ROCKY BRANDS
ANNUAL REPORT
2021
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:
2021 was another very successful year for
Rocky Brands. As I reflect on the year, I am
once again impressed with the resiliency of
our team in a tough operating environment.
After skillfully navigating a once-in-a-lifetime
pandemic and delivering record revenue
results in 2020, in 2021 we faced a new set of
environmental challenges on top of the old.
Ongoing mutation of COVID-19 produced two
new, fast-spreading variants of concern, while
global supply chain disruption resulted in
inventory shortages and distribution backlogs
that hampered the footwear industry. At the
same time, we undertook a sizeable acquisition
and integration that required an intense amount
of focus and fundamentally transformed how
we do business.
While any one of these challenges—subse-
quent rounds of coronavirus, global supply
chain disruption or acquisition integration
challenges—could have slowed our trajectory,
we instead delivered our second-consecutive
year of record earnings in 2021. This outcome
certainly reflects the positive impact of the ac-
quired business, the underlying strength of our
brands and the benefits of our vertically inte-
grated manufacturing, it also speaks to who
Rocky Brands is. Our people are our founda-
tion, and they are the reason for the success
we’ve achieved. In a difficult year, they have
once again proven just how passionate and tal-
ented they are.
The action that will define 2021 for us was
the $230 million acquisition of Honeywell’s
performance and lifestyle footwear business
in March. We significantly enhanced our
brand portfolio with the addition of the
Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger
brands that effectively doubled the size of our
company. This was a truly transformational
act for our company that will take us to new
heights as we build synergies that enable the
next round of growth. But in the process of
doubling our revenue opportunities, we also
doubled the number of distribution facilities
and order fulfillment systems which caused
some integration friction that limited our ability
to fulfill soaring demand.
While much of 2021 was dedicated to the
acquisition, we made progress with our long-
term strategic initiatives as well. We injected
new product and digitally-native marketing
strategies that were immediately accretive
in the fast-evolving economic environment.
Despite supply chain and distribution center
integration challenges, we were also able to
maintain excellent retail support and expanded
distribution with our key brick and mortar and
e-tail partners, while strategic investments
in technology and personnel set us up to
capitalize on new opportunities in 2022.
2 ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
We delivered excellent results across our
brands, categories and channels in 2021. For
wholesale, the largest segment of our business,
industry-wide sourcing challenges actually
functioned as a tailwind, not a headwind for
us. With 40% of our manufacturing coming
from our North American-operated facilities,
we were able to navigate the situation better
than the majority of our peers which led to
growth in shelf space and higher full-priced
selling. Additionally, we finished 2021 in a very
strong inventory position with ample supply
to capitalize on the strong momentum that
has carried into 2022, especially as many of
our competitors are still struggling to procure
product.
Our ecommerce channel, which consists of
both our own branded websites and online
marketplaces, was also additive to our record
results this year. Even as consumers resumed
shopping at brick and mortar retail in greater
numbers, we continued to see
increased
engagement online with both existing and new
customers. While comparisons to the abnormal
online retail environment of 2020 skewed our
growth numbers, we expect to see ecommerce
sales resume growth fueled by the work we’ve
done enhancing the functionality of our sites
and expanding our direct to consumer efforts
on marketplaces. As comparisons further ease
and we return to our normalized shipping state,
we are excited for the opportunities these
enhancements will provide.
Though we were tested again this year, new
market opportunities, the successful expansion
of current programs and our transformational
acquisition allowed us to make 2021 our best
year to-date. I am incredibly proud of our
results, but more importantly, the resiliency
and dedication of the entire Rocky team
throughout another challenging year. I want
to thank our employees for their dedication
and determination to make 2021 another
outstanding year for our company. I am
incredibly grateful to work with such a great
team, and really look forward to what we’ll
accomplish in 2022.
On behalf of the entire Rocky organization,
including the Board of Directors, I thank you
for your investment and ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Jason Brooks
Chief Executive Office
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021 3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
($000, except per share data)
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Net sales
$514,227
$277,309
$270,408
$252,694
$253,197
Adjusted Gross Margin*
Adjusted Income from Operations*
38.5%
10.0%
38.5%
10.8%
35.9%
34.4%
7.9%
7.1%
32.3%
5.2%
Adjusted Net income*
$32,513
$23,069
$16,883
$13,992
$8,592
Adjusted Net income per diluted share*
$4.39
$3.14
$2.27
$1.88
$1.16
BALANCE SHEET
Inventories
Total assets
Total debt
$232,464
$77,576
$76,731
$72,822
$65,622
624,575
229,091
205,826
178,939
192,833
270,044
-
-
-
2,199
Shareholders’ equity
197,855
179,505
164,656
151,575
141,093
$514.2
$4.39
$3.14
$253.2
$252.7
$270.4
$277.3
$2.27
$1.88
$1.16
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Net Sales ($millions)
Adjusted Net Income Per Diluted Share
$270.0
10.8%
10.0%
7.9%
7.1%
5.2%
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
$2.2
$-
$-
$-
Adjusted Income from operations
as a % of net sales
Total Debt ($millions)
* Adjusted Diluted EPS for 2021 includes approximately $15.4 million dollars in adjustments related to the acquisition of the performance and lifestyle footwear
business of Honeywell International, Inc. 2020 includes approximately $2.7 million dollars in manufacturing expenses related to the COVID-19 facility closures and the
acquisition mentioned above.
4
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
39.8%
INCREASE IN
*ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS
14.6%
INCREASE IN SALES
on a Pro-Forma Basis
Completed transformational acquisition of the
performance and lifestyle footwear business of
Honeywell International Inc., which expanded
our brand portfolio to include Muck, XTRATUF,
Servus, NEOS and Ranger.
INCREASED
DISTRIBUTION
CAPACITY FROM
2020 OVER
2X
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
5
We are here to serve those who serve. Rocky is a hard-
working company that makes rugged, reliable boots for
the hard-working men and women who depend on us.
We serve the farmer, the hunter – those protecting our
communities, and serving our country.
6
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
ROCKY
ROCKY BRANDS
ANNUAL REPORT
Georgia Boot empowers those who work hard–
the workers that pride themselves in building real
value with their hands. We help them achieve
personal success by creating performance-
enhancing footwear designed for the physical
demands of their specific trades.
FOR EVERY PAIR SOLD IN july
WILL DONATE $5 TO 4-H
Your Georgia Boot purchase this month helps
4-H close the opportunity gap
Help us give opportunity to all kids! $5 from every pair of Georgia Boots sold at Bomgaars helps 4-H
ensure that all kids have access to opportunity and skills-based learning, giving them the confidence and
training they need to fulfill their potential. Not in the future, now. #Opportunity4All
Georgia Boot will provide National 4-H Council with a donation up to $50,000, from September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021. Throughout July 2021, $5.00 from every pair of Georgia Boots sold at Bomgaars will be included towards the maximum
donation amount. 100% of this donation benefits the mission of 4-H to grow new opportunities for all kids and their communities, with support for local 4-H programs. No endorsement by 4-H is implied or intended.
Use of the 4-H Name and Emblem is authorized by USDA. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System.
GEORGIA BOOT
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
7
Lightweight, tough, and unbelievable comfortable,
Durango® boots are designed for your western life.
Whether you’re riding and roping; on the job or out
onthe town, Durango® boots are made for what you
do.This is Durango® Country.
8
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
DURANGO
Celebrating 100 years of safety and innovation, Lehigh
CustomFit introduces a new logo to better represent what
we have built and how we do business.
We’re Foundational. We’re Partners. We’re Progressive.
We’re Greater Than. We’re CustomFit.
LEHIGH
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
9
Muck is dedicated to delivering boots and
footwear that are 100% MUCKPROOF: remarkably
protective, exceptionally comfortable, totally
waterproof, and designed to brave every element
for work (and life) in the Muck.
THE ALL NEW
OUTSCAPE
100% WATERPROOF, LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE
WITH ALL-DAY COMFORT
The Original Muck Boot Co. is rooted in protection.
We understand the need for versatile, 100% MUCKPROOF
footwear that provides all-day comfort. So when
designing a lighter-weight option, we didn’t compromise.
Feature packed, the Outscape is the answer for working
in the garden, walking the dog, or for those days
when you can’t decide between a boot or a sneaker.
Available in multiple colorways for all genders.
(cid:31)(cid:30)
MUCKBOOTCOMPANY.COM
US Footwear Holdings, LLC.
10
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
MUCK
XTRATUF is built for the worst, so you
perform your best. Keeps you upright, safe
and moving forward in places where you feel
most alive. Alaska Proven. Built For All.
THE EXCLUSIVE DUCK CAMO COLLECTION.
100% waterproof and rated slip-resistance for unparalleled traction
on varied surfaces in the most extreme conditions. No matter the
season or the occasion, fishermen require XTRATUF® performance.
XTRATUF.COM
Rocky Brands, Inc. © 2021
(From L to R)
Bristol Bay Chelsea
8’’ Legacy Lace
15’’ Legacy
More sizes and colors
available for all genders.
THE GRIP
YOU NEED
AND THEN
SOME.
Pictured: XTRATUF® PRO Team Member McKenna Peterson (@mck_p)
Photo Credits: Axel Peterson (@axel.h.peterson)
BUILT FOR THE WORST, SO YOU PERFORM YOUR BEST.
Trusted by commercial fishermen, coveted by outdoor athletes and
fit for everyday adventure. The 100% waterproof Ankle Deck Boot
is available in a wide array of colors with sizes for all genders.
XTRATUF.COM
US Footwear Holdings, LLC.
NEW COLORS
AND PRINTS
XTRATUF
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
11
BREWING OUR LEGACYOUR GROWING LEGACY Quality PVC footwear
that protects workers and
enables them to get the
job done right.
Overshoes that enable those who
work and live in most extreme
environments to work harder and
explore farther on almost any terrain.
Built for cold and wet weather,
Ranger has a rich American
heritage of work and outdoor
footwear built for whatever
nature throws your way
SUPERIOR TRACTION
SUPERIOR TRACTION
Introducing the NEOS Winter collection featuring Honeywell’s new Glacier Trek™ SPK outsole
Introducing the NEOS Winter collection featuring Honeywell’s new Glacier Trek™ SPK outsole
technology for superior cold weather traction. Built to stand up to the daily abuse of
technology for superior cold weather traction. Built to stand up to the daily abuse of
occupational users while providing the performance mandated by explorers in extreme
occupational users while providing the performance mandated by explorers in extreme
cold weather environments. Glacier Trek™ SPK ice traction cleats are engineered to provide
cold weather environments. Glacier Trek™ SPK ice traction cleats are engineered to provide
excellent traction while being durable via a non-corrosive
excellent traction while being durable via a non-corrosive
heat treated metal that digs into ice and snow with ease.
heat treated metal that digs into ice and snow with ease.
NEOS Winter Collection featuring Honeywell’s
new Glacier Trek™ SPK outsole technology
for superior cold weather traction
This season the NEOS Brand is launching Glacier Trek SPK, a new Ice
Traction technology. Glacier Trek SPK’s high performance lies in the
EXGG: EXPLORER
VNG1HEEL: VOYAGER
EXGG: EXPLORER
strategic biomechanical based placement of 16 replaceable, corrosion
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
Glacier Trek™ SPK
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
resistant spikes embedded within a multi-directional lugged rubber outsole
with Heel Overshoe
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
that provides optimal grip under foot. The spikes firmly dig into slick and
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
loose surfaces, increasing traction, steadiness and grip with every step.
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
VNG1HEEL: VOYAGER
Glacier Trek™ SPK
with Heel Overshoe
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
for Additional Warmth
for Additional Warmth
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
Extended View
Extended View
Multi directional lugged
outsole provides traction in
snow and uneven terrain
Multi directional lugged
outsole provides traction in
snow and uneven terrain
Replaceable Glacier Trek™
SPK Stainless Steel cleats
are non corrosive and
heat treated for maximum
traction in ice and snow
Replaceable Glacier Trek™
SPK Stainless Steel cleats
are non corrosive and
heat treated for maximum
traction in ice and snow
SUPERIOR TRACTION
Introducing the NEOS Winter collection featuring Honeywell’s new Glacier Trek™ SPK outsole
technology for superior cold weather traction. Built to stand up to the daily abuse of
occupational users while providing the performance mandated by explorers in extreme
cold weather environments. Glacier Trek™ SPK ice traction cleats are engineered to provide
excellent traction while being durable via a non-corrosive
heat treated metal that digs into ice and snow with ease.
SUPERIOR TRACTION
Introducing the NEOS Winter collection featuring Honeywell’s new Glacier Trek™ SPK outsole
technology for superior cold weather traction. Built to stand up to the daily abuse of
occupational users while providing the performance mandated by explorers in extreme
cold weather environments. Glacier Trek™ SPK ice traction cleats are engineered to provide
excellent traction while being durable via a non-corrosive
heat treated metal that digs into ice and snow with ease.
Expanded surface area for
more control in deep snow
Expanded surface area for
more control in deep snow
EXGG: EXPLORER
EXGG: EXPLORER
EXGG: EXPLORER
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
Glacier Trek™ SPK
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
Overboot
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
UPDATE to EXSG
for Additional Warmth
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
for Additional Warmth
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
VNG1HEEL: VOYAGER
VNG1HEEL: VOYAGER
Glacier Trek™ SPK
Glacier Trek™ SPK
with Heel Overshoe
with Heel Overshoe
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
UPDATE to VNS1HEEL
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
VNG1HEEL: VOYAGER
VNG1: VOYAGER
VNG1: VOYAGER
VNG1: VOYAGER
Glacier Trek™ SPK
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overshoe
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overshoe
Glacier Trek™ SPK
with Heel Overshoe
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
Overshoe
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
UPDATE to VNS1
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
BLACK
SIZES: XS-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: SM-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: XS-4XL
N5P3G: NAVIGATOR
N5P3G: NAVIGATOR
N5P3G: NAVIGATOR
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
Glacier Trek™ SPK
• 840 Woven Polyester Upper
• 840 Woven Polyester Upper
Overboot
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
UPDATE to N5P3S
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
for Additional Warmth
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
for Additional Warmth
• Expandable Gator, Increases
• Expandable Gator, Increases
Boot Height to 20 in
Boot Height to 20 in
GRAY
SIZES: XS-4XL
GRAY
SIZES: XS-4XL
Multi directional lugged
outsole provides traction in
snow and uneven terrain
Multi directional lugged
outsole provides traction in
snow and uneven terrain
Replaceable Glacier Trek™
SPK Stainless Steel cleats
are non corrosive and
heat treated for maximum
traction in ice and snow
Replaceable Glacier Trek™
SPK Stainless Steel cleats
are non corrosive and
heat treated for maximum
traction in ice and snow
Expanded surface area for
more control in deep snow
Expanded surface area for
more control in deep snow
Extended View
Extended View
VNG1: VOYAGER
VNG1: VOYAGER
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overshoe
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overshoe
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• 500 Denier Nylon Upper
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
N5P3G: NAVIGATOR
N5P3G: NAVIGATOR
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
Glacier Trek™ SPK Overboot
• 840 Woven Polyester Upper
• 840 Woven Polyester Upper
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
• Glacier Trek™ SPK Outsole
BLACK
SIZES: XS-4XL
BLACK
SIZES: XS-4XL
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
• 4mm Polyurethane Foam Insulation
for Additional Warmth
for Additional Warmth
• Expandable Gator, Increases
• Expandable Gator, Increases
Boot Height to 20 in
Boot Height to 20 in
GRAY
SIZES: XS-4XL
GRAY
SIZES: XS-4XL
12
ROCKY BRANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2021
NEOS SERVUS RANGER
Corporate Offices
39 East Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
(740) 753-1951
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
Legal Counsel
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP Columbus, Ohio
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Communications regarding changes of address,
transfer of shares, and lost certificates should be
directed to the company’s stock transfer
and registrar:
Computershare Investor Services
Attn: Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
(800) 962-4284
www-us.computershare.com/investor/Contact
Stock Listing
NASDAQ Stock Market
Symbol: RCKY
Form 10-K
Copies of the signatures, exhibit index and exhibits
contained therein as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission are available without charge
upon written request to:
Tom Robertson
EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Rocky Brands, Inc.
39 East Canal Street
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Investor Information
Corporate and investor information is available on
the company’s website at www.rockybrands.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Brooks
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mike Brooks
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Glenn E. Corlett
Retired Dean and Philip J. Gardner, Jr. Leadership
Professor, College of Business at Ohio University
Michael L. Finn
Chairman, Power Distributors, LLC
President, Chesapeake Realty Company
G. Courtney Haning
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Peoples National Bancshares, Inc.
Curtis A. Loveland
Partner, Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP
James L. Stewart
Proprietor, Rising Wolf Ranch, Inc.
William L. Jordan
President, Designer Brands Inc.
Robert B. Moore, Jr.
Former CEO, Bhartiya International, Ltd.
Tracie Winbigler
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, Amtrack
Robyn R. Hahn
President, Westfield Insurance,
Small Business Division
OFFICERS
Jason Brooks
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tom Robertson
EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Richard Simms
President, Operations
Byron Wortham
President, Core Brands Sales, Marketing,
and Product Development
David Dixon
President, Manufacturing/Sourcing Operations
Jeremy D. Siegfried
Secretary
13
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 001-34382
ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
No. 31-1364046
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
39 East Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (740) 753-1951
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of class
Common Stock – No Par Value
Trading symbol
RCKY
Name of exchange on which registered
NASDAQ
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by checkmark 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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company,"
and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☐ Large accelerated filer
☒ Accelerated filer
☐ Non-accelerated filer
☒ Smaller reporting company
☐ Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of
its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $379,468,165 on
June 30, 2021.
There were 7,305,359 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding on February 28, 2022.
Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Business ....................................................................................................................................................
Risk Factors ..............................................................................................................................................
Unresolved Staff Comments .....................................................................................................................
Properties ..................................................................................................................................................
Legal Proceedings .....................................................................................................................................
Mine Safety Disclosures ...........................................................................................................................
PART II
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities ................................................................................................................................................
Reserved ...................................................................................................................................................
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ....................
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..................................................................
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .........................................................................................
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ...................
Controls and Procedures ...........................................................................................................................
Other Information .....................................................................................................................................
Disclosures Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
PART III
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ........................................................................
Executive Compensation ..........................................................................................................................
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters .
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ..........................................
Principal Accounting Fees and Services ...................................................................................................
PART IV
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ............................................................................................
Form 10-K Summary
Item 15.
Item 16.
SIGNATURES ................................................................................................................................................................
Appendix A: Financial Statement Schedule .............................................................................................
2
11
20
21
21
21
22
22
22
29
30
58
58
61
61
61
61
61
61
62
65
66
1
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words "anticipate,"
"believe," "expect," "estimate," and "project" and similar words and expressions identify forward-looking statements which
speak only as of the date hereof. Investors are cautioned that such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results due to many factors, including, but not limited to, the
factors discussed in "Item 1A, Risk Factors." The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-
looking statements.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
PART I
All references to "we," "us," "our," "Rocky Brands," or the "Company" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K mean Rocky
Brands, Inc. and our subsidiaries.
We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear and apparel marketed under a portfolio
of well recognized brand names including Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh, The Original Muck Boot Company
("Muck"), XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS, Ranger and the licensed brand Michelin. Our brands have a long history of
representing high quality, comfortable, functional, and durable footwear and our products are organized around six target
markets: outdoor, work, duty, commercial military, military, and western. Our footwear products incorporate varying features
and are positioned across a range of suggested retail price points from $20.00 for our value priced products to $462.00 for
our premium products. In addition, as part of our strategy of outfitting consumers from head-to-toe, we market complementary
branded apparel and accessories that we believe leverage the strength and positioning of each of our brands.
On January 24, 2021, we entered into a Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with certain subsidiaries of
Honeywell International Inc. (collectively, "Honeywell"), to purchase Honeywell's performance and lifestyle footwear
business, including brand names, trademarks, assets and liabilities associated with Honeywell's performance and lifestyle
footwear business (the "Acquisition").
On March 15, 2021 (the "Acquisition Date"), pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, we
completed the Acquisition for an aggregate preliminary closing price of approximately $207 million, net of cash
acquired, based on preliminary working capital and other adjustments. Upon a final agreement of net working capital as of
the Acquisition Date, we owed Honeywell an additional $5.4 million. The Acquisition was funded through cash on hand and
borrowings under two new credit facilities. See Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the
two new credit facilities.
The Acquisition expanded our brand portfolio to include Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger brands (the "Acquired
Brands"). We acquired 100% of the voting interests of certain subsidiaries and additional assets comprising the performance
and lifestyle footwear business of Honeywell with the Acquisition. See Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements for
more information regarding the Acquisition.
We report our segment information in accordance with provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280, Segment Reporting. We evaluate business performance based upon
several metrics, using segment profit as the primary financial measure. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we
changed our reporting segments when compared to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2020. The change included renaming our Military reporting segment to "Contract Manufacturing" and changing
the composition thereof to continue to include sales to the U.S. military ("Military Contracts") and to include sales under
manufacturing contracts for private label ("Private Contracts"). Previously, only Military Contracts were included in this
segment. The Private Contract sales have characteristics more like Military Contracts, with similar sales, delivery processes
and gross margins. This segment reporting change reflects a corresponding change in how our Chief Executive Officer and
our Chief Financial Officer, our chief operating decision makers ("CODMs"), review financial information in order to allocate
resources and assess performance. Previously, Private Contracts were included in the Wholesale segment, but with the
Acquisition, our Wholesale segment has substantially increased in size and our CODMs determined that the change in
segment reporting was appropriate at that time to mirror how they evaluate and manage the business.
The change in our reportable segments resulted in no change in our total consolidated financial condition, results of
operations, or segment information previously reported, as we had no Private Contract sales during the quarterly period ended
March 31, 2021 or fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Each of our reporting segments continue to employ consistent
accounting policies. As a result of this assessment, we now report our activities in the following three reporting segments:
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Wholesale, Retail and Contract Manufacturing. In our Wholesale business, we distribute our products through a wide range
of distribution channels representing over 10,000 retail store locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as in several
international markets. Our Wholesale channels vary by product line and include sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers,
independent shoe retailers, hardware stores, catalogs, mass merchants, uniform stores, farm store chains, specialty safety
stores, specialty retailers and online retailers. Our Retail business includes direct sales of our products to consumers through
our business to business web platform, e-commerce websites, third party marketplaces and our Rocky outlet store. Contract
Manufacturing includes sales to the U.S. military, private label sales and any sales to customers in which we are contracted
to manufacture or source a specific footwear product for a customer. See Note 17 – Segment Information for further
information.
Competitive Strengths
Our competitive strengths include:
● Strong portfolio of brands. We believe the Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh, Muck, XTRATUF, Servus,
NEOS, Ranger and Michelin brands are well recognized and established names that have a reputation for
performance, quality and comfort in the markets they serve: outdoor, work, western, duty, commercial military, and
military. We plan to continue strengthening these brands through product innovation in existing footwear markets,
by extending certain of these brands into our other target markets and by introducing complementary apparel and
accessories under our own brands.
● Commitment to product innovation. We believe a critical component of our success in the marketplace has been a
result of our continued commitment to product innovation. Our consumers demand high quality, durable products
that incorporate the highest level of comfort and the most advanced technical features and designs. We have a
dedicated group of product design and development professionals, including well recognized experts in the footwear
and apparel industries, who continually interact with consumers to better understand their needs and are committed
to ensuring our products reflect the most advanced designs, features and materials available in the marketplace.
● Long-term retailer relationships. We believe that our long history of designing, manufacturing and marketing
premium quality, branded footwear has enabled us to develop strong relationships with our retailers in each of our
distribution channels. We reinforce these relationships by continuing to offer innovative footwear products, by
continuing to meet the individual needs of each of our retailers and by working with our retailers to improve the
visual merchandising of our products in their stores. We believe that strengthening our relationships with retailers
will allow us to increase our presence through additional store locations and expanded shelf space, improve our
market position in a consolidating retail environment and enable us to better understand and meet the evolving needs
of both our retailers and consumers.
● Diverse product sourcing and manufacturing capabilities. We believe our strategy of utilizing both company
operated and third-party facilities for the sourcing of our products, offers several advantages. Operating our own
facilities significantly improves our knowledge of the entire production process, which allows us to more efficiently
source product from third parties that is of the highest quality and at the lowest cost available. We intend to continue
to source a higher proportion of our products from third-party manufacturers, which we believe will enable us to
obtain high quality products at lower costs per unit.
Growth Strategy
We intend to increase our sales through the following strategies:
● Expand into new target markets under existing brands. We believe there is significant opportunity to extend certain
of our brands into our other target markets. We intend to continue to introduce products across varying feature sets
and price points in order to meet the needs of our customers.
● Cross-sell our brands to our retailers. We believe that many retailers of our brands target consumers with similar
characteristics and, as a result, we believe there is significant opportunity to offer each of our retailers a broader
assortment of footwear and apparel that target multiple markets and span a range of feature sets and price points.
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● Expand business internationally. We intend to extend certain of our brands into international markets. We believe
this is a significant opportunity because of the long history and authentic heritage of these brands. We intend on
growing our business internationally through a network of distributors.
● Grow our e-commerce business. We intend to drive business to our branded e-commerce websites as well as third
party marketplace platforms. We believe there is an opportunity to capitalize on the changes in the market to online
shopping as we focus advertising efforts and maximize our distribution capabilities.
●
Increases in our Lehigh business. We believe that our business to business CustomFit platform has ample
opportunity to grow as we continue to pursue large manufacturers, distributors, and other companies who are reliant
on safety footwear programs. We feel that diversifying our product lines and continuing to provide an easy, no hassle
approach to purchasing, will allow us to expand within the market.
● Acquire or develop new brands. We intend to continue to acquire or develop new brands that are complementary to
our portfolio and could leverage our operational infrastructure and distribution network. In March 2021, we were
able to execute this strategy through the Acquisition.
Product Lines
Our product lines consist of high-quality products that target the following markets:
● Work. Our work product lines consist of footwear and apparel marketed to industrial and construction workers, as
well as workers in the hospitality industry, such as restaurants or hotels and those who partake in farm and ranch
work. All of our work products are specially designed to be comfortable, incorporate safety features for specific
work environments or tasks and meet applicable federal and other standards for safety. This category includes
products such as safety toe footwear for industrial and construction workers and non-slip footwear for hospitality
workers.
● Western. Our western product line currently consists of authentic footwear products marketed to farmers and
ranchers who generally live in rural communities in North America.
● Commercial Military. Our commercial military product line consists of footwear products marketed to military
personnel as a substitute for the government issued military boots. Our commercial military boots are designed to
be comfortable, lightweight, and durable and are marketed under the Rocky brand name.
● Outdoor. Our outdoor product lines consist of footwear, apparel and accessory items marketed to outdoor enthusiasts
who spend time actively engaged in activities such as hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. Our consumers demand
high quality, durable products that incorporate the highest level of comfort and the most advanced technical features,
and we are committed to ensuring our products reflect the most advanced designs, features and materials available
in the marketplace. Our outdoor product lines consist of all-season sport/hunting footwear, apparel and accessories
that are typically waterproof and insulated and are designed to keep outdoor enthusiasts comfortable on rugged
terrain or in extreme weather conditions.
● Duty. Our duty product line consists of footwear products marketed to law enforcement, security personnel and
postal employees who are required to spend a majority of time at work on their feet. All of our duty footwear styles
are designed to be comfortable, flexible, lightweight, slip resistant and durable. Duty footwear is generally designed
to fit as part of a uniform and typically incorporates stylistic features, such as black leather uppers in addition to the
comfort features that are incorporated in all of our footwear products.
● U.S. Military. Our U.S. military product line consists of footwear products designed specifically for U.S. military
personnel. These footwear products are designed and manufactured to meet the rigorous specification requirements,
which include lightweight, durable, waterproof footwear products manufactured in the U.S.A. The U.S. military
products are marketed under the Rocky Brand name.
Our products are marketed under nine well-recognized, proprietary brands, Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh, Muck,
XTRATUF, Ranger, Servus and NEOS, in addition to the licensed brand Michelin.
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Rocky
Rocky, established in 1979, is our premium priced line of branded footwear, apparel and accessories. We currently design
Rocky products for each of our six target markets and offer our products at a range of suggested U.S. retail price points: $36.00
to $349.00 for our footwear products; and $14.00 to $145.00 for our apparel and accessory lines.
The Rocky brand originally targeted outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hunters, and has since become a market leader in the
hunting boot category. In 2002, we also extended into hunting apparel, including jackets, pants, gloves and caps. Our Rocky
products for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are designed for specific weather conditions and the diverse terrains of
North America. These products incorporate a range of technical features and designs such as Gore-Tex waterproof breathable
fabric, 3M Thinsulate insulation, nylon Cordura fabric and camouflaged uppers featuring either Venator, Mossy Oak or
Realtree patterns. We use rugged outsoles made by industry leaders like Vibram as well as our own proprietary design
features to make the products durable and easy to wear.
We also produce Rocky duty and commercial military footwear targeting law enforcement professionals, military, security
workers, fire industry professionals and postal service employees, and we have established leading market share positions in
these categories.
In 2002, we introduced Rocky work footwear designed for varying weather conditions or difficult terrain, particularly for
people who make their living outdoors such as those in lumber, forestry, and oil & gas occupations. These products typically
include many of the proprietary features and technologies that we incorporate in our hunting and outdoor products.
We have also introduced western influenced work boots for farmers and ranchers. Most of these products are waterproof,
insulated and utilize our proprietary comfort systems. We have also introduced men’s and women’s casual western footwear
for consumers enamored with western influenced fashion.
Georgia Boot
Georgia Boot was launched in 1937 and is our moderately priced, high quality line of work footwear. Georgia Boot footwear
is sold at suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $70.00 to $280.00. This line of products primarily targets
construction workers and those who work in industrial plants where special safety features are required for hazardous work
environments. Many of our boots incorporate safety toes or metatarsal guards to protect wearers’ feet from heavy objects and
non-slip outsoles to prevent slip related injuries in the workplace. All of our boots are designed to help prevent injury and
subsequent work loss and are designed according to standards determined by the Occupational Safety & Health
Administration or other standards required by employers.
In addition, we market a line of Georgia Boot footwear to brand loyal consumers for farming, ranch work and other outdoor
activities. These products are primarily all leather boots distributed through rural areas that allow us to incorporate other
technical features to provide all day comfort for long days outside.
Durango
Durango Boots was established in 1966 and manufactures premium western footwear for men, women, and kids. Over the
last 50 years, Durango has earned a reputation for building authentic western boots using exceptional materials and innovative
constructions. Our current line of Durango products is offered at suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $74.00
to $462.00. Our brand portfolio categories include work-western, farm and ranch, western-performance, premium exotics,
fashion-forward and casual wear.
Many of our western products are marketed to core western and aspirational western consumers who have an affinity and
loyalty to the western lifestyle. Such products include high-performance technologies that include our patented Dually Shank
System which provides twice the torsion stability and midfoot support and various footbeds that offer flexibility, comfort,
and support for immediate gratification.
Lehigh
The Lehigh brand was established in 1922 as a high quality line of occupational safety footwear that later expanded into a
full service program offering. While still manufacturing and selling branded core product, the brand primarily focuses on
providing managed programs to corporations that require and provide a subsidy to their employees to wear safety footwear.
Most of the footwear incorporates a protective toe and can include a metatarsal guard, puncture-resistant plate, slip-resistant
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outsole and special materials to combat caustic substances. Lehigh offers an extensive selection of styles to fit any work
environment and has a wide range of customer accounts in the industrial, hospitality and healthcare industries. The Lehigh
brand line of safety shoes has suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $80.00 to $221.00.
Michelin
Michelin is a premier price point line of work footwear targeting specific industrial professions, primarily indoor professions.
The license to design, develop and manufacture footwear under the Michelin name was secured in 2006. Suggested U.S.
retail prices for the Michelin brand are from $137.00 to $207.00. The license agreement for the Michelin brand expires
on December 31, 2025, with the option to renew.
The Original Muck Boot Company
The Original Muck Boot Company was founded in 1999 and has pioneered the premium rubber and neoprene boot category
by delivering high quality, innovative, weatherproof, and comfortable products. Our current line of Muck footwear products
is offered at suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $65.00 to $245.00. Through widespread consumer validation in
the farm, agriculture, hunt and equestrian segments, Muck has been able to expand to new segments such as outdoor,
gardening, industrial and general work, as well as to new regions such as the U.K., Norway and Germany to reach new
consumers who have adopted the brand and its offerings. Both new and existing consumer groups have welcomed line
extensions from the brand as the total catalog expands beyond its core offering into premium leather and other new footwear
categories.
XTRATUF
XTRATUF is a leading outfitter in the commercial, sport and recreational fishing segment, having provided fishermen with
capable, comfortable, and reliable footwear for use in the harshest conditions for over 60 years. With roots in Alaska and
continued widespread use by those who live there, the XTRATUF brand has been able to expand to other regions throughout
North America and most recently in the U.K. and Japan. Fueled by the strong growth in the outdoor segment, the brand has
been adopted by non-fishermen seeking quality, functional footwear. Our current line of XTRATUF footwear products is
offered at suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $40.00 to $215.00.
Servus
Servus boots date back to the 1920s and today the brand is known for its reliable PVC footwear made for wet and hazardous
working conditions. Primarily sold to industrial and work users throughout North America, the Servus brand is a staple in
our portfolio of brands. With a substantial percentage of the line manufactured in our own facility in Rock Island, Illinois and
other North American locations, the brand is positioned to offer great value to end consumers. Our current line of Servus
footwear products is offered at suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $25.00 to $180.00.
NEOS
NEOS is known for protective overshoes with excellent traction. NEOS branded products are proven to keep feet dry,
protected, and comfortable in extreme conditions and surefooted on almost any terrain. NEOS products feature insulated and
non-insulated offerings as well as products featuring proprietary traction technologies such as Glacier Trek SPK. Our current
line of NEOS overshoe products is offered at suggested U.S. retail price points ranging from $95.00 to $195.00. NEOS
products can be found on both professional and recreational users such as postal carriers, construction workers, arctic
adventurers, film crews and those who live in or travel to cold, wet climates.
Ranger
Ranger serves two primary user segments: outdoor recreation and industrial/work. Ranger products consist of a focused
range of pac-boots, rubber boots, waders, hip-boots and over-boots that are built for wet and cold weather and provide
exceptional comfort and function at a value price. Our current line of Ranger footwear products is offered at suggested U.S.
retail price points ranging from $25.00 to $190.00.
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Sales and Distribution
Our products are distributed through three distinct business segments: Wholesale, Retail and Contract Manufacturing. See
Note 17 of our consolidated financial statements for more information regarding our three business segments.
Wholesale
In the U.S., we distribute Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS, Ranger and Michelin products
through a wide range of wholesale distribution channels. As of December 31, 2021, our products were offered for sale at
over 10,000 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Through our dedicated in-house sales team, we sell our products to wholesale accounts in the U.S. who carry our branded
products exclusively, as well as independent sales representatives who carry our branded products and other non-competing
products. Our sales force is organized around major accounts, including Boot Barn, Tractor Supply Company and Dick’s
Sporting Goods, and around our target markets: outdoor, work, duty, commercial military, and western. Our sales force is
organized around brands, regions and customers in order to target a broad range of distribution channels. All of our sales
people actively call on their retail customer base to educate them on the quality, comfort, technical features and breadth of
our product lines and to ensure that our products are displayed effectively at retail locations.
Our Wholesale distribution channels vary by market:
● Our outdoor products are sold primarily through sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty stores, online retailers,
catalogs, and mass merchants.
● Our work-related products are sold primarily through work related retailers, farm and ranch stores, specialty safety
stores, independent shoe stores, hardware stores and online retailers.
● Our duty products are sold primarily through uniform stores, catalog specialists and online retailers.
● Our commercial military products are sold primarily through base exchanges such as AAFES and consumer e-
commerce websites.
● Our western products are sold through western stores, work stores, specialty farm and ranch stores, online retailers
and more recently, fashion-oriented footwear retailers.
Retail
We market products directly to consumers through three retail strategies:
● Lehigh business-to-business including direct sales and through our Custom Fit websites;
● Consumer e-commerce websites and third-party marketplaces; and
● our stores, which include our outlet store and retail stores.
Websites
We sell our product lines on our websites at rockyboots.com, georgiaboot.com, durangoboot.com, muckbootcompany.com,
xtratuf.com, lehighoutfitters.com, lehighsafetyshoes.com, and slipgrips.com, as well as through online marketplaces. We
believe that our internet presence allows us to showcase the breadth and depth of our product lines in each of our target
markets and enables us to educate our consumers about the unique technical features of our products. We also sell to our
business customers directly through our Custom Fit websites that are tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Our
customers’ employees order directly through their employers’ established Custom Fit website, and the footwear is delivered
directly to the consumer via a common freight carrier. Our customers include large, national companies such as Carnival
Cruise Lines, Pepsi, Schneider, Whirlpool, Holland America Cruise Lines, and Republic Services.
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Outlet and Retail Stores
We operate the Rocky outlet store in Nelsonville, Ohio. Our outlet store primarily sells first quality or discontinued products
in addition to a limited amount of factory damaged goods. Related products from other manufacturers are also sold in the
store. Our outlet store allows us to showcase the breadth of our product lines as well as to cost-effectively sell slow-moving
inventory. Our outlet store also provides an opportunity to interact with consumers to better understand their needs.
Lehigh’s successful continued focus on converting our customers from delivery via our mobile and retail stores to purchasing
via our Custom Fit sites and delivery direct has led to the continued reduction of the mobile and retail stores in the past several
years. As of December 31, 2021, our only remaining retail store is located at The Puget Sound Naval Base.
Contract Manufacturing
While we are focused on continuing to build our Wholesale and Retail business, we also actively bid, from time to time, on
eligible footwear contracts with the U.S. military. In addition to contracts with the U.S. military, we also bid on private label
contracts. Our sales under such contracts are dependent on us winning the bids for these contracts.
We are currently fulfilling several multiyear contracts for the U.S. military.
Marketing and Advertising
We believe that our brands have a reputation for high quality, comfort, functionality and durability built through their long
history in the markets they serve. To further increase the strength and awareness of our brands, we have developed
comprehensive marketing and advertising programs to gain national exposure and expand brand awareness for each of our
brands in their target markets.
We have focused the majority of our advertising efforts on both digital advertising and consumer advertising in support of
our retail partners. Digital advertising includes online brand level marketing, search engine pay-per-click, retargeting and
social media targeting. A key component to supporting our retail partners includes in-store point of purchase materials that
add a dramatic focus to our brands and the products our retail partners carry. We also advertise through targeted national and
local cable programs, radio advertisements and print publications aimed at audiences that share the demographic profile of
our typical customers. In addition, we promote through event sponsorships which provide significant national exposure for
all of our brands as well as a direct connection to our target consumer. Our print advertisements and television commercials
emphasize the technical features of our products as well as their high quality, comfort, functionality and durability.
We also support independent dealers by listing their locations in our national print advertisements. In addition to our national
advertising campaigns, we have developed attractive merchandising displays and store-in-store concept fixturing that are
available to our retailers who purchase the breadth of our product lines. We also attend numerous tradeshows which allow us
to showcase our entire product line to retail buyers and have historically been an important source of new accounts.
Product Design and Development
We believe that product innovation is a key competitive advantage for us in each of our markets. Our goal in product design
and development is to continue to create and introduce new and innovative footwear and apparel products that combine our
standards of quality, functionality and comfort and that meet the changing needs of our retailers and consumers. Our product
design and development process is highly collaborative and is typically initiated both internally by our development staff and
externally by our retailers and suppliers, whose employees are generally active users of our products and understand the needs
of our consumers. Our product design and development personnel, marketing personnel and sales representatives work
closely together to identify opportunities for new styles, patterns, design improvements and newer, more advanced materials.
We have a dedicated group of product design and development professionals, some of whom are well recognized experts in
the footwear and apparel industries, who continually interact with consumers to better understand their needs and are
committed to ensuring our products reflect the most advanced designs, features and materials available in the marketplace.
Manufacturing and Sourcing
We manufacture footwear in facilities that we operate in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Chuzhou, China and Rock
Island, Illinois, and source footwear, apparel and accessories from third-party facilities, in China, Vietnam, Indonesia,
Dominican Republic and Mexico. Our facilities in Chuzhou and Rock Island were acquired through the Acquisition that
closed on March 15, 2021. We do not have long-term contracts with any of our third-party manufacturers. We believe that
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operating our own facilities significantly improves our knowledge of the entire raw material sourcing and manufacturing
process, which enables us to more efficiently source finished goods from third parties that are of the highest quality and at
the lowest cost available, as well as reduce our lead times. In addition, our Puerto Rico and Rock Island facilities allow us to
produce footwear for the U.S. military and other commercial businesses that require production by a U.S. manufacturer.
Sourcing products from offshore third-party facilities generally enables us to lower our costs per unit while maintaining high
product quality and it limits the capital investment required to establish and maintain company operated manufacturing
facilities. Because quality is an important part of our value proposition to our retailers and consumers, we source products
from manufacturers who have demonstrated the intent and ability to maintain the high quality that has become associated
with our brands.
Quality control is stressed at every stage of the manufacturing process and is monitored by trained quality assurance personnel
at each of our manufacturing facilities, including our third-party factories. In addition, we utilize a team of procurement,
quality control and logistics employees in our China office to visit factories to conduct quality control reviews of raw
materials, work in process inventory and finished goods. We also utilize quality control personnel at our finished goods
distribution facilities to conduct quality control testing on incoming sourced finished goods and raw materials and inspect
random samples from our finished goods inventory from each of our manufacturing facilities to ensure that all items meet
our high-quality standards.
Foreign Operations and Sales Outside of the U.S.
Our products are primarily distributed in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and other international markets, mainly in Europe. We ship
our products from our finished goods distribution facilities located in Logan, Ohio, Lancaster, Ohio and Reno, Nevada. As a
result of the Acquisition, we also utilize a third-party distribution center in Canada. Certain of our retailers receive shipments
directly from our manufacturing sources, including all of our U.S. military sales, which are shipped directly from our
manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico. Net sales to foreign countries represented approximately 6.9% of net sales in 2021
and 0.8% of net sales in 2020.
As previously mentioned, we maintain manufacturing facilities that we operate in the Dominican Republic and Chuzhou,
China. In addition, we utilize an office in China to support our contract manufacturers.
The net book value of fixed assets located outside of the U.S. totaled $13.0 million at December 31, 2021, of which
approximately $4.6 million resides in the Dominican Republic and approximately $8.4 million resides in China. The net book
value of fixed assets located outside of the U.S. totaled $4.5 million at December 31, 2020, all of which resides in the
Dominican Republic.
Resources and Suppliers
We purchase raw materials from sources worldwide. We do not have any long-term supply contracts for the purchase of our
raw materials, except for limited blanket purchase orders on leather to protect wholesale selling prices for an extended period
of time. The principal raw materials used in the production of our products, in terms of dollar value, are leather, Gore-Tex
waterproof breathable fabric, Cordura nylon fabric and soling materials. We believe these materials will continue to be
available from our current suppliers. However, in the event these materials are not available from our current suppliers, we
believe these products, or similar products, would be available from alternative sources.
Seasonality and Weather
Historically, we have experienced significant seasonal fluctuations in our business as many of our footwear products are used
by consumers in adverse weather conditions. In order to meet these demands, we must manufacture and source footwear
year-round to be in a position to ship advance and at once orders for these products during the last two quarters of each year.
Accordingly, average inventory levels have been highest during the second and third quarters of each year and sales have
been highest in the last two quarters of the year. In addition, mild or dry weather conditions historically have had a material
adverse effect on sales of our outdoor products, particularly if they occurred in broad geographical areas during late fall or
early winter.
Backlog
The dollar amount of our order backlog as of any date may not be indicative of actual future shipments and, accordingly, is
not material to an understanding of the business taken as a whole.
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Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of our trademarks, patents, trade dress, and other intellectual property rights, as well as contractual
provisions to protect our brands, product designs, technology, marketing materials, and other proprietary research and
development, although no such methods can afford complete protection. We own numerous design and utility patents for
footwear and footwear components (such as insoles and outsoles) in the U.S. and in several countries where our products are
sold or manufactured, including China. We own numerous U.S. and foreign registrations for the trademarks used in our
business, including our major brands Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, and Lehigh. We also acquired various patents and
trademark registrations through the Acquisition, including the brands Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, and Ranger, and NEOS. In
addition, we license the use of third party trademarks, including Gore-Tex and Michelin, in order to market our products.
Our license with W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. ("Gore") permits us to use the Gore-Tex and related marks on products and
styles that have been approved in advance by Gore. The license agreement has a one-year term that automatically renews
each year, unless either party elects to terminate by giving advance written notice to the other party by October 1 for
termination effective December 31 of that same year.
Similarly, our license with Michelin Lifestyle Limited permits us to use the Michelin brand and related marks on our products.
Our license agreement with Michelin Lifestyle Limited to use the Michelin name expires on December 31, 2025, with the
option to renew.
In the U.S. and China, our design patents are generally in effect for 15 years from the date of issuance. Our utility patents are
generally in effect for 20 years from the date of the filing of the patent application. Our trademarks are generally valid as long
as they are in use and their registrations are properly maintained.
While we have an active program to protect our intellectual property by filing for patents and trademark registrations, we do
not believe that our overall business is materially dependent on any individual patent or trademark. We are not aware of any
material infringement of our intellectual property rights or that we are infringing any intellectual property rights owned by
third parties. Moreover, we are not aware of any material conflicts concerning our trademarks or those owned by others. We
actively enforce our trademarks and patents, and pursue those who infringe upon them, whether domestically or
internationally, as we deem appropriate.
Competition
We operate in a very competitive environment. Product function, design, comfort, quality, technological and material
improvements, brand awareness, timeliness of product delivery and pricing are all important elements of competition in the
markets for our products. We believe that the strength of our brands, the quality of our products and our long-term
relationships with a broad range of retailers allows us to compete effectively in the footwear and apparel markets that we
serve. However, we compete with footwear and apparel companies that have greater financial, marketing, distribution and
manufacturing resources than we do. In addition, many of these competitors have strong brand name recognition in the
markets they serve.
The footwear and apparel industry is also subject to rapid changes in consumer preferences. Some of our product lines are
susceptible to changes in both technical innovation and fashion trends. Therefore, the success of these products and styles are
more dependent on our ability to anticipate and respond to changing product, material and design innovations as well as
fashion trends and consumer demands in a timely manner. Our inability or failure to do so could adversely affect consumer
acceptance of these product lines and styles and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Human Capital
At December 31, 2021, we had approximately 2,825 employees of which approximately 2,800 are full time employees.
Approximately 2,100 of our employees work in our manufacturing facilities in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Rock
Island, Illinois and Chuzhou, China. We believe our relations with our employees are in good standing.
Employee Well Being
Founded from the humble beginnings of a small, family owned business, our employees have always been the key to making
our Company successful. As such, we believe that fostering an environment that advocates for all areas of employee health
(including physical, mental and emotional) is crucial. We offer a tuition assistance reimbursement program and an employee
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assistance program, which can assist employees in various aspects of their personal life and overall well-being. We also
encourage our employees to take continuing education classes that will aid in their day-to-day work responsibilities and we
promote a healthy lifestyle through monthly newsletters and various health focused events throughout the year.
The health and safety of our employees is one of our highest priorities. Our Health and Wellness Committee strives to educate
our employees on the importance of taking care of yourself both inside and outside the workplace. Throughout the year we
contract with various health and wellness professionals outside of our organization to hold educational sessions for our
employees both in-person and virtually. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have ensured flexibility in the workplace
by allowing our employees to work from home and we have increased our cleaning protocols. Nothing is more fundamental
than providing employees with an environment where they feel safe, secure and supported.
Talent Recruitment, Retention and Development
Our employee culture is built on our core values of integrity, responsibility and humility. The ability to attract, retain and
develop talented employees is crucial to our long-term success. We focus on attracting, developing and retaining highly
talented individuals through practices that promote inclusion, diversity and equality. We recruit through a variety of outreach
methods including our rockybrands.com/careers website and other online platforms, such as LinkedIn, college recruitment
efforts, network relationships and direct communication with career centers. When new employment opportunities within our
Company arise, we send out internal communications to inform all associates of new openings. We review internal
applications for consideration before considering external applicants.
We strive to maximize engagement with our employees in a variety of ways, including scheduled meetings between
employees and executive leadership within the first few months of employment, face-to-face and virtual interviews with
employees following 60 days and one year of employment, annual performance evaluations, regular check in surveys and
exit surveys. We also rely on our management team to influence growth and develop a path for success with employees on
each team within our organization. Quarterly, our CEO and CFO hold all-employee communication meetings to keep our
employees apprised of recent happenings within our organization and to allow employees a forum for their voice to be heard.
We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce which is reflected in a wide range of cultures, religions,
ethnicities and nationalities as well as varied professional and educational backgrounds. We believe that the inclusion of
diverse perspectives results in better outcomes and policies. We aim to foster an inclusive workplace through recruitment
and development efforts, and through the retention of diverse talent with a goal of expanding representation across all
dimensions of equality and inclusion. We strive to provide an environment that allows our employees to bring their authentic
selves to work every day, and we are committed to fostering a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment, and which
promotes allyship, advocacy and an overall sense of belonging.
Compensation and Benefits
Our compensation structure is set up to reward employees for performance. We regularly evaluate employee compensation to
ensure it is competitive and in-line with market benchmarks and to reward employees who perform at a high level. We offer
comprehensive benefit programs to our employees including medical, dental and vision. We also provide a 401(k) match and
safe harbor contribution, paid time off including maternal and paternal leave, life insurance and long-term and short-term
disability.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on our corporate website, www.rockybrands.com, our annual report on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable
after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
An investment in our common stock is subject to certain risks inherent in our business. Before making an investment decision,
investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information
included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the following risks occur, our business,
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. These described risks are
not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we deem to be immaterial also may
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materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. If any of these risks were
to materialize, the value of our common stock could decline significantly.
Business Risks
Expanding our brands into new footwear and apparel markets may be difficult and expensive, and if we are unable to
successfully continue such expansion, our brands may be adversely affected, and we may not achieve our planned sales
growth.
Our growth strategy is founded substantially on the expansion of our brands into new footwear and apparel markets. New
products that we introduce may not be successful with consumers or one or more of our brands may fall out of favor with
consumers. If we are unable to anticipate, identify or react appropriately to changes in consumer preferences, we may not
grow as fast as we plan to grow or our sales may decline, and our brand image and operating performance may suffer.
Furthermore, achieving market acceptance for new products will likely require us to exert substantial product development
and marketing efforts, which could result in a material increase in our operating expenses, and there can be no assurance that
we will have the resources necessary to undertake such efforts. Material increases in our operating expenses could adversely
impact our results of operations and cash flows.
We may also encounter difficulties in producing new products that we did not anticipate during the development stage. Our
development schedules for new products are difficult to predict and are subject to change as a result of shifting priorities in
response to consumer preferences and competing products. If we are not able to efficiently manufacture newly-developed
products in quantities sufficient to support retail distribution, we may not be able to recoup our investment in the development
of new products. Failure to gain market acceptance for new products that we introduce could impede our growth, reduce our
profits, adversely affect the image of our brands, erode our competitive position and result in long term harm to our business.
Our recent acquisition of the performance and lifestyle footwear business of certain subsidiaries of Honeywell
International Inc. carries certain inherent risks, and we may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired business,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our recent Acquisition that closed on March 15, 2021 involved inherent risks and we still face certain inherent risks such as:
● difficulties in continuing to integrate the acquired business, including the potential loss of key personnel from the
acquired business, our potential inability to achieve identified financial, operating and other synergies anticipated
to result from the acquisition, and integration issues associated with internal controls, among other things, for the
acquired business;
●
the diversion of management’s time from our existing business;
●
changes in economic conditions; and
● potential unknown liabilities associated with the acquired business.
While we conducted financial and other due diligence in connection with the Acquisition and obtained representations and
warranties insurance coverage, the acquired business may have weaknesses or liabilities that were not accurately assessed
or realized at the time of the acquisition and insurance coverage may not cover (or fully cover) such matters. If we are not
able to successfully navigate such risks with respect to the acquired business, it could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A majority of our products are produced outside the U.S. where we are subject to the risks of international commerce and
other international conditions.
A majority of our products are produced in the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Therefore, our business
is subject to certain risks of doing business offshore including:
●
the imposition of additional U.S. legislation and regulations relating to imports, including quotas, duties, taxes or
other charges or restrictions;
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●
foreign governmental regulation and taxation, including tariffs, import and export controls and other non-tariff
barriers;
●
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates;
●
changes in economic conditions, including expropriation and nationalization;
●
transportation conditions and costs in the Pacific and Caribbean;
●
changes in the political stability of these countries;
●
labor disputes and other work stoppages or interruptions;
●
changes in relationships between the U.S. and these countries; and
●
the occurrence of contagious disease or illness.
Changes in any of these factors could materially increase our costs of products or cause us to experience delays and we may
not be able to recover all of our cost increases or missed sales. If any of these factors were to render the conduct of business
in these countries undesirable or impracticable, we would have to manufacture or source our products elsewhere. There can
be no assurance that additional sources or products would be available to us or, if available, that these sources could be relied
on to provide product at terms favorable to us. The occurrence of any of these developments could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The COVID-19 outbreak has had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a pandemic in March 2020. Our business,
financial condition and results of operations have been and may continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19
outbreak. The COVID-19 outbreak has affected nearly all regions of the world, and preventative measures taken to contain
or mitigate the outbreak have caused, and are continuing to cause, business slowdown or shutdown in affected areas. This
has and could continue to negatively affect the global economy, including reduced consumer spending and disruption of
manufacturing and global supply chains. We cannot predict the degree to which our business, financial condition and results
of operations will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects could be material. Potential impacts to our
business, financial condition and results of operations include:
● Disruption to our employees, suppliers, third party manufacturing partners, vendors and logistics providers,
including through the effects of facility closures, reductions in operating hours, labor shortages, and changes in
operating procedures;
● Closure or reduced operations of brick and mortar retail stores and reductions in customer traffic, which adversely
affects our Wholesale segment;
● Lower performance of customers in our Wholesale segment, which may result in reduction or cancellation of future
orders;
● Closure or reduced operations of manufacturing and other facilities and businesses served by our Lehigh CustomFit
business, resulting in reductions in future orders, which adversely affects our retail channel;
● Reductions in consumer spending due to macroeconomic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including
decreased disposable income and increased unemployment, which may result in decreased sales;
● Additional expenses related to mitigating the pandemic's impact on regular operations;
● Supply chain disruption effecting our ability to receive and distribute product as well as increases in supply chain
costs; and
● Continued volatility in the availability and prices for commodities and raw materials used in the Company's products
and related inflationary pressures.
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In addition, the disruption caused to the global economy and our business could lead to triggering events indicating that the
carrying value or certain assets, such as long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill, may not be recoverable. Any required
non-cash impairment charges will adversely affect our results of operations.
The further spread of COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants, and the requirements to take action to help limit the
spread of the illness, may impact our ability to carry out our business as usual and may materially adversely impact global
economic conditions, our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We conduct a portion of our business pursuant to U.S. military contracts, which are subject to unique risks.
Our contracts with the U.S. military subject our business to unique risks. In 2021, 4.4% of our revenues were earned pursuant
to U.S. military contracts. Business conducted pursuant to such contracts is subject to extensive procurement regulations and
other unique risks. The U.S. military may modify, curtail or choose not to renew one or more of our contracts. In addition,
funding pursuant to our U.S. military contracts may be reduced or withheld as part of the U.S. Congressional appropriations
process due to fiscal constraints and/or changes in U.S. military strategy. Our contracts with the U.S. military are fixed-price
contracts. While fixed price contracts enable us to benefit from performance improvements, cost reductions and efficiencies,
they also subject us to the risk of reduced margins or losses if we are unable to achieve estimated costs reductions. The U.S.
military provides preference on contract bids to small businesses and our current company structure classifies us as a large
business which could have an effect on our ability to be awarded new contracts in the future.
Our success depends on our ability to anticipate consumer trends.
Demand for our products may be adversely affected by changing consumer trends. Our future success will depend upon our
ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences and technical design or material developments in a timely
manner. The failure to adequately anticipate or respond to these changes could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for key production materials, and any disruption in the supply of such
materials could interrupt product manufacturing and increase product costs.
We purchase raw materials from a number of domestic and foreign sources. We do not have any long-term supply contracts
for the purchase of our raw materials, except for limited blanket orders on leather. The principal raw materials used in the
production of our footwear, in terms of dollar value, are leather, Gore-Tex waterproof breathable fabric, Cordura nylon fabric
and soling materials. Availability or change in the prices of our raw materials could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by conditions at ports or issues that
otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as fluctuations in freight costs, port and shipping capacity,
labor disputes or severe weather due to climate change. These issues have in the past and may in the future delay importation
of products or require us to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to customers. These
alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher costs, which could have an adverse impact on
our business and financial condition.
Our outdoor and insulated products are seasonal and are sensitive to weather conditions.
We have historically experienced significant seasonal fluctuations in our business because we derive a significant portion of
our revenues from sales of our outdoor products. Many of our outdoor products are used by consumers in cold or wet weather.
As a result, a majority of orders for these products are placed by our retailers in January through April for delivery in
July through October. In order to meet demand, we must manufacture and source outdoor footwear year-round to be in a
position to ship advance orders for these products during the last two quarters of each year. Accordingly, average inventory
levels have been highest during the second and third quarters of each year and sales have been highest in the last two quarters
of each year. There is no assurance that we will have either sufficient inventory to satisfy demand in any particular quarter or
have sufficient demand to sell substantially all of our inventory without significant markdowns. Mild or dry weather has in
the past and may in the future have a material adverse effect on sales of our products, particularly if mild or dry weather
conditions occur in broad geographical areas during late fall or early winter.
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Our business could suffer if our third-party manufacturers violate labor, environmental or other applicable laws or fail
to conform to generally accepted ethical standards.
We require our third-party manufacturers to meet our standards for working conditions and other matters before we are
willing to place business with them. As a result, we may not always obtain the lowest cost production. Moreover, we do not
control our third-party manufacturers or their respective business practices. If one of our third-party manufacturers violates
generally accepted labor standards by, for example, using forced or indentured labor or child labor, failing to pay
compensation in accordance with local law, failing to operate its factories in compliance with local safety regulations or
diverging from other labor practices generally accepted as ethical, we likely would cease dealing with that manufacturer, and
we could suffer an interruption in our product supply. Similarly, if one or more of our third party manufacturers violate
applicable environmental or other laws and regulations, we could suffer an interruption in our product supply. In addition,
such a manufacturer’s actions could result in negative publicity and may damage our reputation and the value of our brand
and discourage retail customers and consumers from buying our products.
The growth of our business will be dependent upon the availability of adequate capital.
The growth of our business will depend on the availability of adequate capital, which in turn will depend in large part on cash
flow generated by our business and the availability of equity and debt financing. We cannot assure that our operations will
generate positive cash flow or that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on acceptable terms or at all. Our credit
facilities contain provisions that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness or make substantial asset sales that might
otherwise be used to finance our expansion. Security interests in substantially all of our assets, which may further limit our
access to certain capital markets or lending sources, secure our obligations under our credit facilities. Moreover, the actual
availability of funds under our credit facilities is limited to specified percentages of our eligible inventory and accounts
receivable. Accordingly, opportunities for increasing our cash on hand through sales of inventory would be partially offset
by reduced availability under our credit facilities. As a result, we may not be able to finance our current expansion plans.
Our current level of indebtedness could adversely affect our business by increasing our borrowing costs and decreasing
our overall business flexibility.
Our current level of indebtedness could adversely affect our business by increasing our borrowing costs and decreasing our
overall business flexibility. We have debt outstanding under two credit facilities, which contain customary restrictive
covenants imposing operating and financial restrictions, including restrictions that may limit our ability to engage in certain
actions that may be in our long-term best interests.
We must comply with the restrictive covenants contained in our credit facilities.
Our credit facilities require us to comply with certain financial restrictive covenants that impose restrictions on our operations,
including our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make investments of other restricted payments, sell or otherwise dispose
of assets and engage in other activities. Any failure by us to comply with the restrictive covenants could result in an event of
default under those borrowing arrangements, in which case the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding
thereunder to be due and payable, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Our credit facilities
contain restrictive covenants which requires us to maintain a maximum total average ratio and a minimum fixed charge
coverage ratio.
Interest rate increases could adversely affect our financial results.
An increase in interest rates under our credit facilities would adversely affect our financial results, as our loan agreements
provide for adjustments in our interest rates based on changes to LIBOR and/or the prime rate.
We face intense competition, including competition from companies with significantly greater resources than ours, and if
we are unable to compete effectively with these companies, our market share may decline and our business could be
harmed.
The footwear and apparel industries are intensely competitive, and we expect competition to increase in the future. A number
of our competitors have significantly greater financial, technological, engineering, manufacturing, marketing and distribution
resources than we do, as well as greater brand awareness in the footwear market. Our ability to succeed depends on our ability
to remain competitive with respect to the quality, design, price and timely delivery of products. Competition could materially
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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Our financial success is influenced by the success of our customers, and the loss of a key customer could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Much of our financial success is directly related to the ability of our retailer and distributor partners to successfully market
and sell our brands directly to consumers. If a retailer or distributor partner fails to satisfy contractual obligations or to
otherwise meet our expectations, it may be difficult to locate an acceptable substitute partner. If we determine that it is
necessary to make a change, we may experience increased costs, loss of customers, or increased credit or inventory risk. In
addition, there is no guarantee that any replacement retailer or distributor partner will generate results that are more favorable
than the terminated party. We currently do not have long-term contracts with any of our retailers. Sales to our retailers and
distributors are generally on an order-by-order basis and are subject to rights of cancellation and rescheduling by our
wholesale customers. We use the timing of delivery dates for our wholesale customer orders as a key factor in forecasting
our sales and earnings for future periods. If any of our major customers experience a significant downturn in business or fail
to remain committed to our products or brands, these customers could postpone, reduce, or discontinue purchases from us,
which could result in us failing to meet our forecasted results. These risks have been exacerbated recently as our key retail
customers are operating within a retail industry that continues to undergo significant structural changes fueled by technology
and the internet, changes in consumer purchasing behavior and a shrinking retail footprint. We may lose key retail and
wholesale customers if they fail to manage the impact of the rapidly changing retail environment. Any loss of one of these
key customers, the financial collapse or bankruptcy of one of these customers, or a significant reduction in purchases from
one of these customers could result in a significant decline in sales, write-downs of excess inventory, or increased discounts
to our customers, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Certain of our larger wholesale customers may develop and manufacture competing products under their own brands and
reduce purchases of our branded products.
Certain of our larger wholesale customers may develop, and in certain cases have developed, products under their own brands
that compete with our branded products. Wholesale customers who increase the concentration of their own brands may result
in a reduction or elimination of purchases of our branded products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We currently manufacture a portion of our products, and we may not be able to do so in the future at costs that are
competitive with those of competitors who source their goods.
We currently plan to retain our internal manufacturing capability in order to continue benefiting from expertise we have
gained with respect to footwear manufacturing methods conducted at our manufacturing facilities. We continue to evaluate
our manufacturing facilities and third-party manufacturing alternatives in order to determine the appropriate size and scope
of our manufacturing facilities. There can be no assurance that the costs of products that continue to be manufactured by us
can remain competitive with products sourced from third parties.
We rely on our distribution centers in Ohio and Nevada and manufacturing facilities in the Dominican Republic, Puerto
Rico, China and Illinois, and if there is a natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of these facilities, we may be
unable to deliver merchandise effectively to our retailers and consumers.
We rely on our distribution centers located in Ohio and Nevada and our manufacturing facilities in the Dominican Republic,
Puerto Rico, China and Illinois. Any natural disaster or other serious disruption at any of these facilities due to fire, tornado,
flood, terrorist attack or any other cause could damage our ability to manufacture our products, a portion of our inventory, or
impair our ability to use our distribution center as a docking location for merchandise. Any of these occurrences could impair
our ability to adequately supply our retailers and consumers and harm our operating results.
If our efforts to establish and protect our trademarks, patents and other intellectual property are unsuccessful, the value
of our brands could suffer.
We regard certain of our footwear designs as proprietary and rely on patents to protect those designs. We believe that the
ownership of patents is a significant factor in our business. Existing intellectual property laws afford only limited protection
of our proprietary rights, and it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy certain of our footwear designs or to
reverse engineer or otherwise obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. If our patents are found to be invalid,
however, to the extent they have served, or would in the future serve, as a barrier to entry to our competitors, such invalidity
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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We own U.S. registrations for many our trademarks, trade names and designs, including such marks as Rocky, Georgia Boot,
Durango, Lehigh, Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger. Additional trademarks, trade names and designs are the
subject of pending federal applications for registration. We also use and have common law rights in certain trademarks. Over
time, we have increased distribution of our goods in several foreign countries. Accordingly, we have applied for trademark
registrations in a number of these countries. We intend to enforce our trademarks and trade names against unauthorized use
by third parties.
An impairment of intangibles, including Goodwill, could have an adverse impact to the Company’s results of operations.
The carrying value of intangibles represents the fair value of trade names and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition
date. Acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to the Company’s cash flows are not amortized but must be
evaluated by the Company at least annually for impairment. If the carrying amounts of one or more of these assets are not
recoverable based upon discounted cash flow and market-approach analyses, the carrying amounts of such assets are impaired
by the estimated difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value. An impairment charge could adversely affect
the Company’s results of operations.
Our success depends on our ability to forecast sales.
Our investments in infrastructure and product inventory are based on sales forecasts and are necessarily made in advance of
actual sales. The markets in which we do business are highly competitive, and our business is affected by a variety of factors,
including brand awareness, changing consumer preferences, product innovations, susceptibility to fashion trends, retail
market conditions, weather conditions and economic conditions, and other factors. One of our principal challenges is to
improve our ability to predict these factors in order to enable us to better match production with demand. In addition, our
growth over the years has created the need to increase the investment in infrastructure and product inventory and to enhance
our systems. To the extent sales forecasts are not achieved, costs associated with the infrastructure and carrying costs of
product inventory would represent a higher percentage of revenue, which would adversely affect our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our dividend policy may change.
Although we have paid dividends to our shareholders, we have no obligation to continue doing so and may change our
dividend policy at any time without notice to our shareholders. Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive such
cash dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments.
Industry Risks
Because the footwear market is sensitive to decreased consumer spending and slow economic cycles, if general economic
conditions deteriorate, many of our customers may significantly reduce their purchases from us or may not be able to pay
for our products in a timely manner.
The footwear industry has been subject to cyclical variation and decline in performance when consumer spending decreases
or softness appears in the retail market. Many factors affect the level of consumer spending in the footwear industry,
including:
● general business conditions;
●
interest rates;
●
the availability of consumer credit;
● weather;
●
increases in prices of nondiscretionary goods;
●
taxation; and
●
consumer confidence in future economic conditions.
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Consumer purchases of discretionary items, including our products, may decline during recessionary periods and also may
decline at other times when disposable income is lower. A downturn in regional economies where we sell products also
reduces sales.
The continued shift in the marketplace from traditional independent retailers to large mass merchandisers may result in
decreased margins.
A continued shift in the marketplace from traditional independent retailers to large mass merchandisers has increased the
pressure on many footwear manufacturers to sell products to these mass merchandisers at less favorable margins. Because of
competition from large discount mass merchandisers, a number of our small retailing customers have gone out of business,
and in the future more of these customers may go out of business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
If we do not effectively respond to the trend of consumer shopping moving to online retailers, including third party
marketplaces, it may negatively impact our business.
The retail industry is rapidly changing, and we must ensure we are evolving both our own online e-commerce websites and
third party marketplaces. We must also provide digital assistance to our wholesale customers to support their e-commerce
websites. Failure to timely identify and effectively respond to the online trends of the retail industry could negatively impact
our product reach and market share. We are making technology investments in our websites and mobile applications. If we
are unable to improve or develop relevant technology in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations
could be adversely affected.
General Risk Factors
Changes to U.S. tax, tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on global economic conditions,
financial markets and our business.
The current political climate has introduced greater uncertainty with respect to trade policies, tariffs and government
regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries. We source products from manufacturers located outside of
the U.S., primarily in China, Vietnam and Indonesia. Major developments in tax policy or trade relations, such as the
disallowance of tax deductions for imported products or the imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported products, could have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.
There are risks, including stock market volatility, inherent in owning our common stock.
The market price and volume of our common stock have been, and may continue to be, subject to significant fluctuations.
These fluctuations may arise from general stock market conditions, the impact of risk factors described in this Item 1A on
our results of operations and financial position, or a change in opinion in the market regarding our business prospects or other
factors, many of which may be outside our immediate control. Changes in the amounts and frequency of share repurchases
or dividends also could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Disruption of our information technology systems could adversely affect our business
Our information technology systems are critical to our business operations. Any interruption, unauthorized access,
impairment or loss of data integrity or malfunction of these systems could severely impact our business, including delays in
product fulfillment and reduced efficiency in operations. In addition, costs and potential problems and interruptions associated
with the implementation of new or upgraded systems, or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems, could
disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. Disruption to our information technology systems may be caused by natural
disasters, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, denial-of-service attacks,
computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events or disruptions. System redundancy may be ineffective or
inadequate, and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Such failures or disruptions could
prevent access to our online services and preclude retail transactions. System failures and disruptions could also impede the
manufacturing and shipping of products, transactions processing and financial reporting. Additionally, we may be adversely
affected if we are unable to improve, upgrade, maintain, and expand our technology systems.
Some of our employees are working remotely which could strain our information technology systems and impact business
continuity plans. Remote work could also introduce operational risk such as, but not limited to, cyber security risks.
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A cyber-security breach could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation.
We rely heavily on digital technologies for the successful operation of our business, including electronic messaging, digital
marketing efforts and the collection and retention of customer data and employee information. We also rely on third parties
to process credit card transactions, perform online e-commerce and social media activities and retain data relating to our
financial position and results of operations, strategic initiatives and other important information. Despite the security
measures we have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers, may be vulnerable to
cyber-security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or
other similar events. Any misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable
information, whether by us or by our third-party service providers, could damage our reputation and our customers’
willingness to purchase our products, which may adversely affect our business. In addition, we could incur liabilities and
remediation costs, including regulatory fines, reimbursement or other compensatory costs, additional compliance costs, and
costs for providing credit monitoring or other benefits to customers or employees affected. We maintain cyber risk insurance,
but this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses from any future breaches of our systems.
Compliance with data privacy and marketing laws may subject us to increased additional costs, and our ability to effectively
engage customers via personalized marketing may be impacted, all of which may have a material adverse effect on our
business operations.
In addition, as data privacy and marketing laws change, we may incur additional costs to ensure we remain in compliance. If
applicable data privacy and marketing laws become more restrictive at the federal or state level, our compliance costs may
increase, our ability to effectively engage customers via personalized marketing may decrease, its opportunities for growth
may be curtailed by our compliance capabilities or reputational harm and the potential liability for security breaches may
increase. We are also subject to U.S. and international data privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations, which may impose
fines and penalties for noncompliance and may have an adverse effect on our operations. For example, the European Union’s
General Data Protection Regulation (the "GDPR"), which became effective in May 2018, extends the scope of the European
Union’s data protection laws to all companies processing data of European Union residents, regardless of our location, and
imposes significant new requirements on how we collect, processes and transfer personal data.
In addition, California adopted the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), which became effective January 1, 2020 and
limits how we may collect and use personal data. As a result, GDPR and CCPA compliance increased our responsibility and
potential liability in relation to personal data that we process, and we may be required to put in place additional mechanisms
to ensure compliance with the new data protection rules. Any failure to comply with these rules and related national laws of
European Union member states, could lead to government enforcement actions and significant penalties and fines against us,
and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Compliance with any of the
foregoing laws and regulations can be costly.
We are subject to certain environmental and other regulations.
Some of our operations use substances regulated under various federal, state, local and international environmental and
pollution laws, including those relating to the storage, use, discharge, disposal and labeling of, and human exposure to,
hazardous and toxic materials. Compliance with current or future environmental laws and regulations could restrict our ability
to expand our facilities or require us to acquire additional expensive equipment, modify our manufacturing processes or incur
other significant expenses. In addition, we could incur costs, fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party property damage
or personal injury claims or could be required to incur substantial investigation or remediation costs, if we were to violate or
become liable under any environmental laws. Liability under environmental laws can be joint and several and without regard
to comparative fault. There can be no assurance that violations of environmental laws or regulations have not occurred in the
past and will not occur in the future as a result of our inability to obtain permits, human error, equipment failure or other
causes, and any such violations could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to periodic litigation and other regulatory proceedings, which could result in the unexpected expenditure
of time and resources.
We are a defendant from time to time in lawsuits and regulatory actions relating to our business and to our past operations.
Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome
of any such proceedings. An unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, regardless of the outcome of any litigation or regulatory proceedings, such proceedings
are expensive and will require that we devote substantial resources and executive time to defend, thereby diverting
management’s attention and resources that are needed to successfully run our business.
19
Public health crises could harm our business.
Public health crises, such as the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), could cause disruption to the Company’s
manufacturers and suppliers located in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and elsewhere. If our manufacturers and suppliers are so
affected, our supply chain could be disrupted causing our product shipments to be delayed. In addition, a public health crises
could negatively impact our consumer spending in impacted regions or globally, which could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition, and results of operation.
Loss of services of our key personnel could adversely affect our business.
The development of our business has been, and will continue to be, dependent on execution at all levels of our organization
which requires an experienced and talented executive team. The loss of service of any of the executive officers or key
employees could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We have entered into employment
agreements with several executive officers and key employees, and also offer compensation packages designed to attract and
retain talent.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
20
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
We own the following properties as of December 31, 2021:
Purpose
Executive Office
Executive Office and
Outlet Store
Executive Office
Distribution Center
Manufacturing Facility
Location
Nelsonville, Ohio
Nelsonville, Ohio
Nelsonville, Ohio
Logan, Ohio
Chuzhou, China
Square Footage
24,400
Utilized Segments
Wholesale, Retail, Contract Manufacturing
52,300
7,200
275,000
576,000
Wholesale and Retail
Wholesale and Retail
Wholesale, Retail, Contract Manufacturing
Wholesale and Retail
We lease the following properties:
Purpose
Office Building
Office Building
Location
China
Westwood,
Massachusetts
Square
Footage
5,600
16,500
Distribution Center
Reno, Nevada
355,680
Distribution Center
Lancaster, Ohio
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
60,100
84,600
22,700
Utilized Segments
Wholesale and Retail
Wholesale and Retail
Wholesale, Retail, Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale, Retail, Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Manufacturing
Facility
Rock Island, Illinois
45,000
Wholesale and Retail
Dominican Republic
29,700
Dominican Republic
34,400
Dominican Republic
20,100
Dominican Republic
93,700
Dominican Republic
36,200
Dominican Republic
17,400
Dominican Republic
17,900
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Wholesale and Contract
Manufacturing
Lease
Expiration
2024
2022
2026
2022
2019 (1)
2019 (1)
2026
2023
2023
2023
2024
2024
2026
2026
(1) These leases expired in 2019 and we are currently occupying the spaces on a month-to-month basis until a new agreement
is reached.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation which arises in the normal course of our business. Although the ultimate
resolution of pending proceedings cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, the resolution of these proceedings
in the aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
21
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
PART II
Market Information
Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "RCKY."
As of February 28, 2022, there were 67 shareholders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
In 2013, our Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy under which the Company intends to pay a cash dividend on its
common stock.
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s purchases of common stock for the periods indicated:
Period
October 1, 2021 - October 31, 2021
November 1, 2021 - November 30, 2021
December 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Total
Maximum number (or
approximate dollar value)
of shares (or units) that
may yet be purchased
under the plans
or programs (1)
Average price
paid per share (or
units)
Total number of
shares (or units)
purchased
-
-
-
-
- $
-
-
- $
7,500,000
7,500,000
7,500,000
7,500,000
(1) The reported shares were repurchased pursuant to the Company’s stock repurchase authorization which was publicly
announced on March 8, 2021 approving up to $7,500,000 for share repurchases and expired on March 4, 2022.
(2) The number shown represents, as of the end of each period, the maximum number of shares (approximate dollar
value) of Common Stock that may yet be purchased under publicly announced stock repurchase authorizations. The
shares may be purchased, from time-to-time, depending on market conditions.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") describes the
matters that we consider to be important to understanding the results of our operations for each of the two years in the period
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and our capital resources and liquidity as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Use of the
terms "Rocky," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" in this discussion refer to Rocky Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Our
fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. We analyze the results of our operations for the last two
years (including the trends in the overall business), followed by a discussion of our cash flows and liquidity, our credit
facilities, and contractual commitments. We then provide a review of the critical accounting judgments and estimates that we
have made that we believe are most important to an understanding of our MD&A and our consolidated financial statements.
We conclude our MD&A with information on recent accounting pronouncements which we adopted during the year, as well
as those not yet adopted that are expected to have an impact on our financial accounting practices.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto,
included elsewhere herein. The forward-looking statements in this section and other parts of this document involve risks and
uncertainties including statements regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and financial performance. Our actual
results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of factors set forth
under the caption "Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995" below. The Private
22
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of
the Company.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear and apparel marketed under a portfolio
of well recognized brand names including Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh, Muck, XTRATUF, Servus,
NEOS, Ranger and the licensed brand Michelin.
On January 24, 2021, we entered into a Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with certain subsidiaries of
Honeywell International Inc. (collectively, "Honeywell"), to purchase Honeywell's performance and lifestyle footwear
business, including brand names, trademarks, assets and liabilities associated with Honeywell's performance and lifestyle
footwear business (the "Acquisition") for an aggregate purchase price of $212 million. We closed on the Acquisition on
March 15, 2021 for preliminary aggregate closing price of approximately $207 million, net of cash acquired, based on
preliminary working capital and other adjustments. Upon a final agreement of net working capital as of the Acquisition Date,
we owed Honeywell an additional $5.4 million. The Acquisition was funded through cash on hand and borrowings under two
new credit facilities. See Note 8 for information regarding the two new credit facilities.
The Acquisition expanded our brand portfolio to include Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger brands (the "Acquired
Brands").
Our brands have a long history of representing high quality, comfortable, functional and durable footwear and our products
are organized around six target markets: outdoor, work, duty, commercial military, military, and western. Our footwear
products incorporate varying features and are positioned across a range of suggested retail price points from $20.00 for our
value priced products to $462.00 for our premium products. In addition, as part of our strategy of outfitting consumers from
head-to-toe, we market complementary branded apparel and accessories that we believe leverage the strength and positioning
of each of our brands
Our products are distributed through three distinct business segments: Wholesale, Retail and Contract Manufacturing. In our
Wholesale business, we distribute our products through a wide range of distribution channels representing over 10,000 retail
store locations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and other international markets such as Europe. Our Wholesale channels vary by
product line and include sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, independent shoe retailers, hardware stores, catalogs, mass
merchants, uniform stores, farm store chains, specialty safety stores, specialty retailers and online retailers. Our Retail
business includes direct sales of our products to consumers through our business to business web platform, e-commerce
websites, third party marketplaces and our Rocky outlet store. Our contract manufacturing segment includes sales to the U.S.
military, private label sales and any sales to customers in which we are contracted to manufacture or source a specific footwear
product for a customer.
During the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021, we made a change to our reporting segments to change our
"Military" reporting segment to "Contract Manufacturing" and to change the composition thereof to continue to include sales
to the U.S. military ("Military Contracts") and to include sales under manufacturing contracts for private label or other specific
footwear products sold through our Wholesale and Retail channels ("Private Contracts"). Previously, only Military Contracts
were included in this segment. There has been no change in our total consolidated financial condition, results of operations,
or segment information previously reported, as the result of the change in our reportable segments, as we had no Private
Contract sales during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 or the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. See Note 17 for
further information.
Our growth strategy is founded substantially on the expansion of our brands into new footwear and apparel markets. New
products that we introduce may not be successful with consumers or one or more of our brands may fall out of favor with
consumers. If we are unable to anticipate, identify or react appropriately to changes in consumer preferences, we may not
grow as fast as we plan to grow or our sales may decline, and our brand image and operating performance may suffer.
Furthermore, achieving market acceptance for new products will likely require us to exert substantial product development
and marketing efforts, which could result in a material increase in our operating expenses and there can be no assurance that
we will have the resources necessary to undertake such efforts. Material increases in our operating expenses could adversely
impact our results of operations and cash flows.
23
We may also encounter difficulties in producing new products that we did not anticipate during the development stage. Our
development schedules for new products are difficult to predict and are subject to change as a result of shifting priorities in
response to consumer preferences and competing products. If we are not able to efficiently manufacture newly-developed
products in quantities sufficient to support retail distribution, we may not be able to recoup our investment in the development
of new products. Failure to gain market acceptance for new products that we introduce could impede our growth, reduce our
profits, adversely affect the image of our brands, erode our competitive position and result in long term harm to our business.
The impact of COVID-19 and the related economic, business and market disruptions were wide-ranging. These impacts have
had and may continue to cause disruptions from both a manufacturing and distribution standpoint. As a result of COVID-19,
we were required to temporarily close our manufacturing facilities in both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico for
several weeks spanning through both the first and second quarters of 2020. In response to COVID-19, we have incurred
incremental costs associated with protecting the health and safety of our global workforce, enhanced sanitization of our global
operating facilities, and information technology capabilities for employees operating remotely. Beginning in March 2020,
restrictions imposed by various governmental authorities on both domestic and international shipping and travel have caused
a disruption to the timing of delivery of raw materials and finished goods resulting in negative impacts to our financial
position, results of operations and cash flows. The duration and severity of the outbreak and its long-term impact on our
business are uncertain at this time. We are unable to predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our future financial
position, results of operations and cash flows.
Net sales. Net sales and related cost of goods sold are recognized at the time products are shipped to the customer and title
transfers. Net sales are recorded net of estimated sales discounts and returns based upon specific customer agreements and
historical trends. Net sales include royalty income from licensing our brands.
Cost of goods sold. Our cost of goods sold represents our costs to manufacture products in our own facilities, including raw
materials costs and all overhead expenses related to production, as well as the cost to purchase finished products from our
third-party manufacturers. Cost of goods sold also includes the cost to transport these products to our distribution center.
Operating expenses. Our operating expenses consist primarily of selling, marketing, wages and related payroll and employee
benefit costs, travel and insurance expenses, depreciation, amortization, professional fees, software licensing fees, facility
expenses, bank charges, warehouse and outbound freight expenses. We also incurred significant operating expenses
associated with the Acquisition during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
Percentage of Net Sales
The following table sets forth consolidated statements of operations data as percentages of total net sales:
Net sales
Cost of goods sold
Gross margin
Operating expenses
Income from operations
Results of Operations
December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
100.0 %
62.2
37.8
30.8
7.0 %
100.0 %
62.2
37.8
28.0
9.8 %
($ in thousands)
NET SALES:
Wholesale
Retail
Contract Manufacturing
Total Net Sales
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
Inc./ (Dec.) Inc./ (Dec.)
$ 391,070 $
94,658
28,499
$ 514,227 $
185,554 $
72,877
18,878
277,309 $
205,516
21,781
9,621
236,918
110.8%
29.9
51.0
85.4%
24
Included in Wholesale net sales is $160.0 million of net sales attributed to the Acquisition. Additionally, Wholesale sales
increased due to strong demand for our products as consumers continued to respond favorably to our recent product
introductions and we were able to capitalize on our strong inventory position which allowed us to gain additional market
share and shelf space.
Included in Retail net sales is $17.6 million of net sales attributed to the Acquired Brands. Retail sales with our legacy brands
increased primarily due to strong growth in our direct to consumer e-Commerce and marketplace businesses in the first half
of the year. We have increased our targeted marketing efforts and brand awareness, which led to increased traffic on our
branded websites.
Included in Contract Manufacturing net sales is $1.4 million of net sales attributed to the Acquisition. Contract Manufacturing
net sales increased as we continued to fulfill our military contracts and we filled orders under multiple private label programs
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
($ in thousands)
GROSS MARGIN:
Wholesale Margin $'s
Margin %
Retail Margin $'s
Margin %
Contract Manufacturing Margin $'s
Margin %
Total Margin $'s
Margin %
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2020
2021
Inc./ (Dec.)
$
$
$
$
140,166 $
35.8%
47,792 $
50.5%
6,578 $
23.1%
194,536 $
37.8%
66,336 $
35.8%
34,283 $
47.0%
4,116 $
21.8%
104,735 $
37.8%
73,830
0.0%
13,509
3.4%
2,462
1.3%
89,801
0.0%
Wholesale gross margins remained flat year over year. On an adjusted basis, to exclude the one-time inventory fair value
adjustment associated with the Acquisition of $3.5 million, Wholesale gross margins for the year ended December 31,
2021 were approximately 36.7%. On an adjusted basis, to exclude one-time COVID-19 related expenses of $1.3 million,
Wholesale gross margins were 36.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The slight pick-up in adjusted margin for the
year ended December 31, 2021 was due to the Acquired Brands carrying a higher margin than our legacy brands. This is
partially offset with increased shipping and freight costs.
Retail gross margins increased primarily due to sales mix. Our direct to consumer business, which carries higher margins,
increased at a faster pace than our Lehigh business, which carries lower margins, for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Contract Manufacturing gross margin increased year-over-year due to higher margin on certain military and private label
contracts.
($ in thousands)
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating Expenses
% of Net Sales
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
Inc./ (Dec.) Inc./ (Dec.)
$ 158,564 $
30.8%
77,565 $
28.0%
80,999
2.8%
104.4%
Operating expenses increased year-over-year due the Acquisition. We incurred significant one-time operating expenses as
we integrated the businesses. We incurred approximately $11.9 and $0.7 million of operating expenses related to the
Acquisition during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
($ in thousands)
OTHER EXPENSES:
Other (Expense) Income
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
Inc./ (Dec.) Inc./ (Dec.)
$
(10,603) $
(205) $
(10,398)
5072.2%
Other expenses increased due to higher interest expense in connection with the debt we incurred to fund the Acquisition.
25
($ in thousands)
INCOME TAXES:
Income Tax Expense
Effective Tax Rate
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
Inc./ (Dec.) Inc./ (Dec.)
$
4,810 $
19.0%
6,001 $
22.3%
(1,191)
-3.3%
-19.8%
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased primarily due to the one-time benefit arising from the
release of valuation allowances on state net operating losses and an increase in foreign tax credits.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
Our principal sources of liquidity have been our income from operations and borrowings under our credit facilities.
Over the last several years, our principal uses of cash have been for working capital and capital expenditures to support our
growth, as well as dividend payments and share repurchases. 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 historically utilize our revolving credit facility
to fund our seasonal working capital requirements. As a result, balances on our revolving credit facility could fluctuate
significantly throughout the year. Our working capital increased to $235.1 million at December 31, 2021, compared to $123.2
million at the end of the prior year.
Our capital expenditures relate primarily to projects relating to our corporate offices, property, merchandising fixtures, molds
and equipment associated with our manufacturing and distribution operations and for information technology. Capital
expenditures were $25.8 million for 2021 and $11.6 million in 2020. Capital expenditures for 2022 are anticipated to be
approximately $11.5 million.
We lease certain machinery, equipment, and manufacturing facilities under operating leases that generally provide for renewal
options. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases are outlined in further detail in Note 9.
We believe that our credit facilities coupled with cash generated from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our
operations for at least the next twelve months. Our continued liquidity, however, is contingent upon future operating
performance, cash flows and our ability to meet financial covenants under our credit facility. For more information regarding
our credit facilities please see Note 8. Refer to Note 3 for additional information regarding our recent Acquisition.
Cash Flows and Material Cash Requirements
($ in millions)
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
(54.9) $
(233.5)
265.9
(22.5) $
31.4
(11.7 )
(6.9 )
12.8
Operating Activities. The principal use of net cash in 2021 was increased inventories and accounts receivable, partially offset
by increased accounts payable. The principal sources of net cash in 2020 included increases to accounts payable and accrued
liabilities. These sources of net cash were partially offset by an increase in trade receivables and inventories.
Investing Activities. The principal use of net cash in 2021 was to fund the Acquisition. The principal uses of cash in 2020
were related to investments in molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations, investments in
information technology and improvements made to our distribution facility.
26
Financing Activities. Our financing activities during 2021 mainly consisted of proceeds from and payments on our two new
debt facilities that we incurred to fund the Acquisition and other working capital requirements. During 2020, principal uses of
financing activities were payments of dividends, proceeds from stock option issuances and repurchases of our common stock.
On March 8, 2021, we announced a new $7,500,000 share repurchase program, which expired on March 4, 2022. For
additional information regarding this share repurchase program, see Note 12.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2021 resulting from financial contracts and
commitments. These amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflect our levels of production, and are not
long-term in nature (less than three months). The following table does not include information on our recurring purchases of
materials for in our manufacturing operations.
Contractual Obligations at December 31, 2021:
($ in millions)
Long-term debt (Note 8)
Long-Term Taxes payable
Minimum operating lease commitments (Note 9)
Contract Liabilities (Note 15)
Consulting commitments
$
Total contractual obligations
$
Total
Less than 1
Year
1-3 Years 3-5 Years
263.8
6.5 $
0.2 $
-
1.8
7.3
-
-
-
-
265.8 $
13.8 $
3.3 $
-
3.2
1.1
0.3
7.9 $
Over 5
Years
-
-
-
-
-
-
273.6 $
0.2
12.3
1.1
0.3
287.5 $
From time to time, we enter into purchase commitments with our suppliers under customary purchase order terms. Any
significant losses implicit in these contracts would be recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
At December 31, 2021, no such losses existed.
Our ongoing business activities continue to be subject to compliance with various laws, rules and regulations as may be issued
and enforced by various federal, state and local agencies. With respect to environmental matters, costs are incurred pertaining
to regulatory compliance. Such costs have not been, and are not anticipated to become, material.
We are contingently liable with respect to lawsuits, taxes and various other matters that routinely arise in the normal course
of business. We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities,
also known as "Variable Interest Entities." Additionally, we do not have any related party transactions that materially affect
the results of operations, cash flow or financial condition.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2021.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with GAAP requires us to establish accounting policies and make estimates that affect amounts reported in our
Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by
reference into this MD&A, describes the significant accounting policies we use in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
An accounting estimate requires assumptions and judgments about uncertain matters that could have a material effect on the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Estimates are made under facts and circumstances at a point in time, and changes in those
facts and circumstances could produce results substantially different from those estimates. The most significant accounting
policies and estimates and their related application are discussed below.
Revenue recognition
Revenue principally consists of sales to customers, and, to a lesser extent, license fees. See Note 15 for additional information
regarding revenues.
27
Accounts receivable allowances
Management maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts and estimated losses resulting from the inability of our
customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an
impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The allowance for uncollectible
accounts is calculated based on the relative age and status of trade receivable balances.
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.
Sales returns and allowances as a percentage of sales for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were 2.6% and 4.8%,
respectively.
Inventories
Management identifies slow moving 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 at amounts above cost through our factory outlet
stores or through various discounts to customers and e-commerce channels. 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 as required. See Note 4 for additional information regarding
inventories.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets, including trademarks and patents, are reviewed for impairment annually, and more frequently, if necessary.
We perform such testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year or as events occur or
circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. See Note
6 for additional information regarding intangible assets and the annual impairment analysis.
Income taxes
Management records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets for a portion of state and local income tax net
operating losses that it believes may not be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and
feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance, however, in the event we were to determine
that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax
assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. For additional information see Note 11.
RECENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements discusses new accounting pronouncements adopted during 2021 and the
expected impact of accounting pronouncements recently issued but not yet required to be adopted. To the extent the adoption
of new accounting standards materially affect financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity, the impacts are discussed
in the applicable section of this MD&A and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This report, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations, contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, 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,
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," "would," "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are
cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties including, without limitations, dependence on
28
sales forecasts, changes in consumer demand, seasonality, impact of weather, competition, reliance on suppliers, risks
inherent to international trade, changing retail trends, the loss or disruption of our manufacturing and distribution operations,
cyber security breaches or disruption of our digital systems, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, economic
changes, as well as other factors set forth under the caption "Item 1A, Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and
other factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe
that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could
be inaccurate. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included herein 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. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
In the normal course of business, our financial position and results of operations are routinely subject to a variety of risks,
including market risk associated with interest rate movements on borrowings and currency rate movements on non-U.S. dollar
denominated assets, liabilities and cash flows. We are also subject to commodity pricing risk via changes in the price of
materials used in our manufacturing process. We regularly assess these risks and have established policies and business
practices that should mitigate a portion of the adverse effect of these and other potential exposures.
Interest Rate Risk
Our primary market risk results from fluctuations in interest rates. The following item is market rate sensitive for interest
rates for the Company: long-term debt consisting of a term facility and a credit facility with an outstanding balance of
approximately $128 million and $146 million, respectively at December 31, 2021. For additional information about our credit
facilities see Note 8.
We do not hold any market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
We do not have any interest rate management agreements as of December 31, 2021.
Commodity Risk
We are also exposed to changes in the price of commodities used in our manufacturing operations. However, commodity
price risk related to our current commodities is not material as price changes in commodities can generally be passed along
to the customer.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We face market risk to the extent that changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect our foreign assets, liabilities and
inventory purchase commitments. We manage these risks by attempting to denominate contractual and other foreign
arrangements in U.S. dollars.
29
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Description
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 358) .........................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 ..............................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 ......................................
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 .....................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 ....................................
Page
31
34
35
36
37
Note 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION .............................................................
Note 2. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES ..................................................................................................
Note 3. BUSINESS ACQUISITION ..........................................................................................................................
Note 4. INVENTORIES .............................................................................................................................................
Note 5. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................
Note 6. IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSET............................................................................................................
Note 7. OTHER ASSETS ...........................................................................................................................................
Note 8. LONG-TERM DEBT .....................................................................................................................................
Note 9. LEASES .........................................................................................................................................................
Note 10. BENEFIT PLAN ..........................................................................................................................................
Note 11. TAXES .........................................................................................................................................................
Note 12. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY .....................................................................................................................
Note 13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION ..........................................................................................................
Note 14. EARNINGS PER SHARE ...........................................................................................................................
Note 15. REVENUE ...................................................................................................................................................
Note 16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION ..................................................................................
Note 17. SEGMENT INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................
Note 18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES ..............................................................................................
38
41
42
44
44
45
46
46
48
49
50
52
52
53
54
56
56
57
30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Nelsonville, Ohio
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as
of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows
for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and the financial statement
schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a)(2), (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period
ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 15, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and
are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether
due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
31
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements
that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures
that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgment.
The communication of the critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a
whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit
matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Description of the Matter
How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
Valuation of Indefinite-Lived Identified Intangibles in Conjunction with Annual
Impairment Testing
At December 31, 2021, the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets were
approximately $132.4 million, which included $30.1 million of existing trade names and
trademarks and $51.7 million of trademarks and $50.6 million of goodwill that were
acquired through the acquisition of the performance and lifestyle footwear brands of
Honeywell International Inc. (Boston Group) on March 15, 2021. As discussed in Note 1
to the financial statements, indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for potential
impairment annually or when conditions indicate impairment may have occurred. This
test was performed in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Auditing management’s indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill, was
challenging because there is significant judgment required in determining the
methodologies and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s
goodwill by reporting unit, and trade names and trademarks by brand. In particular, the
fair value estimates were sensitive to significant judgment assumptions including future
cash flows, long-term growth rates of the business, financial projections, operating
margins, weighted average cost of capital and other factors such as: discount rates, royalty
rates, cost of capital, and market multiples. These estimates and assumptions require
management’s judgment, and changes to these estimates and assumptions could
materially affect the determination of fair value and/or impairment for each of the
Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness
of controls over the Company’s intangible asset impairment review process. To test the
estimated fair value of the Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, we performed audit
procedures that included, among others, involving our valuation specialists in evaluating
the methodologies used and significant assumptions described above, and testing the
underlying data used by the Company, with the assistance of an independent valuation
specialist, in its analysis for completeness and accuracy. We compared the significant
assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, recent
historical performance, changes to the reporting unit’s business model and other relevant
factors. We evaluated the reasonableness of the Company’s financial projections used in
the analysis. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and
significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the reporting unit that
would result from changes in the assumptions. We evaluated the incorporation of the
applicable assumptions into the model and tested the model’s computational accuracy and
performed a sensitivity analysis on certain key assumptions.
32
Description of the Matter
How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
Valuation of Customer Relationships, Trade Names and Goodwill Acquired through the
Boston Group Acquisition
On March 15, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of the Boston Group for an
aggregate purchase price of approximately $212 million, net of cash acquired, based on
working capital and other adjustments. The acquisition was accounted for under the
acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the purchase
price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective
fair values, including identified intangible assets of approximately $149.2 million, which
consisted of customer relationships, trade names and goodwill of approximately $46.9
million, $51.7 million and $50.6 million, respectively. The Company, with the assistance
of an independent valuation specialist, estimated the fair values of the customer
relationships and trade names using the multi-period excess earnings method and the relief
from royalty method, respectively. The multi-period excess earnings method determines
the fair value as the estimation of revenues and cash flows derived from the intangible
assets reduced by portions of the cash flow attributed to supporting assets. The
determination of fair value of the customer relationships involves significant estimates
and assumptions related to annual attrition and the selected discount rate. The relief from
royalty method determines the fair value based on the measurement of license payments
that has been saved as a consequence of having the ownership of the asset. The
determination of fair value of the trade names involves significant estimates and
assumptions related to the selection of the royalty and discount rates. The Company, with
the assistance of an independent valuation specialist, estimated the allocation of goodwill
to reporting units using the discounted cash flow method, which determines fair value
based on significant estimates and assumptions of future cash flows.
Auditing the valuation of the acquired intangible assets was challenging because there is
significant judgment required in determining the methodologies and assumptions used to
estimate the fair values of the Company’s acquired customer relationships, trademarks
and goodwill. In particular, the fair value estimates were sensitive to significant judgment
assumptions including annual attrition, financial projections, and royalty and discount
rates. These estimates and assumptions require management’s judgment, and changes to
these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value
and/or impairment for each of the Company’s acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets.
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness
of controls over the valuation methodology. To test the estimated fair value of the acquired
intangible assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, involving
our valuation specialists in evaluating the methodologies used and significant assumptions
described above, and testing the underlying data used by the Company in its analysis for
completeness and accuracy. We compared the significant assumptions used by
management to current industry and economic trends, recent historical performance,
changes to the reporting unit’s business model and other relevant factors. We evaluated
the reasonableness of the Company’s financial projections used in the analysis. We
evaluated the incorporation of the applicable assumptions into the model and tested the
model’s computational accuracy.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2007
/s/ Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
March 15, 2022
33
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share amounts)
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
ASSETS:
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables – net
Contract receivables
Other receivables
Inventories – net
Income tax receivable
Prepaid expenses
Total current assets
LEASED ASSETS
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT – net
GOODWILL
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES – net
OTHER ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Contract liabilities
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
Accrued expenses:
Salaries and wages
Taxes - other
Accrued freight
Commissions
Accrued duty
Accrued interest
Income tax payable
Other
Total current liabilities
LONG-TERM DEBT
LONG-TERM TAXES PAYABLE
LONG-TERM LEASE
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
DEFERRED LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value;
$
$
$
5,909 $
126,807
1,062
242
232,464
4,294
4,507
375,285
11,428
59,989
50,641
126,315
917
624,575 $
114,632 $
1,062
3,250
3,668
849
1,798
2,447
5,469
2,133
-
4,828
140,136
266,794
169
8,809
10,293
519
426,720
28,353
48,010
5,170
364
77,576
-
3,713
163,186
1,572
33,750
-
30,209
374
229,091
20,090
5,582
-
4,463
893
911
712
4,270
-
1,019
2,043
39,983
-
169
944
8,271
219
49,586
25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding December 31, 2021 -
7,302,199; December 31, 2020 - 7,247,631
Retained earnings
Total shareholders' equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
68,061
129,794
197,855
624,575 $
65,971
113,534
179,505
229,091
$
See notes to consolidated financial statements
34
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
NET SALES
COST OF GOODS SOLD
GROSS MARGIN
OPERATING EXPENSES
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
OTHER EXPENSES
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
NET INCOME
INCOME PER SHARE
Basic
Diluted
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic
Diluted
See notes to consolidated financial statements
Year Ended
December 31,
$
2021
2020
514,227 $
319,691
194,536
277,309
172,574
104,735
158,564
77,565
35,972
27,170
(10,603)
(205 )
25,369
26,965
4,810
6,001
$
20,559 $
20,964
$
$
2.82 $
2.77 $
2.87
2.86
7,283
7,409
7,304
7,337
35
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Common Stock and
Additional Paid-in
Capital
Shares
Outstanding Amount
Accumulated
Other
Total
Comprehensive Retained Shareholders'
Income
Earnings
Equity
BALANCE - December 31, 2019
7,355 $
67,993
- $
96,663 $
164,656
Net income
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.56 per
share)
Repurchase of common stock
Stock issued for options exercised, including tax
benefits
Stock compensation expense
BALANCE - December 31, 2020
Net income
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.59 per
share)(1)
Repurchase of common stock
Stock issued for options exercised, including tax
benefits
Stock compensation expense
BALANCE - December 31, 2021
(129) $
(2,938)
8
14
7,248 $
136
780
65,971 $
-
-
47 $
7
7,302 $
825
1,265
68,061 $
$
20,964 $
20,964
(4,093)
(4,093)
(2,938)
-
-
113,534 $
136
780
179,505
- $
$
20,559 $
20,559
(4,299)
(4,299)
-
-
-
129,794 $
825
1,265
197,855
- $
(1) Quarterly dividend was increased from $0.14 per share to $0.155 per share in the third quarter of 2021.
See notes to consolidated financial statements
36
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating
Year Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
$
20,559 $
20,964
activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Deferred income taxes
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
Stock compensation expense
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables
Contract receivables
Inventories
Other current assets
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued and other liabilities
Income taxes
Contract liabilities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of fixed assets
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
Repayments on revolving credit facility
Proceeds from term loan
Repayments on term loan
Debt issuance costs
Proceeds from stock options
Repurchase of common stock
Dividends paid on common stock
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
11,342
675
2,022
41
1,265
(41,943)
4,108
(114,226)
(9,791)
(152)
78,626
2,432
(5,313)
(4,520)
(54,875)
(21,055)
(212,408)
-
(233,463)
180,072
(34,000)
130,000
(2,438)
(4,266)
825
-
(4,299)
265,894
5,240
-
164
28
780
(2,273 )
(424 )
(845 )
(993 )
(80 )
4,459
2,566
1,019
836
31,441
(11,716 )
-
5
(11,711 )
20,000
(20,000 )
-
-
-
136
(2,938 )
(4,093 )
(6,895 )
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(22,444)
12,835
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
BEGINNING OF PERIOD
END OF PERIOD
See notes to consolidated financial statements
$
28,353
5,909 $
15,518
28,353
37
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rocky Brands,
Inc. ("Rocky") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Lifestyle Footwear, Inc. ("Lifestyle"), Five Star Enterprises Ltd. ("Five
Star"), Rocky Brands Canada, Inc. ("Rocky Canada"), Rocky Brands US, LLC, Rocky Brands International, LLC, Lehigh
Outfitters, LLC, US Footwear Holdings, LLC, Rocky Brands (Australia) Pty Ltd., Mexico FW Holdings, S. de R.L. de C.V.,
Rocky Footwear (Chuzhou) Co. Ltd., UK Footwear Holdings Limited and Rocky Outdoor Gear Store, LLC (collectively
referred to as the "Company"). All inter-company transactions have been eliminated.
Business Activity - We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear marketed under a
portfolio of well recognized brand names including Rocky, Georgia Boot, Durango, Lehigh, Muck, XTRATUF, Servus,
NEOS, Ranger and the licensed brand Michelin. Our brands have a long history of representing high quality, comfortable,
functional and durable footwear and our products are organized around six target markets: outdoor, work, duty, commercial
military, western, and military. In addition, as part of our strategy of outfitting consumers from head-to-toe, we market
complementary branded apparel and accessories that we believe leverage the strength and positioning of each of our brands.
We report our segment information in accordance with provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280, Segment Reporting. We evaluate business performance based upon
several metrics, using segment profit as the primary financial measure. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we
changed our reporting segments when compared to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2020, to change our Military reporting segment to "Contract Manufacturing" and to change the composition thereof to
continue to include sales to the U.S. Military ("Military Contracts") and to include sales under manufacturing contracts for
private label or other specific footwear products sold through our Wholesale and Retail channels ("Private Contracts").
Previously, only Military Contracts were included in this segment. The Private Contract sales have characteristics more like
Military Contracts, with similar sales, delivery processes and gross margins. This segment reporting change reflects a
corresponding change in how our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, our chief operating decision
makers ("CODMs"), review financial information in order to allocate resources and assess performance. Previously, Private
Contracts were included in the Wholesale segment, but with the Acquisition, our Wholesale segment has substantially
increased in size and our CODMs determined that the change in segment reporting was appropriate at that time to mirror how
they evaluate and manage our business.
There has been no change in our total consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or segment information
previously reported, as the result of the change in our reportable segments, as we had no Private Contract sales during the
quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 or the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Each of our reporting segments continue
to employ consistent accounting policies. As a result of this assessment, we now report our activities in the following three
reporting segments: Wholesale, Retail and Contract Manufacturing. Wholesale includes sales of footwear and accessories to
several classifications of retailers, including sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty stores, online retailers, marine stores,
independent retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores. Our Retail business includes
direct sales of our products to consumers through our e-commerce websites, marketplaces, our Rocky outlet store, and Lehigh
businesses. Contract Manufacturing includes sales to the U.S. Military, private label sales and any sales to customers in which
we are contracted to manufacture or source a specific footwear product for a customer. See Note 17 – Segment
Information for further information.
Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months
or less to be cash equivalents. Balances may exceed federally insured limits. We also hold cash outside of the U.S. that is not
federally insured.
38
Trade Receivables - Trade receivables are presented net of the related allowance for uncollectible accounts of approximately
$613,000 and $242,000 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We record the allowance based on historical
experience, the age of the receivables, and identification of customer accounts that are likely to prove difficult to collect due
to various criteria including pending bankruptcy. However, estimates of the allowance in any future period are inherently
uncertain and actual allowances may differ from these estimates. If actual or expected future allowances were significantly
greater or less than established reserves, a reduction or increase to bad debt expense would be recorded in the period this
determination was made. Our credit policy generally provides that trade receivables will be deemed uncollectible and written-
off once we have pursued all reasonable efforts to collect on the account. In accordance with ASC 606, the return reserve
liability netted against trade receivables was $1,670,000 and $1,348,000 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Concentration of Credit Risk - We have significant transactions with a large number of customers. No customer represented
10% of trade receivables - net as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Our exposure to credit risk is impacted by the economic
climate affecting the retail shoe industry. We manage this risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations of our customers,
maintaining reserves for potential uncollectible accounts and utilizing credit insurance for some of our key customers.
Supplier and Labor Concentrations - We purchase raw materials from a number of domestic and foreign sources. We
produce a portion of our shoes and boots in our Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Illinois and China operations. We are not
aware of any governmental or economic restrictions that would alter these current operations.
We source a significant portion of our footwear, apparel and gloves from manufacturers in Asia, and primarily in China,
Vietnam and Indonesia. We are not aware of any governmental or economic restrictions that would alter our current sourcing
operations.
Inventories - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, or net realizable
value. Reserves are established for inventories when the net realizable value (NRV) is deemed to be less than its cost based
on our periodic estimates of NRV.
Property, Plant and Equipment - We record fixed assets at historical cost and generally utilizes the straight-line method of
computing depreciation for financial reporting purposes over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Lasts, dies, and patterns
Years
5 - 40
3 - 8
3 - 8
3
For income tax purposes, we generally compute depreciation utilizing accelerated methods.
Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible
assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill arose from the Acquisition and largely consists of the workforce acquired, expected
cost synergies and economies of scale resulting from the business combination. The amount of our Goodwill that is deductible
for tax purposes is $49.4 million.
GAAP has established guidance for reporting information about a company's operating segments, including disclosures
related to a company's products and services, geographic areas and major customers. We monitor and review our segment
reporting structure in accordance with authoritative guidance to determine whether any changes have occurred that would
impact our reportable segments, as well as our reporting units. As previously stated, our operations represent three reporting
segments, Wholesale, Retail and Contract Manufacturing. Goodwill impairment analysis will be performed for our Wholesale
and Retail reporting segments. There is no goodwill allocated to our Contract Manufacturing segment. As of December 31,
2021, Goodwill allocated to our Wholesale and Retail reporting segments was $25.8 million and $24.8 million, respectively.
Goodwill is subject to impairment tests at least annually. We review the carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit at
least annually, or when indicators of impairment are present, to determine if goodwill may be impaired. We include
assumptions about the expected future operating performance as part of a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate fair value.
If the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, based on the discounted cash flow analysis, management compares
the fair value of the assets to the carrying value. Goodwill is considered impaired if the recorded value exceeds the fair value.
39
We may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill is less
than its carrying value. We would not be required to quantitatively determine the fair value of goodwill unless we determine,
based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than the carrying value. Future
cash flows of the individual indefinite-lived intangible assets are used to measure their fair value after consideration of certain
assumptions, such as forecasted growth rates and cost of capital, which are derived from internal projection and operating
plans. We perform our annual testing for goodwill at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, starting with our
fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Identified intangible assets - Identified intangible assets consist of indefinite lived trademarks and definite lived
trademarks, patents and customer relationships. Indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized.
If events or circumstances change, a determination is made by management, in accordance with the accounting standard for
"Property, Plant and Equipment" to ascertain whether property, equipment and certain finite-lived intangibles have been
impaired based on the sum of expected future undiscounted cash flows from operating activities. If the estimated net cash
flows are less than the carrying amount of such assets, we will recognize an impairment loss in an amount necessary to write
down the assets to fair value as determined from expected future discounted cash flows.
In accordance with the accounting standard for "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other", we test intangible assets with indefinite
lives for impairment annually or when conditions indicate impairment may have occurred. We perform such testing of our
indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year or as events occur or circumstances change that would
more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. See Note 6 for more information.
Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income includes changes in equity that result from transactions and economic
events from non-core operations. Comprehensive income is composed of two subsets – net income and other comprehensive
income. There were no material other comprehensive income items therefore no Statements of Comprehensive Income were
presented.
Advertising - We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $17,911,000 and $8,406,000
for 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in advertising expense was attributed to the Acquisition.
Shipping Costs - All shipping costs billed to customers have been included in net sales. All outbound shipping costs to
customers have been included in operating expenses and totaled approximately $25,139,000 and $10,523,000 in 2021 and
2020, respectively. The increase in shipping costs was due to the Acquisition.
Fair Value Measurements – The fair value accounting standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard clarifies how to measure fair value as
permitted under other accounting pronouncements.
The fair value accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to
transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. This standard also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that
prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
● Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
● Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar
assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are
not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
● Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair
value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and
similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and payables approximated their carrying values because of the
short-term nature of these instruments. Receivables consist primarily of amounts due from our customers, net of allowances,
amounts due from employees (salespersons’ advances in excess of commissions earned and employee travel advances); other
customer receivables, net of allowances; and expected insurance recoveries. The carrying amounts of our long-term credit
40
facilities and other short-term financing obligations also approximate fair value, as they are comparable to the available
financing in the marketplace during the year. The fair value of our revolving line of credit is categorized as Level 2.
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets and Liabilities
On December 14, 2018, our Board of Directors adopted the Rocky Brands, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the
" Executive Deferred Compensation Plan"), which became effective January 1, 2019. The Executive Deferred Compensation
Plan is an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which certain executives are eligible to participate. The
deferrals are held in a separate trust, which has been established for the administration of the Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan. The trust assets and liabilities are classified as trading securities within prepaid expenses and other
current assets and deferred liabilities, respectively in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, with changes in the
deferred compensation charged to operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair
value is based on unadjusted quoted market prices for the funds in active markets with sufficient volume and frequency
(Level 1).
Effective August 18, 2020, we entered into a second deferred compensation plan (the "Dominican Plan"). The Dominican
Plan is an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan for key employees at our Dominican Republic manufacturing
facility. The funds are held in a separate trust, which has been established for the administration of the Dominican Plan. The
trust liabilities are classified as trading securities within deferred liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets,
with changes in the deferred compensation charged to operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations. The fair value is based on unadjusted quoted market prices for the funds in active markets with sufficient volume
and frequency (Level 1).
2. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Rocky Brands, Inc. is currently evaluating the impact of certain ASUs on its Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements:
Standard
Description
ASU 2016-13,
Measurement of Credit
Losses on Financial
Instruments
The pronouncement seeks to provide financial
statement users with more decision-useful information
about the expected credit losses on financial
instruments and other commitments to extend credit
held by a reporting entity at each reporting date by
replacing the incurred loss impairment methodology in
current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects
expected credit losses and requires consideration of a
broader range of reasonable and supportable
information to inform credit loss estimates.
Anticipated
Adoption
Period
Effect on the financial
statements or other
significant matters
Q1 2023
We are evaluating the
impacts of the new
standard on our existing
financial instruments,
including trade
receivables.
41
Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Year
Standard
Description
ASU 2018-13 Fair Value
Measurement (Topic 820):
Disclosure Framework—
Changes to the Disclosure
Requirements for Fair Value
Measurement
This pronouncement changes the fair value
measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820. The
amendments in this ASU are the result of a broader
disclosure project called FASB Concepts Statement,
Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting —
Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements.
Effect on the financial statements
or other significant matters
We adopted the new standard in
Q1 2020 and the standard did not
have a significant impact on our
Consolidated Financial
Statements.
ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes
(Topic 740): Simplifying the
Accounting for Income Taxes
This pronouncement is intended to simplify various
aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU
2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general
principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends
existing guidance to improve consistent application.
We adopted the new standard in
Q1 2021 and the standard did not
have a significant impact on our
Consolidated Financial
Statements.
3. BUSINESS ACQUISITION
The Performance and Lifestyle Footwear Business of Honeywell International Inc.
On January 24, 2021, we entered into a Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with certain subsidiaries of
Honeywell International Inc. (collectively, "Honeywell"), to purchase Honeywell's performance and lifestyle footwear
business, including brand names, trademarks, assets and liabilities associated with Honeywell's performance and lifestyle
footwear business (the "Acquisition") for an aggregate purchase price of $212 million.
On March 15, 2021 (the "Acquisition Date"), pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, we
completed the Acquisition for an aggregate preliminary closing price of approximately $207 million, net of cash
acquired, based on preliminary working capital and other adjustments. Upon a final agreement of net working capital as of
the Acquisition Date, we owed Honeywell an additional $5.4 million. The Acquisition was funded through cash on hand and
borrowings under two new credit facilities. See Note 8 for information regarding the two credit facilities.
The Acquisition expanded our brand portfolio to include Muck, XTRATUF, Servus, NEOS and Ranger brands (the "Acquired
Brands"). We acquired 100% of the voting interests of certain subsidiaries and additional assets comprising the performance
and lifestyle footwear business of Honeywell with the Acquisition.
Through the Acquisition, we have greatly enhanced our powerful portfolio of footwear brands and significantly increased
our sales and profitability. We acquired a well-run business with a corporate culture and a customer base similar to ours,
which provides meaningful growth opportunities within our existing product categories as well as an entry into new market
segments. Its innovative and authentic product collections complement our existing offering with minimal overlap, which we
believe will allow us to strengthen our wholesale relationships and serve a wider consumer audience. At the same time, we
plan to leverage our existing advanced fulfillment capabilities to improve distribution of the Acquired Brands to wholesale
customers and accelerate direct-to-consumer penetration.
In connection with the Acquisition, we also entered into employment agreements with seven key employees from the
performance and lifestyle footwear business of Honeywell, pursuant to which, among other things, we agreed to grant 25,000
non-qualified stock options in the aggregate to the seven employees as an inducement for continuing their employment with
us.
We acquired multiple leases through the Acquisition including the lease of our Rock Island and China manufacturing
facilities and an office building lease in Westwood, Massachusetts.
The Acquisition contributed net sales of $179.0 million to our consolidated operating results for the year ended December
31, 2021. The Acquisition contributed net income of $16.5 million to our consolidated operating results for the year ended
December 31, 2021.
42
Acquisition-related costs
Costs incurred to complete and integrate the Acquisition are expensed as incurred and included in "operating expenses" in
the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were
approximately $11.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of acquisition-related costs recognized. These costs represent
investment banking fees, legal and professional fees, transaction fees, integration costs, amortization and consulting fees
associated with the Acquisition.
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
The Acquisition has been accounted for under the business combinations accounting guidance. As a result, we have applied
acquisition accounting, which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their
fair values as of the Acquisition Date. The aggregate closing price noted above was allocated to the major categories of assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the Acquisition Date using primarily Level 2 and Level 3 inputs.
These Level 2 and Level 3 valuation inputs include an estimate of future cash flows and discount rates. Additionally, estimated
fair values are based, in part, upon outside valuation for certain assets, including specifically identified intangible assets.
The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the residual amount allocated to
goodwill is not finalized and is subject to adjustment until the final valuation related to assets acquired and liabilities assumed
is obtained (up to one year from the Acquisition Date).
The following table summarizes the consideration paid and estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
as of the Acquisition Date.
($ in thousands)
Cash
Accounts receivable (1)
Inventories (2)
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill (3)
Intangible assets
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Total identifiable net assets
Cash acquired
Total cash paid, net of cash acquired
Fair Value
$
2,655
36,734
40,662
16,243
50,641
98,620
1,250
(18,108 )
(13,634 )
215,063
(2,655 )
212,408
$
(1) The recorded amount for accounts receivable considers expected uncollectible amounts of approximately $0.6 million in
its determination of fair value.
(2) Fair value of finished goods inventories included step up value of approximately $3.5 million, all of which was expensed
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, and is included in "Cost of Goods Sold" in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations.
(3) Goodwill largely consists of the acquired workforce, expected costs synergies and economies of scale resulting from the
Acquisition.
43
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations assume that the Acquisition occurred at the beginning of the periods
presented. These unaudited pro forma results are presented for information purposes only and are not necessarily indicative
of what the results of operations would have been if the Acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented,
nor are they indicative of the future results of operations. The pro forma results presented below are adjusted for the removal
the step of value of finished goods inventory associated with the Acquisition of approximately $3.5 million. The pro forma
results presented below are also adjusted for the removal of acquisition-related costs of approximately $11.9 million and $0.7
million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
($ in thousands, except per share amount)
Net sales
Net income
Diluted earnings per share
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories are comprised of the following:
($ in thousands)
Raw materials
Work-in-process
Finished goods
Total
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
$
552,905 $
40,248 $
5.43 $
482,562
41,726
5.69
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
20,933 $
1,316
210,215
232,464 $
12,875
1,128
63,573
77,576
In accordance with ASC 606, the returns reserve asset included within inventories was approximately $0.9 million and
$0.7 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
5. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant, and equipment is comprised of the following:
($ in thousands)
Land
Buildings
Machinery and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Lasts, dies and patterns
Construction work-in-progress
Total
Less - accumulated depreciation
Net Fixed Assets
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
$
972 $
36,456
57,304
2,548
12,360
14,452
124,092
(64,103)
956
27,596
44,472
2,109
10,833
5,849
91,815
(58,065 )
$
59,989 $
33,750
We incurred approximately $8.8 million and $5.2 million in depreciation expense for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
44
6. IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
A schedule of identified intangible assets is as follows:
($ in thousands)
December 31, 2021
Trademarks
Wholesale (1)
Retail (2)
Patents
Customer relationships (3)
Total Intangibles
($ in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Trademarks
Wholesale
Retail
Patents
Total Intangibles
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Carrying
Amount
72,579
9,220
895 $
46,900
129,594 $
- $
-
804
2,475
3,279 $
72,579
9,220
91
44,425
126,315
Gross
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Carrying
Amount
27,192
2,900
895 $
30,987 $
- $
-
778
778 $
27,192
2,900
117
30,209
$
$
$
$
(1) $45.4 million of the total resulted from our Acquisition that occurred on March 15, 2021.
(2) $6.3 million of the total resulted from our Acquisition that occurred on March 15, 2021.
(3) Resulted from our Acquisition that occurred on March 15, 2021.
The weighted average remaining life for our patents is 3.1 years.
A schedule of approximate actual and expected amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Amortization
Expense
2020 $
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027+
31
2,501
3,149
3,147
3,143
3,139
3,136
28,802
Indefinite lived intangible assets, such as trademarks are reviewed for impairment testing annually, more frequently if
necessary. We perform such testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year or as events occur
or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount. Fair
value of other indefinite-lived intangible assets is determined using the relief from royalty method. Definite lived intangible
assets, such as patents and customer relationships are only reviewed for impairment if a triggering event has occurred to
indicate that its fair value of the asset is below its carrying value.
In assessing whether indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, we must make certain estimates and assumptions
regarding future cash flows, long-term growth rates of our business, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital and
other factors such as: discount rates, royalty rates, cost of capital, and market multiples to determine the fair value of our
assets. These estimates and assumptions require management’s judgment, and changes to these estimates and assumptions
could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or impairment for each of our indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Future events could cause us to conclude that indications of intangible asset impairment exist. Impairment may result from,
among other things, deterioration in the performance of our business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in
applicable laws and regulations, competition, or the sale or disposition of a reporting segment. Any resulting impairment loss
could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
45
2021 and 2020 Impairment Testing
We evaluate our finite and indefinite lived intangible assets under the terms and provisions of the accounting standards for
"Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" and "Property, Plant and Equipment." These pronouncements require that we compare
the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. The results of our 2021 and 2020 finite and indefinite-lived
intangible impairment testing indicated that all reporting unit intangible asset fair values exceed their respective carrying
values.
7. OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consist of the following:
($ in thousands)
Long-term deposits
NQDC plan assets
Other
Total
8. LONG-TERM DEBT
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
606 $
311
-
917 $
109
150
115
374
On March 15, 2021, we entered into a senior secured term loan facility ("Term Facility") with TCW Asset Management
Company, LLC, as agent, for the lenders party thereto in the amount of $130 million. The Term Facility provided for quarterly
payments of principal and bears interest of LIBOR plus 7.00% through June 30, 2021. After this date, interest was assessed
quarterly based on our total leverage ratio. The total leverage ratio is calculated as (a) Total Debt to (b) EBITDA. If our total
leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 3.25, the effective interest rate will be LIBOR plus 7.00% (or at our option, Prime
Rate plus 6.00%). If our total leverage ratio is less than 3.25, the effective interest rate will be LIBOR plus 6.50% (or at our
option, Prime Rate plus 5.50%). The Term Facility also has a LIBOR floor rate of 1.00%. In December 2021, the Term
Facility was amended to increase the effective interest rate to LIBOR plus 7.00% until June 2022.
Our Term Facility is collateralized by a second-lien on accounts receivable, inventory, cash and related assets and a first-
lien on substantially all other assets. The Term Facility matures on March 15, 2026.
On March 15, 2021, we also entered into a senior secured asset-based credit facility ("ABL Facility") with Bank of America,
N.A. ("Bank of America") as agent, for the lenders party thereto. The ABL Facility provides a new senior secured asset-based
revolving credit facility up to a principal amount of $150 million, which includes a sub-limit for the issuance of letters of
credit up to $5 million. The ABL Facility may be increased up to an additional $50 million at the Borrowers’ request and the
Lenders’ option, subject to customary conditions. In December of 2021, we amended our ABL Facility to temporarily
increase our borrowing capacity from $150 million to $175 million until June 2022, at which time our borrowing capacity
will go down to $165 million. The ABL Facility includes a separate first in, last out (FILO) tranche, which allows the
Company to borrow at higher advance rates on eligible accounts receivables and inventory balances. As of December 31,
2021, we had borrowing capacity of $28.9 million.
The ABL Facility is collateralized by first-lien on accounts receivable, inventory, cash and related assets and a second-lien
on substantially all other assets. The ABL Facility matures on March 15, 2026. Interest on the ABL Facility is based on the
amount available to be borrowed as set forth on the following chart:
Revolver
Pricing Level(1)
I
II
III
Average Availability as a
Percentage of Commitments
> 66.7%
>33.3% and < or equal to 66.7%
< or equal to 33.3%
Base Rate
0.00%
0.00%
0.25%
LIBOR
Rate
Base Rate for
FILO
LIBOR Rate
for FILO
1.25%
1.50%
1.75%
0.50%
0.50%
0.75%
1.75%
2.00%
2.25%
(1) Tier II applied until June 30, 2021.
46
In connection with the Term Facility and ABL Facility, we had to pay certain fees that were capitalized and will be amortized
over the life of each respective loan. In addition, the ABL Facility requires us to pay an annual collateral management fee in
the amount of $75,000 due on each anniversary of the ABL Facility issuance date, until it matures.
Current and long-term debt consisted of the following:
($ in thousands)
Term Facility that matures in 2026 with an effective interest rate of 8.00%
ABL Facility that matures in 2026:
LIBOR borrowings with an effective interest rate of 1.88%
Prime borrowings with an effective interest rate of 3.50%
Total debt
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
Total debt, net of debt issuance costs
Less: Debt maturing within one year
Long-term debt
Credit Facility Covenants
December 31,
2021
$
127,563
140,000
6,072
273,635
(3,591 )
270,044
(3,250 )
266,794
$
The Term Facility contains restrictive covenants which require us to maintain a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum
fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the agreement. We believe we are in compliance with all Term Facility covenants
as of December 31, 2021.
Our ABL Facility contains a restrictive covenant which requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio upon a triggering
event taking place (as defined in the ABL Facility agreement). During the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, there
were no triggering events and the covenant was not in effect.
Huntington Credit Facility
On February 13, 2019, we entered into a Revolving Credit, Guaranty, and Security Agreement ("Credit Agreement") with
the Huntington National Bank ("Huntington") as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement provided for a new senior
secured asset-based revolving credit facility up to a principal amount of $75 million, which included a sublimit for the
issuance of letters of credit up to $7.5 million (the "Huntington Credit Facility"). The Huntington Credit Facility permitted
increases up to an additional $25 million at our request and the lenders’ option, subject to customary conditions. The
Huntington credit facility was terminated in March 2021 and was replaced by the ABL Facility.
The total amount available under our Huntington Credit Facility was subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various
percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of December 31, 2020, we had total capacity of $70.8 million.
We had no outstanding borrowings against Huntington Credit Facility for fiscal year ending December 31, 2020.
Huntington Credit Facility Covenants
Our Huntington Credit Facility contained restrictive covenants which required us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio.
These restrictive covenants are only in effect upon a triggering event taking place (as defined in the agreement). Our
Huntington Credit Facility contains restrictions on the amount of dividends that may be paid. During the twelve months ended
December 31, 2020, there were no triggering events and the covenant was not in effect for our Huntington Credit Facility.
On March 15, 2021, the Term Facility and ABL Facility collectively replaced our Huntington Credit Agreement.
47
9. LEASES
The operating ROU asset and operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are as follows:
($ in thousands)
Assets:
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
Financial Statement Line Item
Operating ROU Assets
$
11,428 $
1,572 Leased assets
Liabilities:
Current
Operating
Noncurrent
Operating
Total leased liabilities
$
$
2,985 $
629 Other accrued expenses
8,809
11,794 $
944 Long-term lease
1,573
Maturity of our operating lease liabilities are as follows:
($ in thousands)
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Total lease payments
Less: Interest
Present value of lease liabilities
Operating
Leases
$
$
3,162
2,564
2,386
2,302
1,828
12,242
448
11,794
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the weighted average remaining lease term and
discount rate were as follows:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
December 31, December 31,
2021
2.8
2020
2..0
1.7%
3.7%
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the supplemental cash flow information is as
follows:
($ in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
1,230 $
711
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases
$
13,186 $
481
48
The breakdown of rent expense for our operating leases for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and December 31,
2020 are as follows:
($ in thousands)
Operating lease expenses - Manufacturing & Sourcing (1) $
Operating lease expenses (1)
Total lease expenses
$
813 $
1,417
2,230 $
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
Financial Statement
Line Item
678 Cost of goods sold
433 Operating expenses
1,111
(1) Includes short-term lease expenses of approximately $1,310,000 and $103,000 for the twelve months ended December
31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
10. BENEFIT PLAN
We sponsor a 401(k) savings plan for eligible employees. We provide a contribution of 3% of applicable salary to the plan
for all employees with greater than six months of service. Additionally, we match eligible employee contributions at a rate
of 0.25%, per one percent of applicable salary contributed to the plan by the employee. This matching contribution will be
made by us up to a maximum of 1% of the employee’s applicable salary for all qualified employees.
Our approximate contributions to the 401(k) Plan were as follows:
($ in thousands)
401k plan sponsor contributions
Deferred Compensation Plans
2021
2020
$
1,311 $
961
The Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which became effective January 1, 2019, is an unfunded non-qualified deferred
compensation plan in which certain executives are eligible to participate.
Under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, participants may elect to defer up to 75% of their base compensation and
up to 100% of their bonuses, commissions, and other compensation. The deferred amounts are paid in accordance with each
participant’s elections made on or before December 31 of the prior year. In addition to elective deferrals, the Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan permits the Company to make discretionary contributions to eligible participants, provided that
any participant who is employed on the last day of a plan year will receive a Company contribution equal to no less than 3%
of the participant’s base compensation, bonus earned, and non-equity incentive plan compensation in the plan year. Company
contributions will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule determined by the Committee, except in the event of the
participant’s death, disability or retirement, in which case the contributions will vest 100% upon such event. Participants may
elect to receive payment in a lump sum cash payment or, in the event of the participant’s retirement, in annual installments
for a period of up to ten years. In the event of a participant’s termination of employment, deferred amounts will generally be
paid within 60 days following the later of the date (i) of such termination or (ii) the participant attains age 60, except where
such termination is due to such participant’s death, in which case deferred amounts will be paid to such participant’s
beneficiary within 30 days of confirmation of the participant’s death.
The deferrals are held in a separate trust, which has been established by the Company to administer the Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan. The assets of the trust are subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors in the event that the Company
becomes insolvent. Consequently, the trust qualifies as a grantor trust for income tax purposes (i.e., a "Rabbi Trust"). The
assets held by the trust were approximately $311,000 and $150,000 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020,
respectively, and are classified as trading securities within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The
liabilities by the trust were approximately $119,000 and $20,000 , as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020,
respectively, and are classified within deferred liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the
deferred compensation assets and liabilities are charged to operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements
of operations.
In 2020, we entered into a second deferred compensation plan (the "Dominican Plan"), which became effective August 18,
2020 and is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain key employees at our Dominican Republic manufacturing
facility.
49
Under the Dominican Plan, key employees will receive a set dollar amount, as defined in the agreement, at the later of five
years following the effective date of the agreement or upon the employee attaining the age of 65. Payments are due within 30
days of the employee's retirement. If the employee terminates their employment, for any reason, prior to their retirement and
five years after the effective date of the agreement, the employee is not eligible to receive a payout. The funds are accrued
based on service and are not held in an investment or trust account. The total liabilities held under the Dominican Plan were
approximately $107,000 and $44,000 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are classified
within deferred liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
11. TAXES
We account for income taxes in accordance with the accounting standard for "Income Taxes," which requires an asset and
liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Accordingly, deferred income taxes have been
provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting and the income tax basis of the Company’s assets and
liabilities by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to the basis differences.
A breakdown of our income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Federal:
Current
Deferred
Total Federal
State & local:
Current
Deferred
Total State & local
Foreign
Current
Deferred
Total Foreign
Total
2021
2020
$
1,554 $
1,729
3,283
4,942
67
5,009
833
(176)
657
907
(37)
870
793
97
890
102
-
102
$
4,810 $
6,001
A reconciliation of recorded Federal income tax expense to the expected expense computed by applying the applicable Federal
statutory rate for all periods to income before income taxes follows:
($ in thousands)
Expected expense at statutory rate
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Exempt income from Dominican Republic operations due to tax holiday
Tax Rate Differential effect of Foreign Operations
Tax on repatriated earnings from Dominican Republic operations
State and local income taxes
Foreign Tax Credit
Meals and entertainment
Nondeductible penalties
Provision to return filing adjustments and other
Total
Year Ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
5,327 $
5,662
(1,238)
45
941
222
(547)
2
3
55
4,810 $
(942 )
-
438
766
(30 )
27
20
60
6,001
$
50
Deferred income taxes recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2021 and 2020 consist of the following:
($ in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Asset valuation allowances and accrued expenses
Inventories
State and local income taxes
Pension and deferred compensation
Net operating losses
Lease asset
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowances
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Other assets
Tollgate tax on Lifestyle earnings
State and local income taxes
Lease Liability
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liability
$
2021
2020
239 $
1,564
346
38
302
2,696
5,185
-
5,185
4,144
7,179
317
228
1,001
2,609
15,478
301
528
169
18
298
269
1,583
(298 )
1,285
1,571
6,587
278
228
623
269
9,556
$
10,293 $
8,271
The valuation allowance as of December 31, 2020 is related to certain state and local income tax net operating loss carry
forwards.
We have provided Puerto Rico tollgate taxes on approximately $3,684,000 of accumulated undistributed earnings of Lifestyle
prior to the fiscal year ended June 30, 1994, that would be payable if such earnings were repatriated to the United States. In
2001, we received abatement for Puerto Rico tollgate taxes on all earnings subsequent to June 30, 1994, thus no other
provision for tollgate tax has been made on earnings after that date. If we repatriate the earnings from Lifestyle, $227,563 of
tollgate tax would be due as of December 31, 2021.
We are subject to tax examinations in various taxing jurisdictions. The earliest exam years open for examination are as
follows:
Taxing Authority Jurisdiction:
U.S. Federal
Various U.S. States
Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory)
Canada
China
Mexico
United Kingdom
Australia
Earliest Exam
Year
2018
2017
2016
2016
2018
2021
2021
2021
Our policy is to accrue interest and penalties on any uncertain tax position as a component of income tax expense. As of
December 31, 2021, no such expenses were recognized during the year. We do not believe there will be any material changes
in our uncertain tax positions over the next 12 months.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain
tax positions recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. Under this guidance, income tax positions must meet a more-
likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of the standard. We did not
have any unrecognized tax benefits and there was no effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
51
12. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Repurchase of Common Stock
A summary of our authorized share repurchase plans is as follows:
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Maximum authorized share repurchase amount (1)
Date of plan's authorization by the Board
Funding source
Number of shares repurchased under the plan (shares)
Amount paid for shares repurchased
Weighted average price paid per share
Remaining amount of shares authorized to be purchased under the plan (in dollars)
2021
2020
$
7,500 $
7,500
March 2021 February 2020
Working capital Working capital
129,095
-
2,938
- $
22.76
- $
4,562
7,500 $
$
(1) Common shares can be purchased in the open market or privately negotiated transactions over the next twelve
months from the date of plan authorization.
Our shareholder repurchase program terminated on March 4, 2022.
Preferred Shares
The Company has authorized 250,000 shares of voting preferred stock with no par value. No shares are issued or outstanding.
Also, the Company has authorized 250,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock with no par value. Of these, 125,000 shares
have been designated Series A non-voting convertible preferred stock with a stated value of $.06 per share, of which no shares
are issued or outstanding at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
On May 7, 2014, our shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan and in May 2021 this plan was amended as
our shareholders authorized an additional 600,000 shares (as amended, the "2014 Plan"). The 2014 Plan includes 1,100,000
of our common shares that may be granted under various types of awards as described in the 2014 Plan. As of December 31,
2021, we were authorized to issue 573,250 shares under the 2014 Plan.
On January 24, 2021, we adopted the 2021 Inducement Option Plan (the "2021 Plan") pursuant to which 25,000 non-
qualified stock options were granted to seven key employees acquired with the Acquisition. The 2021 Plan did not require
shareholder approval under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c). As of December 31, 2021, there were no remaining shares available
to grant under the 2021 Plan.
Stock Options
The following table presents the weighted average assumptions used in the option-pricing model at the grant date for options
granted during the years ended December 31:
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility of Rocky's common stock
Expected option term (years)
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share
2021
2020
0.32%
1.18%
51.87%
5.6
12.16 $
1.61%
2.00%
42.27%
6.3
9.36
$
For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized share-based compensation expense and the corresponding
tax benefit as follows:
($ in thousands)
Share-based compensation expense
Tax benefit
2021
2020
$
1,265 $
192
780
58
52
The following summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Weighted
($ amounts are per share)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2021
Issued
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
Options outstanding at December 31, 2021
Expected to vest
Exercisable at December 31, 2021
Weighted Average
Average
Exercise
Price
Actual
Term
Shares
Intrinsic
Value
Remaining Aggregate
257,400 $
121,250
(47,700)
(2,950)
328,000 $
153,700 $
174,300 $
22.61
32.32
17.29
26.84
26.94
29.62
24.57
5.6 $ 1,510,216
6.9 $ 580,937
3.8 $ 929,279
In the first quarter of 2021, our officers and certain employees were granted 76,250 options. The plans generally provided for
grants with the exercise price equal to fair value on the date of grant, graduated vesting periods of up to 5 years, and lives not
exceeding 10 years. For the years ended 2021 and 2020, cash received for the exercise of stock options was
approximately $825,000 and $136,000, respectively.
In the first quarter of 2021, Board of Director members were granted 45,000 stock options that vest over a year and will
expire in 5 years.
As of December 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options and restricted stock
units was approximately $1,303,000 with a weighted-average expense recognition period of 3.8 years.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we issued 6,868 and 10,456 shares of common stock to members of
our Board of Directors, respectively.
14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The diluted earnings per share computation includes
common share equivalents, when dilutive.
A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the years ended
December 31, as follows:
(shares in thousands)
Basic - weighted average shares outstanding
Dilutive stock options
Diluted - weighted average shares outstanding
Anti-dilutive securities
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
7,283
126
7,409
25
7,304
33
7,337
149
53
15. REVENUE
Nature of Performance Obligations
Our products are distributed through three distinct channels, which represent our business segments: Wholesale, Retail, and
Contract Manufacturing. In our Wholesale business, we distribute our products through a wide range of distribution channels
representing over 10,000 retail store locations in the U.S., Canada, and internationally, mainly Europe. Our Wholesale
channels vary by product line and include sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty stores, online retailers, independent
retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores. Our Retail business includes direct sales of
our products to consumers through our e-commerce websites, our Rocky outlet store, and Lehigh business. We also sell
footwear under the Rocky label to the U.S. Military.
Significant Accounting Policies and Judgements
Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; this generally occurs
upon shipment of our product to our customer, which is when the transfer of control of our product passes to the customer.
The duration of our arrangements with our customers are typically one year or less. Revenue is measured as the amount of
consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the transfer of our products at a point in time and consists of either fixed
or variable consideration or a combination of both.
Revenues from sales are recorded at the net sales price, which includes estimates of variable consideration for which reserves
are established. Components of variable consideration include prompt payment discounts, volume rebates, and product
returns. These reserves, as detailed below, are based on the amounts earned, or to be claimed on the related sales, and are
classified as reductions of accounts receivable (if the amount is payable to the customer) or a current liability (if the amount
is payable to a party other than a customer).
The amount of variable consideration which is included in the transaction price may be constrained and is included in the net
sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized
under the contract will not occur in a future period. Our analyses also contemplated application of the constraint in accordance
with the guidance, under which it determined a material reversal of revenue would not occur in a future period for the
estimates as of December 31, 2021. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from our estimates. If
actual results in the future vary from our estimates, we will adjust these estimates, which would affect net revenue and
earnings in the period such variances become known.
When a customer has a right to a prompt payment discount, we estimate the likelihood that the customer will earn the discount
using historical data and adjust our estimate when the estimate of the likelihood that a customer will earn the discount changes
or the consideration becomes fixed, whichever occurs earlier. The estimated amount of variable consideration is recognized
as a credit to trade receivables and a reduction in revenue until the uncertainty of the variable consideration is alleviated.
Because most of our customers have payment terms less than six months there is not a significant financing component in
our contracts with customers.
When a customer is offered a rebate on purchases retroactively, this is accounted for as variable consideration because the
consideration for the current and past purchases is not fixed until it is known if the discount is earned. We estimate the
expected discount the customer will earn at contract inception using historical data and projections and update our estimates
when projections materially change or consideration becomes fixed. The estimated rebate is recognized as a credit to trade
receivables and offset against revenue until the rebate is earned or the earning period has lapsed.
When a right of return is part of the arrangement with the customer, we estimate the expected returns based on an analysis
using historical data. We adjust our estimate either when the most likely amount of consideration we expect to receive changes
or when the consideration becomes fixed, whichever occurs earlier. Please see Note 1 and Note 4 for additional information.
Trade receivables represent our right to unconditional payment that only relies on the passage of time.
Contract receivables represent contractual minimum payments required under non-cancellable contracts with the U.S.
Military and other customers with a duration of one year or less.
54
Contract liabilities are performance obligations that we expect to satisfy or relieve within the next twelve months, advance
consideration obtained prior to satisfying a performance obligation, or unconditional obligations to provide goods or services
under non-cancellable contracts before the transfer of goods or services to the customer has occurred. Our contract liability
represents unconditional obligations to provide goods under non-cancellable contracts with the U.S. Military and other
customers.
Items considered immaterial within the context of the contract are recognized as an expense.
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on, and concurrent with, a specific revenue producing
transaction, that are collected from customers, are excluded from revenue.
Costs associated with our manufacturer’s warranty continue to be recognized as expense when the products are sold in
accordance with guidance surrounding product warranties.
Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are
accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are in included in operating expenses. This treatment is consistent with how we
accounted for these costs in prior periods.
Costs associated with obtaining a contract are expensed as incurred in accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 340-
40 in instances where the amortization period is one year or less. We anticipate substantially all costs incurred to obtain a
contract would be subject to this practical expedient.
Contract Liabilities
The following table provides information about contract liabilities from contracts with our customers.
($ in thousands)
Contract liabilities
December 31, December 31,
2021
2020
$
1,062 $
5,582
Significant changes in the contract liabilities balance during the period are as follows:
($ in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2020
Non-cancelable contracts with customers entered into during the period
Revenue recognized related to non-cancelable contracts with customers during the period
Balance, December 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue
Contract
liabilities
$
$
5,582
2,017
(6,537 )
1,062
All revenues are recognized at a point in time when control of our products pass to the customer at point of shipment. Because
all revenues are recognized at a point in time and are disaggregated by channel, our segment disclosures are consistent with
ASC 606 disaggregation requirements. See Note 17 for segment disclosures.
55
16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental cash flow for the years ended December 31, as follows:
($ in thousands)
Interest paid
Federal, state, and local income taxes paid, net
Change in contract receivables, net
Change in contract liabilities, net
Property, plant, and equipment purchases in accounts payable
17. SEGMENT INFORMATION
2021
2020
$
$
$
$
$
7,930 $
151
8,638 $
4,669
4,108 $
(4,520) $
(424 )
836
2,191 $
2,316
During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we changed our reporting segments to change our Military reporting segment
to "Contract Manufacturing" and to change the composition thereof to continue to include Military Contracts and to include
sales under manufacturing contracts for private label or other Private Contracts. Previously, only Military Contracts were
included in this segment. The Private Contract sales have characteristics more like Military Contracts, with similar sales,
delivery processes and gross margins. This segment reporting change reflects a corresponding change in how our CODMs
review financial information in order to allocate resources and assess performance. Previously, Private Contracts were
included in the Wholesale segment, but with our Acquisition, our Wholesale segment has substantially increased in size and
our CODMs determined that the change in segment reporting was appropriate at this time to mirror how they evaluate and
manage our business.
There has been no change in our total consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or segment information
previously reported, as the result of the change in our reportable segments, as we had no Private Contract sales during the
quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 or the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Reportable Segments - We have identified three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail and Contract Manufacturing.
Wholesale. In our Wholesale segment, our products are offered in over 10,000 retail locations representing a wide range of
distribution channels in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and other international markets, mainly Europe. These distribution channels
vary by product line and target market and include sporting goods stores, outdoor retailers, independent shoe retailers,
hardware stores, catalogs, mass merchants, uniform stores, farm store chains, specialty safety stores, specialty retailers and
online retailers.
Retail. In our Retail segment, we market directly to consumers through our Lehigh business-to-business including direct sales
and through our CustomFit websites, consumer e-commerce websites, third-party marketplaces, and our Rocky outlet store.
Through our outlet store, we generally sell first quality or discontinued products in addition to a limited amount of factory
damaged goods, which typically carry lower gross margins.
Contract Manufacturing. In our Contract Manufacturing segment, we include sales to the U.S. Military, private label sales
and any sales to customers in which we are contracted to manufacture or source a specific footwear product for a customer
56
The following is a summary of segment results for the Wholesale, Retail, and Contract Manufacturing segments for the years
ended December 31,
($ in thousands)
NET SALES:
Wholesale
Retail
Contract Manufacturing
Total Net Sales
GROSS MARGIN:
Wholesale
Retail
Contract Manufacturing
Total Gross Margin
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
$
$
391,070 $
94,658
28,499
514,227 $
140,166 $
47,792
6,578
194,536 $
185,554
72,877
18,878
277,309
66,336
34,283
4,116
104,735
Segment asset information is not prepared or used to assess segment performance.
Product Group Information - The following is supplemental information on net sales by product group for the years ended
December 31:
($ in thousands)
Work footwear
Western footwear
Outdoor footwear
Duty and commercial military footwear
Military footwear
Other
Apparel
2021
280,235
87,425
76,031
39,715
22,767
5,149
2,905
514,227
% of Sales
54.5% $
17.0
14.8
7.7
4.4
1.0
0.6
100.0% $
2020
126,268
61,127
21,074
41,005
18,878
5,575
3,382
277,309
% of Sales
45.5%
22.0
7.6
14.8
6.8
2.0
1.2
100.0%
$
$
Net sales to foreign countries represented approximately 6.9% of net sales in 2021 and 0.8% of net sales in 2020.
The net book value of fixed assets located outside of the U.S. totaled $13.0 million at December 31, 2021, of which
approximately $4.6 million resides in the Dominican Republic and approximately $8.4 million resides in China. The net book
value of fixed assets located outside of the U.S. totaled $4.5 million at December 31, 2020, all of which resides in the
Dominican Republic.
18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation which arises in the normal course of business. Although the ultimate resolution
of pending proceedings cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, the resolution of such proceedings in the
aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
57
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon
that evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. It should be noted that the design of any system
of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that
any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no material changes 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 most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We have made the necessary and
appropriate updates to our internal controls as it relates to financial reporting over our Acquired Brands, none of which were
material. We are currently evaluating the business processes, information technology systems, and other components over
internal controls of financial reporting related to the Acquired Brands as a part of our integration activities which may result
in periodic control changes. Such changes will be disclosed as required by applicable SEC guidance.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We completed the following acquisition during 2021: the Acquisition of the performance and lifestyle footwear business of
Honeywell International, Inc. on March 15, 2021. The scope of our management's assessment of the effectiveness of our
internal controls over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2021 will not include the Acquisition. This
exclusion is allowed in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's general guidance that an assessment of a
recently acquired business may be omitted from the reporting company's scope in the year of acquisition.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such
term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with
the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer
and principal financial officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) as of December 31, 2021. The scope of management’s
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting includes all of our businesses except for the
performance and lifestyle business of Honeywell International Inc., which was acquired on March 15, 2021 (the
“Acquisition”). The Acquisition constituted approximately 19% of total assets and approximately 35% of total revenues of
the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Further discussion of
the Acquisition can be found in Note 3 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. This exclusion is in accordance
with SEC staff interpretive guidance that a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of the assessment in the
year of acquisition. Based upon that evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), our
management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021. Schneider
Downs & Co., Inc., our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of
our internal controls over financial reporting which is included within this report.
58
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Nelsonville, Ohio
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the balance sheets and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash
flows of the Company, and our report dated March 15, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion.
As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its
assessment the internal control over financial reporting of the Performance and Lifestyle Footwear Business of Honeywell
International Inc., which was acquired on March 15, 2021. This acquisition constituted approximately 19% of total assets and
approximately 35% of total revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2021. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at the Performance
and Lifestyle Footwear Business of Honeywell International, Inc.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in
all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
59
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
March 15, 2022
60
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTION
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information required by this item is included under the captions "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS," "INFORMATION
CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE," "INFORMATION
CONCERNING EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" and "SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Company's Proxy
Statement") to be held on May 25, 2022, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation
14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information required by this item is included under the captions "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" and "REPORT OF
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS" and "COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION" in the Company's Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS.
The information required by this item is included under the caption "PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES -
OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK BY MANAGEMENT," "- OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK BY PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS," and "EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION," in the Company's Proxy Statement, and
is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE.
The information required by this item is included under the caption "INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE" and "TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS" in the
Company's Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
The information required by this item is included under the caption "FEES OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM" in the Company’s Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
61
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT:
PART IV
(1) The following Financial Statements are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in Item 8:
● Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
● Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
● Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
● Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
● Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
● Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
(2) The following financial statement schedule for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements
contained in the Annual Report. See Appendix A.
● Schedule II -- Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
Schedules not listed above are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required
or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits:
Exhibit
Number
2.1***
2.2***
3.1
3.2
3.3 (P)
4.1 (P)
Description
Purchase Agreement, dated January 24, 2021, by and among Honeywell Safety Products USA, Inc., North
Safety Products Limited, Honeywell Safety Products (UK) Limited, North Safety de Mexicali S de R.L. de
C.V., Honeywell (China) Co. Ltd. and Rocky Brands, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 24, 2021, and filed on January 26, 2021).
Letter Agreement, dated March 14, 2021, by and among Honeywell Safety Products USA, Inc., North Safety
Products Limited, Honeywell Safety Products (IK) Limited, North Safety de Mexicali S de R.L. de C.V,
Honeywell (China) Co. Ltd. and Rocky Brands, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021).
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006).
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006).
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1, registration number 33-56118 (the "Registration Statement")).
Form of Stock Certificate for the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration
Statement).
62
4.2
Articles Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth of the Company's Second
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (see Exhibit 3.1).
4.3 (P)
Articles I and II of the Company's Code of Regulations (see Exhibit 3.3).
4.4
10.01
Description of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020).
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and its directors and executive
officers. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2018)
10.02*
Schedule of directors and executive officers who have entered into the form of Indemnification Agreement.
10.03
10.04
10.05
10.06
10.07
10.08
10.09
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
Amended and Restated Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 2002, between Rocky Shoes & Boots Co. and
William Brooks Real Estate Company regarding Nelsonville factory (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
Lease Contract dated December 16, 1999, between Lifestyle Footwear, Inc. and The Puerto Rico Industrial
Development Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive
Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, held on May 26, 2021, filed on April 21,
2021).
Renewal of Lease Contract, dated June 24, 2004, between Five Star Enterprises Ltd. and the Dominican
Republic Corporation for Industrial Development (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
Second Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2004, between Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc. and
the William Brooks Real Estate Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy
Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).
Form of Option Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2014).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2019, by and between the Company and Jason Brooks
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
31, 2018, filed January 7, 2019).
Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2019, by and between the Company and Thomas Robertson
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
31, 2018, filed January 7, 2019).
63
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
21*
23*
24*
31.1*
31.2*
32**
101*
Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2019, by and between the Company and David Dixon
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
31, 2018, filed January 7, 2019).
Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2019, by and between the Company and Richard Simms
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
31, 2018, filed January 7, 2019).
Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2019, by and between
the Company and Byron
Wortham (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
December 31, 2018, filed January 7, 2019).
ABL Loan and Security Agreement dated March 15, 2021 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15,
2021 and filed on March 16, 2021).
Term Credit Loan and Security Agreement dated March 15, 2021 between the Company and The Direct
Lending Group of TCW Asset Management Company, LLC. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2021 and filed on March 16, 2021).
First Amendment to ABL Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 10, 2021, between the Company,
Bank of America, N.A. and the other lenders party thereto.
First Amendment to Term Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 10, 2021, between the Company,
TCW Asset Management Company LLC and the other lenders party thereto.
Subsidiaries of the Company.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent of Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Power of Attorney.
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer/Principal Financial Officer.
Attached as Exhibits 101 to this report are the following financial statements from the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 formatted in Inline eXtensible iXBRL
("eXtensible Business Reporting Language"): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated
Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related notes to these
financial statements.
104*
Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
* Filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
** Furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
*** Exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The registrant hereby undertakes
to furnish copies of any of the omitted schedules or exhibits upon request of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
(P) Paper Filing.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
64
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SIGNATURES
Date: March 15, 2022
ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
By:
/s/ JASON BROOKS
Jason Brooks, Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ JASON BROOKS
Jason Brooks
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 15, 2022
/s/ THOMAS D. ROBERTSON
Thomas D. Robertson
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
March 15, 2022
Assistant Secretary and Director
March 15, 2022
* CURTIS A. LOVELAND
Curtis A. Loveland
* MIKE BROOKS
Mike Brooks
* GLENN E. CORLETT
Glenn E. Corlett
* MICHAEL L. FINN
Michael L. Finn
*ROBYN R. HAHN
Robyn R. Hahn
Director
Director
Director
Director
* G. COURTNEY HANING
G. Courtney Haning
Director
* JAMES L. STEWART
James L. Stewart
* WILLIAM L. JORDAN
William L. Jordan
Director
Director
* ROBERT B. MOORE, JR.
Robert B. Moore, Jr.
Director
* TRACIE WINBIGLER
Tracie Winbigler
Director
By: /s/ JASON BROOKS
Jason Brooks, Attorney-in-Fact
65
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022
Appendix A
ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Schedule II
Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
($ in thousands)
Description
Additions
Charged to
Costs
of Period and Expenses Deductions
Balance at
Beginning
Balance at
End
of Period
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Year ended December 31, 2021
Year ended December 31, 2020
VALUATION ALLOWANCE FOR DEFERRED TAX
ASSETS
Year ended December 31, 2021
Year ended December 31, 2020
ALLOWANCE FOR DISCOUNTS AND RETURNS
Year ended December 31, 2021
Year ended December 31, 2020
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1) Amount charged off, net of recoveries
242 $
952 $
298 $
372 $
302 $
452 $
69 (1) $
(1,162) (1) $
- $
- $
(298) $
(74) $
613
242
-
298
1,818 $
1,480 $
26,454 $
23,223 $
(25,757) $
(22,885) $
2,515
1,818
66
FAMILY OF BRANDS