Exhibit 99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company Contact:
|
|
Jim McDonald Chief |
|
|
|
|
Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
(740) 753-1951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investor Relations:
|
|
Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Brendon Frey/Chad Jacobs |
|
|
|
|
(203) 682-8200 |
ROCKY
BRANDS, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND 2006 FULL YEAR RESULTS
NELSONVILLE, Ohio, March 7, 2007 Rocky Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCKY) today announced financial
results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006.
For the fourth quarter of 2006, net sales were $70.6 million versus net sales of $74.9 million in
the fourth quarter of 2005. It is important to note that the fourth quarter of 2005 included $8.7
million of footwear sales to the military compared to zero footwear sales to the military in the
fourth quarter of 2006. For the fourth quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $0.1 million, or
($0.01) per diluted share, versus net income of $2.6 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the
fourth quarter of 2005.
For the full year 2006, the Company reported net sales of $263.5 million versus net sales of $296.0
million in 2005. It is important to note that 2005 included $27.7 million of footwear sales to the
military compared to $1.1 million in 2006. Net income for the full year 2006 was $4.8 million, or
$0.86 per diluted share, versus net income of $13.0 million, or $2.33 per diluted share in 2005.
Rocky Brands also announced that it recently conducted its annual evaluation of the intangible
assets on its balance sheet. Based on the results, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment
charge in the fourth quarter of $0.5 million after-tax or $0.09 per diluted share reflecting the
write-down of intangible assets related to the Gates trademark.
Mike Brooks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, Our revenues came in slightly below
our forecast primarily due to continued weakness in our womens western footwear category during
the fourth quarter. Additionally, our earnings were negatively impacted by higher than anticipated
selling, general, and administrative costs and an increase in our interest expense. That said, in
the fourth quarter we did witness sales increases in our outdoor footwear and apparel on a
year-over-year basis for the first time in 2006 as well as increased sales in our retail business.
We continue to be optimistic about the long-term prospects for our established brands while at the
same time we are encouraged about the initial product launches for our two newest brands, Zumfoot
and Michelin.
Fourth Quarter Results
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2006 were $70.6 million compared to $74.9 million a year ago.
The decrease in sales was attributable to a decline in footwear sales to the military, which were
zero in the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to $8.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2006 was $28.2 million, or 40.0% of sales, compared to
gross profit of $27.2 million or 36.3% of sales, for the same period last year. The 370 basis
point increase in gross margin was primarily due to the decrease in shipments to the U.S. military
in the fourth quarter of 2006 compared to the fourth quarter of 2005. Military boots are sold at
lower gross margins than branded products.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $25.2 million, or 35.7% of sales, for the
fourth quarter of 2006 compared to $21.2 million, or 28.3% of sales, a year ago. The increase was
primarily a result of higher payroll and healthcare costs, licensing fees, trade show expenses,
distribution expenses and the Gates trademark impairment charge.
Income from operations was $3.0 million or 4.2% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2006, down
from $6.0 million or 8.0% of net sales in the prior year period.
2006 Year-End Results
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 were $263.5 million compared to net sales of $296.0
million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease in sales was primarily attributable to
weaker than expected results in the outdoor footwear and apparel and womens western footwear
categories and a decline in footwear sales to the military, which were $1.1 million in 2006
compared to $27.7 million in 2005.
Gross profit was $109.3 million, or 41.5% of sales, compared to $111.2 million, or 37.6% of sales,
for the same period last year. The 390 basis point increase was primarily due to the decrease in
shipments to the U.S. military in 2006 compared to 2005. Military boots are sold at lower gross
margins than branded products.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $90.4 million, or 34.3% of sales, compared
to $83.2 million, or 28.1% of sales, a year ago. The increase was primarily a result of higher
payroll and healthcare costs, trade show expenses, marketing and advertising expenditures,
professional fees and the Gates trademark impairment charge.
Income from operations was $18.9 million or 7.2% of net sales versus $28.1 million or 9.5% of net
sales in the prior year.
Funded Debt and Interest Expense
The Companys funded debt at December 31, 2006 was $110.5 million versus $105.4 million at December
31, 2005. Interest expense increased to $3.3 million for the
fourth quarter of 2006 versus $2.7 million for the same period last year, and to $11.6 million for 2006 versus $9.3 million for 2005.
These increases were primarily due to an increase in borrowings and higher interest rates versus a
year ago.
Inventory
Inventory increased to $77.9 million at December 31, 2006 compared with $75.4 million on the same
date a year ago.
Outlook
Based on current information, the Company expects fiscal 2007 revenues to increase approximately 5%
over 2006 levels, and diluted earnings per share to increase
approximately 35% over 2006 levels.
Mr. Brooks concluded, We are disappointed in our performance this past year as revenues and
profits came in below our original estimates. We have recently taken steps towards improving our
operating platform including realigning our sales force and restructuring our commission program in
order to better maximize the opportunities for our portfolio of brands. Additionally, we are
exploring ways to reduce our fixed costs going forward. As we begin the new year we are committed
to better executing our growth strategy and dedicated to returning increased value to our
shareholders.
About Rocky Brands, Inc.
Rocky Brands, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear and
apparel marketed under a portfolio of well recognized brand names including Rocky Outdoor Gear®,
Georgia Boot®, Durango®, Lehigh®, and the licensed brands Dickies®, Zumfoot® and Michelin®.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and 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 intent, beliefs, expectations,
projections, forecasts, and plans of the Company and its management, and include statements in this
press release regarding future long-term prospects (paragraph 5), expected 2007 revenues and
earnings (paragraph 16) and improvements in the Companys operating platform (paragraph 17). These
forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation,
the various risks inherent in the Companys business as set forth in periodic reports filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005 (filed March 16, 2006) and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarters ended March 31, 2006 (filed May 10, 2006), June 30, 2006 (filed August 9, 2006), and
September 30, 2006 (filed November 8, 2006). One or more of these factors have affected historical
results, and could in the future affect the Companys businesses and financial results in future
periods and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Therefore
there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will
prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking
statements included herein, the Company, or any other person should not regard the inclusion of
such information as a representation that the objectives and plans of the Company will be
achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on information
presently available to the management of the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update
any forward-looking statements.
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
Unaudited |
|
|
|
|
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
3,731,253 |
|
|
$ |
1,608,680 |
|
Trade receivables net |
|
|
65,259,580 |
|
|
|
61,746,865 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
1,159,444 |
|
|
|
2,455,885 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
77,948,976 |
|
|
|
75,386,732 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
3,902,775 |
|
|
|
133,783 |
|
Income tax receivable |
|
|
3,632,808 |
|
|
|
1,346,820 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
1,581,303 |
|
|
|
1,497,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
157,216,139 |
|
|
|
144,176,176 |
|
FIXED ASSETS net |
|
|
24,349,674 |
|
|
|
24,342,250 |
|
DEFERRED PENSION ASSET |
|
|
13,564 |
|
|
|
2,117,352 |
|
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES & GOODWILL |
|
|
61,979,659 |
|
|
|
62,284,465 |
|
OTHER ASSETS |
|
|
2,796,776 |
|
|
|
3,214,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
$ |
246,355,812 |
|
|
$ |
236,134,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
10,162,291 |
|
|
$ |
12,721,214 |
|
Current maturities long term debt |
|
|
7,288,474 |
|
|
|
6,400,416 |
|
Accrued expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taxes other |
|
|
552,782 |
|
|
|
603,435 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,643,503 |
|
|
|
5,173,442 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
21,647,050 |
|
|
|
24,898,507 |
|
LONG TERM DEBT less current maturities |
|
|
103,203,107 |
|
|
|
98,972,190 |
|
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES |
|
|
17,009,025 |
|
|
|
12,567,208 |
|
DEFERRED LIABILITIES |
|
|
368,580 |
|
|
|
603,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
142,227,762 |
|
|
|
137,041,252 |
|
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, no par value; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding
December 31, 2006 - 5,417,198; December 31, 2005 - 5,351,023 |
|
|
53,238,841 |
|
|
|
52,030,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(993,182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
51,882,391 |
|
|
|
47,063,109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity |
|
|
104,128,050 |
|
|
|
99,093,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
$ |
246,355,812 |
|
|
$ |
236,134,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET SALES |
|
$ |
70,553,986 |
|
|
$ |
74,917,107 |
|
|
$ |
263,491,380 |
|
|
$ |
296,022,614 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COST OF GOODS SOLD |
|
|
42,342,039 |
|
|
|
47,692,569 |
|
|
|
154,173,994 |
|
|
|
184,793,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GROSS MARGIN |
|
|
28,211,947 |
|
|
|
27,224,538 |
|
|
|
109,317,386 |
|
|
|
111,229,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SELLING, GENERAL AND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES |
|
|
25,219,557 |
|
|
|
21,198,035 |
|
|
|
90,386,072 |
|
|
|
83,164,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
|
|
2,992,390 |
|
|
|
6,026,503 |
|
|
|
18,931,314 |
|
|
|
28,064,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(3,272,557 |
) |
|
|
(2,739,554 |
) |
|
|
(11,567,842 |
) |
|
|
(9,256,867 |
) |
Other net |
|
|
110,541 |
|
|
|
215,788 |
|
|
|
242,059 |
|
|
|
464,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other net |
|
|
(3,162,016 |
) |
|
|
(2,523,766 |
) |
|
|
(11,325,783 |
) |
|
|
(8,792,482 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME/(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
|
|
(169,626 |
) |
|
|
3,502,737 |
|
|
|
7,605,531 |
|
|
|
19,271,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME TAX EXPENSE/(BENEFIT) |
|
|
(91,751 |
) |
|
|
896,683 |
|
|
|
2,786,249 |
|
|
|
6,258,047 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME/(LOSS) |
|
$ |
(77,875 |
) |
|
$ |
2,606,054 |
|
|
$ |
4,819,282 |
|
|
$ |
13,013,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER SHARE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.49 |
|
|
$ |
0.89 |
|
|
$ |
2.48 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
$ |
0.86 |
|
|
$ |
2.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
5,410,597 |
|
|
|
5,326,438 |
|
|
|
5,392,390 |
|
|
|
5,257,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
5,410,597 |
|
|
|
5,626,473 |
|
|
|
5,578,176 |
|
|
|
5,584,771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|