Guess?, Inc. GES is benefiting from strong global brand momentum and customer demand across its collections, especially within its Guess, Marciano and rag & bone brands. Its global platform and operational strength continue to drive growth. However, a weaker consumer environment and elevated costs are affecting its performance.

Let’s delve deeper.

GES’ Growth Efforts in Place

Guess? is optimistic about its robust global platform, which will facilitate growth and expansion of the Guess and Marciano businesses, alongside rag & bone, which marks its first acquisition. The company's expansive global footprint, broad channel capabilities, extensive supply chain, diverse category portfolio and strong management team underscore its growth story. Courtesy of these upsides, Guess? registered a year-over-year increase in second-quarter fiscal 2025 revenues. Quarterly net revenues amounted to $732.6 million, up 10%. The strong performance was driven by the Rag & Bone acquisition and robust wholesale results in Europe and Americas regions. All segments, except Asia, registered top-line growth.

Guess?’s wholesale business marks a significant growth driver, with strong performances in the European and Americas markets that position the company for sustained future success. Its proven ability to deliver products on time, offer in-demand assortments and gain share among key wholesale accounts underpins its long-term growth potential.

GES on Track With Strategic Plan

Guess? is driving long-term growth with a multi-faceted strategy focused on key initiatives. The company’s acquisition of rag & bone is progressing well, with expanded marketing efforts and new store openings planned across Europe, including Amsterdam. It also launched Guess Jeans, targeting Gen-Z customers, which exceeded sales expectations. The company doubled its marketing investments, enhancing customer engagement through social media and CRM initiatives. Management is transitioning to a global structure for greater efficiency and consistency across operations, supported by new leadership roles. It is optimizing its logistics network by partnering with GXO Logistics, driving cost efficiencies in the United States and Europe. To support these growth strategies, Guess? strengthened its capital structure with expanded credit facilities, ensuring flexibility for future investments. These efforts position Guess? for sustainable growth and improved shareholder value.

Understanding Roadblocks for Guess?

Rising operating costs and expenses are major concerns for Guess?, which are impacting its financial performance. In second-quarter fiscal 2025, SG&A expenses increased to 38.7% of sales, up from 34.6% a year earlier. The increase was primarily caused by higher investments in the Rag & Bone brand and an increase in marketing and advertising spend. The company also reported a gross margin decline to 43.7% from 44.3%, while its adjusted operating margin fell to 5.2% from 9.8% last year, driven by increased expenses, new acquisitions and higher promotional activity. In addition, the company anticipates a rise in freight costs in the second half of the year due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which is expected to impact margins and operating profit in the fiscal third and fourth quarters.

Guess? continues to operate in a dynamic shopping environment where consumers are increasingly selective and more sensitive to pricing and promotions. Considering these factors, management recently revised its fiscal 2025 revenue and earnings outlook to align with the current weaker consumer environment. For the fiscal 2025, the company projects revenue growth to be between 9.5% and 11%, down from the previous range of 10.7-12.7%. Management forecasts fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to be between $2.42 and $2.70, down from the earlier range of $2.62-$3.00 and compared with $3.14 reported in the fiscal 2024.

Owing to Guess?’s solid international presence, it remains exposed to unfavorable currency fluctuations. Apart from this, the company faces stiff competition from several textile – apparel players.