Q1 Sales Rise 6.6% at Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden, Inc. posted an upswing in its financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011, as net sales rose 6.6% to $303.5 million.

According to the company, net sales of its international business increased by 16.6%, driven by growth in the travel retail and distributor markets and in Asia. Net sales in North America grew by 1.6% and were balanced across the prestige and mass businesses.

CEO Scott Beattie commented, “We had another quarter of strong growth for the Elizabeth Arden brand and are progressing with our re-branding initiative. Global sales of Elizabeth Arden branded products grew by 14% this quarter with sales of the skin care and color cosmetic portfolio increasing by 22%. Sales of Britney Spears and Elizabeth Taylor fragrances also rose by 14% and 16%, respectively. The Taylor Swift fragrance Wonderstruck was successfully launched this quarter, and we are excited by the early results. Looking forward, despite the uncertain economic environment globally, we remain confident that our identified initiatives to drive sales increases across our brand portfolio and improve margins will result in strong cash flow and earnings growth for fiscal 2012.”

For the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company is introducing guidance for net sales of $424 million to $434 million, or an increase of 4.5% to 7.0% over the prior year period. Net sales for the full year are expected to increase 5.0% to 6.0%.