GUESS INC ET AL/CA/
10-Q, 1996-08-14
WOMEN'S, MISSES', CHILDREN'S & INFANTS' UNDERGARMENTS
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<PAGE>

                      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 June 30, 1996

                                    OR

/ /  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 33-69236

                         -------------------------------

                                  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)                         (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(213) 765-3100

Indicate by check mark whether 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
                                   -----    -----

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of August 13, 1996, the registrant had 42,681,819 shares of Common Stock,
$.01 par value, outstanding.




<PAGE>

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

                                                                           PAGE
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements 

     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) -
       June 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995..............................       2

     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) - Second
       Quarter and Six Months ended June 30, 1996 and July 2, 1995......       3

     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) -
       Six Months ended June 30, 1996 and July 2, 1995..................       4

     Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)...       5

Item 2.    Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition 
              and results of operations.................................       9

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings............................................      13

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.............................      13




                                      1

<PAGE>


                        GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (in thousands, except share data)
                                  (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          June 30,      December 31,
                                                            1996            1995*
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
                             ASSETS

Current assets:
      Cash............................................      $5,442           $6,417
      Receivables:
            Trade receivables, net of reserves........      31,403           22,886
            Royalties.................................      10,875            9,975
            Other.....................................       3,427            4,040
                                                          --------         --------
                                                            45,705           36,901
      Inventories.....................................      92,340           72,889
      Prepaid expenses................................       6,845            5,557
                                                          --------         --------
                  Total current assets................     150,332          121,764
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated
    depreciation and amortization.....................      67,346           68,199
Long-term investments.................................       3,408            3,394
Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated 
    amortization......................................       8,649            9,278
                                                          --------         --------
                                                          $229,735         $202,635
                                                          --------         --------
                                                          --------         --------


             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
      Current installments of notes payable and
          long-term debt.............................       $4,056           $4,123
      Accounts payable...............................       37,221           40,701
      Accrued expenses...............................       23,865           18,332
      Income taxes payable...........................          775            1,036
                                                          --------         --------
                  Total current liabilities..........       65,917           64,192
Notes payable and long-term debt, net of current
    installments.....................................      148,712          119,212
Minority interest....................................          247               75
Other liabilities....................................        8,535            8,159
                                                          --------         --------
                                                           223,411          191,638
Stockholders' equity:
      Preferred stock.  Authorized 10,000,000 shares;
          no shares issued and outstanding...........            -                -
      Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 
          150,000,000 shares; issued 52,712,611 and 
          issued and outstanding 32,681,819,
          including 20,030,792 shares in Treasury....           35               35
      Paid-in capital................................          181              181
      Retained earnings..............................      156,836          161,567
      Foreign currency translation adjustment........           48              (10)
      Treasury stock, 20,030,792 shares repurchased..     (150,776)        (150,776)
                                                          --------         --------

                  Net stockholders' equity...........        6,324           10,997
                                                          --------         --------
                                                          $229,735         $202,635
                                                          --------         --------
                                                          --------         --------
</TABLE>

      See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
                      *Condensed from Audited Balance Sheet


                                       2

<PAGE>

                        GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                                (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Second Quarter Ended    Six Months Ended
                                                 --------------------   -------------------
                                                  June 30,    July 2,   June 30,    July 2,
                                                    1996       1995       1996       1995
                                                  --------   --------   --------    -------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Net revenue:
      Product sales............................   $108,836    $92,933    $232,111   $206,579
      Net royalties............................     13,672     11,816      25,295     23,073
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
                                                   122,508    104,749     257,406    229,652
Cost of sales..................................     66,634     55,542     137,113    120,809
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
Gross profit...................................     55,874     49,207     120,293    108,843
Selling, general and administrative expenses...     37,597     32,308      72,829     66,468
Reorganization charge (note 5).................      3,559          -       3,559          -
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
            Earnings from operations...........     14,718     16,899      43,905     42,375
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
Non-operating income (expense):
      Interest, net............................     (3,742)    (3,885)     (7,291)    (7,926)
      Other, net...............................        173        (16)       (147)      (180)
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
                                                    (3,569)    (3,901)     (7,438)    (8,106)

            Earnings before income taxes.......     11,149     12,998      36,467     34,269

Income taxes...................................        327        716       1,598      1,275
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
            Net earnings.......................    $10,822    $12,282     $34,869    $32,994
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------

Supplemental pro forma financial
  information (note 2):

Earnings before income taxes, as presented....     $11,149    $12,998     $36,467    $34,269
Pro forma provision for income taxes..........       4,426      5,199      14,477     13,708
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
Pro forma net earnings........................      $6,723     $7,799     $21,990    $20,561
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
                                                  --------    -------    --------   --------
Pro forma net earnings per share.............       $  .16                $   .53

Weighted average common shares outstanding...       41,412                 41,412
                                                  --------               --------
                                                  --------               --------

</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

                                            3

<PAGE>

                        GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (in thousands)
                                 (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                            Six months ended
                                                                            ----------------
                                                                         June 30,       July 2,
                                                                           1996          1995
                                                                           ----          -----
<S>                                                                      <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
      Net earnings................................................        $34,869       $32,994
      Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
            provided by operating activities:
            Depreciation and amortization of property and 
                  equipment.......................................          8,379         6,822
            Amortization of deferred charges......................            669           801
            Loss on disposition of property and equipment.........            100           259
            Foreign translation adjustment........................             33            17
            Minority interest.....................................            172           (51)
            Undistributed equity method earnings..................             (9)          (21)
            (Increase) decrease in:
                  Receivables.....................................         (8,803)      (12,119)
                  Inventories.....................................        (19,451)        6,097
                  Prepaid expenses................................         (1,288)         (309)
                  Other assets....................................            234           428
            Increase (decrease) in:
                  Accounts payable................................         (3,479)        2,294
                  Accrued expenses................................          5,367         1,728
                  Income taxes payable............................           (261)         (191)
                                                                         --------       -------
                        Net cash provided by operating 
                              activities..........................         16,532        38,749
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
      Purchases of property and equipment.........................         (7,986)      (12,527)
      Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment.....            360           127
      Lease incentives granted....................................            261         1,248
      Purchases of long-term investments..........................              -          (122)
                                                                         --------       -------
                        Net cash used by investing activities.....         (7,365)      (11,274)

Cash flows from financing activities:
      Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt..............        105,943        75,254
      Repayments of notes payable and long-term debt..............        (76,510)      (63,861)
      Distributions to stockholders...............................        (39,600)      (41,800)
                                                                         --------       -------
                        Net cash used by financing activities.....        (10,167)      (30,407)

Effect of exchange rates changes on cash:.........................             25           (10)

Net decrease in cash..............................................           (975)       (2,942)
Cash, beginning of period.........................................          6,417         5,994
                                                                         --------       -------
Cash, end of period...............................................         $5,442        $3,052
                                                                         --------       -------
                                                                         --------       -------
Supplemental disclosures:
      Cash paid during the period for:
            Interest..............................................         $6,926        $7,627
            Income taxes..........................................          1,856         1,467


</TABLE>

    See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                        4

<PAGE>

                        GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                 JUNE 30, 1996

(1)        Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed 
consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of 
normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial 
position as of June 30, 1996, and the results of operations and cash flows 
for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  Operating results for the
second quarter and six months ended June 30, 1996, are not necessarily 
indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending
December 31, 1996.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of 
Regulation S-X and accordingly, they have been condensed and do not include 
all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statement presentation. For further 
information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes 
thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 1995 and in the Company's Registration Statement Form S-1 
(File No. 333-4419) effective August 7, 1996.

(2)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Pro Forma Net Earnings

Pro forma net earnings represent the results of operations adjusted to 
reflect a provision for income taxes on historical earnings before income 
taxes, which gives effect to the change in the Company's income tax status to 
a C corporation as a result of the public sale of its common stock.  Upon 
termination of the Company's S corporation status on August 12, 1996, it 
recorded an earnings benefit resulting from the establishment of net deferred 
tax assets (approximately $7.4 million), which was based upon temporary book to
tax differences existing at the date of termination of the Company's S 
Corporation status.  The principal difference between the pro forma income 
tax rate and Federal statutory rate of 35% relates primarily to state income 
taxes.

Pro forma net earnings per share have been computed by dividing pro forma net 
earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding 
during the period.  The pro forma net earnings per share gives effect to the 
issuance of shares of common stock to generate sufficient cash to pay (i) a 
distribution to stockholders in an amount equal to the previously earned and 
undistributed taxable S corporation earnings (the "S Corporation 
Distribution") aggregating approximately $176.9 million through the date of 
termination as if such distribution had been made at June 30, 1996 and the 
Company's S corporation status had been terminated at such date, and (ii) the 
$300,000 to be paid by the Company to the trusts for the respective benefit 
of Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano (the "Marciano 
Trusts") in connection with the merger of Marciano International, Inc. 
("Marciano International"), a Company which is wholly owned by the Marciano 
Trusts, with and into the Company (See also note 6).

Recently Issued Pronouncements

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121"), "Accounting for the 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be disposed of," 
in March 1995 which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 
15, 1995.  SFAS No. 121 establishes accounting standards for the impairment 
of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill related 
to these assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed of.  The 
Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121 effective April 1, 1996 and 
has, accordingly, recorded a write-down aggregating $2.4 million in the 
second quarter of 1996 related to certain operating assets to be disposed of 
and is included as a component of the $3.6 million Reorganization Charge in 
the Company's statement of earnings. The Company does not anticipate that 
SFAS No. 121 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). SFAS 123 
established a fair value-based method of accounting for compensation cost 
related to stock options and other forms of stock-based compensation plans. 
However, SFAS 123 allows an entity to continue to


                                      5

<PAGE>


measure compensation costs using the principles of Accounting Principles 
Board pronouncement 25 if certain pro forma disclosures are made.  SFAS 123 
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995.  The Company 
intends to adopt the provisions for pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS 
123 in fiscal 1996 and anticipates that SFAS 123 will not have a material 
impact on its financial statements.  As of June 30, 1996, the Company had not 
issued any stock options or other instruments under which SFAS 123 would 
apply.

(3)  Inventories

  The components of inventory consist of the following:

                                                         June 30,   December 31,
                                                           1996         1995
                                                         --------   ------------
                                                              (in thousands)
Raw materials.........................................   $13,125         $9,788
Work in Progress......................................    10,517         11,264
Finished Goods........................................    68,698         51,837
                                                        --------        -------
                                                         $92,340        $72,889
                                                        --------        -------
                                                        --------        -------

(4) Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1995 financial statements to 
conform to the 1996 presentation.

(5)  Reorganization Charge

In the second quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a provision of $3.6 
million for certain non-recurring charges relating to the writedown to net 
realizable value of operating assets associated with the (i) disposal of two 
currently active remote warehouse and production facilities, in contemplation 
of the public offering of 7,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the 
"Offering"), which are not expected to be used in the Company's operations 
after the Offering, and (ii) the net book loss incurred by the Company in 
connection with the sale of one of its aircraft in contemplation of the 
Offering; such aircraft sale was recorded in June 1996 and completed in July 
1996.

The writedown to net realizable value related to the disposal of the 
warehouse and production facilities of $2.4  million is based upon the 
difference between the asset carrying value of $5.7 million and its appraisal 
value of $3.9 million and the inclusion of a provision of $.6 million for 
estimated disposal costs, comprised primarily of commissions, title fees and 
other customary real estate closing costs. The writedown related to the sale 
of the aircraft of $1.2 million is based upon the difference between the 
asset carrying value of $7.2 million and the sale price of $6.0 million.  The 
estimated costs of disposal of the aircraft were immaterial.  The above 
assets are included in property and equipment at June 30, 1996 and the 
Company has not recorded any depreciation expense on these assets from the 
date the dispositions were contemplated.

The Company has not recorded the charge related to the warehouse and 
production facilities to be disposed of as a cumulative effect from the 
implementation of SFAS No. 121 recorded net of tax, because the effect of 
such implementation is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

(6)  Subsequent Events

On August 13, 1996, the Company completed the Offering, resulting in net 
proceeds to the Company of approximately $116.3 million.

Prior to the consummation of the Offering, (i) Marciano International, which 
is owned by the Marciano Trusts and currently holds an interest in the 
subsidiaries of the Company, was merged with and into Guess, (ii) all of the 
capital stock of Guess Italia was contributed

                                      6

<PAGE>

to Guess? Europe, B.V., (iii) the Company effected a 32.66 to 1 split of the 
common stock and (iv) as part of the S Corporation Distribution, the Company 
distributed to its stockholders $54.0 million of Common Stock valued at 
$18.00 per share (the "S Distribution Shares") with the balance of between 
$126.0 million and $136.0 million being distributed in the form of promissory 
notes bearing interest at 8% per annum (the "S Distribution Notes").  The 
Company paid the Marciano Trusts an aggregate of $300,000 in connection with 
the merger of Marciano International, Inc. with and into the Company.  Such 
$300,000 payment was not included in the aggregate principal amount of the S 
Distribution Notes.  All of such transactions are referred to as the 
"Reorganization." All references to the number of shares have been restated 
to give effect to the above referenced stock split.

Concurrent with the consummation of the transaction related to the Offerings 
(the "Closing Date"), the Company's S corporation status was terminated (the 
"S Termination Date").  Prior to the S Termination Date, the Company declared 
a distribution to its stockholders that included all of its previously earned 
and undistributed S corporation earnings through the date of termination of 
the Company's S corporation status. The S Corporation Distribution occurred 
prior to the S Termination Date and was comprised of the S Distribution 
Shares and the S Distribution Notes. As a result of S Corporation Termination 
the Company is no longer treated as an S Corporation and, accordingly, is 
fully subject to federal and state income taxes.

Pursuant to the above transactions, the Company previously disclosed certain 
pro forma financial information in the June 30, 1996 consolidated financial 
statements included in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 on 
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, effective August 7, 1996 
(file no. 333-4419). The pro forma operating results reflect adjustments to 
historical operating results for (a) the elimination of salaries and bonuses 
paid to the principal executive officers in excess of the salaries and 
bonuses to be paid to such officers under their respective employment 
agreements following the Offering, (b) the decreases in depreciation and 
operating costs associated with an aircraft owned by the Company which was 
sold prior to the Offering, (c) the elimination of the minority interest in 
GEBV and Guess Italia through the merger of Marciano International with and 
into the Company in connection with the Reorganization (such 
amounts had previously been recorded as minority interest in the Company 
statements of earnings) and (d) adjustments for Federal and state income 
taxes as if the Company had been taxed as a C corporation rather than an S 
corporation. Summarized below is the pro forma financial information for the 
six month periods ended June 30, 1996 and July 2, 1995:

                                                  Six months ended
                                              June 30,          July 2,
                                                1996            1995
                                              --------         --------
       Earnings from operations                $47,271         $45,817
       Earnings before income taxes             39,993          37,912
       Income taxes                             15,877          15,165
                                              --------         -------
       Net earnings                            $24,116         $22,747
                                              --------         -------
                                              --------         -------
       Net Earnings per share                      .58
       Weighted average common shares           
          outstanding                           41,412


Pursuant to SEC rules and regulations, the pro forma net earnings per share 
gives effect to the issuance of shares of common stock to generate sufficient 
cash to pay (a) S corporation distribution in an amount equal to retained 
earnings at June 30, 1996 and (b) the $300,000 paid by the by the Company in 
connection with the merger of Marciano International with and into the 
Company.

For comparison purposes only, the following information for the six months 
ended June 30, 1996 is presented to show the net earnings per share and 
weighted average common shares


                                      7

<PAGE>


outstanding as calculated on a full dilution basis, whereby all of the shares 
outstanding after the completion of the Offering and after giving effect to 
the S corporation distribution were considered to be outstanding for the 
entire period.

        Net earnings per share                                     .57
        Weighted average common shares Outstanding              42,682


Immediately prior to the Offering, the Company was granted options to 
purchase 1,203,905 shares pursuant to the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive 
Plan with an exercise price equal to the initial public price of $18.00 per 
share. 


                                      8

<PAGE>

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

The following information should be read in conjunction with the condensed 
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein. Except 
for historical information contained herein, the statements set forth in this 
Item 2 are forward looking and involve risks and uncertainties. For 
information regarding potential factors that could affect the Company's 
financial results, refer to pages 8-12 of the prospectus contained in the 
Company's registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-4419) on file with 
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, as declared effective 
on August 7, 1996, which information is incorporated by reference herein.

OVERVIEW
The Company derives its revenue from the sale of Guess brand products through
its wholesale, retail and licensing operations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET REVENUE.  Net revenue increased $17.8 million or 17.0% to $122.5 million 
in the quarter ended June 30, 1996 from $104.7 million in the quarter ended 
July 2, 1995.  Net revenue from wholesale operations increased $4.6 million 
to $61.6 million from $57.0 million, due principally to increased sales 
outside the United States of $3.9 million.  Net revenue from retail 
operations increased $11.3 million to $47.2 million from $35.9 million, 
primarily attributable to an increase of 12.5% in comparable store net 
revenue and from volume generated by 13 new store openings, offset by the 
closing of five stores.  The increase in comparable store net revenue was 
primarily attributable to a more favorable merchandise mix and the 
implementation of improved inventory management systems. Net royalties 
increased 15.7% in the quarter ended June 30, 1996 to $13.7 million from 
$11.8 million in the quarter ended July 2, 1995.  Revenue from international 
operations comprised 8.6% and 6.3% of the Company's net revenue during the 
second quarter of 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Net revenue increased $27.7 million or 12.1% to $257.4 million in the six 
months ended June 30, 1996 from $229.7 million in the six months ended July 
2, 1995. Net revenue from wholesale operations increased $2.4 million to 
$144.8 million from $142.4 million, due principally to increased sales 
outside the United States of $12.1 million, partially offset by a $9.7 
million decline in domestic wholesale sales.  The decline in domestic 
wholesale sales resulted primarily from a $3.1 million decline due to closing 
certain accounts and a $1.2 million decline due to the licensing out of 
certain apparel lines. Net revenue from retail operations increased $23.1 
million to $87.3 million from $64.2 million, primarily attributable to an 
increase of 14.4% in comparable store net revenue and from volume generated 
by 13 new store openings, offset by the closing of five stores.  The increase 
in comparable store net revenue was primarily attributable to a more 
favorable merchandise mix and the implementation of improved inventory 
management systems.  Net royalties increased 9.6% in the six months ended 
June 30, 1996, to $25.3 million from $23.1 million in the six months ended 
July 2, 1995.  Net revenue from international operations comprised 11.3% and 
6.8% of the Company's net revenue during the first six months of 1996 and 
1995, respectively.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased 13.5% to $55.9 million in the quarter 
ended June 30, 1996 from $49.2 million in the quarter ended July 2, 1995.  
The increase in gross profit resulted from increased net royalties and 
increased net revenue from product sales.  Gross profit from product sales 
increased 12.9% to $42.2 million in the quarter ended June 30, 1996 from 
$37.4 million in the quarter ended July 2, 1995.  Gross profit as a 
percentage of net revenue decreased to 45.6% in the quarter ended June 30, 
1996 as compared to 47.0% in the quarter ended July 2, 1995.  Gross profit 
from product sales as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 38.8% from 
40.2% in the comparable 1995 period primarily due to higher offprice revenue 
and higher retail revenue (which generally has a relatively lower gross 
profit margin) as percentages of total revenue in the quarter ended June 30, 
1996.

Gross profit increased 10.5% to $120.3 million in the six months ended June 
30, 1996 from $108.8 million in the six months ended July 2, 1995.  The 
increase in gross profit resulted from increased net royalties and increased 
net revenue from product sales.  Gross profit from product sales increased 
10.7% to $95.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 1996 from $85.8 
million in the six months ended July 2, 1995.  Gross profit as a percentage 
of net revenue decreased to  46.7%  in the six  months ended June 30, 1996 as 
compared to 47.4% in the six months ended July 2, 1995.  Gross profit from 
product sales as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 40.9% from 41.5% in 
the comparable 1995 period primarily as a result of growth in net revenue
derived from both international and retail operations, both of which 
generally have relatively lower gross profit margins.

                                     9

<PAGE>

SG&A EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses 
increased 16.4% in the quarter ended June 30, 1996 to $37.6 million, or 30.7% 
of net revenue, from $32.3 million, or 30.8% of net revenue, in the quarter 
ended July 2, 1995. SG&A expenses increased 9.6% in the six months ended June 
30, 1996 to $72.8 million, or 28.3% of net revenue, from $66.5 million, or 
28.9% of net revenue, in the six months ended July 2, 1995.  These increases 
were primarily the result of increased store expenses related to the 
expansion of the retail operation.  The decrease in SG&A expenses as a 
percentage of net revenue was the result of fixed expenses being spread over 
a larger revenue base in the 1996 period.

REORGANIZATION CHARGE.  In anticipation of the Offering, in the second 
quarter of 1996 the Company recorded reserves totaling $3.6 million for 
certain non-recurring charges related to the writedowns of operating assets 
to be disposed of, which included:(i) the disposal of two currently active 
remote warehouse and production facilities not expected to be used in the 
Company's operations after the Offering, resulting in a net book loss of $2.4 
million, and (ii) the net book loss of $1.2 million incurred by the Company 
in connection with the sale of one of its aircraft.  The above charges are 
based upon the net book value of the related assets as of June 30, 1996.  The 
Company intends to relocate the warehouse and production operations located 
at the remote facilities to its central facility in Los Angeles in an effort 
to centralize its operations and improve operating efficiencies.

EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS. Earnings from operations, including the 
Reorganization Charge discussed above, decreased 12.9% to $14.7 million, or 
12.0% of net revenue in the quarter ended June 30, 1996, from $16.9 million, 
or 16.1% of net revenue, in the quarter ended July 2, 1995.  Earnings from 
operations increased 3.6% to $43.9 million, or 17.1% of net revenue in the 
six months ended June 30, 1996, from $42.4 million, or 18.5% of net revenue, 
in the six months ended July 2, 1995. Excluding the aforementioned 
reorganization charge, earnings from operations would have increased 8.2% or 
$1.4 million to $18.3 million in the quarter ended June 30, 1996, from $16.9 
million in the comparable quarter.  For the six month months ended June 30, 
1996, excluding the aforementioned reorganization charge, earnings from 
operations would have increased 12.0% or $5.1 million to $47.5 million, from 
$42.4 million in the comparable period. These increases are primarily related 
to increases in revenue.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Net interest expense decreased 3.7% to $3.7 million in 
the quarter ended June 30, 1996 from $3.9 million in the quarter ended July 
2, 1995. For the quarter ending June 30, 1996, the average debt balance was 
$154.6 million, with an average effective interest rate of 9.2%.  For the 
quarter ending July 2, 1995, the average debt balance was $164.9 million, 
with an average effective interest rate of 9.4%.  Net interest expense 
decreased 8.0% to $7.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 1996 from 
$7.9 million in the six months ended July 2, 1995.  These decreases resulted 
primarily from lower outstanding debt. For the first six months of 1996, the 
average debt balance was $149.3 million, with an average effective interest 
rate of 9.3%.  For the first six months of 1995, the average debt balance was 
$164.8 million, with an average effective interest rate of 9.4%.

NET EARNINGS. Net earnings decreased 11.9% to $10.8 million, or 8.8% of net 
revenue, in the quarter ended June 30, 1996, from $12.3 million, or 11.7% of 
net revenue, in the quarter ended July 2, 1995.  Net earnings increased 5.7% 
to $34.9 million, or 13.5% of net revenue, in the six months ended June 30, 
1996, from $33.0 million, or 14.4% of net revenue, in the six months ended 
July 2, 1995.  Excluding the aforementioned reorganization charge, net 
earnings would have increased 16.3% or $2.1 million to $14.4 million in the 
quarter ended June 30, 1996, from $12.3 million in the comparable quarter.  
For the six month ended June 30, 1996, excluding the aforementioned 
reorganization charge, net earnings would have increased 16.2% or $5.3 
million to $38.3 million, from $33.0 million in the comparable period. These 
increases are primarily related to increases in revenue.


                                      10

<PAGE>

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has relied primarily upon internally generated funds, trade 
credit and bank borrowings to finance its operations and expansion and to 
make periodic distributions to stockholders. At June 30, 1996, the Company 
had working capital of $84.4 million compared to $57.6 million at December 
31, 1995.  The $26.8 million increase in working capital primarily resulted 
from a $19.5 million increase in inventories, an $8.8 million increase in 
receivables and a $3.5 million decrease in payables, partially offset by a 
$5.4 million increase in accrued liabilities. The increase in inventory 
relates to seasonal requirements and the buildup of initial inventory of the 
Company's Bare Basics line.

The Company's revolving credit agreement provides for a $100.0 million 
revolving credit facility which includes a $20.0 million sublimit for letters 
of credit.  As of June 30, 1996, the Company had $43.0 million in outstanding 
borrowings under the revolving credit facility and outstanding letters of 
credit of $8.6 million.  As of June 30, 1996, the Company had $48.4 million 
available for future borrowings under such facility. The revolving credit 
facility will expire in December 1997. In addition to this revolving credit 
facility, the Company has a $25.0 million letter of credit facility.  As of 
June 30, 1996, the Company had $15.3 million outstanding under this facility.

After application of net proceeds of the Offering to repay a substantial 
portion of the S Distribution Notes, approximately $16.0 million of S 
Distribution Notes will remain outstanding. The S Distribution Notes will 
bear interest at 8% per annum and will mature on January 1, 1997.

Capital expenditures, net of lease incentives granted, totaled $7.7 million 
in the six months ended June 30, 1996.  The Company estimates that its 
capital expenditures for fiscal 1996 will be approximately $20.0 million, 
primarily for the expansion of its retail stores and operations.

The Company anticipates that it will be able to satisfy its ongoing cash 
requirements through 1997, including retail and international expansion plans 
and interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes, primarily with cash flow from 
operations, supplemented, if necessary, by borrowing under its revolving 
credit agreement.

SEASONALITY

The Company's business is impacted by the general seasonal trends that are 
characteristic of the apparel and retail industries.  The Company's wholesale 
operations generally experience stronger performance in the first and third 
quarters, while retail operations are generally stronger in the third and 
fourth quarters.  As the timing of the shipment of products may vary from 
year to year, the results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of 
results for the full year.  The Company has not had significant overhead and 
other costs generally associated with large seasonal variations.

INFLATION

The Company does not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation 
experienced in the United States over the last three years have had a 
significant effect on its 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, the Company does not believe 
that they have had a material effect on the Company's net revenue of 
profitability. 

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121"), "Accounting for the 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be disposed of," 
in March 1995 which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 
15, 1995.  SFAS No. 121 establishes accounting standards for the impairment 
of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill related 
to these assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed of.  The 
Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121 effective April 1, 1996 and 
has, accordingly, recorded a write-down aggregating $2.4 million in the 
second quarter of 1996 related to certain operating assets to be disposed of 
and is included as a component of the $3.6 million Reorganization Charge in 
the Company's statement of earnings. The Company does not anticipate that 
SFAS No. 121 will have a material impact on its financial statements.

                                      11
<PAGE>

In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"). SFAS 123 
established a fair value-based method of accounting for compensation cost 
related to stock options and other forms of stock-based compensation plans. 
However, SFAS 123 allows an entity to continue to measure compensation costs 
using the principles of Accounting Principles Board pronouncement 25 if 
certain pro forma disclosures are made.  SFAS 123 is effective for fiscal 
years beginning after December 15, 1995.  The Company intends to adopt the 
provisions for pro forma disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 in fiscal 1996 
and anticipates that SFAS 123 will not have a material impact on its 
financial statements.  As of June 30, 1996, the Company had not issued any 
stock options or other instruments under which SFAS 133 would apply.



                                      12

<PAGE>

                         PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   Legal Proceedings

Litigation

On August 7, 1996, a purported class action complaint naming the Company and 
certain of its independent contractors was filed in the Superior Court of the 
State of California for the County of Los Angeles, styled as Brenda Figueroa 
et. al. v. Guess ?, Inc. et al. (Dist. Ct. Case No. 96-5485HLH(JGx)).  The 
complaint, which seeks damages and injunctive relief, alleges, among other 
things, that the defendants' practices with respect to the employees of such 
independent contractors have violated various federal and state labor laws 
and regulations.  Based upon the information available to the Company at this 
time, the Company does not believe that the outcome of such purported class 
action will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial 
condition or results of operations.

Guess is also a party to various other claims, complaints and other legal 
actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business from time to 
time. The Company believes that the outcome of such pending legal 
proceedings, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  a)      Exhibits:


Exhibit
 Number                          Description
- -------                          -----------

 3.1        Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)

 3.2        Bylaws of the Registrant (1)

 4.1        Specimen stock certificate (1)

10.1        Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement (1)

10.2        Letter of Agreement, dated January 22, 1996, between the 
            Registrant and Andrea Weiss (1)

10.3        Employment Agreement, dated as of May 14, 1996, between the 
            Registrant and Francis K. Duane. (1)

10.4        Amendment No. 8 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 
            13, 1996, among the parties thereto (1)

10.5        1996 Equity Incentive Plan. (2)

10.6        1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (1)

10.7        Annual Incentive Bonus Plan. (1)

10.8        Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Maurice 
            Marciano. (1)

10.9        Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Paul Marciano. (1)

10.10       Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Armand Marciano. (1)

10.11       Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and certain 
            stockholders of the Registrant. (1)

10.12       Indemnification Agreement among the Registrant and certain 
            stockholders of the Registrant. (1)

10.13       Form of Indemnification Agreement. (1)

27.1        Financial Data Schedule

99.1        Pages 8-12 from the prospectus included in the Company's 
            Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-4419) as filed 
            by the Company on August 9, 1996 pursuant to Rule 424(b).

- ------------------
(1)  Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to the Registration 
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-4419) filed by the Company on July 30, 
1996.

(2)  Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 4 to the Registration 
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-4419) filed by the Company on July 31, 
1996.

  b)      Reports on Form 8-K: 

              The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the second
          quarter ended June 30, 1996.

                                       13

<PAGE>

                                 SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Rule 12b-15 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:  August 14, 1996                  By:  /s/ Maurice Marciano
                                           ----------------------------------
                                           Maurice Marciano
                                           Chairman of the Board, Chief
                                           Executive Officer and Director
                                           (Principal Executive Officer)


Date:  August 14, 1996                  By:  /s/ Roger Williams
                                           ----------------------------------
                                           Roger Williams
                                           Executive Vice President and Chief
                                           Financial Officer (Principal 
                                           Financial Officer)


                                     14



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           5,442
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   39,625
<ALLOWANCES>                                     8,222
<INVENTORY>                                     92,340
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               150,332
<PP&E>                                         126,811
<DEPRECIATION>                                  59,465
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 229,735
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           65,917
<BONDS>                                        148,712
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            35
<OTHER-SE>                                       6,289
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   229,735
<SALES>                                        232,111
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               257,406<F1>
<CGS>                                          137,113
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  213,501<F2>
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   147
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    59
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               7,291
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 36,467
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,598
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             34,869
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    34,869
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.00
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.00
<FN>
<F1>INCLUDES NET ROYALTIES OF $25.3 MILLION
<F2>INCLUDES NON-RECURRING CHARGES RELATED TO THE WRITEDOWN OF OPERATING ASSETS
TO BE DISPOSED OF IN CONTEMPLATION OF THE OFFERINGS AGGREGATING $3.6 MILLION  
RELATING TO (A) DISPOSAL OF TWO CURRENTLY ACTIVE REMOVE WAREHOUSE 
AND PRODUCTION FACILITIES, WHICH ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE USED IN THE COMPANY'S 
OPERATIONS AFTER THE OFFERINGS, RESULTING IN A NET BOOK LOSS OF $2.4 MILLION, 
AND (B) THE NET BOOK LOSS OF $1.2 MILLION INCURRED BY THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION 
WITH THE SALE OF ONE OF ITS AIRCRAFT TO AN UNAFFILIATED THIRD PARTY FOR $6.0
MILLION IN CONTEMPLATION OF THE OFFERINGS.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

PROSPECTUS
                                7,000,000 SHARES

                                     [LOGO]

                                  COMMON STOCK
                               ------------------

    Of  the 7,000,000 shares  of Common Stock  of Guess ?,  Inc. offered hereby,
5,600,000 shares are initially being offered in the United States and Canada  by
the  U.S. Underwriters and 1,400,000 shares  are initially being offered outside
the United States and Canada by  the International Managers. The initial  public
offering  price and the aggregate underwriting  discount per share are identical
for each of the Offerings. See "Underwriting."
 
    Prior to  the Offerings,  there has  been no  public market  for the  Common
Stock.  See  "Underwriting"  for  a  discussion  of  the  factors  considered in
determining the initial public offering price of the Common Stock.

    The Common  Stock  has been  approved  for listing  on  the New  York  Stock
Exchange under the symbol "GES," subject to official notice of issuance.

    SEE  "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8  FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK  OFFERED
HEREBY.
                             ---------------------

THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN APPROVED  OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE SECURITIES
 AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY   STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR   HAS
  THE   SECURITIES   AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION   OR   ANY   STATE  SECURITIES
    COMMISSION   PASSED   UPON   THE   ACCURACY   OR   ADEQUACY   OF    THIS
      PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          PRICE TO         UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                                           PUBLIC          DISCOUNT (1)        COMPANY (2)
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                <C>
Per Share...........................       $18.00              $1.10             $16.90
Total (3)...........................    $126,000,000        $7,700,000        $118,300,000
</TABLE>

(1)  The Company and certain Principal Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
    several  Underwriters   against  certain   liabilities,  including   certain
    liabilities   under   the  Securities   Act   of  1933,   as   amended.  See
    "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be $2,000,000.
(3) The  Company has  granted to  the U.S.  Underwriters and  the  International
    Managers  options,  exercisable  within  30  days  after  the  date  of this
    Prospectus, to purchase up  to an additional 840,000  and 210,000 shares  of
    Common  Stock, respectively, to  cover over-allotments, if  any. If all such
    additional shares are  purchased, the  total Price  to Public,  Underwriting
    Discount  and  Proceeds  to  Company will  be  $144,900,000,  $8,855,000 and
    $136,045,000, respectively. See "Underwriting."
                            ------------------------

    The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters,  subject
to  prior sale, when, as and  if issued to and accepted  by them, and subject to
the approval  of certain  legal  matters by  counsel  for the  Underwriters  and
certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel
or  modify such offer and to  reject orders in whole or  in part. It is expected
that delivery of the shares of Common Stock  will be made in New York, New  York
on or about August 13, 1996.

                            ------------------------

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.  MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                            INCORPORATED
                       ----------------------------------

                 The date of this Prospectus is August 7, 1996.

<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS

    PROSPECTIVE  PURCHASERS OF THE  COMMON STOCK OFFERED  HEREBY SHOULD CONSIDER
CAREFULLY THE FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW, AS WELL AS OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH IN
THIS  PROSPECTUS,  IN  EVALUATING  AN  INVESTMENT  IN  THE  COMMON  STOCK.  THIS
PROSPECTUS   CONTAINS  FORWARD-LOOKING   STATEMENTS  WHICH   INVOLVE  RISKS  AND
UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S  ACTUAL RESULTS  AND THE TIMING  OF CERTAIN  EVENTS
COULD   DIFFER  MATERIALLY  FROM  THOSE   ANTICIPATED  BY  SUCH  FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS AS  A  RESULT  OF  CERTAIN  FACTORS  DISCUSSED  IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS,
INCLUDING  THE  FACTORS  SET FORTH  BELOW  AND IN  "MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION  AND RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS" AND "BUSINESS,"  AS
WELL AS THOSE DISCUSSED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
COMPETITION AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING THE APPAREL AND RETAILING INDUSTRIES
 
    The  apparel  industry  is  highly competitive,  fragmented  and  subject to
rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. The Company believes that its
success depends in large part upon its ability to anticipate, gauge and  respond
to  changing consumer demands and fashion trends in a timely manner and upon the
continued appeal to  consumers of  the Guess image.  Failure by  the Company  to
identify  and  respond appropriately  to changing  consumer demands  and fashion
trends could adversely affect consumer acceptance of Guess products and may have
a material adverse effect  on the Company's financial  condition and results  of
operations.  Guess competes with numerous apparel manufacturers and distributors
(including Calvin  Klein,  Ralph  Lauren, DKNY,  Tommy  Hilfiger  and  Nautica).
Moreover,  several well-known designers have  recently entered or re-entered the
designer denim market with  products generally priced  lower than the  Company's
designer   jeans  products.  Guess's  retail  and  factory  outlet  stores  face
competition  from  other   retailers.  Additionally,   the  Company   encounters
substantial  competition from department stores, including some of the Company's
major retail customers. Many of the Company's competitors have greater financial
resources than  Guess.  The  Company's licensed  apparel  and  accessories  also
compete  with a substantial number of  designer and non-designer lines. Although
the level and nature of competition  differ among its product categories,  Guess
believes  that it competes primarily on the basis of its brand image, quality of
design and workmanship and product assortment. Increased competition by existing
and future competitors could  result in reductions in  sales or prices of  Guess
products  that could have  a material adverse effect  on the Company's financial
condition  and  results  of  operations.  In  addition,  the  apparel   industry
historically  has  been  subject  to  substantial  cyclical  variations,  and  a
recession in  the general  economy or  uncertainties regarding  future  economic
prospects  that affect  consumer spending habits  could have  a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE UPON CERTAIN CUSTOMERS AND LICENSEES
 
    The  Company's  department  store  customers  include  major  United  States
retailers.  The Company's  three largest  customers accounted  for approximately
26.0% of net revenue in 1995. During 1995, Bloomingdale's, Macy's and affiliated
stores owned by Federated Department Stores together accounted for approximately
11.0% of the Company's net revenue; The May Company accounted for  approximately
7.7%   of  the  Company's  net  revenue;  and  Dillard's  stores  accounted  for
approximately 7.3%  of  the  Company's  net revenue.  Although  several  of  the
Company's department store customers are under common ownership, no other single
customer  or group  of related  customers accounted  for more  than 3.0%  of the
Company's net revenue in this period. While the Company believes that purchasing
decisions in many cases  are made independently by  each department store  chain
under  common ownership,  the trend  may be  toward more  centralized purchasing
decisions. A decision by the controlling  owner of a group of department  stores
or  any other  significant customer  to decrease  the amount  purchased from the
Company or to cease carrying Guess products could have a material adverse effect
on the  Company's financial  condition  and results  of operations.  The  retail
industry has periodically experienced consolidation and other ownership changes.
In  the  future,  the  Company's wholesale  customers  may  consolidate, undergo
restructurings or reorganizations, or realign  these affiliations, any of  which
could  decrease the number of stores that  carry the Company's or its licensees'
products or increase  the ownership  concentration within  the retail  industry.
Approximately 48.1% of the Company's net royalties was derived from its top four
licensed  product lines, GUESS WATCHES (18.9% of 1995 net royalties), BABY GUESS
(12.3%), GUESS KIDS (9.2%)  and GUESS EYEWEAR (7.7%).  The BABY GUESS and  GUESS
KIDS  lines are licensed to  the same entity. A  substantial portion of sales of
GUESS brand  products by  its licensees  are also  made to  the Company's  three
largest    customers.    The    inability   of    the    Company    to   control
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
the quality, focus, image or distribution of its licensed products could  impact
consumer  receptivity  to  the  Company's  products  generally  and,  therefore,
adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACHIEVING AND MANAGING GROWTH
 
    To manage  growth  effectively,  Guess  will  be  required  to  continue  to
implement  changes in  certain aspects of  its business, continue  to expand its
information systems and operations to  respond to increased demand, attract  and
retain qualified personnel (including management), and develop, train and manage
an  increasing  number  of  management-level  and  other  employees.  Failure to
continue  to  enhance  operating  control  systems  or  unexpected  difficulties
encountered  during  expansion could  adversely  affect the  Company's financial
condition and results of operations.
 
    As part of its operating strategy,  Guess intends to continue to expand  its
network  of retail stores.  Factors beyond the Company's  control may affect the
Company's ability to expand, including general economic and business  conditions
affecting  consumer spending. The  actual number and  type of such  stores to be
opened  and  their  success  will  depend  on  various  factors,  including  the
performance  of the Company's wholesale and retail operations, the acceptance by
consumers of the Company's retail concepts, the ability of the Company to manage
such expansion  and hire  and  train personnel,  the availability  of  desirable
locations  and  the negotiation  of acceptable  lease  terms for  new locations.
Certain of these factors are also beyond the Company's control.
 
    In addition,  Guess's strategy  relies  heavily upon  its ability  to  align
itself  with  effective  distributors and  licensees  that are  able  to deliver
high-quality products consistent with the GUESS brand image in a timely  fashion
and  to successfully integrate  such distributors and  licensees into its global
distribution channels. A general failure by the Company to maintain and  control
its  existing distribution and  licensing arrangements or  to procure additional
distribution and licensing  relationships could adversely  affect the  Company's
growth  strategy, which could adversely affect the Company's financial condition
and results of operations.
 
    The Company's strategic plan for its  wholesale division depends in part  on
its  ability  to  expand its  sales  to international  distributors,  deepen its
product offerings and expand and upgrade its shop-in-shop program. This strategy
is subject to a number of factors beyond the Company's control including general
economic conditions and  changing consumer preferences.  Between 1992 and  1995,
net  revenue from wholesale operations decreased  32%. There can be no assurance
that the Company's business strategy will be successful in halting or  reversing
this decline in net revenue.
 
DEPENDENCE UPON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The  success of  Guess is  largely dependent  upon the  personal efforts and
abilities of its senior management, particularly Mr. Maurice Marciano,  Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Marciano, President and Chief
Operating  Officer, and Mr. Armand Marciano, Senior Executive Vice President and
Secretary. Effective  upon  consummation of  the  Offerings, Maurice,  Paul  and
Armand  Marciano will continue to beneficially own  an aggregate of 83.6% of the
Company's  outstanding  Common  Stock  and  each  will  enter  into   employment
agreements with the Company. Although the Company has recently recruited several
key  executives with  substantial industry expertise,  the extended  loss of the
services of  one  or more  of  the Principal  Executive  Officers could  have  a
material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  operations. The  Company  does not
currently have "key man" insurance with respect to any of such individuals.  See
"Management -- Employment Agreements."
 
FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND SOURCING; IMPORT RESTRICTIONS
 
    During  1995, approximately 18% of the Company's purchases of raw materials,
labor and finished goods for its apparel were made in Hong Kong and other  Asian
countries;  approximately 4%  were made  in Europe;  approximately 1%  were made
elsewhere outside the United  States; and the  balance of 77%  were made in  the
United  States, all through arrangements with independent contractors. In recent
years, Guess has been increasing its  sourcing of fabrics outside of the  United
States.  In addition, Guess has been  increasing its international sales and, in
1995, approximately 5.0% and 1.9% of the Company's net revenue was from  product
sales  to  customers in  international markets  and from  net royalties  paid by
international
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
licensees, respectively. As a result,  the Company's operations may be  affected
adversely by political instability resulting in the disruption of trade with the
countries  in  which  the  Company's  contractors,  suppliers  or  customers are
located, the  imposition  of additional  regulations  relating to  imports,  the
imposition of additional duties, taxes and other charges on imports, significant
fluctuations   in  the  value  of  the  dollar  against  foreign  currencies  or
restrictions on the  transfer of funds.  The inability of  a contractor to  ship
orders  in a  timely manner could  cause the  Company to miss  the delivery date
requirements  of  its  customers  for   those  items,  which  could  result   in
cancellation  of orders,  refusal to accept  deliveries or a  reduction in sales
prices. Further, since Guess is unable  to return merchandise to its  suppliers,
it  could be faced with a significant  amount of unsold merchandise, which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and  results
of operations.
 
    Sovereignty  over Hong Kong  is scheduled to be  transferred from the United
Kingdom to  The  People's Republic  of  China effective  July  1, 1997.  If  the
business  climate in Hong Kong were to  experience an adverse change as a result
of the  transfer, the  Company believes  it could  relocate its  production  and
sourcing  facilities  outside Hong  Kong and  replace the  merchandise currently
produced in Hong  Kong with  merchandise produced elsewhere  without a  material
adverse  effect on the  Company's financial condition  or results of operations.
Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to do so.
 
    The Company's  import  operations  are subject  to  constraints  imposed  by
bilateral  textile agreements between the United  States and a number of foreign
countries, including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea. These agreements,
which have been negotiated bilaterally either under the framework established by
the  Arrangement  Regarding  International  Trade  in  Textiles,  known  as  the
Multifiber Agreement, or other applicable statutes, impose quotas on the amounts
and types of merchandise which may be imported into the United States from these
countries. These agreements also allow the United States to impose restraints at
any  time  and  on  very  short  notice  on  the  importation  of  categories of
merchandise that, under the terms of  the agreements, are not currently  subject
to specified limits. Imported products are also subject to United States customs
duties  which comprise  a material  portion of  the cost  of the  merchandise. A
substantial increase  in customs  duties could  have an  adverse effect  on  the
Company's  financial condition or  results of operations.  The United States and
the countries in  which the Company's  products are produced  or sold may,  from
time  to  time, impose  new quotas,  duties, tariffs  or other  restrictions, or
adversely adjust prevailing  quota, duty or  tariff levels, any  of which  could
have  a material adverse effect on  the Company's financial condition or results
of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE ON UNAFFILIATED MANUFACTURERS
 
    The Company does not own or operate any manufacturing facilities other  than
cutting,  silk-screen and embroidery machinery,  and is therefore dependent upon
independent contractors  for  the manufacture  of  its products.  The  Company's
products   are  manufactured  to   its  specifications  by   both  domestic  and
international manufacturers.  The  inability  of  a  manufacturer  to  ship  the
Company's products in a timely manner or to meet the Company's quality standards
could  adversely  affect  the  Company's  ability  to  deliver  products  to its
customers in a timely manner. Delays in delivery could result in missing certain
retailing seasons with respect to some or all of the Company's products or could
otherwise have  an  adverse effect  on  the Company's  financial  condition  and
results  of operations. The  Company does not have  long-term contracts with any
manufacturers.
 
    The Company  conducts  a program  to  monitor  the labor  practices  of  its
independent  contractors; however, the Company does not control such contractors
or their labor practices.  This program was implemented  in 1992 pursuant to  an
agreement  with  the federal  Department  of Labor  (the  "DOL") in  response to
concerns regarding  minimum  wage  and  overtime  payments  by  certain  of  the
Company's  contractors.  In connection  with  such agreement,  the  Company paid
approximately $559,000 to the DOL in  settlement of a minimum wage and  overtime
claim  on  behalf  of the  workers  of  two of  the  Company's  contractors. The
California Labor Commissioner (the "CLC") and the DOL regularly investigate  the
labor practices of apparel manufacturers. Recently, the Company has become aware
of  a  CLC  investigation  of  a  number  of  clothing  contractors  located  in
California, some of whom  may be producing goods  for the Company. Although  the
Company  has not received a report from the CLC identifying any of the Company's
 
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contractors involved in such investigation, the Company believes that several of
the approximately seventy contractors used by  the Company are subjects in  such
investigation. If it is determined that one or more of the Company's contractors
has  engaged in labor practices that violate the Company's policies, the Company
would  expect  to  terminate  its  relationship  with  such  contractors   under
appropriate  circumstances.  No assurance  can  be given  that  any terminations
resulting from  investigations  of this  type  would not  adversely  affect  the
Company's  ability to deliver products to its customers in a timely manner. Over
the past three years, the Company  has terminated contractors due to  violations
of  the Company's  policies. Violations of  state or federal  labor standards by
contractors engaged by the Company can result in the Company becoming subject to
monetary and/or injunctive  sanctions. Based upon  the information available  to
the Company at this time with respect to the aforementioned investigation by the
CLC,  the Company does  not believe that  such investigation will  result in the
imposition of any sanctions that would  have a material adverse effect upon  the
Company.
 
PROTECTION OF TRADEMARKS
 
    Guess  believes  that  its  trademarks  and  other  proprietary  rights  are
important to  its  success  and its  competitive  position.  Accordingly,  Guess
devotes  substantial  resources  to  the  establishment  and  protection  of its
trademarks on a worldwide  basis. Nevertheless, there can  be no assurance  that
the  actions taken by  the Company to  establish and protect  its trademarks and
other proprietary rights will be adequate  to prevent imitation of its  products
by  others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of Guess products as
violative of the trademarks and proprietary  rights of others. No assurance  can
be  given that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, trademarks and
other proprietary rights  of Guess.  In addition,  the laws  of certain  foreign
countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of
the United States. See "Business -- Trademarks."
 
FUTURE SALES BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS; SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    The  Common Stock offered hereby will be  freely tradeable (other than by an
"affiliate" of the  Company as such  term is  defined in the  Securities Act  of
1933,  as amended  (the "Securities  Act")) without  restriction or registration
under the Securities  Act. Immediately  after the  Offerings, Maurice  Marciano,
Paul  Marciano and  Armand Marciano  will beneficially  own approximately 38.4%,
31.3% and 13.9%, respectively, of the  outstanding Common Stock. Subject to  the
restrictions  set forth below,  the Principal Stockholders will  be free to sell
such shares from time to time  to take advantage of favorable market  conditions
or  for any other reason. Future sales of  shares of Common Stock by the Company
and its stockholders could adversely affect  the prevailing market price of  the
Common  Stock. Guess  and the Principal  Stockholders have  entered into lock-up
agreements with Merrill  Lynch, Pierce,  Fenner &  Smith Incorporated  ("Merrill
Lynch")  and Morgan Stanley  & Co. Incorporated, as  representatives of the U.S.
Underwriters (the "U.S. Representatives"), and with Merrill Lynch  International
and  Morgan  Stanley  & Co.  International  Limited, as  representatives  of the
International Managers (the "International  Representatives" and, together  with
the  U.S. Representatives, the "Representatives"), pursuant to which the Company
and the Principal Stockholders have  agreed, subject to certain exceptions,  not
to,  directly or indirectly, (i) sell, grant any option to purchase or otherwise
transfer or  dispose of  any  Common Stock  or  securities convertible  into  or
exchangeable  or exercisable for  Common Stock or  file a registration statement
under the Securities Act with  respect to the foregoing  or (ii) enter into  any
swap  or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, the
economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, without the prior written
consent of  Merrill Lynch,  for a  period of  180 days  after the  date of  this
Prospectus.  After such  time, approximately  35,681,819 shares  of Common Stock
will be eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the  Securities
Act.   In  addition,  the  Principal  Stockholders  have  rights  to  demand  or
participate in  future  registrations  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  under  the
Securities  Act.  Sales of  substantial amounts  of Common  Stock in  the public
market, or  the perception  that such  sales may  occur, could  have a  material
adverse effect on the market price of the Common Stock. See "Shares Eligible for
Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
    Following the consummation of the Offerings, the Principal Stockholders will
have  majority control of the Company and the ability to control the election of
directors and the results of other matters submitted to a vote of  stockholders.
Such  concentration  of ownership,  together with  the anti-takeover  effects of
certain
 
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<PAGE>
provisions in  the  Delaware  General  Corporation  Law  and  in  the  Company's
Certificate  of Incorporation  and Bylaws,  may have  the effect  of delaying or
preventing a  change in  control of  the Company.  See "Description  of  Capital
Stock."  The  Board of  Directors of  the  Company is  expected to  be comprised
entirely of  designees  of  the Principal  Stockholders.  See  "Management"  and
"Principal Stockholders."
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET AND POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
    Prior  to the  Offerings, there  has been  no public  market for  the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will  develop
or  be sustained. The initial public offering  price of the Common Stock offered
hereby will be determined through negotiations among the Company, the  Principal
Stockholders  and the Representatives and may bear no relationship to the market
price for the  Common Stock after  the Offerings. Subsequent  to the  Offerings,
prices  for  the  Common Stock  will  be determined  by  the market  and  may be
influenced by a number of factors,  including depth and liquidity of the  market
for the Common Stock, investor perceptions of the Company, changes in conditions
or  trends  in  the Company's  industry  or  in the  industry  of  the Company's
significant customers, publicly traded comparable companies and general economic
and other conditions. See "Underwriting."
 
DILUTION
 
    The initial  public offering  price is  substantially higher  than the  book
value  per share of Common Stock. Investors purchasing shares of Common Stock in
the Offerings will therefore incur immediate and substantial dilution of  $17.86
per share. See "Dilution."
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
    When  used  in  this Prospectus  and  the documents  incorporated  herein by
reference,  the   words  "believes,"   "anticipates,"  "expects"   and   similar
expressions  are intended to identify  in certain circumstances, forward-looking
statements. Such statements are subject to  a number of risks and  uncertainties
that  could  cause actual  results to  differ  materially from  those projected,
including the  risks  described in  this  "Risk Factors"  section.  Given  these
uncertainties,  prospective investors are cautioned  not to place undue reliance
on such statements. The  Company also undertakes no  obligation to update  these
forward-looking statements.
 
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