Exhibit 99
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ROCKY BRANDS, INC. |
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Company Contact:
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Jim McDonald |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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(740) 753-1951 |
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Investor Relations:
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Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc. |
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Brendon Frey/Chad Jacobs |
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(203) 682-8200 |
ROCKY BRANDS, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND 2007 FULL YEAR RESULTS
NELSONVILLE, Ohio, February 27, 2008 Rocky Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCKY) today announced financial
results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007.
For the fourth quarter of 2007, net sales increased 2.8% to $72.5 million versus net sales of $70.6
million in the fourth quarter of 2006. For the fourth quarter, the Company reported a net loss of
$23.6 million, or ($4.31) per diluted share, versus a net loss of $0.08 million, or ($0.01) per
diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2006. Results for the fourth quarter of 2007 include a
non-cash charge of $23.5 million, net of tax benefits, or ($4.29) per diluted share, for goodwill
impairment, which is discussed below. Results for the fourth quarter of 2006 include a non-cash
impairment charge of $0.5 million, net of tax benefits, or $0.09 per diluted share reflecting the
write-down of intangible assets related to the Gates trademark. Excluding these charges, the
Company reported a net loss of $0.1 million, or ($0.02) per diluted share in the fourth quarter of
2007 compared to a net income of $0.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of
2006.
For the full year 2007, net sales increased 4.5% to $275.3 million versus net sales of $263.5
million in 2006. For the full year 2007, the Company reported a net loss of $23.1 million, or
($4.22) per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.8 million, or $0.86 per diluted share in
2006. Results for fiscal 2007 include a non-cash charge of $23.5 million, net of tax benefits, or
($4.30) per diluted share, for goodwill impairment. Results for fiscal 2007 include a non-cash
charge of $23.5 million, net of tax benefits, or ($4.29) per diluted share, for goodwill
impairment, which is discussed below. Results for fiscal 2006 include a non-cash impairment charge
of $0.5 million, net of tax benefits, or $0.09 per diluted share reflecting the write-down of
intangible assets related to the Gates trademark. Excluding these charges, the Company reported net
income of $0.4 million, or $0.08, per diluted share in fiscal 2007 compared to a net income of $5.3
million, or $0.95 per diluted share in fiscal 2006.
During the fourth quarter, the Company conducted its annual impairment testing required by SFAS No.
142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for fiscal 2007. As a result of the evaluation, the
Company determined that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeded its implied fair value, and
recognized an impairment loss on the carrying value of goodwill in the amount of $23.5 million, net
of tax benefits, in 2007. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company recognized an impairment loss
on the carrying value of the Gates trademark in the amount of $0.5 million, net of tax benefits.
Mike Brooks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, Our fourth quarter performance was
highlighted by positive gains in our retail business combined with the initial shipments of
footwear to the military. Retail sales rose 31.5% as we continued to add more national accounts and
increase our share of the market. However, we experienced softness in our outdoor and western
footwear segments which negatively impacted our sales and earnings. We are taking steps to reverse
the trends in these categories and improve our overall profitability in 2008.
Fourth Quarter Results
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $72.5 million compared to $70.6 million a year ago.
The increase in sales was attributable to higher sales in our retail segment and to a lesser
extent, footwear
sales to the military, partially offset by a decline in outdoor and western footwear sales in our
wholesale segment.
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2007 was $28.7 million, or 39.6% of sales compared to $28.2
million, or 40.0% for the same period last year. The 40 basis point decrease in gross margin was
primarily due to the increase in shipments to the U.S. military in the fourth quarter of 2007
compared to the fourth quarter of 2006. Military boots are sold at lower gross margins than branded
products.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $26.2 million, or 36.1% of sales, for the
fourth quarter of 2007 compared to $24.5 million, or 34.7% of sales, a year ago. The increase was
primarily a result of higher salaries, commissions and bad debt expenses versus the year before.
Income from operations, excluding the non-cash intangible impairment charge, was $2.5 million, or
3.5% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2007, compared to income from operations, excluding the
impairment loss on the carrying value of the Gates trademark, of $3.8 million or 5.3% of net sales
for the fourth quarter of 2006.
2007 Year-End Results
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $275.3 million compared to net sales of $263.5
million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to
higher sales in our retail segment.
Gross profit was $108.0 million, or 39.2% of sales, compared to $109.3 million, or 41.5% of sales
for the same period last year. The 230 basis point decrease was primarily due to a reduction in
sales price per unit for competitive reasons in the wholesale segment combined with an increase in
manufacturing costs and higher closeout sales versus the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $96.4 million, or 35.0% of sales, compared
to $89.6 million, or 34.0% of sales, a year ago. The increase was primarily a result of higher
salaries and commissions, bad debt and collection expenses and professional fees versus the year
before.
Income from operations, excluding the non-cash intangible impairment charge, was $11.6 million, or
4.2% of net sales for fiscal 2007, compared to income from operations, excluding the impairment
loss on the carrying value of the Gates trademark, of $19.7 million or 7.5% of net sales for fiscal
2006.
Funded Debt and Interest Expense
The Companys funded debt at December 31, 2007 improved to $103.5 million versus $110.5 million at
December 31, 2006 Interest expense decreased to $2.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2007 versus
$3.3 million for the same period last year, and remained flat at $11.6 million for 2007 versus
$11.6 million for 2006.
Inventory
Inventory decreased to $75.4 million at December 31, 2007 compared with $77.9 million on the same
date a year ago.
Mr. Brooks concluded, Fiscal 2007 was a challenging year for our Company as we faced increased
competition, pricing pressure, and a difficult consumer environment. Over the past 12-months we
have implemented several initiatives aimed at expanding margins, reducing operating expenses, and
improving earnings. At the same time, we have taken steps to further diversify our business by
creating additional growth vehicles and penetrating new categories that we believe provide our
Company with compelling long-term prospects. As we begin the new year, we are very focused on
successfully executing a strategy that will position us for better operational and financial
performances and enable us to become a stronger, more disciplined organization.
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 profitability in 2008 (paragraph 5) and strategy for 2008 (paragraph 16).
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, 2006 (filed March 15, 2007), quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 (filed
May 9, 2007), quarterly
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (filed July 31, 2007), and quarterly report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 (filed October 26, 2007). 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
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December 31, 2007 |
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December 31, 2006 |
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Unaudited |
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ASSETS: |
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CURRENT ASSETS: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
6,537,884 |
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$ |
3,731,253 |
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Trade receivables net |
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65,931,092 |
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65,259,580 |
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Other receivables |
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674,707 |
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1,159,444 |
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Inventories |
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75,403,664 |
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77,948,976 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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1,952,536 |
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3,902,775 |
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Income tax receivable |
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719,945 |
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3,632,808 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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2,226,920 |
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1,581,303 |
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Total current assets |
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153,446,748 |
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157,216,139 |
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FIXED ASSETS net |
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24,484,050 |
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24,349,674 |
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DEFERRED PENSION ASSET |
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13,564 |
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IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES & GOODWILL |
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36,509,690 |
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61,979,659 |
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OTHER ASSETS |
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2,284,039 |
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2,796,776 |
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TOTAL ASSETS |
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$ |
216,724,527 |
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$ |
246,355,812 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY: |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
11,908,902 |
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$ |
10,162,291 |
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Current maturities long term debt |
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324,648 |
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7,288,474 |
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Accrued expenses: |
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Taxes other |
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516,038 |
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552,782 |
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Other |
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5,421,083 |
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3,643,503 |
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Total current liabilities |
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18,170,671 |
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21,647,050 |
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LONG TERM DEBT less current maturities |
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103,220,384 |
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103,203,107 |
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DEFERRED INCOME TAXES |
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13,247,953 |
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17,009,025 |
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DEFERRED LIABILITIES |
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360,928 |
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368,580 |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES |
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134,999,936 |
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142,227,762 |
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SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY: |
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Common stock, no par value;
25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding
December 31, 2007 5,488,293;
December 31, 2006 5,417,198 |
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53,997,960 |
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53,238,841 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(1,051,232 |
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(993,182 |
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Retained earnings |
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28,777,863 |
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51,882,391 |
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Total shareholders equity |
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81,724,591 |
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104,128,050 |
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TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
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$ |
216,724,527 |
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$ |
246,355,812 |
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Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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December 31, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Unaudited |
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Unaudited |
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Unaudited |
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NET SALES |
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$ |
72,503,576 |
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$ |
70,553,986 |
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$ |
275,266,811 |
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$ |
263,491,380 |
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COST OF GOODS SOLD |
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43,795,164 |
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42,342,039 |
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167,272,735 |
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154,173,994 |
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GROSS MARGIN |
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28,708,412 |
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28,211,947 |
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107,994,076 |
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109,317,386 |
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OPERATING EXPENSES |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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26,187,442 |
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24,457,557 |
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96,409,467 |
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89,624,072 |
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Non-cash intangible impairment charges |
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24,874,368 |
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762,000 |
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24,874,368 |
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762,000 |
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Total operating expenses |
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51,061,810 |
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25,219,557 |
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121,283,835 |
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90,386,072 |
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(LOSS)/INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
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(22,353,398 |
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2,992,390 |
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(13,289,759 |
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18,931,314 |
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OTHER (EXPENSES) AND INCOME: |
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Interest expense |
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(2,857,810 |
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(3,272,557 |
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(11,643,870 |
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(11,567,842 |
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Other net |
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294,155 |
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110,541 |
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389,519 |
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242,059 |
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Total other net |
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(2,563,655 |
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(3,162,016 |
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(11,254,351 |
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(11,325,783 |
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(LOSS)/INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
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(24,917,053 |
) |
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(169,626 |
) |
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(24,544,110 |
) |
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7,605,531 |
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INCOME TAX (BENEFIT)/EXPENSE |
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(1,284,582 |
) |
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(91,751 |
) |
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(1,439,582 |
) |
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2,786,249 |
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NET (LOSS)/INCOME |
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$ |
(23,632,471 |
) |
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$ |
(77,875 |
) |
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$ |
(23,104,528 |
) |
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$ |
4,819,282 |
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NET (LOSS)/INCOME PER SHARE |
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Basic |
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$ |
(4.31 |
) |
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$ |
(0.01 |
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$ |
(4.22 |
) |
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$ |
0.89 |
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Diluted |
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$ |
(4.31 |
) |
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$ |
(0.01 |
) |
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$ |
(4.22 |
) |
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$ |
0.86 |
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WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
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Basic |
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5,488,293 |
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5,410,597 |
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5,476,281 |
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5,392,390 |
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Diluted |
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5,488,293 |
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5,410,597 |
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5,476,281 |
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5,578,176 |
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