Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices

Description of the Business

Guess?, Inc. (the “Company” or “GUESS?”) designs, markets, distributes and licenses a leading lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel and accessories for men, women and children that reflect the American lifestyle and European fashion sensibilities. The Company’s designs are sold in GUESS? owned stores, to a network of wholesale accounts that includes better department stores, selected specialty retailers and upscale boutiques and through the Internet. GUESS? branded products, some of which are produced under license, are also sold internationally through a series of licensees and distributors.

Fiscal Year

The Company operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year calendar, which ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31 of each year. All references herein to “fiscal 2015,” “fiscal 2014” and “fiscal 2013” represent the results of the 52-week fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 and the 53-week fiscal year ended February 2, 2013, respectively. The additional week in fiscal 2013 occurred during the fourth quarter ended February 2, 2013. References to “fiscal 2016” represent the 52-week fiscal year ending January 30, 2016.

Reclassifications

The Company has made certain reclassifications to the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the years ended February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported results from operations or net cash provided by operating activities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Guess?, Inc., its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Accordingly, all references herein to “Guess?, Inc.” include the consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated during the consolidation process.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and disclosed in the accompanying notes. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates relate to the accounts receivable allowances, sales return allowances, gift card and loyalty accruals, valuation of inventories, share-based compensation, recoverability of deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits, the useful life of assets for depreciation and amortization, evaluation of asset impairment, pension obligations, workers compensation and medical self-insurance expense and accruals, litigation reserves and restructuring expense and accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Business Segment Reporting

Where applicable, the Company reports information about business segments and related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company’s businesses are grouped into five reportable segments for management and internal financial reporting purposes: North American Retail, Europe, Asia, North American Wholesale and Licensing. The Company’s operating segments are the same as its reportable segments. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenues and earnings (loss) from operations before restructuring charges, if any. The Company believes this segment reporting reflects how its five business segments are managed and each segment’s performance is evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to assess performance and make resource allocation decisions. The North American Retail segment includes the Company’s retail and e-commerce operations in North America and its retail operations in Central and South America. The Europe segment includes the Company’s wholesale, retail and e-commerce operations in Europe and the Middle East. The Asia segment includes the Company’s wholesale, retail and e-commerce operations in Asia. The North American Wholesale segment includes the Company’s wholesale operations in North America and Central and South America. The Licensing segment includes the worldwide licensing operations of the Company. The business segment operating results exclude corporate overhead costs, which consist of shared costs of the organization, and restructuring charges. These costs are presented separately and generally include, among other things, the following unallocated corporate costs: accounting and finance, executive compensation, facilities, global advertising and marketing, human resources, information technology and legal. Information regarding these segments is summarized in Note 17.

Revenue Recognition

General

The Company recognizes retail operations revenue at the point of sale and wholesale operations revenue from the sale of merchandise when products are shipped and the customer takes title and assumes risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable is reasonably assured, pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Revenue from our e-commerce operations, including shipping fees, is recognized based on the estimated customer receipt date. The Company accrues for estimated sales returns and other allowances in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. To recognize the financial impact of sales returns, the Company estimates the amount of goods that will be returned based on historical experience and reduces sales and cost of sales accordingly. Sales taxes and value added taxes collected from customers and remitted directly to governmental authorities are excluded from net revenues.

Net Royalty Revenue

Royalty revenue is based upon a percentage, as defined in the underlying agreement, of the licensee’s actual net sales or minimum net sales, whichever is greater. The Company may receive special payments in consideration of the grant of license rights. These payments are recognized ratably as revenue over the term of the license agreement. The unrecognized portion of upfront payments is included in deferred royalties in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities depending on the short or long-term nature of the payments to be recognized. As of January 31, 2015, the Company had $15.1 million and $30.0 million of deferred royalties included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively. This compares to $15.4 million and $44.1 million of deferred royalties included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, as of February 1, 2014.

Gift Cards

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. Gifts cards are mainly used in the U.S. and Canada. The Company issues gift cards through one of its subsidiaries and is not required by law to escheat the value of unredeemed gift cards to the state in which the subsidiary is domiciled. Estimated breakage amounts are accounted for under the redemption recognition method and are classified as additional net revenues as the gift cards are redeemed. The Company’s gift card breakage rate is approximately 5.7% and 4.7% for the U.S. retail business and Canadian retail business, respectively, based upon historical redemption patterns, which represents the cumulative estimated amount of gift card breakage from the inception of the electronic gift card program in late 2002. Based upon historical redemption trends, the Company recognizes estimated gift card breakage as a component of net revenue in proportion to actual gift card redemptions, over the period that remaining gift card values are redeemed. In fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the Company recognized $1.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million of gift card breakage to revenue, respectively. Any future revisions to the estimated breakage rate may result in changes in the amount of breakage income recognized in future periods.

Loyalty Programs

The Company launched customer loyalty programs in North America for its GUESS? factory outlet, G by GUESS, GUESS?, and MARCIANO stores in March 2013, July 2009, August 2008 and September 2007, respectively. The GUESS? factory outlet loyalty program was included in the GUESS? loyalty program since its inception in March 2013. The GUESS? and MARCIANO loyalty programs were merged in May 2009. Under the programs, customers accumulate points based on purchase activity. Once a loyalty program member achieves a certain point level, the member earns awards that may only be redeemed for merchandise. In all of the programs, unredeemed points generally expire after six months without additional purchase activity and unredeemed awards generally expire after two months. The Company uses historical redemption rates to estimate the value of future award redemptions which are accrued in current liabilities and recorded as a reduction of net revenue in the period which the related revenue is recognized. The aggregate dollar value of the loyalty program accruals included in accrued expenses was $4.5 million and $4.2 million as of January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Future revisions to the estimated liability may result in changes to net revenue.

Classification of Certain Costs and Expenses

The Company includes inbound freight charges, purchasing costs and related overhead, retail store occupancy costs including rent and depreciation and a portion of the Company’s distribution costs related to its retail business in cost of product sales. Distribution costs related primarily to the wholesale business are included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses and amounted to $28.8 million, $31.7 million and $36.2 million for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. The Company also includes store selling, selling and merchandising, advertising, design and other corporate overhead costs as a component of SG&A expenses.

The Company classifies amounts billed to customers for shipping fees as revenues and classifies costs related to shipping as cost of product sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred. Advertising and marketing expenses charged to operations for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 were $40.0 million, $45.0 million and $59.1 million, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based awards granted based on the grant date fair value. The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and involves several assumptions, including the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, dividend yield, expected life and forfeiture rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect for the expected term of the option at the time of grant. The expected volatility is determined based on an average of both historical volatility and implied volatility. Implied volatility is derived from exchange traded options on the Company’s common stock. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s history and expectations of dividend payouts. The expected life is determined based on historical trends. The expected forfeiture rate is determined based on historical data. Compensation expense for nonvested stock options and stock awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

In addition, the Company has granted certain nonvested stock awards/units and stock options that require the recipient to achieve certain minimum performance targets in order for these awards to vest. If the minimum performance targets have not been achieved or are not expected to be achieved, no expense is recognized during the period.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

The local selling currency is typically the functional currency for all of the Company’s significant international operations. In accordance with authoritative guidance, assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated from foreign currencies into U.S. dollars at period-end rates, while income and expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the period. The related translation adjustments are reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. In addition, the Company records foreign currency translation adjustments related to its noncontrolling interests within stockholders’ equity. Periodically, the Company may also use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the translation and economic exposures related to its net investments in certain of its international subsidiaries (see below). Changes in the fair values of these foreign currency forward contracts, designated as net investment hedges, are recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. The total foreign currency translation adjustment decreased stockholders’ equity by $116.7 million, from an accumulated foreign currency translation loss of $7.7 million as of February 1, 2014 to an accumulated foreign currency translation loss of $124.4 million as of January 31, 2015.

Foreign Currency Transaction Gains and Losses

Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, including gains and losses on foreign currency contracts (see below), are included in the consolidated statements of income. Net foreign currency transaction gains included in the determination of net earnings were $13.8 million, $6.3 million and $8.6 million for fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.

Forward Contracts Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company operates in foreign countries, which exposes it to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Various transactions that occur primarily in Europe, Canada, South Korea and Mexico are denominated in U.S. dollars and British pounds and thus are exposed to earnings risk as a result of exchange rate fluctuations when converted to their functional currencies. These types of transactions include U.S. dollar denominated purchases of merchandise and U.S. dollar and British pound denominated intercompany liabilities. In addition, certain operating expenses, tax liabilities and pension-related liabilities are denominated in Swiss francs and are exposed to earnings risk as a result of exchange rate fluctuations when converted to the functional currency. The Company has entered into certain forward contracts to hedge the risk of a portion of these anticipated foreign currency transactions against foreign currency rate fluctuations. The Company has elected to apply the hedge accounting rules in accordance with authoritative guidance for certain of these hedges. The Company does not hedge all transactions denominated in foreign currency. The Company may also hedge the translation and economic exposures related to its net investments in certain of its international subsidiaries.

Changes in the fair value of the U.S. dollar/euro and U.S. dollar/Canadian dollar forward contracts for anticipated U.S. dollar merchandise purchases designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity and are recognized in cost of product sales in the period which approximates the time the hedged merchandise inventory is sold. Changes in the fair value of U.S. dollar/euro forward contracts for U.S. dollar intercompany royalties designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity and are recognized in other income and expense in the period in which the royalty expense is incurred. Changes in the fair value of any U.S. dollar/euro dollar forward contracts designated as net investment hedges are recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity and are not recognized in earnings until the sale or liquidation of the hedged net investment.

Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company also has forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Changes in fair value of forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments are reported in net earnings as part of other income and expense.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with authoritative guidance, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company also follows authoritative guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share represents net earnings attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share represents net earnings attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, inclusive of the dilutive impact of common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. However, nonvested restricted stock awards (referred to as participating securities) are excluded from the dilutive impact of common equivalent shares outstanding in accordance with authoritative guidance under the two-class method since the nonvested restricted stockholders are entitled to participate in dividends declared on common stock as if the shares were fully vested and hence are deemed to be participating securities. Under the two-class method, earnings attributable to nonvested restricted stockholders are excluded from net earnings attributable to common stockholders for purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share. However, net losses are not allocated to nonvested restricted stockholders since they are not contractually obligated to share in the losses of the Company.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of cash flow hedges, unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities and defined benefit plan impact from plan amendment, prior service credit or cost amortization and actuarial valuation gains or losses and related amortization. Comprehensive income (loss) is presented in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less.

Investment Securities

The Company accounts for its investment securities in accordance with authoritative guidance which requires investments to be classified into one of three categories based on management’s intent: held-to-maturity securities, available-for-sale securities and trading securities. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at their amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Trading securities are recorded at market value with unrealized gains and losses reported in net earnings. The appropriate classification of investment securities is determined at the time of purchase and reevaluated at each balance sheet date. The Company currently accounts for its investment securities as available-for-sale. There were minimal investment securities included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2015.

The Company periodically evaluates investment securities for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in market value.

Concentration of Credit and Liquidity Risk

Cash used primarily for working capital purposes is maintained with various major financial institutions. The Company performs evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions in order to limit the amount of asset and liquidity exposure with any institution. Excess cash and cash equivalents, which represent the majority of the Company’s outstanding cash and cash equivalents balance, are held primarily in overnight deposit and short-term time deposit accounts and three diversified money market funds. The money market funds are AAA rated by national credit rating agencies and are generally comprised of high-quality, liquid investments.

The Company is also exposed to concentrations of credit risk through its accounts receivable balances. The Company extends credit to corporate customers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and credit history and generally requires no collateral but does obtain credit insurance when considered appropriate. As of January 31, 2015, approximately 53% of the Company’s total net trade accounts receivable and 66% of its European net trade receivables were subject to credit insurance coverage, certain bank guarantees or letters of credit for collection purposes. The Company’s credit insurance coverage contains certain terms and conditions specifying deductibles and annual claim limits. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability of its wholesale customers to make their required payments. The Company bases its allowances on analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the financial statements, assessments of historical collection trends, an evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions and whether the Company has obtained credit insurance or other guarantees. The Company’s corporate customers are principally located throughout Europe, North America and Asia, and their ability to pay amounts due to the Company may be dependent on the prevailing economic conditions of their geographic region. However, such credit risk is considered limited due to the Company’s large customer base. Management performs regular evaluations concerning the ability of its customers to satisfy their obligations and records a provision for doubtful accounts based on these evaluations. The Company’s credit losses for the periods presented were immaterial and did not significantly exceed management’s estimates. The Company’s two largest wholesale customers accounted for approximately 3.6%, 3.3% and 3.5% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue in fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (primarily weighted average method) or market. The Company continually evaluates its inventories by assessing slow moving product as well as prior seasons’ inventory. Market value of aged inventory is estimated based on historical sales trends for each product line category, the impact of market trends, an evaluation of economic conditions, available liquidation channels and the value of current orders relating to the future sales of this type of inventory.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, which includes depreciation of the property under the capital lease, and purchased intangibles are provided using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:



Building and building improvements including properties under capital lease	10 to 33 years
Land improvements	5 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	2 to 10 years
Purchased intangibles	4 to 20 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease, unless the renewal is reasonably assured. Construction in progress is not depreciated until the related asset is completed and placed in service.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company considers each individual store or concession as an asset group for impairment testing, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. The asset group includes leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computer hardware and software and certain long-term security deposits and lease acquisition costs. The Company reviews retail locations in penetrated markets for impairment risk once the locations have been opened for at least one year in their current condition, or sooner as changes in circumstances require. The Company believes that waiting one year allows a store or concession to reach a maturity level where a more comprehensive analysis of financial performance can be performed. The Company evaluates impairment risk for retail locations in new markets, where the Company is in the early stages of establishing its presence, once the locations have been opened for at least two years. The Company believes that waiting two years allows for brand awareness to be established. The Company also evaluates impairment risk for retail locations that are expected to be closed in the foreseeable future.

An asset is considered to be impaired if the Company determines that the carrying value may not be recoverable based upon its assessment of the asset’s ability to continue to generate earnings from operations and positive cash flow in future periods or if significant changes in the Company’s strategic business objectives and utilization of the assets occurred. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value, which is determined based on discounted future cash flows. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. Future expected cash flows for store and concession assets are based on management’s estimates of future cash flows over the remaining lease period or expected life, if shorter. For expected store and concession closures, the Company will evaluate whether it is necessary to shorten the useful life for any of the assets within the respective asset group. The Company will use this revised useful life when estimating the asset group’s future cash flows. The Company considers historical trends, expected future business trends and other factors when estimating the future cash flow for each retail location. The Company also considers factors such as: the local environment for each retail location, including mall traffic and competition; the Company’s ability to successfully implement strategic initiatives; and the ability to control variable costs such as cost of sales and payroll and, in some cases, renegotiate lease costs. The estimated cash flows used for this nonrecurring fair value measurement are considered a Level 3 input as defined in Note 20. If actual results are not consistent with the assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, there may be additional exposure to future impairment losses that could be material to the Company’s results of operations.

See Note 5 for further details on asset impairments.

Goodwill

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level which may be either an operating segment or one level below an operating segment if discrete financial information is available. Two or more reporting units within an operating segment may be aggregated for impairment testing if they have similar economic characteristics. The Company has identified its North American Retail and North American Wholesale segments and its European wholesale and European retail components of its Europe segment as separate reporting units for goodwill impairment testing since each have different economic characteristics. In accordance with authoritative guidance, the Company first assesses qualitative factors relevant in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units are less than their carrying amounts. Based on this analysis, the Company determines whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the amount of any impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit is determined using two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit using a discounted cash flow analysis, which requires unobservable inputs (Level 3) within the fair value hierarchy as defined in Note 20. These inputs include selection of an appropriate discount rate and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill and other intangibles over the implied fair value. The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with authoritative guidance.

Defined Benefit Plans

In accordance with authoritative guidance for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status is recognized in the consolidated balance sheets; plan assets and obligations that determine the plan’s funded status are measured as of the end of the Company’s fiscal year; and changes in the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans are recognized in the year in which they occur. Such changes are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

The Company’s pension obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial concepts, within the authoritative guidance framework, and are considered Level 3 inputs as defined in Note 20. The life expectancy, estimated retirement age, discount rate, estimated future compensation and expected return on plan assets are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. These critical assumptions are evaluated annually which enables expected future payments for benefits to be stated at present value on the measurement date. If actual results are not consistent with actuarial assumptions, the amounts recognized for the defined benefit plans could change significantly.

Deferred Rent and Lease Incentives

When a lease includes lease incentives (such as a rent holiday) or requires fixed escalations of the minimum lease payments, rental expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and the difference between the average rental amount charged to expense and amounts payable under the lease is included in deferred rent and lease incentives in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For construction allowances, the Company records a deferred lease credit on the consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the deferred lease credit as a reduction of rent expense in the consolidated statements of income over the term of the leases.

Litigation Reserves

Estimated amounts for claims that are probable and can be reasonably estimated are recorded as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The likelihood of a material change in these estimated reserves would be dependent on new claims as they may arise and the expected probable favorable or unfavorable outcome of each claim. As additional information becomes available, the Company assesses the potential liability related to new claims and existing claims and revises estimates as appropriate. As new claims arise or existing claims evolve, such revisions in estimates of the potential liability could materially impact the results of operations and financial position.