Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
OR
     
o   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: 0-21026
ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Ohio
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  31-1364046
(I.R.S. Employer
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 the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
         
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ
As of November 2, 2006, 5,405,218 shares of Rocky Brands, Inc. common stock, no par value, were outstanding.
 
 

 


 

FORM 10-Q
ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
    PAGE
    NUMBER
   
 
   
   
 
   
  3
 
   
  4
 
   
  5
 
   
  6 --15
 
   
  16 -- 22
 
   
  23
 
   
  23
 
   
   
 
   
  24
 
   
  24
 
   
  24
 
   
  24
 
   
  24
 
   
  24
 
   
  24
 
   
  25
 EX-31(A)
 EX-31(B)
 EX-32(A)
 EX-32(B)

2


Table of Contents

PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         
    September 30, 2006     December 31, 2005     September 30, 2005  
    (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)  
ASSETS:
                       
CURRENT ASSETS:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,327,977     $ 1,608,680     $ 2,050,120  
Trade receivables — net
    81,054,978       61,746,865       83,711,308  
Other receivables
    987,939       2,455,885       1,629,606  
Inventories
    87,710,315       75,386,732       77,322,005  
Deferred income taxes
    133,783       133,783       1,297,850  
Income tax receivable
    10,873       1,346,820        
Prepaid expenses
    2,320,048       1,497,411       1,339,103  
 
                 
Total current assets
    174,545,913       144,176,176       167,349,992  
FIXED ASSETS — net
    24,245,710       24,342,250       23,690,488  
DEFERRED PENSION ASSET
    1,563,639       2,117,352       1,347,824  
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES
    37,970,535       38,320,828       47,116,646  
GOODWILL
    24,874,368       23,963,637       20,620,543  
OTHER ASSETS
    2,815,654       3,214,131       4,072,999  
 
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 266,015,819     $ 236,134,374     $ 264,198,492  
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 16,290,173     $ 12,721,214     $ 13,242,936  
Current maturities — long term debt
    7,282,374       6,400,416       6,389,559  
Accrued expenses:
                       
Income taxes
                3,222,774  
Interest
    694,096       724,159       243,394  
Salaries and wages
    810,280       1,531,336       2,656,279  
Commissions
    633,742       669,306       918,216  
Taxes — other
    255,598       603,435       596,460  
Other
    1,468,402       2,248,641       1,555,416  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    27,434,665       24,898,507       28,825,034  
LONG TERM DEBT — less current maturities
    120,040,154       98,972,190       121,111,944  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    13,477,939       12,567,208       18,527,196  
DEFERRED LIABILITIES
    379,144       603,347       1,472,442  
 
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    161,331,902       137,041,252       169,936,616  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
                       
Common stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding September 30, 2006 —5,405,098; December 31, 2005 — 5,351,023; September 30, 2005 — 5,295,845
    52,723,651       52,030,013       50,694,385  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
                (889,564 )
Retained earnings
    51,960,266       47,063,109       44,457,055  
 
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    104,683,917       99,093,122       94,261,876  
 
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 266,015,819     $ 236,134,374     $ 264,198,492  
 
                 
See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
NET SALES
  $ 78,114,725     $ 94,087,786     $ 192,937,394     $ 221,105,507  
 
                               
COST OF GOODS SOLD
    45,998,535       60,014,309       111,831,955       137,100,919  
 
                       
 
                               
GROSS MARGIN
    32,116,190       34,073,477       81,105,439       84,004,588  
 
                               
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    22,606,038       21,820,251       65,166,515       61,966,723  
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
    9,510,152       12,253,226       15,938,924       22,037,865  
 
                               
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
                               
 
                               
Interest expense, net
    (2,883,656 )     (2,523,143 )     (8,295,285 )     (6,517,313 )
Other — net
    73,056       130,958       131,518       248,597  
 
                       
Total other — net
    (2,810,600 )     (2,392,185 )     (8,163,767 )     (6,268,716 )
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    6,699,552       9,861,041       7,775,157       15,769,149  
 
                               
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    2,480,000       3,352,605       2,878,000       5,361,364  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 4,219,552     $ 6,508,436     $ 4,897,157     $ 10,407,785  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME PER SHARE
                               
Basic
  $ 0.78     $ 1.23     $ 0.91     $ 1.99  
Diluted
  $ 0.76     $ 1.15     $ 0.88     $ 1.86  
 
                               
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
                               
Basic
    5,400,647       5,289,736       5,386,254       5,232,964  
 
                       
Diluted
    5,553,028       5,646,161       5,588,616       5,585,224  
 
                       
See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2006     2005  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 4,897,157     $ 10,407,785  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    3,894,797       3,772,572  
Deferred compensation and pension
    329,510       773,226  
Deferred income taxes
          (16,118 )
Write off of deferred financing costs for debt repayment
    382,144        
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets
    (592,027 )     16,790  
Stock compensation expense
    352,061       60,000  
Change in assets and liabilities, (net of effect of acquisition for 2005):
               
Receivables
    (17,840,167 )     (27,611,537 )
Inventories
    (12,323,583 )     (9,689,337 )
Other current assets
    513,310       2,239,986  
Other assets
    626,333       142,171  
Accounts payable
    3,568,959       3,337,976  
Accrued and other liabilities
    (1,914,759 )     1,325,009  
 
           
 
               
Net cash used in operating activities
    (18,106,265 )     (15,241,477 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchase of fixed assets
    (4,631,428 )     (4,268,847 )
Investment in trademarks and patents
    (80,092 )      
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    1,855,583        
Acquisition of business
          (92,916,237 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,855,937 )     (97,185,084 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
    203,591,775       263,128,948  
Repayment of revolving credit facility
    (173,426,868 )     (194,567,038 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    15,000,000       48,000,000  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (23,214,985 )     (5,596,971 )
Debt financing costs
    (610,000 )     (2,310,550 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    341,577       761,433  
 
           
 
               
Net cash provided by financing activities
    21,681,499       109,415,822  
 
           
 
               
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    719,297       (3,010,739 )
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    1,608,680       5,060,859  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 2,327,977     $ 2,050,120  
 
           
See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE-MONTH AND NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005
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 consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal and recurring nature. The results of the operations for the three-month periods and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the whole year. Accordingly, these 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, 2005.
 
    For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, net income was equal to comprehensive income.
 
    On January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which requires that companies measure and recognize compensation expense at an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted under compensation arrangements. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations, and recognized no compensation expense for stock option grants because all options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.
 
    We adopted SFAS 123(R) using the “modified prospective” method, which results in no restatement of prior period amounts. Under this method, the provisions of SFAS 123(R) apply to all awards granted or modified after the date of adoption. In addition, compensation expense must be recognized for any unvested stock option awards outstanding as of the date of adoption on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. We calculate the fair value of options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006, our compensation expense related to stock option grants was approximately $94,000 and $282,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2006, there was a total of $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option awards that will be recognized as an expense as the awards vest over the next four years. SFAS 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation expense to be reported in the Statement of Cash Flows as a financing cash inflow rather than as operating cash inflow. For companies that adopt SFAS 123(R) using the

6


Table of Contents

“modified prospective” method, disclosure of pro forma information for periods prior to adoption must continue to be presented. The following table sets forth the effect on net income and earnings per share as if SFAS 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” had been applied to the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005.
                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2005     September 30, 2005  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
Net income as reported
  $ 6,508,436     $ 10,407,785  
 
               
Deduct: Stock based employee compensation determined under a fair value based method for all awards, net of related income tax effect.
    273,930       821,792  
 
           
 
               
Pro forma net income
  $ 6,234,506     $ 9,585,993  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per share:
               
Basic — as reported
  $ 1.23     $ 1.99  
Basic — pro forma
  $ 1.18     $ 1.83  
 
               
Diluted — as reported
  $ 1.15     $ 1.86  
Diluted — pro forma
  $ 1.10     $ 1.72  
No options were granted during the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. The fair value of options granted during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 was established at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the weighted average assumptions as follows:
         
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2005  
Expected dividend yield
     
Risk free interest rate
    3.96 %
Expected volatility
    50.6 %
Expected term (in years)
    4  
Weighted average fair value of options
  $ 1,587,200  
The pro forma amounts may not be representative of the effects on reported net income for future years.

7


Table of Contents

2.   INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are comprised of the following:
                         
    September 30, 2006     December 31, 2005     September 30, 2005  
Raw materials
  $ 7,448,509     $ 7,833,780     $ 9,766,712  
Work-in-process
    286,903       583,963       937,712  
Finished goods
    80,589,267       67,453,668       67,332,804  
Reserve for obsolescence or lower of cost or market
    (614,364 )     (484,679 )     (715,223 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 87,710,315     $ 75,386,732     $ 77,322,005  
 
                 
3.   SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
    Cash paid for interest and federal, state and local income taxes was as follows:
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2006     2005  
Interest
  $ 7,375,000     $ 6,034,000  
 
           
 
               
Federal, state and local income taxes
  $ 1,711,000     $ 2,136,000  
 
           
    In January 2005, we issued 484,261 common shares valued at $11,573,838, as part of the purchase of the EJ Footwear LLC, Georgia Boot LLC, and HM Lehigh Safety Shoe Co. LLC (the “EJ Footwear Group”) from SILLC Holdings LLC.
 
4.   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.

8


Table of Contents

A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    5,400,647       5,289,736       5,386,254       5,232,964  
 
                               
Diluted stock options
    152,381       356,425       202,362       352,260  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    5,553,028       5,646,161       5,588,616       5,585,224  
 
                       
 
                               
Anti-diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    257,375             186,267        
 
                       
5.   RECENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a FASB Staff Position (“FSP”), “Classification of Options and Similar Instruments Issued as Employee Compensation that Allow for Cash Settlement upon the Occurrence of a Contingent Event” (“FSP FAS 123(R)-4”). FSP FAS 123(R)-4 amends SFAS No. 123(R) and addresses the classification of stock options and similar instruments issued as employee compensation. Instruments having contingent cash settlement features are properly classified as equity if the cash settlement feature can be exercised only upon the occurrence of a contingent event that is outside the employee’s control, and it is not probable that the event will occur. If the contingent event becomes probable, the instrument shall be accounted for as a liability. FSP FAS 123(R)-4 was adopted by us in the first quarter of 2006. The adoption of FSP FAS 123(R)-4 did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
    In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 requires that we recognize in our financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective as of the beginning of our 2007 fiscal year, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on our financial statements.
 
    In June 2006, the FASB ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) position EITF 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement (that is Gross versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”), that addresses disclosure requirements for taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes. EITF 06-3 requires disclosure of the method of accounting for the applicable assessed taxes, and the amount of assessed taxes that are included in revenues if they are accounted for under the gross method. The provisions of EITF 06-3 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier application permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting EITF 06-3 on our financial statements.

9


Table of Contents

    In September 2006, the FASB issued a Statement of Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, rather it applies under existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on our financial statements.
 
    Also in September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an Amendment of FASB Statements 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). Under SFAS 158, an employer is required to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as an asset or liability. The provisions of SFAS 158 relating to the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan and required disclosures are effective as of December 31, 2006. The provisions of SFAS 158 relating to the measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 158 on our financial statements.
 
6.   ACQUISITION
 
    On January 6, 2005, we completed the purchase of 100% of the issued and outstanding voting limited liability company interests of the EJ Footwear Group (“EJ”) from SILLC Holdings LLC. EJ was acquired to expand the Company’s branded product lines, principally occupational products, and provide new channels for our existing product lines. The aggregate purchase price for the interests of EJ, including closing date working capital adjustments, was $93.1 million in cash plus 484,261 shares of our common stock valued at $11,573,838. Common stock value was based on the average closing share price during the three days preceding and three days subsequent to the date of the acquisition agreement. Certain adjustments were made to the purchase price allocation subsequent to September 30, 2005, which are not reflected in the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

10


Table of Contents

We have allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based upon the fair values and income tax basis. Goodwill resulting from the transaction has been allocated entirely to the wholesale reportable segment and is not tax deductible. The purchase price has been allocated as follows:
         
Purchase price allocation:
       
 
       
Cash
  $ 91,298,435  
Common shares — 484,261 shares
    11,573,838  
Transaction costs
    1,799,488  
 
     
 
  $ 104,671,761  
 
     
Allocated to:
       
Current assets
  $ 64,727,065  
Fixed assets and other assets
    2,781,379  
Identified intangibles
    36,000,000  
Goodwill
    23,316,507  
Liabilities
    (11,307,184 )
Deferred taxes — long term
    (10,846,006 )
 
     
 
  $ 104,671,761  
 
     
During the second quarter of 2006, a net operating loss carry forward recorded in the purchase as a deferred tax asset was reduced by $0.9 million and goodwill was increased by $0.9 million as a result of finalization of the income tax basis of net operating losses of EJ incurred prior to the purchase.
Identified intangibles have been allocated as follows:
                 
            Average  
    Estimated Fair     Remaining  
    Value     Useful Life  
Trademarks:
               
Wholesale
  $ 26,400,000     Indefinite
Retail
    6,900,000     Indefinite
Patents (wholesale)
    1,700,000     5 years
Customer relationships (wholesale)
    1,000,000     5 years
 
             
Total identified intangibles
  $ 36,000,000          
 
             
The results of operations of EJ are included in the results of operations of the Company effective January 1, 2005, as management determined that results of operations were not significant and no material transactions occurred during the period from January 1, 2005 to January 6, 2005.

11


Table of Contents

7.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
    A schedule of intangible assets is as follows:
                         
    Gross     Accumulated     Carrying  
September 30, 2006 (unaudited)   Amount     Amortization     Amount  
 
                       
Trademarks:
                       
Wholesale
  $ 28,933,009             $ 28,933,009  
Retail
    6,900,000               6,900,000  
Patents
    2,268,828     $ 781,302       1,487,526  
Customer relationships
    1,000,000       350,000       650,000  
 
                 
Total Identified Intangibles
  $ 39,101,837     $ 1,131,302     $ 37,970,535  
 
                 
                         
    Gross     Accumulated     Carrying  
December 31, 2005   Amount     Amortization     Amount  
 
                       
Trademarks:
                       
Wholesale
  $ 28,933,009             $ 28,933,009  
Retail
    6,900,000               6,900,000  
Patents
    2,188,736     $ 500,917       1,687,819  
Customer relationships
    1,000,000       200,000       800,000  
 
                 
Total Identified Intangibles
  $ 39,021,745     $ 700,917     $ 38,320,828  
 
                 
                         
    Gross     Accumulated     Carrying  
September 30, 2005 (unaudited)   Amount     Amortization     Amount  
 
                       
Trademarks:
                       
Wholesale
  $ 28,702,080             $ 28,702,080  
Retail
    15,100,000               15,100,000  
Patents
    2,962,460     $ 497,894       2,464,566  
Customer relationships
    1,000,000       150,000       850,000  
 
                 
Total Identified Intangibles
  $ 47,764,540     $ 647,894     $ 47,116,646  
 
                 
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $143,600 and $172,230 for the three-months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $430,385 and $516,098 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The weighted average amortization period for patents is six years and for customer relationships is five years.
Estimate of Aggregate Amortization Expense:
         
Year ending December 31, 2006
  $ 570,000  
Year ending December 31, 2007
    570,000  
Year ending December 31, 2008
    570,000  
Year ending December 31, 2009
    30,000  
Year ending December 31, 2010
    30,000  

12


Table of Contents

8.   CAPITAL STOCK
 
    On May 11, 2004, our shareholders approved the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. This Stock Incentive Plan includes 750,000 of our common shares that may be granted for stock options and restricted stock awards. As of September 30, 2006, we were authorized to issue approximately 499,000 shares under our existing plans.
 
    For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, options for 50,575 shares of our common stock were exercised at an average price of $6.75. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, options for 114,449 shares of our common stock were exercised at an average price of $6.65.
 
    The plans generally provide 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, 2006 through September 30, 2006:
                 
            Weighted  
            Average  
            Exercise  
    Shares     Price  
Options outstanding at January 1, 2006
    658,851     $ 14.49  
Issued
           
Exercised
    (50,575 )     6.75  
Forfeited
    (65,000 )     23.27  
 
           
 
               
Options outstanding at September 30, 2006
    543,276     $ 14.16  
 
           
 
               
Options exercisable at:
               
January 1, 2006
    353,812     $ 13.30  
September 30, 2006
    418,026     $ 13.39  
 
               
Unvested options at January 1, 2006
    305,039     $ 15.87  
Granted
           
Vested
    (114,789 )     10.73  
Forfeited
    (65,000 )     23.27  
 
           
 
               
Unvested options at September 30, 2006
    125,250     $ 16.74  
 
           
.
               
During the nine-month period ending September 30, 2006, a total of 50,575 options were exercised with an intrinsic value of approximately $0.8 million. A total of 114,739 options vested during the nine months ending September 30, 2006 with a fair value of $0.8 million. At September 30, 2006, a total of 418,026 options were vested and exercisable with an intrinsic value of $1.5 million and a fair value of $0.6 million. At September 30, 2006, a total of 125,250 options were unvested with an intrinsic value of $0.2 million and a fair value of $0.1 million.

13


Table of Contents

9.   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. As a result of freezing the plan, we recognized a $393,787 charge in the first quarter of 2006 for previously unrecognized service costs. Net pension cost of the Company’s plan is as follows:
                                 
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
 
                               
Service cost
  $ 18,925     $ 130,966     $ 254,245     $ 392,898  
Interest
    97,768       132,265       324,468       396,795  
Expected return on assets
    (148,558 )     (170,931 )     (494,442 )     (512,793 )
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
          21,404             64,212  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    2,018       4,077       8,113       12,231  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
    16,755       33,848       67,358       101,544  
Curtailment Charge
                393,787        
 
                       
Net pension cost (income)
  $ (13,092 )   $ 151,629     $ 553,529     $ 454,887  
 
                       
Our unrecognized benefit obligations existing at the date of transition for the non-union plan are being amortized over twenty-one years. Actuarial assumptions used in the accounting for the plans were as follows:
                 
    September 30,  
    2006     2005  
 
               
Discount rate
    5.75 %     5.75 %
 
               
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 plans have 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.
 
10.   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.

14


Table of Contents

                                 
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
NET SALES:
                               
Wholesale
  $ 63,363,200     $ 70,679,750     $ 147,063,730     $ 158,062,947  
Retail
    14,563,625       14,016,971       44,784,799       44,128,066  
Military
    187,900       9,391,065       1,088,865       18,914,494  
 
                       
Total Net Sales
  $ 78,114,725     $ 94,087,786     $ 192,937,394     $ 221,105,507  
 
                       
 
                               
GROSS MARGIN:
                               
Wholesale
  $ 24,413,169     $ 25,214,666     $ 57,034,411     $ 57,894,147  
Retail
    7,671,123       7,288,246       23,907,141       23,314,518  
Military
    31,898       1,570,565       163,887       2,795,923  
 
                       
Total Gross Margin
  $ 32,116,190     $ 34,073,477     $ 81,105,439     $ 84,004,588  
 
                       
    Segment asset information is not prepared or used to assess segment performance.
 
11.   LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    In June 2006, we amended our debt agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance (“GMAC”) to include a new three-year, $15 million term loan with an interest rate of (1) LIBOR plus 3.25% or (2) prime plus 1.75%, payable over three years beginning in September 2006. The proceeds from the new term loan were used to pay down the $30 million American Capital Strategies, LTD. (“ACAS”) term loan. In conjunction with this repayment, we amended the terms of the ACAS term loan, including lowering the interest rate to LIBOR plus 6.5%, adjusting the repayment schedule to reflect the lower loan balance payable in equal installments from August 2009 to January 2011, and modifying certain restrictive loan covenants.
 
    The total amount available on our revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of September 30, 2006, we had $89.7 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $94.0 million. Our credit facilities contain certain restrictive covenants, which among other things, require us to maintain certain minimum EBITDA and certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. As of September 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all of these loan covenants except for minimum EBITDA, senior and total leverage. We have received waivers from the lending institutions regarding these covenants. Costs associated with the obtaining the waivers totaled $275,000 and will be reflected in our fourth quarter operating results.
 
    In November 2006, we amended the terms of the restrictive covenants through December 2007, pertaining to minimum EBITDA, senior and total leverage, and fixed charges, contained within our debt agreement with GMAC and our term loan agreement with ACAS. Additionally, the amendment to the term loan agreement with ACAS increased the interest rate to LIBOR plus 8.5%.

15


Table of Contents

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     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2005     2006     2005  
Net Sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of Goods Sold
    58.9 %     63.8 %     58.0 %     62.0 %
 
                       
Gross Margin
    41.1 %     36.2 %     42.0 %     38.0 %
 
                               
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
    28.9 %     23.2 %     33.8 %     28.0 %
 
                               
 
                       
Income From Operations
    12.2 %     13.0 %     8.2 %     10.0 %
 
                       
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
Net sales. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $78.1 million compared to $94.1 million for the same period in 2005. Wholesale sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $63.4 million compared to $70.7 million for the same period in 2005. The $7.3 million decrease in sales is the result of decreases in sales in our outdoor footwear, outdoor apparel and western footwear categories. Retail sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $14.6 million compared to $14.0 million for the same period in 2005. Military segment sales, which occur from time to time, for the three months ended September 30, 2006 were $0.2 million, compared to $9.4 million in the same period in 2005. Fiscal year 2005 sales reflect shipments under U.S. Military contracts that we held directly. Average list prices for our footwear, apparel and accessories were slightly higher in the 2006 period compared to the 2005 period due to price increases of approximately 2% on certain products.
Gross margin. Gross margin in the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $32.1 million, or 41.1% of net sales, compared to $34.1 million, or 36.2% of net sales, in the same period last year. The 490 basis point increase is primarily attributable to a reduction in lower margin military sales. Wholesale gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $24.4 million, or 38.5% of net sales, compared to $25.2 million, or 35.7% of net sales, in the same period last year. The 280 basis point increase reflects an increased mix of sales of work and western products, which carry higher margins than outdoor products. Retail gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $7.7 million, or 52.7% of net sales, compared to $7.3 million, or 52.0% of net sales, for the same period in 2005. Military gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was less than $0.1 million or 17.0% of net sales, compared to $1.6 million, or 16.7% of net sales, for the same period in 2005.

16


Table of Contents

SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses were $22.6 million, or 28.9% of net sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $21.8 million, or 23.2% of net sales for the same period in 2005. The net change reflects higher advertising expenses of $0.5 million and increased professional fees of $0.3 million.
Interest expense. Interest expense was $2.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $2.5 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase reflects higher interest rates.
Income taxes. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.5 million, compared to an expense of $3.4 million for the same period a year ago. Our estimated effective tax rate was 37% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, versus 34% for the same period in 2005. The increase in our effective tax rate in 2006 was due primarily to the cessation of income tax incentive programs for our Lifestyle Footwear, Inc. and Five Star Enterprises Ltd. operations.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
Net sales. Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $192.9 million compared to $221.1 million for the same period in 2005. Wholesale sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $147.1 million compared to $158.1 million for the same period in 2005. Gains in sales in our work and western footwear categories were offset by decreases in sales in our outdoor footwear and apparel categories. Retail sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $44.8 million compared to $44.1 million for the same period in 2005. Military segment sales, which occur from time to time, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $1.1 million, compared to $18.9 million in the same period in 2005. Fiscal year 2005 sales reflect shipments under U.S. Military contracts that we held directly.
Gross margin. Gross margin in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $81.1 million, or 42.0% of net sales, compared to $84.0 million, or 38.0% of net sales, in the same period last year. The 400 basis point increase is primarily attributable to a reduction in lower margin military sales. Wholesale gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $57.0 million, or 38.8% of net sales, compared to $57.9 million, or 36.6% of net sales, in the same period last year. The 220 basis point increase reflects an increased mix of sales of work and western products, which carry higher margins than outdoor products. Retail gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $23.9 million, or 53.4% of net sales, compared to $23.3 million, or 52.8% of net sales, for the same period in 2005. Military gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $0.2 million, or 15.1% of net sales, compared to $2.8 million, or 14.8% of net sales, for the same period in 2005.
SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses were $65.2 million, or 33.8% of net sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $62.0 million, or 28.0% of net sales for the same period in 2005. The net change reflects an increase in payroll and healthcare costs of $2.8 million that includes a $0.4 million pension curtailment charge relating to freezing the non-union pension plan at the end of 2005, higher advertising expenses of $0.7 million, higher trade show expenses of $0.4 million, and additional professional fees $0.7 million. This is offset by the $0.7 million gain on the sale of a company-owned property that was sold in March 2006.

17


Table of Contents

Interest expense. Interest expense was $8.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $6.5 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase reflects higher interest rates coupled with a $0.4 million charge relating to deferred financing charges under the initial Note Purchase Agreement with ACAS.
Income taxes. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.9 million, compared to $5.4 million for the same period a year ago. Our estimated effective tax rate was 37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, versus 34% for the same period in 2005. The increase in our effective tax rate in 2006 was due primarily to the cessation of income tax incentive programs for our Lifestyle Footwear, Inc. and Five Star Enterprises Ltd. operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of liquidity have been our income from operations, borrowings under our credit facility and other indebtedness. In January 2005, we incurred additional indebtedness to fund our acquisition of EJ Footwear as described below.
Over the last several years our principal uses of cash have been for our acquisitions of EJ Footwear and certain assets of Gates-Mills, as well 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 and for information technology. Capital expenditures were $4.6 million for the first nine months of 2006, compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2005. Capital expenditures for all of 2006 are anticipated to be approximately $5.5 million.
In conjunction with the completion of our acquisition of EJ Footwear in January 2005, we entered into agreements with GMAC and ACAS for credit facilities totaling $148 million. The credit facilities were used to fund the acquisition of EJ Footwear and replace our prior $45 million revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the agreements, the interest rates and repayment terms were: (1) a five-year, $100 million revolving credit facility with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5% or prime plus 1.0%; (2) an $18 million term loan with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25% or prime plus 1.75%, payable in equal quarterly installments over three years beginning in 2005; and (3) a $30 million term loan with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 8.0%, payable in equal installments from 2008 through 2011. The total amount available on our revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory.
In June 2006, we amended our debt agreement with GMAC to include a new three-year, $15 million term loan with an interest rate of (1) LIBOR plus 3.25% or (2) prime plus 1.75%, payable over three years beginning in September 2006. The proceeds from the new term loan were used to pay down the $30 million ACAS term loan. In conjunction with this repayment, we amended the terms of the ACAS term loan, including lowering the interest rate to LIBOR plus 6.5%, adjusting the repayment schedule to reflect the lower loan balance payable in equal installments from August 2009 to January 2011, and modifying certain restrictive loan covenants.

18


Table of Contents

The total amount available on our revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of September 30, 2006, we had $89.7 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $94.0 million. Our credit facilities contain certain restrictive covenants, which among other things, require us to maintain certain minimum EBITDA and certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. As of September 30, 2006, we were in compliance with all of these loan covenants except for minimum EBITDA, senior and total leverage. We have received waivers from the lending institutions regarding these covenants. Costs associated with the obtaining the waivers totaled $275,000 and will be reflected in our fourth quarter operating results.
In November 2006, we amended the terms of the restrictive covenants through December 2007, pertaining to minimum EBITDA, senior and total leverage, and fixed charges, contained within our debt agreement with GMAC and our term loan agreement with ACAS. Additionally, the amendment to the term loan agreement with ACAS increased the interest rate to LIBOR plus 8.5%.
We believe that our existing credit facilities 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 facilities.
Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities totaled $18.1 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared to $15.2 million in the same period of 2005. Cash used in operating activities was impacted by a seasonal buildup of both inventories and accounts receivable, and an increase in accounts payable reflecting payments due to overseas vendors.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $2.9 million for the first nine months of 2006, compared to a usage of cash of $97.2 million in 2005. Cash used by investing activities in 2006 reflects an investment in property plant and equipment of $4.6 million, offset by the sale of the Harper Street warehouse facility for $1.9 million. Our acquisition of EJ Footwear for $92.9 million and investment in property plant and equipment of $4.3 million impacted 2005 expenditures. Our 2006 expenditures primarily relate to investments in production equipment and expansion of workspace at our office building to accommodate the relocation of the EJ Footwear operations.
Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $21.7 million, reflecting an increase in net borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $30.2 million, a new $15.0 million term loan, and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.3 million, partially offset by repayments on long-term debt of $23.2 million and debt financing costs of $0.6 million. As described above, the proceeds from the new $15 million term loan were used to repay $15 million of existing debt that bore a higher interest rate. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $109.4 million, which was comprised of the cash proceeds from debt financing of $111.0 million, primarily used to fund the acquisition of EJ Footwear, and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.8 million, partially offset by debt financing costs of $2.3 million.

19


Table of Contents

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, 2005.
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 doubtful 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. Management also records estimates for customer returns and discounts offered to customers. Should a greater proportion of customers return goods and take advantage of discounts than estimated by us, additional allowances may be required.

20


Table of Contents

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 at least annually or whenever there is an indication that may create impairment. None of our intangibles were impaired as of September 30, 2006.
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 September 30 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 9, “Retirement Plans,” to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006. Actual results would be different using other assumptions. Management records an accrual for pension costs associated with our sponsored noncontributory 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. As a result of freezing the plan, we have recognized a charge for previously unrecognized service costs of approximately $0.4 million during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006.

21


Table of Contents

Income taxes
Currently, management believes that deferred tax assets will, more likely than 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 is 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, 2005, 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 in the future 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.

22


Table of Contents

ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes since December 31, 2005.
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 Rules 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, 2006, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

23


Table of Contents

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, 2005.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
     None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
     None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
     None
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.

24


Table of Contents

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: November 8, 2006  /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.

25