Unassociated Document
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark one)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 or

¨ 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)
Delaware
 
13-3275609
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)

551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
 
10176
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212.983.2640.

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

Title of each class
Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share
The Nasdaq Stock Market

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

None
Title of Class

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

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 x

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 x  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 filed. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated Filer ¨
Accelerated filer x
   
  Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller Reporting Company¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).Yes ¨  No x

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. $111,495,452 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 6, 2009: 30,168,939.

Documents Incorporated By Reference: None.

 
ii

 

Table of Contents
 
Page
Note on Forward Looking Statements
 
   
PART I
   
Item 1.
Business
1
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
16
     
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
23
     
Item 2.
Properties
24
     
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
25
     
Item 4.
Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
25
     
PART II
 
 
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
26
     
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
29
     
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
29
     
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
43
     
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
44
     
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
45
     
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
45
     
Item 9AT.
Controls and Procedures
47
     
Item 9B.
Other Information
47
     
PART III
 
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
48
   
 
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
53
     
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
65
     
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
68
     
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
69
     
PART IV
   
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
72
     
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
   
SIGNATURES
 
 
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: potential reduction in sales of our fragrance and fragrance related products due to reduced consumer confidence as the result of a prolonged economic downturn or recession in the United States, Europe or any of the other countries in which we do significant business; uncertainties and continued deterioration in global credit markets could negatively impact suppliers, customers and consumers; dependence upon Burberry for a significant portion of our sales; continuation and renewal of existing license agreements, sales and marketing efforts of specialty market retailers, such as The Gap, Inc.; protection of our intellectual property rights; effectiveness of our sales and marketing efforts and product acceptance by consumers; dependence upon third party manufacturers and distributors; dependence upon management; competition; currency fluctuation and international tariff and trade barriers; governmental regulation; and possible liability for improper comparative advertising or “Trade Dress”.

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 required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 
iv

 

PART I

Item 1.  Business

Introduction

We are Inter Parfums, Inc. We operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of 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-owned subsidiaries, Jean Philippe Fragrances, LLC and Inter Parfums USA, LLC, both New York limited liability companies, and 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.

Our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums Holdings, S.A., and its majority-owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums, S.A., maintain executive offices at 4, Rond Point des Champs Elysees, 75008 Paris, France. Our telephone number in Paris is 331.5377.0000. Inter Parfums S.A. is also the majority owner of four (4) distribution subsidiaries, Inter Parfums Limited, Inter Parfums Gmbh, Inter Parfums srl and Inter España Parfums et Cosmetiques, SL, covering territories in The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain, respectively. Inter Parfums, S.A. also has a 100% owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums (Suisse) S.A.

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “IPAR” and we are considered a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market. The common shares of our subsidiary, Inter Parfums S.A., are traded on the Euronext Exchange.

We maintain our internet website at www.interparfumsinc.com which is linked to the SEC Edgar database. You can obtain through our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed with or furnished them to the SEC.

Summary

The following summary 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.

We operate in the fragrance business and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of fragrances and fragrance related products. We manage our business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. Our prestige fragrance products are produced and marketed by our European operations through our 75% owned subsidiary in Paris, Inter Parfums, S.A., which is also a publicly traded company as 25% of Inter Parfums, S.A. shares trade on the Euronext. Prestige cosmetics and prestige skin care products represent less than 3% of consolidated net sales.

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We produce and distribute our prestige fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners, and prestige product sales represented approximately 87% of net sales for 2008.  We have built a portfolio of prestige brands, which include Burberry, Lanvin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paul Smith, S.T. Dupont, Quiksilver/Roxy, Christian Lacroix and Nickel whose products are distributed in over 120 countries around the world. During the first half of 2007 we began operations of our four newly established majority-owned European distribution subsidiaries. Shipments to these subsidiaries are not recognized as sales until that merchandise is sold by the distribution subsidiary to its customers.

Burberry is our most significant license, as sales of Burberry products represented 56%, 54% and 57% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, we own the Lanvin brand name for our class of business and sales of Lanvin product represented 13%, 12% and 13% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Our prestige products focus on niche brands with a devoted following.  By concentrating in markets where the brands are best known, we have had many successful launches. We typically launch new fragrance families for our brands every year or two, with some frequent “seasonal” fragrances introduced as well.

Our specialty retail and mass-market fragrance and fragrance related products are marketed through our United States operations and represented 13% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2008. These fragrance products are sold under trademarks owned by us or pursuant to license or other agreements with the owners of the Gap, Banana Republic, New York & Company, Brooks Brothers, bebe and Jordache trademarks.

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.

Our business is not capital intensive, and it is important to note that we do not own any 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 goods for us and ship them back to our distribution center.

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As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. These factors include the effect of the current financial crisis and therefore the potential for further deterioration in consumer spending and consumer debt levels as well as the continued availability of favorable credit sources and capital market conditions in general. 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, 2008, and the reports that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
2008 Developments

International Distribution of Gap
 and Banana Republic Personal Care Products

In April 2008 we expanded our relationship with Gap Inc. with the signing of a four-year licensing agreement for international distribution of personal care products through Gap and Banana Republic stores as well as select specialty and department stores outside the United States, including duty-free and other travel-related retailers. The agreement is effective as of July 1, 2007 and expires December 31, 2011.

Exclusive Worldwide Agreement with bebe Stores, Inc.
 
In July 2008 we entered into an exclusive six year worldwide agreement with bebe Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BEBE) of Brisbane, CA, under which we design, manufacture and supply fragrance, bath and body products and color cosmetics for company-owned bebe stores in the United States and Canada as well as select specialty and department stores worldwide.

Paul Smith License Extended

In July 2008 we extended our license for the Paul Smith brand for an additional seven years through December 31, 2017 on comparable terms and conditions.

Our Prestige Products

We produce and distribute our prestige fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners, which represented approximately 87% of net sales for 2008.  We have built a portfolio of brands, which include Burberry, Lanvin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paul Smith, S.T. Dupont, Quiksilver/Roxy, Christian Lacroix and Nickel, whose products are distributed in over 120 countries around the world. During the first half of 2007 we began operations of our four newly established majority-owned European distribution subsidiaries. Shipments to these subsidiaries are not recognized as sales until that merchandise is sold by the distribution subsidiary to its customers.

Burberry is our most significant license, as sales of Burberry products represented 56%, 54% and 57% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, we own the Lanvin brand name for our class of business and sales of Lanvin product represented 13%, 12% and 13% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
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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.

The following is a summary of the prestige brand names owned or licensed by us:

Brand Name
 
Licensed
Or Owned
 
Date 
Acquired
 
Term
             
Burberry
 
Licensed
 
July 2004
 
12.5 years and additional 5-year optional term that requires mutual consent.
Lanvin
 
Owned
 
July 2007
 
N/A. Prior owner has the right to repurchase the brand names and trademarks in 2025 according to a formula.
Van Cleef & Arpels
 
Licensed
 
Sept. 2006
 
Through December 31, 2018, plus a 5-year option if certain sales targets are met
Paul Smith
 
Licensed
 
Dec. 1998
 
Through December 31, 2017
S.T. Dupont
 
Licensed
 
July 1997
 
Through June 30, 2011.
Quiksilver/Roxy
 
Licensed
 
March 2006
 
Through December 31, 2017
Christian Lacroix
 
Licensed
 
March 1999
 
11 years
Nickel
 
Owned
 
April 2004
 
N/A

Prestige Fragrances

BURBERRY — Burberry is our leading prestige fragrance brand and we operate under an exclusive worldwide license with Burberry Limited that was originally entered into in 1993 and replaced by a new agreement in 2004.

We have had significant success in introducing new fragrance families under the Burberry brand name. We have introduced several fragrance families including Burberry, Burberry Week End, Burberry Touch, Burberry Brit, Burberry London and Burberry The Beat. Successful distribution has been achieved in more than a hundred countries around the world by differentiating the positioning and target consumer of each of the families. Our success is evidenced by a 19% five-year compounded annual growth rate in sales of fragrances under the Burberry brand since 2003.

The most recent Burberry fragrance family, Burberry The Beat, is the sixth fragrance family for Burberry fragrances. In March 2008 we commenced the successful world-wide launch of the women’s fragrance, Burberry The Beat, by capitalizing on the commercial and editorial success of Burberry’s high-end fashion collections and continuing to create a strong link to the Burberry fashion brand. Burberry The Beat was a concept that was clearly distinct from other Burberry fragrance lines. We targeted a younger segment with a mix of British tradition and an avant-garde positioning with the purpose of expanding our customer base by targeting an edgier consumer. Further, music was a major source of inspiration for the concept of this new women’s fragrance.

4

 
For 2008 Burberry brand sales were strong due to the continued rollout of Burberry The Beat, as well as the growth and staying power of Burberry Brit, which launched in 2003. Our 2009 new product launch schedule includes the men’s version of Burberry The Beat, which has recently previewed exclusively at Bloomingdale’s. In addition, the global rollout of men’s version of Burberry The Beat will follow during the first half of 2009.

LANVIN — In July 2007 we acquired the worldwide rights to the Lanvin brand names and international trademarks listed in Class 3 that we had licensed in June 2004. A synonym of luxury and elegance, the Lanvin fashion house, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Lanvin, expanded into fragrances in the 1920s. Today, Lanvin fragrances occupy important positions in the selective distribution market in France, Europe and Asia, particularly with the lines Arpège (created in 1927), Lanvin L’Homme (1997) and Eclat d’Arpège (2002). Our first Lanvin fragrance, Arpège pour Homme, debuted in late 2005. Arpège by Lanvin won the honor of entering the Fragrance Hall of Fame at the 2005 FiFi Awards, an honor given to the best fragrance sold for at least 15 years that has been revitalized.

During 2006, we began the launch of Rumeur, our first new Lanvin fragrance for women, which was followed by a wider geographic rollout over the early months of 2007. In addition to the debut of Lanvin Rumeur, solid sales gains were achieved by Éclat d’Arpège which has been a strong seller since its introduction in 2002.  During the summer of 2008, we previewed a new Lanvin fragrance family, Jeanne Lanvin, in Paris, and launched the global rollouts of Jeanne Lanvin and Rumeur 2 Rose during the Fall of 2008. In addition, we have announced that we will be unveiling during the Summer of 2009 of a new Lanvin fragrance, Lanvin L’Homme Sport, with tennis sensation, Rafael Nadal, the Wimbledon, French Open and 2008 Olympic gold medal winner, as our model and spokesperson.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS  In September 2006 we entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance and related bath and body products under the Van Cleef & Arpels brand and related trademarks. The term of the license expires on December 31, 2018. We believe this agreement with Van Cleef & Arpels, the prestigious and legendary world-renowned jewelry designer, was an important step in our development. We also believe its growth potential will strengthen opportunities for expansion of our fragrance business in the high luxury segment.

In 1976, Van Cleef & Arpels was a pioneer among jewelers with its launch of the fragrance, First, which exemplified the tradition of boldness of the jewelry house.  We have built upon this sales base by promoting the two strongest families, First and Tsar, and then creating an entirely new line, Féerie, which we launched in Fall 2008. We believe this new women’s fragrance is one of the highest retail price cologne in the market, as the 100ml. size fragrance has a suggested retail price of approximately $150. A high end limited edition fragrance for Van Cleef & Arpels is planned for late 2009.

PAUL SMITH — We signed an exclusive license agreement with Paul Smith in December 1998, our first designer fragrance, for the creation, manufacture and worldwide distribution of Paul Smith perfumes and cosmetics. In July 2008 we extended this license for the Paul Smith brand for an additional seven years through December 31, 2017 on comparable terms and conditions.

5

 
Paul Smith is an internationally renowned British designer who creates fashion with a clear identity. Paul Smith has a modern style which combines elegance, inventiveness and a sense of humor and enjoys a loyal following, especially in the UK and Japan. Fragrances include: Paul Smith, Paul Smith Extrême and Paul Smith London.  In the fourth quarter of 2006 we launched the men’s fragrance, Paul Smith Story, and in the Fall of 2007, we launched Paul Smith Rose, a new women’s fragrance for Paul Smith. Our 2009 new product launch schedule for European-based operations includes a new Paul Smith fragrance for men.

S.T. DUPONT — In June 1997, we signed an exclusive license agreement with S.T. Dupont which we extended in 2006 until June 30, 2011, for the creation, manufacture and worldwide distribution of S.T. Dupont perfumes. Fragrances include: S.T. Dupont Paris, S.T. Dupont Essence Pure and L’Eau de S.T. Dupont. In addition, during 2006 we launched the new men’s fragrance, S.T. Dupont Noir, which was received well in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. During 2007 we launched S.T. Dupont Blanc, a new women’s fragrance for S.T. Dupont. Finally, we launched S.T. Dupont Passenger, a new scent for men and women, during the third quarter of 2008.

QUIKSILVER/ROXY  In March 2006 we signed an exclusive worldwide license agreement for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance, suncare, skincare and related products under the Roxy brand and suncare and related products under the Quiksilver brand. The term of the license expires in December 2017.

We have developed entirely new product categories for each of the two brands, which are important brands for the global youth market and synonymous with the heritage and culture of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. Quiksilver Inc.’s apparel and footwear brands represent a casual lifestyle for young-minded people that connect with its board riding culture and heritage.

In late 2007 we launched Roxy, the first fragrance line for women, and in 2008 we launched Roxy Love, another women's fragrance. Also during 2008, we brought to market the Quiksilver suncare line, Sun Energy. For 2009, we plan to launch the Quiksilver signature fragrance for men.

CHRISTIAN LACROIX — In March 1999, we entered into an exclusive license agreement with the Christian Lacroix Company for the worldwide development, manufacture and distribution of perfumes. Our Christian Lacroix fragrances families for both men and women include: Eau Florale, Bazar, Tumulte and C'est la fête.

Prestige Skin Care

NICKEL —  In April 2004 Inter Parfums, S.A. acquired a 67.6% interest in Nickel S.A., and in June 2007, the minority shareholders of Nickel S.A., exercised their rights to sell their remaining 32.4% interest in Nickel S.A. to us for approximately $4.7 million in cash.
 
6

 
Established in 1996, Nickel has developed two innovative concepts in the world of cosmetics: spas exclusively for male customers and skin care products for men. The Nickel skin care products for the face and body are sold through prestige department and specialty stores primarily in France, the balance of Western Europe and in the United States, as well as through our men’s spas in Paris and New York and our licensed spas in San Francisco and London.

As the result of disappointing sales of the Eau Maximum fragrance line, we discontinued that line which contributed to the downturn in sales for this brand in 2007. In 2008, we focused more on skin care products and launched several new skin care products under the brand name, Silicon Valley, in order to grow Nickel sales. However, sales to date have still not met our expectations. We intend to continue to develop new and innovative skincare products under the Nickel brand in an attempt to grow sales.

Specialty Retail and Mass Market Products

Specialty retail has become an increasingly important part of our overall business, and we are continuing to expand the global distribution of the specialty retail brands with which we have partnered. In addition, we have been approached by other specialty retailers to determine if there is interest in establishing a relationship whereby we would design, produce and manufacture fragrance and fragrance related products similar to our existing relationships with specialty retailers. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into any similar future arrangements, or if we do, that any such arrangement would be on terms favorable to us or would be successful.

  Gap and Banana Republic

In July 2005, we entered into an exclusive agreement with The Gap, Inc. to develop, produce, manufacture and distribute fragrance, personal care and home fragrance products for Gap and Banana Republic brand names to be sold in Gap and Banana Republic retail stores in the United States and Canada. In March 2006, the agreement was amended to include fragrance, personal care and home fragrance products for Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores in the United States and Canada.

In September 2006, we launched the Banana Republic Discover Collection, a family of five fragrances, we developed and supply to Banana Republic’s North American stores. The collection consists of three scents for women and two for men, each named after a luxurious, natural material that is both emotional and authentic.

During 2007, we had a staged rollout of new products to additional Gap stores, as well as new product launches for both Banana Republic and Gap stores.  For Banana Republic, two new fragrances were added to the Discover Collection, and companion products such as body wash, body cream and shower gel were also introduced.

In addition, beginning in the third quarter 2007, a higher end collection of fragrances for men and women as well as a men’s fragrance and grooming collection, began being rolled-out to Gap’s North American stores.
 
7

 
In April 2008 we expanded our current relationship with Gap Inc. to include a licensing agreement for international distribution of personal care products through Gap and Banana Republic stores as well as select specialty and department stores outside the United States, including duty-free and other travel related retailers.  The agreement is effective as of July 1, 2007 and expires December 31, 2011.

We entered into this license agreement to capitalize on cross-border brand awareness of Gap’s iconic American style and Banana Republic’s affordable luxury, which we have interpreted into a brand-specific assortment of fragrance, home fragrance, bath and body, and grooming products. In addition, our long-established relationships with distributors in over one hundred countries, and our current infrastructure enabled us to rollout Gap and Banana Republic products to select department stores, perfumeries, travel retailers, military bases and other appropriate retail outlets around the world.

In the spring of 2009, Close, a new Gap fragrance will be launched at approximately 550 Gap stores and roughly 175 Gap Body stores nationwide, followed by international distribution expected to reach 5,000 doors in the second half of 2009. In August 2009, new fragrances for men and women will be launched at Banana Republic stores in North America with international distribution following shortly thereafter.

Brooks Brothers

In November 2007, we entered into an exclusive agreement with Retail Brand Alliance, Inc. covering the design, manufacture and supply of personal care products for men and women to be sold at Brooks Brothers locations in the United States as well as a licensing agreement covering Brooks Brothers stores and specialty and department stores outside the United States and duty free and other travel-related retailers.  In addition to new product development, we have assumed responsibility for the production and supply of existing Brooks Brothers fragrance and related personal care products. In the United States, we are responsible for product development, formula creation, packaging design and manufacturing while Brooks Brothers is responsible for marketing, advertising and in-store sales. 

            The initial term of the agreement expires on December 31, 2013.  We have the right to extend the term of the agreement for five (5) years, until December 31, 2018, subject to certain minimum sales and other requirements. Further, if our agreement has been extended, then both parties have agreed to negotiate in good faith the terms of a second five (5) year optional extension term not less than six (6) months prior to December 31, 2018. 

In November 2008, we shipped Brooks Brothers New York for men and women to Brooks Brothers U.S. stores, and international distribution, including duty free and other travel-related retailers, is scheduled for 2009.

8

 
New York & Company

In April 2007 we signed an exclusive agreement with New York & Company, Inc. under which we design and manufacture a personal care products sold at the New York & Company retail locations and on their website. Pursuant to the agreement, we are responsible for product development, formula creation, packaging and manufacturing while New York & Company is responsible for marketing and selling in its stores.

New York & Company has achieved by building its brand and loyal customer base around clothing and accessories that are ‘trendy, affordable, comfortable and sexy for real women and with real lives’. The bath and body products that we developed are designed for the target New York & Company customer, the fashion-conscious, value-sensitive women between the ages of 25 and 45. In November 2007 we launched the initial bath and body collections and holiday gift sets that were developed for New York & Company’s more than 560 stores.

bebe

In July 2008 we entered into an exclusive six year worldwide agreement with bebe Stores, Inc., under which we design, manufacture and supply fragrance, bath and body products and color cosmetics for company-owned bebe stores in the United States and Canada, as well as select specialty and department stores worldwide. We intend to incorporate bebe’s signature look into fragrance and cosmetics for the brand’s strong, hip, sexy, and sophisticated clientele.

The color cosmetics we developed and produced for bebe stores are now in their U.S. stores and, the launch of our signature bebe fragrance will be unveiled at in bebe Stores in the U.S. in August followed by worldwide distribution in the third quarter of 2009.

Mass Market

Our mass market products are comprised of fragrances and fragrance related products. We produce a variety of alternative designer fragrances and personal care products that sell at a substantial discount from their brand name counterparts. Our alternative designer fragrances are similar in scent to highly advertised designer fragrances that are marketed at a higher retail price. Our mass market fragrance brands include several proprietary brand names as well as a license for the Jordache brand. We also market our Aziza line of low priced eye shadow kits, mascara, and pencils, focusing on the young teen market and a line of health and beauty aids under our Intimate and Johnson Parker brands, including shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion and baby oil. All of these products are distributed to the same mass market retailers and discount chains.

Business Strategy

Focus on prestige beauty brands.  Prestige beauty brands contribute significantly to our growth. Over the past few years, prestige brands have accounted for a larger portion of our business — 87% of total business in 2008 up from 76% in 2003. We focus on developing and launching quality fragrances utilizing internationally renowned brand names. By identifying and concentrating in the most receptive market segments 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 Inter Parfums as a partner because our company’s size enables us to work more closely with them in the product development process as well as because of our successful track record.
 
9

 
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 we create a new family of fragrances for each brand in our portfolio. We frequently introduce “seasonal” 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, or flanker brands) within our brand franchises.  Furthermore, we promote the smooth and consistent performance of our prestige perfume 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.

Continue to add new brands to our portfolio, through new licenses or acquisitions.  Prestige brands are the core of our business — we intend to add new prestige beauty brands to our portfolio. Over the past decade, 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. 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, and marketing.

Expand existing portfolio into new categories.  We plan to broaden our product offering beyond the fragrance category and offer other personal care products such as skin care, cosmetics and hair care under some of our existing brands. We believe such product offerings meet customer needs and further strengthen customer loyalty.  We also plan to draw upon the skin care product expertise that the Nickel team brings, as we explore other opportunities in the treatment side of the beauty business beyond the Nickel brand.

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, we have modified our distribution model and have formed joint ventures in the major markets of the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany for distribution of prestige fragrances.  Further, we may enter into future joint ventures arrangements or acquire distribution companies within other key markets to distribute certain of our licensed prestige brands. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into any future joint venture arrangements or acquire distribution companies, or if we do, that any such transaction will be successful. We believe that in certain markets vertical integration of our distribution network is key to the 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.

Build specialty retail business.  We believe the beauty industry has experienced a significant growth in specialty retail, and we now have agreements in place for with Gap and Banana Republic brands, New York & Company brand, Brooks Brothers brand and bebe brand. We are responsible for product development, formula creation, packaging and manufacturing under all of those brands. Gap, a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies, New York & Company, Retail Brand Alliance (for Brooks Brothers) and bebe Stores, Inc. are each responsible for marketing and selling the newly launched fragrance and fragrance related products in their stores.

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In addition, we have been approached by other specialty retailers to determine if there is interest in establishing a relationship whereby we would design, produce and manufacture fragrance and fragrance related products similar to our existing relationships with specialty retailers. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into any similar future arrangements, or if we do, that any such arrangement will be successful.

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 our suppliers;

·
Schedule production and packaging;

·
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:

·
Independent perfumery design companies (Federico Restrepo, Fabien Baron, Aesthete, Ateliers Dinand);

·
Perfumers (IFF, Firmenich, Robertet, Givaudan, Wessel Fragrances) which create a fragrance consistent with our expectations and, that of the fragrance designers and creators;
 
11

 
·
Contract manufacturers of components such as glassware (Saint Gobain, Saverglass, Pochet, Nouvelles Verreries de Momignie), caps (MT Packaging, Codiplas, Risdon, Newburgh) or boxes (Printor Packaging, Draeger, Dannex Manufacturing);

·
Production specialists who carry out packaging (MF Production, Brand, CCI, IKI Manufacturing) or logistics (SAGA for storage, order preparation and shipment).

For our prestige products, approximately 80% of component and production needs are purchased from approximately 50 suppliers out of a total of over 160 active suppliers. The suppliers' accounts for our European operations are primarily settled in Euros and for our United States operations, suppliers' accounts are primarily settled in U.S. dollars.

Marketing and Distribution

Prestige Products

For the majority of our international distribution of prestige products, we contract with independent distribution companies specializing in luxury goods. In each country, we designate anywhere from one to three distributors with the status of “exclusive representative” for one or more of our name brands. We also distribute our prestige products through a variety of duty-free operators, such as airports and airlines and select vacation destinations.

As 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, we have modified our distribution model, and have formed majority owned distribution subsidiaries in the major markets of the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany for distribution of prestige fragrances. Further, we may enter into future joint ventures arrangements or acquire distribution companies within other key markets to distribute certain of our licensed prestige brands. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to enter into any future joint venture arrangements or acquire distribution companies, or if we do, that any such transaction will be successful. We believe that in certain markets vertical integration of our distribution network is key to the 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.
 
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 120 countries around the world. Sales to one distributor represented 12%, 13% and 15% of consolidated net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Approximately 34% of our prestige fragrance net sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. In an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations, we engage in a program of cautious hedging of foreign currencies to minimize the risk arising from operations.

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

Distribution in France of our prestige products is carried out by a sales team who oversee some 1,200 points of sale including, retail perfumers (chain stores) such as

·          Sephora
·          Marionnaud
·          Nocibé
·          Galeries Lafayette
·          Printemps

or specialized independent points of sale. Approximately 90% of prestige product sales in France are made to approximately 20 customers out of a total of over 1,200 active accounts.

Specialty Retail and Mass Market Products

We do not presently market and distribute Gap, Banana Republic, New York & Company or Brooks Brothers specialty retail products to third parties in the United States. Marketing and distribution for such brands are the responsibility of the brand owners which market and sell the products we produce in their own retail locations. However, with respect to our license agreement with bebe Stores, Inc., we distribute or plan to distribute product to their stores, and distribute or plan to distribute product as well as to other retailer outlets and department stores within the United States.

In addition, the business of our United States operations has become increasingly seasonal as shipments to our specialty retail customers are weighted toward the second half of the year.

Further, with respect to Gap, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers and bebe brands, we distribute or plan to distribute product to specialty retailers and department stores outside the United States including duty free and other travel-related retailers. We utilize our in house sales team to reach our distributors and customers outside the United States. 

Mass merchandisers are the target customers for our mass market products. In addition, our mass market products are sold to wholesale distributors, specialty store chains, and to multiple locations of accessory, jewelry and clothing outlets. These products are sold through a highly efficient and dedicated in-house sales team and reach approximately 12,000 retail outlets throughout the United States and abroad.

Our 140,000 square foot distribution center has provided us with the opportunity and resources to meet our customers' requirements.

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Geographic Areas

Export sales from United States operations were approximately $22.5, $9.5 million and $7.2 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Consolidated net sales to customers by region is as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
North America
  $ 108,600     $ 115,400     $ 107,400  
Europe
    204,100       173,200       128,300  
Central and South America
    38,000       28,200       24,500  
Middle East
    39,200       26,100       21,900  
Asia
    53,000       43,900       37,700  
Other
    3,200       2,800       1,300  
    $ 446,100     $ 389,600     $ 321,100  

Consolidated net sales to customers in major countries is as follows (in thousands):

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
United States
  $ 101,000     $ 113,000     $ 104,000  
United Kingdom
    25,000       28,000       28,000  
France
    38,000       30,000       21,000  

Competition

The market for fragrances and fragrance related 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.

In the specialty retail market, we are primarily sell products directly to Gap and Banana Republic stores, New York & Company stores, Brooks Brother stores and bebe stores, so we do not have any direct competition. However, such special retail stores compete directly with other specialty retail stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria Secret, which thereby indirectly compete with us.

We compete in the mass market for fragrances, color cosmetics health and beauty aids primarily on the basis of price. At the present time, we are aware of approximately four established companies which market alternative designer fragrances similar to ours. Many of our competitors of both mass market color cosmetics (such as L’Oreal and Revlon) and health and beauty aids (such as Proctor and Gamble) have substantial financial resources as well as national and international marketing campaigns. However, we believe that consumer recognition of our two brands, Aziza for mass market color cosmetics, and Intimate for health and beauty aids, together with competitive pricing of our products, helps us compete in those markets.
 
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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 product to customers within 72 hours of the receipt of their orders.

Product Liability

We maintain product liability coverage in an amount of $5,000,000. 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” under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act.  A fragrance must comply with the labeling requirements of this FDC Act as well as the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and its regulations. Some of our color cosmetic products may contain menthol 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.

Our fragrances are subject 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.

Our fragrances that are manufactured in France are subject to certain regulatory requirements of the European Union, but as of the date of this report, we have not experienced any material difficulties in complying with such requirements.
 
Trademarks

The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the value associated with our trademarks and brand names. We own, or have licenses or other rights to use, 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 is important to our business.  Although most of our brand names 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.

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

 
·
Burberry
 
·
Van Cleef & Arpels
 
·
Gap
 
·
Banana Republic
 
·
New York & Company (U.S. only)
 
·
Brooks Brothers
 
·
bebe
 
·
S.T. Dupont
 
·
Paul Smith
 
·
Christian Lacroix
 
·
Quiksilver and Roxy
 
·
Jordache

In addition, we are the registered trademark owner of many trademarks, including:

 
·
Lanvin
 
·
Intimate
 
·
Aziza
 
·
Nickel
 
·
Regal Collections, Royal Selections, Euro Collections and Apple

Employees

As of March 1, 2009 we had 245 full-time employees world-wide. Of these, 152 are full-time employees in Paris, with 47 employees engaged in sales activities and 105 in administrative, production and marketing activities. In the United States, 93 employees work full-time, and of these, 41 were engaged in sales activities and 52 in administrative, production and marketing activities. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this report, 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 risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also harm our business. 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.

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Our business could be adversely affected by a prolonged downturn or recession in the United States, Europe or other countries in which we conduct business.

A prolonged economic downturn or recession in the United States, Europe 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) our ability to collect accounts receivable on a timely basis from certain customers, (iii) our ability of certain suppliers to fill our orders for raw materials, packaging or co-packed finished goods on a timely basis, and (iv) the mix of our product sales.

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

We believe that the high degree of global economic uncertainty is expected to continue to have a 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 customers’ purchasing patterns. In addition, a general economic downturn may result in reduced traffic in our customers’ stores which may, in turn, result in reduced net sales to our customers. Any resulting material reduction in our sales could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Uncertainties and continued deterioration in global credit markets could negatively impact suppliers, customers and consumers, which could have an adverse impact on our business as a whole.

Uncertainties and continued deterioration in the global credit markets could negatively impact our suppliers, customers 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.
 
If our intangible assets, such as trademarks and goodwill, 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 licenses and goodwill, 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.
 
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We are dependent upon Burberry for a significant portion of our sales, and the loss of this license will have a material adverse effect on us.

Burberry is our most significant license, as sales of Burberry products represented 56%, 54% and 57% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In October 2004 our Paris-based subsidiary, Inter Parfums, S.A., entered into a 12.5-year, exclusive world-wide fragrance license with Burberry Limited, effective as of July 1, 2004, which replaced the original 1993 license. This license includes an additional five-year optional term that requires the consent of both Burberry and Inter Parfums, S.A., and must be exercised, if at all, prior to December 31, 2014. In addition, Burberry has the right on December 31, 2011 to buy back the license at its then fair market value. Further, this license provides for termination on a change in control of either, Inter Parfums, S.A., the licensee, or Inter Parfums, Inc., the guarantor.

This license is subject to Inter Parfums, S.A. making required royalty payments (which are subject to certain minimums), minimum advertising and promotional expenditures and meeting minimum sales requirements. The loss of this license will have a material adverse effect on us.

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, as well as all of our specialty retail brands, 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. In addition, 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.

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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 own, or have licenses or other rights to use, 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 is important to our business.  Although most of our brand names 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 success of our products is dependent on public taste.

Our revenues are substantially dependent on the success of our products, which depends upon, among other matters, pronounced and rapidly changing public tastes, factors which are difficult to predict and over which we have little, 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, financial condition and operating results.

We are subject to extreme competition in the fragrance industry.

The market for fragrances and fragrance related products is highly competitive and sensitive to changing market preferences and demands. Many of our competitors in this market (particularly in the prestige fragrance industry) are larger than we are and 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.

In the specialty retail market we primarily sell products directly to Gap and Banana Republic stores, New York & Company stores, Brooks Brother stores and bebe stores, so we do not have any direct competition. However, such special retail stores compete directly with other specialty retail stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria Secret, which thereby indirectly compete with us.

Our success with mass market fragrance and fragrance related products is dependent upon our ability to competitively price quality products and to quickly and efficiently develop and distribute new products.

If there is insufficient demand for our existing fragrances and fragrance related 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 effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

19


We are dependent upon specialty retailers to sell products that we develop for their retail stores.

We have agreements in place for Gap and Banana Republic brands, New York & Company brand, Brooks Brothers brand and bebe brand. We are responsible for product development, formula creation, packaging and manufacturing under all of those brands. Gap, a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies, New York & Company, Retail Brand Alliance (for Brooks Brothers) and bebe Stores, Inc., for bebe brand, are each responsible for marketing and selling the newly launched fragrance and fragrance related products in their stores.

If the sales and marketing efforts of those specialty retailers are not successful for the products that we have developed, then our future growth potential could be negatively impacted.

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 distribution arrangements, if any, will depend upon the capital resources and working capital available to us. Further, in view of the global banking crisis, 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.

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:

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

20

 
 
·
incurrence of significant immediate write-offs.
 
Our failure to successfully complete the integration of any acquired business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

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

Jean Madar, our Chief Executive Officer, and Philippe Benacin, our President and Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A., 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. We maintain key man insurance on the life of Mr. Benacin ($3.6 million) and are seeking to acquire a nominal amount of key man insurance on the life of Mr. Madar.  However, we cannot assure you that we would be able to retain suitable replacements for either Mr. Madar or Mr. Benacin.

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 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 which 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.

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 begun to modify our distribution model by the formation of joint ventures or company owned subsidiaries within key markets. 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.

21

 
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 one distribution facility in Paris and one in New Jersey.  The loss of one or both of those facilities, as well as the inventory stored in those facilities, would require us to find replacement facilities and assets. In addition, terrorist attacks, or weather conditions, such as natural disasters, could disrupt our distribution operations. If we cannot replace our distribution capacity and inventory in a timely, cost-efficient manner, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

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 portion of our European operations’ net sales (approximately 34% in 2008) are sold in U.S. dollars. In an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations, we engage in a program of cautious hedging of foreign currencies to minimize the risk arising from operations. 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 might also have a material adverse effect on our business.

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

Fragrances and fragrance related products must comply with the labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act as well as the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and their regulations. Some of our color cosmetic products may also be classified as 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.

Our fragrances are subject 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.

Our fragrances and fragrance related products that are manufactured in France are subject to certain regulatory requirements of the European Union, but as of the date of this report, we have not experienced any material difficulties in complying with such requirements.

However, we cannot assure you that, should we develop or market fragrances and fragrance related 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.

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.

22

 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 
23

 

Item 2.  Properties

United States Operations
 
Use
 
Location
   
Approximate
Size
 
Term Expires
 
Other
Information
Office Space-corporate headquarters and United States operations
 
 
551 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.
   
11,000 square feet
 
February 28, 2013
   
Distribution center
 
 
 
60 Stults Road
 Dayton, NJ
   
140,000 square feet
 
October 31, 2010
   
 Men’s Spa
 
Unit C2, 300 West 14th Street, New York, N.Y.
   
4,500 square feet
 
October 31, 2009
 
 
 
Option exercised for 5 year term

European Operations
 
Use
 
Location
 
Approximate
Size
 
Term Expires
 
Other
Information
Office Space-Paris corporate headquarters and European operations
 
4 Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
Ground and 1st Fl. Paris, France
 
571 square meters
 
March 2013
 
Lessee 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 meters
 
June 2014
 
Lessee 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 meters
 
March 2013
 
Lessee 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 meters
 
March 2013
 
Lessee 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 meters
 
September 2017
 
Lessee 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
Paris, France
 
60 square meters
 
September 2017
 
Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months notice
                 
Office Space-
Paris Accounting and Legal
 
39 avenue Franklin Roosevelt,
2nd Floor
Paris, France
 
360 square meters
 
December 2014
 
Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months notice
                 
Men’s Spa
 
48 Rue des Francs Bourgeois,
Paris, France
 
116 square meters
 
June 2011
 
Lessee has early termination right every 3 years on 6 months notice

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Inter Parfums, S.A. has an agreement with Sagatrans, S.A. for warehousing and distribution services through September 2011. Fees are calculated based upon a percentage of sales, which are customary in the industry.  Minimum future lease payments range from 2.8 million euro in 2008 increasing to 3.0 million euro in 2011.

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.  Submissions Of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders

Not  applicable.

 
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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 2008
 
High Closing Price
   
Low Closing Price
 
Fourth Quarter
   
13.88
     
5.04
 
Third Quarter
   
17.08
     
12.12
 
Second Quarter
   
19.96
     
14.00
 
First Quarter
   
14.92
     
9.03
 

Fiscal 2007
 
High Closing Price
   
Low Closing Price
 
Fourth Quarter
   
14.19
     
11.83
 
Third Quarter
   
19.45
     
13.63
 
Second Quarter
   
18.21
     
13.42
 
First Quarter
   
17.64
     
10.95
 

As of February 24, 2009 the number of record holders, which include brokers and broker's nominees, etc., of our common stock was 57.  We believe there are in excess of approximately 3400 beneficial owners of our common stock.

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 and the average performance of a group of the company’s peer corporations consisting of: Alberto-Culver, Avon Products Inc., Bare Escentuals, Inc., Blyth Inc., CCA Industries, Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., Elizabeth Arden, Inc., Estee Lauder Cosmetics, Inc., Inter Parfums, Inc., Kimberly Clark Corp., Natural Health Trends, Parlux Fragrances Inc., Physicians Formula Holdings, Procter & Gamble, Revlon, Inc., Spectrum Brands, Inc., Stephan Company, Summer Infant, Inc., and United Guardian, Inc. 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.

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

      12/03       12/04       12/05       12/06       12/07       12/08  
                                                 
Inter Parfums, Inc.
    100.00       70.88       80.80       87.06       82.27       53.38  
NASDAQ Composite
    100.00       110.08       112.88       126.51       138.13       80.47  
Peer Group
    100.00       112.32       114.06       130.59       150.80       126.46  
 
 
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Dividends

In December 2006, our board of directors increased our cash dividend from $.107 to $.133 per share per annum, payable $.033 on a quarterly basis. In December 2007 and again in December 2008, our board of directors authorized the continuation of our cash dividend of $.133 per share per annum, payable $.033 on a quarterly basis. The first cash dividend for 2009 of $.033 per share is payable on April 15, 2009 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2009.

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides for the requirement of unanimous approval of the members of our board of directors for the declaration or payment of dividends, if the aggregate amount of dividends to be paid by us and our subsidiaries in any fiscal year is more than thirty percent (30%) of our annual net income for the last completed fiscal year, as indicated by our consolidated financial statements.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

The following sets forth certain information as to the sales of unregistered securities, including options granted to purchase our common stock during the last quarter of the last fiscal year and through the date of this report, which were not registered under the Securities Act. In each of the transactions, we granted options to our non-employee directors, who are all deemed our affiliates. The 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.

On February 2, 2009, we granted options to purchase an aggregate of 4,000 shares for a five-year period at the exercise price of $6.148 per share, the fair market value on the date of grant, to 5 directors under our 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan. Such options vest 25% each year over a 4 year period on a cumulative basis.

Repurchases of Our Common Stock

For each of the three (3) months during the fourth quarter of 2008, we repurchased the following shares of our common stock:

Month
 
Number of Shares
 
       
October 2008
    0  
         
November 2008
    0  
         
December 2008
    468,137  
 
 
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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

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) 
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
                               
Income Statement Data:
                             
                               
Net Sales                                         
  $ 446,124     $ 389,560     $ 321,054     $ 273,533     $ 236,047  
                                         
Cost of Sales                                         
    191,915       160,137       143,855       115,827       113,988  
                                         
Selling, General and Administrative
    202,264       181,224       141,074       126,353       89,516  
                                         
Operating Income                                         
    51,009       47,331       36,125       31,353       32,543  
                                         
Income Before Taxes and Minority Interest
    46,434       47,276       37,135       31,724       31,638  
                                         
Net Income                                         
    23,765       23,817       17,742       15,263       15,703  
                                         
Net Income per Share:
                                       
   Basic                                         
  $ . 78     $ .78     $ .58     $ .51     $ .55  
   Diluted                                         
  $ .77     $ .76     $ .58     $ .50     $ .51  
Average Common Shares Outstanding:
                                       
   Basic                                         
    30,621       30,666       30,486       30,117       28,808  
   Diluted                                         
    30,778       31,004       30,853       30,731       30,741  
                                         
Depreciation and Amortization
  $ 9,925     $ 8,031     $ 5,347     $ 4,513     $ 3,988  

   
As at December 31,
 
(In thousands except per share data)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
                               
Balance Sheet And Other Data:
                             
                               
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
  $ 42,404     $ 90,034     $ 71,047     $ 59,532     $ 40,972  
                                         
Working Capital
    174,126       178,560       138,547       131,084      
129,866
 
                                         
Total Assets
    425,137       446,052       333,045       240,910       230,485  
                                         
Short-Term Bank Debt
    13,981       7,217       6,033       989       748  
                                         
Long-Term Debt (including current portion)
    41,043       59,733       10,769       13,212       19,617  
                                         
Stockholders’ Equity
    204,201       192,660       155,272       127,727       126,509  
                                         
Dividends per Share
  $ 0.133     $ 0.133     $ 0.107     $ 0.107     $ 0.08  

Item 7.  Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operation

Overview

We operate in the fragrance business, and manufacture, market and distribute a wide array of fragrances and fragrance related products. We manage our business in two segments, European based operations and United States based operations. Our prestige fragrance products are produced and marketed by our European operations through our 75% owned subsidiary in Paris, Inter Parfums, S.A., which is also a publicly traded company as 25% of Inter Parfums, S.A. shares trade on the Euronext. Prestige cosmetics and prestige skin care products represent less than 3% of consolidated net sales.

 
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We produce and distribute our prestige products primarily under license agreements with brand owners and prestige product sales represented approximately 87% of net sales in 2008.  We have built a portfolio of brands, which include Burberry, Lanvin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paul Smith, S.T. Dupont, Christian Lacroix, Quiksilver/Roxy and Nickel whose products are distributed in over 120 countries around the world. Burberry is our most significant license, as sales of Burberry products represented 56%, 54% and 57% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, sales of our Lanvin brand products represented 13%, 12% and 13% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Our specialty retail and mass-market fragrance and fragrance related products are marketed through our United States operations and represented 13% of sales in 2008. These products are sold under trademarks owned by us or pursuant to license or other agreements with the owners of the Gap, Banana Republic, New York & Company, Brooks Brothers, bebe and Jordache trademarks.

Historically, seasonality has not been a major factor for our company. However, with the commencement of operations in 2007 of our four majority-owned European distribution subsidiaries and our growing specialty retail product lines, sales are more concentrated in the second half of the year.

We grow our business in two distinct ways. First, we grow by adding new brands to our portfolio, either through new licenses or out-right acquisitions of brands. Second, we grow through the introduction of new products and supporting new and established products through advertising, merchandising and sampling as well as phasing out existing products that no longer meet the needs of our consumers. The economics of developing, producing, launching and supporting products influence our sales and operating performance each year.  Our 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 good for us and ship it back to our distribution center.

As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control. These factors include the effect of the current financial crisis and therefore the potential for further deterioration in consumer spending and consumer debt levels, as well as the continued availability of favorable credit sources and capital market conditions in general. The recent economic challenges and uncertainties in a number of countries where we do business, including the United States, has begun to impact on our business. This financial crisis is global in scale and has negatively affected consumer demand, which is having an adverse impact on our distributors and our retail customers. These events have led distributors and retailers to carry less inventory than usual and have resulted in changes in their ordering patterns for the products that we sell.  Although the impact of this financial crisis did not have a material impact in 2008, its effect in 2009 is expected to be challenging for us.

 
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We are reviewing our plans and taking actions to mitigate the impact of these conditions. Advertising and promotional budgets are being adjusted to align our spending with anticipated sales. In addition, we are implementing cost saving initiatives to right size our staff and maintain long-term profitable growth. As part of our strategy, we plan to continue to make investments behind fast-growing markets and channels to grow market share. While our business strategies are designed to strengthen our company over the long-term, we believe the uncertainty about future market conditions, consumer spending patterns and the financial strength of some of our customers, combined with the fact that distributors and retailers are carrying less inventory, will negatively affect our net sales and operating results.

In addition to the ongoing global financial crisis, our reported net sales have been negatively impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates caused by the dramatic strengthening of the U.S. dollar during the fourth quarter of 2008. If the current exchange rates persist or the U.S. dollar continues to strengthen, there will be a continuing adverse impact on our net sales in 2009. However, earnings are less affected by a strengthening dollar because over 30 percent of net sales of our European operations are denominated in U.S dollars, while all costs of our European operations are incurred in euro. Our company addresses 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. As a result of the dramatic strengthening of the U.S. dollar during the fourth quarter of 2008, we entered into $90 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge approximately 80% of our 2009 sales expected to be invoiced in U.S. dollars.

Recent Important Events

bebe Stores, Inc.

In July 2008, we entered into an exclusive six year worldwide agreement with bebe Stores, Inc. under which we will design, manufacture and supply fragrance, bath and body products and color cosmetics for company-owned bebe stores in the United States and Canada as well as select specialty and department stores worldwide.

Gap and Banana Republic International

In April 2008, we expanded our current relationship with Gap Inc. with the signing of a licensing agreement for international distribution of personal care products through Gap and Banana Republic stores as well as select specialty and department stores outside the United States, including duty-free and other travel related retailers. The agreement is effective through December 31, 2011.

 
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Brooks Brothers

In November 2007, we entered into exclusive agreements with Retail Brand Alliance, Inc., d/b/a/ Brooks Brothers (“Brooks Brothers”) under which we design, manufacture and supply personal care products for men and women sold at Brooks Brothers locations in the United States as well as a licensing agreement covering Brooks Brothers stores and specialty retail and department stores outside the United States, including duty free and other travel-related retailers.

Lanvin

In July 2007, we acquired the worldwide rights to the Lanvin brand names and international trademarks listed in Class 3 from Jeanne Lanvin, S.A. (“Lanvin”).  Among other items, Class 3 of the international classification of trademarks goods and services include: soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics and hair lotions. We paid €22 million (approximately $29.7 million) in cash for the brand names and trademarks and simultaneously terminated our existing license agreement. In addition, Lanvin has the right to repurchase the brand names and trademarks in 2025 for the greater of €70 million or one times the average of the annual sales for the years ending December 31, 2023 and 2024.

Prior to this acquisition, the amount paid to secure the license agreement with Lanvin was being amortized over the life of the license agreement. At June 30, 2007, that intangible asset, net of accumulated amortization aggregated €13.2 million. The €22 million paid in July 2007 for the brand names and trademarks together with the carrying value related to the license agreement represents the total cost of acquiring the brand names and trademarks.

New York & Company

In April 2007, we entered into an exclusive agreement with New York & Company, Inc. under which we design and manufacture personal care products sold at the New York & Company retail locations and on their website. We are responsible for product development, formula creation, packaging and manufacturing while New York & Company is responsible for marketing and selling in its stores.

Van Cleef & Arpels

In September 2006, we entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Van Cleef & Arpels Logistics SA, for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance and related bath and body products under the Van Cleef & Arpels brand and related trademarks.  The agreement runs through December 31, 2018. As an inducement to enter into this license agreement we paid, in January 2007,  €18 million (approximately $23.4 million) to Van Cleef & Arpels Logistics S.A., and we agreed to purchase existing inventory held by YSL Beauté, the former licensee. The license agreement became effective on January 1, 2007.

 
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Quiksilver

In March 2006, we entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Quiksilver, Inc. for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance, suncare, skincare and related products under the Roxy and Quiksilver brands. The agreement runs through 2017.

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.

The judgments used by management in applying critical accounting policies could be affected by a further and prolonged general deterioration in the economic environment, which could negatively influence future financial results and availability of continued financing. Specifically, subsequent evaluations of our accounts receivables, inventories, and deferred tax assets in light of the factors then prevailing, could result in significant changes in our allowance and reserve accounts in future periods which in turn could generate significant additional charges. Similarly, the valuation of certain intangible assets could be negatively impacted by prolonged and severely depressed market conditions thus leading to the recognition of impairment losses. The following is a brief discussion of the more critical accounting policies that we employ.

Revenue Recognition

We sell our products to department stores, perfumeries, specialty retailers, mass-market retailers, supermarkets 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 Euros or U.S. dollars. Accounts receivable reflect the granting of credit to these customers. We generally grant credit based upon our analysis of the customer’s financial position as well as previously established buying patterns. We recognize revenues when merchandise is shipped and the risk of loss passes to the customer. Net sales are comprised of gross revenues less returns, trade discounts and allowances.

Sales Returns

Generally, we do not permit customers to return their unsold products. However, on a case-by-case basis we occasionally allow customer returns. 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. 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.

 
33

 

Promotional Allowances

We have various performance-based arrangements with certain retailers. These arrangements primarily allow customers to take deductions against amounts owed to us for product purchases. The costs that our company incurs for performance based arrangements, shelf replacement costs and slotting fees are netted against revenues on our company’s consolidated statement of income. Estimated accruals for promotions and advertising programs are recorded in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. We review and revise the estimated accruals for the projected costs for these promotions. Actual costs incurred may differ significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from estimates if factors such as the level and success of the retailers’ programs or other conditions differ from our expectations.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market 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 requirements 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.

Long-lived assets, including trademarks, licenses, goodwill and other rights, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such asset may not be recoverable. For intangible assets with finite lives, if the sum of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest) is less than the carrying value, then we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The estimate of undiscounted cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance. Our estimates of undiscounted cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to our business model or changes in consumer acceptance of our products. In those cases where we determine that the useful life of long-lived assets should be shortened, we would depreciate 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.

 
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Derivatives

We account for derivative financial instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, which establish accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities.  This statement also requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and that they be 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

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Tax benefits recognized are reduced by a valuation allowance where it is more likely than not that the benefits may not be realized.

Results of Operations

Net Sales
   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
% Change
   
2007
   
% Change
   
2006
 
   
(in millions)
 
       
European based product sales
  $ 386.4       17 %   $ 330.8       22 %   $ 270.1  
United States based product sales
    59.7       1 %     58.8       15 %     51.0  
Total net sales
  $ 446.1       15 %   $ 389.6       21 %   $ 321.1  
 
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased 15% to $446.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2007, net sales were up 21%. At comparable foreign currency exchange rates, net sales rose 12% and 15% for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The weakness of the US dollar relative to the euro gave rise to the difference between constant dollar and reported net sales in 2008 and 2007.

 
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European based prestige product sales, which were up 22% in 2007, grew an additional 17% in 2008. Burberry fragrances continued to drive sales growth with an increase of 18% (14% in local currency) aggregating $248 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, as compared to $210 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. In 2008, the increase in Burberry fragrance sales was the result of the successful launch of Burberry The Beat. With no major Burberry launches in 2007 other than seasonal additions, Burberry fragrance also performed well and sales reached $210 million, up 10% in local currency.

Two additional major product launches, Van Cleef & Arpels Feerie and Jeanne Lanvin, contributed to top line growth in 2008. We began operations pursuant to our exclusive, worldwide license with Van Cleef & Arpels in January 2007. Sales of products under the Van Cleef & Arpels brand aggregated $30.9 million in 2008 as compared to $16.3 million in 2007. With respect to Lanvin, after significant growth in 2006 and no major new product launches in 2007, sales of Lanvin fragrances reached $46 million in 2007. In 2008, aided by the launch of the new Jeanne Lanvin fragrance, Lanvin fragrance sales increased 25% to $57 million, as compared to 2007.

With no new product launches in 2008, Paul Smith fragrance sales were disappointing, registering a decline of 20% as compared to 2007. Paul Smith is a regional brand with a high concentration of sales in Western Europe, especially the United Kingdom. We believe that the difficult economic situation in that region, combined with no new product launches, contributed to the sales decline. In 2007, Paul Smith fragrance sales were basically unchanged from 2006 levels.

Despite the challenging economic environment, European based prestige product sales, which increased slightly in North America, showed strong growth in Eastern Europe (up 28%), Middle East (up 30%), South America (up 23%) and Asia (up 11%) in local currency for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the prior year.

We are preparing for a very active 2009 new product launch schedule for European-based operations which began in January with the global rollout of the men’s version of Burberry The Beat. We also have a new Paul Smith fragrance for men, and a Lanvin L’Homme Sport line, with tennis star, Rafael Nadel as its spokesperson. The Quiksilver signature fragrance for men is also in our rollout schedule, as is a limited edition, high-end women’s fragrance for the Van Cleef & Arpels brand.

With respect to our United States specialty retail and mass market products, net sales were up an additional 1% in 2008 after rising 15% in 2007 and 49% in 2006. After launching products for Banana Republic’s North American stores in 2006, in May 2007, over 150 Gap Body stores in the United States and Canada unveiled more than 70 new bath and body products we created for them. The bath and body line was followed in August 2007 by new Gap eau de toilette products and men’s fragrance and grooming products. All product lines were rolled out to approximately 200 Gap stores in August 2007 and approximately 300 additional Gap stores in October 2007.

In addition to continuing to sell in 2008 products initially rolled out in 2007, United States based product sales in 2008 also reflects international distribution of Gap and Banana Republic products. In 2008, we expanded our relationship with Gap Inc. with the signing of a licensing agreement for international distribution of personal care products through Gap and Banana Republic stores as well as select specialty and department stores outside the United States, including duty-free and other travel related retailers. The agreement is effective through December 31, 2011.

 
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Through the first nine months of 2008 United States specialty retail and mass-market product net sales were up 18%, as compared to the corresponding period in 2007, as a steady domestic business combined with a new and vibrant international business to drive increased sales. However, for the three months ended December 31, 2008 United States specialty retail and mass-market product net sales declined 24%, as compared to the corresponding period of the prior year. The 2007 fourth quarter launch of a complete line of bath and beauty products to over 500 New York & Company stores generated pipeline sales of approximately $3.7 million creating a very difficult comparison for the fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, a portion of sales by our United States operations are direct to retailer and it was our level of sales to these customers where we first saw the effect of the global financial crisis as discussed above. The recent economic challenges and uncertainties in the United States, has begun to impact our business. This financial crisis has negatively affected consumer demand, which is having an adverse impact on our retail customers. These events have led retailers to carry less inventory than usual and has resulted in changes in their ordering patterns for the products that we sell. 

In the spring of 2009, Close, a new Gap fragrance will be launched at approximately 550 Gap stores and roughly 175 Gap Body stores nationwide, followed by international distribution expected to reach 5,000 doors in the second half of 2009. In August 2009, new fragrances for men and women will be launched at Banana Republic stores in North America with international distribution following shortly thereafter.

New product introductions are also in the works for our other specialty retail partners. In November 2008, we shipped the Brooks Brothers New York collection for men and women to Brooks Brothers U.S. stores and international distribution is scheduled for 2009. In addition, a new fragrance introduction for the spring of 2009, called Black Fleece is in the works, In July 2008, we entered into an exclusive six year worldwide agreement with bebe Stores, Inc. under which we will design, manufacture and supply fragrance, bath and body products and color cosmetics for company-owned bebe stores in the United States and Canada as well as select specialty and department stores worldwide. Our signature bebe fragrance will be unveiled at bebe stores in the U.S. in August followed by worldwide distribution in the third quarter of 2009. While we have discontinued the bath and body program for New York & Company stores, we plan to introduce a new fragrance for New York & Company in the second half of 2009.

Sales of mass market fragrance products have been in a decline for several years. We have no plans to discontinue sales to this market which aggregated approximately $21 million and $24 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and contributes significantly to our United States based operations. We have and will however, continue to consolidate our product offerings.

In addition, we are actively pursuing other new business opportunities. However, we cannot assure you that any new licenses, acquisitions or specialty retail agreements will be consummated.

 
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Gross Profit Margins

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in millions)
 
       
Net sales                                         
  $ 446.1     $ 389.6     $ 321.1  
Cost of sales                                         
    191.9       160.2       143.9  
Gross margin                                         
  $ 254.2     $ 229.4     $ 177.2  
Gross margin as a  percent of net sales
    57 %     59 %     55 %

Gross profit margins were 57% in 2008, 59% in 2007 and 55% in 2006. The decline is primarily the effect the decline of the US dollar against the euro has on our European based product sales to United States customers. Sales to these customers are denominated in dollars while our costs are incurred in euro.

Although gross margins from individual product families have remained relatively consistent, sales of products from our European based prestige fragrances have always generated significantly higher gross profit margins than sales of our United States based specialty retail and mass market products. Fluctuations in sales product mix between our European operations and our United States operations had a small mitigating effect on the 2008 decline in gross margin. Sales from United States operations grew 1% while sales from European operations grew 17% in 2008, as compared to 2007.

 For 2007, approximately 75% of the gross profit margin as a percentage of sales increase, as compared to 2006, is the result of the commencement of operations of our newly established majority-owned European distribution subsidiaries. The balance of the increase is a result of product sales mix within our United States based operations, as specialty retail product sales generate a higher gross margin than mass market product sales.

Generally, we do not bill customers for shipping and handling costs and such costs, which aggregated $6.2 million in both 2008 and 2007 and $5.5 million in 2006 are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. As such, our company’s gross profit may not be comparable to other companies which may include these expenses as a component of cost of goods sold.

Selling, General & Administrative Expense

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in millions)
 
       
Selling, general & administrative
  $ 202.3     $ 181.2     $ 141.1  
Selling, general & administrative as a percent of net sales
    45 %     47 %     44 %
 
Selling, general and administrative expense increased 12% for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to 2007 and 28% for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to 2006. As a percentage of sales selling, general and administrative expense was 45%, 47% and 44% for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 
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Two major components of selling, general and administrative expense are promotion and advertising expenditures and royalty expense. Promotion and advertising aggregated $65.8 million, $58.5 million and $46.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Royalty expense aggregated $37.3 million, $35.6 million and $31.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for 2008 and 2007 also includes approximately $13 million and $12 million, respectively, in servicing fees related to the operations of our majority-owned European distribution subsidiaries which commenced operations in 2007.

We review goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The goodwill relates to our Nickel skin care business which is primarily a component of our European based operations. In performing our annual review of the recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill, we determined that Nickel product sales, although up slightly in 2008 as compared to 2007, continue to be lower than we originally anticipated. Therefore, the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeded fair value determined by comparison to prices of comparable businesses resulting in impairment losses of $0.9 million in both 2008 and 2007.

Income from operations increased 8% to $51.0 million in 2008, as compared to $47.3 million in 2007. In 2007, income from operations increased 31% to $47.3 million, as compared to $36.1 million in 2006. Operating margins aggregated 11.4%, 12.1% and 11.3% for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Interest expense aggregated $4.9 million, $3.7 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We use the credit lines available to us, as needed, to finance our working capital needs as well as our financing needs for acquisitions. We entered into an €18 million and a €22 million long-term credit facility in January and September 2007, respectively, to finance payments required for the Van Cleef & Arpels license agreement and the acquisition of the Lanvin trademarks. In connection with certain debt facilities, we entered into swap transactions. These derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of income. As a result of the steep decline in interest rates during the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a charge to interest expense of $0.8 million relating to the change in the fair value of interest rate swaps.

Foreign currency gains or (losses) aggregated ($1.4) million, ($0.2) million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposure related to certain foreign currency commitments. As a result of the dramatic strengthening of the U.S. dollar during our fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008, we entered into $90 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge approximately 80% of our 2009 sales expected to be invoiced in U.S. dollars. Hedge effectiveness 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. As of December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a charge of $0.8 million relating to the change in spot-forward difference.

 
39

 

Our effective income tax rate was 35.1%, 35.5% and 35.6% for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Our effective tax rates differ from statutory rates due to the effect of state and local taxes and tax rates in foreign jurisdictions which are slightly higher than those in the United States. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, valuation allowances of $0.8 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million have been provided against certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards, as future profitable operations from certain foreign subsidiaries might not be sufficient to realize the full amount of net operating loss carryforwards recognized. In 2008, one of those foreign subsidiaries, Nickel S.A. was merged into Inter Parfums, S.A. As a result of the merger we recognized the utilization of certain foreign operating loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances had previously been recorded. As a result, the 2008 tax provision has been reduced by a benefit of approximately $0.7 million.

We did not experience any significant changes in tax rates, and none were expected in jurisdictions where we operate.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands except per share data)
 
                         
Net income
  $ 23,765     $ 23,817     $ 17,742  
Net income per share:
                       
Basic
  $ 0.78     $ 0.78     $ 0.58  
Diluted
  $ 0.77     $ 0.76     $ 0.58  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    30,621       30,666       30,486  
Diluted
    30,778       31,004       30,853  

Net income was unchanged and aggregated $23.8 million in both 2008 and 2007. In 2007 net income increased 16% to $23.8 million, as compared to $17.7 million in 2006. Net margins aggregated 5.4%, 6.1% and 5.5% for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Diluted earnings per share aggregated $0.77, $0.76 and $0.58 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Weighted average shares outstanding aggregated 30.6 million, 30.7 million and 30.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. On a diluted basis, average shares outstanding were 30.8 million, 31.0 million and 30.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our financial position remains strong. At December 31, 2008, working capital aggregated $174 million and we had a working capital ratio of 2.3 to 1. Cash and cash equivalents aggregated $42 million.

 
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Our short-term financing requirements are expected to be met by available cash on hand at December 31, 2008, cash generated by operations and short-term credit lines provided by domestic and foreign banks. The principal credit facilities for 2009 consist of a $15.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit provided by a domestic commercial bank and approximately $45.0 million in credit lines provided by a consortium of international financial institutions. As of December 31, 2008, short-term borrowings aggregated $14.0 million.

In 2007, we financed the acquisition of the worldwide rights to the Lanvin brand names and international trademarks and the license for the Van Cleef & Arpels brand and related trademarks by entering into five-year credit agreements. The long-term credit facilities provides for principal and interest to be repaid in 20 quarterly installments. As of December 31, 2008, total long-term debt including current maturities aggregated $41.0 million.

In December 2007, we acquired an additional 1.2% interest in IPSA, our majority owned French subsidiary, from its minority shareholders for approximately $6.3 million in cash. An additional 3.6% interest was acquired in 2008 for approximately $18.5 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method and brings our ownership interest in Inter Parfums, S.A. to approximately 75%.

Cash provided by (used-in) operating activities aggregated ($6.4) million, $38.5 million and $13.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Inventories increased 22% and accounts receivables increased 7% in 2008 as compared to 2007, while sales for the same period increased 15%. Inventories are built to support projected sales including new product launches. The significant decline in accounts payable and accrued expenses reflects a portion of the 2007 inventory buildup which was paid for in 2008.

The 2007 significant inventory build up was required to support the debut of the newest Burberry fragrance family, Burberry Beat, which we began shipping to customers in the first quarter of 2008. The effect on cash flow from operations in 2007 was minimal as this increase was offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Overall, changes in working capital items had a minimal effect on 2007 cash flow from operations. Net income as adjusted for non cash items, including depreciation and amortization and minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary, resulted in substantial positive operating cash flow for the year.

In addition to the acquisition of minority interests mentioned above, cash flows used in investing activities in 2008 also reflects payments of approximately $3.8 million for capital items. Our business is not capital intensive as we do not own any manufacturing facilities. We typically spend between $2.0 and $3.0 million per year on tools and molds, depending on our new product development calendar. The balance of capital expenditures is for office fixtures, computer equipment and industrial equipment needed at our distribution centers.  Capital expenditures in 2009 are expected to be in the range of $3.0 million to $4.0 million, considering our 2009 launch schedule.

Cash flows used in investing activities in 2007 reflects $58.7 million in payments required in connection with our acquisition of the Van Cleef & Arpels license agreement, the Lanvin trademarks and other intangible assets. The proceeds from long-term debt facilities entered into in connection with these acquisitions are reflected in financing activities. In 2007 we also received net proceeds of approximately $13 million from the sale of short-term investments which was used to finance our working capital needs and approximately $2.4 million was spent for capital items.

 
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In February 2008, the board of directors of the Company authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company is authorized to repurchase a maximum of 500,000 shares of its common stock in the open market. In February 2008, 194,286 shares of the Company’s common stock were repurchased at an average price of $11.30 per common share. In June 2008, the board of directors authorized a reset of the stock repurchase program whereby the Company was authorized to repurchase a maximum of 500,000 shares of its common stock in the open market. In December 468,137 shares of the Company’s common stock was repurchased at an average price of $5.92 per common share and the board of directors authorized an additional 1 million to be potentially purchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program. Under the current program, as of December 31, 2008 the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1,031,863 additional shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
In December 2008, our board of directors authorized a continuation of our cash dividend of $0.133 per share, aggregating approximately $4.0 million per annum, payable $.033 per share on a quarterly basis. Our next cash dividend of $.033 per share is to be paid on April 15, 2009 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2009. Dividends paid, including dividends paid once per year to minority stockholders of Inter Parfums, S.A., aggregated $5.8 million, $5.5 million and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The cash dividends paid in 2008 represented a small part of our cash position and the dividends for 2009 are not expected to have any significant impact on our financial position.

We believe that funds generated from operations, supplemented by our present cash position and available credit facilities, 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, 2008.

 
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Contractual Obligations

The following table sets for a schedule of our contractual obligations over the periods indicated in the table, as well as our total contractual obligations ($ in thousands).

Contractual Obligations
 
Payments due by period
 
   
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
Years
 2-3
   
Years
4-5
   
More than
5 years
 
Long-Term Debt
  $ 41,000     $ 13,400     $ 23,000     $ 4,600        
Capital Lease Obligations
                                     
Operating Leases
  $ 27,100     $ 7,100     $ 13,000     $ 4,300     $ 2,700  
Purchase obligations(1)
  $ 1,306,500     $ 137,700     $ 293,400     $ 313,900     $ 561,500  
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Registrant's Balance Sheet under GAAP
                                       
Total
  $ 1,374,600     $ 158,200     $ 329,400     $ 322,800     $ 564,200  

(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, 2008, 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 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 Inter Parfums, S.A., 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.

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.

 
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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.

As a result of the dramatic strengthening of the U.S. dollar during our fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008, we entered into $90 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge approximately 80% of our 2009 sales expected to be invoiced in U.S. dollars. Hedge effectiveness 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. As of December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a charge of $0.8 million relating to the change in spot-forward difference. At December 31, 2008, we had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward exchange contracts in the amount of approximately U.S. $128 million, GB pounds 3.7 million, and Japanese yen 95.8 million which have varying maturities of less than a year except for U.S. $21 million which have maturities of 13 to 16 months. 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 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. We have entered into two (2) interest rate swaps to reduce exposure to rising variable interest rates. The first swap, entered into in 2004, effectively exchanged the variable interest rate of 0.6% above the three month EURIBOR to a variable rate based on the 12 month EURIBOR rate with a floor of 3.25% and a ceiling of 3.85%. The remaining balance owed pursuant to this facility is €4.8 million. The second swap entered into in September 2007 on €22 million of debt, effectively exchanged the variable interest rate of 0.6% above the three month EURIBOR to a fixed rate of 4.42%. These derivative instruments are 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, 2008
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

   
1st  Quarter
   
2nd Quarter
   
3rd Quarter
   
4th Quarter
   
Full Year
 
                               
Net Sales
  $ 123,163     $ 99,078     $ 123,531     $ 100,352     $ 446,124  
                                         
Gross Profit
    74,088       55,974       67,325       56,822       254,209  
                                         
Net Income
    8,708       3,772       6,188       5,097       23,765  
Net Income per Share:
                                       
   Basic
  $ .28     $ .12     $ .20     $ .17     $ .78  
   Diluted
  $ .28     $ .12     $ .20     $ .17     $ .77  
Average Common Shares
                                       
Outstanding:
                                       
   Basic
    30,722       30,627       30,632       30,504       30,621  
   Diluted
    30,809       30,914       30,886       30,504       30,778  

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
 
   
1st  Quarter
   
2nd Quarter
   
3rd Quarter
   
4th Quarter
   
Full Year
 
                               
Net Sales
  $ 85,120     $ 82,764     $ 102,320     $ 119,356     $ 389,560  
                                         
Gross Profit
    51,933       48,149       60,066       69,275       229,423  
                                         
Net Income
    5,793       3,749       5,660       8,615       23,817  
Net Income per Share:
                                       
   Basic
  $ .19     $ .12     $ .18     $ .28     $ .78  
   Diluted
  $ .19     $ .12     $ .18     $ .27     $ .76  
Average Common Shares
                                       
Outstanding:
                                       
   Basic
    30,654       30,656       30,656       30,647       30,666  
   Diluted
    30,930       31,087       31,018       30,932       31,004  
 
Item 9.  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

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 disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to our Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities, so that such material information is recorded, processed and reported in a timely manner, particularly during the period in which this annual report on Form 10-K was being prepared, and that no changes were required at this time.

 
45

 

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 for the company. 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 in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, 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, 2008.

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

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Inter Parfums, Inc.

We have audited Inter Parfums, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Inter Parfums, Inc.’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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.

 
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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 the changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Inter Parfums, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Inter Parfums, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 and our report dated March 11, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Mazars LLP

New York, New York
March 11, 2009

Item 9A(T). Controls and Procedures.

Not Applicable.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

 
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PART III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers Of the Registrant

Executive Officers and Directors

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

Name
 
Position
Jean Madar
 
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, Inc. and
Director General of Inter Parfums, S.A.
Philippe Benacin
 
Vice Chairman of the Board, President of Inter Parfums, Inc. and
Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A.
Russell Greenberg
 
Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Philippe Santi
 
Director, Executive Vice President and Director General Delegué, Inter Parfums, S.A.
Francois Heilbronn
 
Director
Jean Levy
 
Director
Robert Bensoussan-Torres
 
Director
Serge Rosinoer
 
Director
Patrick Choël
 
Director
Hugues de la Chevasnerie
 
Director of Burberry Fragrances, Inter Parfums, S.A.
Frederic Garcia-Pelayo
 
Director of the Luxury and Fashion division of  Inter Parfums, S.A.
Axel Marot
 
Director of Production & Logistics, Inter Parfums, S.A.
Henry B. (“Andy”) Clarke
  
President of Specialty Retail Division, Inter Parfums USA, LLC

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 in a like manner. As Messrs. Madar and Benacin beneficially own more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Inter Parfums’ common stock, Inter Parfums is considered a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market.

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 19 meetings (or executed consents in lieu thereof), including meetings of committees of the full board of directors during 2008, 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.

 
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During 2008 our board of directors initially consisted of eleven (11) directors. During October 2008 Mr. Jean Cailliau stepped down from our board for personal reasons, and during January 2009 Mr. Joseph A. Caccamo stepped down from our board for personal reasons. Neither director had any disputes or disagreements with our company. Our board of directors presently consists of nine (9) directors, with a majority of independent directors.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct, 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, at www.interparfumsinc.com.

During 2008 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 an audit report for our company. During 2008, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Heilbronn, Levy and Choël.

The Audit Committee does not have a member who is an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” as such term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations. 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.

 
·
Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee – The Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee oversees the compensation of our company’s executives and administers our company’s stock option plans. During 2008, the members of such committee consisted of Messrs. Heilbronn, Levy and Choël. We presently do not have a separate charter for our Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee.

Our board of directors does not maintain a standing nominating committee or a committee performing similar functions. In view of the agreement and understanding of Messrs. Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin who beneficially own more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Inter Parfums’ common stock and have agreed to vote their shares in a like manner, our board of directors does not believe it necessary for our company to have such a committee. Also as a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, we are exempt from the nominating committee requirements. During 2008, our board of directors as a group agreed to nominate the same members of the board who had served the prior year.

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.

 
49

 

Jean Madar

Jean Madar, age 48, a Director, has been the Chairman of the Board since our company’s inception, and is a co-founder of our company with Mr. Philippe Benacin. From inception until December 1993 he was the President of our company; in January 1994 he became Director General of Inter Parfums, S.A., our company’s subsidiary; and in January 1997 he became Chief Executive Officer of our company. Mr. Madar was previously the managing director of Inter Parfums, S.A., 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) in 1983.

Philippe Benacin

Mr. Benacin, age 50, a Director, has been the Vice Chairman of the Board since September 1991, and is a co-founder of our company 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 Inter Parfums, S.A. for more than the past five years.  Mr. Benacin graduated from The French University for Economic and Commercial Sciences (ESSEC) in 1983.

Russell Greenberg

Mr. Greenberg, age 52, the Chief Financial Officer, was Vice-President, Finance when he joined the Company in June 1992; became Executive Vice President in April 1993; and was appointed to our board of directors in February 1995. He is a certified public accountant licensed in the State of New York, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 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.

Philippe Santi

Philippe Santi, age 47 and a Director since December 1999, is the Director General Delegué – Executive Vice President of Inter Parfums, S.A. Mr. Santi, who is a is a Certified Accountant and Statutory Auditor in France, has been the Chief Financial Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A. since February 1995. Prior to February 1995, Mr. Santi was the Chief Financial Officer for Stryker France and an Audit Manager for Ernst and Young.

Francois Heilbronn

Mr. Heilbronn, age 48, a Director since 1988, an independent director and a member of the Audit 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.

 
50

 

Jean Levy

Jean Levy, age 76, a Director since August 1996, an independent director and a member of the Audit Committee and the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee, worked for twenty-seven years at L'Oreal, and was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cosmair, the exclusive United States licensee of L'Oreal, from 1983 through June 1987. In addition, he is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi Beaute (France). For the more than the past five years, Mr. Levy has been an independent advisor as well as a consultant for economic development to local governments in France. A graduate of l'Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, he also attended Yale Graduate School and was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.  He was also a Professor at l'Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. He was formerly a director of  Zannier Group  and Escada Beaute Worldwide and Rallye, S.A. In addition, Mr. Levy was also a director (Chairman of the Board until October 2001) of Financière d'Or, and its subsidiary, Histoire d'Or which is in the retail jewelry business. Mr. Levy was formerly a consultant to Ernst & Young, Paris through 2004. He is currently a board member of Price Minister, an internet based retailer located in Paris.

Robert Bensoussan-Torres

Robert Bensoussan-Torres, age 51, has been a Director since March 1997, and also is an independent director. Mr. Bensoussan is the co-founder of Sirius Equity, a retail and branded luxury goods investment company. In November 2001, he became the Chief Executive Officer of Jimmy Choo Ltd., a luxury shoe and ready to wear accessory company. In 2007 Jimmy Choo Ltd. was sold to a private equity firm. From 1999 to December 2000, he was the Managing Director of Gianfranco Ferre fashion group, based in Milano, Italy. Previously Mr. Bensoussan-Torres was a Director of Towers Consulting Europe, Ltd. Towers Consulting Europe, Ltd. is a consulting company based in London, which specializes in strategic advise in connection with mergers and acquisitions in the luxury goods business. Mr. Bensoussan-Torres was the Chief Executive Officer of Christian Lacroix, Paris, a subsidiary of LVMH Group, from February 1993 until May 1998. Christian Lacroix is a French Haute Couture House and has activities in the field of apparel, accessories and fragrances. From December 1990 through January 1993 he was based in Munich, Germany, as the International Sales Director of The Escada Group.

Serge Rosinoer

Mr. Rosinoer, age 78, was appointed to our board of directors in December 2000, as an independent director. Mr. Rosinoer has devoted most of his career to the personal care, cosmetics and fragrance industry.  Mr. Serge Rosinoer is presently the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Clarins SA.  In 1978, Mr. Rosinoer joined the Clarins Group as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer where he was largely responsible for its rapid international expansion.  As COO, then CEO since 1978, Mr. Rosinoer oversaw the transformation of Clarins into a major force in cosmetics, skin care and fragrance, with annual sales of approximately 600 million Euro and more than 4,000 employees.  He retired from active duty in June of 2000, but continues to serve on the board of directors of Clarins.  Earlier in his career he was President of Parfums Corday.  He also held senior level executive positions at Max Factor, where he had full supervision of that cosmetics company’s European production and sales. Mr. Rosinoer has served several terms as President of the French Prestige Cosmetics Association and currently serves as Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France.

 
51

 

Patrick Choël

Mr. Choël, age 65, was appointed to the board of directors in June 2006 as an independent director, and is a member of both the Audit Committee and the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Mr. Choël is the manager of Université 82, a business consultant and advisor. For approximately 10 years, through March 2004, Mr. Choël worked as the President and CEO of two divisions of LVMH, first the LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics Division, which included such well known brands as Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, and Parfums Givenchy, among others, and later, Parfums Christian Dior, a leading world-wide prestige beauty/fragrances business. Prior to such time, for approximately 30 years, he work at various executive positions at Unilever, including President and CEO of Elida Fabergé France and President and CEO of Chesebrough Pond’s USA.

Hugues de la Chevasnerie

Hugues de la Chevasnerie, age 40, became the Director of Burberry Fragrances in December 2006. Prior to joining Burberry Fragrances, Mr. Chevasnerie was from February 2002 the Vice President of International Marketing, Davidoff & Chloé, at Coty Inc. From 1994 to 2002, he held various positions at LVMH- Parfums Christian Dior, including Group Head for Men’s Perfumes from 1999 to 2002.

Frederic Garcia-Pelayo

Frederic Garcia-Pelayo, age 50, became the Director of the Luxury and Fashion division of Inter Parfums, S.A. in March 2005. He was previously the Director of Marketing and Distribution for Perfume and Cosmetics for Inter Parfums, S.A. and was named Executive Vice President in 2004. Previously Mr. Garcia-Pelayo was the Director of Export Sales of Inter Parfums, S.A. from September 1994. Prior to September 1994, Mr. Garcia-Pelayo was the Export Manager for Benetton Perfumes for seven (7) years.

Axel Marot

Axel Marot, age 35, was the Supply Chain Manager when he joined Inter Parfums, S.A. in 2003 and has been the Director of Operations for Inter Parfums, S.A. since January 2005. Prior to joining Inter Parfums, S.A., Mr. Marot was a Supply Chain Manager for Nestlé.

 
52

 

Andy Clarke

Henry B. “Andy” Clarke, age 48, was appointed as President of Inter Parfums USA, LLC – Specialty Retail Division in January 2008, which presently encompasses fragrance and personal care products produced for Gap, Banana Republic, New York & Company, Brooks Brothers and bebe.  Mr. Clarke has been employed by our company since 2001. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Clarke had spent seventeen years in the beauty business in various capacities.
 
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, except for each of Messrs. Benacin and Madar, who each filed one Form 4, 15 days late in October 2008 reporting one sale of 61 shares.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to, our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and each of the 3 most highly compensated executive officers of our Company whose compensation exceeded $100,000 per annum for services rendered in all capacities to our Company and its subsidiaries during fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. For all compensation related matters disclosed in this Item 11, all amounts paid in euro have been converted to US dollars at the average rate of exchange in each year.

 
53

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Name and Principal Position
 
Year
 
Salary ($)
   
Bonus ($)
   
Stock
Awards ($)
   
Option
Awards
 ($)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
   
Change in Pension
Value and 
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
   
All Other
Compensation ($)
   
Total ($)
 
                                                     
Jean Madar,
 
2008
    400,000       -0-       -0-       98,000       -0-       -0-       -0-       498,000  
Chief Executive Officer
 
2007
    400,000       100,000       -0-       124,000       -0-       -0-       429,750 1      1,053,750  
   
2006
    400,000       -0-       -0-       252,000       -0-       -0-       2,974,944 2      3,626,944  
                                                                     
Russell Greenberg, Chief
 
2008
    435,000       35,000       -0-       37,000       -0-       -0-       48,214 3      555,214  
Financial Officer
 
2007
    405,000       43,100       -0-       98,000       -0-       -0-       246,590 4      792,690  
   
2006
    375,000       30,000       -0-       167,000       -0-       -0-       304,214 5      876,214  
                                                                     
Philippe Benacin, President of
 
2008
    324,489       229,258       -0-       98,000       -0-       11,757       227,485 6      890,989  
Inter Parfums, Inc. and Chief
 
2007
    263,750       170,000       -0-       124,000       -0-       10,610       523,299 7      1,091,659  
Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A.
 
2006
    226,206       153,174       -0-       252,000       -0-       8,800       1,298,801 8      1,938,981  
                                                                     
Philippe Santi,
 
2008
    324,489       229,258       -0-       49,000       22,632       11,757       154,308 9      791,444  
Executive Vice President and
 
2007
    263,750       216,000       -0-       -0-       27,474       10,610       -0- 10      517,834  
Director General Delegue, Inter
 
2006
    226,206       197,302       -0-       105,000       22,621       8,800       405,801 11      965,730  
Parfums, S.A.
                                                                   
                                                                     
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo,
 
2008
    324,489       229,258       -0-       49,000       22,632       11,757       -0- 12      637,136  
Director Export Sales,
 
2007
    263,750       216,000       -0-       -0-       27,474       10,610       211,225 13      729,059  
Inter Parfums, S.A.
 
2006
    226,206       197,302       -0-       166,000       22,621       8,800       259,956 14      880,885  
 
 
54

 
 

1
Consists of $429,750 realized upon the exercise of options.
2
Consists of $654,500 realized upon the exercise of options, and $2,320,444 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.

3
Consists of $2,214 for automobile expenses and $46,000 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
4
Consists of $2,214 for automobile expenses and $166,590 realized upon exercise of options and $80,000 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
5
Consists of $2,214 for automobile expenses and $235,000 realized upon exercise of options and $67,000 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.

6
Consists of lodging expenses of $88,167, $15,872 for automobile expenses, and $123,446 realized upon the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
7
Consists of lodging expenses of $82,422, $11,127 for automobile expenses, and $429,750 realized upon the exercise of options.
8
Consists of lodging expenses of $75,402, $8,797 for automobile expenses, $654,500 realized upon the exercise of options, and $560,102 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.

9
Consists of $153,308 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
10
Consists of $0 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
11
Consists of $405,801 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.

12
Consists of $0 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
13
Consists of $211,225 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.
14
Consists of $259,956 realized on the exercise of options of Inter Parfums, S.A.

Compensation Committee Report

General

The Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee oversees the compensation of our company’s executives and administers our company’s stock option plans. The members of such committee are Messrs. Heilbronn, Levy and Choël.

During 2008, the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee took action 3 times by the execution of written consents in lieu of meetings.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

In addition to the members of the Executive Compensation Committee, the following persons participated in discussions concerning executive compensation during 2008: Jean Madar, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Philippe Benacin, a Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A., our company’s indirect French operating subsidiary; Russell Greenberg, an Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a Director; Philippe Santi, the Chief Financial Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A. Generally, Mr. Madar, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, takes the initiative and recommends executive compensation levels for executives in the United States, and Mr. Benacin, the Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A., takes the initiative and recommends for executive compensation levels for executives in Paris.

 
55

 

Objectives

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 keeping compensation at reasonable levels on the other hand. Although our business has grown over the past several years as evidenced by our increased sales and growing portfolio of brand names, 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.  Further, Messrs. Madar and Benacin, in addition to being executive officers and directors, are our largest shareholders’, which aligns their interests with our shareholder base in keeping executive compensation at a reasonable level.

Discussion

The following sets forth information regarding compensation and benefits provided to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, each of the 3 most highly compensated executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, whose total compensation exceeded $100,000. The executive officers being discussed for 2008 are: Jean Madar (the Chief Executive Officer), Russell Greenberg (the Chief Financial Officer), and Philippe Benacin, Philippe Santi and Frederic Garcia-Pelayo (the three highly compensated officers). Further, all cash compensation for each of Messrs. Benacin, Santi and Garcia-Pelayo’s are paid to them in euros by our French operating subsidiary, and all cash compensation for each of Messrs. Madar and Greenberg are paid from United States Operations.

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 place 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, Mr. Madar, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, takes the initiative and recommends executive compensation levels for executives in the United States, and Mr. Benacin, the President of Inter Parfums, S.A., takes the initiative and recommends for executive compensation levels for executives in Paris.

Mr. Madar, the Chief Executive Officer, did not receive an increase in his base salary, which has been maintained at the same level of $400,000 for the past several years.

Upon recommendation of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee determined to increase the base salary of Mr. Greenberg, the Chief Financial Officer, by $30,000 from $405,000 to $435,000, a 7.4%   increase. Mr. Greenberg has received the same salary increase of $30,000 for the past four years.

 
56

 

Upon the recommendation of Mr. Benacin, the base salaries of Mr. Philippe Santi, the Chief Financial Officer of Inter Parfums, S.A., and Mr. Frederic Garcia-Pelayo, were each increased from 192,000 euros in 2007 to 220,800 euros in 2008, a 15% increase. Likewise, Mr. Benacin’s base compensation was increased from 192,000 euros in 2007 to 220,800 euros in 2008. In 2007 Mr. Hugues de la Chevasnerie became the Director, Burberry Fragrances. His base salary for 2007 was set at 150,000 euros, which was increased to 163,200 euros in 2008, an increase of 8.8%.

After a thorough review, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer determined that the base salaries paid to such executives were fair in the view of their responsibilities, length of service with us, performance and compensation levels to peers, as to which the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee concurs.

Bonus Compensation/ Annual Incentives

As the result of their efforts in increasing the profitability of our company, bonuses were awarded as follows. For European operations, each of Messrs. Benacin, Santi and Garcia-Pelayo received a cash bonus of $229,258 (156,000 euros). These cash bonuses were comparable with the bonuses paid during 2007, as each of Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo received a cash bonus of $216,000 (157,000 euros) and Mr. Benacin received a cash bonus of $170,000 (124,000 euros).

For United States operations, Mr. Greenberg received a cash bonus of $35,000 for 2008 as compared to a cash bonus of $43,100 for 2007. In order for Mr. Madar to receive a cash bonus, United States operations has to achieve after tax profit target. In 2008, based upon such targets, our Chief Executive Officer did not earn any cash bonus. In 2007, based upon such targets, our Chief Executive Officer earned a $100,000 cash bonus. The Executive Compensation Committee has determined to use the same after tax profit target for our company’s United States operations to calculate Mr. Madar’s bonus for 2009.

Long Term Incentives

We link long-term incentives with corporate performance through the grant of stock options. All options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares of our common stock on the date of grant, and terminate on or shortly after severance of the executive’s relationship with us. Unless the market price of our common stock increases, corporate executives will have no tangible benefit. Thus, they are provided with the additional incentive to increase individual performance with the ultimate goal of increased our overall performance. In addition, Inter Parfums, S.A. maintains a profit sharing plan for its employees. We believe that enhanced executive incentives which result in increased corporate performance tend to build company loyalty. As a general rule, the number of options granted is determined by several factors, but most importantly, both individual and company operating results for the past year, as well as past option grants to such executives.

 
57

 

In December 2008, upon the recommendation of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee granted options to purchase a total of 19,000 shares of our common stock to each of Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin, and 15,000 shares to Mr. Greenberg, all at the fair market value on the date of grant.

During 2007 and in early 2008, upon the recommendation of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee granted options to purchase a total of 42,375 shares of our common stock to each of Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin, 22,500 shares to Mr. Greenberg, and 12,750 to each of Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo, all at the fair market value on the date of grant.

Option grants made in 2008 and 2007 were reduced from the option grants made during 2006, when Messrs. Madar and Benacin received options to purchase 60,000 shares, and Mr. Greenberg received options to purchase 37,500 shares. However, option grants were increased for Messrs. Santi and Garcia-Pelayo who each received options to purchase 7,500 shares as they no longer receive option grants from Inter Parfums, S.A.

For executive officers of United States operations and Mr. Benacin, 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. In addition, we have discontinued all option grants to purchase shares of our majority-owned, French subsidiary, Inter Parfums, S.A. to avoid diluting our ownership interest in Inter Parfums, S.A., and we intend to continue this practice in the future to avoid further dilution. In lieu of option grants to purchase shares of our majority-owned, French subsidiary, we have granted options to our French executive officers and employees under the French Addendum to our stock option plan, which have a term of 6 years and vest 4 years after 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. Further, under 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 vesting may reduce certain benefits afforded to an executive when an executive officer leaves our employ.

 Previously, over the past few years as our company has grown and the market price or 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 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.

 
58

 

Unfortunately, with the global economic downturn commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008, the market price of our common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market has decreased substantially. As the result of such price decline, all outstanding options, other than the option grants made on December 31, 2008, have exercise prices which are in excess of the market price, thus rendering such option potentially worthless. It is the hope of the Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee that the most recent option grant with a lower exercise price based upon the market price at the time, as compared to prior years, will still act as a sufficient additional incentive for increased individual executive performance. In addition, Inter Parfums, SA maintains its own profit sharing plan and a relatively small pension plan, which provide long term benefits to the executive officers of our European operations.

Conclusion

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 Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee believes the option grants are valid incentives for these executive officers and are fair to our shareholders.

The Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee believes that its present policies to date, with its emphasis on rewarding performance, has served to focus the efforts of our executives to achieve a high rate of growth and profitability, which management believes will result in a substantial increase in value to our shareholders.

Francois Heilbronn
Jean Levy and
Patrick Choël

Plan Based Awards

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

Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
       
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
   
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
   
Exercise
Or
Base
Price of
Option
 
Name
 
Grant
Date
 
Threshold
($)
   
Target
($)
   
Maximum
($)
   
Threshold
($)
   
Target
($)
   
Maximum
($)
   
or Units
(#)
   
Options
(#)
   
Awards
($/Sh)
 
Jean Madar
 
12/31/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
19,000
     
6.925
 
Jean Madar
 
2/14/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
13,875
     
11.297
 
Russell Greenberg
 
12/31/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
15,000
     
6.925
 
Philippe Benacin
 
12/31/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
19,000
     
6.925
 
Philippe Benacin
 
2/14/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
13,875
     
11.297
 
Philippe Santi
 
2/14/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
12,750
     
11.297
 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo
 
2/14/08
   
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
-0-
     
12,750
     
11.297
 

 
59

 

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. Further, as reported above, options granted to French employees under the French Addendum to our stock option plan, have a term of 6 years, and vest 4 years after 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.

Options were granted in February 2008 after the technical amendments to our stock option plan to comply with certain provisions of French law.

Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets certain information relating to outstanding equity awards in our company 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

   
Option Awards
Name
 
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
Jean Madar
    75,000             -0-       10.260  
12/09/09
      75,000             -0-       9.967  
04/19/10
      24,000             -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              36,000       -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
      5,700               -0-       12.577  
12/26/13
              22,800       -0-       12.577  
12/26/13
      2,775               -0-       11.297  
2/13/14
              11,100       -0-       11.297  
2/13/14
              19,000       -0-       6.925  
12/30/14
                                   
Russell Greenberg
    37,500               -0-       10.260  
12/09/09
      37,500               -0-       9.967  
04/19/10
      15,000               -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              22,500       -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
      4,500               -0-       12.577  
12/26/13
              18,000       -0-       12.577  
12/26/13
              15,000       -0-       6.925  
12/30/14
                                   
Philippe Benacin
    75,000               -0-       10.260  
12/09/09
      75,000               -0-       9.967  
04/19/10
      24,000               -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              36,000       -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
      5,700               -0-       12.577  
12/26/13
              22,800       -0-       12.577  
12/26/13
      2,775               -0-       11.297  
2/13/14
              11,100       -0-       11.297  
2/13/14
              19,000       -0-       6.925  
12/30/14
                                   
Philippe Santi
    15,000               -0-       16.827  
02/12/09
      11,250               -0-       10.260  
12/09/09
      11,250               -0-       9.967  
04/19/10
      3,000               -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              4,500       -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              12,750       -0-       11.297  
2/13/14
                                   
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo
    3,000               -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              4,500       -0-       13.103  
12/14/12
              12,750       -0-       11.297  
2/13/14

 
60

 

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. Further, as reported above, options granted to French employees under the recent technical amendment to our stock option plan, have a term of 6 years, and vest 4 years after 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.

Options were granted in February 2008 after the technical amendments to our 2004 Stock Option Plan to comply with certain provisions of French law.

The following table sets certain information relating to outstanding equity awards granted by Inter Parfums, S.A. 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 INTER PARFUMS, S.A.

   
Option Awards
Name
 
Number of Securities 
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#) Exercisable
   
Number of Securities 
Underlying
Unexercised Options
(#) Unexercisable
   
Option
Exercise Price
(euros)
 
Option Expiration
Date
Jean Madar
    14,641             15.10  
08/26/09
      20,498             22.10  
03/25/10
              14,641       20.60  
05/26/11
              13,310       26.30  
06/01/12
                           
Russell Greenberg
    3,222               9.20  
08/26/09
      1,318               15.10  
08/26/09
      1,172               22.10  
03/25/10
              1,464       20.60  
05/26/11
              1,065       26.30  
06/01/12
                           
Philippe Benacin
    14,641               15.10  
08/26/09
      20,497               22.10  
03/25/10
              14,641       20.60  
05/26/11
              13,310       26.30  
06/01/12
                           
Philippe Santi
    7,321               15.10  
08/26/09
      10,542               22.10  
03/25/10
              8,785       20.60  
05/26/11
              7,986       26.30  
06/01/12
                           
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo
    7,331               9.20  
08/26/09
      7,321               15.10  
08/26/09
      10,542               22.10  
03/25/10
              8,785       20.60  
05/26/11
              7,986       26.30  
06/01/12

 
61

 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth certain information relating to each option exercise effected 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 VESTED

   
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 
($)
 
Jean Madar
    -0-       -0-       -0-       -0-  
Russell Greenberg
    -0-       -0-       -0-       -0-  
Philippe Benacin
    -0-       -0-       -0-       -0-  
Philippe Santi
    11,250     $ 58,275       -0-       -0-  
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo
    -0-       -0-       -0-       -0-  
 

[Footnotes from table above]

1
Total 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.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to each option exercise effected during the past fiscal year, and each vesting of stock, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar instruments during the past fiscal year, of Inter Parfums, S.A., for the executive officers of our company listed in the Summary Compensation Table.

 
62

 

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

   
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 
($)
 
Jean Madar
    -0-       -0-       -0-       -0-  
                                 
Philippe Benacin
    6,067       123,446       -0-       -0-  
                                 
Russell Greenberg
    3,627       46,000       -0-       -0-  
                                 
Philippe Santi
    10,631       154,308       -0-       -0-  
                                 
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo
    -0-       -0-       -0-       -0-  
 
[Footnotes from table above]

1
Total 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.

Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth certain information relating to payment of benefits following or in connection with retirement 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-  
Russell Greenberg
 
NA
 
NA
    -0-       -0-  
Philippe Benacin
 
Inter Parfums SA
Pension Plan
 
NA
    106,000       11,757  
Philippe Santi
 
Inter Parfums SA
Pension Plan
 
NA
    106,000       11,757  
Frédéric Garcia-Pelayo
 
Inter Parfums SA
Pension Plan
 
NA
    106,000       11,757  

 
63

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

We do not maintain any nonqualified deferred compensation plans.

Employment Agreements

As part of our acquisition in 1991 of the controlling interest in Inter Parfums, S.A., now a subsidiary, we entered into an employment agreement with Philippe Benacin. The agreement provides that Mr. Benacin will be employed as Vice Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer of Inter Parfums Holdings and its subsidiary, Inter Parfums. 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 2009 Mr. Benacin presently receives an annual salary of €229,600 (approximately $298,480, plus annual lodging expenses of €60,000 (approximately $78,000) and automobile expenses of €10,800 (approximately $14,040), 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.

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

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 
($)9
   
Total ($)
 
Francois Heilbronn1
    12,000       -0-       5,175       -0-       -0-       -0-       17,175  
Joseph A. Caccamo 2
    8,000       -0-       5,175       -0-       -0-       -0-       13,125 10
Jean Levy3
    12,000       -0-       5,175       -0-       -0-       7,530       24,705  
Robert Bensoussan-Torres4
    4,000       -0-       5,175       -0-       -0-       10,620       19,795  
Jean Cailliau5
    4,000       -0-       5,175       -0-       -0-       -0-       9,175  
Serge Rosinoer6
    4,000       -0-       2,588       -0-       -0-       7,530       14,118  
Patrick Choël7
    12,000       -0-       5,175       -0-       -0-       -0-       17,175  
 

1.
As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Heilbronn held options to purchase an aggregate of 7,500 shares of our common stock.
2.
Mr. Caccamo stepped down from the board of directors in January 2009. As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Caccamo held options to purchase an aggregate of 19,500 shares of our common stock, 7,500 of which are held as nominee for his present firm and 12,000 of which are held as nominee for his former employer. Mr. Caccamo disclaims beneficial ownership of such options. In accordance with the terms of our 2004 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan, all of such options expire 90 days after Mr. Caccamo ceased to be a director.
3.
As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Levy held options to purchase an aggregate of 7,500 shares of our common stock.

 
64

 

4.
As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Bensoussan-Torres held options to purchase an aggregate of 7,500 shares of our common stock.
5.
Mr. Cailliau stepped down from the board of directors in October 2008. As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Cailliau held options to purchase an aggregate of 4,000 shares of our common stock. . In accordance with the terms of our 2004 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan, all of such options expired 90 days after Mr. Cailliau ceased to be a director.
6.
As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Rosinoer held options to purchase an aggregate of 6,004 shares of our common stock.
7.
As of the end of the last fiscal year, Mr. Choël held options to purchase an aggregate of 6,000 shares of our common stock.
9.
Represents the difference between the exercise price of the option and the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of exercise.
10.
Does not include $223,000 paid for legal fees and expenses to Mr. Caccamo’s law firm.

For 2008 all nonemployee directors received $2,000 for each board meeting at which they participate. Mr. Caccamo’s board fees were paid to his law firm.  In addition, all members of the Audit Committee receive an additional annual fee of $4,000 on January 1 of each year in which they serve on the Audit Committee.

We maintain stock option plans for our nonemployee directors. The purpose of these plans 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, options to purchase 1,000 shares are granted on each February 1st to all nonemployee directors for as long as each is a nonemployee director on such date. 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 initial election or appointment to our board.

On February 1, 2009, options to purchase 1,000 shares were granted to each of Francois Heilbronn, Jean Levy, Robert Bensoussan-Torres and Patrick Choël, and an option to purchase 500 shares was granted to Serge Rosinoer, all at the exercise price of $6.148 per share under the 2004 plan. Such options vest ratably over a 4 year period.

Item 12.  Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth information, as of March 6, 2009 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. As of March 6, 2009 we had 30,168,939 shares of common stock outstanding.

 
65

 

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount of Beneficial Ownership1
   
Approximate Percent of Class
 
Jean Madar
c/o Inter Parfums, S.A.
4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
75008 Paris, France
   
8,101,9652
      26.7 %
                 
Philippe Benacin
c/o Inter Parfums, S.A.
4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
75008 Paris, France
    8,017,9993       26.4 %
                 
Russell Greenberg
c/o Inter Parfums, Inc.
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10176
    121,5004    
Less than 1
               
Philippe Santi
Inter Parfums, S.A.
4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
75008, Paris France
    40,5005    
Less than 1
               
Francois Heilbronn
60 Avenue de  Breteuil
75007 Paris, France
    73,6886    
Less than 1
               
Jean Levy
Chez Axcess Groupe
8 rue de Berri
75008 Paris, France
    7,1257    
Less than 1
 

1. 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 Inter Parfums and Philippe Benacin, the Vice Chairman of the Board and President of Inter Parfums, have a verbal agreement or understanding to vote their shares in a like manner. As Messrs. Madar and Benacin  beneficially own more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Inter Parfums’ common stock, Inter Parfums is considered a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
 
2 Consists of 3,403,424 shares held directly, 4,516,066 shares held indirectly through Jean Madar Holding SAS, a personal holding company, and options to purchase 182,475 shares. Includes 1,400,000 shares pledged as collateral for personal loans/lines of credit.
 
3 Consists of 4,719,460 shares held directly, 2,891,064 shares held indirectly through Philippe Benacin Holding SAS, a personal holding company, 225,000 shares for which proxies are held, and options to purchase 182,475 shares.
 
4  Consists of 27,000 shares held directly and options to purchase 94,500 shares. 
5  Consists of shares of common stock underlying options. 
6 Consists of 45,563 shares held directly, 22,500 shares held indirectly by his children and options to purchase 5,625 shares. 
7  Consists of 1,500 shares held directly and options to purchase 5,625 shares.

 
66

 


Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount of Beneficial Ownership1
   
Approximate Percent of Class
 
Robert Bensoussan-Torres
c/o Sirius Equity LLP
52 Brook Street
W1K 5DS London
    13,1258    
Less than 1
               
Serge Rosinoer
14 rue LeSueur
75116 Paris, France
    15,1149    
Less than 1
               
Patrick Choël
Universite -82
7 rue de Talleyrand
75007, Paris, France
    4,12510    
Less than 1
               
Frederic Garcia-Pelayo
Inter Parfums, S.A.
4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
75008, Paris France
    3,00011    
Less than 1
               
Axel Marot
Inter Parfums, S.A.
4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
75008, Paris France
    -0-    
NA
 
               
Hugues de la Chevasnerie
Inter Parfums, S.A.
4, Rond Point Des Champs Elysees
75008, Paris France
    -0-    
NA
 
               
Henry B. (Andy) Clarke
c/o Inter Parfums, Inc.
551 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10176
    20,67512    
Less than 1
               
Royce & Associates, LLC
1414 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
    3,828,88313       12.5 %
                 
All Directors and Officers
 As a Group 16 Persons)
    16,416,81614       53.5 %
 

8  Consists of 7,500 shares held directly and options to purchase 5,625 shares. 
9  Consists of 10,050 shares held directly and options to purchase 5,064 shares. 
10 Consists of 1,500 shares held directly and options to purchase 2,625 shares. 
11 Consists of shares of common stock underlying options. 
12 Consists of 5,675 shares held directly and options to purchase 15,000 shares. 
13 Information derived from an Amendment to Schedule 13G dated January 26, 2009. 
14 Consists of 15,649,302 shares held directly or indirectly, options to purchase 542,514 shares and proxies to vote 225,000 shares.

 
67

 

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.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category 
 
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 holders
    1,138,375       11.23       1,213,369  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    -0-       N/A       -0-  
Total
    1,138,375       11.23       1,213,369  

Item 13.  Certain Relationships And Related Transactions

Transactions with French Subsidiaries

In connection with the acquisitions by our subsidiary, Inter Parfums, S.A., of the world-wide rights under the Burberry license agreement and the Paul Smith license agreement, we guaranteed the obligations of Inter Parfums, S.A. under the Burberry and Paul Smith license agreements. In addition, Inter Parfums, S.A. has agreed to reimburse us for the compensation expense attributed to a former French executive officer, and vested options which are granted to French employees under the recent amendment to our stock option plan.

Remuneration of Counsel

Joseph A. Caccamo, a former director, is a shareholder of the law firm of GrayRobinson, P.A., our general counsel. During 2008, we paid GrayRobinson, P.A. $223,000 for their services and reimbursement of disbursements incurred on our behalf.

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.

 
68

 

Director Independence

The following are our directors who are “independent directors” within the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market:

Francois Heilbronn
Jean Levy
Robert Bensoussan-Torres
Serge Rosinoer
Patrick Choël

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.

However, as stated above, Messrs. Jean Madar and Philippe Benacin have a verbal agreement or understanding to vote their shares in a like manner. As Messrs. Madar and Benacin beneficially own more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Inter Parfums’ common stock, Inter Parfums is considered a “controlled company” under the applicable rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market. As a controlled company, we are exempt for certain of the corporate governance rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, such as the requirement of a nominating committee of the board.

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, Levy and Choël, are independent within the meaning of those rules. We are not exempt from the more stringent rules relating to director independence for the members of our Audit Committee by virtue of the controlled company exception.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

General

On October 15, 2004 Mazars LLP was engaged as the principal accountants to audit the financial statements of Inter Parfums, Inc. The decision to engage Mazars LLP was approved by our audit committee.

Fees

The following sets forth the fees billed to us by Mazars LLP, as well as discusses the services provided for the past two fiscal years, fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

 
69

 

Audit Fees

During 2008 the fees billed by Mazars LLP and its affiliate, Mazars S.A. for audit services and review of the financial statements contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q were $849,000. During 2007 the fees billed by Mazars LLP and its affiliate, Mazars S.A. for audit services and review of the financial statements contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q were $667,000.

Audit-Related Fees

Mazars billed us $11,000 and $25,000 for audit related fees during 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Tax Fees

Mazars LLP did not bill us for tax services during 2008 or 2007.

All Other Fees

Mazars LLP did not bill us for any other services during 2008 or 2007.

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.

During the first quarter of 2008 the audit committee authorized the following non-audit services to be performed by Mazars LLP.

 
·
We authorized the engagement of Mazars LLP if deemed necessary to provide tax consultation in the ordinary course of business for fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

 
·
We authorized the engagement of Mazars 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 fee limit per project, subject to an aggregate fee limit of $25,000 for fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. If we require further tax services from Mazars LLP, then the approval of the audit committee must be obtained.

 
·
If we require other services by Mazars 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.

 
70

 

 
·
We imposed a cap of $100,000 on the fees that Mazars 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 February 2009, the audit committee authorized the same non-audit services to be performed by Mazars LLP as disclosed above. o

 
71

 

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

       
Page No. 
(a)(1)
 
Financial Statements annexed hereto
 
 
         
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
F-2
         
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
F-3
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008
 
F-4
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008
 
F-5
         
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008
 
F-6
         
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
F-7
         
(a)(2)
 
Financial Statement Schedules annexed hereto:
   
         
   
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
F-28
         
   
Schedules other than those referred to above have been omitted as the conditions requiring their filing are not present or the information has been presented elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements.
   

 
72

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.25
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Philippe Benacin dated July 29, 1991

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-48811):

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.26
 
Lease for portion of 15th Floor, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York

The following documents heretofore 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, 1993:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.3
 
Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums Holdings, S.A.
     
3.3.1
 
English Translation of Exhibit no. 3.3, Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums Holding, S.A.
     
3.4
 
Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums, S.A.
     
3.4.1
 
English Translation of Exhibit no. 3.4, Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums, S.A.
     
10.52
 
Lease for portion of 4, Rond Point Des Champs Des Elysees dated September 30, 1993
     
10.52.1
 
English translation of Exhibit no. 10.52, Lease for portion of 4, Rond Point Des Champs Des Elysees dated September 30, 1993
     
10.53
 
Lease for portion of 4, Rond Point Des Champs Des Elysees dated March 2, 1994
     
10.53.1
 
English translation of Exhibit no. 1053, Lease for portion of 4, Rond Point Des Champs Des Elysees dated March 2, 1994

 
73

 

The following documents heretofore 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, 1994:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.59
 
Modification of Lease Agreement dated June 17, 1994 between Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Jean Philippe Fragrances, Inc.

The following documents heretofore 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, 1995:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.61
 
Lease for 60 Stults Road, South Brunswick, NJ between Forsgate Industrial Complex, a limited partnership, and Jean Philippe Fragrances, Inc. dated July 10, 1995

The following documents heretofore 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, 1997:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.67
 
Second Modification of Lease made as of the 30th day of April, 1997 between Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as landlord and Jean Philippe Fragrances, Inc. as tenant
     
10.69
 
Exclusive License Agreement dated June 20, 1997 between S.T. Dupont, S.A. and Inter Parfums (English translation, excised form)

The following documents heretofore 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, 1998:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-laws
     
4.17
 
1997 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan
     
10.70
 
License Agreement among Paul Smith Limited, Inter Parfums, S.A. and Jean-Philippe Fragrances, Inc. (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.70 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).

 
74

 
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.71
 
License Agreement between Christian LaCroix, a division of Group LVMH and Inter Parfums, S.A. (English translation) (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.71 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).

The following documents heretofore 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, 1999:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.1.4
 
Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, dated July 13, 1999 (listed therein as 3.1(d))

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 ending 30 June 2000:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.1.5
 
Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, dated 12 July 2000 (listed therein as 3.1(e))

The following documents heretofore 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, 2000:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.1.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated September 3, 1987
     
3.1.2
 
Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated July 31, 1992
     
3.1.3
 
Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated July 9, 1993
     
4.19
 
2000 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan

 
75

 

The following documents heretofore 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, 2001:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-laws
     
4.20
 
1999 Stock Option Plan, as amended

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending 30 June 2002:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
19.92
 
Third Modification of Lease dated June 17, 2002 between Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and Jean Philippe Fragrances, LLC

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2003:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.99
 
Agreement between  Inter Parfums, S.A. and Credit Lyonnais dated 28 November 2003- French original
     
10.99.1
 
Agreement between  Inter Parfums, S.A. and Credit Lyonnais dated 28 November 2003-English translation
     
10.100
 
Line of Credit Agreement between The Banque OBC-Odier Bungener Courvoisier and Inter Parfums, S.A dated 29 October 2003- French original
     
10.100.1
 
Line of Credit Agreement between The Banque OBC-Odier Bungener Courvoisier and Inter Parfums, S.A dated 29 October 2003- English translation
     
14
 
Code of Business Conduct

 
76

 

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.102
 
Agreement between BNP Paribas and Inter Parfums SA dated March 17, 2004- French Original
     
10.102.1
 
Agreement between BNP Paribas and Inter Parfums SA dated March 17, 2004- English translations

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Material filed on June 23, 2004 (and contained as Exhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement):

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
4.21
 
2004 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan
     
4.22
 
2004 Stock Option Plan

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.1.6
 
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation dated 6 August 2004
     
10.104
 
Lease dated as of 1 March 2001 for 300 West 14th Street, New York, NY
     
10.105
 
Loan Contract dated 12 July 2004 between Credit Lyonnais and Inter Parfums, S.A. (French Original)
     
10.105.1
 
Loan Contract dated 12 July 2004 between Credit Lyonnais and Inter Parfums, S.A. (English Translation)
     
10.106
 
Lease effective as of 1 April 2004 for 4-6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, Ground and 1st Floor, Paris, France (French Original)
     
10.106.1
 
Lease effective as of 1 April 2004 for 4-6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, Ground and 1st Floor, Paris, France (English Translation)


 
77

 

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.107
 
Lease effective as of 1 April 2004 for 4-6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, 5th Floor-Left, Paris, France (French Original)
     
10.107.1
 
Lease effective as of 1 April 2004 for 4-6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, 5th Floor-Left, Paris, France(English Translation)
     
10.108
 
Lease effective as of 1 April 2004 for 4-6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, 6th Floor-Right, Paris, France (French Original)
     
10.108.1
 
Lease effective as of 1 April 2004 for 4-6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees, 6th Floor-Right, Paris, France(English Translation)

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.109
 
Lease For Asnieres  (92600) — 107, Quai Du Docteur Dervaux, (French Original)
     
10.109.1
 
Lease For Asnieres (92600) — 107, Quai Du Docteur Dervaux, (English Translation)
     
10.110
 
Lease For 48 Rue Des Francs-Bourgeois, In Paris, 3rd District (French Original)
     
10.110.1
 
Lease For 48 Rue Des Francs-Bourgeois, In Paris,, 3rd District (English Translation)
     
10.112
 
Confidential Treatment Agreement among Burberry Ltd., Inter Parfums, S.A., Inter Parfums, Inc. and LV Capital USA, Inc., et al., dated 12 October 2004
     
10.113
 
Indemnity Agreement among Burberry Ltd., Inter Parfums, S.A. and Inter Parfums, Inc. dated 12 October 2004

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report, Form 10-QA Amendment No. 1, for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.111
 
Licence Agreement among Burberry Ltd., Inter Parfums, S.A. and Inter Parfums, Inc. dated 12 October 2004 (Certain confidential information in Exhibit 10.111 has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc.).

 
78

 

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2004:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.115
 
Agreement dated July 29, 2004 between Credit Lyonnais and Groupe Inter Parfums (French Original)
     
10.115.1
 
Agreement dated July 29, 2004 between Credit Lyonnais and Groupe Inter Parfums (English Translation)
     
10.116
 
Logistics Service Contract (effective January 1, 2005) between Inter Parfums, S.A. and Sagatrans (French Original)
     
10.116.1
 
Logistics Service Contract (effective January 1, 2005) between Inter Parfums, S.A. and Sagatrans (English Translation)

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.118
 
Agreement dated July 14, 2005 by and among The Gap, Inc., Banana Republic LLC, Gap (Apparel) LLC, Gap (ITM), Inc., Banana Republic (Apparel) LLC, Banana Republic (ITM), Inc., Gap (Puerto Rico), Inc., and Gap (Canada) Inc., together with their subsidiaries who operate stores on the one hand and Inter Parfums, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Inter Parfums USA, LLC. (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.118 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.119
 
Renouvellement de Bail Commercial entre Civile Immobiliere du 4/6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees et Inter Parfums, S.A., 30 Jun 2005, Locaux 4 eme etage droite (French original)
     
10.119.1
 
Renouvellement de Bail Commercial entre Civile Immobiliere du 4/6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees et Inter Parfums, S.A., 30 Jun 2005, Locaux 4 eme etage droite (English translation)

 
79

 

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.120
 
Renouvellement de Bail Commercial entre Civile Immobiliere du 4/6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees et Inter Parfums, S.A., 30 Jun 2005, Locaux 4 eme etage gauche (French original)
     
10.120.1
 
Renouvellement de Bail Commercial entre Civile Immobiliere du 4/6 Rond Point des Champs Elysees et Inter Parfums, S.A., 30 Jun 2005, Locaux 4 eme etage gauche (English translation)

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2005:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.122
 
Agreement dated July 31, 2005 between HSBC Bank USA and Jean Philippe Fragrances, LLC
     
10.123
 
Bail Commercial, 39 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, eme etage, dated December 15, 2005 [French original]
     
10.123.1
 
Commercial Lease, 39 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 75008 Paris, 2nd Floor, dated December 15, 2005 [English translation]
     
10.124
 
Fourth Modification of Lease, portion of 15th Floor, 551 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
     
10.125
 
Addendum effective March 2, 2006 to Agreement dated July 14, 2005 by and among The Gap, Inc., Banana Republic LLC, Gap (Apparel) LLC, Gap (ITM), Inc., Banana Republic (Apparel) LLC, Banana Republic (ITM), Inc., Gap (Puerto Rico), Inc., and Gap (Canada) Inc., together with their subsidiaries who operate stores on the one hand and Inter Parfums, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Inter Parfums USA, LLC. (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.125 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.126
 
Contrat de Licence de Marques entre QS Holdings SARL and Inter Parfums, S.A., executed on 23 March 2006 – French original (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.126 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).

 
80

 

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.126.1
 
Trademark License Agreement between QS Holdings SARL and Inter Parfums, S.A., executed on 23 March 2006 – English translation (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.126.1 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.127
 
Avenant No. 1 Au Contrat de Licence Exclusive du 20 Juin 1997 entre ST Dupont, S.A. et Inter Parfums, S.A., dated 20 March 2006- French original (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.127 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.127.1
 
Amendment No. 1 to Exclusive License of 20 June 1997 between ST Dupont, S.A. et Inter Parfums, S.A., dated 20 March 2006- English translation (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.127.1 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
4.21.1
 
Amendment to the Company’s 2004 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.128
 
 
License Agreement Between Van Cleef & Arpels Logistics SA, and Inter Parfums, S.A., entered into on June 19, 2006 (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.128 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.128.1
 
Addendum No. 1 to License Agreement Between Van Cleef & Arpels Logistics SA, and Inter Parfums, S.A

 
81

 

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2006:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.5
 
Articles of Incorporation of Inter Parfums, Limited
     
4.23
 
Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 15, 2006 with Schedule Option Holders and Number of Options Granted
     
21
 
List of Subsidiaries
     
23
 
Consent of Mazars LLP
     
31.1
 
Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer
     
31.2
 
Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer
     
32
 
Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.129
 
Agreement between Inter Parfums, S.A. and BNP Paribas, S.A. dated 3 December 2006 - French original
     
10.129.1
 
Agreement between Inter Parfums, S.A. and BNP Paribas, S.A. dated 3 December 2006 - English translation

 
82

 

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
2.4
 
Agreement of Sale of Lanvin Trademarks between Jeanne Lanvin, S.A and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated 30 July 2007 - French Original
     
2.4.1
 
Agreement of Sale of Lanvin Trademarks between Jeanne Lanvin, S.A and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated 30 July 2007 - English Translation
     
10.130
 
Agreement for Technical Assistance between Jeanne Lanvin, S.A and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated 30 July 2007 - French Original
(Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.130 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.130.1
 
Agreement for Technical Assistance between Jeanne Lanvin, S.A and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated 30 July 2007 - English Translation
(Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.130.1 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.131
 
Coexistence Agreement between Jeanne Lanvin, S.A and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated 30 July 2007- French Original
     
10.131.1
 
Coexistence Agreement between Jeanne Lanvin, S.A and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated 30 July 2007- English Translation

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
4.21.2
 
Amendment to the Company’s 2004  Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan

 
83

 

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-141963 as filed April 9, 2007.

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
4.24
 
Warrant Dated July 14, 2005 to Purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock of Inter Parfums, Inc. (filed as exhibit no. 4.2 therein)
     
4.25
 
Warrant Dated September 1, 2006 to Purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock of Inter Parfums, Inc. (filed as exhibit no. 4.3 therein)

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2007:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.132
 
Manufacturing and License Agreement Between Retail Brand Alliance, Inc., D/B/A Brooks Brothers – Licensor and Inter Parfums USA, LLL. – Licensee
Dated November 2007
(Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.132 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
4.26
 
Addendum [France] to 2004 Stock Option Plan
     
4.27
 
Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 26, 2007 with Schedule Option Holders and Number of Options Granted
     
4.28
 
Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on February 14, 2008 with Schedule Option Holders and Number of Options Granted
     
4.29
 
Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on February 14, 2008 under French Addendum to Stock Option Plan with Schedule Option Holders and Number of Options Granted
     
21
 
List of Subsidiaries
     
23
 
Consent of Mazars LLP
     
31.1
 
Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer

 
84

 

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
31.2
 
Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer
     
32
 
Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The following document heretofore filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.133
 
License Agreement by and among The Gap, Inc., Banana Republic LLC, Gap (Apparel) LLC, Gap (ITM), Inc., Banana Republic (Apparel) LLC, and Banana Republic (ITM), Inc. and Inter Parfums, Inc. and Inter Parfums USA, LLC (signed April 2008 but effective as of July 1, 2007) (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.133 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).

The following documents heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.6
 
Organizational Documents of Inter Parfums (Suisse) SA  (French original)
     
3.6.1
 
Organizational Documents of Inter Parfums (Suisse) SA  (English translation)
     
10.134
 
Licence Agreement among Paul Smith Limited, Inter Parfums, S.A. and Inter Parfums, Inc. dated July 3, 2008, but signed on July 17, 2008 (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.134 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc.)

 
85

 

The following documents are filed with this report:

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
10.135
 
Bail Commercial situé au 2ème étage, 4/6 rond point des Champs Elysees, Paris, France, entre Dauchez Administrateur De Biens et Inter Parfums, S.A. [dated] le 21 janvier 2009 – [French original] (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.135 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.135.1
 
Commercial Lease for portion of the 2nd Floor, at 4/6 rond point des Champs Elysees, Paris, France, between Dauchez Property Administrators and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated January 21, 2009 -English translation] (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.135.1 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.136
 
Bail Commercial situé au 6ème étage, 4/6 rond point des Champs Elysees, Paris, France, entre Dauchez Administrateur De Biens et Inter Parfums, S.A. [dated] le 21 janvier 2009 – [French original] (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.136 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
10.136.1
 
Commercial Lease for portion of the 6th Floor, at 4/6 rond point des Champs Elysees, Paris, France, between Dauchez Property Administrators and Inter Parfums, S.A. dated January 21, 2009 – [English translation] (Certain confidential information in this Exhibit 10.136.1 was omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a request for confidential treatment by Inter Parfums, Inc).
     
4.30
 
Form of Option Agreement for Options Granted to Executive Officers on December 31, 2008 with Schedule of Option Holders and Options Granted
     
21
 
List of Subsidiaries
     
23
 
Consent of Mazars LLP
     
31.1
 
Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Executive Officer
     
31.2
 
Certification Required by Rule 13a-14 of Chief Financial Officer
     
32.1
 
Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer
 
86

 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
32.2
 
Certification Required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by Chief Executive Officer

 
87

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule
 
Index
 
 
Page
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2
   
Audited Financial Statements:
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008
F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008
F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008
F-6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7
   
Financial Statement Schedule:
 
   
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
F-28

 
F-1

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Inter Parfums, Inc.
New York, New York

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Inter Parfums, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Inter Parfums, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements enumerated above, we audited schedule II for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In our opinion, schedule II, when considered in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information stated therein.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Inter Parfums, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March __, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Mazars LLP

New York, New York
March 11, 2009

 
F-2

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2008 and 2007
(In thousands except share and per share data)

   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 42,404     $ 90,034  
Accounts receivable, net
    120,507       118,140  
Inventories
    123,633       106,022  
Receivables, other
    2,904       5,928  
Other current assets
    10,034       5,253  
Income tax receivable
    1,631       168  
Deferred tax assets
    3,388       4,300  
Total current assets
    304,501       329,845  
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    7,670       7,262  
Trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets, net
    104,922       101,577  
Goodwill
    5,470       6,715  
Other assets
    2,574       653  
Total assets
  $ 425,137     $ 446,052  
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Loans payable – banks
  $ 13,981     $ 7,217  
Current portion of long-term debt
    13,352       16,215  
Accounts payable - trade
    66,236       88,297  
Accrued expenses
    35,368       35,507  
Income taxes payable
    442       3,023  
Dividends payable
    996       1,026  
Total current liabilities
    130,375       151,285  
Deferred tax liability
    11,562       4,664  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    27,691       43,518  
Minority interest
    51,308       53,925  
Commitments and contingencies
               
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 30,168,939 and 30,798,212 shares at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    30       31  
Additional paid-in capital
    41,950       40,023  
Retained earnings
    168,025       147,995  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    25,515       30,955  
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,966,379  and 9,303,956 common shares at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    (31,319 )     (26,344 )  
Total shareholders’ equity
    204,201       192,660  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 425,137     $ 446,052  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
F-3

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net sales
  $ 446,124     $ 389,560     $ 321,054  
Cost of sales
    191,915       160,137       143,855  
Gross margin
    254,209       229,423       177,199  
Selling, general, and administrative
    202,264       181,224       141,074  
Impairment loss
    936       868        
Income from operations
    51,009       47,331       36,125  
Other expenses (income):
                       
Interest expense
    4,940       3,667       1,797  
(Gain) loss on foreign currency
    1,380       219       (172 )
Interest and dividend income
    (1,745 )     (3,166 )     (2,303 )
Gain on subsidiary’s issuance of stock
          (665 )     (332 )
      4,575       55       (1,010 )
Income before income taxes and minority interest
    46,434       47,276       37,135  
Income taxes
    16,312       16,675       13,201  
Income before minority interest
    30,122       30,601       23,934  
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    6,357       6,784       6,192  
Net income
  $ 23,765     $ 23,817     $ 17,742  
Net income per share:
                       
Basic
  $ 0.78     $ 0.78     $ 0.58  
Diluted
    0.77       0.76       0.58  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    30,621,070       30,666,141       30,486,463  
Diluted
    30,777,985       31,004,299       30,852,738  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
F-4

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
(In thousands except share data)

                                 
Accumulated
                   
               
Additional
               
other
                   
   
Common stock
   
paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
comprehensive
   
Treasury stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
earnings
   
income
   
income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Total
 
Balance – January 1, 2006
    30,378,465     $ 30     $ 36,630     $ 112,802           $ 3,574       9,454,153     $ (25,309 )   $ 127,727  
Comprehensive income:
                                                                     
    Net income
                      17,742     $ 17,742                         17,742  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
                            11,527       11,527                   11,527  
    Net derivative instrument gain, net of tax
                            69       69                   69  
          Total comprehensive income
                                  $ 29,338                                  
Dividends
          —              (3,259 )                                 (3,259 )
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options
    341,400       1       1,379                           (150,000 )     402       1,782  
Stock compensation
    —              76       549                                 625  
Shares received as proceeds of option exercises
    (67,677 )                                       67,677       (941 )     (941 )
Balance – December 31, 2006
    30,652,188       31           38,085       127,834               15,170       9,371,830       (25,848 )     155,272  
Comprehensive income:
                                                                       
    Net income
                      23,817     $ 23,817                         23,817  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
                            15,816       15,816                   15,816  
    Net derivative instrument loss, net of tax
                            (31 )       (31 )                   (31 )
          Total comprehensive income
                                  $ 39,602                                  
Dividends
                      (4,093 )                                 (4,093 )
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options including income tax benefit of $915
    228,150             1,720                           (150,000 )     414       2,134  
Stock compensation
                218       437                                 655  
Shares received as proceeds of option exercises
    (82,126 )                                       82,126       (910 )     (910 )
Balance – December 31, 2007
    30,798,212       31       40,023       147,995               30,955       9,303,956       (26,344 )     192,660  
Comprehensive income:
                                                                       
    Net income
                      23,765     $ 23,765                         23,765  
    Foreign currency translation adjustments
                            (9,755 )       (9,755 )                   (9,755 )
    Net derivative instrument gain, net of tax
                            4,315       4,315                   4,315  
          Total comprehensive income
                                  $ 18,325                                  
Dividends
                      (4,039 )                                 (4,039 )
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options including income tax benefit of $988
    33,150             1,260                                       1,260  
Stock compensation
                452       304                                 756  
Gain on subsidiaries issuance of stock
                215                                       215  
Purchased treasury shares
    (662,423 )       (1 )                                 662,423       (4,975 )     (4,976 )
Balance – December 31, 2008
    30,168,939     $ 30     $ 41,950     $ 168,025             $ 25,515       9,966,379     $ (31,319 )   $ 204,201  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
F-5

 

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
(In thousands)

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 23,765     $ 23,817     $ 17,742  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used-in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    9,925       8,031       5,347  
Impairment of goodwill
    936       868        
Provision for doubtful accounts
    148       588       118  
Noncash stock compensation
    1,119       1,096       625  
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    6,357       6,784       6,192  
Deferred tax provision (benefit)
    4,118       (657 )     843  
Change in fair value of derivatives
    1,759             412  
Gain on subsidiary’s issuance of stock
          (665 )     (332 )  
Loss on sale of trademark
                245  
Changes in:
 
                                
Accounts receivable
    (8,768 )       2,984       (18,714 )  
Inventories
    (23,285 )     (28,677 )       (16,053 )  
Other assets
    4,010       (1,602 )       (1,342 )  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (18,051 )       25,014       18,677  
Income taxes payable, net
    (8,461 )     936       (393 )
Net cash provided by (used-in) operating activities
    (6,428 )       38,517       13,367  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchases of short-term investments
    (5,144 )     (300 )       (6,700 )  
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
    5,144       13,100       11,300  
Purchase of equipment and leasehold improvements
    (3,803 )       (2,380 )       (3,452 )  
Payment for intangible assets acquired
    (1,095 )       (58,723 )       (5,042 )  
Proceeds from sale of stock of subsidiary
    2,695       2,879       2,830  
Payment for acquisition of minority interests
    (18,493 )       (10,984 )        
Proceeds from sale of trademark
                1,131  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (20,696 )       (56,408 )       67  
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from loans payable – banks
    7,089       762       4,974  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
          54,948       —   
Repayment of long-term debt
    (16,292 )       (10,440 )       (4,019 )  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (4,975 )     (107 )       (164 )  
Proceeds from exercise of options including tax benefits
    1,260       1,331       1,004  
Dividends paid
    (4,069 )       (3,879 )     (3,251 )  
Dividends paid to minority interest
    (1,735 )       (1,594 )       (1,218 )  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (18,722 )     41,021       (2,674 )  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (1,784 )     8,657       5,355  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (47,630     31,787        16,115  
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year
    90,034       58,247       42,132  
Cash and cash equivalents – end of year
  $ 42,404     $ 90,034     $ 58,247  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for:
                       
Interest
  $ 3,894     $ 3,872     $ 1,586  
Income taxes
    13,311       15,211       13,227  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                 

 
F-6

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(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 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. Revenues generated from one such license represented 56%, 54% and 57% of net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Basis of Preparation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, including 75% owned Inter Parfums, S.A. (“IPSA”), a subsidiary whose stock is publicly traded in France. In January 2007, IPSA formed and began operations of four new majority-owned distribution subsidiaries, Inter Parfums Limited, Inter Parfums Deutschland GMBH, Inter Parfums srl and Inter España Parfums et Cosmetiques, SL, covering territories in The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Spain, respectively. The minority shareholders of the majority-owned distribution subsidiaries have binding obligations to make good on losses in excess of their investments in the joint ventures. In June 2008, IPSA formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Inter Parfums (Suisse) SA, to hold and manage certain of its brand names. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
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
 
All highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
 
Short-term Investments
 
From time to time the Company has short-term investments which consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of greater than three months.
 
Accounts Receivable
 
Accounts receivable represent payments due to the Company for previously recognized net sales, reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts or balances which are estimated to be uncollectible aggregating $1.3 million and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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.
 

 
F-7

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Inventories
 
Inventories, including promotional merchandise, only includes inventory considered saleable or usable in future periods, and is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Cost components include raw materials, components, 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. Overhead included in inventory aggregated, $4.1 million, $3.2 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives for equipment, which range between three and ten years and the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful asset lives for leasehold improvements.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value and expands disclosure about the use of fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our fair value measurements.
 
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, 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 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 debts 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 are the discounted net present value of the swaps using third party quotes obtained from financial institutions.
 
The following table presents 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.
 
 
F-8

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
       
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2008
 
         
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
         
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets:
                       
Money market funds
 
$
19,816
   
$
19,816
   
$
   
$
 
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts accounted for using hedge accounted
   
8,162
     
     
8,162
     
 
                                 
   
$
27,978
   
$
19,816
   
$
8,162
   
$
 
Liabilities
                               
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not accounted for using hedge accounted
 
$ 
1,429
     
   
$
1,429
     
 
Interest rate swaps
   
811
     
      811      
 
                                 
   
$
2,240
   
$
   
$
2,240
   
$
 
 
All derivative instruments are reported as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet measured at fair value. The valuation of inter rate swaps and the valuation of foreign currency forward exchange contract not accounted for using hedge accounting resulted in liabilities which are included in accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheet as of December 31, 2008. The valuation of foreign currency forward exchange contracts accounted for using hedge accounting resulted in assets which are included in either other current assets ($6.4 million) or other assets ($1.8 million) on the accompanying balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, depending upon the maturity dates of the contract. Generally, increases or decreases in the fair value of derivative instruments will be recognized as gains or losses in earnings in the period of change. If the derivative instrument is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument will be recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until the forecasted sale is recorded or when the hedge is determined to be ineffective.
 
The Company occasionally enters 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. 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. Any hedge ineffectiveness as defined by SFAS No. 133 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 when the underlying forecasted transaction occurs.  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. As of December 31, 2008, cash-flow hedges were highly effective, in all material respects.
 

 
F-9

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

As a result of the dramatic strengthening of the U.S. dollar during our fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008, we entered into $90 million of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge approximately 80% of our 2009 sales expected to be invoiced in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2008, the Company recorded a charge of $0.8 million relating to the portion of the fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contract attributable to the change in spot-forward difference. The change in value relating to the foreign currency forward exchange contracts not accounted for using hedge accounting is also reported as a gain or loss. These charges are included in loss on foreign currency in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2008, we had foreign currency contracts in the form of forward exchange contracts in the amount of approximately U.S. $128 million, GB pounds 3.7 million, and Japanese yen 95.8 million which all have maturities of less than a year except for U.S. $21 million which have maturities of 13 to 16 months.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The Company reviews goodwill and trademarks with indefinite lives for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.
 
         
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2008
 
         
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
         
Active Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Description
                               
Goodwill
  $ 5,470     $     $     $ 5,470  

The goodwill relates to the Company’s Nickel skin care business which is primarily a component of our European operations. In performing our annual review of the recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill, we determined that Nickel product sales, although up slightly in 2008 as compared to 2007, continue to be lower than we originally anticipated. We have measured fair value as a multiple of sales applied to the average of 2007 and 2008 actual sales and projected sales for 2009. The sales multiple was based on a third party financial institution study of sales multiples for all transactions in the skin care, perfume and cosmetic sectors since 2001. As a result, the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeded fair value resulting in an impairment loss. Accumulated impairment losses relating to goodwill aggregated $1.8 million as of December 31, 2008. Activity relating to the goodwill is as follows:

 
F-10

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance - beginning of year
  $ 6,715     $ 4,978  
Goodwill acquired
          1,892  
Effect of changes in foreign currency translation rates
    (309 )     713  
Impairment loss
    (936 )     (868 )
Balance - end of year
  $ 5,470     $ 6,715  
 
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 seventeen 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.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue is recognized when merchandise is shipped and the risk of loss passes to the customer. The Company, at its discretion, permits limited returns of merchandise and establishes allowances for estimated returns based upon historic trends and relevant current data. The Company does not bill its customer’s freight and handling charges. All shipping and handling costs, which aggregated $6.2 million, $6.2 million and $5.5 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income. One customer represented 12%, 13% and 15% of consolidated net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Payments to Customers
 
The Company is subject to the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).”  In accordance with this guidance, the Company has recorded the revenues generated from purchase 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 expense were $65.8 million, $58.5 million and $46.5 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Costs relating to purchase with purchase and gift with purchase promotions that are reflected in cost of sales aggregated $34.3 million, $23.0 million and $20.6 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Package Development Costs
 
Package development costs associated with new products and redesigns of existing product packaging are expensed as incurred.
 

 
F-11

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB No. 109 (“FIN 48”). Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Tax benefits recognized are reduced by a valuation allowance where it is more likely than not that the benefits may not be realized.
 
Issuance of Common Stock by Consolidated Subsidiary
 
Prior to the acquisition of minority interests discussed in Note (3), 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, was reflected as a gain or loss in the consolidated statements of income. Subsequent to the acquisition of minority interests, in accordance with SAB 51, 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.
 
Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year, plus the incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method. All share and per share amounts for dates and periods prior to the stock split discussed in Note 10 have been restated to reflect the retroactive effect of the stock split.
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Numerator:
                 
Net income
  $ 23,966     $ 23,817     $ 17,742  
Effect of dilutive securities of consolidated subsidiary
    (99 )     (270 )      
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
 
$
23,867    
$
23,547     $ 17,742  
Denominator:
                       
Weighted average shares
    30,621,070       30,666,141       30,486,463  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options and warrants
    156,915       338,158       366,275  
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
    30,777,985       31,004,299       30,852,738  
 
Not included in the above computations is the effect of anti-dilutive potential common shares which consist of outstanding options to purchase 541,000, 477,000, and 324,000 shares of common stock for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, and outstanding warrants to purchase 187,500 shares of common stock for 2008 and 150,000 shares of common stock for 2007 and 2006.

 
F-12

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
Treasury Stock
 
The Board of Directors may authorize share repurchases of the Company’s common stock (Share Repurchase Authorizations). Share repurchases under these authorizations may be 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 Stockholders’ equity. Share Repurchase Authorization may be suspended, limited or terminated at any time without notice.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as an amendment to SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS 161 requires that objectives for using derivative instruments be disclosed in terms of underlying risk and accounting designation. The fair value of derivative instruments and their gains and losses will need to be presented in tabular format in order to present a more complete picture of the effects of using derivative instruments. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes requirements for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the Company (sometimes called “minority interests”) be clearly identified, presented, and disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity. All changes in the parent’s ownership interests are required to be accounted for consistently as equity transactions and any noncontrolling equity investments in deconsolidated subsidiaries must be measured initially at fair value. SFAS 160 is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. However, presentation and disclosure requirements must be retrospectively applied to comparative financial statements and upon implementation, the Company will be required to classify its minority interests as equity in accordance with SFAS 160.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R provides revised guidance on how acquirers recognize and measure the consideration transferred, identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS 141R also expands required disclosures surrounding the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS 141R is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 141R on its consolidated financial statements. However, if additional minority interests are acquired after adoption of SFAS 141R, such transactions will be accounted for as equity transactions and not subject to purchase accounting.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
 

 
F-13

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
(2)
Recent Agreements
 
Gap Inc.
 
In April 2008, we expanded our current relationship with Gap Inc. with the signing of a licensing agreement for international distribution of personal care products through Gap and Banana Republic stores as well as select specialty and department stores outside the United States, including duty-free and other travel related retailers. The agreement is effective through December 31, 2011.
 
Our association with Gap Inc. began in July 2005, when we entered into an exclusive agreement to develop, produce, manufacture and distribute personal care and home fragrance products for Gap and Banana Republic brand names to be sold in Gap and Banana Republic retail stores in the United States and Canada. In March 2006, the agreement was amended to include Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores in the United States and Canada.
 
The initial term of this agreement expires on August 31, 2009, and the agreement includes an additional two-year optional term that expires on August 31, 2011, as well as a further additional two-year term that expires August 31, 2013, in each case if certain retail sales targets are met or if Gap chooses to extend the term. In addition, if the agreement is extended for the first optional term, then Gap has the right to terminate our rights under the agreement before the end of that first optional term if Gap pays to us an amount specified in a formula, with such right to be exercised during the period beginning on September 1, 2010 and expiring on August 31, 2011.
 
As an inducement to enter into this agreement, in July 2005 we granted warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock to Gap exercisable for five years at $16.80 per share, 125% of the market price on the date of grant. In addition, we agreed to grant up to three (3) additional warrants to Gap. The first additional warrant was granted in September 2006 for 150,000 shares of our common stock exercisable for five years at $11.46 per share, the market price on the date of grant. If the term of our agreement with Gap is extended as discussed above, we will grant to Gap two additional warrants. Each such warrant would be exercisable for 75,000 shares of our common stock at 100% of the market price on the date of grant. The fair market value of the 150,000 warrants granted in July 2005 and the 150,000 warrants granted in September 2006 aggregated approximately $1.7 million and was determined on the date of the first grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield 0.7%; volatility of 50%; a risk-free interest rate of 3.84%; and an expected life of the warrant of five years. Such amount has been capitalized as an intangible asset and is being amortized over the initial term of the agreement. Such amortization is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
We have registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission the 300,000 shares purchasable pursuant to the first two warrant grants for resale in May 2007. In the event we fail to maintain an effective registration statement, Gap shall have the right to convert the warrants or any portion thereof into shares of our common stock. Upon exercise of this right we have agreed to deliver, without payment by Gap of any exercise price or any cash or other consideration, that number of shares of fully paid and nonassessable shares of the Company’s Common Stock, the value of which would equal the difference between the fair value and the exercise price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of exercise attributable to the warrants exercised divided by the fair value of the Company’s common Stock on the date of exercise. We do not have any liability representing future obligations under our registration arrangements relating to the warrants issued to Gap.
 
 
F-14

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
bebe Stores, Inc.
 
In July 2008, we entered into an exclusive six year worldwide agreement with bebe Stores, Inc. under which we will design, manufacture and supply fragrance, bath and body products and color cosmetics for company-owned bebe stores in the United States and Canada as well as select specialty and department stores worldwide.
 
Brooks Brothers
 
In November 2007, we entered into exclusive agreements with Retail Brand Alliance, Inc., d/b/a/ Brooks Brothers (“Brooks Brothers”) under which we design, manufacture and supply personal care products for men and women sold at Brooks Brothers locations in the United States as well as a licensing agreement covering Brooks Brothers stores and specialty retail and department stores outside the United States including duty free and other travel-related retailers.
 
Lanvin
 
In July 2007, we acquired the worldwide rights to the Lanvin brand names and international trademarks listed in Class 3 from Jeanne Lanvin, S.A. (“Lanvin”). Among other items, Class 3 of the international classification of trademarks goods and services include: soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics and hair lotions. We paid 22 million (approximately $29.7 million) in cash for the brand names and trademarks and simultaneously terminated our existing license agreement. We also agreed to pay to Lanvin a sales based fee for technical and creative assistance in new product development to be rendered by Lanvin in connection with our use of the trademarks through June 30, 2019. In addition, Lanvin has the right to repurchase the brand names and trademarks in 2025 for the greater of 70 million or one times the average of the annual sales for the years ending December 31, 2023 and 2024.

Prior to this acquisition, the amount paid to secure the license agreement with Lanvin was being amortized over the life of the license agreement. At June 30, 2007, that intangible asset, net of accumulated amortization aggregated 13.2 million. The 22 million paid in July 2007 for the brand names and trademarks together with the carrying value related to the license agreement represents the total cost of acquiring the brand names and trademarks. Such total amount is included in trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Since the residual value of the Lanvin brand names and trademarks, estimated to be approximately 42.5 million, exceeds its carrying amount, no further amortization expense has been, or is expected to be, recorded after June 30, 2007.

New York & Company, Inc.
 
In April 2007, we entered into an exclusive agreement with New York & Company, Inc. under which we design and manufacture personal care products to be sold at the New York & Company retail locations and on their website. We are responsible for product development, formula creation, packaging and manufacturing while New York & Company is responsible for marketing and selling in its stores.

 
F-15

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
Van Cleef & Arpels
 
In September 2006, IPSA entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Van Cleef & Arpels Logistics SA, for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance and related bath and body products under the Van Cleef & Arpels brand and related trademarks. The agreement runs through December 31, 2018. As an inducement to enter into this license agreement, we agreed to pay, in January 2007, €18 million (approximately $23.4 million) to Van Cleef & Arpels Logistics SA in a lump sum, up front payment and we agreed to purchase existing inventory of approximately $2.1 million held by YSL Beauté, the former licensee. The asset is included in trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and the liability for the €18 million up front payment was included in accrued expenses on the December 31, 2006 balance sheet. The license agreement became effective on January 1, 2007.

Quiksilver, Inc.
 
In March 2006, IPSA entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Quiksilver, Inc. for the creation, development and distribution of fragrance, suncare, skincare and related products under the Roxy and Quiksilver brands. The agreement runs through 2017.

(3)
Acquisition of Minority Interests
 
IPSA
 
In 2008 and 2007, we acquired an additional 3.6% and 1.2% interest, respectively, in IPSA, our majority owned French subsidiary, from its minority shareholders for cash of approximately $18.5 million in 2008 and $6.3 million in 2007.

The allocation of the purchase price was as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Trademarks
  $ 15,458     $ 5,469  
Minority interest
    8,356       2,724  
Deferred tax liability
    (5,321 )     (1,883 )
Total
  $ 18,493     $ 6,310  
 
The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method and brought our ownership interest in IPSA to approximately 75%.

 
F-16

 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
Nickel, S.A.
 
In June 2007, the minority shareholders of Nickel S.A., a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, exercised their rights to sell their remaining 32.4% interest in Nickel S.A. to the Company for approximately $4.7 million in cash. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method. The allocation of the purchase price was as follows:
 
Purchase price
  $ 4,673  
Less amount recorded for put option liability
    1,273  
Subtotal
  $ 3,400  
         
Allocated as follows:
       
Trademarks
  $ 921  
Minority interest
    587  
Goodwill
    1,892  
Total
  $ 3,400  

(4)
Inventories
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Raw materials and component parts
  $ 37,248     $ 41,108  
Finished goods
    86,385       64,914  
    $ 123,633     $ 106,022  
 
(5)
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Equipment
  $ 18,526     $ 15,499  
Leasehold improvements
    2,098       1,963  
      20,624       17,462  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    12,954       10,200  
    $ 7,670     $ 7,262  
 
Depreciation and amortization expense was $3.1 million, $2.5 million and $1.9 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 

 
F-17

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
(6)
Trademarks, Licenses and Other Intangible Assets
 
2008
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Net Book
 
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Value
 
Trademarks (indefinite lives)
  $ 7,315     $     $ 7,315  
Trademarks (finite lives)
    53,819       115       53,704  
Licenses (finite lives)
    51,113       9,992       41,121  
Other intangible assets (finite lives)
    13,817       11,035       2,782  
Subtotal
    118,749       21,142       97,607  
Total
  $ 126,064     $ 21,142     $ 104,922  
 
2007
 
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Net Book
 
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Value
 
Trademarks (indefinite lives)
  $ 7,497     $     $ 7,497  
Trademarks (finite lives)
    54,688       115       54,573  
Licenses (finite lives)
    41,784       5,971       35,813  
Other intangible assets (finite lives)
    13,018       9,324       3,694  
Subtotal
    109,490       15,410       94,080  
Total
  $ 116,987     $ 15,410     $ 101,577  
 
During 2008, 2007 and 2006, there were no charges for the impairment of trademarks with indefinite useful lives. Amortization expense was $6.9 million, $5.3 million and $3.4 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively. Amortization expense is expected to approximate $6.0 million in 2009, $5.8 million in 2010 and 2011, and $4.6 million in 2012 and 2013. The weighted average amortization period for trademarks, licenses and other intangible assets with finite lives are 16 years, 9 years and 3 years, respectively, and 12 years in the aggregate.
 
(7)
Loans Payable – Banks
 
Loans payable – banks consist of the following:
 
The Company’s foreign subsidiaries have available credit lines, including several bank overdraft facilities totaling $45 million, bearing interest at the three month EURIBOR plus 0.60% (the three month EURIBOR was 2.89% at December 31, 2008). Outstanding amounts totaled $5.6 million and $6.2 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The Company has borrowings available under a $15 million unsecured revolving line of credit due on demand and bearing interest at the prime rate minus 1% (the prime rate was 3.25% as of December 31, 2008). The line of credit which has a maturity date of July 1, 2009 is expected to be renewed on an annual basis. Outstanding amounts totaled $8.4 million and $1.0 at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 2.76% and 5.49% as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 

 
F-18

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)
 
(8)
Long-term Debt
 
Long-term debt consists of the following: 
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
16 million euro variable rate facility at three month EURIBOR plus 0.60%, payable in 20 equal quarterly installments
  $ 2,227     $ 7,066  
18 million euro fixed rate facility at 4.1%, payable in 20 quarterly installments
    15,639       21,622  
22 million euro variable rate facility at three month EURIBOR plus 0.40%, payable in 20 equal quarterly installments
    22,960       30,767  
Other
    217       278  
      41,043       59,733  
Less current maturities
    13,352       16,215  
Total
  $ 27,691     $ 43,518  
 
In connection with the 16 million euro variable rate facility, the Company entered into a swap transaction effectively exchanging the variable interest rate to a variable rate based on the 12 month EURIBOR with a floor of 3.25% and a ceiling of 3.85%. In connection with the 22 million euro variable rate facility, the Company entered into a swap transaction effectively exchanging the variable interest rate to a fixed rate of 4.42%. These derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and changes in fair value which aggregated $0.8 million in 2008 is reflected in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
 
Some of the Company’s long-term debt facilities require the maintenance of certain financial covenants. Using December 31, 2008 exchange rates, maturities of long-term debt subsequent to December 31, 2008 are $13.4 million in 2009, $11.3 million in 2010, $11.7 million in 2011 and $4.6 million in 2012.
 
 (9)
Commitments
 
Leases
 
The Company leases its office and warehouse facilities under operating leases which are subject to escalation clauses and expire at various dates through 2015. Rental expense amounted to $9.9 million, $9.1 million and $7.1 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Minimum future annual rental payments are as follows:
 
2009
  $ 7,071  
2010
    7,244  
2011
    5,739  
2012
    2,615  
2013
    1,753  
Thereafter
    2,700  
    $ 27,122  
 
 
F-19

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

License Agreements
 
The Company is party to a number of license 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 2018. 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:
 
2009
  $ 137,688  
2010
    144,559  
2011
    148,803  
2012
    153,960  
2013
    159,961  
Thereafter
    561,522  
         
    $ 1,306,493  
 
Future advertising commitments are estimated based on planned future sales for the license terms that were in effect at December 31, 2008, 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 $37.3 million, $35.6 million and $31.4 million, in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
(10) 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
Stock Split
 
In May 2008, the board of directors of the Company authorized a three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend distributed on May 30, 2008 to shareholders of record as of May 15, 2008. As a result of the stock split, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect an increase in the number of outstanding shares of common stock and the transfer of the par value of these additional shares from paid-in capital. All share and per share amounts for dates and periods prior to the split have been restated to reflect the retroactive effect of the stock split.
 
Issuance of Common Stock by Consolidated Subsidiary
 
During 2008, 2007 and 2006, 77,068, 121,746 and 169,479 shares, respectively, of capital stock of IPSA were issued as a result of employees exercising stock options. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s percentage ownership of IPSA was approximately 75%.
 
Share-Based 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. Prior to 2006, options granted under the plans vested immediately and were exercisable for a period of five years.  Commencing in 2006, options granted under the plans typically have a six-year term and vest over a five-year period. The fair value of shares vested in 2008 and 2007 aggregated $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. 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 2008:
 
   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested options – beginning of year
      344,700         $ 4.24     
Nonvested options granted
    246,100     $ 3.37  
Nonvested options vested or forfeited
    100,538     $ 4.20  
Nonvested options – end of year
    490,262     $ 3.81  

 
F-20

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Share-based payment expenses decreased income before income taxes by $1.1 million in both 2008 and 2007 and $0.9 million in 2006, decreased net income by $0.62 million, $0.54 million and $0.44 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.02 in both 2008 and 2007 and $0.01in 2006.
 
The following table summarizes stock option activity and related information as of December 31, 2008 and does not include information relating to options of IPSA granted by IPSA, our majority owned subsidiary:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
exercise
price
   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
exercise
price
   
Options
   
Weighted
Average
exercise
price
 
Shares under option - beginning of year
    1,206,600     $ 12.29       1,301,400     $ 11.02       1,478,325     $ 9.35  
Options granted
    246,100       9.86       144,450       12.75       271,800       13.05  
Options exercised
    (33,150 )     8.22       (228,150 )     5.34       (341,400 )     5.22  
Options cancelled
    (281,175 )     14.92       (11,100 )     12.61       (107,325 )     11.67  
Shares under options - end of year
    1,138,375       11.23       1,206,600       12.29       1,301,400       11.02  

 
At December 31, 2008, options for 1,213,369 shares were available for future grant under the plans.
 
As of December 31, 2008, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding is $0.1 million and unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding on Inter Parfums, Inc. stock aggregated $1.8 million which will be recognized over the next five years. The amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding of our majority owned subsidiary, IPSA, was 0.4 million euro. Options under IPSA plans vest over a four year period.
 
The weighted average fair values of the options granted by Inter Parfums, Inc. during 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $3.36, $4.37 and $4.24 per share, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of options granted. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes pricing model for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are set forth in the following table. Expected volatility is estimated based on historic volatility of the Company’s common stock. The Company uses the simplified method in developing its estimate of the expected term of the option as historic data regarding employee exercise behavior is incomplete for the new vesting parameters recently instituted by the company. 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 in place at the time of stock-based award grant would continue with no anticipated increases.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Weighted-average expected stock-price volatility
    41 %     39 %     30 %
Weighted-average expected option life
 
4.7 years
   
4.5 years
   
5 years
 
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate
    2.3 %     3.5 %     4.7 %
Weighted-average dividend yield
    1.25 %     0.9 %     0.9 %

 
F-21

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Stock-based employee compensation determined under the fair value based method, net of related tax effects, includes compensation incurred by IPSA, our majority owned subsidiary whose stock is publicly traded in France. No options were granted by IPSA during 2008 and 2007. The weighted average fair values of the options granted by Inter Parfums, S.A. during 2006 were 10.37 euro per share on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield 0.94%; volatility of 25%; risk-free interest rate of 4.6%; and an expected life of the option of four years.
 
Cash proceeds, tax benefits and intrinsic value related to stock options exercised were as follows: 
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash proceeds from stock options exercised
  $ 272     $ 1,331     $ 1,004  
Tax benefits
  $ 988     $ 915     $  
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised
  $ 158     $ 1,368     $ 3,028  
 
No tax benefit was realized or recognized in 2006 from stock options exercised as valuation reserves were allocated to those potential benefits.
 
The following table summarizes additional stock option information as of December 31, 2008:
 
       
Options outstanding
     
   
Number
 
weighted average remaining
 
Options
 
Exercise prices
 
outstanding
 
contractual life
 
exercisable
 
$6.93
 
81,100
 
6.00 years
 
 
$9.97
     
232,650
     
1.30 years
     
232,650
 
$10.13 – $10.26
 
243,750
 
0.95 years
 
243,750
 
$11.01 – $11.49
 
165,975
 
5.00 years
 
3,000
 
$12.58 – $12.64
 
123,675
 
4.85 years
 
29,535
 
$13.10 – $13.23
 
246,225
 
3.91 years
 
96,578
 
$15.37
 
12,000
 
0.09 years
 
12,000
 
$16.83
 
30,000
 
0.12 years
 
30,000
 
$18.00
 
3,000
 
4.41 Years
 
600
 
Totals
 
1,138,375
 
2.87 Years
 
648,113
 
 
As of December 31, 2008 the weighted average exercise price of options exercisable was $11.09 and the weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable is 1.63 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at December 31, 2008 is zero.
 
The Chief Executive Officer and the President each exercised 75,000 outstanding stock options of the Company’s common stock in both 2007 and 2006. The aggregate exercise prices of $0.8 million in both 2007 and 2006 were paid by them tendering to the Company in 2007 and 2006 an aggregate of 72,429 and 55,917 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 2007 and 2006 an additional 9,698 and 11,760 shares, respectively, for payment of certain withholding taxes resulting from his option exercises.

 
F-22

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

Treasury Stock
 
In February 2008, the board of directors of the Company authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company is authorized to repurchase a maximum of 500,000 shares of its common stock in the open market. In February 2008, 194,286 shares of the Company’s common stock were repurchased at an average price of $11.30 per common share. In June 2008, the board of directors authorized a reset of the stock repurchase program whereby the Company was authorized to repurchase a maximum of 500,000 shares of its common stock in the open market. In December, 468,137 shares of the Company’s common stock were repurchased at an average price of $5.92 per common share and the board of directors authorized an additional 1 million to be potentially purchased pursuant to the stock repurchase program. Under the current program, as of December 31, 2008 the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1,031,863 additional shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
Dividends
 
The Company declared dividends of $0.133, $0.133, and $0.107 per share per annum in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The quarterly dividend of $1.0 million declared in December 2008 was paid in January 2009.
 
(11) 
Segments and Geographic Areas
 
The Company manufactures 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. European operations primarily represent the sales of the prestige brand name fragrances and United States operations primarily represent the sale of specialty retail and mass market fragrances. Information on the Company’s operations by segments is as follows:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net sales:
                 
United States
  $ 59,657     $ 58,807     $ 50,980  
Europe
    389,009       332,420       271,650  
Eliminations of intercompany sales
    (2,542 )     (1,667 )     (1,576 )
    $ 446,124     $ 389,560     $ 321,054  
Net income:
                       
United States
  $ 1,960     $ 2,066     $ 415  
Europe
    22,063       21,681       17,270  
Eliminations
    (57 )     70       57  
    $ 23,966     $ 23,817     $ 17,742  
Depreciation and amortization expense:
                       
United States
  $ 1,283     $ 1,076     $ 763  
Europe
    8,642       6,955       4,584  
    $ 9,925     $ 8,031     $ 5,347  
Interest and dividend income:
                       
United States
  $ 4     $ 227     $ 596  
Europe
    1,741       2,939       1,707  
    $ 1,745     $ 3,166     $ 2,303  
Interest expense:
                       
United States
  $ 142     $ 366     $ 259  
Europe
    4,798       3,301       1,538  
    $ 4,940     $ 3,667     $ 1,797  
Income tax expense (benefit):
                       
United States
  $ 1,087     $ 1,105     $ (148 )
Europe
    15,263       15,517       13,304  
Eliminations
    (38 )     53       45  
    $ 16,312     $ 16,675     $ 13,201  

 
F-23

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Total assets:
                 
United States
  $ 56,320     $ 52,571     $ 61,435  
Europe
    380,058       403,351       281,378  
Eliminations of investment in subsidiary
    (11,241 )     (9,870 )     (9,768 )
    $ 425,137     $ 446,052     $ 333,045  
Additions to long-lived assets:
                       
United States
  $ 479     $ 1,042     $ 1,337  
Europe
    19,877       44,125       30,862  
    $ 20,356     $ 45,167     $ 32,199  
Total long-lived assets:
                       
United States
  $ 6,537     $ 7,342     $ 7,376  
Europe
    111,525       108,212       62,750  
    $ 118,062     $ 115,554     $ 70,126  
Deferred tax assets:
                       
United States
  $ 586     $ 591     $ 726  
Europe
    2,802       3,709       1,768  
    $ 3,388     $ 4,300     $ 2,494  

United States export sales were approximately $22.5 million, $9.5 million and $7.2 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Consolidated net sales to customers by region are as follows:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
North America
  $ 108,600     $ 115,400     $ 107,400  
Europe
    204,100       173,200       128,300  
Central and South America
    38,000       28,200       24,500  
Middle East
    39,200       26,100       21,900  
Asia
    53,000       43,900       37,700  
Other
    3,200       2,800       1,300  
    $ 446,100     $ 389,600     $ 321,100  

Consolidated net sales to customers in major countries are as follows:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
United States
  $ 101,000     $ 113,000     $ 104,000  
United Kingdom
  $ 25,000     $ 28,000     $ 28,000  
France
  $ 38,000     $ 30,000     $ 21,000  

(12) 
Income Taxes
 
The components of income before income taxes and minority interest consist of the following:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
U.S. operations
  $ 3,047     $ 3,170     $ 267  
Foreign operations
    43,387       44,106       36,868  
                         
    $ 46,434     $ 47,276     $ 37,135  

 
F-24

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(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,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Current:
                 
Federal
  $ 56     $ 343     $ (321 )
State and local
    86       190       60  
Foreign
    12,052       16,799       12,619  
      12,194       17,332       12,358  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    886       437       (81 )
State and local
    59       135       195  
Foreign
    3,173       (1,229 )     729  
      4,118       (657 )     843  
Total income tax expense
  $ 16,312     $ 16,675     $ 13,201  

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,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
State net operating loss carry forwards
  $ 640     $ 832  
Federal net operating loss carry forwards
    605       1,490  
Foreign net operating loss carry forwards
    764       2,351  
Alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards
    134       75  
Inventory and accounts receivable
    400       657  
Profit sharing
    829       885  
Stock option compensation
    244        
Effect of inventory profit elimination
    1,112       1,308  
Other
    669       162  
Total gross deferred tax assets
    5,397       7,760  
Valuation allowance
    (2,009 )     (3,460 )
Net deferred tax assets
    3,388       4,300  
Deferred tax liabilities (long-term):
               
Property, plant, and equipment
    (67 )     (225 )
Trademarks and licenses
    (8,104 )     (4,147 )
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges
    (3,084 )      
Other
    (307 )     (292 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (11,562 )     (4,664 )
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
  $ (8,174 )   $ (364 )
 
At December 31, 2008 federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1.8 million expire at various dates through 2026 and the Company’s state net operating loss carryforwards, subject to applicable state apportionment, for New York State and New York City tax purposes of approximately $8.7 million and for New Jersey tax purposes of approximately $10.6 million expire at various dates through 2012. Prior to 2007, valuation allowances had been provided including $1.1 million in 2006, as it was estimated that future tax benefits from option compensation deductions might prevent the net operating loss carryforwards from being fully utilized. In 2008 and 2007, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively of such valuation allowances were realized. The amount realized in 2008 and 2007 and any future realization of the valuation allowance is credited to additional paid-in capital.

 
F-25

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

In addition, a valuation allowance of $0.8 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million has been provided in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively against certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards, as it was estimated that future profitable operations from certain foreign subsidiaries might not be sufficient to realize the full amount of net operating loss carryforwards recognized. In 2008, one of our foreign subsidiaries was merged into IPSA and as a result of the merger the Company recognized a tax benefit of $0.7 million from the utilization of certain foreign operating loss carryforwards including those for which valuation allowances had been recorded.
 
No further 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.
 
The Company has not provided for U.S. deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on $141 million of undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 since the Company intends to reinvest these earnings in its foreign operations indefinitely except where it is able to repatriate these earnings to the United States without material incremental tax provisions.
 
Differences between the United States Federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate were as follows:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Statutory rates
    34.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
State and local taxes, net of Federal benefit
    0.3       0.5       0.5  
Effect of foreign taxes in excess of U.S. statutory rates
    1.0       1.2       2.2  
Other
    (0.2 )     (0.4 )     (1.1 )
Effective rates
    35.1 %     35.3 %     35.6 %
 
(13) 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income consists of the following:
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Net derivative instruments, beginning of year
  $ 97     $ 128     $ 59  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments
    4,315       (31 )     69  
Net derivative instruments, end of year
    4,412       97       128  
                         
Cumulative translation adjustments, beginning of year
    30,858       15,042       3,515  
Translation adjustments
    (9,766 )     15,816       11,527  
Cumulative translation adjustments, end of year
    21,092       30,858       15,042  
                         
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 25,504     $ 30,955     $ 15,170  

 
F-26

 
 
INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(In thousands except share and per share data)

(14) 
Risks and Uncertainties
 
As with any business, many aspects of our operations are subject to influences outside our control.  These factors include the effect of the current financial crisis and therefore the potential for further deterioration in consumer spending and consumer debt levels, as well as the continued availability of favorable credit sources and capital market conditions in general. The recent economic challenges and uncertainties in a number of countries where we do business, including the United States, has begun to impact on our business. This financial crisis is global in scale and has negatively affected consumer demand, which is having an adverse impact on our distributors and our retail customers. These events have led distributors and retailers to carry less inventory than usual and have resulted in changes in their ordering patterns for the products that we sell.  Although the impact of this financial crisis did not have a material impact in 2008, its effect in 2009 is expected to be challenging for us.

The judgments used by management in applying critical accounting policies could also be affected by a further and prolonged general deterioration in the economic environment, which could negatively influence future financial results and availability of continued financing. Specifically, subsequent evaluations of our accounts receivables, inventories, and deferred tax assets in light of the factors then prevailing, could result in significant changes in our allowance and reserve accounts in future periods which in turn could generate significant additional charges. However, we believe that the evaluation of our allowance and reserve accounts is adequate based upon information currently available. Similarly, the valuation of certain intangible assets could be negatively impacted by prolonged and severely depressed market conditions thus leading to the recognition of impairment losses.

We are also subject to market risks, including foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk, and occasionally use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to these risks.

In addition,, we are exposed to certain concentration risk. As previously mentioned, 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. Revenues generated from one such license represented 56%, 54% and 57% of net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively and one customer represented 12%, 13% and 15% of net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

We monitor concentrations of credit risk associated with financial institutions with which we conduct significant business. We believe our credit risk is minimal, as we primarily conduct business with large, well-established financial institutions. We have not experienced any difficulty in maintaining our existing credit lines which we believe, together with cash on hand and cash generated from operations, will provide us with sufficient resources to meet all present and reasonably foreseeable future operating needs. We also do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our derivative counterparties.

In addition, see Item 1A Risks factors as it relates to the current financial crisis.

 
F-27

 

Schedule II

INTER PARFUMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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
 
Year ended December 31, 2008:
                                 
Allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts
  $ 2,357       154       (59
)(b)
    1,148 (a)     1,304  
Year ended December 31, 2007:
                                       
Allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts
  $ 2,244       589       208   (b)     684 (a)     2,357  
Year ended December 31, 2006:
                                       
Allowances for sales returns and doubtful accounts
  $ 2,257       129       188  (b)     330 (a)     2,244  
(a)     Write off of bad debts and sales returns.
(b)     Foreign currency translation adjustment.

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

 
F-28

 

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.

 
By
/s/ Jean Madar
Date: March 11, 2009

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
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Jean Madar
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
March 11, 2009
Jean Madar
 
and Chief Executive Officer
   
         
/s/ Russell Greenberg
 
Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
 
March 11, 2009
Russell Greenberg
 
and  Director
   
         
/s/ Philippe Benacin
 
Director
 
March 3, 2009
Philippe Benacin
       
         
/s/ Philippe Santi
 
Director
 
March 2, 2009
Philippe Santi
       
         
/s/ Francois Heilbronn
 
Director
 
March 2, 2009
Francois Heilbronn
       
         
/s/ Jean Levy
 
Director
 
March 3, 2009
Jean Levy
       
         
   
Director
 
March __, 2009
Robert Bensoussan-Torres
       
         
/s/ Serge Rosinoer
 
Director
 
March 2, 2009
Serge Rosinoer
       
         
/s/ Patrick Choël
 
Director
 
February 27, 2009
Patrick Choël