Inter Parfums Issues 2006 Profit Outlook

Inter Parfums Inc. said it expects 2006 earnings above Wall Street estimates. The company, whose fragrance brands include Christian Lacroix and Diane von Furstenberg, anticipates net income of $16.9 million (83 cents per share), on sales of $301 million. Excluding a tax charge for stock-based compensation, Inter Parfums expects earnings of 86 cents per share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expect profit of 80 cents per share on sales of $305 million. The company noted that its forecast assumes the dollar-to-euro exchange rate remains relatively stable. For 2005, Inter Parfums has projected earnings of 71 cents per share on sales of $274 million — in line with Street forecasts. Inter Parfums shares rose 25 cents to $15.69 in recent after-hours trading.