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EX-31.A - ROCKY BRANDS, INC.v219822_ex31a.htm
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EX-32.B - ROCKY BRANDS, INC.v219822_ex32b.htm
EX-32.A - ROCKY BRANDS, INC.v219822_ex32a.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                                 to                                       

Commission file number:  001-34382

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
 
31-1364046
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 
Identification No.)

39 E. Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

(740) 753-1951
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

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 x    NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  ¨     No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨       Accelerated filer ¨       Non-accelerated filer ¨       Smaller reporting company x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES ¨ NO x

As of April 22, 2011, 7,489,995 shares of Rocky Brands, Inc. common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

 
 

 

FORM 10-Q

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
PAGE
   
NUMBER
     
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited), and December 31, 2010
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
5
     
 
Notes to the Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three-Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
6 –15
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16 – 21
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
22
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
22
     
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
23
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
23
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
23
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
23
     
Item 4.
Reserved
23
     
Item 5.
Other Information
23
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
23
     
SIGNATURE
24

 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
March 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
 
ASSETS:
                 
CURRENT ASSETS:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,230,661     $ 4,362,531     $ 3,517,629  
Trade receivables – net
    37,459,868       47,593,807       39,994,342  
Other receivables
    1,010,981       911,103       1,216,568  
Inventories
    61,654,840       58,852,556       53,123,111  
Deferred income taxes
    1,218,101       1,218,101       1,475,695  
Prepaid and refundable income taxes
    260,555       -       420,150  
Prepaid expenses
    3,033,002       1,793,852       2,036,964  
Total current assets
    106,868,008       114,731,950       101,784,459  
                         
FIXED ASSETS – net
    22,631,554       22,129,282       22,540,705  
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES
    30,512,025       30,495,485       30,519,994  
OTHER ASSETS
    1,548,308       1,222,712       2,817,110  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 161,559,895     $ 168,579,429     $ 157,662,268  
                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 10,368,817     $ 9,024,851     $ 8,916,985  
Current maturities – long term debt
    463,749       487,480       520,067  
Accrued expenses:
                       
Salaries and wages
    961,408       2,702,166       940,916  
Co-op advertising
    30,623       109,003       186,588  
Interest
    65,874       52,440       1,617,629  
Income taxes payable
    -       422,229       -  
Taxes - other
    554,680       590,217       468,119  
Commissions
    596,293       669,389       496,856  
Current portion of pension funding
    680,000       680,000       700,000  
Other
    2,133,080       1,837,966       2,483,527  
Total current liabilities
    15,854,524       16,575,741       16,330,687  
                         
LONG TERM DEBT – less current maturities
    27,300,087       34,608,338       46,225,039  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    9,374,685       9,374,685       9,071,639  
DEFERRED PENSION LIABILITY
    2,738,374       2,839,293       3,638,475  
DEFERRED LIABILITIES
    179,560       177,814       186,227  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    55,447,230       63,575,871       75,452,067  
                         
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                       
                         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
                       
Common stock, no par value;
                       
25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding March 31, 2011 - 7,489,995; December 31, 2010 - 7,426,787 and March 31, 2010 - 5,605,537
    69,546,028       69,052,101       54,801,424  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,755,425 )     (2,828,989 )     (3,127,193 )
Retained earnings
    39,322,062       38,780,446       30,535,970  
Total shareholders' equity
    106,112,665       105,003,558       82,210,201  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 161,559,895     $ 168,579,429     $ 157,662,268  

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
NET SALES
  $ 52,306,275     $ 56,078,986  
                 
COST OF GOODS SOLD
    33,040,330       37,322,137  
                 
GROSS MARGIN
    19,265,945       18,756,849  
                 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    18,229,351       18,024,687  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
    1,036,594       732,162  
                 
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
               
Interest expense, net
    (215,532 )     (1,644,591 )
Other – net
    12,554       36,685  
Total other - net
    (202,978 )     (1,607,906 )
                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    833,616       (875,744 )
                 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
    292,000       (315,000 )
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 541,616     $ (560,744 )
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
               
Basic
  $ 0.07     $ (0.10 )
Diluted
  $ 0.07     $ (0.10 )
                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
               
Basic
    7,476,448       5,603,125  
Diluted
    7,478,611       5,603,125  

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 541,616     $ (560,744 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,454,857       1,433,982  
Deferred compensation and other
    105,889       140,297  
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
    36,526       536  
Stock compensation expense
    122,500       129,900  
Change in assets and liabilities
               
Receivables
    10,034,061       6,097,291  
Inventories
    (2,802,284 )     2,297,356  
Other current assets
    (1,499,705 )     (1,147,977 )
Other assets
    (325,596 )     75,573  
Accounts payable
    1,416,419       2,139,438  
Accrued and other liabilities
    (2,172,949 )     1,200,421  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    6,911,334       11,806,073  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchase of fixed assets
    (2,055,667 )     (1,317,282 )
Investment in trademarks and patents
    (28,706 )     (14,735 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    1,724       19,600  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,082,649 )     (1,312,417 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    16,246,162       52,182,429  
Repayments of revolving credit facility
    (23,445,000 )     (60,904,022 )
Repayments of long-term debt
    (133,144 )     (124,947 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    371,427       73,420  
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (6,960,555 )     (8,773,120 )
                 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (2,131,870 )     1,720,536  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    4,362,531       1,797,093  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 2,230,661     $ 3,517,629  

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE-MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 AND 2010

1.
INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORTING

In the opinion of management, the accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results.  All such adjustments reflected in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal and recurring nature. The results of the operations for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the whole year.  Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The components of total comprehensive income (loss) are shown below:

   
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net income (loss)
  $ 541,616     $ (560,744 )
Other comprehensive income:
               
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation, service cost and net loss
    73,564       89,951  
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 615,180     $ (470,793 )

2.
TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables are presented net of the related allowance for uncollectible accounts of approximately $847,000, $868,000 and $954,000 at March 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010, respectively.  The allowance for uncollectible accounts is calculated based on the relative age and size of trade receivable balances.

 
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3.
INVENTORIES

Inventories are comprised of the following:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
 
                   
Raw materials
  $ 10,759,817     $ 7,728,707     $ 8,894,581  
Work-in-process
    847,197       410,110       613,874  
Finished goods
    50,192,066       50,764,439       43,661,158  
Reserve for obsolescence or  lower of cost or market
    (144,240 )     (50,700 )     (46,502 )
                         
Total
  $ 61,654,840     $ 58,852,556     $ 53,123,111  

4.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:

   
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Interest
  $ 209,900     $ 319,446  
                 
Federal, state and local income taxes, net of refunds
  $ 974,785     $ 131,848  
                 
Fixed asset purchases in accounts payable
  $ 487,795     $ 147,547  

 
7

 

5.
PER SHARE INFORMATION

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  The diluted earnings per share computation includes common share equivalents, when dilutive.  There are no adjustments to net income necessary in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

   
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    7,476,448       5,603,125  
                 
Dilutive stock options
    2,163       -  
                 
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding
    7,478,611       5,603,125  
                 
Anti-dilutive stock options/weighted average shares outstanding
    146,389       232,778  

6.
RECENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Recently adopted accounting standards

In September 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standards update “Revenue Recognition – Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements”.  This update addresses how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting and how to allocate the consideration to each unit of accounting.  This update eliminates the use of the residual value method for determining allocation of arrangement consideration and allows the use of an entity's best estimate to determine the selling price if vendor specific objective evidence and third-party evidence cannot be determined.  This update also requires additional disclosure to provide both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the significant judgments made in applying this update.  In addition, for each reporting period in the initial year of adoption, this update requires disclosure of the amount of revenue recognized subject to the measurement requirements of this update and the amount of revenue that would have been recognized if the related transactions were subject to the measurement requirements prior to this update.  This update is effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 
8

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts”.  This ASU reflects the decision reached in EITF Issue No. 10-A.  The amendments in this ASU modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.  For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists.  In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist.  The qualitative factors are consistent with the existing guidance and examples, which require that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  For public entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations”.  This ASU reflects the decision reached in EITF Issue No. 10-G.  The amendments in this ASU affect any public entity as defined by Topic 805, Business Combination that enters into business combinations that are material on an individual or aggregate basis.  The amendments in this ASU specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only.  The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings.  The amendments are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting standards not yet adopted

In April 2011, the FASB has issued ASU No. 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. The FASB believes the guidance in this ASU will improve financial reporting by creating greater consistency in the way GAAP is applied for various types of debt restructurings.  The ASU clarifies which loan modifications constitute troubled debt restructurings. It is intended to assist creditors in determining whether a modification of the terms of a receivable meets the criteria to be considered a troubled debt restructuring, both for purposes of recording an impairment loss and for disclosure of troubled debt restructurings.  In evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, a creditor must separately conclude that both of the following exist: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendments to FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ (Codification) Topic 310, Receivables, clarify the guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and applies retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.  Early application is permitted.  We are currently assessing the potential impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 
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7.
INCOME TAXES

We file income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions.  We are no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examinations for years before 2007.  State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2006 to 2009.  Foreign jurisdiction tax returns that remain subject to examination range from 2004 to 2009 for Canada and from 2005 to 2009 for Puerto Rico.  We do not believe there will be any material changes in our unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.

Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of March 31, 2011, accrued interest or penalties were not material, and no such expenses were recognized during the quarter.  We provided for income taxes at an estimated effective tax rate of 35% and 36% for the three-months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The estimated effective tax rate for 2011 is lower than the estimated rate for 2010 as we expect to make additional permanent capital investment in our operations in the Dominican Republic, which will reduce the amount of dividends that we will need to provide for U.S. income taxes.

 
10

 

8.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS

A schedule of intangible assets is as follows:

   
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
 
March 31, 2011 (unaudited)
 
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
 
Trademarks:
                 
Wholesale
  $ 27,243,578     $ -     $ 27,243,578  
Retail
    2,900,000       -       2,900,000  
Patents
    2,443,398       2,074,951       368,447  
Customer relationships
    1,000,000       1,000,000       -  
Total Identified Intangibles
  $ 33,586,976     $ 3,074,951     $ 30,512,025  
                         
   
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
 
December 31, 2010
 
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
 
Trademarks:
                       
Wholesale
  $ 27,243,578     $ -     $ 27,243,578  
Retail
    2,900,000       -       2,900,000  
Patents
    2,414,692       2,062,785       351,907  
Customer relationships
    1,000,000       1,000,000       -  
Total Identified Intangibles
  $ 33,558,270     $ 3,062,785     $ 30,495,485  
                         
   
Gross
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
 
March 31, 2010 (unaudited)
 
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
 
Trademarks:
                       
Wholesale
  $ 27,243,578     $ -     $ 27,243,578  
Retail
    2,900,000       -       2,900,000  
Patents
    2,403,734       2,027,318       376,416  
Customer relationships
    1,000,000       1,000,000       -  
Total Identified Intangibles
  $ 33,547,312     $ 3,027,318     $ 30,519,994  

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $12,165 and $11,652 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The weighted average amortization period for patents is 15 years.

Estimate of Aggregate Amortization Expense for the years ending December 31,:

2012
    48,093  
2013
    48,093  
2014
    48,093  
2015
    48,093  
2016
    48,093  

 
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9.
CAPITAL STOCK

On May 11, 2004, our shareholders approved the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan.  The Plan includes 750,000 of our common shares that may be granted for stock options and restricted stock awards.  As of March 31, 2011, we were authorized to issue approximately 347,823 shares under our existing plans.

The Plan generally provides for grants with the exercise price equal to fair value on the date of grant, graduated vesting periods of up to five years, and lives not exceeding ten years.  The following summarizes stock option transactions from January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011:

   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise 
Price
 
                 
Options outstanding at January 1, 2011
    232,000     $ 19.95  
Issued
    -       -  
Exercised
    (51,000 )   $ 7.28  
Forfeited
    (35,000 )   $ 29.80  
                 
Options outstanding at March 31, 2011
    146,000     $ 22.01  
                 
Options exercisable at:
               
January 1, 2011
    232,000     $ 19.95  
March 31, 2011
    146,000     $ 22.01  
                 
Unvested options at March 31, 2011
    -          

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, we issued 12,208 shares of common stock to members of our Board of Directors.  We recorded compensation expense of $122,500, which was the fair market value of the shares on the grant date.  The shares are fully vested but cannot be sold for one year.

In June 2009, our Board of Directors adopted a Rights Agreement, which provides for one preferred share purchase right to be associated with each share of our outstanding common stock.  Shareholders exercising these rights would become entitled to purchase shares of Series B Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock.  The rights are exercisable after the time when a person or group of persons without the approval of the Board of Directors acquire beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more of our common stock or announce the initiation of a tender or exchange offer which if successful would cause such person or group to beneficially own 20 percent or more of our common stock.  Such exercise would ultimately entitle the holders of the rights to purchase at the exercise price, shares of common stock of the surviving corporation or purchaser, respectively, with an aggregate market value equal to two times the exercise price.  The person or groups effecting such 20 percent acquisition or undertaking such tender offer would not be entitled to exercise any rights.  These rights expire during June 2012.

 
12

 

10.
RETIREMENT PLANS

We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering non-union workers in our Ohio and Puerto Rico operations.  Benefits under the non-union plan are based upon years of service and highest compensation levels as defined.  On December 31, 2005, we froze the noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for all non-U.S. territorial employees.

Net pension cost of the Company’s plan is as follows:

   
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Service cost
  $ 30,840     $ 19,977  
Interest
    156,330       161,677  
Expected return on assets
    (156,591 )     (133,054 )
Amortization of unrecognized net gain or loss
    54,763       71,853  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    -       -  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    18,801       18,098  
Net pension cost
  $ 104,143     $ 138,551  

Our unrecognized benefit obligations existing at the date of transition for the non-union plan are being amortized over 21 years.  Actuarial assumptions used in the accounting for the plan were as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Discount rate
    5.51 %     5.91 %
                 
Average rate of increase in compensation levels
    3.0 %     3.0 %
                 
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.0 %     8.0 %

Our desired investment result is a long-term rate of return on assets that is at least 8%.  The target rate of return for the plan has been based upon the assumption that returns will approximate the long-term rates of return experienced for each asset class in our investment policy.  Our investment guidelines are based upon an investment horizon of greater than five years, so that interim fluctuations should be viewed with appropriate perspective.  Similarly, the plan’s strategic asset allocation is based on this long-term perspective.

 
13

 

11.
SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have identified three reportable segments:  Wholesale, Retail and Military.  Wholesale includes sales of footwear and accessories to several classifications of retailers, including sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty stores, mail order catalogs, independent retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores.  Retail includes all sales from our stores and all sales in our Lehigh division, which includes sales via shoemobiles to individual customers.  Military includes sales to the U.S. Military.  The following is a summary of segment results for the Wholesale, Retail, and Military segments.

   
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
NET SALES:
           
Wholesale
  $ 39,794,825     $ 37,904,864  
Retail
    11,743,667       12,925,940  
Military
    767,783       5,248,182  
Total Net Sales
  $ 52,306,275     $ 56,078,986  
                 
GROSS MARGIN:
               
Wholesale
  $ 13,340,154     $ 12,177,996  
Retail
    5,824,626       5,903,259  
Military
    101,165       675,594  
Total Gross Margin
  $ 19,265,945     $ 18,756,849  

Segment asset information is not prepared or used to assess segment performance.

12.
LONG-TERM DEBT

In May 2010, we amended the terms of our revolving credit facility with GMAC Commercial Finance (“GMAC”) to advance $15 million to the Company under the existing revolving portion of its credit facility to prepay amounts due under term loans with Laminar Direct Capital L.P. and Whitebox Hedged High Yield Partners, L.P.  After the prepayment, principal under the term loans total $11 million in the aggregate.
 
Also in May 2010, we completed a public offering of 1.8 million shares of common stock at a price of $8.40 per share.  We received net proceeds from the offering of $14.1 million after deducting $0.9 million in underwriting discounts and $0.1 million in expenses. The proceeds were used to prepay amounts due under term loans with Laminar Direct Capital L.P. and Whitebox Hedged High Yield Partners, L.P.
 
In October 2010, we entered into a new financing agreement with PNC Bank (“PNC”) to provide a $70 million credit facility that replaced the existing revolving credit facility with GMAC.  In addition, the new financing agreement with PNC was used to repay the remaining balance of approximately $11 million under the term loans. The term of the new credit facility is five years and the current interest rate is generally LIBOR plus 1.50%.

 
14

 

Our credit facility contains a restrictive covenant which requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio.  This restrictive covenant is only in effect upon a triggering event taking place (as defined in the credit facility agreement).  At March 31, 2011, no triggering event had occurred and the covenant was not in effect.

The total amount available under our revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory.  As of March 31, 2011, we had $25.9 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $58.9 million.
 
In April 2011, we repaid the remaining balance of approximately $1.8 million on our mortgage loans by borrowing under a sub-facility on the PNC credit facility.  The sub-facility is secured by the real estate owned by us.  In connection with this transaction, we incurred approximately $0.1 million of prepayment and other fees that will be reported as additional interest expense in the second quarter of 2011.

13.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair values of cash, accounts receivable, other receivables and accounts payable approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.  Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due from our customers, net of allowances.  Other receivables consist primarily of amounts due from employees (sales persons’ advances in excess of commissions earned and employee travel advances); other customer receivables, net of allowances; and expected insurance recoveries.  The carrying amounts of our revolving line of credit, our mortgages and other short-term financing obligations also approximate fair value, as they are comparable to the available financing in the marketplace during the year.

 
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ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information derived from our Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, expressed as a percentage of net sales.  The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with our Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net Sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost Of Goods Sold
    63.2 %     66.6 %
Gross Margin
    36.8 %     33.4 %
                 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
    34.8 %     32.1 %
                 
Income From Operations
    2.0 %     1.3 %

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Net sales.  Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $52.3 million compared to $56.1 million for the same period in 2010.  Wholesale sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $39.8 million compared to $37.9 million for the same period in 2010.  The $1.9 million increase in wholesale sales was the result of a $3.1 million or 62.0% increase in our duty footwear category, a $1.4 million or 7.6% increase in our work footwear category (excluding Dickies) and a $0.4 million or 16.2% increase in our outdoor footwear category, which was partially offset by a $1.7 million decline of our Dickies licensed business and a $1.2 million or 15.2% decrease in our western footwear category.  Our licensing agreement with Dickies expired on December 31, 2010.  Retail sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $11.7 million compared to $12.9 million for the same period in 2010.  The $1.2 million decrease in retail sales resulted from our ongoing transition to more internet driven transactions and the decision to remove a portion of our Lehigh mobile stores from operations to help lower operating expenses.  Military segment sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011, were $0.8 million, compared to $5.2 million in the same period in 2010.  Shipments in 2010 were under the $29.0 million contract, issued in July 2009.

Gross margin.  Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $19.3 million, or 36.8% of net sales, compared to $18.8 million, or 33.4% of net sales, in the same period last year.  Wholesale gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $13.3 million, or 33.5% of net sales, compared to $12.2 million, or 32.1% of net sales, in the same period last year.  The 140 basis point increase is primarily the result of higher average selling prices as well as higher sales of company owned brands which carry higher gross margins than licensed brands.  Retail gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $5.8 million, or 49.6% of net sales, compared to $5.9 million, or 45.7% of net sales, for the same period in 2010.  The 390 basis point increase is primarily the result of higher average selling prices.  Military gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $0.1 million, or 13.2% of net sales, compared to less than $0.7 million, or 12.9% of net sales, for the same period in 2010.

 
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SG&A expenses.  SG&A expenses were $18.2 million, or 34.8% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $18.0 million, or 32.1% of net sales for the same period in 2010.  The net change primarily reflects increases in compensation and benefits of $0.4 million, advertising expenses of $0.1 million and insurance costs of $0.1 million, which was partially offset by decreases in bad debt expense of $0.2 million and professional fees of $0.2 million.

Interest expense.  Interest expense was $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $1.6 million for the same period in the prior year.  The decrease of $1.4 million is primarily the result of the repayment of a $40.0 million term note carrying interest at a rate of 11.5%.  This repayment was made with $14 million of proceeds from our May 2010 equity offering as well as $26 million of borrowings from our line of credit which generally carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus 150 basis points.

Income taxes.  Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $0.3 million, compared to an income tax benefit $0.3 million for the same period a year ago.  We provided for income taxes at effective tax rates of 35% in 2011 and 36% in 2010.  The decrease in the estimated effective tax rate for 2011 is the result of our anticipation of making permanent capital investment in 2011 in our operations in the Dominican Republic, which reduced the amount of dividends that we need to provide for U.S. income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity have been our income from operations and borrowings under our credit facility.

Over the last several years our principal uses of cash have been for working capital and capital expenditures to support our growth.  Our working capital consists primarily of trade receivables and inventory, offset by accounts payable and accrued expenses.  Our working capital fluctuates throughout the year as a result of our seasonal business cycle and business expansion and is generally lowest in the months of January through March of each year and highest during the months of May through October of each year.  We typically utilize our revolving credit facility to fund our seasonal working capital requirements.  As a result, balances on our revolving credit facility will fluctuate significantly throughout the year.  Our capital expenditures relate primarily to projects relating to our property, merchandising fixtures, molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations, retail sales fleet and for information technology.  Capital expenditures were $2.1 million for the first three months of 2011, compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2010. Total capital expenditures for 2011 are anticipated to be approximately $6.0 million.

In May 2010, we amended the terms of our revolving credit facility with GMAC Commercial Finance (“GMAC”) to advance $15 million to the Company under the existing revolving portion of its credit facility to prepay amounts due under term loans with Laminar Direct Capital L.P. and Whitebox Hedged High Yield Partners, L.P.  After the prepayment, principal under the term loans total $11 million in the aggregate.

 
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Also in May 2010, we completed a public offering of 1.8 million shares of common stock at a price of $8.40 per share.  We received net proceeds from the offering of $14.1 million after deducting $0.9 million in underwriting discounts and $0.1 million in expenses. The proceeds were used to prepay amounts due under term loans with Laminar Direct Capital L.P. and Whitebox Hedged High Yield Partners, L.P.
 
In October 2010, we entered into a new financing agreement with PNC Bank (“PNC”) to provide a $70 million credit facility that replaced the existing revolving credit facility with GMAC.  In addition, the new financing agreement with PNC was used to repay the remaining balance of approximately $11 million under the term loans. The term of the new credit facility is five years and the current interest rate is generally LIBOR plus 1.50%.

In April 2011, we repaid the remaining balance of approximately $1.8 million on our mortgage loans by borrowing under a sub-facility on the PNC credit facility.  The sub-facility is secured by the real estate owned by us.  In connection with this transaction, we incurred approximately $0.1 million of prepayment and other fees that will be reported as additional interest expense in the second quarter of 2011.

Our credit facility contains a restrictive covenant which requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio.  This restrictive covenant is only in effect upon a triggering event taking place (as defined in the credit facility agreement).  At March 31, 2011, no triggering event had occurred and the covenant was not in effect.

The total amount available under our revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory.  As of March 31, 2011, we had $25.9 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $58.9 million.

We believe that our existing credit facility coupled with cash generated from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months.  Our continued liquidity, however, is contingent upon future operating performance, cash flows and our ability to meet financial covenants under our credit facility.

Operating Activities.  Cash provided by operating activities totaled $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $11.8 million in the same period of 2010.  Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was primarily impacted by reductions in accounts receivable and increases in accounts payable, partially offset by increases in inventory.  Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was primarily impacted by reductions in accounts receivable and inventory.

Investing Activities.  Cash used in investing activities was $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to $1.3 million in the same period of 2010.  Cash used in investing activities reflects an investment in property, plant and equipment of $2.1 million in 2011 and $1.3 million in 2010. Our 2011 and 2010 expenditures primarily relate to investments in molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations and for information technology.
 
Financing Activities.  Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $7.0 million and reflects a net reduction under the revolving credit facility of $7.2 million and repayments on long-term debt of $0.1 million. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $8.8 million and reflects a decrease in net borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $8.7 million and repayments on long-term debt of $0.1 million.

 
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Inflation

We cannot determine the precise effects of inflation; however, inflation continues to have an influence on the cost of materials, salaries, and employee benefits.  We attempt to offset the effects of inflation through increased selling prices, productivity improvements, and reduction of costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Our management regularly reviews our accounting policies to make certain they are current and also to provide readers of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition.  These include, but are not limited to, matters related to accounts receivable, inventories, pension benefits and income taxes.  Implementation of these accounting policies includes estimates and judgments by management based on historical experience and other factors believed to be reasonable.  This may include judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities based on considerations that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our management believes the following critical accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Revenue principally consists of sales to customers, and, to a lesser extent, license fees. Revenue is recognized when the risk and title passes to the customer, while license fees are recognized when earned.  Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for estimated returns, trade promotions and other discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale.

Accounts receivable allowances

Management maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.  The allowance for uncollectible accounts is calculated based on the relative age and size of trade receivable balances.

 
19

 

Sales returns and allowances

We record a reduction to gross sales based on estimated customer returns and allowances.  These reductions are influenced by historical experience, based on customer returns and allowances.  The actual amount of sales returns and allowances realized may differ from our estimates.  If we determine that sales returns or allowances should be either increased or decreased, then the adjustment would be made to net sales in the period in which such a determination is made.

Inventories

Management identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate loss provisions related to these inventories.  Historically, these loss provisions have not been significant as the vast majority of our inventories are considered saleable, and we have been able to liquidate slow moving or obsolete inventories through our factory outlet stores or through various discounts to customers.  Should management encounter difficulties liquidating slow moving or obsolete inventories, additional provisions may be necessary.  Management regularly reviews the adequacy of our inventory reserves and makes adjustments to them as required.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets, including goodwill, trademarks and patents are reviewed for impairment annually, and more frequently, if necessary.  We perform such testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year or as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.

In assessing whether indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, we must make certain estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows, long-term growth rates of our business, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital and other factors such as discount rates, royalty rates, cost of capital, and market multiples to determine the fair value of our assets.  These estimates and assumptions require management’s judgment, and changes to these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or impairment for each of our other indefinite-lived intangible assets.  Future events could cause us to conclude that indications of intangible asset impairment exist.  Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of our business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws and regulations, competition, or the sale or disposition of a reporting segment.  Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Pension benefits

Accounting for pensions involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works.  To accomplish this, extensive use is made of assumptions about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover, medical costs and discount rates.  These assumptions are reviewed annually.

Pension expenses are determined by actuaries using assumptions concerning the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increase.  An actuarial analysis of benefit obligations and plan assets is determined as of December 31 each year.

The funded status of our plans and reconciliation of accrued pension cost is determined annually as of December 31.  Further discussion of our pension plan and related assumptions is included in Note 10, “Retirement Plans,” to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011. Actual results would be different using other assumptions.  Management records an accrual for pension costs associated with our sponsored non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering our non-union workers.  Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying plan assets could result in losses or a higher accrual.  At December 31, 2005, we froze the non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for all non-U.S. territorial employees.

 
20

 

Income taxes

Management has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets for a portion of state and local income tax net operating losses that it believes may not be realized.  We have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance; however, in the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding our and management’s intent, belief, and expectations, such as statements concerning our future profitability and our operating and growth strategy. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other statements we make involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and other factors detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future could affect our businesses and financial results and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on information presently available to our management. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 
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ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes since December 31, 2010.

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were (1) designed to ensure that material information relating to our Company is accumulated and made known to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in a timely manner, particularly during the period in which this report was being prepared, and (2) effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management believes, however, that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Internal Controls. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) during our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
22

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

ITEM 2 - UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4 - RESERVED
 
ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT
 
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION
     
31 (a)*
 
Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Chief Executive Officer.
31 (b)*
 
Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Chief Financial Officer.
32 (a)+
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer.
32 (b)+
  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer.
 

 
*
Filed with this report.
 
+
Furnished with this report.

 
23

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

   
Rocky Brands, Inc. 
     
Date: April 29, 2011
 
/s/ James E. McDonald
   
James E. McDonald, Executive Vice President and
   
Chief Financial Officer*

In his capacity as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. McDonald is duly authorized to sign this report on behalf of the Registrant.

 
24