RCKY 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2017

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 001-34382

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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 x No ¨

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

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 October 31, 2017, 7,394,478 shares of Rocky Brands, Inc. common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

FORM 10-Q

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(UNAUDITED)

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(UNAUDITED)

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(UNAUDITED)

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear marketed under a portfolio of well recognized brand names including Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh and Creative Recreation. Our brands have a long history of representing high quality, comfortable, functional and durable footwear and our products are organized around six target markets: outdoor, work, duty, commercial military, western and lifestyle. In addition, as part of our strategy of outfitting consumers from head-to-toe, we market complementary branded apparel and accessories that we believe leverage the strength and positioning of each of our brands.

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 operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the whole year. The December 31, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in connection with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, which includes all disclosures required by GAAP.

Trade receivables are presented net of the related allowance for uncollectible accounts of approximately $556,000, $1,041,000 and $1,011,000 at September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company records the allowance based on historical experience, the age of the receivables, and identification of customer accounts that are likely to prove difficult to collect due to various criteria including pending bankruptcy. However, estimates of the allowance in any future period are inherently uncertain and actual allowances may differ from these estimates. If actual or expected future allowances were significantly greater or less than established reserves, a reduction or increase to bad debt expense would be recorded in the period this determination was made. Our credit policy generally provides that trade receivables will be deemed uncollectible and written-off once we have pursued all reasonable efforts to collect on the account.

Inventories, net of reserves, are comprised of the following:

Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:

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.

A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Weighted average shares that were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of earnings per share were 37,361 and 63,705 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Weighted average shares that were anti-dilutive and therefore not                  included in the calculation of earnings per share were 87,180 and 125,222 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, diluted earnings per share of common stock is equal to basic earnings per share of         common stock due to the net loss.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Rocky Brands, Inc. is currently evaluating the impact of certain ASUs on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) or Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

We do not believe we have any uncertain tax positions. In the third quarter of 2017, we chose to utilize an existing net operating loss (NOL) recognized as a tax receivable in the fourth quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017 to reduce 2017 estimated tax payments. This change in tax strategy from an NOL carryback to an NOL carryforward resulted in a reclassification of $901,365 from tax receivable to a deferred tax asset, which has been netted against our deferred tax liability on the balance sheet at September 30, 2017.

Our policy is to accrue interest and penalties on any uncertain tax position as a component of income tax expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, no such expenses were recognized.

We provided for income taxes at an estimated effective tax rate of 34.0%  for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

A schedule of intangible assets is as follows:

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $31,696 and $32,924 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively and $96,360 and $99,383 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016                 respectively.  The weighted average amortization period for patents and customer relationships are 6 years.

In October 2010, we entered into a financing agreement with PNC Bank (“PNC”) to provide a $70 million credit facility. In December 2014, we amended and restated the credit facility to increase the facility to $75 million and extend the term of the facility an additional five years. The credit facility’s base interest rate is the current prime rate less 0.25%, however the credit facility provides us the option to borrow on up to eight fixed loans at LIBOR plus 1.25% in accordance with the 2014 amended and restated credit agreement. The LIBOR rate is determined based on the fixed loan maturities, which vary from 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. The amended and restated credit facility matures in November 2019.

The Company's credit facility borrowings consist of the following:

(1) September 30, 2017 effective rate of 2.49%. Variable effective rate at September 30, 2017, based on LIBOR + 1.25%

(2) September 30, 2017 effective rate of 4.00%. Variable effective rate at September 30, 2017, based on Prime - 0.25%

The total amount available under our amended and restated revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of September 30, 2017, we had total capacity of $70.2 million.

Our amended and restated 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 amended and restated credit facility agreement). At September 30, 2017, there was no triggering event and the covenant was not in effect.

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, online retailers, independent retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores. Retail includes all sales from our consumer websites, stores and all sales in our Lehigh division. Military includes sales to the U.S. Military. The following is a summary of segment results for the Wholesale, Retail, and Military segments.

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

Generally accepted accounting standards establish a framework for measuring fair value. The fair value accounting standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard clarifies how to measure fair value as permitted under other accounting pronouncements.

The fair value accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This standard also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and payables approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from our customers, net of allowances, 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 long-term credit facility and other short-term financing obligations also approximate fair value, as they are comparable to the available financing in the marketplace during the year . The fair value of our revolving line of credit is categorized as Level 2.

During the third quarter of 2016, we implemented initiatives to reorganize the Company to maximize profitability, drive long-term revenue growth and maximize shareholder value. The costs related to this reorganization are recorded to “Reorganizational Charge” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, costs of approximately $1,160,000 were recognized related to these initiatives, which consisted of severance costs. As of September 30, 2016, we had approximately $878,000 in accrued reorganizing charges recorded to “Accrued expenses – Salaries and wages” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet relating to future severance payments. We do not expect to incur additional costs related to our reorganization efforts.

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 as well as our annual report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net sales. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $64.7 million compared to $73.2 million for the same period in 2016. Wholesale sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $46.0 million compared to $52.9 million for the same period in 2016. The $6.9 million decrease in wholesale sales was primarily driven by the discontinuation of a private label work program at the end of the third quarter of 2016 and a decrease in commercial military sales in the third quarter of 2017 as we were unable to anniversary the large initial sell-in of new boots that took place in 2016 when the color pattern changed from tan to coyote. Retail sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $11.1 million compared to $10.3 million for the same period in 2016. Military segment sales for the three months ended September 30, 2017, were $7.6 million, compared to $10.1 million in the same period in 2016. We are currently fulfilling several multiyear contracts for the U.S. military.

Gross margin. Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $19.5 million, or 30.2% of net sales, compared to $19.8 million, or 27.0% of net sales, in the same period last year. T hird quarter 2017 gross margin includes approximately $1 million of additional expenses related to payroll and overhead costs that could not be capitalized in inventory due to lower than usual production volumes at the Company’s Puerto Rico manufacturing facility because of the disruption from Hurricanes Maria and Irma . Wholesale gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $14.1 million, or 30.6% of net sales, compared to $15.1 million, or 28.6% of net sales, in the same period last year. The increase in wholesale gross margins was driven by the combination of better full price selling, less discounting and the discontinuation of a lower margin private label program. The Retail gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $4.9 million, or 44.1% of net sales, compared to $4.5 million, or 44.2% of net sales, for the same period in 2016. Military gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $0.5 million, or 7.2% of net sales, compared to $0.1 million, or 0.9% of net sales, for the same period in 2016. The military gross margins were not as high as expected due to lower than usual production volumes in our Puerto Rico facility because of the disruption from Hurricanes Maria and Irma. For the year, we still expect Military segment gross margins to be in the mid-teen range. The lower military margins in 2016 were due to higher manufacturing costs associated with the ramp up of production at our manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico.

SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses were $16.0 million, or 24.8% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $17.7 million, or 24.2% of net sales for the same period in 2016. The net decrease in 2017 was primarily related to the reorganization efforts completed in the third quarter of 2016.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in 2016.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.2 million, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in 2016. We provided for income taxes at an effective tax rate of 34.0% for 2017 and 2016.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net sales. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $186.2 million compared to $193.3 million for the same period in 2016. Wholesale sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $122.3 million compared to $134.6 million for the same period in 2016. The $12.2 million decrease in wholesale sales was primarily driven by the discontinuation of a private label work program in the third quarter of 2016 and a decrease in commercial military sales in the  second and third quarter of 2017 as we were unable to anniversary the large initial sell-ins of new boots that took place in 2016 when the color pattern changed from tan to coyote. Retail sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $33.9 million compared to $32.2 million for the same period in 2016. Military segment sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, were $29.9 million, compared to $26.5 million in the same period in 2016. We are currently fulfilling several multiyear contracts for the U.S. military.

Gross margin. Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $57.4 million, or 30.8% of net sales, compared to $54.9 million, or 28.4% of net sales, in the same period last year. G ross margin includes approximately $1 million of additional expenses related to payroll and overhead costs that could not be capitalized in inventory due to lower than usual production volumes at the Company’s Puerto Rico manufacturing facility because of the disruption from Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Wholesale gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $38.6 million, or 31.6% of net sales, compared to $39.6 million, or 29.4% of net sales, in the same period last year. The increase in wholesale gross margins was driven by the combination of better full price selling, less discounting and the discontinuation of a lower margin private label program. The Retail gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $14.9 million, or 43.9% of net sales, compared to $14.3 million, or 44.4% of net sales, for the same period in 2016. Military gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $3.9 million, or 13.1% of net sales, compared to $1.0 million, or 3.9% of net sales, for the same period in 2016. The large increase in military gross margin percentage was mainly driven by better efficiencies within our Puerto Rico facility throughout the year. For the year, we still expect Military segment gross margins to be in the mid-teen range. The lower military margins in 2016 were due to higher manufacturing costs associated with the ramp up of production at our manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico.

SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses were $49.3 million, or 26.5% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $55.7 million, or 28.8% of net sales for the same period in 2016. The net decrease in 2017 was primarily related to the reorganization efforts completed in the third quarter of 2016.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and  $0.5 million for the same period in 2016.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2.7 million, compared to a $0.8 million income tax benefit for the same period a year ago. We provided for income taxes at an effective tax rate of 34.0% for 2017 and 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity have been our income from operations and borrowings under our amended and restated credit facility. For more information regarding our amended and restated credit facility, please see footnote 9 of our financial statements.

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 and distribution operations, retail sales fleet and for information technology. Capital expenditures were $3.5 million for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $5.2 million for the same period in 2016. Total capital expenditures for 2017 are anticipated to be approximately $4.0 million.

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $ 6.8 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 respectively, were primarily impacted by increases in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and inventory.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $5.1 million in the same period of 2016. Cash used in investing activities reflected an investment in property, plant and equipment of $3.5 million in 2017 and $5.2 million in 2016. Our 2017 and 2016 expenditures primarily related to investments in molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations, for information technology and for improvements to our distribution facility.

Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and cash provided by financing activities was $3.1 million in the same period of 2016. This was primarily related to net payments under the revolving credit facility, share repurchases, and dividends paid on our common stock.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates these estimates. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, 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. Historically, actual results have not been materially different from the Company’s estimates. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We have identified the critical accounting policies used in determining estimates and assumptions in the amounts reported in our Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations in our 2016 Form 10-K. Our management believes there have been no material changes in those critical accounting policies.

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, beliefs 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, 2016 (filed March 9, 2017), 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 historical results, and could in the future affect t he Company’s businesses and financial results in future periods 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.

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes since December 31, 2016.

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 September 30, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

None

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, 2016.

The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s purchases of common stock for the periods indicated :

In March 2017, the Company announced a $7,500,000 share repurchase plan. The repurchase program terminates on March 31, 2018. During the third quarter of 2017 the Company repurchased a total of 42,816 shares at a weighted average share price of $13.35.

None

None

None

_____________________

*       Filed with this report.

+       Furnished with this report.

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.

* In his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Robertson is duly authorized to sign this report on behalf of the Registrant.