• Nu Skin executives expect innovative products to boost sales 5-7% to $1.60-1.63 billion this year. Earnings are expected to rise 10-15% to $2.25-2.35 billion, while operating margin is projected to increase 30 to 50 basis points. “We are anticipating another strong year due to our ability to innovate across product platforms, business methods and distributor compensation programs,” said Truman Hunt, Nu Skin president and chief executive officer.
“The exclusive ageLOC product portfolio is generating healthy consumer demand and attracting more people to our distributor force. In 2011 we will continue to fuel the ageLOC momentum by introducing our scientifically advanced nutritional products to our already successful skin care lineup,” Hunt said.“The Nu Skin ageLOC anti-aging platform represents a clear competitive advantage and provides plenty of room for sustainable growth in both the mid-to long-term.”
Record Q3 SalesFor Inter Parfums
• Inter Parfums, Inc. announced that net sales for the third quarter of 2010 rose 2.8% to $120.9 million. Net sales for the first nine months of 2010 increased 17.3% to a record $348.0 million.
Discussing European-based operations, Jean Madar, chairman and chief executive officer of Inter Parfums, stated, “The strong performance we achieved in the first half of the year has continued into the second half. Burberry fragrance sales were up 18% year-to-date in local currency. The global rollout of Burberry Sport fragrances was an important contributor, as were the growing sales of the enduring classic Burberry scents and the newer ones like Burberry Brit and Burberry The Beat.”
According to Madar, through the first nine months of 2010, Lanvin fragrance sales were up 31% in local currency thanks to both established fragrances such as Eclat d’Arpège and Jeanne Lanvin, as well as to the launch of the Marry Me line. Van Cleef & Arpels brand sales rose 33% year-to-date, in great part due to the spring launch of Oriens for women and the fall launch of Midnight in Paris for men.
Additionally, third quarter and year-to-date sales included contributions from Burberry Beauty and the integration of the Montblanc fragrance business.
On the subject of U.S.-based operations, Madar said, “Following the 71% increase in second quarter sales, we experienced certain inventory shortfalls during the third quarter. As such, certain shipments that were planned for the third quarter are expected to ship in the fourth quarter. We are looking for strong comparable quarter gains in sales by U.S.-based operations in the final quarter of the year.”
Q2 Net Sales Slip at Parlux
• Parlux Fragrances reported that second quarter sales fell 5% to $38.6 million. The prior year second quarter contained approximately $16.5 million of Guess brand net sales, which are no longer distributed by the company. According to Parlux, excluding sales of Guess products, there was a decrease of approximately 3% in net sales. Net income for the quarter fell 2% to $1.1 million.
For the six-month period, net sales fell 3% to $62.7 million compared to $80.1 million in the prior year period, which contained approximately $28.1 million of Guess brand net sales. However, excluding Guess, the company’s net sales increased 21% for the six-month period.
An Improved OutlookAt Elizabeth Arden
• Elizabeth Arden, Inc. posted encouraging financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended Sept. 30, 2010. Net sales rose 7.4% to $284.8 million.
E. Scott Beattie, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Elizabeth Arden, Inc., commented, “Through the first quarter, our business overall performed as we expected. Sales and earnings results were ahead of prior guidance, driven primarily by continued strong momentum in our international business.In constant currencies, net sales of our international business increased by 14%, with sales in Europe and our travel retail and distributor markets increasing by 14% and 31%, respectfully. Our net sales in North America rose by 6%.”
Beattie continued, “We are pleased with the performance of our brands and the progress we are making with our global brand marketing initiatives. Sales of Elizabeth Arden branded skin care products rose by 12% in the first quarter, and sales of our fragrance business grew 8% overall and 17% in Europe. As we head into the holiday period, we are encouraged and expect our key brands and launches to perform well.”
For the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the company is introducing guidance for net sales of $393 million to $403 million. Elizabeth Arden is raising its annual net sales guidance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 to a net sales increase of 3.5-4.5%, as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Blyth, Inc. Reports Q3 Sales
• Blyth, Inc. reported that net sales for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, 2010 declined approximately 3% to $215.5 million. According to the company, sales growth in ViSalus Sciences and in the Midwest-CBK business was more than offset by lower sales volume at PartyLite, and in the catalog and internet segment.
However, operating profit for the third quarter increased 9% to $5.7 million.
Net sales for the nine months ending Oct. 31, 2010 declined approximately 6% to $597.7 million, according to the Greenwich, CT-based company.