SCHEDULE 13G: Pacer Entities Disclose Significant Passive Stake in Guess? Inc.

Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF, Pacer Advisors, Inc., and Joe M. Thomson have jointly disclosed a 5.98% passive beneficial ownership stake in Guess? Inc., totaling 3,074,918 shares.

Summary

• Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF, Pacer Advisors, Inc., and Joe M. Thomson (collectively, the "Reporting Persons") have filed a Schedule 13G disclosing their beneficial ownership in Guess? Inc.
• The Reporting Persons collectively beneficially own 3,074,918 shares of Guess? Inc. Common Stock.
• This ownership represents 5.98% of the total class of Common Stock outstanding.
• The percentage is calculated based on 51,456,841 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 2, 2024, as reported by Guess? Inc.
• The filing indicates that the shares were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing the control of Guess? Inc.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The filing is a standard disclosure of a passive beneficial ownership stake, indicating institutional interest in Guess? Inc. without suggesting any immediate positive or negative operational impact. It's a neutral to slightly positive signal due to institutional confidence.

Positives

• The disclosure of a significant passive stake by institutional investors like Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF may signal confidence in Guess? Inc.'s long-term value proposition.
• The explicit statement that the stake is passive and not for control purposes reduces potential concerns about activist investor actions or disruptive corporate governance changes.

Future Outlook

This Schedule 13G filing is a disclosure of current beneficial ownership and does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Guess? Inc.'s future performance or the Reporting Persons' investment strategy beyond the passive nature of their stake.

Management Comments

• "The securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under §§ 240.14a-11."

Industry Context

The Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF's investment in Guess? Inc. suggests that the company aligns with the ETF's strategy of investing in small-cap companies with strong cash flow generation. This indicates that Guess? Inc. is perceived by this specific fund as meeting criteria for financial health and operational efficiency within its market capitalization segment.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The disclosure of a significant institutional stake may be viewed positively, potentially increasing investor confidence and market liquidity for Guess? Inc. shares.

Key Dates

Keywords

Guess Inc, GUESS, Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF, Pacer Advisors, Joe M. Thomson, Schedule 13G, beneficial ownership, common stock, institutional investment, passive stake, SEC filing