Guess(US:GES)2025-06-05 21:45Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenues increased by 9% in U.S. dollars to $648 million, with a 12% increase in constant currency, primarily driven by the acquisition of Rag and Bone, which contributed nine points to constant currency growth [42][43] - Adjusted operating loss totaled $26 million, with an adjusted operating margin of negative 4%, reflecting a decline of 270 basis points compared to the previous year [50] - Adjusted loss per share was $0.44, an improvement from an adjusted loss per share of $0.27 in the prior year [50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core Guess business grew by 3% in constant currency, with wholesale businesses in Europe and The Americas offsetting negative comps from direct businesses [42][43] - In the Americas wholesale segment, revenues increased by 63% in U.S. dollars to $101 million, driven by the addition of Rag and Bone and higher shipments [47] - The European retail segment saw a constant currency comp decrease of 4%, while the Americas retail segment experienced a 10% decline in constant currency comps [8][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The European wholesale business posted mid-teen growth rates, while the Asian market faced significant challenges, with revenues declining over 20% [6][9] - In Asia, revenues decreased by 20% in U.S. dollars to $58 million, with retail comps declining by 20% in constant currency [48] - Licensing segment revenues declined by 14% to $25 million, with royalties from fragrances and footwear decreasing [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on improving retail productivity, enhancing brand awareness, and optimizing its business model to improve profitability [15][24] - Strategic initiatives include increasing marketing investments, launching a customer loyalty program, and rebalancing product assortments to address pricing sensitivity [18][22] - The company is also examining its store portfolio and plans to reduce its North America store fleet by approximately 20 stores [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for improved retail trends in the second half of the year, driven by marketing and productivity initiatives [36][59] - The company expects full-year revenue growth in the range of 5.5% to 7.4%, with adjusted operating margins between 4.4% and 5.1% [36][57] - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in traffic and sales, particularly in Asia, but noted improvements in conversion rates and average unit retail [73][78] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $638 million in inventory, a 15% increase compared to the previous year, primarily due to proactive measures to mitigate supply chain disruptions [51][94] - The transition to a new Chief Financial Officer, Alberto Toney, is expected to enhance operational efficiency and long-term value creation [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss Rag and Bone's organic growth expectations and the trajectory of the Americas retail business? - Management expressed satisfaction with Rag and Bone's performance, expecting it to exceed $320 million in revenue this year, driven by new store openings and strong wholesale growth [66][67] - For the Americas retail business, management noted ongoing traffic challenges but highlighted improvements in conversion rates and product assortment strategies [73][74] Question: How should we think about inventories for the rest of the year? - Management indicated that the 15% increase in inventory was intentional to support business needs and mitigate supply chain challenges, with plans to streamline inventory levels over the medium term [93][95] Question: Update on Guess? Jeans? - Management reported positive developments in the Guess? Jeans business, particularly in Europe, with ongoing improvements in product offerings and distribution [99]