Supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Anna Nicole Smith were once the face of Guess? (NYSE: GES), back in the company's prime, and shoppers bought the brand to mimic their stylish and sultry looks. By 2007, the retailer's stock reached a high of about $50 a share, and the company reported diluted annual earnings of more than $4.50 per share.
Since then, management troubles and struggles to keep up with the ever-changing market have put pressure on earnings, Guess? shares have tumbled, and the company's market valuation fell to $1.4 billion from more than $4.5 billion.
Bright news may be on the horizon, however, after the company's December announcement of a five-year strategic plan. Guess? CEO Carlos Alberini unveiled the plan, saying it was a "clear path to double-digit operating margin performance mainly anchored on operational efficiencies."