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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003

Commission File Number 1-11893

GUESS?, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

        Indicate by check mark whether registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ý No o

        As of the close of business on June 28, 2003 the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $76,327,000 based upon the closing price $6.04 on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on such date. For this computation, the registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of its common stock reported as beneficially owned by executive officers and directors of the registrant and certain other stockholders, but has included the market value of all shares of its common stock reported as beneficially owned by Armand Marciano; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an "affiliate' of the registrant.

        As of the close of business on March 11, 2004, the registrant had 43,818,866 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the proxy statement for the registrant's 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III herein.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K we make "forward-looking" statements, which are not historical facts, but are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be in the Company's other reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), in its press releases and in other documents. In addition, from time to time, the Company, through its management, may make oral forward-looking statements. These statements relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our future prospects and proposed new products, services, developments or business strategies. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "continue", and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

        Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. Certain statements in this Form 10-K, including those relating to the Company's expected results of operations, the accuracy of data relating to, and anticipated levels of, future inventory and gross margins, anticipated cash requirements and sources, cost containment efforts, estimated charges, plans regarding store openings and closings, e-commerce and business seasonality, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

        For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, refer to "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein.

General

        Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to "we," "us" or the "Company" in this Form 10-K, we are referring to Guess?, Inc. ("GUESS?") and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

        We design, market, distribute and license one of the world's leading lifestyle collections of casual apparel and accessories for men, women and children that reflect the American lifestyle and European fashion sensibilities. Our apparel is marketed under numerous trademarks including GUESS, GUESS?, GUESS U.S.A., GUESS Jeans, GUESS? and Triangle Design, Question Mark and Triangle Design, BRAND G, a stylized G, GUESS Kids, Baby GUESS and GUESS Collection. The lines include full collections of denim and cotton clothing, including jeans, pants, overalls, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets and knitwear. We also selectively grant licenses to manufacture and distribute a broad range of products that complement our apparel lines, including eyewear, watches, handbags, footwear, kids' and infants' apparel and other fashion accessories.

        Our products are sold through three primary distribution channels: in our own stores, to a network of wholesale accounts 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. Our core customer is a style-conscious consumer primarily between the ages of 15 and 30. These consumers are part of a highly desirable demographic group that we believe is growing rapidly and has significant disposable income. We also appeal to customers outside this group through specialty product lines that include GUESS Collection, a more sophisticated fashion line targeted to women, and GUESS Kids, targeted to boys and girls ages 6 to 12.

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        We were founded in 1981 and currently operate as a Delaware corporation.

Business Segments

        The business segments of the Company are retail, wholesale and licensing. In the first quarter of 2003, the Company revised its segment reporting to better reflect how its three business segments—retail, wholesale and licensing—are managed and each segment's performance is evaluated. The earnings from operations for each segment now include those costs that are specifically related to each segment, consisting primarily of store operations, distribution, selling and merchandising, depreciation, amortization and employee compensation directly related to that business segment. In addition, the Company is continuing to allocate design and advertising charges to the business segments based on the assessed benefit derived from the respective expenditures. The new structure excludes from the segment results corporate overhead costs, which consist of shared costs of the organization. These costs are presented separately and include, among others, the following corporate costs: information technology, human resources, accounting and finance, executive compensation, facilities and legal. All amounts for 2002 and 2001 have been revised to conform to the 2003 presentation. Financial information about each segment for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are included under Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.

        In 2003, 70.3% of our net revenue was generated from retail operations, 23.5% from wholesale operations and 6.2% from licensing operations. Our total net revenue in 2003 was $636.6 million and net earnings were $7.3 million.

Business Strengths

        We believe we have several business strengths which are necessary for the execution of our strategies. These business strengths include:

        Brand Equity.    We believe that our name is one of the most familiar in fashion and is one of our most valuable assets. We believe the enduring strength of the GUESS? brand name and image is due mainly to our consistent emphasis on innovative and distinctive product designs that stand for exceptional styling and quality. Our industry is highly competitive and subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences and tastes. The success of our brand depends on our ability to anticipate the fashion preferences of our customers. We have a team of designers who, under the direction of Maurice Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, seek to identify global fashion trends and interpret them for the style-conscious consumer while retaining the distinctive GUESS? image. Through our award-winning advertising, under the creative leadership and vision of Paul Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, we have achieved worldwide recognition of the GUESS? brand name. By retaining control over advertising and marketing activities from our headquarters in Los Angeles, we maintain the integrity, consistency and direction of the GUESS? brand image worldwide, while realizing substantial cost savings when compared to the use of outside advertising agencies.

        We have developed the "GUESS? signature image" and "GUESS? lifestyle concept," through the use of our strong and distinctive images, merchandising display themes, logos, and trademarks which are registered in approximately 170 countries.

        Advertising and Marketing.    We control all of our worldwide advertising, marketing activities and promotional materials from our headquarters in Los Angeles. GUESS Jeans, GUESS U.S.A. and Guess?, Inc. images have been showcased in dozens of major publications and in outdoor and broadcast media throughout the United States and worldwide. Our advertising campaigns promote the GUESS? image with our award winning advertising and a consistent emphasis on innovative and distinctive designs.

        We communicate this message through the use of our signature black and white print advertisements, as well as color print advertisements, designed by our in-house Advertising Department. Led by Paul

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Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, this team has won numerous awards and contributed to making the GUESS? brand one of the most recognizable fashion brands. We have maintained a high degree of consistency in our advertisements, by using similar themes and images. We require our licensees and distributors to invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed products and net purchases of GUESS? products, in Company-approved advertising, promotion and marketing.

        Retail Distribution.    At December 31, 2003, we operated a total of 265 stores in the United States and Canada, consisting of 182 full-price retail stores, 10 kids stores and 73 factory outlet stores, and two retail stores in Florence, Italy that are an integral part of our European design activities. Our retail network creates an upscale and inviting shopping environment and enhances our image. Distribution through our retail stores allows us to influence the merchandising and presentation of our products, build brand equity and test market new product design concepts. Our retail stores carry a full assortment of men's and women's merchandise, including most of the GUESS? licensed products. Our kids stores offer product for boys, girls and infants ages 3 months to 12 years. Our factory outlet stores are primarily located in outlet malls generally operating outside the shopping radius of our wholesale customers and our own retail stores.

        In the fourth quarter of 2003, we made the decision to exit the kids stores which were performing below our expectations. These stores are expected to remain open through the first half of 2004. During 2003, these stores generated $6.1 million in revenues and had a combined operating loss of $1.8 million.

        Licensee Stores.    Our international licensees and distributors were also operating 232 GUESS? stores in 37 countries outside the US and Canada at December 31, 2003. These stores carry apparel and accessories that are similar to those sold in the United States, including some that are tailored for local fashion sensibilities. We work closely with international licensees and distributors to ensure that their store designs and merchandise programs protect the reputation of the GUESS? trademarks. Our international licenses and distribution agreements also allow for the sale of GUESS? brand products in better department stores and upscale specialty retail stores.

        Wholesale Distribution.    We have both domestic and international wholesale distribution channels. Domestic wholesale customers consist primarily of better department stores and select specialty retailers and upscale boutiques, which have the image and merchandising expertise that we require for the effective presentation of our products. Leading domestic wholesale customers include Federated Department Stores, Inc., The May Department Stores Company, Dillard's, Inc. and Marshall Field's (a division of Target Corporation). At December 31, 2003, our products were sold directly to consumers from 846 doors in the United States. These locations include 547 shop-in-shops, an exclusive selling area within a department store that offers a wide array of our products and incorporates GUESS? signage and fixture designs. These shop-in-shops allow us to reinforce the GUESS? brand image with our customers. Many department stores have more than one shop-in-shop, with each one featuring women's or men's apparel. Through our foreign subsidiaries and our network of international distributors, our products are also found in major cities throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

        Licensing Operations.    The desirability of the GUESS? brand name among consumers has allowed us to selectively expand our product offerings and global markets through trademark licensing arrangements, with minimal capital investment or on-going operating expenses. We carefully select our trademark licensees and approve in advance all product design, advertising and packaging materials of all licensed products in order to maintain a consistent GUESS? image. We currently have 23 domestic and international licenses that include watches, eyewear, footwear, handbags, leather apparel, fragrance, jewelry and related accessories. We have granted licenses for the manufacture and sale of GUESS? branded products in markets which include Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

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Business Growth Strategies

        We regularly evaluate and implement initiatives that we believe will build brand equity, grow our business and enhance profitability. Our key growth strategies are as follows:

        Leveraging the GUESS? Brand.    We believe the GUESS? brand is an integral part of our business, a significant strategic asset and a primary source of sustainable competitive advantage. It communicates a distinctive image that is fun, fashionable and sexy. Brand loyalty, name awareness, perceived quality, strong brand images, public relations, publicity, promotional events and trademarks all contribute to brand integrity. Our design teams visit the world's premier fashion locations in order to identify important style trends and to discover new fabrics. We will continue this practice while promoting our innovative designs through stylish advertising campaigns that advance the GUESS? image. Our marketing programs are designed to convey a uniform style image for the brand and are aimed at increasing the desire of the target group to join our GUESS? customer group.

        Acquisition Strategy.    We evaluate strategic acquisitions and alliances that support and contribute to our overall growth approach. In September 2001, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 40% of the outstanding shares of Guess? Canada Corporation not already owned by the Company. We paid nominal consideration in exchange for the remaining shares of Guess? Canada Corporation and made an additional investment during the second quarter of 2001 of $3.0 million in the Canadian business to fund its ongoing operations. We further integrated the Canadian business with our U.S. business during 2003. Guess? Canada Corporation has a solid wholesale and retail presence in Canada that will help us continue to expand operations.

        Retail Store Strategy and Expansion Plans.    Our retail growth strategy is to increase retail sales and profitability by expanding our network of retail stores and improving the performance of existing stores. During 2003, we opened a total of 20 new stores consisting of 12 new full-price retail stores and 8 factory outlet stores and closed 4 under-performing stores in the United States and Canada.

        Our retail locations build brand awareness and contribute to market penetration and growth of the brand in concert with our wholesale operations. In 2003, we increased our retail square footage by 8.2% to 1,372,000 square feet in the United States and Canada. For 2004, we plan to further increase our square footage and remodel approximately 10 existing locations. We continue to be very selective with new store locations and expect to open approximately 26 new stores in 2004, consisting of about 9 retail and 17 factory outlet stores. We also plan to close approximately 6 stores in addition to the kids stores.

        In 2003, total sales in the United States and Canada at our stores open for at least one year (also called "comparable store sales") increased by 9.3% from 2002. We believe the increase in total comparable store sales is attributable to our commitment to several ongoing initiatives, including leadership in new product development, a more fashion-focused product mix, improvements in merchandising and visual presentation, the remodeling of select stores to promote a consistent brand message, and the development of a motivated team of sales professionals to service our customers and provide a favorable shopping experience.

        The look and feel of GUESS? retail and factory outlet stores play an important role in building our brand equity. To enhance the quality of our presentation, we remodeled 4 stores during 2003 and plan to remodel approximately 10 stores during 2004.

        As part of our growth strategy we are also placing additional emphasis on our Guess Collection and accessories lines. This includes greater focus on these products in our existing stores as well as developing alternative store strategies in order to feature these products.

        Continue to Develop Licensee Portfolio and Expand International Business.    A primary objective of our Company is to maintain the quality and reputation of the GUESS? brand. In order to accomplish this goal, we will continue to strategically reposition our licensing portfolio by constantly monitoring and

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evaluating the performance of our licensees worldwide and their strength and capabilities to appropriately represent our brand. As part of this process, we will consider bringing in-house apparel licenses, where appropriate, or license lines which we produce as we did with our kids business in 2001. If we determine that licensees are performing inadequately, we will, from time to time, discontinue the existing relationship and seek out a stronger replacement licensee.

        Our girls' and boys' apparel lines are prominently featured in girls' and boys' shop-in-shops. During 2001, we decided to license our existing kid's business, then produced in-house, to the licensee of our Baby GUESS line. This new license became effective for 2002 operations. In 2003, we granted a new license for fragrances and related products. We will continue to examine opportunities to expand our licensee portfolio through strategically developing new licensees that can expand our brand penetration and are consistent with the GUESS? image.

        We believe there are significant growth opportunities in international markets. We are working closely with our international licensees and distributors to develop these opportunities and to expand the availability of the GUESS? brand throughout the world. In 2003, we granted a new license to manufacture and distribute children's clothing in certain territories of Europe.

        Improved Product Sourcing.    Over the past several years, we have refocused our product sourcing strategies to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and improve quality. We currently purchase approximately 83% of our finished products from international vendors, primarily in Asia and Mexico. This is a significant change from years ago when we purchased the majority of our goods from domestic sources. We have increased our utilization of lower-cost, offshore "packaged purchases" in which we supply the product design and fabric selection, and the vendor manufactures and delivers the finished product. We have strategically aligned ourselves with sourcing vendors worldwide, who will take full responsibility for delivering quality, finished products in a timely manner. By continuing to use these packaged programs, we believe we can improve product gross margins, reduce carrying costs of raw materials and improve the timing of our deliveries and product quality. We also retain a close relationship with a number of domestic vendors located primarily in Los Angeles as we believe it is important to react to last minute trends as well as to respond to rush reorders.

        Logistics.    In 2000, we opened an automated distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace our distribution center in Los Angeles. This 500,000 square-foot facility is near United Parcel Service's national transit hub and has contributed to the reduction of our shipping time to our stores and wholesale accounts that are east of the Mississippi River. Operating expenses relating to the Kentucky distribution center continued to decrease in 2003 from 2002, 2001 and 2000. Depending on processing volumes and productivity improvements, we expect that we will continue to reduce operating cost per unit by reducing handling costs in the new facility and will provide better service to our customers by faster shipping and reduced response times. We currently utilize approximately 50% of this facility.

        We focused on all aspects of our supply chain in 2003 and expect to continue in 2004. This has included the implementation of new systems which should improve operating efficiencies through automation. These systems along with other actions we are taking, should result in lower processing and freight costs in the future.

        E-Commerce.    Our Website, www.guess.com, a virtual storefront that promotes the GUESS? brand, became fully operational in April 1999. Designed as a customer shopping center, the site showcases GUESS? products in an easy-to-navigate format, allowing customers to see and purchase our collections of casual apparel and accessories. Not only has this virtual store become a successful additional retail distribution channel, but also it has improved customer service and is a fun and entertaining alternative-shopping environment. The site also provides fashion information, provides a mechanism for customer feedback, promotes customer loyalty and enhances our brand identity through interactive content. In 2003 and 2002, the site generated net sales comparable with the top retail GUESS? stores in the chain.

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GUESS? Products

        We derive net revenue from four primary sources: the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, girls' and boys' apparel, the sale of our licensees' products through our network of retail and factory outlet stores primarily in the United States, the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, girls' and boys' apparel worldwide to wholesale customers and distributors, and royalties from worldwide licensing activities.

        The following table sets forth our net revenue from our business segments:

        Products.    Our product line is organized into four primary categories: men's, women's, girls' and boys' apparel. Beginning in 2001, the product assortment was refocused with a narrower and deeper buying strategy using fewer stock keeping units ("SKUs") to give our customers more depth of popular styles. These efforts have continued in 2003. To take advantage of contemporary trends, we complement our core basic styles with more fashion-oriented items. Within our basic denim assortment, we have added new denim fabrics and washes. In addition, we have also added "immediates" and "nows" to our merchandise assortment; these are fashion forward styles that complement our current product line and are produced on an expedited basis.

        Our line of women's apparel also includes the GUESS Collection product line, a full collection of better women's apparel incorporating a sophisticated, high fashion combination of colors and styles. These products currently are sold primarily through our retail stores and the Internet. This contemporary line is designed to complement our denim line. We believe these products have significant potential and are placing additional emphasis on this line in 2004.

        Licensed Products.    The high level of desirability of the GUESS? brand among consumers has allowed us to selectively expand our product offerings and distribution channels worldwide through trademark licensing arrangements. We currently have 23 trademark licenses. Worldwide sales of licensed products (as reported to us by our licensees) were approximately $545 million in 2003. Our net royalties from these sales, including advances and renewal fees, were $39.8 million in 2003. Approximately 67.9% of our net royalties were derived from our top 5 licensees in 2003 and approximately 63.6% were derived from domestic licensees.

Design

        Under the direction of Maurice Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, GUESS? apparel is designed by an in-house staff of three design teams (men's, women's, and GUESS Collection) located in Los Angeles, California. GUESS? design teams travel throughout the world in order to monitor fashion trends and discover new fabrics. Fabric shows in Europe, Asia and the United States provide additional opportunities to discover and sample new fabrics. These fabrics, together with the trends observed by our designers, serve as the primary source of inspiration for our lines and collections. We also maintain a fashion library consisting of antique and contemporary garments as another source of creative concepts. In addition, our design teams regularly meet with members of the sales, merchandising and retail operations teams to further refine our products to meet the particular needs of our markets.

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Domestic Retail Operations

        At December 31, 2003, our domestic retail operations, which includes stores in both the United States and Canada, consisted of 182 full-price retail, 10 kids and 73 factory outlet stores which sell GUESS?-labeled products and which we own and operate directly. Below is a summary of store statistics for the three years ended December 31, 2003.

        Retail Stores.    Our full price domestic retail stores occupy approximately 929,000 square feet and range in size from approximately 2,000 to 13,500 square feet, with most stores between 3,000 and 6,000 square feet. Our retail stores carry a full assortment of men's and women's GUESS? merchandise, including most of our licensed products as well as GUESS Collection, our premier line that is almost exclusively available in our stores. Our domestic GUESS kids stores occupy approximately 27,000 square feet and carry our girls' and boys' lines which is supplied by one of our licensees beginning with the Spring 2002 line, as well as infant's clothing, which is supplied by the same licensee. In the fourth quarter of 2003, we made the decision to exit the kids stores which were performing below our expectations. These stores are expected to remain open through the first half of 2004. During 2003, we opened 11 new retail stores and closed 1 kids store. Sales per square foot for our domestic retail stores increased from $320 in 2002 to $332 in 2003.

        Factory Outlet Stores.    Our domestic factory outlet stores occupy approximately 416,000 square feet and range in size from approximately 2,300 to 10,700 square feet, with most stores between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet. They are primarily located in outlet malls generally operating outside the shopping radius of our wholesale customers and our retail stores. These stores sell selected styles of GUESS? apparel and licensed products at a discount to value-conscious customers. We also use the factory outlet stores to liquidate excess inventory and thereby protect the GUESS? image. During 2003, we opened 9 new factory stores and closed 3 under-performing stores. Sales per square foot for our domestic factory outlet stores increased from $294 in 2002 to $345 in 2003.

Domestic Wholesale Customers

        Our domestic wholesale customers consist primarily of better department stores and select specialty retailers and upscale boutiques, which have the image and merchandising expertise that we require for the effective presentation of our products. Leading domestic wholesale customers include Federated Department Stores, Inc., The May Department Stores Company, Dillard's, Inc. and Marshall Field's (a

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division of Target Corporation). During 2003, our products were sold directly to consumers from 846 doors in the United States.

        A major element of our merchandising strategy is our focus on trend right products supported by key fashion basics. For the women's line, we are capitalizing on feminine looks and stretch denim, with an emphasis to grow the non-denim and basics categories. The men's line is more updated with natural rugged fabrics and fashion denim with new washes.

        We have sales representatives in our showrooms in New York and Los Angeles. They coordinate with customers to determine the inventory level and product mix that should be carried in each store to maximize retail sell-throughs and enhance the customers' profit margins. The inventory level and product mix are then used as the basis for developing sales projections and product needs for each wholesale customer and for scheduling production. Additionally, we use merchandise coordinators who work with the stores to ensure that our products are displayed appropriately.

        A few of our domestic wholesale customers, including some under common ownership, have accounted for significant portions of our net revenue. During 2003, Bloomingdale's, Macy's and other affiliated stores owned by Federated Department Stores, Inc. were our largest domestic wholesale customers and together accounted for approximately 6.4% of our net revenue.

International Business

        We derive net revenue and earnings outside the United States and Canada from two principal sources: sales of GUESS? brand apparel directly to seven foreign distributors who distribute it to better department stores, upscale specialty retail stores and GUESS?-licensed retail stores operated by our international distributors, and royalties from licensees who manufacture and distribute GUESS? branded products outside the United States. We sell products through distributors and licensees throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

        At December 31, 2003, 232 GUESS? retail and outlet stores were owned and operated internationally, outside the United States and Canada, by licensees and distributors. Our retail store license agreements generally provide detailed guidelines for store fixtures and merchandising programs. The appearance, merchandising and service standards of these stores are closely monitored to ensure that our image and brand integrity are maintained. We have been advised by our distributors and licensees that in 2004 they plan to open approximately 19 new retail stores and to remodel approximately 22 existing locations. We also own and operate two flagship GUESS? retail stores in Florence, Italy.

License Agreements and Terms

        Our trademark license agreements customarily provide for a three- to five-year initial term with a possible option to renew prior to expiration for an additional multi-year period. In addition to licensing trademarks for products which complement our apparel products, we have granted trademark licenses for the manufacture and sale of GUESS? branded products similar to ours, including men's and women's denim and knitwear, in markets such as Europe, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. Licenses granted to certain licensees that have produced high-quality products and have demonstrated solid operating performance, such as GUESS? handbags and GUESS? eyewear, have been renewed and in some cases expanded to include new products or markets. In other cases, products that were formerly licensed, such as our women's knits line, are now being produced in-house. The typical license agreement requires that the licensee pay us the greater of a royalty based on a percentage of the licensee's net sales of licensed products or a guaranteed annual minimum royalty that typically increases over the term of the license agreement. Generally, licensees are required to spend a percentage of the net sales of licensed products for advertising and promotion of the licensed products and in many cases we place the ads on behalf of the licensee and are reimbursed. In addition, to protect and increase the value of our trademarks, our license agreements include strict quality control and manufacturing standards.

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        To protect the GUESS? trademark and brand, our Licensing Department meets regularly with licensees to ensure consistency with our overall merchandising and design strategies and to monitor quality control. The Licensing Department approves in advance all GUESS? licensed products, advertising, promotional and packaging materials.

Advertising and Marketing

        Our advertising, public relations and marketing strategy is designed to promote a consistent high impact image which endures regardless of changing consumer trends. Since our inception, Paul Marciano, our Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, has had principal responsibility for the GUESS? brand image and creative vision. All worldwide advertising and promotional material is controlled through our Advertising Department based in Los Angeles. GUESS Jeans, GUESS U.S.A. and GUESS?, Inc. images have been showcased in dozens of major publications and outdoor and broadcast media throughout the United States and the world.

        Our advertising strategy promotes the GUESS? image and products, with an emphasis on brand image. Our signature black and white print advertisements, as well as color print advertisements, have garnered prestigious awards, including Clio, Belding and Mobius awards for creativity and excellence. These awards, which we have received on numerous occasions in our history, are generally given based on the judgment of prominent members of the advertising industry. We have maintained a high degree of consistency in our advertisements, using similar themes and images. We require our licensees and distributors to invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed products and net purchases of GUESS? products in approved advertising, promotion and marketing.

        Our Advertising Department is responsible for all worldwide advertising, which includes approval of all advertising strategies and media placements from our licensees and distributors. We use a variety of media which emphasizes print and outdoor advertising. We have focused advertisement placement in national and international contemporary fashion/beauty and lifestyle magazines including Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Elle, W and Vogue. By retaining control over our advertising programs, we are able to maintain the integrity of the GUESS? brand image while realizing substantial cost savings compared to outside agencies.

        We further strengthen communications with customers through our website (www.guess.com). This global medium enables us to provide timely information in an entertaining fashion to consumers about our history, GUESS? products and store locations, and it allows us to receive and respond directly to customer feedback.

Sourcing and Product Development

        We source products through numerous suppliers, many of whom have established long-term relationships with us. We seek to achieve the most efficient means for timely delivery of our products. Our fabric specialists work with fabric mills in the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia to develop woven and knitted fabrics that enhance the products' comfort, design and appearance. For a substantial portion of our apparel products, production planning takes place generally four to five months prior to the corresponding selling season. Delivery of certain basic products is accomplished through our Quick Response EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) replenishment system which ensures shipment of such products generally within 48 hours of receipt of customer orders.

        We do not own any production equipment other than cutting machinery. To remain competitive, in recent years we have increasingly been sourcing our finished products globally. During 2003, we sourced approximately 83% of our finished products from third-party suppliers located outside the United States. Most of these finished products are acquired as package purchases where we supply the design and fabric selection and the vendor delivers the finished product. Although we have long-term relationships with many of our vendors, we do not have long-term written agreements with them. Our production and

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sourcing staff in Los Angeles oversees aspects of apparel manufacturing, quality control and production, and researches and develops new sources of supply.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

        Our products use a variety of raw materials, principally consisting of woven denim, woven cotton and knitted fabrics and yarns. Historically, we have had to make commitments for a significant portion of our fabric well in advance of sales. During the last few years we have been able to reduce our raw materials inventory by increasing the use of packaged purchases.

Quality Control

        Our quality control program is designed to ensure that products meet our high quality standards. We monitor the quality of our fabrics prior to the production of garments and inspect prototypes of each product before production runs commence. We also perform random in-line quality control checks during and after production before the garments leave the contractor. Final random inspections occur when the garments are received in our distribution centers. We believe that our policy of inspecting our products at our distribution centers and at the vendors' facilities is important to maintain the quality, consistency and reputation of our products.

Distribution Centers

        We utilize distribution centers at strategically located sites. Until 1999, distribution of our products in the United States was centralized in our facility in Los Angeles, California, which we operate and lease from a related party. In January 2000, we opened an automated distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace the distribution center in Los Angeles. This facility was fully operational in the second quarter of 2000. Distribution of our products in Canada is handled from our distribution center in Montreal, Canada. We also own ten percent of a licensee that operates a distribution center in Florence, Italy and services Europe. Additionally, we utilize a contract warehouse in Hong Kong that services the Pacific Rim.

        At our distribution center in Kentucky, we use fully integrated and automated distribution systems. The bar code scanning of merchandise, picking tickets and distribution cartons, together with radio frequency communications, provide timely, controlled, accurate and instantaneous updates to the distribution information systems. As of December 31, 2003, this facility was approximately 50% utilized. We continue to monitor our distribution center integration as our business grows and the center matures.

Competition

        The apparel industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and is subject to rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. We believe that our success depends in large part upon our 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? brand. We compete with numerous apparel manufacturers and distributors and several well-known designers that have recently entered or re-entered the designer denim market. Our retail and factory outlet stores face competition from other retailers, including some of our major wholesale customers. Our licensed apparel and accessories also compete with a substantial number of designer and non-designer lines and various other well-known brands. Many of our competitors, including The Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, DKNY, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, among others, have greater financial resources than we do. Although the level and nature of competition differ among our product categories, we believe that we compete on the basis of our brand image, quality of design, workmanship and product assortment.

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Information Systems

        We believe that high levels of automation and technology are essential to maintain our competitive position and support our strategic objectives and we continue to invest in computer hardware, system applications and networks. Our computer information systems consist of a full range of financial, distribution, merchandising, in-store, supply chain and other systems. During 2003, we implemented both a new supply chain system and a retail store inventory allocation system.

Trademarks

        We own numerous trademarks, including GUESS, GUESS?, GUESS U.S.A., GUESS Jeans, GUESS? and Triangle Design, Question Mark and Triangle Design, BRAND G, and a stylized G, GUESS Kids, Baby GUESS, and GUESS Collection. At December 31, 2003, we had approximately 2,200 United States and internationally registered trademarks or trademark applications pending with the trademark offices in 170 countries around the world, including the United States. From time to time, we adopt new trademarks in connection with the marketing of new product lines. We consider our trademarks to have significant value in the marketing of our products and act aggressively to register and protect our trademarks worldwide.

        Like many well-known brands, our trademarks are subject to infringement. We have staff devoted to the monitoring and aggressive protection of our trademarks worldwide.

        See "Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein.

Wholesale Backlog

        We maintain a model stock program in our basic denim products which generally allows replenishment of a customer's inventory within 48 hours. We typically receive orders for our fashion apparel 90 to 120 days prior to the time the products are delivered to stores. At March 6, 2004, we had unfilled wholesale orders, consisting primarily of orders for fashion apparel, of approximately $42.8 million, compared to $41.6 million for such orders at March 8, 2003. The backlog of wholesale orders at any given time is affected by various factors, including seasonality and the scheduling of manufacturing and shipment of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlogs of wholesale orders from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments.

Employees

        We strongly believe that our employees ("associates") are our most valuable resources. At December 31, 2003, there were approximately 4,800 associates, including corporate personnel employed by GUESS in the United States and Canada. Associates include approximately 700 in our wholesale and corporate operations and 4,100 in our retail operations.

        We are not a party to any labor agreements and none of our associates is represented by a labor union. We consider our relationship with our associates to be good.

Environmental Matters

        We are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances that govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects (such as emissions to air, discharges to water, and the generation, handling, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes). We are also subject to laws, regulations and ordinances that impose liability for the costs of clean up or other remediation of contaminated property, including damages from spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances or wastes, in certain circumstances without regard to fault. Certain of our operations routinely involve the handling of chemicals and wastes, some of which are or may become regulated as hazardous substances.

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We have not incurred, and do not expect to incur, any significant expenditures or liabilities for environmental matters. As a result, we believe that our environmental obligations will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

        See Note 15 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion regarding our domestic and foreign operations.

Website Access to Our Periodic Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Reports

        Our Internet website can be found at www.guess.com. We make available free of charge on our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. We may from time to time provide important disclosures to our investors by posting them in the investor relations section of our website, as allowed by SEC rules.

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ITEM 2. Properties

        Certain information concerning our principal facilities, all of which are leased at December 31, 2003, is set forth below:

        Our corporate, wholesale and retail headquarters and certain production and warehousing facilities are located in Los Angeles, California and in Beverly Hills, California, consisting of five buildings totaling approximately 360,600 square feet. All of these properties are leased by us, and certain of these facilities are leased from limited partnerships in which the sole partners are trusts controlled by and for the benefit of Maurice Marciano and Paul Marciano (the "Principal Stockholders"), Armand Marciano, their brother and former executive of the Company, and their families pursuant to leases that expire in February 2006 and July 2008. The total lease payments to these limited partnerships are $234,000 per month with aggregate minimum lease commitments to these partnerships at December 31, 2003, totaling approximately $12.1 million. See "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

        Through early 2000, distribution of our products in the United States was centralized in our Los Angeles, California facility. In 2000, we leased an automated distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace the distribution center in Los Angeles. Our Canadian business operates a distribution facility located in Montreal, Canada. We also own ten-percent of a licensee that leases and operates a distribution center in Florence, Italy and services Europe. Additionally, we utilize a contract warehouse in Hong Kong that services the Pacific Rim.

        We lease our showrooms, advertising, licensing, sales and merchandising offices, remote distribution and warehousing facility and retail and factory outlet store locations under non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring on various dates through March 2016. These facilities are located principally in the United States, with aggregate minimum lease commitments, at December 31, 2003, totaling approximately $322.7 million.

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        The current terms of our store leases, excluding renewal options, expire as follows:

        We believe our existing facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and are adequate to support our present level of operations. See Notes 11 and 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding current lease obligations.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

        On approximately January 15, 1999, UNITE filed an unfair labor practice charge against us, alleging that attorney Dennis Hershewe violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act ("the Act") by questioning our employee Maria Perez about her union activities at the deposition he conducted in her workers' compensation case. Mr. Hershewe represents Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, our workers' compensation insurance carrier. GUESS? investigated the charge and responded to it on March 10, 1999. The NLRB issued a complaint on part of the charge on October 14, 1999, and we filed an answer on October 21, 1999. On July 6, 2000, the complaint was dismissed in its entirety. The NLRB appealed the decision which was reversed on June 30, 2003. On July 24, 2003 GUESS? filed a Petition for Review with the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On August 21, 2003 the NLRB filed a cross-application for enforcement of the order. On October 31, 2003, the parties settled the matter. On November 13, 2003, the United States Court of Appeals, upon consideration of the joint motion of the parties to voluntary dismiss, dismissed both the petition for review and cross-application for enforcement.

        Most major corporations, particularly those operating retail businesses, become involved from time to time in a variety of employment-related claims and other matters incidental to their business in addition to the one described above. In the opinion of our management, the resolution of any of these pending incidental matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition; however, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

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

        No matters were submitted to a vote during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003.

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PART II

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

        Since August 8, 1996, the Company's common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GES.' The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Company's Common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape:

        On March 9, 2004, the closing sales price per share of the Company's common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape, was $17.10. On March 9, 2004, there were 232 holders of record of the Company's common stock.

Dividend Policy

        We intend to use our cash flow from operations in 2004 principally to finance the expansion and remodel of our retail stores, shop-in-shop programs, systems, infrastructure and operations. Any future determination as to the payment of dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. The agreement governing our revolving credit facility restricts the payment of dividends by the Company. Since our initial public offering on August 8, 1996, we have not declared any dividends on our common stock.

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

        The selected financial data set forth below have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related notes thereto. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes

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contained herein and with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

(1)

Working capital at December 31, 2002, reflects the $79.6 million of 9¹/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003, as current debt and therefore a reduction in working capital.

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Summary

        We derive our net revenue from the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel and our licensees' products through our network of retail and factory outlet stores primarily in the United States, from the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel worldwide to wholesale customers and distributors, from net royalties from worldwide licensing activities, from the sale of GUESS? apparel through the retail and wholesale channels of our 100% owned Canadian subsidiary, GUESS? Canada Corporation ("Guess Canada"), and from the sale of GUESS? men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel and our licensee products through our on-line store at www.guess.com.

        The business segments of the Company are wholesale, retail and licensing operations. Management evaluates segment performance based primarily on revenue and earnings from operations. Information relating to these segments is summarized in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. In the first quarter of 2003, the Company revised its segment reporting to better reflect how its three business segments—retail, wholesale and licensing—are managed and each segment's performance is evaluated. The earnings from operations for each segment now include those costs that are specifically related to each segment, consisting primarily of store operations, distribution, selling and merchandising, depreciation, amortization and employee compensation directly related to that business segment. In addition, the Company is continuing to allocate design and advertising charges to the business segments based on the assessed benefit derived from the respective expenditures. The new structure excludes from the segment results corporate overhead costs, which consist of shared costs of the organization. These costs are

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presented separately and include, among others, the following corporate costs: information technology, human resources, accounting and finance, executive compensation, facilities and legal. All amounts for 2002 and 2001 have been revised to conform to the 2003 presentation.

Executive Summary

        During 2003, Guess? began to see improvement in its business after a steady decline in net earnings since 1999. We have seen a continuation of the positive trends we have experienced since last spring and we are benefiting from the initiatives we have undertaken on both the operational and product sides of our business. This improvement is demonstrated by a 9.2% increase in net revenues to $636.6 million in 2003 from $583.1 million in 2002. The Company also returned to profitability in 2003 with net earnings of $7.3 million compared with a loss of $11.3 million in 2002. The Company has also seen significant improvement in its balance sheet with continued emphasis on reducing inventory levels and improving cash flow. During the year, inventory was reduced by 12.7% even though product sales increased by 9.7%. With strong cash management and improving operating performance, the Company has also reduced total borrowings by $13.5 million or 16.6% during the year and has increased cash and restricted cash by $39.9 million by year end.

        Our retail segment, including full-priced retail, kids, factory outlet, Canada, and E-commerce, generated net sales of $447.7 million during 2003, an increase of 16.4%, from $384.5 million in the prior year. This growth was driven by a comparable store sales increase of 9.3% and a larger store base, which represented an 8.2% increase in average square footage as compared to 2002. The comparable store sales increase reflects the improved results of both the men's and women's lines and our accessories business. In addition to strong same store sales growth, our retail stores also increased their margins and managed expenses effectively to deliver a substantial improvement in operating results. While the full-priced retail and factory outlet stores continued to show operating performance improvements, the kids stores have struggled. As a result, management made a decision in the fourth quarter of 2003 to exit the kids store business and took a $1.2 million impairment charge to write-down these assets to their net realizable value. The Company plans to close these stores in the second half of 2004 and expects to incur additional charges at that time related to lease termination costs. These charges are expected to be less than $2 million.

        We are still experiencing challenges in our wholesale segment. The wholesale segment revenues for 2003 decreased 6.6% to $149.1 million from $159.6 million in 2002. However, in the fourth quarter of 2003 the Company experienced a sales increase in wholesale reflecting a stabilization of the number of locations in which our product is sold, and a reduction in the amount of markdown allowances granted to our wholesale customers. We expect our wholesale business to continue to be stable in 2004. Our products were sold in 846 doors at the end of 2003 compared with 864 doors at the end of 2002. International wholesale revenue was about flat in 2003 compared to 2002.

        Our licensing segment performed well with 2003 revenues of $39.8 million compared to $39.0 million in 2002. We had 23 licenses at the end of 2003 as compared to 21 at the end of 2002. Licensing operating earnings increased to $32.3 million from $29.1 million in last year.

        The Company has continued to make investments to improve operating efficiencies and inventory management. To this end, we implemented a new manufacturing system to gain further operating efficiencies through automation. This system, along with other actions we are taking, should result in improved product visibility and lower processing and freight costs in the future. In addition, a new inventory allocation system we are rolling out is resulting in improved inventory turnover and in-stock positions in the stores, and is contributing to higher store sales volumes with less inventory.

        We believe that our bottom line has started to reflect the efforts we have made to utilize our resources efficiently and ensure that our cost structure is as streamlined as possible. This has included looking for every opportunity to eliminate unproductive activities and improve expense management in our corporate offices as well as our retail stores. These efforts have resulted in lower S,G&A expense for the year, despite an 8.2% larger store base, and over 300 basis points of improvement in our S,G&A rate as a percentage of

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net revenues for 2003. This improvement underscores the leverage of our retail business model and its significant opportunity for further profit growth.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

        The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates and judgments on its historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management evaluates its estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis including those related to the valuation of inventories, accounts receivable allowances, the useful life of assets for depreciation, restructuring expense and accruals, evaluation of impairment, recoverability of deferred taxes and evaluation of net recoverable amounts and accruals for the sublet of certain lease obligations. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies the following involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Accounts Receivable reserves:

        In the normal course of business, the Company grants credit directly to certain wholesale customers, after a credit analysis based on financial and other criteria. Accounts receivable are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. 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 through analysis of the aging of accounts receivable at the date of the financial statements, assessments of historical collections trends and an evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions.

        Costs associated with customer markdowns are recorded as a reduction to net revenues, and are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts. These costs result from seasonal negotiations with the Company's wholesale customers, as well as historic trends and the evaluation of the impact of current economic conditions.

Inventory reserves:

        Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out and weighted average method) or market. The Company continually evaluates its inventories by assessing slow moving current product as well as prior seasons' inventory. Market value of non-current inventory is estimated based on historical sales trends for this category of inventory of the Company's individual product lines, the impact of market trends, an evaluation of economic conditions and the value of current orders relating to the future sales of this type of inventory. The Company closely monitors its off-price sales to ensure the actual results closely match initial estimates. Estimates are regularly updated based upon this continuing review.

Valuation of goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets:

        The Company assesses the impairment of its long-lived assets (i.e., goodwill, and property and equipment), which requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments regarding the carrying value of these assets on an annual basis or when a triggering event occurs. The assets are 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 income 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 assets (other than goodwill) are assessed to be recoverable, they are amortized over the periods benefited. If the assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is the

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amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of those assets. Fair value is determined based upon the undiscounted cash flows derived from the underlying asset.

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 favorable or unfavorable outcome of the particular litigation. Both the amount and range of loss on the remaining pending litigation is uncertain. As such, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from unfavorable outcomes in litigation. As additional information becomes available, the Company will assess the potential liability related to pending litigation and revise estimates. Such revisions in estimates of the potential liability could materially impact the results of operations and financial position.

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth actual operating results for the 2003, 2002 and 2001 fiscal years as a percentage of net revenue:

Year ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year ended December 31, 2002.

        Net revenue.    Net revenue increased $53.5 million or 9.2% to $636.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $583.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to sales growth in the retail segment.

        Net revenue from retail operations increased $63.2 million, or 16.4%, to $447.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $384.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase was driven by a comparable store sales increase of 9.3% which accounted for $34.6 million of the increase and a $28.6 million increase due to average 19 new store openings with an 8.2% increase in square footage as compared to last year. The most significant increases were in our domestic factory outlet stores and our Canadian retail stores.

        Net revenue from wholesale operations decreased $10.5 million or 6.6% to $149.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $159.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Domestic wholesale net revenue decreased $11.8 million, or 11.0%, to $95.5 million from $107.3 million. The decrease in

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domestic wholesale revenue is attributable to the decrease in the average number of locations in which our products are offered. International wholesale net revenues increased $1.3 million, or 2.5%, to $53.6 million from $52.3 million. International wholesale net revenue increased primarily due to improved sales in Europe partially offset by reduced sales in the Middle East and South America.

        Net royalties from licensing operations increased by $0.8 million, or 1.8%, to $39.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $39.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in net royalties is primarily due to positive royalty adjustments from licensee audits. The composition of licensees has remained consistent in 2003 as compared to 2002, increasing from 21 licensees in 2002 to 23 at the end of 2003.

        Gross profit.    Gross profit increased $20.8 million or 10.4% to $220.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $199.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase is attributable to improved margins at retail, partially offset by lower wholesale margins. Gross profit for the retail segment increased $23.3 million, or 19.9%, to $140.3 million due to the increase in comparable store sales resulting in better leverage of the store occupancy costs. Gross profit for the wholesale segment decreased $3.3 million, or 7.4%, to $40.0 million. The decline in gross profit for wholesale was primarily due to the $10.5 million reduction in sales, which accounted for $2.8 million of the decrease.

        Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total net revenue) improved slightly to 34.6% for the year ended December 31, 2003, from 34.2% for the year ended December 31, 2002. Gross margin from product sales increased to 30.2% for the year ended December 31, 2003, from 29.5% for the year ended December 31, 2002. Higher gross margin in the retail segment was offset by lower gross margin in the wholesale segment as a result of lower initial margins.

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

        Selling, general and administrative expenses.    Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses decreased $5.8 million, or 2.9%, to $197.1 million, or 31.0% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $202.9 million, or 34.8% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        The improvement in SG&A expenses resulted from $5.4 million in lower advertising expenses and $5.6 million in other cost-cutting actions taken over the past year partially offset by a $5.2 million increase for the operation of an average of 19 net new stores. The improvement in the SG&A rate as a percent of net revenues reflects lower SG&A expenses and the increase in comparable store sales.

        Litigation settlement.    During 2002, the Company received approximately $4.3 million in a litigation settlement.

        Restructuring, impairment and severance charges.    During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $2.4 million ($1.4 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share), which represented a charge of $0.8 million related to severance payments for the reduction in the Company's workforce and $1.6 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, of which $1.2 million related to the Company's fourth quarter decision to close its 10 under-performing kids' stores.

        During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million ($6.2 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share). Included in this charge, the Company recorded $1.5 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to excess leased facilities and under -performing stores which were abandoned or closed in 2003. In addition, $6.9 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, including fixed assets related to unprofitable stores. The remaining $0.8 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 59 employees, which was part of the

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Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs, improve productivity, streamline its corporate structure and consolidate operations. The employees severance was paid in 2002 and 2003.

        Earnings from operations.    Earnings from operations increased $29.1 million to $20.6 million in 2003 from a loss of $8.5 million in 2002. The 2003 results included restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $2.4 million, while the 2002 results included restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million offset by a litigation settlement of $4.3 million. The retail segment generated earnings from operations of $32.4 million in 2003 compared to earnings from operations of $4.4 million in 2002. The increase in earnings from operations was primarily attributable to a 9.3% increase in comparable store sales for 2003 partially offset by $5.2 million higher costs related to operating an average of 19 net new stores. The loss from operations for the wholesale segment was $9.0 million in 2003 compared to a loss from operations of $4.7 million in 2002. The increase in the operating loss for the wholesale segment was principally due to a $3.3 million decrease in wholesale gross margin attributable to a 6.6% decline in revenues, lower initial margins and an increased loss on off-price sales plus $1.0 million higher expenses primarily resulting from a restructuring charge of $0.5 million related to severance payments. Earnings from operations for the licensing operating segment increased to $32.3 million in 2003, from $29.1 million in 2002 due primarily to the reduced advertising expenses of $2.5 million. The cost of unallocated corporate overhead declined to $35.1 million in 2003 from $37.3 million in 2002 due to cost savings initiatives. partially offset by the proceeds from a litigation settlement of $4.3 million received in 2002.

        Interest expense.    Interest expense decreased $1.4 million or 15.6% to $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 reflecting the lower interest rate of 6.75% on the Secured Notes issued on April 28, 2003 compared to 9.5% on the Senior Subordinated Notes redeemed on May 27, 2003. Total debt at December 31, 2003 was $68.1 million, which included $66.8 million of the Company's 6.75% Secured Notes due 2012. On a comparable basis, the average debt balance for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $80.6 million, with an average effective interest rate of 9.9%, versus an average debt balance of $91.4 million, with an average effective interest rate of 10.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2002.

        Income taxes.    Income tax for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $5.5 million, or a 43.0% effective tax rate, compared to the income tax benefit of $5.5 million, or a 33.0% effective tax rate, for the year ended December 31, 2002. The change in the effective tax rate was the result of income in 2003 compared to a loss in 2002. While the federal loss can be carried back and fully utilized, certain states do not allow carryback resulting in a lower effective tax benefit rate.

        Net earnings (loss).    Net earnings increased by $18.6 million to $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, from a loss of $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The 2002 results included litigation settlement proceeds of $4.3 million, or $2.9 million, net of tax, and restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million, or $6.2 million, net of tax.

Year ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year ended December 31, 2001.

        Net revenue.    Net revenue decreased $94.5 million or 13.9% to $583.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $677.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decline of wholesale revenues.

        Net revenue from retail operations increased $3.9 million, or 1.0%, to $384.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $380.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. A comparable stores sales decline of 4.1% for the year, or approximately $15.3 million, was more than offset by sales at 22 net new stores aggregating $20.1 million. The highly promotional conditions and an overall difficult retail environment negatively impacted sales for 2002.

        Net revenue from wholesale operations decreased $100.5 million or 38.6% to $159.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $260.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Net revenue

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from domestic and international wholesale operations decreased, for the year ended December 31, 2002, by $96.7 million to $107.3 million and by $3.8 million to $52.3 million, respectively. Wholesales revenue in 2001 included $27.6 million of kids business, which was licensed out beginning in the first quarter of 2002. Of the total kid's business, $24.9 million was sold to domestic wholesale customers and $2.7 million was sold to international wholesale customers. Excluding the kids business for the prior year results, wholesale revenue declined by $72.9 million or 31.4%. The decrease in 2002 domestic wholesale net revenue was attributable to continued cautious purchasing by department store buyers in response to lower consumer spending and higher allowances, together with a decrease in the number of locations in which our product was sold and the promotional environment at retailers. Our products were sold in 864 doors at the end of 2002 compared with approximately 1,549 doors, excluding the kid's business, at the end of 2001. International wholesale net revenue decreased primarily as a result of decreased sales in Asia partially offset by improved sales in Europe for the 2002 fiscal year.

        Net royalties from licensing operations increased by $2.1 million, or 5.7%, to $39.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase in net royalties was primarily due to the licensing of our kids line in 2002, which resulted in $1.6 million of additional royalties, and positive royalty adjustments from licensee audits. The composition of licensees remained comparable from 2001 to 2002, except for the addition of the kids license.

        Gross profit.    Gross profit decreased $30.5 million or 13.3% to $199.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $229.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Gross profit for the retail segment increased $6.3 million, or 5.7%, to $117.0 million in 2002 compared to $110.7 million in 2001 primarily due to higher sales and lower store occupancy costs. Gross profit for the wholesale segment decreased $38.9 million, or 47.4%, to $43.3 million in year 2002 compared to $82.2 million in 2001. The decrease in gross profit for wholesale was due to the $100.5 million reduction in sales, which accounted for $31.8 million of the decrease and a lower gross margin percentage resulting from the Company's decision to clear more inventory through the wholesale off-price channels and factory stores, and from a higher level of markdown allowances to department store customers which accounted for $7.1 million of the decrease in gross profit.

        Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of total net revenue) improved slightly to 34.2% for the year ended December 31, 2002, from 33.9% for the year ended December 31, 2001. Gross margin from product sales decreased to 29.5% for the year ended December 31, 2002, from 30.1% for the year ended December 31, 2001.

        Gross margin in our retail operations in 2002 was positively impacted by better sourcing partially offset by promotional markdowns and higher occupancy costs due to the lower sales productivity of new and existing stores. However, gross margins in the wholesale domestic operations were adversely impacted by higher markdown allowances to the Company's department store customers and sales to off-price channels at prices below cost. Partially offsetting the decrease in margin from product sales was the increase in royalty revenue as a percentage of total revenue, which has no associated cost of sales. Royalty revenue as a percentage of total net revenue increased from 5.4% in 2001 to 6.7% in 2002.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses.    SG&A expenses increased $1.4 million, or 0.7%, to $202.9 million, or 34.8% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $201.5 million, or 29.7% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001.

        The increase of SG&A expenses in 2002 compared to 2001 was the result of higher retail store selling expenses related to 24 new stores and higher advertising costs of $4.0 million, partially offset by continuous cost containment initiatives that were implemented beginning in late 2000 and continued throughout 2002, in both the retail and wholesale businesses.

        Litigation settlement.    During 2002, the Company received approximately $4.3 million in a litigation settlement.

22

        Restructuring, impairment and severance charges.    During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million ($6.2 million after tax or $0.14 per diluted share). Included in this charge, the Company recorded $1.5 million in additional costs for rent paid, estimated rent to be paid and lease exit costs related to excess leased facilities and under-performing stores which were abandoned or closed in 2003. In addition, $6.9 million of the charges represented the write-down of the value of certain impaired assets, including fixed assets related to unprofitable stores. The remaining $0.8 million of the charge was related to severance costs for the termination of 59 employees, which was part of the Company's continuing efforts to reduce costs, improve productivity, streamline its corporate structure and consolidate operations. Approximately $0.4 million of the severance remained unpaid and accrued on the balance sheet at the end of 2002. The remaining severance costs were paid during 2003.

        Earnings from operations.    Earnings from operations decreased $32.3 million, or 135.7%, to a loss of $8.5 million in 2002 from earnings of $23.8 million, or 3.5% of net revenue in 2001. The results included the restructuring, impairment and severance charges of $9.2 million and $5.5 million, in 2002 and 2001, respectively, and the litigation settlement of $4.3 million in 2002. Earnings from operations decreased in the retail segment to $4.4 million in 2002 from $7.9 million in 2001 primarily due to a 4.1% decline in comparable store sales and the costs of operating 24 new stores for 2002. The wholesale segment reported a loss of $4.7 million in 2002 as compared to earnings of $28.2 million in 2001. The increase in the operating loss for the wholesale segment was principally attributable to a 38.6% decrease in sales which accounted for $31.8 million of the decrease and lower margins due to increased promotional activity and losses on sales through the off-price channel accounting for $7.1 million of the decrease, partially offset by lower selling, general, and administrative expenses of $6.0 million. Earnings from operations for the licensing operating segment decreased to $29.1 million in 2002, from $29.4 million in 2001. The cost of unallocated corporate overhead declined to $37.3 million in 2002, from $41.7 million in 2001 due to a litigation settlement of $4.3 million in 2002.

        Interest expense.    Interest expense decreased $3.3 million or 25.7% to $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. This decrease is attributable to a lower outstanding average debt, resulting from a lower inventory position, successful cost containment measures and slightly lower capital expenditures during 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the average debt balance was $91.4 million, with an average effective interest rate of 10.3%. For the year ended December 31, 2001, the average debt balance was $130.2 million, with an average effective interest rate of 9.8%.

        Income taxes.    The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2002, was $5.5 million, or a 33.0% effective tax rate. The income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2001, was $4.5 million, or a 41.9% effective tax rate. The change in the effective tax rate was the result of an overall loss in 2002 compared to income in 2001.

        Net earnings (loss).    Net earnings decreased by $17.5 million to a loss of $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, from earnings of $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.

23

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations at December 31, 2003 and the effects such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods (in thousands):

        Our need for liquidity will primarily arise from the funding of capital expenditures, working capital requirements and payment of our indebtedness. We have historically financed our operations primarily from internally generated funds and borrowings under our Credit Facility (defined below). Please see "Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" below for a discussion of risk factors which could reasonably likely result in a decrease of internally generated funds available to finance capital expenditures and working capital requirements. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had no borrowings under our Credit Facility (defined below) and had available borrowing capacity of $41.6 million.

        On September 27, 2002, the Company entered into a new credit facility led by Wachovia Securities, Inc., as Arranger and Administrative Agent ("Credit Facility"), which replaced a previous credit agreement. The term of the Credit Facility is for a period of four years and provides for a maximum line of credit of $85 million, including an amount made available to the Company's Canadian subsidiaries under a separate credit agreement (currently $15 million). The Credit Facility includes a $47.5 million sub-limit for letters of credit. Borrowings available under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base and outstanding borrowings are secured by inventory, accounts receivable and substantially all other personal property of the borrowers. For borrowings under the Credit Facility, the Company may elect an interest rate based on either the Prime Rate or a Eurodollar rate plus a margin, which fluctuates depending on availability under the Credit Facility and the Company's financial performance as measured by a cash flow test. This margin ranges from 0 to 75 basis points for Prime Rate loans and from 175 to 250 basis points for Eurodollar rate loans. Monthly commitment fees under the Credit Facility are 37.5 basis points per annum times the difference between $60 million and the amount of outstanding loans and letters of credit. The Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible net worth if excess availability under the Credit Facility is less than $20 million. The agreement also restricts the payment of dividends by the Company, the incurrence of certain indebtedness and certain loans, and investments other than capital expenditures. At December 31, 2003, the Company had no borrowings under the Credit Facility; it had $2.3 million in outstanding standby letters of credit, $17.3 million in outstanding documentary letters of credit, and approximately $41.6 million available for future borrowings. As of December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Credit Facility.

        On April 28, 2003 Guess? Royalty Finance LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Issuer"), issued in a private placement $75 million of 6.75% asset-backed notes ("Secured Notes"). The Secured Notes are secured by rights and interests in receivables generated from specific license agreements of specified Guess? trademarks and all royalty monies payable or becoming payable under such license agreements, and a security interest in specified assets consisting primarily of such Guess? trademarks and the specified license agreements. Payment of principal and interest on the Secured Notes is guaranteed by Guess? IP Holder L.P. ("IP Holder"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, which is the owner of substantially all of the Company's domestic and many of the Company's foreign trademarks. Under the terms of the Secured Notes, the Issuer, IP Holder and the applicable indenture trustee have each agreed that none of them will take any action that would result in a material breach or impairment of any of the rights of any licensee under any license of the trademarks held by IP

24

Holder, including the concurrent license of such trademarks back to the Company. The Secured Notes due June 2012 pay interest and amortize principal quarterly. The Secured Notes are subject to an interest reserve account in an amount equal to the greater of (1) the product of the interest rate and the outstanding principal amount or (2) $1,750,000. At December 31, 2003, the Company had $4.5 million of restricted cash related to the interest reserve. The net proceeds, after interest reserves and expenses, of approximately $66.8 million, along with available cash and borrowings under the Credit Facility, were used to repay the 9¹/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due in August 2003. The Company called the 9¹/2% Senior Subordinated Notes for redemption on May 27, 2003.

        During the fiscal year 2003, the Company relied on trade credit along with available cash and borrowings under the Credit Facility, and internally generated funds to finance its operations and expansion. Net cash provided by operating activities was $62.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $29.6 million of net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in cash provided by operating activities reflects an $18.6 million improvement in net earnings in 2003. The increase was also impacted by $15.0 million combined decrease in inventory and accounts receivable during the 2003 fiscal year compared to a combined increase of $5.5 million in accounts receivable and inventory during the 2002 fiscal year. Cash provided by operating activities was also impacted by an increase in restricted cash of $4.5 million. At December 31, 2003, the Company had working capital of $99.8 million compared to $21.4 million at December 31, 2002. Working capital as of December 31, 2002, included the $79.6 million of 9¹/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2003 as a current liability.

        Capital expenditures totaled $18.2 million, net of lease incentives granted of $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to $22.7 million, net of lease incentives granted of $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The Company's capital expenditures planned for 2004 are approximately $30 million, primarily for retail store expansion of approximately 26 stores, significant store remodeling programs, investments in information systems and enhancements in other infrastructure.

        The Company's primary working capital needs are for inventory and accounts receivable. The Company's inventory levels decreased $12.2 million in 2003 to $83.5 million at December 31, 2003 from $95.7 million at December 31, 2002. A new inventory allocation system we have implemented is resulting in improved inventory turnover and in-stock positions in the stores, and is contributing to higher store sales volumes with less inventory. The Company anticipates that it will be able to satisfy its ongoing cash requirements during the next twelve months for working capital, capital expenditures, and interest and principal payments on its debt, primarily with cash flow from operations supplemented by borrowings under the Credit Facility.

        In January 2002, the Company established a qualified employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"), the terms of which allow for qualified employees to participate in the purchase of designated shares of the Company's common stock at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the closing price at the beginning or end of each quarterly stock purchase period. On January 23, 2002, the Company filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-8 registering 2,000,000 shares of common stock for the ESPP. During 2003, 80,239 shares of the Company's common stock were issued pursuant to the ESPP at an average price of $3.85 per share for a total of $0.3 million.

        In May 2001, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of its own stock in an amount of up to $15 million from time to time in open market transactions. During 2002, the Company purchased 606,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $3.2 million, or an average of $5.21 per share. No share repurchases were made during the year ended December 31, 2003. Since the inception of the share repurchase program in May 2001, the Company has purchased 1,137,000 shares at an aggregated cost of $7.1 million, or an average of $6.26 per share.

25

Seasonality

        The Company's business is impacted by the general seasonal trends characteristic of the apparel and retail industries. Retail operations are generally stronger in the third and fourth quarters, and wholesale operations generally experience stronger performance in the third quarter. As the timing of the shipment of products may vary from year to year, the result for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the full year.

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 net revenue or profitability. Although higher rates of inflation have been experienced in a number of foreign countries in which the Company's products are manufactured and sold, management does not believe that foreign rates of inflation have had a material adverse effect on its net revenue or profitability.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        On December 31, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure." SFAS No. 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Furthermore, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. We have included the required disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

        In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 ("SFAS 149"), "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under Statement 133. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150 ("SFAS 150"), "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS 150 establishes standards for how a company classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 is generally effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after September 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        In December 2003, the SEC published Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 ("SAB 104"), "Revenue Recognition." SAB 104 updates portions of the SEC staff's interpretive guidance provided in SAB 101. SAB 104 also deletes interpretive material no longer necessary, and conforms the interpretive material retained, because of pronouncements issued by the FASB's EITF on various revenue recognition topics. The adoption of SAB 104 did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51," which addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities ("VIEs") either: (1) that do not have sufficient equity investment at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional

26

subordinated financial support, or (2) in which the equity investors lack an essential characteristic of a controlling financial interest.

        In December 2003, the FASB completed deliberations of proposed modifications to FIN 46 ("Revised Interpretations") resulting in multiple effective dates based on the nature as well as the creation date of the VIE. VIEs created after January 31, 2003, but prior to January 1, 2004, may be accounted for either based on the original interpretation or the Revised Interpretations. VIEs created after January 1, 2004 must be accounted for under the Revised Interpretations. Special Purpose Entities ("SPEs") created prior to February 1, 2003 may be accounted for under the original or revised interpretation's provisions. Non-SPEs created prior to February 1, 2003, should be accounted for under the Revised Interpretation's provisions. The Revised Interpretations are effective for periods after June 15, 2003 for VIEs in which the Company holds a variable interest it acquired before February 1, 2003. For entities acquired or created before February 1, 2003, the Revised Interpretations are effective no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004, except for those VIEs that are considered to be special-purpose entities, for which the effective date is no later that the end of the first reporting period that ends after December 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46 and the Revised Interpretations has not and is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K "forward-looking" statements have been made, which are not historical facts, but are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be in the Company's other reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in its press releases and in other documents. In addition, from time to time, the Company, through its management, may make oral forward-looking statements. These statements relate to analyses and other information based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements also relate to our future prospects and proposed new products, services, developments or business strategies. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will", "continue", and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

        Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any of the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed. Certain statements in this Form 10-K, including those relating to the Company's expected results of operations, the accuracy of data relating to, and anticipated levels of, future inventory and gross margins, anticipated cash requirements and sources, cost containment efforts, estimated charges, plans regarding store openings and closings, e-commerce and business seasonality, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. The Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

        Specific risks and uncertainties of which you should be aware include, but are not limited to, the following:

Our business is dependent on the fashion industry and could suffer from adverse changes including the following:

•

reduced levels of consumer spending resulting from (1) a general economic downturn, (2) changes in interest rates, (3) the availability of consumer credit, (4) changes in taxation rates, (5) consumer confidence in future economic conditions, or (6) reduced levels of consumer disposable income;



•

introduction of new products or pricing changes by our competitors; or



•

a lower number of fashion retailers carrying our products or an increase in the ownership concentration of fashion retailers.

27

Our revenue from the sales of products would decline if there was a decline in the demand for our products, including licensee products. A decline in demand for our products could arise from our inability to:

•

identify and respond appropriately to changing consumer demands and fashion trends;



•

maintain favorable brand recognition and customer acceptance of our existing and future products;



•

appropriately price our products;



•

obtain sufficient retail floor space and effective presentation of our products at retail or expand our network of retail stores; or



•

control the quality, focus, image, financial stability or distribution of our licensed products.

Our revenue from the sale of products is impacted by our relationships with third party customers and suppliers and could be adversely affected by:

•

a decision by the controlling owner of a group of department stores or any other significant customer to decrease the amount purchased from us or to cease carrying GUESS products;



•

possible cancellation of wholesale orders;



•

our general failure to maintain and control our existing distribution and licensing arrangements or to procure additional distribution and licensing relationships;



•

our inability to ensure product availability and optimize supply chain efficiencies with suppliers and retailers;



•

increased costs due to reliance on third-party suppliers and contract manufacturers; or



•

a failure by our suppliers to produce our products to our quality standards or to comply with acceptable labor practices.

Our business is impacted by general economic and political conditions and could be adversely affected by:

•

unfavorable changes in regional, national and global economic conditions;



•

social, political, legal or economic instability or changes resulting in the disruption of trade with the countries in which our 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; or



•

significant fluctuations in the value of the dollar against foreign currencies or restrictions on the transfer of funds.

Our business is subject to a number of other risks. Our business could be adversely affected by any:

•

lack of continued availability of sufficient working capital;



•

inability to integrate new stores into existing operations;



•

inability to strengthen our inventory cost accounting controls and procedures;



•

continued or accelerated decline in the revenues of our wholesale segment;



•

negative outcomes of pending and future litigation;



•

third party's infringement upon or any other inability to protect our existing trademarks and proprietary rights;



•

foreclosure upon the trademarks and/or trademark license agreements pledged as collateral to holders of notes issued by our wholly owned subsidiary Guess? Royalty Finance LLC ("Pledged License Agreements");



•

appointment of a third party to act as servicer of the Pledged License Agreements;



•

failure by licensees of our trademarks to maintain the quality, focus, image or distribution of our licensed products;



•

loss or retirement of our key executives or other key employees;



•

inability to generate sufficient cash flow to service debt obligations for our notes and other line of credit facilities; or



•

inability to comply with debt covenant restrictions, which may trigger payment acceleration provisions.

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ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Exchange Rate Risk

        The Company receives United States dollars ("USD") for the majority of all product sales and licensing revenue. Inventory purchases from offshore contract manufacturers are primarily denominated in USD; however, purchase prices for products may be impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the USD and the local currencies of the contract manufacturers, which may have the effect of increasing the cost of goods in the future. In addition, royalties received from international licensees are subject to foreign currency translation fluctuations as a result of the net sales of the licensee being denominated in local currency and royalties being paid to the Company in USD. During the last three fiscal years, exchange rate fluctuations have not had a material impact on inventory costs.

        The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts, to manage exchange risk on foreign currency transactions. These financial instruments can be used to protect the Company from the risk that the eventual net cash inflows from the foreign currency transactions will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically through the income statement or through stockholders' equity as a component of comprehensive income or loss. The classification depends on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. Generally, changes in fair values of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are matched in the income statement against the respective gain or loss relating to the hedged items. Changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income or loss net of deferred taxes. Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are currently reported in income.

        Based upon the rates at December 31, 2003, the cost to buy the equivalent U.S. dollars discussed above was approximately $9.4 million Canadian currency. At December 31, 2003, the Company had forward exchange contracts to purchase $7.3 million U.S. dollars and the fair value of those contracts at that date was $7.6 million U.S. dollars. The corresponding amounts at December 31, 2002, were $4.0 million U.S. dollars and $4.0 million U.S. dollars, respectively.

Interest Rate Risk

        At December 31, 2003, 98.1% of the Company's indebtedness contained a fixed interest rate of 6.75%. At December 31, 2002, 98.2% of the Company's indebtedness contained a fixed interest rate of 9.5%. Substantially all of the Company's remaining indebtedness, including borrowings under the Credit Facility, is at variable rates of interest. Accordingly, changes in interest rates would impact the Company's results of operations in future periods. A 100 basis point change in interest rates is not expected to significantly impact the Company's consolidated operating results.

29

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data listed in Item 15 of Part IV of this report.

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None.

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

        Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including Maurice Marciano and Paul Marciano as Co-Chief Executive Officers, Carlos Alberini as President and Chief Operating Officer and Frederick G. Silny as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing date of this annual report, and, based on the evaluation, Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Carlos Alberini and Frederick G. Silny have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective. There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation.

        The Company's controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that are filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

30

PART III

ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

        The policies comprising our code of conduct are set forth in the Company's Code of Conduct (the "Code of Conduct"), which is attached as an exhibit to this annual report. These policies satisfy the SEC's requirements for a "code of ethics," and apply to all directors, officers (including our principal executive officers, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller) and employees. The Code of Conduct is published on our website at www.guess.com. Any person may request a copy of the Code of Conduct, at no cost, by writing to us at the following address: Guess?, Inc., 1444 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles, California 90021, Attn: General Counsel.

        The remaining information required by this item can be found under the captions "Directors and Executive Officers" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the Company's Proxy Statement (the "Proxy Statement") to be distributed on or about April 12, 2004, for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 10, 2004. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

        The information in the Proxy Statement set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation" is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        The information set forth under the caption "Security Ownership and Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        The information set forth under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        The information set forth under the caption "Relationship with Independent Auditors" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

31

PART IV

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)

Documents Filed with Report

(1)

Independent Auditors' Report

(2)

Consolidated Financial Statements

The financial statements listed on the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report.

(3)

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule

The financial statement schedule listed on the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule is filed as part of this report.

(4)

Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed as part of this report.

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K

Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2003 announcing the financial results for the quarter ended September 27, 2003.

32

Guess?, Inc.
Form 10-K

Items 8, and 15(a) and 15(d)
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule

F-1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Guess?, Inc.:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Guess?, Inc. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule, as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Guess?, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets on January 1, 2002.

F-2

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2003 and 2002

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-3

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-4

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

F-5

GUESS?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001