Annual Statements Open main menu

GUESS INC - Quarter Report: 2008 August (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(MARK ONE)

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended August 2, 2008

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from        to      

 

Commission File Number 1-11893

 

GUESS?, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

95-3679695

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

1444 South Alameda Street

Los Angeles, California, 90021

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(213) 765-3100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 for 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  o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer

x

 

 

Accelerated filer 

o

Non-accelerated filer

o

 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company 

o

 

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

 

 

Yes  o

 

No  x

 

As of September 5, 2008, the registrant had 94,105,173 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

GUESS?, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income — Three and Six Months Ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Six Months Ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

i



Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  Financial Statements.

 

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Feb. 2,
2008

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

294,481

 

$

275,595

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

288,173

 

254,400

 

Inventories

 

258,888

 

232,159

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

51,199

 

31,411

 

Deferred tax assets

 

20,108

 

21,174

 

Total current assets

 

912,849

 

814,739

 

Property and equipment, net

 

252,464

 

229,917

 

Goodwill

 

30,708

 

29,431

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

23,880

 

23,708

 

Long-term deferred tax assets

 

57,413

 

57,726

 

Other assets

 

39,976

 

30,707

 

 

 

$

1,317,290

 

$

1,186,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of borrowings and capital lease obligations

 

$

40,703

 

$

35,254

 

Accounts payable

 

240,615

 

210,258

 

Accrued expenses

 

154,569

 

142,779

 

Total current liabilities

 

435,887

 

388,291

 

Borrowings and capital lease obligations

 

18,173

 

18,724

 

Long-term deferred rent and lease incentives

 

46,024

 

40,036

 

Long-term deferred royalties

 

23,330

 

27,062

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

50,122

 

49,152

 

 

 

573,536

 

523,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interests

 

8,465

 

5,989

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued 135,756,144 and 135,051,396 shares, outstanding 94,126,185 and 94,337,674 shares, at August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively

 

941

 

943

 

Paid-in capital

 

270,650

 

255,486

 

Retained earnings

 

629,324

 

542,856

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

19,135

 

9,529

 

Treasury stock, 41,629,959 and 40,713,722 shares at August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively

 

(184,761

)

(151,840

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

735,289

 

656,974

 

 

 

$

1,317,290

 

$

1,186,228

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1



Table of Contents

 

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Net revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

 

$

488,956

 

$

366,739

 

$

954,691

 

$

724,382

 

Net royalties

 

26,216

 

21,548

 

49,701

 

41,854

 

 

 

515,172

 

388,287

 

1,004,392

 

766,236

 

Cost of product sales

 

283,017

 

214,935

 

550,998

 

425,471

 

Gross profit

 

232,155

 

173,352

 

453,394

 

340,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

147,145

 

113,991

 

292,459

 

223,470

 

Earnings from operations

 

85,010

 

59,361

 

160,935

 

117,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

799

 

387

 

1,824

 

1,311

 

Interest income

 

(1,553

)

(2,036

)

(3,086

)

(3,748

)

Other (income) expense

 

724

 

(530

)

1,632

 

361

 

 

 

(30

)

(2,179

)

370

 

(2,076

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income tax expense and minority interests

 

85,040

 

61,540

 

160,565

 

119,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

30,616

 

24,036

 

57,805

 

46,399

 

Minority interests expense (income)

 

592

 

22

 

1,127

 

(37

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

53,832

 

$

37,482

 

$

101,633

 

$

73,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.41

 

$

1.09

 

$

0.79

 

Diluted

 

$

0.57

 

$

0.40

 

$

1.08

 

$

0.78

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.06

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

93,008

 

92,180

 

92,979

 

92,033

 

Diluted

 

93,893

 

93,507

 

93,966

 

93,373

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

101,633

 

$

73,009

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

 

25,480

 

21,834

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,898

 

2,724

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

10,927

 

8,429

 

Net loss on disposition of long-term assets and property and equipment

 

3,008

 

783

 

Other items, net

 

4,578

 

(238

)

Minority interests

 

1,127

 

(37

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(33,773

)

(44,246

)

Inventories

 

(26,729

)

(52,709

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(27,791

)

(13,539

)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

42,828

 

62,846

 

Long-term deferred rent and lease incentives

 

5,988

 

4,599

 

Deferred royalties

 

(3,732

)

(3,132

)

Other long-term liabilities

 

4,680

 

1,503

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

112,122

 

61,826

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(50,310

)

(44,096

)

Purchases of long-term investments and deposits on property and equipment

 

(5,701

)

(13,628

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(56,011

)

(57,724

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Certain short-term borrowings, net

 

6,211

 

(16,179

)

Repayment of borrowings and capital lease obligation

 

(2,296

)

(742

)

Dividends paid

 

(15,165

)

(11,209

)

Minority interest capital contributions

 

1,005

 

 

Issuance of common stock net of nonvested award repurchases

 

(95

)

5,530

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 

4,628

 

8,966

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(33,051

)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(38,763

)

(13,634

)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

1,538

 

2,371

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

18,886

 

(7,161

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

275,595

 

207,617

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

294,481

 

$

200,456

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow data:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

1,608

 

$

883

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

37,035

 

$

39,309

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 2, 2008

(unaudited)

 

(1)                                 Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Guess?, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they have been condensed and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The results of operations for the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008.

 

The three and six month periods ended August 2, 2008 had the same number of days as the three and six month periods ended August 4, 2007.

 

(2)                                 Earnings Per Share and Stockholders’ Equity

 

Basic earnings per share represent net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted earnings per share represent net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, inclusive of the dilutive impact of common equivalent shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug 4,
2007

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Weighted average shares used in basic computations

 

93,008

 

92,180

 

92,979

 

92,033

 

Dilutive equity awards

 

885

 

1,327

 

987

 

1,340

 

Weighted average shares used in diluted computations

 

93,893

 

93,507

 

93,966

 

93,373

 

 

For the three months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, options for 1,082,322 and 320,420, respectively, of the Company’s shares and for the six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, options for 908,929 and 263,619, respectively, of the Company’s shares were outstanding but were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

The Company also excluded 1,087,000 nonvested stock awards granted to certain employees from the computation of diluted weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding, because they are subject to certain performance-based annual vesting conditions which had not been achieved by the end of the three and six month periods ended August 2, 2008. Assuming the current fiscal year’s annual performance criteria had been achieved as of August 2, 2008, the incremental dilutive impact would have been approximately 86,222 and 62,105 shares, respectively, for the three and six month periods then ended.

 

In March 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors terminated the previously authorized 2001 share repurchase program and authorized a new program to repurchase, from time-to-time and as market and business conditions warrant, up to $200 million of the Company’s common stock (the “2008 Share Repurchase Program”). Repurchases may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans or other available means. There is no minimum or maximum number of shares to be repurchased under the program and the program may be discontinued at any time, without prior notice. During the six months ended August 2, 2008, the Company repurchased 951,000 shares under the 2008 Share Repurchase Program at an aggregate cost of $33.1 million. All such share repurchases were made during the three months ended August 2, 2008.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

(3)                                 Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income consists of net earnings, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) related prior service cost and actuarial valuation loss amortization, unrealized gains or losses on investments available for sale, foreign currency translation adjustments and the effective portion of the change in the fair value of cash flow hedges.

 

A reconciliation of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Net earnings

 

$

53,832

 

$

37,482

 

$

101,633

 

$

73,009

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

1,210

 

1,074

 

6,676

 

10,205

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on hedges, net of tax effect

 

856

 

(883

)

2,185

 

(1,443

)

Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax effect

 

(73

)

(138

)

(109

)

(99

)

SERP prior service cost and actuarial valuation loss amortization, net of tax effect

 

427

 

358

 

854

 

716

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

56,252

 

$

37,893

 

$

111,239

 

$

82,388

 

 

(4)                                 Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consists of trade receivables primarily relating to the Company’s wholesale businesses in Europe, North America and Asia. The Company provided for allowances relating to these receivables of $23.2 million and $20.3 million, at August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively. In addition, accounts receivable includes royalty receivables relating to licensing operations, for which the Company recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.5 million and $0.3 million at August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, respectively. The accounts receivable allowance includes allowances for doubtful accounts, wholesale sales returns and wholesale markdowns. Retail sales returns allowances are included in accrued expenses.

 

(5)                                 Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Feb. 2,
2008

 

Raw materials

 

$

9,652

 

$

6,506

 

Work in progress

 

3,723

 

5,596

 

Finished goods — Europe

 

93,183

 

87,459

 

Finished goods — Retail

 

105,920

 

92,965

 

Finished goods — Wholesale

 

46,410

 

39,633

 

 

 

$

258,888

 

$

232,159

 

 

As of August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, inventories had been written down to the lower of cost or market by $25.3 million and $21.2 million, respectively.

 

(6)                                 Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the interim periods was computed using the effective tax rate estimated to be applicable for the full fiscal year, which is subject to ongoing review and evaluation by management. The Company’s effective income tax rate decreased 290 basis points to 36.0% for the six months ended August 2, 2008 compared to 38.9% in the six months ended August 4, 2007 primarily due to a higher proportion of earnings in lower tax jurisdictions.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

(7)                                 Segment Information

 

The business segments of the Company are retail, wholesale, European and licensing. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenues and earnings from operations.  Corporate overhead, global advertising and marketing expenditures, interest income and interest expense and other income and expense are evaluated on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to the Company’s business segments.

 

Net revenue and earnings from operations are summarized as follows for the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Net revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail operations

 

$

242,360

 

$

201,573

 

$

454,297

 

$

381,102

 

Wholesale operations

 

72,363

 

57,278

 

147,497

 

116,473

 

European operations

 

174,233

 

107,888

 

352,897

 

226,807

 

Licensing operations

 

26,216

 

21,548

 

49,701

 

41,854

 

 

 

$

515,172

 

$

388,287

 

$

1,004,392

 

$

766,236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail operations

 

$

30,136

 

$

27,761

 

$

52,980

 

$

47,653

 

Wholesale operations

 

10,791

 

10,193

 

23,345

 

20,894

 

European operations

 

40,126

 

19,366

 

80,087

 

47,083

 

Licensing operations

 

22,530

 

19,107

 

42,777

 

36,464

 

Corporate overhead

 

(18,573

)

(17,066

)

(38,254

)

(34,799

)

 

 

$

85,010

 

$

59,361

 

$

160,935

 

$

117,295

 

 

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business segments, the above net revenue and operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

 

(8)                                 Borrowings and Capital Lease Obligations

 

Borrowings and capital lease obligations are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Feb. 2,
2008

 

Short-term borrowings with European banks

 

$

38,418

 

$

32,742

 

European capital lease, maturing quarterly through 2016

 

20,458

 

20,422

 

Other loans

 

 

814

 

 

 

58,876

 

53,978

 

Less current installments

 

40,703

 

35,254

 

Long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations

 

$

18,173

 

$

18,724

 

 

On September 19, 2006, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit facility led by Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility provides for an $85 million revolving multicurrency line of credit and is available for direct borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit, subject to certain letters of credit sublimits. The Credit Facility is scheduled to mature on September 30, 2011. At August 2, 2008, the Company had $27.2 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, $24.8 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit and no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

 

The Company, through its European subsidiaries, maintains short-term borrowing agreements, primarily for working capital purposes, with various banks in Europe. Under these agreements, which are generally secured by specific accounts receivable balances, the Company can borrow up to $266.0 million, limited primarily by accounts receivable balances at the time of borrowing, except for one borrowing agreement which is partially secured by a $15.0 million standby letter of credit issued under the Company’s Credit Facility. Based on the applicable accounts receivable balances at August 2, 2008 and the standby letter of credit, the Company could have borrowed up to approximately $228.1 million under these agreements. However, the Company’s ability to borrow through foreign subsidiaries is generally limited to $185.0 million under the terms of the Credit Facility. At August 2, 2008, the Company had $38.4 million of outstanding borrowings and $8.6 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit under these agreements. The agreements are denominated in Euros, have no financial ratio covenants and provide for annual interest rates ranging from 4.3% to 6.4%. The maturities of the short-term borrowings are generally linked to the credit terms of the underlying accounts receivable that secure the borrowings.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

The Company entered into a capital lease in December 2005 for a new building in Florence, Italy. At August 2, 2008, the capital lease obligation was $20.5 million. The Company entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement designated as a non-hedging instrument resulting in a fixed rate of 3.55%. This interest rate swap agreement matures in 2016 and converts the nature of the capital lease obligation from Euribor floating rate debt to fixed rate debt. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset as of August 2, 2008 was approximately $1.0 million.

 

From time-to-time the Company will obtain other short term financing in foreign countries for working capital to finance its local operations.

 

(9)                                 Share-Based Compensation

 

The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized under all of the Company’s stock plans during the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Stock options

 

$

1,481

 

$

1,375

 

$

2,747

 

$

2,689

 

Nonvested stock awards/units

 

3,977

 

2,888

 

7,806

 

5,467

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

210

 

191

 

374

 

273

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

5,668

 

$

4,454

 

$

10,927

 

$

8,429

 

 

Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and nonvested stock awards/units totaled approximately $11.0 million and $54.3 million, respectively, as of August 2, 2008. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. The weighted average fair values of stock options at their grant date during the six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 were $16.48 and $20.10, respectively.

 

On April 3, 2008, the Company made an annual grant of 337,080 stock options and 300,080 nonvested stock awards/units to its employees. On May 1, 2008, the Company granted 167,000 nonvested stock awards to certain employees which are subject to certain annual performance-based vesting conditions over a five year period.

 

(10)                          Related Party Transactions

 

The Company and its subsidiaries periodically enter into transactions with other entities or individuals that are considered related parties, including certain transactions with entities affiliated with trusts for the respective benefit of Maurice Marciano and Paul Marciano, who are executives of the Company, Armand Marciano, their brother and former executive of the Company, and certain of their children (the “Marciano Trusts”).

 

Leases

 

The Company leases manufacturing, warehouse and administrative facilities from partnerships affiliated with the Marciano Trusts and certain of their affiliates. There were three of these leases in effect at August 2, 2008, including a lease with respect to the Company’s corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, California which was amended on June 10, 2008 (the “First Amendment”). The corporate headquarters consist of approximately 355,000 square feet and serve primarily as the Company’s principal executive and administrative offices, design facilities and sales offices.

 

The First Amendment amended the original lease agreement dated July 29, 1992 which provided for a 16 year term expiring July 29, 2008 (the “Original Lease”). The First Amendment provides for a ten year lease renewal term ending July 31, 2018, with an additional five year renewal option to July 31, 2023 at the Company’s sole discretion. The First Amendment provides for a triple net lease with annual rent in the amount of $2,852,664 for the first lease year of the renewal term (which amount is approximately 5.6% lower than the most recent annual rent under the terms of the Original Lease), subject to an increase each year equal to the lesser of the increase of a specified consumer price index or four percent (which amount is lower than the five percent maximum annual adjustment provided for under the Original Lease). In the event the renewal option is exercised by the Company, the annual rent will reset in year eleven at the then-prevailing market rate. All other material terms of the Original Lease remain in full force and effect.

 

7



Table of Contents

 

The other two related party Company leases are currently scheduled to expire in February 2009 and December 2014.

 

Aggregate rent expense under these related party leases for the six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 was $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The Company believes the related party lease terms have not been significantly affected by the fact that the Company and the lessors are related.

 

Aircraft Arrangements

 

The Company periodically charters aircraft owned by MPM Financial, LLC (“MPM Financial”), an entity affiliated with the Marciano Trusts, through an independent third party management company contracted by MPM Financial to manage its aircraft. Under an informal arrangement with MPM Financial and the third party management company, the Company has chartered and may from time-to-time continue to charter aircraft owned by MPM Financial at a discount from the third party management company’s preferred customer hourly charter rates. The total fees paid under these arrangements for the six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 were approximately $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

These related party disclosures should be read in conjunction with the disclosure concerning related party transactions in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008.

 

(11)                          Commitments and Contingencies

 

Leases

 

The Company leases its showrooms and retail store locations under operating lease agreements expiring on various dates through January 2022. Some of these leases require the Company to make periodic payments for property taxes, utilities and common area operating expenses. Certain retail store leases provide for rents based upon the minimum annual rental amount and a percentage of annual sales volume, generally ranging from 3% to 6%, when specific sales volumes are exceeded. Some leases include lease incentives, rent abatements and fixed rent escalations, which are amortized and recorded over the initial lease term on a straight-line basis. The Company also leases some of its equipment under operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through July 2013.

 

Incentive Bonuses

 

Certain officers and key employees of the Company are entitled to annual incentive bonuses, primarily based on earnings per share of the Company or earnings of the particular operation impacted by these key employees. In addition to such annual incentive opportunities, Paul Marciano, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Company, shall be entitled to receive a $3.5 million special cash bonus in the event that a pre-established licensing performance target is achieved in calendar year 2008 and the Company receives a fixed cash rights payment of $35.0 million, which is due in January 2012 from one of its licensees. In connection with this special bonus, the Company will accrue an expense of $3.5 million, plus applicable payroll taxes, through January 2012.

 

Litigation

 

In 2006, the Officers of the Florence Customs Authorities (“Customs Authorities”) began an import customs audit with respect to the Company’s Italian subsidiary, Maco Apparel S.p.A. (“Maco”), in Florence, Italy, which was acquired on January 3, 2005. Maco was the Italian licensee of GUESS? jeanswear for men and women in Europe. As part of the audit, the Customs Authorities considered whether the Italian subsidiary should have included the royalty expense payable to Guess?, Inc., the parent company, as part of the cost of the product subject to customs duties. The Customs Authorities have subsequently reviewed specific transactions which occurred in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and provided a preliminary assessment that the royalty expenses are subject to customs duties and related penalties. The Company is disputing the Customs Authorities assessment and intends to vigorously defend its position. In addition, under the terms of the Maco purchase agreement, the seller is required to indemnify the Company for 90% of any loss with respect to Maco for periods prior to the acquisition. The Custom Authorities have filed several claims which are heard independently within various sections of the Florence Provincial Tax Commission. Each claim represents a portion of the period under review. The first hearings with the Florence Provincial Tax Commission commenced on October 29, 2007. Judgments for a number of the claims have been received that were favorable to the Company on certain aspects of the claims and unfavorable on other aspects of the claims. The Company will appeal the unfavorable aspects of the judgments. The Company has concluded that the amount of any possible loss is not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated earnings before income taxes and that the likelihood of incurring a loss is less than probable. Accordingly, no liability related to this matter has been accrued.

 

8



Table of Contents

 

The Company is also involved in various employment-related claims and other matters incidental to the Company’s business, the resolution of which is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. No material amounts were accrued as of August 2, 2008 related to any of the Company’s legal proceedings.

 

(12)                          Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

The components of net periodic pension cost for the three and six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Aug. 2,
2008

 

Aug. 4,
2007

 

Service cost

 

$

61

 

$

53

 

$

122

 

$

106

 

Interest cost

 

579

 

431

 

1,158

 

862

 

Net amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

 

436

 

436

 

872

 

872

 

Net amortization of actuarial losses

 

232

 

145

 

464

 

290

 

Net periodic defined benefit pension cost

 

$

1,308

 

$

1,065

 

$

2,616

 

$

2,130

 

 

As a non-qualified pension plan, no funding of the SERP is required. However, the Company expects to make periodic payments into an insurance policy held in a rabbi trust to fund the expected obligations arising under the non-qualified SERP. The cash surrender value of the insurance policy was $14.8 million as of August 2, 2008 and is included in other assets. The amount of future payments may vary, depending on the future years of service, future annual compensation of the participants and investment performance of the trust.

 

(13)                          Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurement,” as of February 3, 2008, with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring, nonfinancial assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s fair value measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs would be based on the best information available, including the Company’s own data.

 

SFAS 157 requires the use of observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort.

 

9



Table of Contents

 

The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 2, 2008 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements
at Aug. 2, 2008

 

Recurring Fair Value Measures

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange currency contracts

 

$

 

$

1,928

 

$

 

$

1,928

 

Interest rate swap

 

 

1,032

 

 

1,032

 

Securities available for sale

 

733

 

 

 

733

 

Total

 

$

733

 

$

2,960

 

$

 

$

3,693

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange currency contracts

 

$

 

$

2,960

 

$

 

$

2,960

 

Deferred compensation obligations

 

 

10,104

 

 

10,104

 

Total

 

$

 

$

13,064

 

$

 

$

13,064

 

 

The fair values of the Company’s available-for-sale securities are based on quoted prices. Fair value of the interest rate swap is based upon inputs corroborated by observable market data. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into by the Company principally to hedge the future payment of inventory transactions by non-U.S. subsidiaries. The fair values of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are based on quoted forward foreign exchange prices at the reporting date. Deferred compensation obligations to employees are adjusted based on changes in the fair value of the underlying employee-directed investments. Fair value of these obligations is based upon inputs corroborated by observable market data.

 

(14)                          Foreign Currency Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company operates in foreign countries, which exposes it to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company has entered into certain forward contracts and swaps to hedge the risk of foreign currency rate fluctuations. The Company has elected to apply the hedge accounting rules as required by SFAS 133 (“SFAS 133”), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” for certain of these hedges. The Company’s objective is to hedge the variability in forecasted cash flow due to the foreign currency risk (USD/Canadian exchange rate or USD/European exchange rate) associated with certain anticipated inventory purchases on a first dollar basis for specific months.

 

Forward Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

 

During the six months ended August 2, 2008, the Company purchased U.S. dollar forward contracts in Europe and Canada totaling US$10.0 million and US$16.0 million, respectively, to hedge forecasted merchandise purchases that were designated as cash-flow hedges at August 2, 2008. As of August 2, 2008, the Company had forward contracts outstanding for its European and Canadian operations of US$5.0 million and US$25.4 million, respectively, that are expected to mature over the next nine months. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value based on quoted market rates. These forward contracts are used to hedge forecasted merchandise purchases over specific months. Changes in the fair value of forward contracts designated as cash-flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings within stockholders’ equity, and are recognized in cost of goods sold in the period which approximates the time the hedged merchandise inventory is sold.

 

As of August 2, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive income included an unrealized gain of approximately US$0.7 million, net of tax, that will be recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold over the following 13 months at the then current values on a pre-tax basis, which can be different than the current quarter-end values. At August 2, 2008, the unrealized net gain of the remaining open forward contracts recorded on the balance sheet was approximately US$1.2 million. The ineffective portion was immaterial during the six months ended August 2, 2008 and was recorded in net earnings.

 

At February 2, 2008, the Company had Canadian dollar forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges to purchase US$27.0 million with an unrealized gain recorded on the balance sheet of approximately US$0.1 million.

 

10



Table of Contents

 

The following table summarizes net after-tax derivative activity recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
Aug 2, 2008

 

Six Months
Ended
Aug 2, 2008

 

Beginning balance (loss)

 

$

(146

)

$

(1,475

)

Net gains from changes in cash flow hedges

 

447

 

639

 

Losses reclassified to income

 

409

 

1,546

 

Ending balance

 

$

710

 

$

710

 

 

Foreign Currency Contracts Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

 

The Company also has foreign currency contracts that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Changes in fair value of foreign currency contracts not qualifying as cash flow hedges are reported in net earnings as part of other income and expense.  For the six months ended August 2, 2008, the Company recorded a loss of US$3.6 million for the Canadian and Euro foreign currency contracts, which has been included in other income and expense.  At August 2, 2008, the Company had Canadian dollar foreign currency contracts to purchase US$20.0 million expected to mature over the next six months and Euro foreign currency contracts to purchase US$68.8 million expected to mature over the next eight months.  At August 2, 2008, the net unrealized losses of these Canadian dollar and Euro forward contracts recorded on the balance sheet were approximately US$2.2 million, primarily relating to the Euro forward contracts.

 

At February 2, 2008, the Company had Canadian dollar and Euro currency exchange contracts not designated as cash flow hedges to purchase US$26.0 million and US$87.6 million, respectively.  At February 2, 2008, the unrealized losses of these Canadian dollar and Euro forward contracts were approximately US$3.3 million, primarily relating to the Euro forward contracts.

 

(15)                          New Accounting Standards

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurement,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 157-1 and FSP SFAS 157-2. FSP SFAS 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to exclude SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases”, and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions. FSP SFAS 157-2 will delay the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP SFAS 157-2 partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of FSP SFAS 157-2. The Company adopted SFAS 157 effective February 3, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities as required. Refer to Note 13, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which permits entities to voluntarily choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 provides entities an opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings that is caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and was effective for the Company beginning on February 3, 2008. SFAS 159 allows the Company to elect the fair value option on an instrument by instrument basis. SFAS 159 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition as the Company did not elect to adopt the fair value option for any of its financial assets or liabilities.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (“SFAS 141R”), “Business Combinations,” which replaces FASB Statement 141. SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. SFAS 141R amends SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 141R on the Company’s consolidated financial statements relating to potential future acquisitions.

 

11



Table of Contents

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Accounting for Noncontrolling Interests,” which clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 160 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (“SFAS 161”), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends SFAS 133 and expands disclosures to include information about the fair value of derivatives, related credit risks and a company’s strategies and objectives for using derivatives. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 161 on its disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3 (“FSP FAS 142-3”), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”), “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”, which requires unvested share-payment awards that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents to be included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. FSP EITF 03-6-1 also requires retrospective application to all periods presented. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

(16)                          Subsequent Events

 

On September 3, 2008, the Company announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company’s common stock. The cash dividend will be payable on October 3, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 17, 2008.

 

12



Table of Contents

 

ITEM 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including documents incorporated by reference herein, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements may also be contained in the Company’s other reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in its press releases and in other documents.  In addition, from time-to-time, the Company through its management may make oral forward-looking statements.  These statements relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our future prospects and proposed new products, services, developments or business strategies. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “will”, “continue”, and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements relating to the Company’s expected results of operations, the accuracy of data relating to, and anticipated levels of, future inventory and gross margins, anticipated cash requirements and sources, cost containment efforts, estimated charges, plans regarding store openings and closings, plans regarding business growth, e-commerce, business seasonality, results of litigation, industry trends, consumer demands and preferences, competition, currency fluctuations and general economic conditions. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such difference include those discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

 

General

 

The business segments of the Company are retail, wholesale, European and licensing operations. Information relating to these segments is summarized in Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company believes this segment reporting reflects how its four business segments are managed and each segment’s performance is evaluated. The retail segment includes the Company’s retail operations in North America. The wholesale segment includes the wholesale operations in North America and our Asian operations. The European segment includes wholesale and retail operations in Europe and the Middle East. The licensing segment includes the worldwide licensing operations of the Company. The business segments operating results exclude corporate overhead costs, which consist of shared costs of the organization. These costs are presented separately and generally include, among other things, the following unallocated corporate costs: information technology, human resources, global advertising and marketing, accounting and finance, executive compensation, facilities and legal.

 

We derive our net revenue from the sale of GUESS? men’s and women’s apparel, MARCIANO women’s apparel, G by GUESS men’s and women’s apparel, GUESS by MARCIANO men’s and women’s apparel, and our licensees’ products through our worldwide network of retail stores, wholesale customers and distributors, as well as our on-line sites.  We also derive royalty revenues from worldwide licensing activities.

 

We acquired Focus Europe S.r.l. (“Focus”), our former licensee for GUESS by MARCIANO products in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, in December 2006, and its subsidiary, Focus Spain S.A. (“Focus Spain”), in October 2007. We also acquired BARN S.r.l. (“Barn”), our former kids licensee in Europe, in January 2008. Each of these entities is reported in our European segment. G by GUESS is a new retail brand concept that was launched in early fiscal 2008 and is included in our retail segment. Our South Korea business, which we have operated directly since January 2007, and our Greater China business, launched in April 2007, are also relatively new businesses for us and are reported in our wholesale segment.

 

Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to “we,” “us” or the “Company” in this Form 10-Q, we are referring to Guess?, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

The three and six month periods ended August 2, 2008 had the same number of days as the three and six month periods ended August 4, 2007.

 

We report National Retail Federation (“NRF”) calendar comparable store sales on a quarterly basis for our full-price retail and factory outlet stores in the U.S. and Canada.  A store is considered comparable after it has been open for 13 full months. If a store remodel results in a square footage change of more than 15%, or involves a relocation or a change in store concept, the store is removed from the comparable store base until it has been opened at its new size, in its new location or under its new concept for 13 full months.

 

13



Table of Contents

 

Executive Summary

 

The Company

 

The Company generated net earnings of $53.8 million, or diluted earnings of $0.57 per share, for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to net earnings of $37.5 million, or diluted earnings of $0.40 per share, for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.

 

Total net revenues increased 32.7% to $515.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $388.3 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  All of our business segments contributed to this growth. The European segment was the largest contributor to the revenue growth, delivering 52% of the increase to consolidated revenue. Our retail segment contributed 32% of the revenue increase, resulting from an 8.1% increase in comparable store sales and a larger store base, which represented a net 14.0% increase in average square footage compared to the quarter ended August 4, 2007. Our wholesale segment contributed about 12% of the consolidated increase in revenues with both our North American and Asian businesses contributing double-digit revenue growth. Our licensing business contributed the remaining 4% of the Company’s revenue growth.

 

Gross profit increased 33.9% to $232.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $173.4 million for the same period a year ago, and gross margin improved 50 basis points to 45.1%. This gross margin expansion was attributable to higher product margins in our European segment and an overall sales mix shift toward our higher margin European business, partially offset by lower gross margins in our retail and wholesale segments. The prior year quarter also included a one-time cumulative increase to revenue and gross profit of $3.1 million related to gift card breakage. Gift card breakage is income recognized due to the non-redemption of a portion of gift cards sold by the Company for which a liability was recorded in prior periods.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 29.1% to $147.1 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 compared to $114.0 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The additional spending supported the increased sales volume this quarter as well as our new businesses and infrastructure investments. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A expense declined 70 basis points to 28.6% for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to the prior-year quarter, primarily driven by our Europe and North American regions.

 

Overall, earnings from operations increased 43.2% to $85.0 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $59.4 million for the same period a year ago, and operating margin improved by 120 basis points to 16.5%, driven by a combination of the higher gross margin and the decrease in SG&A spending as a percentage of net revenues. The growth in earnings from operations included a favorable currency translation impact of $5.9 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 compared to the prior year quarter, partially offset by the impact of the favorable $3.1 million gift card breakage adjustment that occurred in the prior year quarter.

 

Other expense, net, totaled $0.7 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to other income, net, of $0.5 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. This expense relates primarily to unfavorable changes in the value of insurance policy investments, partially offset by gains related to changes in foreign exchange rates on forward contracts and other foreign currency transactions during the quarter ended August 2, 2008.

 

Our effective income tax rate decreased 310 basis points to 36.0% for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 compared to 39.1% in the prior year quarter primarily due to a higher proportion of earnings in lower tax jurisdictions.

 

The Company had $294.5 million in cash and cash equivalents as of August 2, 2008, compared to $200.5 million as of August 4, 2007.  Total debt, including capital lease obligations, as of August 2, 2008, was $58.9 million, up $37.7 million from $21.2 million as of August 4, 2007.  The increase in debt was driven primarily by seasonal working capital needs in our European segment. Accounts receivable increased by $101.3 million, or 54.2%, to $288.2 million at August 2, 2008, compared to $186.9 million at August 4, 2007. The increase in accounts receivable primarily supported the Company’s international growth, mainly in Europe. Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $23.4 million of the increase in accounts receivable. Inventory increased by $32.5 million, or 14.4%, to $258.9 million as of August 2, 2008, compared to $226.4 million as of August 4, 2007. Most of this increase was attributable to anticipated sales growth in our existing European and North American operations. The remaining inventory increase was related to newer businesses, including Barn, our Greater China operations, Mexico, and our G by GUESS store concept. Currency fluctuations resulted in a higher translation impact on the current quarter’s ending inventory of approximately $11.6 million compared to the prior year quarter amount.

 

14



Table of Contents

 

Retail

 

Our retail segment, comprising North American full-priced retail and factory outlet stores and e-commerce, generated net sales of $242.4 million during the quarter ended August 2, 2008, an increase of $40.8 million, or 20.2%, from $201.6 million in the prior year period.  This growth was driven by a comparable store sales increase of 8.1% and a larger store base, which represented a net 14.0% increase in average square footage compared to the quarter ended August 4, 2007. Most of our product categories contributed to the revenue growth. Retail earnings from operations increased by $2.3 million, or 8.6%,  to $30.1 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $27.8 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  This increase was primarily driven by higher sales volume and resulting gross profit, which included the impact of higher product related costs and increased occupancy spending to support the larger store base. This growth was partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses to support the higher sales, as well as investments in infrastructure for our G by GUESS and MARCIANO brand concepts and certain store impairment charges, net of lower retail advertising and marketing costs. The prior year quarter also included a one-time cumulative increase to revenue of $3.1 million related to gift card breakage. Operating margin decreased by 140 basis points to 12.4% in the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to 13.8% in the quarter ended August 4, 2007. The gift card breakage benefited the prior year quarter operating margin by 140 basis points while the store impairment charge of $1.7 million unfavorably impacted the operating margin by 70 basis points during the quarter ended August 2, 2008.

 

In the quarter, we opened 16 new stores in the U.S. and Canada; no stores were closed during the quarter. At August 2, 2008, we operated 407 stores in the U.S. and Canada, comprised of 191 full-priced retail stores, 101 factory outlet stores, 48 MARCIANO stores, 25 GUESS? Accessories stores, 41 G by GUESS stores and one footwear store. This compares to 347 stores as of August 4, 2007. We have continued to develop our new store concepts, which include our MARCIANO branded stores and our G by GUESS stores, and we believe that over time these concepts can grow to become significant store chains.

 

Wholesale

 

Wholesale segment revenues increased by $15.1 million, or 26.3%, to $72.4 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $57.3 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. Both our North American and Asian operations contributed to this increase with double-digit revenue growth. Earnings from operations for the wholesale segment increased by $0.6 million, or 5.9%, to $10.8 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $10.2 million for the prior year period, driven by increased sales and resulting gross profit, partially offset by higher product related costs and additional occupancy and SG&A expenses, largely to support the investment in our expanding Asian operations. Operating margin decreased 290 basis points to 14.9% in the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to 17.8% for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. The impact of our Asia business, where operating margins are lower than our North American wholesale business, was the main driver of the operating margin decrease.

 

Europe

 

In Europe, revenues increased by $66.3 million, or 61.5%, to $174.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $107.9 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The majority of the revenue growth was generated by the European wholesale business, driven by growth in our existing accessories and GUESS by MARCIANO businesses and earlier shipment of product to our wholesale customers. The current quarter also benefited from the acquisition of Barn in January 2008.  In addition, at August 2, 2008, we directly operated 44 stores in Europe compared to 30 stores at the prior year quarter end.  European retail revenues, including the new stores, increased by 66.7% for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to the prior year quarter. Earnings from operations from our European segment increased by $20.7 million, or 107.2%, to $40.1 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $19.4 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  This operating earnings increase was driven by the higher sales and improved gross margin, which resulted in an increase to gross profit. These were partially offset by higher operating costs to support the sales growth, new businesses and increases to infrastructure expenditures. The increase in earnings from operations also benefited from favorable currency translation. Operating margin increased 500 basis points to 23.0% in the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to 18.0% for the quarter ended August 4, 2007 due to a combination of higher gross margins and leverage on SG&A spending as a percentage of revenues.

 

15



Table of Contents

 

Licensing

 

Our licensing royalty revenues increased by $4.7 million, or 21.7%, to $26.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $21.5 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  This increase was driven by our licensees’ revenue growth in several product categories, especially handbags, watches and footwear.  The increase in net royalty revenues was partially offset by higher advertising and marketing costs. We also no longer earn royalty revenue from Barn, which we now operate directly and is reported in our European segment.  Licensing segment earnings from operations increased $3.4 million, or 17.9%, to $22.5 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $19.1 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. Operating margin decreased 280 basis points to 85.9% in the quarter ended August 2, 2008 compared to 88.7% for the quarter ended August 4, 2007, primarily due to increased advertising and marketing costs.

 

Outside of the U.S. and Canada, in the quarter ended August 2, 2008, together with our partners, we opened 31 new stores, including 17 stores in Europe and the Middle East, 11 stores in Asia and three stores in Central and South America. We ended the second quarter of fiscal 2009 with 620 stores outside of the U.S. and Canada, of which 445 were GUESS? stores, 42 were GUESS by MARCIANO stores and 133 were GUESS? Accessories stores. Of the 620 stores, 71 were operated by the Company and 549 were operated by licensees or distributors. This store count does not include 103 concessions located primarily in South Korea and China because of their smaller store size in relation to our standard international store size.

 

Corporate Overhead

 

Corporate overhead increased by $1.5 million, or 8.8%, to $18.6 million in the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $17.1 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. This increase was driven by higher performance-based compensation costs and professional fees.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

 

NET REVENUE.  Net revenue for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 increased by $126.9 million, or 32.7%, to $515.2 million, from $388.3 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  All segments contributed to this revenue growth with double-digit percentage increases.

 

Net revenue from retail operations increased by $40.8 million, or 20.2%, to $242.4 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $201.6 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The increase was driven by a comparable store sales growth of 8.1% and an average of 59 net additional stores during the quarter ended August 2, 2008 resulting in a net 14.0% increase in average square footage compared to the prior year period. Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $2.8 million of the increase in net revenue relating to our Canadian retail stores.

 

Net revenue from wholesale operations increased by $15.1 million, or 26.3%, to $72.4 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $57.3 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The revenue growth was generated from both our North American wholesale business and our expanding Asia operations, primarily in South Korea as well as in Greater China. Our products were sold in the U.S. in approximately 1,037 doors at the end of the quarter compared to 954 doors at the end of the prior year quarter.  Currency translation fluctuations unfavorably impacted revenues in our wholesale segment by $1.4 million.

 

Net revenue from European operations increased by $66.3 million, or 61.5%, to $174.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $107.9 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  All of our existing businesses in Europe contributed to this growth, including Barn, which we acquired in January 2008. As of August 2, 2008, the Company directly operated 44 stores in Europe compared to 30 stores as of August 4, 2007. Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $22.9 million of the increase in net revenue from our European operations.

 

Net royalty revenue from licensing operations increased by $4.7 million, or 21.7%, to $26.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $21.5 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  Our accessories and footwear lines of business continue to drive the royalty revenue growth of our licensing segment which was partially offset by the loss of royalties from Barn, which we now operate directly and report as part of our European operations.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased by $58.8 million, or 33.9%, to $232.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $173.4 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The increase in gross profit primarily resulted from the following:

 

                  Gross profit for the retail segment increased by $12.0 million, or 15.6%, to $89.0 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $77.0 million in the prior year period, primarily due to higher sales volume and higher average selling prices, partially offset by higher occupancy and product related costs. The prior year quarter also included a one-time cumulative increase to revenue and gross profit of $3.1 million related to gift card breakage.

 

                  Gross profit for the wholesale segment increased by $1.8 million, or 8.5%, to $23.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $21.4 million in the prior year period, primarily due to higher sales volume in our North American wholesale and Asian operations, partially offset by the impact of higher occupancy and product related costs in Asia to support such growth.

 

                  Gross profit for the European segment increased by $40.3 million, or 75.5%, to $93.7 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $53.4 million in the prior year period. The increase in our European gross profit was primarily attributable to higher sales volume in the existing European operations combined with a higher product margin and the acquisition of Barn in January 2008 and Focus Spain in October 2007.

 

                  Gross profit for the licensing segment increased by $4.7 million, or 21.7%, to $26.2 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $21.5 million in the prior year period. The licensing gross profit improvement resulted from higher sales of accessory products, especially handbags and watches, and footwear by our licensees.

 

Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total net revenues) improved 50 basis points to 45.1% for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from 44.6% for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The increase in gross margin was driven by the higher product margins in our European segment and an overall sales mix shift toward our higher margin European business. These improvements were partially offset by lower gross margins in our retail and wholesale segments, which were unfavorably impacted by higher product related and occupancy costs. In addition, the Company’s overall gross margin comparison was unfavorably impacted by 40 basis points relating to the one-time cumulative gift card breakage adjustment in the prior year quarter.

 

The Company’s gross margin may not be comparable to other entities since some entities include all of the costs related to their distribution in cost of product sales and others, like the Company, exclude the wholesale related distribution costs from gross margin, including them instead in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. SG&A expenses increased by $33.1 million, or 29.1%, to $147.1 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $114.0 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  Approximately $17.2 million of the increase was attributable to higher store selling, merchandising and distribution costs due to the higher sales volumes. An additional $10.3 million of the increase was attributable to spending to support newer businesses, including Barn, Focus Spain, our G by GUESS brand, and Greater China, as well as spending to support our new European headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland. The remaining increase was driven by performance-based compensation costs, store impairment charges and professional fees, partially offset by lower advertising and marketing costs.

 

As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense improved 70 basis points to 28.6% for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to 29.3% for the quarter ended August 4, 2007, driven by operating leverage in our existing North American and European businesses and corporate overhead leverage, partially offset by infrastructure investments and new businesses in Europe.

 

EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS. Earnings from operations increased by $25.6 million, or 43.2%, to $85.0 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared with earnings from operations of $59.4 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. The increase in earnings from operations primarily resulted from the following:

 

                  Earnings from operations for the retail segment increased by $2.3 million to $30.1 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $27.8 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The increase was primarily driven by higher sales volume and resulting gross profit, which included the impact of higher product related costs and increased occupancy spending to support the larger store base. This growth was partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses to support such higher sales, as well as investments in infrastructure for our G by GUESS and MARCIANO brand concepts and certain store impairment charges, net of lower retail advertising and marketing costs. Currency translation accounted for $0.5 million of the increase in earnings from operations for our Canadian retail stores. The prior year quarter also included the one-time cumulative increase to revenue and earnings of $3.1 million related to gift card breakage.

 

17



Table of Contents

 

                  Earnings from operations for the wholesale segment increased by $0.6 million to $10.8 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $10.2 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The increase was driven by higher sales and resulting gross profit in our North American wholesale and Asian operations, partially offset by higher product related costs and additional occupancy and SG&A expenses, largely to support the investment in our expanding Asian operations. Currency translation fluctuations were negligible for our wholesale business.

 

                  Earnings from operations for the European segment increased $20.7 million to $40.1 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $19.4 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. The increase was primarily due to the higher sales and gross profit resulting from growth in our existing European wholesale businesses and growth in our Company-owned retail business, and our acquisition of Barn, partially offset by higher volume related operating costs and investments in infrastructure.  Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $5.2 million of the increase in earnings from operations for our European operations.

 

                  Earnings from operations for the licensing segment increased by $3.4 million to $22.5 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $19.1 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  The increase was the result of higher revenues generated by our licensees in several product categories, especially handbags, watches and footwear. This increase was partially offset by higher advertising and marketing costs and the loss of royalty revenue from Barn, the former kids licensee which we now operate directly and report as part of our European operations.

 

                  Unallocated corporate overhead increased by $1.5 million to $18.6 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $17.1 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. The increase was primarily due to higher performance-based compensation costs and professional fees.

 

The increase in gross margin combined with the decrease in SG&A spending as a percentage of net revenues resulted in an increase in operating margin of 120 basis points to 16.5% for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 from 15.3% for the prior year quarter. The one-time cumulative increase to revenue and earnings of $3.1 million related to gift card breakage benefited the prior year quarter operating margin by 70 basis points.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST INCOME. Interest expense increased to $0.8 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $0.4 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. The increase was due to a combination of higher average debt balances in Europe, higher average interest rates on the debt and currency translation. Total debt at August 2, 2008 was $58.9 million, and was comprised of $38.4 million of short-term bank debt from our European operations and $20.5 million of capital lease obligations relating to one of our Italian facilities.  The average debt balance for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 was $54.7 million, versus an average debt balance of $29.3 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. Interest income decreased to $1.6 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to $2.0 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007, due to lower interest rates on the invested cash, partially offset by higher average invested cash balances.

 

OTHER EXPENSE, NET. Other expense, net, was $0.7 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, compared to other income, net, of $0.5 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  Other expense in the quarter ended August 2, 2008 consisted of unfavorable changes in the value of insurance policy investments, partially offset by gains related to changes in foreign exchange rates on forward contracts and other foreign currency transactions.

 

INCOME TAXES.  Income tax expense for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 was $30.6 million, or a 36.0% effective tax rate, compared to income tax expense of $24.0 million, or a 39.1% effective tax rate, for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.  Generally, income taxes for the interim periods are computed using the effective tax rate estimated to be applicable for the full fiscal year, which is subject to ongoing review and evaluation by management.  The lower tax rate in the current quarter was due to a higher proportion of earnings in lower tax jurisdictions.

 

MINORITY INTERESTS.  Minority interest expense for the three months ended August 2, 2008 was $0.6 million, net of taxes, as compared to a negligible amount of minority interest expense for the three months ended August 4, 2007. The increase was primarily due to the stronger performance of Focus and our Mexican joint venture, which were both profitable during the period.

 

18



Table of Contents

 

NET EARNINGS. Net earnings increased by $16.3 million, or 43.6%, to $53.8 million for the quarter ended August 2, 2008, from $37.5 million for the quarter ended August 4, 2007. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.57 per share for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 compared to $0.40 per share for the quarter ended August 4, 2007.

 

Six months ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

 

NET REVENUE.  Net revenue for the six months ended August 2, 2008 increased by $238.2 million, or 31.1%, to $1,004.4 million, from $766.2 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  All segments contributed to this revenue growth with double-digit percentage increases.

 

Net revenue from retail operations increased by $73.2 million, or 19.2%, to $454.3 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $381.1 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The increase was driven by a comparable store sales growth of 7.6% and an average of 52 net additional stores during the six months ended August 2, 2008 resulting in a net 12.2% increase in average square footage compared to the prior year period. Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $8.4 million of the increase in net revenue relating to our Canadian retail stores.

 

Net revenue from wholesale operations increased by $31.0 million, or 26.6%, to $147.5 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $116.5 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The majority of this revenue growth was generated from our expanding Asia operations, primarily in South Korea as well as in Greater China, versus the comparable prior-year period. Currency translation fluctuations unfavorably impacted revenues in our wholesale segment by $1.6 million.

 

Net revenue from European operations increased by $126.1 million, or 55.6%, to $352.9 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $226.8 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. All of our existing businesses in Europe contributed to this growth, including Barn, which we acquired in January 2008.  Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $45.5 million of the increase in net revenue relating to our European operations.

 

Net royalty revenue from licensing operations increased by $7.8 million, or 18.7%, to $49.7 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $41.9 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  Our accessories and footwear lines of business continue to drive the royalty revenue growth of our licensing segment which was partially offset by the loss of royalties from Barn, which we now operate directly and report as part of our European operations.

 

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased by $112.6 million, or 33.1%, to $453.4 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $340.8 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The increase in gross profit primarily resulted from the following:

 

                  Gross profit for the retail segment increased by $22.6 million, or 16.0%, to $164.4 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $141.8 million in the prior year period, primarily due to higher sales volume and higher average selling prices, partially offset by higher occupancy and product related costs.

 

                  Gross profit for the wholesale segment increased by $4.9 million, or 10.8%, to $49.7 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $44.8 million in the prior year period, driven by higher sales volume in both our North American and our Asian businesses, partially offset by the impact of higher occupancy and product related costs to support such growth.

 

                  Gross profit for the European segment increased by $77.3 million, or 68.8%, to $189.6 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $112.3 million in the prior year period. The increase in our European gross profit was primarily attributable to higher sales volume in the existing European operations combined with a higher product margin and the acquisition of Barn in January 2008 and Focus Spain in October 2007.

 

                  Gross profit for the licensing segment increased by $7.8 million, or 18.7%, to $49.7 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $41.9 million in the prior year period. The licensing gross profit improvement resulted from higher sales of accessory products, especially watches and handbags, and footwear by our licensees.

 

Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total net revenues) improved 60 basis points to 45.1% for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from 44.5% for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The improvement in gross margin was driven by the higher product margins in our European segment and an overall sales mix shift toward our higher margin European business, partially offset by lower gross margins in our retail and wholesale segments driven by higher product related and occupancy costs.

 

19



Table of Contents

 

The Company’s gross margin may not be comparable to other entities since some entities include all of the costs related to their distribution in cost of product sales and others, like the Company, exclude the wholesale related distribution costs from gross margin, including them instead in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. SG&A expenses increased by $69.0 million, or 30.9%, to $292.5 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $223.5 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. About $32.7 million of the increase was attributable to higher store selling, merchandising and distribution costs due to the higher sales volumes. Approximately $22.4 million of the increase was attributable to spending to support newer businesses, including Barn, Focus Spain, our G by GUESS brand, and Greater China, as well as spending to support our new European headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland. The remaining increase was driven by performance-based compensation costs, store impairment charges and higher advertising and marketing costs.

 

As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense improved slightly to 29.1% for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to 29.2% for the six months ended August 4, 2007, driven by operating leverage in our existing North American and European businesses and corporate overhead leverage, partially offset by infrastructure investments and our new businesses in Europe.

 

EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS. Earnings from operations increased by $43.6 million, or 37.2%, to $160.9 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared with earnings from operations of $117.3 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. The increase in earnings from operations primarily resulted from the following:

 

                  Earnings from operations for the retail segment increased by $5.3 million to $53.0 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $47.7 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The increase was driven by the higher sales and resulting gross profit which included the impact of higher product related costs and increased occupancy costs to support the larger store base. This growth was partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses to support such higher sales, as well as investments in infrastructure for our G by GUESS and MARCIANO brand concepts and certain store impairment charges, net of lower retail advertising and marketing costs. Currency translation accounted for $1.4 million of the increase in earnings from operations for our Canadian retail stores. The prior year’s six month period also included the one-time cumulative increase to revenue and earnings of $3.1 million related to gift card breakage.

 

                  Earnings from operations for the wholesale segment increased by $2.4 million to $23.3 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $20.9 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  This increase was driven by higher sales in our Asian operations and our North American wholesale business, and the resulting gross profit, partially offset by higher product related costs and additional occupancy and SG&A expenses, largely to support the investment in our expanding Asian operations. Currency translation fluctuations were negligible for our wholesale business.

 

                  Earnings from operations for the European segment increased by $33.0 million to $80.1 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $47.1 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. The increase was primarily due to the higher sales and gross profit resulting from growth in our existing European wholesale businesses and growth in our Company-owned retail business, and our acquisition of Barn. This increase was partially offset by higher volume related operating costs and infrastructure investments, and higher advertising and marketing costs.  Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $9.9 million of the increase in earnings from operations for our European operations.

 

                  Earnings from operations for the licensing segment increased by $6.3 million to $42.8 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $36.5 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The improvement was the result of higher revenues generated by our licensees as a result of increased sales of accessories and footwear products. This increase was partially offset by higher advertising and marketing costs and the loss of royalty revenue from Barn, the former kids licensee which we now operate directly and report as part of our European operations.

 

                  Unallocated corporate overhead increased by $3.5 million to $38.3 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $34.8 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. This increase was primarily due to performance-based compensation costs and higher global advertising and marketing spend.

 

20



Table of Contents

 

The increase in gross margin combined with the slight improvement in SG&A spending as a percentage of net revenues resulted in an improvement in operating margin of 70 basis points to 16.0% for the six months ended August 2, 2008 as compared to 15.3% for the six months ended August 4, 2007.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST INCOME. Interest expense increased to $1.8 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $1.3 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. The increase was due to a combination of higher average debt balances in Europe and currency translation. Total debt at August 2, 2008 was $58.9 million, and was comprised of $38.4 million of short-term bank debt from our European operations and $20.5 million of capital lease obligations relating to one of our Italian facilities.  The average debt balance for the six months ended August 2, 2008 was $58.2 million, versus an average debt balance of $41.7 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. Interest income decreased to $3.1 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $3.7 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007, due to lower interest rates on the invested cash, partially offset by higher average invested cash balances.

 

OTHER EXPENSE, NET. Other expense, net, was $1.6 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $0.4 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. Other expense, net, in the six months ended August 2, 2008 consisted of losses related to changes in foreign exchange rates on forward contracts and other foreign currency transactions and unfavorable changes in the value of insurance policy investments.

 

INCOME TAXES.  Income tax expense for the six months ended August 2, 2008 was $57.8 million, or a 36.0% effective tax rate, compared to income tax expense of $46.4 million, or a 38.9% effective tax rate, for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  Generally, income taxes for the interim periods are computed using the effective tax rate estimated to be applicable for the full fiscal year, which is subject to ongoing review and evaluation by management.  The lower tax rate in the current six months was primarily due to a higher proportion of earnings in lower tax jurisdictions.

 

MINORITY INTERESTS.  Minority interest expense for the six months ended August 2, 2008 was $1.1 million, net of taxes, as compared to a negligible amount of minority interest income for the six months ended August 4, 2007. The increase in minority interest expense was primarily due to the stronger performance of Focus and our Mexican joint venture, which were profitable during the period.

 

NET EARNINGS. Net earnings increased by $28.6 million, or 39.2%, to $101.6 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, from $73.0 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. Diluted earnings per share increased to $1.08 per share for the six months ended August 2, 2008 compared to $0.78 per share for the six months ended August 4, 2007.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

We need liquidity primarily to fund our working capital in Europe, the expansion and remodeling of our retail stores, shop-in-shop programs, systems, infrastructure, other existing operations, international growth, potential acquisitions, potential share repurchases and payment of dividends to our shareholders. During the six months ended August 2, 2008, we relied on trade credit, available cash, short-term borrowings from our European bank facilities, real estate leases, and internally generated funds to finance our operations and expansion.  We anticipate that we will be able to satisfy our ongoing cash requirements during the next twelve months for working capital, capital expenditures, interest and principal payments on our debt, potential acquisitions, potential share repurchases and dividend payments to shareholders, primarily with cash flow from operations supplemented by borrowings, if necessary, under the Credit Facility and bank facilities in Europe, as described below under “- Credit Facilities.” Excess cash and cash equivalents, which represent the majority of our outstanding cash and cash equivalents balance, are held primarily in two diversified municipal money market funds. The funds, which are both AAA rated, are comprised of high-quality, liquid investments. As of August 2, 2008, we do not have any exposure to auction-rate security investments in these funds. Please see “- Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of risk factors which could reasonably be likely to result in a decrease of internally generated funds available to finance capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $112.1 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008 compared to $61.8 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007, or an improvement of $50.3 million. The change was driven by a $28.6 million growth in net income for the six months ended August 2, 2008 versus the prior year period and higher non-cash expense adjustments. Additional investments in inventory were more than offset by growth in accounts payable.

 

21



Table of Contents

 

At August 2, 2008, the Company had working capital (including cash and cash equivalents) of $477.0 million compared to $426.4 million at February 2, 2008 and $330.9 million at August 4, 2007. The Company’s primary working capital needs are for inventory and accounts receivable.  Accounts receivable at August 2, 2008 amounted to $288.2 million, up $101.3 million, compared to $186.9 million at August 4, 2007.  Approximately $80.6 million of the increase resulted from the growth in accounts receivable related to our European businesses, which totaled $206.4 million at August 2, 2008 versus $125.8 million at August 4, 2007.  Our North American wholesale, licensing and Asian businesses accounted for the remaining growth in receivables.  Approximately $123.2 million of the $288.2 million in accounts receivable at August 2, 2008 were insured for collection purposes or subject to certain bank guarantees. Currency translation fluctuations accounted for $23.4 million of the increase in accounts receivable. Inventory at August 2, 2008 amounted to $258.9 million, up $32.5 million compared to $226.4 million at August 4, 2007. Most of this increase was attributed to our existing North American and European operations to support anticipated sales in these businesses, with the remaining increase driven by the Company’s newer businesses, including Greater China, Mexico, and our G by GUESS store concept. Currency fluctuations resulted in a higher translation impact on the current quarter’s ending inventory of approximately $11.6 million compared to the prior year quarter amount.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $56.0 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $57.7 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007. Cash used in investing activities relates to capital expenditures incurred on new store openings and existing store remodeling programs in the U.S. and Canada, expansion in Europe and Asia, investments in information systems and other enhancements. During the first half of this fiscal year, the Company opened 35 new stores in the U.S. and Canada compared to 20 new stores that were opened and 18 existing stores that were converted to the G by GUESS concept in the comparable prior year period.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities increased to $38.8 million for the six months ended August 2, 2008, compared to $13.6 million for the six months ended August 4, 2007.  The increase in net cash used in financing activities in the current period compared to the prior year period was primarily due to the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2008 Share Repurchase Program, decrease in proceeds from stock option exercises and higher dividend payments, partially offset by increased borrowings.

 

Dividend Policy

 

On March 19, 2008, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share on the Company’s common stock. The cash dividend was paid on April 18, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 2, 2008.

 

On June 3, 2008, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share on the Company’s common stock. The cash dividend was paid on July 3, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 18, 2008.

 

On September 3, 2008, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company’s common stock. The cash dividend will be payable on October 3, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 17, 2008.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Gross capital expenditures totaled $50.3 million, before deducting lease incentives of $4.6 million, for the six months ended August 2, 2008. This compares to gross capital expenditures of $44.1 million, before deducting lease incentives of $6.0 million, for the six months ended August 4, 2007. The Company’s capital expenditures for the full fiscal year 2009 are planned at approximately $133 million (before deducting estimated lease incentives of approximately $7 million), primarily for retail store expansion of approximately 57 stores in the U.S. and Canada, store remodeling programs, expansion in Europe and Asia, investments in information systems and other infrastructure upgrades. In addition, we periodically evaluate strategic acquisitions and alliances and pursue those that we believe will support and contribute to our overall growth initiatives.

 

22



Table of Contents

 

Credit Facilities

 

On September 19, 2006, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit facility led by Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility provides for an $85 million revolving multicurrency line of credit and is available for direct borrowings and the issuance of letters of credit, subject to certain letters of credit sublimits. The Credit Facility is scheduled to mature on September 30, 2011. At August 2, 2008, the Company had $27.2 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, $24.8 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit and no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

 

The Company, through its European subsidiaries, maintains short-term borrowing agreements, primarily for working capital purposes, with various banks in Europe. Under these agreements, which are generally secured by specific accounts receivable balances, the Company can borrow up to $266.0 million, limited primarily by accounts receivable balances at the time of borrowing, except for one borrowing agreement which is partially secured by a $15.0 million standby letter of credit issued under the Company’s Credit Facility. Based on the applicable accounts receivable balances at August 2, 2008 and the standby letter of credit, the Company could have borrowed up to approximately $228.1 million under these agreements. However, the Company’s ability to borrow through foreign subsidiaries is generally limited to $185.0 million under the terms of the Credit Facility. At August 2, 2008, the Company had $38.4 million of outstanding borrowings and $8.6 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit under these agreements. The agreements are denominated in Euros, have no financial ratio covenants and provide for annual interest rates ranging from 4.3% to 6.4%. The maturities of the short-term borrowings are generally linked to the credit terms of the underlying accounts receivable that secure the borrowings.

 

The Company entered into a capital lease in December 2005 for a new building in Florence, Italy. At August 2, 2008, the capital lease obligation was $20.5 million. The Company entered into a separate interest rate swap agreement designated as a non-hedging instrument resulting in a fixed rate of 3.55%. This interest rate swap agreement matures in 2016 and converts the nature of the capital lease obligation from Euribor floating rate debt to fixed rate debt. The fair value of the interest rate swap asset as of August 2, 2008 was approximately $1.0 million.

 

From time-to-time the Company will obtain other short term financing in foreign countries for working capital to finance its local operations.

 

Share Repurchases

 

In March 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors terminated the previously authorized 2001 share repurchase program and authorized the new 2008 Share Repurchase Program to repurchase, from time-to-time and as market and business conditions warrant, up to $200 million of the Company’s common stock. Repurchases may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans or other available means. There is no minimum or maximum number of shares to be repurchased under the program and the program may be discontinued at any time, without prior notice. During the six months ended August 2, 2008, share repurchases under the 2008 Share Repurchase Program were $33.0 million, all of which occurred in the quarter ended August 2, 2008. See “Part II. Other Information - Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” for further details.

 

SEASONALITY

 

The Company’s business is impacted by the general seasonal trends characteristic of the apparel and retail industries. Due to the seasonality of the business, the results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the full year. U.S. retail operations are generally stronger from July through December, and U.S. wholesale operations generally experience stronger performance from July through November. The European operations are largely wholesale driven and have historically operated with two primary selling seasons. The Spring/Summer season primarily ships in January, February and March and the Fall/Winter season primarily ships in July, August and September. The remaining months of the year are relatively smaller shipping months in Europe. The Company’s goal is to reduce these seasonal effects in Europe by shipping product to customers more evenly throughout the year and benefit from reorders later in each season.

 

INFLATION

 

The Company does not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation experienced in the U.S. and Europe over the last three years have had a significant effect on net revenue or profitability. Although higher rates of inflation have been experienced in a number of foreign countries in which the Company’s products are manufactured and sold, management does not believe that foreign rates of inflation have had a material adverse effect on the Company’s net revenue or profitability.

 

23



Table of Contents

 

WHOLESALE BACKLOG

 

The backlog of wholesale orders at any given time is affected by various factors, including seasonality, cancellations, the scheduling of market weeks and manufacturing and shipment of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlogs of wholesale orders from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments.

 

U.S. Backlog

 

The Company maintains a model stock program in its basic denim products which generally allows replenishment of a customer’s inventory within 72 hours. The Company generally receives orders for fashion apparel 90 to 120 days prior to the time the products are delivered to our customers’ stores. Regarding our U.S. wholesale backlog, the scheduling of market weeks or the discontinuance of a product line can affect the amount of orders booked in the backlog compared to the same date in the prior year. We estimate that if we were to normalize the orders for last year’s backlog to make the comparison consistent with the current year, then the current backlog at September 10, 2008 would be down about 5.6% from the prior year’s backlog at September 8, 2007. Not taking into account the normalization of backlog, our U.S. wholesale backlog as of September 10, 2008, consisting primarily of orders for fashion apparel, was approximately $59.4 million, compared to $64.4 million for such orders at September 8, 2007, or down 7.8%. In addition, the lower backlog as of September 10, 2008 reflects the impact of a recent shift to more immediate based buying programs by our major customers.

 

Europe Backlog

 

Our European business operates with two primary wholesale selling seasons. The Spring/Summer season, which ships mostly in January, February and March and the Fall/Winter season, which ships mostly in July, August and September. Generally, the other months are relatively smaller shipping months. However, customers have the ability to request early shipment of backlog orders or delay shipment of orders depending on their needs. Accordingly, a certain amount of orders in the backlog may be shipped outside of the traditional shipping months. As of August 27, 2008, the European operations backlog was approximately €168.6 million, compared to €149.5 million at August 28, 2007, or up 12.8%. The backlog as of August 27, 2008, comprises sales orders for our Fall/Winter 2008 and Spring/Summer 2009 seasons and includes our new Barn operation which was acquired at the end of the prior fiscal year. As discussed above, these orders are subject to cancellation and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments. In addition, the timing of receipt of orders from our customers may impact the amount of orders booked in the backlog at a particular point in time.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our critical accounting policies reflecting our estimates and judgments are described in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2008. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies during the quarter ended August 2, 2008.

 

IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurement,” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 157-1 and FSP SFAS 157-2. FSP SFAS 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to exclude SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases”, and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions. FSP SFAS 157-2 will delay the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP SFAS 157-2 partially defers the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of FSP SFAS 157-2. The Company adopted SFAS 157 effective February 3, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities as required. Refer to Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 (“SFAS 159”), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which permits entities to voluntarily choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 provides entities an opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings that is caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and was effective for the Company beginning on February 3, 2008. SFAS 159 allows the Company to elect the fair value option on an instrument by instrument basis. SFAS 159 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition as the Company did not elect to adopt the fair value option for any of its financial assets or liabilities.

 

24



Table of Contents

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (“SFAS 141R”), “Business Combinations,” which replaces FASB Statement 141. SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also modifies the recognition for preacquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. SFAS 141R amends SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements which will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 141R on the Company’s consolidated financial statements relating to potential future acquisitions.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Accounting for Noncontrolling Interests,” which clarifies the classification of noncontrolling interests in consolidated statements of financial position and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 160 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (“SFAS 161”), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which amends SFAS 133 and expands disclosures to include information about the fair value of derivatives, related credit risks and a company’s strategies and objectives for using derivatives. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 161 on its disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 142-3 (“FSP FAS 142-3”), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The intent of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”), “Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities”, which requires unvested share-payment awards that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents to be included in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. FSP EITF 03-6-1 also requires retrospective application to all periods presented. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

EXCHANGE RATE RISK

 

Roughly half of the product sales and licensing revenue recorded for the six months ended August 2, 2008 were denominated in United States dollars. The Company’s primary exchange rate risk relates to operations in Canada and Europe. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts and currency swaps, to manage exchange risk on foreign currency transactions. The Company does not hedge all transactions denominated in foreign currency.

 

Forward Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

 

During the six months ended August 2, 2008, the Company purchased U.S. dollar forward contracts in Europe and Canada totaling US$10.0 million and US$16.0 million, respectively, to hedge forecasted merchandise purchases that were designated as cash-flow hedges at August 2, 2008. As of August 2, 2008, the Company had forward contracts outstanding for its European and Canadian operations of US$5.0 million and US$25.4 million, respectively, that are expected to mature over the next nine months. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value based on quoted market rates. These forward contracts are used to hedge forecasted merchandise purchases over specific months. Changes in the fair value of forward contracts designated as cash-flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings within stockholders’ equity, and are recognized in cost of goods sold in the period which approximates the time the hedged merchandise inventory is sold.

 

25



Table of Contents

 

As of August 2, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive income included an unrealized gain of approximately US$0.7 million, net of tax, that will be recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold over the following 13 months at the then current values on a pre-tax basis, which can be different than the current quarter-end values. At August 2, 2008, the unrealized net gain of the remaining open forward contracts recorded on the balance sheet was approximately US$1.2 million. The ineffective portion was immaterial during the six months ended August 2, 2008 and was recorded in net earnings.

 

At February 2, 2008, the Company had Canadian dollar forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges to purchase US$27.0 million with an unrealized gain recorded on the balance sheet of approximately US$0.1 million.

 

Foreign Currency Contracts Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

 

The Company also has foreign currency contracts that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Changes in fair value of foreign currency contracts not qualifying as cash flow hedges are reported in net earnings as part of other income and expense.  For the six months ended August 2, 2008, the Company recorded a loss of US$3.6 million for the Canadian and Euro foreign currency contracts, which has been included in other income and expense.  At August 2, 2008, the Company had Canadian dollar foreign currency contracts to purchase US$20.0 million expected to mature over the next six months and Euro foreign currency contracts to purchase US$68.8 million expected to mature over the next eight months.  At August 2, 2008, the net unrealized losses of these Canadian dollar and Euro forward contracts recorded on the balance sheet were approximately US$2.2 million, primarily relating to Euro forward contracts.

 

At February 2, 2008, the Company had Canadian dollar and Euro currency exchange contracts not designated as cash flow hedges to purchase US$26.0 million and US$87.6 million, respectively.  At February 2, 2008, the unrealized losses of these Canadian dollar and Euro forward contracts were approximately US$3.3 million, primarily relating to the Euro forward contracts.

 

Sensitivity Analysis

 

At August 2, 2008, a sensitivity analysis of changes in the foreign currencies when measured against the U.S. dollar indicates that, if the U.S. dollar had uniformly weakened by 10% against all of the foreign exchange derivatives, the fair value of the instruments would have decreased by US$13.4 million. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar uniformly strengthened by 10% against all of the foreign exchange derivatives, the fair value of these instruments would have increased by US$10.9 million. Any resulting changes in the fair value of the hedged instruments would have been partially offset by changes in the fair value of certain balance sheet positions impacted by the change in the foreign currency rate.

 

INTEREST RATE RISK

 

At August 2, 2008, approximately 34.7% of the Company’s indebtedness related to a capital lease obligation which is covered by an interest rate swap agreement resulting in a fixed interest rate of 3.55% over the life of the lease obligation. Changes in the related interest rate that result in an unrealized gain or loss on the fair value of the swap are reported in other income or expenses. The change in the unrealized fair value of the interest rate swap increased other income, net by $0.5 million during the six months ended August 2, 2008. Substantially all of the Company’s remaining indebtedness, principally consisting of short-term borrowings under the short-term European borrowing agreements, are at variable rates of interest. Accordingly, changes in interest rates would impact the Company’s results of operations in future periods. A 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have increased interest expense for the six months ended August 2, 2008 by approximately $0.3 million.

 

At August 2, 2008, the carrying value of all financial instruments was not materially different from fair value, as the interest rate on the Company’s debt approximates rates currently available to the Company.

 

26



Table of Contents

 

ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this report.

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

In 2006, the Officers of the Florence Customs Authorities (“Customs Authorities”) began an import customs audit with respect to the Company’s Italian subsidiary, Maco Apparel S.p.A. (“Maco”), in Florence, Italy, which was acquired on January 3, 2005. Maco was the Italian licensee of GUESS? jeanswear for men and women in Europe. As part of the audit, the Customs Authorities considered whether the Italian subsidiary should have included the royalty expense payable to Guess?, Inc., the parent company, as part of the cost of the product subject to customs duties. The Customs Authorities have subsequently reviewed specific transactions which occurred in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and provided a preliminary assessment that the royalty expenses are subject to customs duties and related penalties. The Company is disputing the Customs Authorities assessment and intends to vigorously defend its position. In addition, under the terms of the Maco purchase agreement, the seller is required to indemnify the Company for 90% of any loss with respect to Maco for periods prior to the acquisition. The Custom Authorities have filed several claims which are heard independently within various sections of the Florence Provincial Tax Commission. Each claim represents a portion of the period under review. The first hearings with the Florence Provincial Tax Commission commenced on October 29, 2007. Judgments for a number of the claims have been received that were favorable to the Company on certain aspects of the claims and unfavorable on other aspects of the claims. The Company will appeal the unfavorable aspects of the judgments. The Company has concluded that the amount of any possible loss is not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated earnings before income taxes and that the likelihood of incurring a loss is less than probable. Accordingly, no liability related to this matter has been accrued.

 

The Company is also involved in various employment-related claims and other matters incidental to the Company’s business, the resolution of which is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. No material amounts were accrued as of August 2, 2008 related to any of the Company’s legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

There have not been any material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2008.

 

27



Table of Contents

 

ITEM 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Items (a) and (b) are not applicable.

 

Item (c). Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs

 

Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans
or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 4, 2008 to May 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase program (1)

 

 

 

 

$

200,000,000

 

Employee transactions (2)

 

2,170

 

$

41.16

 

 

 

June 1, 2008 to July 5, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase program (1)

 

8,700

 

$

36.49

 

8,700

 

$

199,682,531

 

Employee transactions (2)

 

736

 

$

41.88

 

 

 

July 6, 2008 to August 2, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase program (1)

 

942,300

 

$

34.71

 

942,300

 

$

166,972,445

 

Employee transactions (2)

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase program (1)

 

951,000

 

$

34.73

 

951,000

 

 

 

Employee transactions (2)

 

2,906

 

$

41.34

 

 

 

 

 


(1) On March 19, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the new 2008 Share Repurchase Program to repurchase, from time-to-time and as market and business conditions warrant, up to $200 million of the Company’s common stock. Repurchases may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plans or other available means. There is no minimum or maximum number of shares to be repurchased under the program and the program may be discontinued at any time, without prior notice.

 

(2) Consists of shares surrendered to, or withheld by, the Company in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations that occur upon vesting of restricted stock awards granted under the Company’s 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.

 

ITEM 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

28



Table of Contents

 

ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company was held on June 17, 2008 (the “Meeting”). Proxies for the Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. There was no solicitation in opposition to management’s nominees for director as listed in the Proxy Statement. At the Meeting, the shareholders elected three directors and ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009. There were no other proposals voted upon by the shareholders at the Meeting. The shareholders voted at the Meeting as follows:

 

Description

 

For

 

Against

 

Withheld

 

Abstain

 

Broker
Non-Votes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Election of Maurice Marciano

 

79,078,476

 

N/A

 

11,569,769

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Election of Kay Isaacson-Leibowitz

 

84,134,736

 

N/A

 

6,513,509

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Election of Alex Yemenidjian

 

84,135,050

 

N/A

 

6,513,195

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratification of appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending January 31, 2009

 

89,497,084

 

1,130,185

 

N/A

 

20,976

 

N/A

 

 

ITEM 5.  Other Information.

 

None.

 

29



Table of Contents

 

ITEM 6.  Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1.

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4419) filed on July 30, 1996).

 

 

 

3.2.

 

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 4, 2007).

 

 

 

4.1.

 

Specimen Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-4419) filed on July 30, 1996).

 

 

 

†31.1.

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

†31.2.

 

Certification of President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

†31.3.

 

Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

†32.1.

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

†32.2.

 

Certification of President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

†32.3.

 

Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

 


†              Filed herewith

 

30



Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

Guess?, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Date:    September 10, 2008

By:

/s/ CARLOS ALBERINI

 

 

Carlos Alberini

 

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:    September 10, 2008

By:

/s/ DENNIS R. SECOR

 

 

Dennis R. Secor

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

31