measure, we used all compensation, including actual base salary, bonuses, commissions, and any overtime paid during the 12-month period ending December 31, 2017.2023. We did not use any material estimates, assumptions, adjustments or statistical sampling to determine the worldwide median employee.

The SEC rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their compensation practices. As such, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported above, as other companies may have different employment and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios.

 

82 

Employment and Service/Consulting Agreements

Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, Item 11 under the heading “Employment and Consulting Agreements

As part” for the material terms of our acquisition in 1991 of the controlling interest in Interparfums SA, now a subsidiary, we entered into an employment agreement with Philippe Benacin. The agreement provides that Mr. Benacin, will be employed as Vice Chairman ofindividually, and the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums Holdings and its subsidiary, Interparfums SA. The initial term expired on September 2, 1992, and has subsequently been automatically renewed for additional annual periods. The agreement provides for automatic annual renewal terms, unless either party terminates the agreement upon 120 days’ notice. For 2018, Mr. Benacin presently receives an annual salary of €444,000 (approximately $501,454), and automobile expenses of €10,800 (approximately $12,198), which are subject to increase in the discretion of the board of directors. The agreement also provides for indemnification and a covenant not to compete for one year after termination of employment.

In 2014, we entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Benacin’s holding company,and fees previously granted to, Philippe Benacin Holding SAS, which provides for review on an annual basis of the amount of compensation payable to such company. The agreement also provides for indemnification for Mr. Benacin and his holding company and a covenant not to compete for one year after termination of the agreement. The agreement was for one year, with automatic one year renewals unless either party terminates on 120 days’ notice or Mr. Benacin ceases to be the President of our company. For 2015 through 2017, Mr. Benacin’s personal holding company received $250,000 for services rendered outside of the United Statesis incorporated by Mr. Benacin in his capacity as President. This consulting agreement has been renewed at $250,000 for 2018. In addition, in December 2017 the amount of options granted for the benefit of Mr. Benacin was increased from the 19,000 share grants that had been made in each of the past several years to 25,000 shares, and were granted to his personal holding company instead of Mr. Benacin directly.reference herein.


In 2013, we enter into a consulting agreement with Mr. Madar’s holding company, Jean Madar Holding SAS, which provides for review on an annual basis of the amount of compensation payable to such company. The agreement also provides for indemnification for Mr. Madar and his holding company and a covenant not to compete for one year after termination of the agreement. The agreement was for one year, with automatic one year renewals unless either party terminates on 120 days’ notice or Mr. Madar ceases to be the Chief Executive Officer of our company. For 2015 through 2017, Mr. Madar’s personal holding company received $250,000 for services rendered outside of the United States by Mr. Madar in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer. For 2018, as the result of Mr. Madar spending more time outside of the United States, we have changed the allocation of cash compensation paid to Mr. Madar personally and to his holding company, but not the aggregate amount. The amount of salary paid to Mr. Madar in 2018 has been reduced by $220,000 from $380,000 to $160,000, while payments to his holding company have been increased by the like amount of $220,000, from $250,000 to $470,000. Therefore, for 2018 total cash compensation for Mr. Madar to be paid to him and his personal holding company remains unchanged at $630,000. In addition, in December 2017 the amount of options granted for the benefit of Mr. Madar was increased from the 19,000 share grants that had been made in each of the past several years to 25,000 shares, and were granted to his personal holding company instead of Mr. Madar directly.

Compensation of Directors

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the compensation for each of our directors who is not an executive officer of our Company named in the Summary Compensation Table for the past fiscal year.


 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

      DIRECTOR COMPENSATION     

Name

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)

Stock Awards ($)

Option Awards ($)

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

($)

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

All Other Compensation

($)

Total ($)

 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash

($)

 Stock
Awards
($)
 Option
Awards
($)
 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
($)
 Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
 All Other Compensation
($)1
 Total
($)
 
Francois Heilbronn121,000-0-7,668-0-21,27649,944
Jean Levy218,500-0-7,668-0-26,02352,191
Francois Heilbronn2 26,000 -0- 52,623 -0- -0- 71,300 149,923 
Robert Bensoussan315,000-0-7,668-0-19,67042,338 23,000 -0- 52,623 -0- -0- 65,548 141,171 
Patrick Choël421,000-0-7,668-0-10,04238,710 23,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- 214,775 237,775 
Michel Dyens515,000-0-7,668-0-22,668 15,000 -0- -0- -0- -0- 266,972 281,972 
Veronique Gabai-Pinsky6

3,500

-0-

17,910

-0-

21,410

 23,000 -0- 52,623 -0- -0- 73,093 148,716 
Gilbert Harrison7 9,000 -0- 52,623 -0- -0- 243,155 304,778 
Kappauf8 3,000 -0- 52,623 -0- -0- -0- 55,623 

 

[Footnotes from table above]

1.1.Represents gain from exercise of stock options, except for Mr. Harrison, which includes a $60,000 payment made in 2023 to the company controlled by Mr. Harrison in connection with the acquisition of the Donna Karan license. See “Fee for Director’s Company” in Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, in this annual report on Form 10-K.
2.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Heilbronn held options to purchase an aggregate of 4,0007,000 shares of our common stock.

3.2.Mr. Levy retired from out board of directors on September 12, 2017, and passed away in December 2017. As of the end of the last fiscal year, the Estate of Mr. Levy held options to purchase an aggregate of 2,500 shares of our common stock.

3.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Bensoussan held options to purchase an aggregate of 4,0007,000 shares of our common stock.

4.4.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Choël held options to purchase an aggregate of  3,500no shares of our common stock.

5.5.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Dyens held options to purchase an aggregate of  4,000no shares of our common stock.

6.6.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Ms. Gabai-Pinsky held options to purchase an aggregate of 2,0006,000 shares of our common stock.
7.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Harrison held options to purchase an aggregate of 7,000 shares of our common stock.
8.As of the end of the last fiscal year, Kappauf held options to purchase an aggregate of 1,500 shares of our common stock.

 


For 2017, allAll nonemployee directors received $5,000receive $6,000 for each board meeting at which they participate in person, and $2,500$3,000 for each meeting held by conference telephone. In addition, the annual fee for each member of the audit committee is $6,000.$8,000. The compensation for the nonemployee directors remained the same for 2021, 2022, and 2023, except for Mr. Harrison. During 2021, a company owned by Mr. Harrison received a fee equal to $300,000, in connection with the Donna Karan license agreement, which is effective on July 1, 2022. A payment of $120,000 was made in 2021 to Mr. Harrison’s company, $120,000 was paid one year later in 2022, and $60,000 was paid one year thereafter in 2023.

We maintain a stock option plansplan for our nonemployee or independent directors. The purpose of these plansthis plan is to assist us in attracting and retaining key directors who are responsible for continuing the growth and success of our company. Under such plans,plan, options to purchase 1,0001,500 shares are granted on the last business day of each February 1styear at the fair market value on the date of grant to all nonemployee directors for as long as each is a nonemployee director on such date. Such options vest and become exercisable to purchase shares of Common Stock as follows: 20% one year after the date of grant, and then 20% on each of the second, third, fourth and fifth consecutive years from the date of grant on a cumulative basis, so that each option shall become fully vested and exercisable on the first day of the sixth year from the date of grant. However, if a nonemployee director does not attend certain of the board meetings, then such option grants are reduced according to a schedule. In addition, options to purchase 2,000 shares are granted to each nonemployee director upon his or her initial election or appointment to our board, but if such option is granted within six months of the next February 1 automatic grant, then such nonemployee director would not be eligible to receive that February 1 grant.

 

On February 1, 2018, options to purchase 1,000 shares were granted to each of our outside directors, Francois Heilbronn, Robert Bensoussan, Patrick Choël and Michel Dyens, all at the exercise price of $45.60 per share under the 2016 plan. All of such options were granted at the fair market value and vest ratably over a 4 year period.

84 


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (a) each person we know to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (b) our executive officers and directors and (c) all of our directors and officers as a group. Each of Messrs. Madar and Benacin own 99.99% of their respective personal holding companies. As of March 9, 2018,February 27, 2024, we had 31,270,89332,021,700 shares of common stock outstanding.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership1
  Approximate
Percent of
Class
 
Jean Madar
Jean Madar Holding SAS
166 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris, France
  7,104,8412 22.2%
Philippe Benacin
Interparfums SA
10 rue de Solférino
75007 Paris, France
  6,916,0643 21.6%
Michel Atwood
c/o Inter Parfums, Inc.
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10176
  1,0004 Less than 1%
Philippe Santi
Interparfums SA
10 rue de Solférino
75008, Paris, France
  0  NA 
Francois Heilbronn
60 Avenue de Breteuil
75007 Paris, France
  29,2385 Less than 1%
Robert Bensoussan
c/o Sirius Equity LLP
52 Brook Street
W1K 5DS London, UK
  11,6756 Less than 1%
Veronique Gabai-Pinsky
200 East End Avenue
New York, NY 10128
  2,1757 Less than 1%
Gilbert Harrison
Harrison Group
239 Ox Pasture Road
South Hampton, NY 11968
  3,1758 Less than 1%

Gerard Kappauf

Jumeirah 1

30th C Street, Villa 76

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  -0-  Less than 1%
Frederic Garcia-Pelayo
Interparfums SA
10 rue de Solférino
75008, Paris, France
  12,0009 Less than 1%
Blackrock, Inc.
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
  2,806,33610 8.8%
The Vanguard Group
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
  2,204,47011 6.9%
All Directors and Officers
(As a Group 10 Persons)
  14,072,71812 43.9%

 


Name1

All shares of common stock are directly held with sole voting power and Address

of Beneficial Owner

Amount of Beneficial Ownership1Approximate Percent of Classsole power to dispose, unless otherwise stated. Options which are exercisable within 60 days are included in beneficial ownership calculations.

2

Consists of 10,500 shares held directly, 7,049,341 shares held indirectly through Jean Madar

c/o Interparfums SA

4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees

75008 Paris, France

Holding SAS, a personal holding company, and options to purchase 45,000 shares.
3

7,155,548Consists of 6,871,064 shares held indirectly through Philippe Benacin Holding SAS, a personal holding company, and options to purchase 45,000 shares.

24

22.9%Consists of shares of common stock underlying options for Mr. Atwood.
5Consists of 27,063 shares held directly and options to purchase 2,175 shares for Mr. Heilbronn.
6Consists of 9,500 shares held directly and options to purchase 2,175 shares for Mr. Bensoussan.
7Consists of shares of common stock underlying options for Ms. Gabai-Pinsky.
8Consists of 1,000 shares held directly and 2,175 shares of common stock underlying options for Mr. Harrison.
9Consists of shares of common stock underlying options for Mr. Garcia-Pelayo.
10Information based upon Schedule 13G of Blackrock, Inc. Amendment No. 1 dated January 25, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
11Information based upon Schedule 13G Amendment No. 7 of The Vanguard Group, an investment advisor, dated February 13, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Philippe Benacin

c/o Interparfums SA

4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees

75008 Paris, France

12
6,958,940322.2%

Russell Greenberg

c/o Inter Parfums, Inc.

551 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10176

65,0004Less than 1%

Philippe Santi

Interparfums SA

4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees

75008, Paris France

                       13,2005Less than 1%

Francois Heilbronn

60 Avenue de Breteuil

75007 Paris, France

                  32,5636Less than 1%

Robert Bensoussan

c/o Sirius Equity LLP

52 Brook Street

W1K 5DS London

                          11,0007Less than 1%Consists of 13,969,018 shares held directly or indirectly, and options to purchase 103,700 shares.

 

1 All shares of common stock are directly held with sole voting power and sole power to dispose, unless otherwise stated. Options which are exercisable within 60 days are included in beneficial ownership calculations. Jean Madar, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Philippe Benacin, the Vice Chairman of the Board and President of the Company, have a verbal agreement or understanding to vote the shares each beneficially owns in a like manner.

2 Consists of 66,207 shares held directly, 7,032,341 shares held indirectly through Jean Madar Holding SAS, a personal holding company, and options to purchase 57,000 shares.

3 Consists of 55,876 shares held directly, 6,846,064 shares held indirectly through Philippe Benacin Holding SAS, a personal holding company, and options to purchase 57,000 shares.

4Consists of shares of common stock underlying options.

5Consists of shares of common stock underlying options.

6Consists of 31,063 shares held directly and options to purchase 2,500 shares.

7Consists of 3,500 shares held directly and options to purchase 2,500 shares.


Name and Address

of Beneficial Owner

Amount of Beneficial Ownership1Approximate Percent of Class

Patrick Choël

140 Rue de Grenelle

75007, Paris, France

                             2,2508Less than 1%

Michel Dyens

Michel Dyens & Co.

17 Avenue Montaigne

75008 Paris, France

1,2509Less than 1%

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

Vera Wang

15 E. 26th Street

New York NY 10010

-0--0-

Frederic Garcia-Pelayo

Interparfums SA

4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees

75008, Paris France

14,60010Less than 1%

Blackrock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 1005511

2,727,317

 

8.8%

The Vanguard Group12

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

1,559,4005.4%

All Directors and Officers

(As a Group 10 Persons)

               14,250,7261345.3 %

The following table sets forth certain information as of the end of our last fiscal year regarding all equity compensation plans that provide for the award of equity securities or the grant of options, warrants or rights to purchase our equity securities.

8Consists of 1,125 shares held directly and options to purchase 1,500 shares.

9Consists of shares of common stock underlying options.

10Consists of shares of common stock underlying options.

11Information based upon Schedule 13G Amendment 2 of Blackrock, Inc. dated January 25, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

12Information based upon Schedule 13G of The Vanguard Group, an investment advisor, dated February 9, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

13Consists of14,036,176shares held directly or indirectly, and options to purchase214,550shares.


Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan categoryNumber of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) 

 Number of
securities to
be issued
upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(a)
 Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
(b)
 Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders730,98031.92929,985 308,970 $86.52 537,365 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders-0-N/A-0-  -0-  N/A  -0- 
Total730,98031.92929,985  308,970  $86.52  537,365 


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Transactions with European Subsidiaries

We have guaranteed the obligations of our majority-owned, French subsidiary, Interparfums SA under our former Burberry license and our Paul Smith license agreement. We also provide (or had provided on our behalf) certain financial, accounting and legal services for Interparfums SA, and during 2017, 20162023, 2022, and 20152021, and fees for such services were $233,625, $214,112$530,000, $491,300, and $198,500,$443,625, respectively.

In 2017, Inter Parfums USA, LLC,September 2023, Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc. an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, loaned the Company the amount of $20 million, which is repayable $5 million per month starting in May 2024 with the last payment including all accrued interest at 5.3% per annum. In December 2023, Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc. made a United States subsidiary, renewedsecond loan to the Company in the amount of $12 million, which is repayable in May 2024 with interest at 5.3% per annum. These loans partially funded our share repurchase plan during 2023 and cash dividend payments.

In September 2022, Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc. loaned the Company $10 million, which was repayable in one lump sum on June 30, 2023 with interest at 3.5% per annum. In addition, the $2 million payment due on September 30, 2022 by the Company against the loan made in September 2021 was postponed to January 31, 2023 together with interest at 2% per annum. These two loans were repaid in full in 2023.

Fee for Director’s Company 

In connection with the acquisition of the Donna Karan license, which became effective on July 1, 2022 as discussed above, we agreed to pay to a licensecompany controlled by Mr. Gilbert Harrison, a director, the sum of $300,000, payable over time, with $120,000 paid in 2021, $120,000 paid one year later in 2022 and $60,000 paid two years later in 2023.

Management and Consulting Agreements

In April 2023, our Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Coordinating and Supervising Service Agreement (“Service Agreement”) that amended the fee arrangement Jean Madar Holding SAS, which replaced a prior agreement for five years that was initially signedentered into in 20122013, as amended. The amendment to the Service Agreement was previously approved by the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee, as well as the Audit Committee due to the related party nature of the Service Agreement. The aggregate increase in fees payable to Jean Madar Holding SAS is from $1.23 million to $2.0 million on the same terms with Interparfums Suisse (SARL), a Swiss subsidiaryan annual basis, effective as of Interparfums SA,January 1, 2023. Further, as requested by Jean Madar Holding SAS, effective April 1, 2023 and continuing thereafter, all fees are to be paid entirely to Jean Madar Holding SAS, and for the rightbalance of calendar year 2023, the amount of such fees are inclusive of the salary paid to sell amenities under the Lanvin brand nameJean Madar individually from January 1, 2023 to luxury hotels, cruise lines and airlines in return for royalty payments as are customary inMarch 31, 2023. As Jean Madar, our industry.

Option Exercise with Tender of Previously Owned Shares

The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the President each exercised 19,000Board, is the beneficial owner of Jean Madar Holding SAS, all of such fees paid to Jean Madar Holding SAS have been characterized as base salary for the disclosure purposes for the Summary Compensation and 19,000related discussion in Table in Item 11.

Please see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, Item 11 under the heading “Employment and outstandingConsulting Agreements” for a material terms of the employment agreement with Philippe Benacin, individually, and the consulting agreements with, and fees and stock options of the Company’s common stock in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The aggregate exercise prices of $0.7 million in 2016 and $0.5 million in 2015 were paid by them tenderingpreviously granted to, the Company in 2016 and 2015, an aggregate of 20,568 and 18,764 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock, previously owned by them, valued at fair market value on the dates of exercise. All shares issued pursuant to these option exercises were issued from treasury stock of the Company. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer tendered in 2016 and 2015 an additional 2,179 and 1,299 shares, respectively, for payment of certain withholding taxes resulting from his option exercises.


Consulting Agreements

In 2014, we entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Benacin’s holding company, Philippe Benacin Holding SAS, which provides for review on an annual basis of the amount of compensation payable to such company. The agreement also provides for indemnification for Mr. Benacin and his holding company and a covenant not to compete for one year after termination of the agreement. The agreement was for one year, with automatic one year renewals unless either party terminates on 120 days’ notice or Mr. Benacin ceases to be the President of our company. For 2015 through 2017, Mr. Benacin’s personal holding company received $250,000 for services rendered outside of the United Statesis incorporated by Mr. Benacin in his capacity as President. This consulting agreement has been renewed at $250,000 for 2018. In addition, in December 2017 the amount of options granted for the benefit of Mr. Benacin was increased from the 19,000 share grants that had been made in each of the past several years to 25,000 shares, and were granted to his personal holding company instead of Mr. Benacin directly.reference herein.

In 2013, we enter into a consulting agreement with Mr. Madar’s holding company, Jean Madar Holding SAS, which provides for review on an annual basis of the amount of compensation payable to such company. The agreement also provides for indemnification for Mr. Madar and his holding company and a covenant not to compete for one year after termination of the agreement. The agreement was for one year, with automatic one year renewals unless either party terminates on 120 days’ notice or Mr. Madar ceases to be the Chief Executive Officer of our company. For 2015 through 2017, Mr. Madar’s personal holding company received $250,000 for services rendered outside of the United States by Mr. Madar in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer. For 2018, as the result of Mr. Madar spending more time outside of the United States, we have changed the allocation of cash compensation paid to Mr. Madar personally and to his holding company, but not the aggregate amount. The amount of salary paid to Mr. Madar for his services in the United States in 2018 has been reduced by $220,000 from $380,000 to $160,000, while payments to his holding company have been increased by the like amount of $220,000, from $250,000 to $470,000. Therefore, for 2018 total cash compensation for Mr. Madar to be paid to him and his personal holding company remains unchanged at $630,000. In addition, in December 2017 the amount of options granted for the benefit of Mr. Madar was increased from the 19,000 share grants that had been made in each of the past several years to 25,000 shares, and were granted to his personal holding company instead of Mr. Madar directly.

Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions

Transactions between related persons, such as between an executive officer or director and our company, or any company or person controlled by such officer or director, are required to be approved by our Audit Committee of our board of directors. Our Audit Committee Charter contains such explicit authority, as required by the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market.


Director Independence

 

86 

The following are our directors who are “independent directors”independent directors within the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market:

Francois Heilbronn
Robert Bensoussan
Patrick Choël
Michel Dyens
Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

Francois Heilbronn 

Robert Bensoussan 

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky 

Gilbert Harrison

Gerard Kappauf

We follow and comply with the independent director definitions as provided by The Nasdaq Stock Market rules in determining the independence of our directors, which are posted on our company’s website. In addition, such rules are also available on The Nasdaq Stock Market’s website. In addition, The Nasdaq Stock Market maintains more stringent rules relating to director independence for the members of our Audit Committee, and the members of our Audit Committee, Messrs. Heilbronn and Choël,Bensoussan, as well as Ms. Gabai-Pinsky, are independent within the meaning of those rules.

 

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Management

For more than the past ten (10) years, Jean Madar has held the positions of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer ofPlease see our company. Almost since inception, Mr. Madar has been allocated the responsibility of overseeing our United States operations and the operation of Inter Parfums, Inc., as a public company. Philippe Benacin, as Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums SA, has been allocated the responsibility of overseeing our European operations and its operation as a public company in France. In addition, Mr. Benacin is also the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of our company. Our board of directors is comfortable with this approach, as the two largest stockholders of our company are also directly responsibleAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the operations of our company’s two operating segments. Accordingly, our board of directors does not have a “Leadyear ended December 31, 2021, Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, under the heading “Board Leadership Structure and Risk Management,a non-management director who controls the meetings of our board of directors.

Our board of directors manages riskfor prior disclosure on this topic, which is incorporated by (i) review of period operating reports and discussions with management; (ii) approval of executive compensation incentive plans through its committee, the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee; (iii) approval of related party transactions through its committee, the Audit Committee; and (iv) approval of material transactions not in the ordinary course of business. Since our inception, we have never been the subject of any material product liability claims, and we have had no recent material property damage claims.reference herein.

Further, we periodically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure related to receivables denominated in a foreign currency and to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a foreign currency. We enter into these exchange contracts for periods consistent with our identified exposures. The purpose of the hedging activities is to minimize the effect of foreign exchange rate movements on the receivables and cash flows of Interparfums SA, our French subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Euro. All foreign currency contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries and are with large financial institutions, which are rated as strong investment grade.


In addition, we mitigate interest rate risk by continually monitoring interest rates, and then determining whether fixed interest rates should be swapped for floating rate debt, or if floating rate debt should be swapped for fixed rate debt.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Fees

The following sets forth the fees billed to us by Mazars USA LLP, (formerly WeiserMazars LLP), as well as discusses the services provided for the past two fiscal years, fiscal years ended December 31, 20172023 and December 31, 2016.2022.

Audit Fees

Fees billed by Mazars USA LLP and its affiliate, Mazars S.A. for audit services and review of the consolidated financial statements contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q were $1.0$1.4 million and $1.4 and million for both 20172023 and 2016.2022, respectively.

 

Audit-Related Fees

Mazars USA LLP did not bill us for any audit-related services during 2017 or 2016.2023 and 2022.

Tax Fees

Mazars USA LLP billed us $28,000 and $16,400 for tax services during 2017 and 2016, respectively.

All Other Fees

Mazars USA LLP did not bill us for any tax services in 2023 and 2022.

All Other Fees

Mazars S.A. billed us $9,000 and $6,000 for other services during 2017 or 2016.2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee has the sole authority for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent accountants, who prepare or issue an audit report for us.

 

87 

During the first quarter of 2017,2023, the audit committee authorized the following non-audit services to be performed by Mazars USA LLP.

We authorized the engagement of Mazars USA LLP if deemed necessary to provide tax consultation in the ordinary course of business for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.2023.

 

We authorized the engagement of Mazars USA LLP if deemed necessary to provide tax consultation as may be required on a project by project basis that would not be considered in the ordinary course of business, of up to a $5,000$10,000 fee limit per project (or €10,000 in the case of Interparfums SA), subject to an aggregate fee limit of $25,000$50,000 for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.2023. If we require further tax services from Mazars USA LLP, then the approval of the audit committee must be obtained.

 


We authorized the engagement of Mazars USA LLP if deemed necessary to provide attestation or other services as may be required on a project by project basis that would not be considered in the ordinary course of business, up to a $10,000 fee limit per project (or €10,000 in the case of Interparfums SA), subject to an aggregate fee limit of $50,000 for fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. If we require further tax services from Mazars USA LLP, then the approval of the audit committee must be obtained.

If we require other services by Mazars USA LLP on an expedited basis such that obtaining pre-approval of the audit committee is not practicable, then the Chairman of the Committee has authority to grant the required pre-approvals for all such services.

 

We imposed a cap of $100,000 on the fees that Mazars USA LLP can charge for services on an expedited basis that are approved by the Chairman without obtaining full audit committee approval.

 

None of the non-audit services of either of the Company’s auditors had the pre-approval requirement waived in accordance with Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.

In the first quarter of 2018, the audit committee authorized the same non-audit services to be performed by Mazars USA LLP during 2017 as disclosed above.


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Page
(a)(1) Financial Statements annexed hereto
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-2
Audited Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172023 and 20162022F-4F-5
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-5F-6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-6F-7
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-7F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-8F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-9F-10
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying AccountsF-31F-30
(a)(3) Exhibits– The list of exhibits is contained in the Exhibit Index, which follows the signature page of this report.

 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

 

None.


89 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule

Index

Page
  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-2
  
Audited Financial Statements:(Mazars USA LLP, New York, New York, PCAOB ID 339)
  
Audited Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172023, and 20162022F-4F-5
  
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-5F-6
  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-6F-7
  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-7F-8
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172023F-8F-9
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-9F-10
  
Financial Statement Schedule:
  
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying AccountsF-31F-30

 F-1

F-1

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Inter Parfums, Inc.

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Inter Parfums, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index in Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company'sCompany’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 F-2

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

 F-2

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company'scompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ Mazars USA LLP

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involve especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Mazars USA LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2004.
New York, New York
March 13, 2018

 

As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated Trademarks (indefinite lives) balance of $108.8 million at December 31, 2023, which included $11.3 million of the Rochas Fashion indefinite life intangible asset.

 F-3

 F-3

 

The principal considerations in determining management’s annual impairment test for the Rochas Fashion intangible asset as a critical audit matter was due to the change in events and circumstances surrounding the Rochas Fashon brand trademark and complexity of management’s estimates used in their evaluation of the fair value of the Rochas Fashion trademark. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Rochas Fashion intangible asset included the forecasted revenue, operating margin, and discount rate. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the fair value of the Rochas Fashion intangible asset, the amount of any impairment charge, or both. 

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of Company’s controls over the Rochas Fashion intangible asset impairment review process, including management’s review of the significant assumptions described above and controls over the completeness and accuracy of the data used to develop such estimates.

To test the estimated fair value of the Rochas Fashion intangible asset, our audit procedures included, among others, assessing the appropriateness of the valuation model used, evaluating the significant assumptions discussed above, and testing and evaluating the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the significant assumptions and estimates. We compared the financial projections to the historical accuracy of management’s estimates. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the Company's model, valuation methodology and the discount rate.

Mazars USA LLP

/s/ Mazars USA LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2004.

New York, New York

February 27, 2024 

 F-4

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

December 31, 2023, and 2022 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Assets 2023  2022 
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $88,462  $104,713 
Short-term investments  94,304   150,833 
Accounts receivable, net  247,240   197,584 
Inventories  371,859   289,984 
Receivables, other  7,012   28,803 
Other current assets  29,458   15,650 
Income taxes receivable  691   157 
Total current assets  839,026   787,724 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net  169,222   166,722 
Right-of-use assets, net  28,613   27,964 
Trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets, net  296,356   290,853 
Deferred tax assets  14,545   11,159 
Other assets  21,567   24,120 
Total assets $1,369,329  $1,308,542 
Liabilities and Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Loans payable - banks $4,420  $ 
Current portion of long-term debt  29,587   28,547 
Current portion of lease liabilities  5,951   5,296 
Accounts payable - trade  97,409   88,388 
Accrued expenses  178,880   213,621 
Income taxes payable  8,498   8,715 
Total current liabilities  324,745   344,567 
Long–term debt, less current portion  127,897   151,494 
Lease liabilities, less current portion  24,517   24,335 
Equity:        
Inter Parfums, Inc. shareholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares: none issued      
Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares: outstanding, 32,004,660 and 31,967,300 shares on December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively  32   32 
Additional paid-in capital  98,565   90,186 
Retained earnings  693,848   620,095 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (40,188)  (56,056)
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,981,665 and 9,864,805 common shares on December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively  (52,864)  (37,475)
Total Inter Parfums, Inc. shareholders’ equity  699,393   616,782 
Noncontrolling interest  192,777   171,364 
Total equity  892,170   788,146 
Total liabilities and equity $1,369,329  $1,308,542 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                   


INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Consolidated Balance SheetsStatements of Income 

Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)  

  2023  2022  2021 
          
Net sales $1,317,675  $1,086,653  $879,516 
Cost of sales  478,597   392,231   322,614 
Gross margin  839,078   694,422   556,902 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses  587,696   492,370   406,459 
Impairment loss     7,749   2,393 
Income from operations  251,382   194,303   148,050 
Other expenses (income):            
Interest expense  11,253   3,599   2,825 
Loss (gain) on foreign currency  1,582   1,921   (2,338)
Interest and investment income  (10,729)  (5,486)  (3,403)
Other (income) expense  (317)  50   (53)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)  1,789   84   (2,969)
             
Income before income taxes  249,593   194,219   151,019 
Income taxes  61,817   43,182   40,992 
Net income  187,776   151,037   110,027 
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest  35,122   30,099   22,616 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $152,654  $120,938  $87,411 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. common shareholders:            
Basic $4.77  $3.80  $2.76 
Diluted $4.75  $3.78  $2.75 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:            
Basic  31,994,328   31,859,417   31,676,796 
Diluted  32,139,702   31,988,753   31,835,408 
             
Dividends declared per share $2.50  $2.00  $1.00 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

Years ended December 31, 20172023, 2022, and 2016

2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Assets 2017  2016 
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $208,343  $161,828 
Short-term investments  69,899   94,202 
Accounts receivable, net  120,749   104,819 
Inventories  137,058   96,977 
Receivables, other  2,405   7,433 
Other current assets  7,356   6,240 
Income taxes receivable  3,468   626 
Total current assets  549,278   472,125 
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net  10,330   10,076 
Trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets, net  200,495   183,868 
Deferred tax assets  9,658   8,090 
Other assets  8,011   8,250 
Total assets $777,772  $682,409 
Liabilities and Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Current portion of long-term debt  24,372   21,498 
Accounts payable - trade  52,609   49,507 
Accrued expenses  81,843   62,609 
Income taxes payable  1,722   3,331 
Dividends payable  6,561   5,293 
Total current liabilities  167,107   142,238 
Long–term debt, less current portion  36,207   53,064 
Deferred tax liability  3,821   3,449 
Equity:        
Inter Parfums, Inc. shareholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued      
Common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; outstanding, 31,241,548 and 31,138,318 shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively  31   31 
Additional paid-in capital  66,004   63,103 
Retained earnings  422,570   402,714 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (17,832)  (57,982)
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,864,805 common shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016  (37,475)  (37,475)
Total Inter Parfums, Inc. shareholders’ equity  433,298   370,391 
Noncontrolling interest  137,339   113,267 
Total equity  570,637   483,658 
Total liabilities and equity $777,772  $682,409 

 

  2023  2022  2021 
          
Net income $187,776  $151,037  $110,027 
             
Other comprehensive income:            
Net derivative instrument (loss) income,  net of tax  (3,329)  2,356   (1,367)
Transfer of OCI into earnings  1,709   992    
Translation adjustments, net of tax  24,042   (29,683)  (42,967)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax  22,422   (26,335)  (44,334)
Comprehensive income  210,198   124,702   65,693 
             
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:            
Net income  35,122   30,099   22,616 
Net derivative instrument income (loss),  net of tax
  25   647   (375)
Translation adjustments, net of tax  6,529   (9,358)  (11,524)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interest  41,676   21,388   10,717 
Comprehensive income attributable to Inter Parfums Inc. $168,522  $103,314  $54,976 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-4


INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of IncomeChanges in Shareholders’ Equity 

Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2023, 2022, and 20152021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Net sales $591,251  $521,072  $468,540 
Cost of sales  214,965   194,601   179,069 
Gross margin  376,286   326,471   289,471 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses  295,540   258,787   228,268 
Gain on buyout of license     (4,652)   
Impairment loss  2,123   5,658    
Income from operations  78,623   66,678   61,203 
Other expenses (income):            
Interest expense  1,992   2,340   2,826 
Loss on foreign currency  1,549   595   876 
Interest income  (2,983)  (3,331)  (2,995)
   558   (396)  707 
             
Income before income taxes  78,065   67,074   60,496 
Income taxes  22,812   23,826   21,527 
Net income  55,253   43,248   38,969 
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest  13,659   9,917   8,532 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $41,594  $33,331  $30,437 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. common shareholders:            
Basic $1.33  $1.07  $0.98 
Diluted  1.33   1.07   0.98 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:            
Basic  31,172,285   31,072,328   30,996,137 
Diluted  31,305,101   31,175,598   31,100,215 
             
Dividends declared per share $0.72  $0.62  $0.52 
  2023  2022  2021 
          
Common stock, beginning and end of year $32  $32  $32 
           
    32   32   32 
Additional paid-in capital, beginning of year  90,186   87,132   75,708 
 Shares issued upon exercise of stock options  8,025   6,004   5,393 
 Share-based compensation  1,246   1,355   1,566 
 Shares issued for license acquisition        5,000 
 Transfer of subsidiary shares purchased  (892)  (4,305)  (535)
Additional paid-in capital, end of year  98,565   90,186   87,132 
              
Retained earnings, beginning of year  620,095   560,663   503,567 
 Net income  152,654   120,938   87,411 
 Dividends  (80,047)  (63,743)  (31,690)
 Share-based compensation  1,146   2,237   1,375 
Retained earnings, end of year  693,848   620,095   560,663 
              
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of year  (56,056)  (38,432)  (5,997)
 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax  17,513   (20,325)  (31,443)
 Transfer from other comprehensive income into earnings  1,709   992    
 Net derivative instrument (loss) income, net of tax  (3,354)  1,709   (992)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year  (40,188)  (56,056)  (38,432)
              
Treasury stock, beginning of year  (37,475)  (37,475)  (37,475)
 Shares repurchased  (15,389)      
Treasury stock, end of year  (52,864)  (37,475)  (37,475)
              
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year  171,364   166,412   166,615 
 Net income  35,122   30,099   22,616 
 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax  6,529   (9,358)  (11,524)
 Net derivative instrument income (loss), net of tax  25   647   (375)
 Dividends  (20,301)  (16,056)  (9,836)
 Share-based compensation  180   (282)  (293)
 Transfer of subsidiary shares purchased  (142)  (98)  (791)
Noncontrolling interest, end of year  192,777   171,364   166,412 
    788,146   738,332   702,450 
    187,776   151,037   110,027 
  Total equity $892,170  $788,146  $738,332 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 F-5

 F-8

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)Cash Flows 

Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2023, 2022, and 20152021 

(In thousands)  

 

  2023  2022  2021 
Cash flows from operating activities:           
Net income $187,776  $151,037  $110,027 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization including impairment loss  17,331   22,539   12,698 
Provision for doubtful accounts  (1,734)  2,353   853 
Noncash stock compensation  2,525   3,143   2,853 
Share of (income) loss of equity investment  (317)  49   (53)
Noncash lease expense  5,448   4,980   7,302 
Deferred tax benefit  (2,987)  (3,604)  (465)
Change in fair value of derivatives  (301)  227   65 
Changes in:            
Accounts receivable  (36,843)  (59,640)  (45,395)
Inventories  (73,700)  (98,297)  (49,815)
Other assets  11,868   (13,651)  (16,725)
Operating lease liabilities  (5,290)  (4,795)  (7,503)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  3,064   64,738   103,046 
Income taxes, net  (1,066)  3,952   2,698 
Net cash provided by operating activities  105,774   73,031   119,586 
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of short-term investments  (221,111)  (1,038)  (55,691)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments  281,741   896   10,644 
Purchase of property, equipment and leasehold improvements  (6,465)  (33,756)  (141,274)
Payment for intangible assets acquired  (46,903)  (56,746)  (1,545)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  7,262   (90,644)  (187,866)
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Proceeds from loans payable, bank  4,325       
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt     52,492   157,382 
Repayment of long-term debt  (28,800)  (19,861)  (43,056)
Proceeds from exercise of options  8,025   6,003   5,393 
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests  (1,027)  (4,403)   
Dividends paid  (80,047)  (63,743)  (31,690)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests  (20,301)  (16,056)  (9,836)
Purchase of treasury stock  (15,389)      
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (133,214)  (45,568)  78,193 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  3,927   (493)  (11,207)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (16,251)  (63,674)  (1,294)
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year  104,713   168,387   169,681 
Cash and cash equivalents – end of year $88,462  $104,713  $168,387 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
Cash paid for:            
Interest $5,823  $2,987  $2,468 
Income taxes  60,990   38,492   40,497 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 F-9

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Net income $55,253  $43,248  $38,969 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss):            
Net derivative instrument loss, net of tax  54   (22)   
Transfer of OCI into earnings  22       
Translation adjustments, net of tax  55,995   (13,153)  (44,346)
   56,071   (13,175)  (44,346)
Comprehensive income (loss)  111,324   30,073   (5,377)
            
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:            
             
Net income  13,659   9,917   8,532 
Net derivative instrument loss, net of tax  17   (5)   
Transfer of OCI into earnings  5       
Translation adjustments, net of tax  15,899   (3,279)  (12,078)
   29,580   6,633   (3,546)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Inter Parfums Inc.: $81,744  $23,440  $(1,831)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(1) F-6The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015

(In thousands except share and per share data)

  2017  2016  2015 
          
Common stock, beginning and end of year $31  $31  $31 
             
Additional paid-in capital, beginning of year  63,103   62,030   60,200 
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options  1,963   2,160   1,234 
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests     (173)  (192)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests     (1,753)   
Stock-based compensation  938   839   788 
Additional paid-in capital, end of year  66,004   63,103   62,030 
             
Retained earnings, beginning of year  402,714   388,434   374,121 
Net income  41,594   33,331   30,437 
Dividends  (22,460)  (19,273)  (16,124)
Stock-based compensation  722   222    
Retained earnings, end of year  422,570   402,714   388,434 
            
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of year  (57,982)  (48,091)  (15,823)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax  40,096   (9,874)  (32,268)
Transfer from other comprehensive income into earnings  17       
Net derivative instrument gain, net of tax  37   (17)   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year  (17,832)  (57,982)  (48,091)
             
Treasury stock, beginning of year  (37,475)  (36,817)  (36,464)
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options     142   140 
Shares received as proceeds of option exercises     (800)  (493)
Treasury stock, end of year  (37,475)  (37,475)  (36,817)
             
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year  113,267   110,800   116,659 
Net income  13,659   9,917   8,532 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax  15,899   (3,279)  (12,078)
Transfer from other comprehensive income into earnings  5       
Net derivative instrument gain, net of tax  17   (5)   
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interest     1,738   1,523 
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests     (1,188)   
Dividends  (6,039)  (4,863)  (3,836)
Stock-based compensation  531   147    
Noncontrolling interest, end of year  137,339   113,267   110,800 
             
Total equity $570,637  $483,658  $476,387 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 F-7

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015
(In thousands)

  2017  2016  2015 
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income $55,253  $43,248  $38,969 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization including impairment loss  11,914   15,341   9,078 
Provision for doubtful accounts  939   349   442 
Noncash stock compensation  2,093   1,198   787 
Gain on sale of license    (4,652)  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements      (260)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)  (591)  (1,374)  829 
Change in fair value of derivatives  (1,254)  682   903 
Changes in:            
Accounts receivable  (6,016)  (13,156)  (12,573)
Inventories  (28,518)  (909)  (4,354)
Other assets  727   (297)  (1,622)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  5,696   18,690   12,973 
Income taxes, net  (4,352)  (4,556)  4,912 
Net cash provided by operating activities  35,891   54,564   50,084 
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of short-term investments  (31,874)  (57,289)  (62,415)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments  66,981   42,604   151,771 
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements  (3,023)  (4,777)  (4,158)
Payment for intangible assets acquired  (1,046)  (965)  (119,788)
Proceeds from sale of trademark  5,886     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  36,924   (20,427)  (34,590)
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt      110,970 
Repayment of long-term debt  (22,362)  (21,884)  (11,761)
Purchase of treasury stock    (77)  (32)
Proceeds from exercise of options  1,963   1,579   653 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements      260 
Proceeds from sale of stock of subsidiary    1,565   1,327 
Dividends paid  (21,192)  (18,015)  (15,806)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests  (6,039)  (4,863)  (3,836)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests    (2,941)  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (47,630)  (44,636)  81,775 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  21,330   (4,640)  (10,440)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  46,515   (15,139)  86,829 
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year  161,828   176,967   90,138 
Cash and cash equivalents – end of year $208,343  $161,828  $176,967 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:            
Cash paid for:            
Interest $1,813  $2,239  $2,400 
Income taxes  24,337   28,124   19,668 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 F-8

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

(1)           The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies

Business of the Company

Inter Parfums, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) are in the fragrance business and manufacture and distribute a wide array of prestige fragrances and fragrance related products.

Substantially all of our prestige fragrance brands are licensed from unaffiliated third parties, and our business is dependent upon the continuation and renewal of such licenses. With respect to the Company’s largest brands, we own the Lanvin brand name for our class of trade, and license the Montblanc and Jimmy Choo, Montblanc, Coach and GUESS brand names. As a percentage of net sales, product sales for the Company’s largest brands were as follows:

 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31,
 2017  2016  2015  2023 2022 2021
Jimmy Choo  17%  18%  18%
Montblanc  21%  23%  21%  17%  18%  19%
Jimmy Choo  18%  17%  20%
Lanvin  11%  12%  15%
Coach  15%  15%  16%
GUESS  12%  12%  12%
Donna Karan/DKNY  7%  3%   
Ferragamo  5%  5%  1%

No other brand represented 10% or more of consolidated net sales.

Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, including 73%72% owned Interparfums SA, a subsidiary whose stock is publicly traded in France. In 2015, Interparfums SA formed a subsidiary in Spain, Parfums Rochas. The subsidiary is 51% owned by Interparfums SA with the remaining 49% owned by its Rochas distributor for Spain. The subsidiary is responsible for Rochas brand distribution in the territory. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.eliminated.

Management Estimates

Management makes assumptions and estimates to prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Those assumptions and estimates directly affect the amounts reported and disclosures included in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those assumptions and estimates. Significant estimates for which changes in the near term are considered reasonably possible and that may have a material impact on the financial statements are disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

For foreign subsidiaries with operations denominated in a foreign currency, assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Gains and losses from translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

All highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. From time to time, theThe Company also has short-term investments which consist of marketable equity securities, certificates of deposit and other contracts with maturities greater than three months. The Company monitors concentrations of credit risk associated with financial institutions with which the Company conducts significant business. The Company believes its credit risk is minimal, as the Company primarily conducts business with large, well-established financial institutions. Substantially all cash and cash equivalents are primarily held at financial institutions outside the United States and are readily convertible into U.S. dollars.

 F-9

 F-10

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable represent payments due to the Company for previously recognized net sales, reduced by allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts or balances which are estimated to be uncollectible, which aggregated $5.1$2.1 million and $5.3$4.7 million as of December 31, 20172023, and 2016,2022, respectively. Accounts receivable balances are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they become uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously recorded against the allowance are recorded in the consolidated statement of income when received. We generally grant credit based upon our analysis of the customer’s financial position, as well as previously established buying patterns.

Inventories

Inventories, including promotional merchandise, only include inventory considered saleable or usable in future periods, and isare stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Cost components include raw materials, direct labor and overhead (e.g., indirect labor, utilities, depreciation, purchasing, receiving, inspection and warehousing) as well as inbound freight. Promotional merchandise is charged to cost of sales at the time the merchandise is shipped to the Company’s customers.

Derivatives

All derivative instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. The Company uses derivative instruments to principally manage a variety of market risks. For derivatives designated as hedges of the exposure to changes in fair value of the recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment (referred to as fair value hedges), the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. The effect of that accounting is to include in earnings the extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported in equity (as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss of a cash flow hedge is reported in earnings immediately. The Company also holds certain instruments for economic purposes that are not designated for hedge accounting treatment. For these derivative instruments, changes in their fair value are recorded in earnings immediately.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

EquipmentProperty, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.depreciation. Depreciation and amortization areis provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives for furniture and equipment, which range between three and ten yearsfifteen years. Depreciation on buildings and leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful asset lives, for leasehold improvements.which range between seven and fifty years. Depreciation provided on equipment used to produce inventory, such as tools and molds, is included in cost of sales.

Long-Lived Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets principally consist of trademarks which are not amortized. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently when events occur or circumstances change, such as an unexpected decline in sales, that would more likely than notmore-likely-than-not indicate that the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. When testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the evaluation requires a comparison of the estimated fair value of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The fair values used in our evaluations are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections using a weighted average cost of capital of 6.22%10.39% and 9.80% in both 20172023 and 2016.2022, respectively. The cash flow projections are based upon a number of assumptions, including future sales levels, future cost of goods and operating expense levels, as well as economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in consumer acceptance of our products which are more subjective in nature. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded.

 F-10

 F-11

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Intangible assets subject to amortization principally consist of licenses and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the license term or estimated economic life, ranging from three to twenty years. Intangible assets subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an amortizable intangible asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist for an amortizable intangible asset, the undiscounted future cash flows associated with the expected service potential of the asset are compared to the carrying value of the asset. If our projection of undiscounted future cash flows is in excess of the carrying value of the intangible asset, no impairment charge is recorded. If our projection of undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the intangible asset, an impairment charge would be recorded to reduce the intangible asset to its fair value.

Revenue Recognition

The Company sells its products to department stores, perfumeries, specialty stores and domestic and international wholesalers and distributors. Our revenue contracts represent single performance obligations to sell our products to customers. Sales of such products by our domestic subsidiaries are denominated in U.S. dollars, and sales of such products by our foreign subsidiaries are primarily denominated in either euro or U.S. dollars. The Company recognizes revenuessubstantial majority of our revenue is recognized at a point in time when title, ownership, and riskcontrol of loss passthe promised goods is transferred to the customer, all ofcustomers based on agreed upon shipping terms, which usually occurs upon shipment or delivery ofdelivery. Revenue is recognized in an amount that reflects the product and is based on the applicable shipping terms.consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods. Net sales are comprised of gross revenues less incentives to customers such as returns, trade discounts and allowances.allowances, which give rise to variable consideration. The Company does not bill its customers’ freight and handling charges. All shipping and handling costs, which aggregated $5.9$14.2 million $5.1, $15.8 million and $4.7$10.0 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The Company grants credit to all qualified customers and does not believe it is exposed significantly to any undue concentration of credit risk. In 2023, Macys, our top retail customer, accounted for approximately 12% of net sales. No one customer represented 10%10% or more of net sales in 2017, 2016 or 2015.2022 and 2021.

Sales Returns

Generally, the Company does not permit customers to return their unsold products. However, for U.S. based customers, we allow returns if properly requested, authorized and approved. The Company regularly reviews and revises, as deemed necessary, its estimate of reserves for future sales returns based primarily upon historic trends and relevant current data including information provided by retailers regarding their inventory levels. In addition, as necessary, specific accruals may be established for significant future known or anticipated events. The types of known or anticipated events that we consider include, but are not limited to, the financial condition of our customers, store closings by retailers, changes in the retail environment and our decision to continue to support new and existing products. The Company records estimated reserves forits estimate of potential sales returns as a reduction of sales and cost of sales with corresponding entries to accrued expenses, to record the refund liability, and accounts receivable. Returnedinventory, for the right to recover goods from the customer. The refund liability associated with estimated returns was $5.5 million and $8.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and the amounts recognized for the rights to recover products are recorded as inventorieswas $2.4 million and are valued based upon estimated realizable value.$3.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The physical condition and marketability of returned products are the major factors we consider in estimating realizable value. Actual returns, as well as estimated realizable values of returned products, may differ significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from our estimates, if factors such as economic conditions, inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from our expectations.

 F-11

 F-12

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Payments to Customers

The Company records revenues generated from purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions as sales and the costs of its purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions as cost of sales. Certain other incentive arrangements require the payment of a fee to customers based on their attainment of pre-established sales levels. These fees have been recorded as a reduction of net sales.

Advertising and Promotion

Advertising and promotional costs are expensed as incurred and recorded as a component of cost of goods sold (in the case of free goods given to customers) or selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising and promotional costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses were $123.7$259.9 million $99.0, $212.4 million and $83.8$171.1 million for 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Costs relating to purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions that are reflected in cost of sales aggregated $33.8$52.3 million $30.0, $43.1 million and $25.4$36.9 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

Package Development Costs

Package development costs associated with new products and redesigns of existing product packaging are expensed as incurred.

Operating Leases

The Company recognizes rent expense fromleases its offices and warehouses, vehicles, and certain office equipment, substantially all of which are classified as operating leases with various step rent provisions, rent concessionsleases. The Company currently has no material financing leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and escalation clausesobligations are recognized at the lease commencement date based on a straight-line basisthe present value of lease payments over the applicable lease term. The Company considers lease renewals in the useful life of its leasehold improvements when such renewals are reasonably assured. In the event the Company receives capital improvement funding from its landlord, these amounts are recorded as deferred liabilities and amortized over the remaining lease term as a reduction of rent expense.

License Agreements

The Company’s license agreements generally provide the Company with worldwide rights to manufacture, market and sell fragranceprestige fragrances and fragrance related products using the licensors’ trademarks. The licenses typically have an initial term of approximately 5 to 15 years and are potentially renewable subject to the Company’s compliance with the license agreement provisions. The remaining terms, including theexcluding potential renewal periods, range from approximately 1 to 1512 years. Under each license, the Company is required to pay royalties in the range of 5%6% to 10%10% to the licensor, at least annually, based on net sales to third parties.

In certain cases, the Company may pay an entry fee to acquire, or enter into, a license where the licensor or another licensee was operating a pre-existing fragrance business. In those cases, the entry fee is capitalized as an intangible asset and amortized over its useful life.

Most license agreements require minimum royalty payments, incremental royalties based on net sales levels and minimum spending on advertising and promotional activities. Royalty expenses are accrued in the period in which net sales are recognized while advertising and promotional expenses are accrued at the time these costs are incurred.

In addition, the Company is exposed to certain concentration risk. Substantially allMost of our prestige fragrance brands are licensed from unaffiliated third parties, and our business is dependent upon the continuation and renewal of such licenses.

 F-12

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in its financial statements or tax returns. The net deferred tax assets assume sufficient future earnings for their realization, as well as the continued application of currently enacted tax rates. Included in net deferred tax assets is a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, where management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the relevant jurisdiction. If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset will not be realizable, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset will result in a reduction of net earnings at that time. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax asset or liability in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 F-13

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Issuance of Common Stock by Consolidated Subsidiary

The difference between the Company’s share of the proceeds received by the subsidiary and the carrying amount of the portion of the Company’s investment deemed sold, is reflected as an equity adjustment in the consolidated balance sheets.

Treasury Stock

The Board of Directors may authorizehas authorized share repurchases of the Company’s common stock (Share Repurchase Authorizations). Share repurchases under Share Repurchase Authorizations may beare made through open market transactions, negotiated purchase or otherwise, at times and in such amounts within the parameters authorized by the Board. Shares repurchased under Share Repurchase Authorizations are held in treasury for general corporate purposes, including issuances under various employee stock option plans. Treasury shares are accounted for under the cost method and reported as a reduction of equity. Share Repurchase Authorizations may be suspended, limited or terminated at any time without notice.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2017,November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to improve accounting for hedging activities.Reportable Segment Disclosures. The objective of the ASU isupdates reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through requiring enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships in order to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statementsassess segment performance and to make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. This ASUallocate resources. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periodsfiscal years beginning after December 15, 20182023, and earlyinterim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the standard to determine the impact of its adoptionadopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.disclosures.

In August 2016,December 2023, the FASB issued an ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to eliminate the diversity in practiceIncome Tax Disclosures. The ASU includes amendments requiring enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily related to the classificationstandardization and disaggregation of certain cash receiptsrate reconciliation categories and payments in the statement of cash flows,income taxes paid by adding or clarifyingjurisdiction. The guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early2024. Early adoption is permitted. We have evaluatedpermitted and shall be applied on a prospective basis with the standard and determined that there will be no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU which requires lesseesoption to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities arising from operating leases on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 using a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted.apply retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the standard to determine the impact of its adoptionadopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.disclosures.

 F-13

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

In November 2015, the FASB issued an ASU that requires all deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In January 2017, the Company adopted the standard retrospectively, which resulted in reclassifications among accounts on the consolidated balance sheet, but had no other impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. The effect of the adoption on prior periods was a reclassification from current assets to noncurrent assets of approximately $8 million.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU which superseded the most current revenue recognition requirements. This new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also includes enhanced disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual periods after December 31, 2016. We have adopted the standard as of December 31, 2017 and determined that other than a modification of our revenue recognition policy, there has been no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

There are no other recent accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.

 

(2)Buyout of License

In December 2016, the Company reached an agreement with the Balmain brand calling for Balmain to buyout the Balmain license agreement, effective December 31, 2016, in exchange for a payment aggregating $5.7 million. As a result of the buyout, the Company recognized a gain of $4.7 million as of December 31, 2016, and received the buyout payment in May 2017.

(3)Recent Agreements

GuessCorrection of Immaterial Misstatements in Prior Period Financial Statements

 

In February 2018,During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company entered intoidentified an error that caused an overstatement of line items on the previously reported consolidated statement of cash flows. The error does not impact any other consolidated financial statement included herein. Specifically, the error related to the timing of payments to Lacoste in accordance with the acquisition agreement of the Lacoste trademark in 2022 which required a payment in 2022 and an additional payment in 2023. In the 2022 consolidated statement of cash flow, the payment was reported to have been made in full during 2022. This error had no impact on net income or earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2022. The impact of the error resulted in a movement of $42.1 million between “Change in Accounts payable and accrued expenses” within operating cash flows and “Payment for intangible assets acquired” within investing cash flows.

In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99, Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, the Company evaluated the errors and determined that the impact was not material to any of our previously issued financial statements.

The following table presents a summary of the impact by financial statement line item of the corrections for the year ended December 31, 2022:

  For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow As previously reported  Adjustment  As revised 
(in thousands)            
             
Change in Accounts payable and accrued expenses  106,857   (42,119)  64,738 
Net cash provided by operating activities  115,150   (42,119)  73,031 
             
Payments for intangible assets acquired  (98,865)  42,119   (56,746)
Net cash used in investing activities  (132,763)  42,119   (90,644)

 

(2)Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

Our business has continued to significantly improve throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023 after the disastrous effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic starting in early 2020, as retail stores reopened, and consumers increased online purchasing. While the COVID-19 Pandemic had significantly restricted international travel, the travel retail business has picked up. We experienced significant strains on our supply chain causing disruptions affecting the procurement of components, the ability to transport goods, and related cost increases. These disruptions came at a time when demand for our product lines has never been stronger or more sustained. We have addressed this issue since the beginning of 2021, by ordering well in advance of need and in larger quantities. Since 2021, we have strived to carry more inventory overall, source the same components from multiple suppliers and when possible, manufacture products closer to where they are sold. The supply chain bottlenecks are largely abated.

 F-14

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

(3)Recent Agreements

Abercrombie & Fitch

In 2023, we announced our agreement to distribute Abercrombie & Fitch’s number one men’s fragrance, Fierce, in selected markets. The first phase of the agreement, which became effective on September 1, 2023, covers Fierce distribution in certain major markets, including Europe, Mexico and Australia. The second phase, which activated in February 2024, covers distribution in additional markets in Western Europe and Latin America, and may include other flankers of the Fierce family of products.

Roberto Cavalli

In July 2023, we closed a transaction agreement with Roberto Cavalli, whereby an exclusive 15-yearand worldwide license agreement with GUESSwas granted for the creation, developmentproduction and distribution of fragrances under the GUESS brand. This license will take effect on April 1, 2018,Roberto Cavalli brand perfumes and ourfragrance related products. Our rights under suchthis license agreement are subject to certain minimum advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry.The license became effective in July 2023 and will last for 6.5 years.

Jimmy Choo License RenewalLacoste

In December 2017, the Company2022, we closed a transaction agreement with Lacoste, whereby an exclusive and J Choo Ltd amended their license agreement and extended their partnership through December 31, 2031,without any material changes in operating conditions from the prior license. Our initial Jimmy Chooworldwide license was signed in 2009.

Paul Smith License Renewal

In May 2017,granted for the Company renewed itsproduction and distribution of Lacoste brand perfumes and cosmetics. Our rights under this license agreement with Paul Smith by an additional four years. The original agreement, signed in December 1998, together with previous extensions, provided the Company with the exclusive worldwide license rights to create, produce and distribute fragrances and fragrance related products under the Paul Smith brand through December 31, 2017. The recent extension extends the partnership through December 31, 2021 without any material changes in operating conditions from the prior license. The license agreement isare subject to certain minimum sales, advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry.The license became effective in January 2024 and will last for 15 years.

S.T. Dupont License RenewalDunhill

The Dunhill fragrance license expired on September 30, 2023 and was not renewed. The Company has now entered the twelve-month sell-off period during which it will maintain the right to sell-off remaining Dunhill fragrance inventory, which is customary in the fragrance industry. All usable components have been converted to finished goods, and any remaining components will be destroyed.

Donna Karan and DKNY

In September 2016,2021, we entered into a long-term global licensing agreement for the Company extended its license agreement with S.T. Dupont by three years. The original agreement, signed in July 1997, together with previous extensions, provided the Company with the exclusive worldwide license rights to create, producecreation, development and distributedistribution of fragrances and relatedfragrance-related products under the S.T. Dupont brand through December 31, 2016. The recent extension is effective on January 1, 2017Donna Karan and extends the partnership through December 31, 2019 without any material changes in operating conditions from the prior license. TheDKNY brands. Our rights under this license agreement isare subject to certain minimum sales, advertising expenditures and royalty payments as are customary in our industry. With this agreement, we have gained several well-established and valuable fragrance franchises, most notably Donna Karan Cashmere Mist and DKNY Be Delicious, as well as a significant loyal consumer base around the world. In connection with the grant of license, we issued 65,342 shares of Inter Parfums, Inc. common stock valued at $5.0 million to the licensor. The exclusive license became effective July 1, 2022, and we are planning to launch new fragrances under these brands in 2024.

Rochas Fashion

As a result of operational challenges faced by the Rochas Fashion business we took a $2.4 million impairment charge on our Rochas fashion trademark in the first quarter of 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we again took a $6.8 million impairment charge on the Rochas fashion trademark after an independent expert concluded that the valuation of the trademark was $11.3 million. In 2023, the Rochas teams underwent a strategic shift to take over their own brand operations, exiting contracts with manufacturers and distributors to make this new structure operational beginning in 2024. An independent expert concluded that the valuation based on this new business model would not require additional impairments.

 F-14

 F-15

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

Land and Building Acquisition - Headquarters in Paris

In April 2021, Interparfums SA, our 72% owned French Subsidiary, completed the acquisition of its headquarters at 10 rue de Solférino in the 7th arrondissement of Paris from the property developer. This is an office complex combining three buildings connected by two inner courtyards, and consists of approximately 40,000 total sq. ft.

The purchase price included the complete renovation of the site. As of December 31, 2023, $154 million (€139 million) of the purchase price, including approximately $3.1 million of acquisition costs, is included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The purchase price has been allocated approximately $63.3 million to land and $90.7 million to the building. The building, which was delivered on February 28, 2022, includes the building structure, development of the property, façade waterproofing, general and technical installations and interior fittings that will be depreciated over a range of 7 to 50 years. The Company has elected to depreciate the building cost based on the useful lives of its components. As of December 31, 2023, there was no cash held in escrow included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

The acquisition was financed by a 10-year €120 million (approximately $132.6 million) bank loan which bears interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.75%. Approximately €80 million of the variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with a maximum rate of 2% per annum. The swap effectively exchanges the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%.

 

(4)(4)Inventories

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
         
Raw materials and component parts $46,884  $36,821 
Finished goods  90,174   60,156 
  $137,058  $96,977 

Inventories consist of the following:

(In thousands) December 31, 
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Raw materials and component parts $158,733  $146,772 
Finished goods  213,126   143,212 
         
  $371,859  $289,984 

Overhead included in inventory aggregated $5.0$5.4 million and $3.1$3.4 million as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively. Included in inventories is an inventory reserve, which represents the difference between the cost of the inventory and its estimated realizable value, based upon sales forecasts and the physical condition of the inventories. In addition, and as necessary, specific reserves for future known or anticipated events may be established. Inventory reserves aggregated $5.4$21.5 million and $11.4 million as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022, respectively.

 F-16

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

(5)(5)Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value.

              
     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2023 
     Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant 
     Active Markets for Observable Unobservable 
     Identical Assets Inputs Inputs 
  Total  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 
Assets:          
Short-term investments $94,304 $12,868 $80,614 $822 
Interest rate swaps  3,909    3,909   
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not accounted for using hedge accounting  359    359   
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts accounted for using hedge accounting  1,533    1,533   
              
Total Assets $100,105 $12,868 $86,415 $822 

          
    Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2022 
    Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant    Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant 
    Active Markets for Observable Unobservable     Active Markets for Observable Unobservable 
    Identical Assets Inputs Inputs     Identical Assets Inputs Inputs 
 Total  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Total  (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 
Assets:                  
Short-term investments $69,899  $  $69,899  $  $150,833 $19,861 $130,174 $798 
Interest rate swaps  6,758   6,758    

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts accounted for using hedge accounting

  26       26      1,189    1,189    
            
Total Assets $158,780 $19,861 $138,121 $798 
Liabilities:            

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not accounted for using hedge accounting

  119      119      68    68   
                            
 $70,044  $  $70,044  $ 
Liabilities:                
Interest rate swap $529  $  $529  $ 
Total liabilities  $68 $ $68 $ 

 F-15

 F-17

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
(In2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 
     Quoted Prices in  Significant Other  Significant 
     Active Markets for  Observable  Unobservable 
     Identical Assets  Inputs  Inputs 
  Total  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Assets:            
Short-term investments $94,202  $  $94,202  $ 
                 
Liabilities:                
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts accounted for using hedge accounting $181  $  $181  $ 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not accounted for using hedge accounting  418      418    
Interest rate swap  908      908    
  $1,507  $  $1,507  $ 

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents including money market funds, short-term investments including marketable equity securities, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the short terms to maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of loans payable approximates fair value as the variable interest rates on the Company’s indebtedness approximate current market rates. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated based on the current rates offered to companies for debt with the same remaining maturities and is approximately equal to its carrying value.

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued based on quotations from financial institutions and the value of interest rate swaps areis the discounted net present value of the swaps using third party quotes from financial institutions.

(6)(6)Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure related to receivables denominated in a foreign currency and occasionally to manage risks related to future sales expected to be denominated in a foreign currency. Before entering into a derivative transaction for hedging purposes, it is determined that a high degree of initial effectiveness exists between the change in value of the hedged item and the change in the value of the derivative instrument from movement in exchange rates. High effectiveness means that the change in the cash flows of the derivative instrument will effectively offset the change in the cash flows of the hedged item. The effectiveness of each hedged item is measured throughout the hedged period and is based on the dollar offset methodology and excludes the portion of the fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contract attributable to the change in spot-forward difference which is reported in current period earnings.earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is also recognized as a gain or loss on foreign currency in the income statement. For hedge contracts that are no longer deemed highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued, and gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings. If it is probable that the forecasted transaction will no longer occur, then any gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to current-period earnings. 

In December 2022, to finance the acquisition of the Lacoste trademark, the Company entered into a €50 million (approximately $55.3 million) 4-year term loan with a variable interest rate. This variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with a maximum rate of 2% per annum. This swap is a hedged derivative instrument and is therefore recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in other comprehensive income.

In connection with the RochasApril 2021 acquisition $108of the office building complex in Paris, €120 million (approximately $132.6 million) of the purchase price was paid in cash on the closing date and was financed entirely through a 5-year10-year term loan. As the payment at closing was due in dollars and we had planned to finance it with debt in euro, theThe Company entered into foreign currency forwardinterest rate swap contracts related to secure80 million of the exchangeloan, effectively exchanging the variable interest rate for the $108 million purchase price at $1.067 per 1 euro.to a fixed rate of approximately 1.1%. This derivative was designatedinstrument is recorded at fair value and qualified as a cash flow hedge.changes in fair value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 F-16

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Gains and losses in derivatives designated as hedges are accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) and gains and losses in derivatives not designated as hedges are included in (gain) loss on foreign currency on the accompanying income statements. Such gains and losses were immaterial in each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, interest2023. Interest expense includes a loss of $2.8 million in 2023 and a gain of $0.5$6.3 million and $0.1$0.2 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively, relating toresulting from an interest rate swap.

All derivative instruments are reported as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet measured at fair value.The valuation of interest rate swaps resulted in a liability which is included in long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The valuation of foreign currency forward exchange contracts at December 31, 2017,2023 and December 31, 2022, resulted in an asset and is included in other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The valuation of foreign currency forward exchange contracts atsheets.

 F-18

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 December 31, 2016, resulted in a liability2023, 2022 and is included in accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheet.2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

At December 31, 2017,2023, the Company had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward exchange contracts with notional amounts of approximately U.S. $10.1 million, GB £8.0$61.0 million and JPY ¥18.0GB £2.5 million which all have maturities of less than one year.

 

(7)(7)Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Schedule of equipment and leasehold improvements

 December 31,  December 31, 
 2017  2016  2023  2022 
        
Land and Building (construction in progress) $157,057  $148,137 
Equipment $37,074  $31,325   62,384   59,689 
Leasehold improvements  1,639   1,635   2,364   2,293 
          221,805   210,119 
Less accumulated depreciation  52,583   43,397 
  38,713   32,960  $169,222  $166,722 
        
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  28,383   22,884 
        
 $10,330  $10,076 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $3.8$9.8 million $3.7, $7.5 million and $3.3$4.4 million in 2017, 2016,2023, 2022, and 2015,2021, respectively.

(8)Trademarks, Licenses and Other Intangible Assets

Schedule of trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets

          
2023 Gross  Accumulated  Net Book 
  Amount  Amortization  Value 
Trademarks (indefinite lives) $108,760  $  $108,760 
Trademarks (finite lives)  42,752   66   42,686 
Licenses (finite lives)  215,307   73,264   142,043 
Other intangible assets (finite lives)  19,524   16,657   2,867 
Subtotal  277,583   89,987   187,596 
Total $386,343  $89,987  $296,356 

2022 Gross  Accumulated  Net Book 
  Amount  Amortization  Value 
Trademarks (indefinite lives) $105,022  $  $105,022 
Trademarks (finite lives)  41,267   64   41,203 
Licenses (finite lives)  205,235   63,535   141,700 
Other intangible assets (finite lives)  17,849   14,921   2,928 
Subtotal  264,351   78,520   185,831 
Total $369,373  $78,520  $290,853 

 F-17

 F-19

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
(In2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

(8)Trademarks, Licenses and Other Intangible Assets

2017 Gross  Accumulated  Net Book 
  Amount  Amortization  Value 
Trademarks (indefinite lives) $129,033  $  $129,033 
Trademarks (finite lives)  46,461   72   46,389 
Licenses (finite lives)  69,439   46,857   22,582 
Other intangible assets (finite lives)  14,949   12,458   2,491 
Subtotal  130,849   59,387   71,462 
Total $259,882  $59,387  $200,495 
             
2016  Gross   Accumulated   Net Book 
   Amount   Amortization   Value 
Trademarks (indefinite lives) $115,793  $  $115,793 
Trademarks (finite lives)  40,794   63   40,731 
Licenses (finite lives)  62,102   37,206   24,896 
Other intangible assets (finite lives)  12,861   10,413   2,448 
Subtotal  115,757   47,682   68,075 
Total $231,550  $47,682  $183,868 

Amortization expense was $6.0$7.5 million $5.9, $6.8 million and $5.8$5.9 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to approximate $6.1$14.3 million $3.9 in 2024, $13.6 million in 2025, $12.0 million in 2026, and $3.4$11.4 million in 2018, 2019, 2020, respectively,2027 and $2.8 million 2021 and 2022.2028. The weighted average amortization period for trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets with finite lives are 18 years, 1414.3 years and 22.5 years, respectively, and 14 years on average.

The Company reviews intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. There were nowas an impairment chargescharge for trademarks with indefinite useful lives of $0 million, $6.8 million and $2.4 millionin 20162023, 2022 and 2015. Product sales of some of our legacy mass market product lines have been declining for many years and now represent a very small portion of our net sales. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company set in motion a plan to discontinue several of these product lines over the next few years. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2017, which represented approximately 50% of total intangible assets2021, respectively, relating to our mass market product lines.Rochas fashion business and an impairment charge for trademarks with indefinite useful lives of $0.9 million in 2022 relating to our Intimate trademark. The fair values used in our evaluations are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections using a weighted average cost of capital of 6.22%.10.39%, 9.80%, and 7.47% as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The cash flow projections are based upon a number of assumptions, including, future sales levels and future cost of goods and operating expense levels, as well as economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in consumer acceptance of our products which are more subjective in nature. The Company believes that the assumptions it has made in projecting future cash flows for the evaluations described above are reasonable and currently no other impairment indicators exist for our indefinite-lived assets. However, if future actual results do not meet our expectations, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge, the amount of which could be material to our results of operations.

The cost of trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets with finite lives is being amortized by the straight-line method over the term of the respective license or the intangible assets estimated useful life which range from three to twenty years. If the residual value of a finite life intangible asset exceeds its carrying value, then the asset is not amortized. The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Product sales of our Karl Lagerfeld brand have not met with our original expectations. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $5.7 million.

 F-18

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Trademarks (finite lives) primarily represent Lanvin brand names and trademarks and in connection with their purchase, Lanvin was granted the right to repurchase the brand names and trademarks in 2025on July 1, 2027 for the greater of70 million (approximately $84$77 million) or one times, representing the average of the annual sales for the years ending December 31, 2023 and 2024 (residual value).residual value, in accordance with an amendment signed in 2021. Because the residual value of the intangible asset exceeds its carrying value, the asset is not being amortized.

(9)(9)Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

      
 December 31,  December 31, 
 2017  2016  2023  2022 
Advertising liabilities $27,418  $26,526  $64,815  $42,338 
Salary (including bonus and related taxes)  18,488   13,085   23,546   21,128 
Royalties  11,409   10,697   27,477   26,532 
Due vendors (not yet invoiced)  11,228   1,496   41,859   105,869 
Retirement reserves  9,113   6,391   10,444   8,001 
Refund (return) liability  5,507   8,604 
Other  4,187   4,414   5,232   1,149 
 $81,843  $62,609 
Total $178,880  $213,621 

(10)(10)Loans Payable – Banks

Loans payable – banks consist of the following:

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries have available a $20$25 million unsecured revolving line of credit due on demand, which bears interest at the daily one-month LIBORSecured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 2%2% (the one-month LIBORSOFR was 1.56%5.3% as of December 31, 2017)2023). The line of credit which has a maturity date of December 18, 201813, 2024, is expected to be renewed on an annual basis. Borrowings outstanding pursuant to lines of credit were zero as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.

 F-20

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries have available credit lines including several bank overdraft facilities totaling approximately $30 million.$8 million provided by a consortium of international financial institutions. These credit lines bear interest at EURIBOR plus between 0.5%0.6% and 0.8%0.9% (EURIBOR was minus 0.19%3.96% at December 31, 2017)2023). Outstanding amountsBorrowings outstanding pursuant to lines of credit were zero$4.4 million and $0 million as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.

The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was zero4.5% and 0% as of December 31, 20172023 and 2016.2022.

 

(11)(11)Long-termLong-Term Debt

In June 2015, the Company financed its Rochas brand acquisition with a $111 million, 5-year term loan payable in equal quarterly installments plus interest. This term loan requires the maintenance of certain financial covenants, tested semi-annually, including a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. The facility also contains newLong-term debt restrictions among other standard provisions. The Company is in compliance with allconsists of the covenants and other restrictionsfollowing:

  December 31, 
  2023  2022 
$55.3 million payable in 48 equal monthly installments of $1.1 million beginning in December 2022, bearing interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.825% $40,334  $52,061 
$132.6 million payable in 120 equal monthly installments of $1.1 million beginning in  April 2021, bearing interest at one-month Euribor plus 0.75%  95,576   104,758 
$15.0 million payable in 14 equal annual installments of $1.1 million beginning in January 2020 including interest imputed at 4.1% per annum  9,172   9,890 
$17 million payable in 10 equal annual installments of $1.7 million beginning in October 2021 including interest imputed at 2.0% per annum  12,402   13,332 
   157,484   180,041 
Less current maturities  29,587   28,547 
Total $127,897  $151,494 

In December 2022, to finance Interparfums SA’s acquisition of the debt agreements. In order to reduce exposure to rising variable interest rates,Lacoste trademark, the Company entered into a swap transaction effectively exchanging the$55.3 million (€50 million) four-year loan agreement. The loan agreement bears interest at EURIBOR-1-month rates plus a margin of 0.825%. This variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate todebt with a fixedmaximum rate of approximately 1.2%.2% per annum. The swap is a derivative instrument and is therefore recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

In April 2021, to finance the acquisition of Interparfums SA’s corporate headquarters, the Company entered into a $132.6 million (€120 million) ten-year credit agreement. Approximately $88.4 million (€80.0 million) of the variable rate debt was swapped for variable interest rate debt with maximum rate of 2% per annum. The swap is a derivative instrument and is therefore recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Maturities of long-term debt subsequent to December 31, 20172023 are approximately $21$29.6 million per year in 2024, $29.8 million in 2025, $28.6 million in 2026, $15.9 million in 2027, $15.9 million in 2028, and $37.7 million thereafter through 2019 and, $11 million in 2020.2033.

 F-19

 F-21

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
(In2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

(12)(12)Commitments

Leases

The Company leases its officeoffices, warehouses and warehouse facilities undervehicles, substantially all of which are classified as operating leases. The Company currently has no material financing leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and obligations are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.

In determining lease asset value, the Company considers fixed or variable payment terms, prepayments, incentives, and options to extend or terminate, depending on the lease. Renewal, termination or purchase options affect the lease term used for determining lease asset value only if the option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date for the location in which the lease is held in determining the present value of lease payments.

As of December 31, 2023, the weighted average remaining lease term was 5.1 years and the weighted average discount rate used to determine the operating lease liability was 3.0%. Rental expense related to operating leases which are subjectwas $5.8 million, $5.6 million, and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Operating lease payments included in operating cash flows totaled $5.3 million, $4.8 million, and $7.5 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Noncash additions to various step rent provisions, rent concessionsoperating lease assets in totaled $4.8 million, $0.3 million, and escalation clauses expiring at various dates through 2023. Escalation clauses are not material$12.2 million in 2023, 2022, and have been excluded from minimum future annual rental payments. Rental expense,which is calculated on a straight-line basis, amounted2021, respectively.

Maturities of lease liabilities subsequent to $11.2 million, $10.7 million and $9.9 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Minimum future annual rental paymentsDecember 31, 2023 are as follows:

(In thousands)

2024 $6,370 
2025  6,031 
2026  5,276 
2027  5,389 
2028  5,372 
Thereafter  3,529 
   31,967 
Less imputed interest (based on 3.0% weighted-average discount rate)  (1,499)
  $30,468 
     

 F-22

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

2018  $5,835 
2019   4,565 
2020   3,571 
2021   3,594 
2022   3,020 
Thereafter   5,163 
      
   $25,748 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

License Agreements December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

 

License Agreements

The Company is party to a number of licenselicenses and other agreements for the use of trademarks and rights in connection with the manufacture and sale of its products expiring at various dates through 2032.2039. In connection with certain of these license agreements, the Company is subject to minimum annual advertising commitments, minimum annual royalties and other commitments as follows:

(In thousands)

2018  $136,345 
2019   151,209 
2020   160,391 
2021   168,161 
2022   153,894 
Thereafter   1,107,029 
      
   $1,877,029 
2024 $288,005 
2025  280,721 
2026  251,718 
2027  233,945 
2028  243,286 
Thereafter  1,055,918 
  $2,353,593 

Future advertising commitments are estimated based on planned future sales for the license terms that were in effect at December 31, 2017,2023, without consideration for potential renewal periods. The above figures do not reflect the fact that our distributors share our advertising obligations. Royalty expense included in selling, general, and administrative expenses, aggregated $39.6$103.8 million $37.8, $87.0 million and $33.8$68.9 million, in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively, and represented 6.7%7.9%, 7.3%8.0% and 7.2%7.8% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.

 

 F-20

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

(13)(13)Equity

Share-Based Payments:Payments

The Company maintains a stock option program for key employees, executives and directors. The plans, all of which have been approved by shareholder vote, provide for the granting of both nonqualified and incentive options. Options granted under the plans typically have a six-year term and vest over a four to five-yearfive-year period. The fair value of shares vested aggregated $0.9$1.2 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million in both 20172023, 2022 and 2016.2021, respectively. Compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Forfeitures are estimated based on historic trends.It is generally the Company’s policy to issue new shares upon exercise of stock options.

The following table sets forth information with respect to nonvested options for 2017:2023:

 Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 
Nonvested options – beginning of year  401,440  $7.14   168,730  $16.31 
Nonvested options granted  174,600  $9.82   47,500  $35.08 
Nonvested options vested or forfeited  (144,805) $7.13   (94,130) $15.19 
Nonvested options – end of year  431,235  $8.22   122,100  $24.47 

The effect of share-based payment expenses decreased income statement line items as follows:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
Income before income taxes $2,525  $3,143  $2,850 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  1,700   2,036   1,880 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  0.05   0.06   0.06 

 F-23

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
Income before income taxes $2,100  $1,200  $800 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  1,150   700   500 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.  0.04   0.02   0.01 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

The following table summarizes stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015:2021:

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
  Options  

Weighted 

Average 

Exercise 

Price 

  Options  

Weighted

 Average

 Exercise

 Price

  Options  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

 
Shares under option - beginning of year  684,540  $26.94   709,300  $24.34   639,495  $23.19 
Options granted  174,600   43.48   148,950   32.61   158,300   23.79 
Options exercised  (103,230)  19.03   (123,150)  18.69   (80,685)  13.82 
Options forfeited  (24,930)  29.49   (50,560)  27.18   (7,810)  27.77 
Shares under option - end of year  730,980   31.92   684,540   26.94   709,300   24.34 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
  Options  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Options  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Options  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Shares under option -beginning of year  441,580  $67.30   524,900  $57.58   713,210  $52.74 
Options granted  47,500   147.71   62,000   97.84   9,000   62.18 
Options exercised  (154,220)  52.04   (136,880)  43.86   (156,490)  34.46 
Options forfeited  (25,890)  76.32   (8,440)  67.65   (40,820)  62.57 
Shares under option -
end of year
  308,970   86.52   441,580   67.30   524,900   57.58 

At December 31, 2017,2023, options for 929,985537,365 shares were available for future grant under the plans. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding is $8.5$17.9 million as of December 31, 20172023 and unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding aggregated $3.4$2.9 million, which will be recognized over the nextfive years.

 F-21

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The weighted average fair values of options granted by Inter Parfums, Inc. during 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021 were $9.82, $7.43$35.08, $20.36 and $5.99$11.35 per share, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value. 

The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes pricing model are set forth in the following table:

        
 Year Ended December 31,  Year Ended December 31, 
 2017  2016  2015  2023  2022  2021 
Weighted-average expected stock-price volatility  28%  29%  33%  29%  26%  25%
Weighted-average expected option life  5.0 years   5.0 years   5.0 years   4.0 years   4.0 years   5.0 years 
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate  2.2%  2.0%  1.7%  3.8%  4.0%  0.4%
Weighted-average dividend yield  2.0%  2.1%  2.1%  2.0%  2.4%  1.6%

Expected volatility is estimated based on historic volatility of the Company’s common stock. The expected term of the option is estimated based on historic data.The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant of the option and the dividend yield reflects the assumption that the dividend payout as authorized by the Board of Directors would maintain its current payout ratio as a percentage of earnings.

Proceeds, tax benefits and intrinsic value related to stock options exercised were as follows:

            
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
Proceeds from stock options exercised $8,025  $6,003  $5,393 
Tax benefits $1,150  $800  $1,300 
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $11,578  $6,760  $7,800 

 F-24

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
Proceeds from stock options exercised, excluding cashless exercise of $0.7 million and $0.5 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively $1,963  $1,579  $653 
Tax benefits $600  $400  $260 
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $2,258  $1,860  $1,137 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

The following table summarizes additional stock option information as of December 31, 2017:2023:

    Options outstanding  
  Number weighted average remaining Options
Exercise prices outstanding contractual life exercisable
$19.33 77,960 1.00 years 77,960
$22.20 2,800 1.08 years 2,000
$23.61 117,540 4.00 years 45,150
$25.29 - $28.82 13,000 2.85 years 5,500
$26.40 4,000 3.08 years 1,000
$27.80 102,600 3.00 years 59,120
$29.36 2,000 1.68 years 1,500
$32.12 - $32.83 137,900 4.93 years 28,955
$33.95 4,000 4.09 years 
$35.75 99,580 2.00 years 78,560
$40.15 2,000 4.70 years 
$43.80 167,600 6.00 years 
Totals 730,980 3.86 years 299,745

 F-22


Exercise prices
 


Options

outstanding

 

Options outstanding

weighted average remaining
contractual life

 


Options

exercisable

$62.18 - $69.11 100,680 1.05 years 96,180
$73.09 104,790 2.00 years 79,490
$97.84 56,000 5.00 years 11,200
$147.71 47,500 6.00 years 
Totals 308,970 2.85 years 186,870

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

As of December 31, 2017,2023, the weighted average exercise price of options exercisable was $27.45$70.60 and the weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable is 2.511.67 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at December 31, 20172023 is $4.8 million.$13.7 million.

The Chief Executive Officer and the President each exercised 19,000 outstanding stock options of the Company’s common stock in 2016 and 2015. The aggregate exercise prices of $0.7 million in 2016 and $0.5 million in 2015 were paid by them tendering to the Company in 2016 and 2015 an aggregate of 20,658 and 18,764 shares, of the Company’s common stock, previously owned by them, valued at fair market value on the dates of exercise. All shares issued pursuant to these option exercises were issued from treasury stock of the Company. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer tendered in 2016 and 2015 an additional 2,179 and 1,299 shares, respectively, for payment of certain withholding taxes resulting from his option exercises.

In September 2016,December 2018, Interparfums SA approved a plan to grant an aggregate of 15,10026,600 shares of its stock to employees with no performance condition requirement, and an aggregate of 133,000 shares to officers and managers, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The corporate performance conditions were met and therefore in June 2022, 211,955 shares, adjusted for stock splits, were distributed. The aggregate cost of the grant of approximately $4.8 million was recognized as compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite three-year service period.

In March 2022, Interparfums SA approved an additional plan to grant an aggregate of 88,400 shares to all Interparfums SA employees and corporate officers having more than six months of employment at grant date, subject to certain corporate performance conditions. The shares, subject to adjustment for stock splits, will be distributed in September 2019 so longJune 2025 and will follow the same guidelines as the individual is employed by Interparfums SA at the time, and in the case of officers and managers, only to the extent that the performance conditions have been met. Once distributed, the shares will be unrestricted and the employees will be permitted to trade their shares.December 2018 plan.

The fair value of the grant of $25.00 per share hashad been determined based on the quoted stock price of Interparfums SA shares as reported by the NYSE Euronext on the date of grant taking into account the dividend yield as no dividends on this grant will be earned until the shares are distributed.grant. The estimated number of shares to be distributed of 137,381, subject to adjustment for stock splits,93,405 has been determined taking into account employee turnover. The aggregate cost of the grant of approximately $3.4$4.2 million will be recognized as compensation cost by Interparfums SA on a straight-line basis over the requisite three and a quarter year service period. The total compensation cost recognized

Similar to the December 2018 plan, in 2017 and 2016 was $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Toorder to avoid dilution of the Company’s ownership of Interparfums SA, all shares distributed or to be distributed pursuant to this planthese plans will be pre-existing shares of Interparfums SA, purchased in the open market by Interparfums SA. In 2016, 108,348During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company acquired 87,609 shares were acquired in the open market at an aggregate cost of $2.9 million,$4.1 million.

All share purchases and such amount hasissuances have been classified as an equity transactiontransactions on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Dividends

In October 2017,February 2021, the Board of Directors authorized an annual dividend of $1.00, payable quarterly. In February 2022, the CompanyBoard of Directors authorized a 24%100% increase in the annual dividend to $0.84$2.00 per share and in February 2023, the Board of Directors increased the annual dividend to $2.50 per share. In February 2024, the Board of Directors further increased the annual dividend to $3.00 per share. The quarterly dividend aggregating approximately $6.6 million ($0.21 per share) declared in December 2017 was paid in January 2018. The next quarterly cash dividend of $0.21$0.75 per share will be paidis payable on April 13, 2018March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 30, 2018.15, 2024.

 F-23

 F-25

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
(In2021

 (In thousands except share and per share data)

(14)(14)Net Income Attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. Common Shareholders

Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per common share (“basic EPS”) is computed by dividing net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. per share assuming dilution (“diluted EPS”), is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding, plus the incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method.

The reconciliation between the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
(In thousands except share and per share data) 2023  2022  2021 
 2017  2016  2015        
Numerator:            
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $152,654  $120,938  $87,411 
                   
Numerator for diluted earnings per share $41,594  $33,331  $30,437 
Denominator:                        
Weighted average shares  31,172,285   31,072,328   30,996,137   31,994,328   31,859,417   31,676,796 
Effect of dilutive securities:                        
Stock options  132,816   103,270   104,078   145,374   129,336   158,612 
            
Denominator for diluted earnings per share  31,305,101   31,175,598   31,100,215   32,139,702   31,988,753   31,835,408 
                        
Earnings per share:                        
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. common shareholders:            
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.            
common shareholders:            
Basic $1.33  $1.07  $0.98  $4.77  $3.80  $2.76 
Diluted  1.33   1.07   0.98   4.75   3.78   2.75 

Not included in the above computations is the effect of anti-dilutive potential common shares, which consist of outstanding options to purchase 165,000, 267,000,0, 38,000, and 272,000175,000 shares of common stock for 2017, 2016,2023, 2022, and 2015,2021, respectively.

 F-26

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

(15)(15)Segments and Geographic Areas

The Companymanufactures and distributes one product line, fragrances and fragrance related products. The Company manages its business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. The European assets are located, and operations are primarily conducted, in France. Both European and United States based operations primarily represent the sale of prestige brand name fragrances.

 F-24

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Information on the Company’s operations by segments is as follows:

  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
Net sales:            
    United States $455,758  $342,644  $216,559 
    Europe  863,397   744,075   663,290 
    Eliminations of intercompany sales  (1,480)  (66)  (333)
  $1,317,675  $1,086,653  $879,516 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.:            
    United States $63,781  $43,745  $29,359 
    Europe  89,250   77,193   57,869 
    Eliminations  (377)     183 
  $152,654  $120,938  $87,411 
Depreciation and amortization expense including impairment loss:            
    United States $6,517  $6,355  $3,835 
    Europe  10,814   16,184   8,863 
  $17,331  $22,539  $12,698 
Interest and investment income:            
    United States $346  $66  $3 
    Europe  10,810   5,769   3,526 
    Eliminations  (427)  (349)  (126)
  $10,729  $5,486  $3,403 
Interest expense:            
    United States $1,351  $1,100  $636 
    Europe  10,329   2,848   2,315 
    Eliminations  (427)  (349)  (126)
  $11,253  $3,599  $2,825 
Income tax expense:            
    United States $15,180  $6,920  $5,336 
    Europe  46,763   36,262   35,607 
    Eliminations  (126)     49 
  $61,817  $43,182  $40,992 

 

 Year ended December 31, 
 2017  2016  2015 
Net sales:            
United States $116,244  $117,256  $105,851 
Europe  476,660   404,198   362,911 
Eliminations of intercompany sales  (1,653)  (382)  (222)
 $591,251  $521,072  $468,540 
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc.:            
United States $7,051  $8,285  $7,640 
Europe  34,577   25,120   22,797 
Eliminations  (34)  (74)   
 $41,594  $33,331  $30,437 
Depreciation and amortization expense including impairment loss:            
United States $3,943  $1,816  $1,583 
Europe  7,971   13,525   7,495 
 $11,914  $15,341  $9,078 
Interest and dividend income:            
United States $58  $22  $18 
Europe  2,925   3,309   2,977 
 $2,983  $3,331  $2,995 
Interest expense:            
United States $  $  $2 
Europe  1,991   2,340   2,824 
 $1,991  $2,340  $2,826 
Income tax expense:            
United States $3,764  $4,278  $3,923 
Europe  19,069   19,596   17,604 
Eliminations  (21)  (48)   
 $22,812  $23,826  $21,527 
            
            
  December 31,  December 31, 
  2017   2016   2015  2023  2022  2021 
Total assets:                        
United States $92,909  $89,930  $80,761  $344,341  $278,090  $247,703 
Europe  694,385   602,077   616,199   1,066,684   1,052,004   931,735 
Eliminations of investment in subsidiary  (9,522)  (9,598)  (9,301)
Eliminations  (41,696)  (21,552)  (34,074)
 $777,772  $682,409  $687,659  $1,369,329  $1,308,542  $1,145,364 
Additions to long-lived assets:                        
United States $980 $930  $1,283  $1,277  $2,318  $2,711 
Europe  3,089   4,812   122,663   5,188   31,438   138,563 
 $4,069  $5,742  $123,946  $6,465  $33,756  $141,274 
Total long-lived assets:                        
United States $9,284  $12,247  $13,133  $57,372  $61,539  $63,094 
Europe  201,541   181,697   197,535   436,819   423,999   334,033 
 $210,825  $193,944  $210,668  $494,191  $485,538  $397,127 
Deferred tax assets:            
United States $2,175  $2,906  $870 
Europe  12,244   8,253   7,066 
Eliminations  126       
 $14,545  $11,159  $7,936 

Deferred tax assets:         
    United States $781  $194  $365 
    Europe  8,808   7,848   6,817 
    Eliminations  69   48    
  $9,658  $8,090  $7,182 

 F-25

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

United States export sales were approximately $71.4$230.5 million $77.5, $180.0 million and $66.3$133.4 million in 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively. Consolidated net sales to customers by region are as follows:

Consolidated net sales to customers by region are as follows:

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2017  2016  2015  2023  2022  2021 
North America $176,900  $149,000  $125,700  $511,700  $421,000  $346,900 
Europe  214,800   194,700   170,600   404,400   333,400   271,600 
Asia  191,800   163,600   135,200 
Middle East  107,300   87,800   61,000 
Central and South America  51,200   44,000   41,100   92,700   69,900   56,400 
Middle East  50,500   41,600   41,900 
Asia  88,000   81,300   78,200 
Other  9,900   10,500   11,000   9,800   11,000   8,400 
                        
 $591,300  $521,100  $468,500  $1,317,700  $1,086,700  $879,500 

 

Consolidated net sales to customers in major countries are as follows:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
United States $493,200  $410,000  $344,100 
France $51,000  $44,800  $44,000 
Russia $50,100  $33,964  $43,400 
United Kingdom $47,500  $37,900  $38,500 

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
United States $173,000  $144,000  $122,000 
United Kingdom $33,000  $31,000  $32,000 
France $44,000  $47,000  $34,000 

 

(16)(16)Income Taxes

The Company orand its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.

The Company assessed its uncertain tax positions and determined that it has no material uncertain tax position at December 31, 2017.2023.

The components of income before income taxes consist of the following:

  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
U.S. operations $78,962  $50,250  $34,742 
Foreign operations  170,631   143,969   116,277 
             
  $249,593  $194,219  $151,019 

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
U.S. operations $10,761  $12,441  $11,564 
Foreign operations  67,304   54,633   48,932 
             
  $78,065  $67,074  $60,496 

 F-26

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015
2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

The provision for current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:

 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2017  2016  2015  2023  2022  2021 
Current:                   
Federal $4,050  $3,792  $3,660  $12,062  $6,829  $4,825 
State and local  302   309   220   712   658   518 
Foreign  19,051   21,099   16,806   52,186   39,458   36,164 
  23,403   25,200   20,686   64,960   46,945   41,507 
Deferred:                        
Federal  (554)  113   30   199   (802)  4 
State and local  (55)  9   1   19   (49)  11 
Foreign  18   (1,496)  810   (3,361)  (2,912)  (530)
  (591)  (1,374)  841   (3,143)  (3,763)  (515)
Total income tax expense $22,812  $23,826  $21,527  $61,817  $43,182  $40,992 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

        
  December 31, 
  2023  2022 
Net deferred tax assets:        
Foreign net operating loss carry-forwards $218  $554 
Inventory and accounts receivable  3,138   3,880 
Profit sharing  3,505   2,871 
Stock option compensation  613   716 
Effect of inventory profit elimination  10,957   9,342 
Other  1,674   266 
Total gross deferred tax assets, net  20,105   17,629 
Valuation allowance  (296)  (554)
Net deferred tax assets  19,809   17,075 
Deferred tax liabilities (long-term):        
Building expenses  (1,327)  (1,356)
Trademarks and licenses  (2,238)  (2,160)
Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities  (1,044)  (1,745)
Other  (655)  (655)
Total deferred tax liabilities  (5,264)  (5,916)
Net deferred tax assets $14,545  $11,159 

 F-28

 

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Net deferred tax assets:        
Foreign net operating loss carry-forwards $520  $821 
Inventory and accounts receivable  1,557   1,875 
Profit sharing  4,212   3,187 
Stock option compensation  502   864 
Effect of inventory profit elimination  3,166   2,888 
Other  222   (724)
Total gross deferred tax assets, net  10,179   8,911 
Valuation allowance  (520)  (821)
Net deferred tax assets  9,659   8,090 
Deferred tax liabilities (long-term):        
Trademarks and licenses  (3,821)  (3,449)
Other      
Total deferred tax liabilities  (3,821)  (3,449)
Net deferred tax assets $5,838  $4,641 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

Valuation allowances arehave been provided for deferred tax assets relating to foreign net operating loss carry-forwards as future profitable operations from certain foreign subsidiaries might not be sufficient to realize the full amount of net operating loss carry-forwards.the deferred tax assets.

No other valuation allowances have been provided as management believes that it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized in the reduction of future taxable income.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

On December 22, 2017,The Company estimated the U.S. government passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to: (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earningseffect of foreign subsidiaries; and (iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property.

 F-27

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

The Tax Act also established new tax laws that will affect 2018, including, but not limited to: (i) the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate discussed above; (ii) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (iii) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”); (iv) and has determined that it has no tax liability related to GILTI as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The Company also estimated the repealeffect of the domestic production activity deductions; (v) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation; (vi) limitations on the use of foreign tax credits to reduce the U.S. income tax liability; and (vii) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”). and recorded a tax benefit of approximately $2.4 million, $1.5 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on accountingA tax audit of our Company’s French subsidiary was finalized in 2023 for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the related accounting under ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for a certain income tax effect of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.

The Company’s accounting for certain elements of the Tax Act is incomplete. However, the Company was able to make reasonable estimates of the effectsyears 2020 and therefore, recorded provisional estimates for these items. In connection with its initial analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the Company has recorded a tax expense of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This estimate consists of no expense for the one-time transition tax and an expense of $1.1 million related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, caused by the new lower corporate tax rate. To determine the transition tax, the Company must determine the amount of post-1986 accumulated earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. While the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the transition tax, it is continuing to gather additional information to more precisely compute the final amount. Likewise, while the Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction to the corporate tax rate, it may be affected by other analyses related to the Tax Act, including, but not limited to, the state tax effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences. Due to the complexity of the new GILTI tax rules, the Company is continuing to evaluate this provision of the Tax Act and the application of ASC 740. Under GAAP, the Company is allowed to make an accounting policy choice to either: (1) treat taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period cost method”); or (2) factor in such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). The Company’s selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules is dependent on additional analysis and potential future modifications to existing structure, which are not currently known. Accordingly, the Company has not made any adjustments related to potential GILTI tax in our financial statements and has not made a policy decision regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI. The Company will continue to analyze the full effects of the Tax Act on its financial statements. The impact of the Tax Act may differ from the current estimate, possibly materially, due to changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, future guidance that may be issued and actions the Company may take as2021. As a result of the law.

 F-28

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Income Tax Recovery

audit’s conclusions, a one-time assessment of € 2.8 million ($3.1 million) is included in tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s French government had introduced a 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends for entitiessubsidiary is no longer subject to French corporate incomeforeign tax examination for years before 2022. At this point in 2012. In 2017, the French Constitutional Court released a decision declaring that the 3% tax on dividends or deemed dividends is unconstitutional. As a result of that decision,time, the Company has filed a claimdoes not believe they will face any further assessments for refund of approximately $3.6 million (€3.2 million) for these taxes paid since 2015 including accrued interest of approximately $0.4 million. The Company recorded the refund claim in the accompanying financial statements as of December 31, 2017.

Settlement with French Tax Authorities

As previously reported, the French Tax Authorities examined the 2012 tax return of Interparfums SA. The main issues challenged by the French Tax Authorities related to the commission rate and royalty rate paid to Interparfums Singapore Pte. and Interparfums (Suisse) SARL, respectively. Due to the subjective nature of the issues involved, in April 2016, Interparfums SA reached an agreement in principle to settle the entire matter with the French Tax Authorities. The settlement required Interparfums SA to pay a tax assessment of $1.9 million covering the issues for not only the 2012 tax year, but also covering the issues for the tax years ended 2013 through 2015. The settlement, which was finalized by the French Tax Authorities in the first quarter of 2017, was accrued in March 2016.still open to audit.

Other Tax Matters

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014.2020.

Differences between the United States Federalfederal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate were as follows:

             
  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
Statutory rates  21.0%  21.0%  21.0%
State and local taxes, net of Federal benefit  0.2   0.2   0.3 
Windfall benefit from exercise of stock options  (0.4)  (0.4)  (0.9)
Benefit of Foreign Derived Intangible Income  (0.9)  (0.8)  (0.6)
Effect of foreign taxes greater than U.S. statutory rates  4.3   3.1   7.4 
Other  0.6   (0.9)  (0.1)
Effective rates  24.8%  22.2%  27.1%

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
Statutory rates  34.0%  34.0%  34.0%
State and local taxes, net of Federal benefit  0.2   0.3   0.2 
Deferred tax effect of statutory tax rate changes  1.4       
Foreign income tax recovery  (4.6)      
Effect of foreign taxes greater than            

(less than) U.S. statutory rates

  (1.0)  1.5   1.6 
Other  (0.8)  (0.3)  (0.2)
             
Effective rates  29.2%  35.5%  35.6%

 F-29

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands except share and per share data)

(17)(17)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of the following:

  Year ended December 31, 
  2023  2022  2021 
          
Net derivative instruments, beginning of year $1,709  $(992) $ 
Net derivative instrument (loss) gain, net of tax  (1,645)  2,701   (992)
Net derivative instruments, end of year  64   1,709   (992)
             
Cumulative translation adjustments, beginning of year  (57,765)  (37,440)  (5,997)
Translation adjustments  17,513   (20,325)  (31,443)
Cumulative translation adjustments, end of year  (40,252)  (57,765)  (37,440)
             
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(40,188) $(56,056) $(38,432)

 

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
          
Net derivative instruments, beginning of year $(17) $  $ 
Net derivative instrument loss, net of tax  54   (17)   
Net derivative instruments, end of year  37   (17)   
             
Cumulative translation adjustments, beginning of year  (57,965)  (48,091)  (15,823)
Translation adjustments  40,096   (9,874)  (32,268)
Cumulative translation adjustments, end of year  (17,869)  (57,965)  (48,091)
             
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(17,832) $(57,982) $(48,091)
(18)Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents to the Statement of Cash Flows

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows (in millions) as of December 31, 2021:

  December 31, 2021 
    
Cash and cash equivalents $159,613 
Cash held in escrow included in other assets  8,774 
     
Cash and cash equivalents per statement of cash flows $168,387 

 

(19)(18)Net Income Attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. and Transfers from the Noncontrolling InterestRelated Party Transactions

In 2023, a foreign subsidiary of Inter Parfums, Inc. began leasing office space and receiving consulting services from affiliates of the Company’s Chairman and principal stockholder. The Company incurred approximately $47,000 of expenses for these services in the year ended December 31, 2023.

  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016  2015 
          
Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. $41,594  $33,331  $30,437 
Decrease in Inter Parfums, Inc.’s additional paid-in capital for subsidiary share transactions     (1,926)  (192)
Change from net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. and transfers from noncontrolling interest $41,594  $31,405  $30,245 

 F-29

 F-30

 

 

Schedule II

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands)

                
Column A Column B  Column C  Column D  Column E 
     Additions       
      (1) (2)        
          Charged to         
                   
  Balance at  Charged to  other         
  beginning of  costs and  accounts –  Deductions –  Balance at 
Description  period  expenses  describe  describe  end of period 
Allowance for doubtful accounts:                    
Year ended December 31, 2017 $2,011   843   205(d) 1,238(a)  1,821 
Year ended December 31, 2016 $1,823   349   (68)(d) 93(a)  2,011 
Year ended December 31, 2015 $1,609   442   (164)(d) 64(a)  1,823 
                     
Sales return accrual:                    
Year ended December 31, 2017 $3,332   3,497      3,519(b)  3,310 
Year ended December 31, 2016 $4,047   3,789      4,504(b)  3,332 
Year ended December 31, 2015 $5,309   3,490      4,752(b)  4,047 
                     
Inventory reserve:                    
Year ended December 31, 2017 $5,316   3,300   570(d) 3,837(c)  5,349 
Year ended December 31, 2016 $6,641   5,234   (135)(d) 6,424(c)  5,316 
Year ended December 31, 2015 $5,970   5,563   (499)(d) 4,393(c)  6,641 

 

(In thousands)

Column A Column B  Column C    Column D  Column E 
     Additions         
       (1)  (2)          
                       
Description  

Balance at

beginning of

period

   

Charged to

costs and

expenses

   

Charged to

other

accounts

     

Deductions

   

Balance at

end of period

 
Allowance for doubtful accounts:                      
Year ended December 31, 2023 $4,690   (1,466)  (670)(d)   450(a)  2,104 
Year ended December 31, 2022 $2,247   2,353   1,134 

(d)

  1,044(a)  4,690 
Year ended December 31, 2021 $5,550   877   (844)(d)   3,336(a)  2,247 
                       
Allowance for sales returns, net of inventory:                      
Year ended December 31, 2023 $5,410   3,071        4,783(b)  3,698 
Year ended December 31, 2022 $3,242   4,997        2,829(b)  5,410 
Year ended December 31, 2021 $2,242   3,042        2,042(b)  3,242 
                       
Inventory reserve:                      
Year ended December 31, 2023 $11,431   10,284   476 (d)   948(c)  21,243 
Year ended December 31, 2022 $15,777   8,742   (378)(d)   12,710(c)  11,431 
Year ended December 31, 2021 $9,371   8,217   7,041 (d)(e)   8,852(c)  15,777 

(a)Write-off of bad debts.
(b)Write-off of sales returns.
(c)Disposal of inventory
(d)Foreign currency translation adjustment
(e)

Inventory reserves acquired of $7,639 

See accompanying reports of independent registered public accounting firm.

 F-31

 F-30

 

SIGNATURES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 Inter Parfums, Inc.
   
 By:/s/ /s/ Jean Madar
 Jean Madar, Chief Executive Officer
 Date: March 13, 2018February 27, 2024

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signature TitleDate
    

/s/ Jean Madar

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

March 13, 2018

Jean Madar 
Jean Madarand Chief Executive Officer February 27, 2024
    

/s/ Russell Greenberg

 /s/ Michel Atwood
 

Chief Financial and Accounting

March 13, 2018

Russell Greenberg 
Michel AtwoodChief Financial Officer and Director February 27, 2024
    

/s/ Philippe Benacin

Director

March 12, 2018

Philippe Benacin   
Philippe BenacinDirectorFebruary 26, 2024
    
/s/ Philippe Santi

 

Director

March 12, 2018

 /s/ Philippe Santi   
Philippe SantiDirectorFebruary 26, 2024
    

/ss/ François Heilbronn

Director

March 12, 2018

François Heilbronn   
François HeilbronnDirectorFebruary 26, 2024
    

/s/ Robert Bensoussan

Director

March 12, 2018

Robert Bensoussan   
Robert BensoussanDirectorFebruary 26, 2024
    

/s/Patrick Choël

 

Director

March 12, 2018

Patrick Choël/s/ Veronique Gabai-Pinsky   
Veronique Gabai-PinskyDirectorFebruary 26, 2024
    

/s/ Michel Dyens

 

Director

March 12, 2018

Michel Dyens/s/ Gilbert Harrison   
Gilbert HarrisonDirectorFebruary 26, 2024
    
/s/ Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

 

Director

March 12, 2018

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky/s/ Gerard Kappauf   
Gerard KappaufDirectorFebruary 26, 2024


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit Index

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are also incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2013:

Exhibit
No.

Description
4.212004 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan as amended
4.222004 Stock Option Plan as amended

The following documents heretoforepreviously filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013:2018:

Exhibit
No.
Description
10.156
3.7Memorandum and Articles of Association of Inter Parfums USA Hong Kong Limited
10.156Consulting Agreement with Jean Madar Holding SAS
10.15810.168Eighth Modification of Lease for portions of 551 5th Avenue, New York, NY
10.168.1Exhibits to Eighth Modification of Lease for portions of 551 5th Avenue, New York, NY
10.169Fourth Amendment to Lease for 60 Stults Road, South Brunswick, NJ
10.171Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 31, 20132018 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted

The following document heretoforepreviously filed with the Commission is also incorporated by reference to the Company’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014:8-K as filed on February 7, 2020:

Exhibit
No.
Description
10.171
10.160Amendment to Consulting Agreement with Philippe Benacinfor Jean Madar Holding SAS

 

The following documents heretoforepreviously filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014:2019:

Exhibit
No.

Description

10.160Consulting Agreement with Philippe Benacin Holding SAS
3.1.1
3.1.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated September 3, 1987
3.1.2Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated July 31, 1992


3.1.3
3.1.3Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated July 9, 1993
3.1.4Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, dated July 13, 1999
3.1.5Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, dated July 12, 2000
3.1.6Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated August 6, 2004
3.310.25Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums Holdings, S.A.
3.3.1Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums Holdings, S.A. (English translation)
3.4Articles of Incorporation of Interparfums SA
3.4.1Articles of Incorporation of Interparfums SA (English translation)
10.25Employment Agreement between the Company and Philippe Benacin dated July 29, 1991
10.26Lease for portion of 15th Floor, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
10.61Lease for 60 Stults Road, South Brunswick, NJ between Forsgate Industrial Complex, LP, and Jean Philippe Fragrances, Inc. dated July 10, 1995
10.61.1Third Amendment to Lease for 60 Stults Road, South Brunswick, NJ
10.16110.172Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 31, 20142019 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted
10.16210.173Form of Option AgreementLease for Options Granted to Executive Officers on January 28, 2015 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is also incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015:

Exhibit
No.
Description
2.1Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 2015 among The Procter & Gamble Company and two of its subsidiaries, Parfums Rochas SAS and Procter & Gamble International OperationsInterparfums SA and Interparfums SA*Distribution Center (confidential information in this exhibit was omitted)

 

*Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request; provided, however that the Company may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for any schedule or exhibit so furnished.

 


The following documents heretoforepreviously filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015:2021:

Exhibit
No.

Description
4.332016 Stock Option Plan
3.1Interparfums Singapore Pte. Ltd Memorandum and Articles of Association
21List of Subsidiaries
3.2Interparfums Luxury Brands, Inc. Certificate of Incorporation
23Consent of Mazars USA LLP
10.144Contrat de Bail Commercial et GEMFI and Interparfums SA - French original - (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.144 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc.).
31.1
10.144.1Commercial Lease Agreement between GEMFI and Interparfums SA - English translation- (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.144.1 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc.).
10.163Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 31, 2015 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted
23Consent of WeiserMazars LLP
31.1Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer
31.2Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer
32.1Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer
32.2Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer
101Interactive data files

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016:


Exhibit
No.

Description
3.8

Articles of Association of Parfums Rochas Spain, Limited Liability Company (Spanish with English translation)

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2016:

Exhibit
No.

Description
4.332016 Stock Option Plan

 

The following documents heretoforepreviously filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016:2022:

Exhibit
No.
Description
23
3.6Organizational Document of Inter Parfums (Suisse) Sarl (French original)
3.6.1Organizational Document of Inter Parfums (Suisse) Sarl (English translation)
3.9Amended and Restated By-laws(correction to name only)
10.165Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 31, 2016 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted
21List of Subsidiaries
23Consent of Mazars USA LLP
31.1Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer
31.2Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer
32.1Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer
32.2Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer
101Interactive data files

 


The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission more than five (5) years ago are hereby filed again as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017:

(Asdocument previously filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 20, 2023:

Exhibit No.Description
10.171-1 Amendment to Service Agreement (formerly Consulting Agreement) for Jean Madar Holding SAS

Exhibits Filed and Attached to this report:

The following documents are filed with this report, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012):2023:

The following documents are filed with this report:

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

Page No.

    
10.151 Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 31, 2012 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted132
    
10.152 Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on January 31, 2013 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted135
    
10.153 Seventh Modification of Lease dated February 7, 2013 for 15th Floor at 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY138
    

The following documents are filed with this report:

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

Page No.

    
10.166 

Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 29, 2017 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted

154
    
10.167 Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on January 19, 2018 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted157
    
21 List of Subsidiaries160
    
23 Consent of Mazars USA LLP161
    
31.1 Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer162
    
31.2 Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer163
    
32.1 Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer164
    
32.2 Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer165
    
101 Interactive data files 


Exhibit No. Description Page
Nos.
21 List of Subsidiaries 124
     
23 Consent of Mazars USA LLP 125
     
31.1 Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer 126
     
31.2 Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer 127
     
32.1 Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer 128
     
32.2 Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer 129