ROCKY BRANDS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2007 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio		31-1364046
(State or Other Jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)		Identification No.)

39 E. Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

(740) 753-1951
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. YES þ NO o

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

Large accelerated filer o          Accelerated filer þ          Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o NO þ

As of May 4, 2007, 5,466,663 shares of Rocky Brands, Inc. common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

 

 

FORM 10-Q

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE
		NUMBER
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited), and December 31, 2006			3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)			4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)			5
Notes to Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			6–14
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			15–19
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			21
Item 4. Controls and Procedures			21
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings			22
Item 1A. Risk Factors			22
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			22
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities			22
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders			22
Item 5. Other Information			22
Item 6. Exhibits			22
SIGNATURE			24
EX-10.1
EX-31.A
EX-31.LB
EX-32.A
EX-32.B

PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

		March 31, 2007				December 31, 2006				March 31, 2006
		(Unaudited)								(Unaudited)
ASSETS:
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,776,893			$	3,731,253			$	2,082,547
Trade receivables – net			58,953,715				65,259,580				53,556,447
Other receivables			1,222,207				1,159,444				2,236,354
Inventories			71,831,189				77,948,976				82,996,488
Deferred income taxes			3,902,775				3,902,775				133,783
Income tax receivable			3,079,485				3,632,808				1,160,148
Prepaid expenses			1,873,910				1,581,303				2,369,364
Total current assets			142,640,174				157,216,139				144,535,131
FIXED ASSETS – net			23,897,559				24,349,674				23,286,912
DEFERRED PENSION ASSET			26,998				13,564				1,537,639
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES			36,966,851				37,105,291				38,212,701
GOODWILL			24,874,368				24,874,368				23,963,637
OTHER ASSETS			2,416,357				2,796,776				3,257,543
TOTAL ASSETS		$	230,822,307			$	246,355,812			$	234,793,563
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		$	12,782,486			$	10,162,291			$	22,756,879
Current maturities – long term debt			7,294,702				7,288,474				6,281,020
Accrued expenses:
Salaries and wages			523,406				178,235				826,949
Co-op advertising			163,510				452,272				418,151
Interest			1,597,843				338,281				878,603
Taxes – other			510,935				552,782				489,589
Commissions			782,244				649,636				674,126
Other			1,947,349				2,025,079				1,154,579
Total current liabilities			25,602,475				21,647,050				33,479,896
LONG TERM DEBT – less current maturities			82,567,824				103,203,107				87,828,446
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES			17,009,025				17,009,025				12,567,208
DEFERRED LIABILITIES			312,542				368,580				536,600
TOTAL LIABILITIES			125,491,866				142,227,762				134,412,150
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding March 31, 2007 - 5,466,543; December 31, 2006 - 5,417,198; March 31, 2006 - 5,390,473			53,649,754				53,238,841				52,425,074
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(967,609	)			(993,182	)			—
Retained earnings			52,648,296				51,882,391				47,956,339
Total shareholders’ equity			105,330,441				104,128,050				100,381,413
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	230,822,307			$	246,355,812			$	234,793,563

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2007				2006
NET SALES		$	61,657,024			$	57,525,164
COST OF GOODS SOLD			35,576,338				32,609,207
GROSS MARGIN			26,080,686				24,915,957
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES			22,322,941				21,109,397
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS			3,757,745				3,806,560
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
Interest expense, net			(2,498,845	)			(2,369,033	)
Other – net			(42,995	)			(18,297	)
Total other – net			(2,541,840	)			(2,387,330	)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES			1,215,905				1,419,230
INCOME TAX EXPENSE			450,000				526,000
NET INCOME		$	765,905			$	893,230
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic		$	0.14			$	0.17
Diluted		$	0.14			$	0.16
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic			5,457,556				5,362,953
Diluted			5,594,930				5,615,942

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2007				2006
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income		$	765,905			$	893,230
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			1,371,353				1,294,075
Deferred compensation and other			(43,899	)			579,713
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets			2,080				(571,159	)
Stock compensation expense			170,443				164,020
Change in assets and liabilities
Receivables			6,243,102				8,409,949
Inventories			6,117,787				(7,609,756	)
Other current assets			260,717				(685,281	)
Other assets			380,419				(43,412	)
Accounts payable			2,598,945				10,035,665
Accrued and other liabilities			1,329,001				(1,401,627	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			19,195,853				11,065,417
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of fixed assets			(734,363	)			(1,375,830	)
Investment in trademarks and patents			(27,265	)			(35,205	)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets			—				1,851,584
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			(761,628	)			440,549
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility			54,594,784				59,587,351
Repayment of revolving credit facility			(73,380,198	)			(68,351,929	)
Repayments of long-term debt			(1,843,641	)			(2,498,562	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			240,470				231,041
Net cash used in financing activities			(20,388,585	)			(11,032,099	)
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS			(1,954,360	)			473,867
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD			3,731,253				1,608,680
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD		$	1,776,893			$	2,082,547

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

1.		INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORTING
		In the opinion of management, the accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results. All such adjustments reflected in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal and recurring nature. The results of the operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the whole year. Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
		The components of total comprehensive income are shown below:

		(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2007
Net income		$	765,905
Other comprehensive income:
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation and service cost			25,573
Total comprehensive income		$	791,478

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, net income was equal to comprehensive income.

2.		INVENTORIES
		Inventories are comprised of the following:

		March 31, 2007				December 31, 2006				March 31, 2006
		(Unaudited)								(Unaudited)
Raw materials		$	6,603,390			$	6,564,731			$	9,319,830
Work-in-process			995,124				249,644				704,551
Finished goods			64,532,675				71,518,898				73,466,076
Reserve for obsolescence or lower of cost or market			(300,000	)			(384,297	)			(493,969	)
Total		$	71,831,189			$	77,948,976			$	82,996,488

		Included in raw materials, at December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2006, is $1.6 million of purchases associated with the U.S. military. These raw material purchases were made exclusively for production under a subcontract for the U.S. military. Subsequent to the purchase of raw materials, the subcontract was cancelled for convenience by the U.S. military. In March 2007, we received a partial settlement of the contract. As a result of this settlement, the value of the raw material inventory will be realized either through the settlement or by other third-party sales, and a reduction of cost of goods sold of approximately $0.7 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2007, which represents a reimbursement of contract related expenses incurred in prior periods.
3.		SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
		Supplemental cash information including, cash paid for interest and Federal, state and local income taxes was as follows:

		Three-Months Ended
		March 31,
		2007				2006
Interest		$	1,033,000			$	2,092,000
Federal, state and local income taxes		$	97,000			$	317,000
Fixed asset purchases in accounts payable		$	21,250			$	—

4.		PER SHARE INFORMATION
		Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The diluted earnings per share computation includes common share equivalents, when dilutive. There are no adjustments to net income necessary in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
		A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2007				2006
Weighted average shares outstanding			5,457,556				5,362,953
Diluted stock options			137,374				252,989
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			5,594,930				5,615,942
Anti-diluted weighted average shares outstanding			264,125				223,171

5.		RECENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
		In June 2006, the FASB ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) position EITF 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement (that is Gross versus Net Presentation)” (“EITF 06-3”), that addresses disclosure requirements for taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer, and may include, but is not limited to, sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes. EITF 06-3 requires disclosure of the method of accounting for the applicable assessed taxes, and the amount of assessed taxes that are included in revenues if they are accounted for under the gross method. The provisions of EITF 06-3 are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier application permitted. We report sales, net of sales tax remittance. Adoption on January 1, 2007 did not have a material effect on our financial statements.
		In September 2006, the FASB issued a Statement of Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, rather it applies under existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on our financial statements.

		Also in September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an Amendment of FASB Statements 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). SFAS 158, requires an employer to recognize in its statement of financial position the funded status of its defined benefit plans and to recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, any unrecognized transition obligations and assets, the actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that arise during the period. The recognition provisions of Statement No. 158 were effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. In addition, Statement No. 158 requires a fiscal year end measurement of plan assets and benefit obligations, eliminating the use of earlier measurement dates currently permissible. However, the new measurement date requirement will not be effective until fiscal years ended after December 15, 2008. We utilize a measurement date of September 30th and will be required to change to December 31st. The adoption of Statement No. 158 as of December 31, 2006 resulted in a write-down of our pension asset by $1.6 million, increased accumulated other comprehensive loss by $1.0 million, and decreased deferred income tax liabilities by $0.6 million.
		In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The standard also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparison between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for annual periods in fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. If the fair value option is elected, the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value is reported as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. In the event we elect the fair value option promulgated by this standard, the valuations of certain assets and liabilities may be impacted. The statement is applied prospectively upon adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 159 on our financial statements.

6.		INCOME TAXES
		We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007. We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits and there was no effect on our financial condition or results of operations as a result of implementing FIN 48.
		We file income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. An examination of our 2004 Federal income tax return is in process and the examination of the 2003 Federal income tax return resulted in no changes. We are no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examinations for years before 2003. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2003 to 2006. Foreign jurisdiction (Canada and Puerto Rico) tax returns that remain subject to examination range from 2001 to 2006. We do not believe there will be any material changes in our unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
		Our policy is that we recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of adoption of FIN 48, accrued interest or penalties were not material, and no such expenses were recognized during the quarter.

7.		INTANGIBLE ASSETS
		A schedule of intangible assets is as follows:

		Gross				Accumulated				Carrying
March 31, 2007 (unaudited)		Amount				Amortization				Amount
Trademarks:
Wholesale		$	28,250,046			$	21,563			$	28,228,483
Retail			6,900,000				—				6,900,000
Patents			2,257,570				969,202				1,288,368
Customer relationships			1,000,000				450,000				550,000
Total Identified Intangibles		$	38,407,616			$	1,440,765			$	36,966,851

		Gross				Accumulated				Carrying
December 31, 2006		Amount				Amortization				Amount
Trademarks:
Wholesale		$	28,241,370							$	28,241,370
Retail			6,900,000								6,900,000
Patents			2,238,981			$	875,060				1,363,921
Customer relationships			1,000,000				400,000				600,000
Total Identified Intangibles		$	38,380,351			$	1,275,060			$	37,105,291

		Gross				Accumulated				Carrying
March 31, 2006 (unaudited)		Amount				Amortization				Amount
Trademarks:
Wholesale		$	28,933,009							$	28,933,009
Retail			6,900,000								6,900,000
Patents			2,223,941			$	594,249				1,629,692
Customer relationships			1,000,000				250,000				750,000
Total Identified Intangibles		$	39,056,950			$	844,249			$	38,212,701

		Amortization expense for intangible assets was $165,705 and $143,332 for the three-months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The weighted average amortization period for patents is six years and for customer relationships is five years.
		Estimate of Aggregate Amortization Expense:

12-months ending March 31, 2008		$	663,423
12-months ending March 31, 2009			663,422
12-months ending March 31, 2010			528,397
12-months ending March 31, 2011			122,990
12-months ending March 31, 2012			121,955

8.		CAPITAL STOCK
		On May 11, 2004, our shareholders approved the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. This Stock Incentive Plan includes 750,000 of our common shares that may be granted for stock options and restricted stock awards. As of March 31, 2007, we were authorized to issue approximately 499,000 shares under our existing plans.
		The plans generally provide for grants with the exercise price equal to fair value on the date of grant, graduated vesting periods of up to five years, and lives not exceeding ten years. The following summarizes stock option transactions from January 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007:

						Weighted
						Average
						Exercise
		Shares				Price
Options outstanding at January 1, 2007			536,176			$	14.33
Issued			—				—
Exercised			(41,750	)			5.76
Forfeited			—				—
Options outstanding at March 31, 2007			494,426			$	15.00
Options exercisable at:
January 1, 2007			443,426			$	13.39
March 31, 2007			458,239			$	14.59
Unvested options at January 1, 2007			92,750			$	18.81
Granted			—				—
Vested			(56,562	)			17.88
Forfeited			—				—
Unvested options at March 31, 2007			36,188			$	20.27

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we issued 7,595 shares of common stock to members of our Board of Directors. We recorded compensation expense of $122,500, which was the fair market value on the grant date. The shares are fully vested but cannot be sold for one year.

9.		RETIREMENT PLANS
		We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering non-union workers in our Ohio and Puerto Rico operations. Benefits under the non-union plan are based upon years of service and highest compensation levels as defined. On December 31, 2005, we froze the noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for all non-U.S. territorial employees. As a result of freezing the plan, we recognized a $0.4 million charge in the first quarter of 2006 for previously unrecognized service costs. Net pension cost of the Company’s plan is as follows:

		(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
		Three Months				Three Months
		Ended				Ended
		March 31,				March 31,
		2007				2006
Service cost		$	26,299			$	216,395
Interest			139,506				128,932
Expected return on assets			(179,239	)			(197,326	)
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation			2,691				4,077
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost			22,882				33,848
Curtailment charge			—				393,787
Net pension cost		$	12,139			$	579,713

Our unrecognized benefit obligations existing at the date of transition for the non-union plan are being amortized over twenty-one years. Actuarial assumptions used in the accounting for the plans were as follows:

		March 31,				March 31,
		2007				2006
Discount rate			6.00	%			5.75	%
Average rate of increase in compensation levels			3.0	%			3.0	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets			8.0	%			8.0	%

Our desired investment result is a long-term rate of return on assets that is at least 8%. The target rate of return for the plans have been based upon the assumption that returns will approximate the long-term rates of return experienced for each asset class in our investment policy. Our investment guidelines are based upon an investment horizon of greater than five years, so that interim fluctuations should be viewed with appropriate perspective. Similarly, the Plan’s strategic asset allocation is based on this long-term perspective.

10.		SEGMENT INFORMATION
		We have identified three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail and Military. Wholesale includes sales of footwear and accessories to several classifications of retailers, including sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty stores, mail order catalogs, independent retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores. Retail includes all sales from our stores and all sales in our Lehigh division, which includes sales via shoemobiles to individual customers. Military includes sales to the U.S. Military. The following is a summary of segment results for the Wholesale, Retail, and Military segments.

		(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2007				2006
NET SALES:
Wholesale		$	44,565,031			$	40,628,779
Retail			16,967,965				15,995,420
Military			124,028				900,965
Total Net Sales		$	61,657,024			$	57,525,164
GROSS MARGIN:
Wholesale		$	16,873,518			$	16,098,302
Retail			8,530,357				8,685,666
Military			676,811	*			131,989
Total Gross Margin		$	26,080,686			$	24,915,957

		Segment asset information is not prepared or used to assess segment performance.
11.		LONG-TERM DEBT
		Our credit facilities contain certain restrictive covenants, which among other things, require us to maintain a certain minimum EBITDA and certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios.
		As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with these restrictive covenants; however the margin of compliances was minimal. These covenants become more restrictive during the remainder of 2007 and, after December 2007, revert to more restrictive covenants contained in the original agreements. We must improve our operating results and cash flows, or take other action, to meet the covenants in the future. Any failure by us to comply with the restrictive covenants could result in an event of default under the borrowing agreements, in which case the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding there under to be due and payable, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information derived from our Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, expressed as a percentage of net sales. The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with our Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2007				2006
Net Sales			100.0	%			100.0	%
Cost Of Goods Sold			57.7	%			56.7	%
Gross Margin			42.3	%			43.3	%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses			36.2	%			36.7	%
Income From Operations			6.1	%			6.6	%

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

Net sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $61.7 million compared to $57.5 million for the same period in 2006. Wholesale sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $44.6 million compared to $40.6 million for the same period in 2006. The $4.0 million increase in sales is the result of increases in sales in our work, duty, outdoor footwear, and apparel categories, offset by a decrease in our western footwear category. Retail sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $17.0 million compared to $16.0 million for the same period in 2006. Military segment sales, which occur from time to time, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, were $0.1 million, compared to $0.9 million in the same period in 2006. Fiscal year 2006 sales reflect shipments under U.S. military contracts that we held directly.

Gross margin. Gross margin in the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $26.1 million, or 42.3% of net sales, compared to $24.9 million, or 43.3% of net sales, in the same period last year. Wholesale gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $16.9 million, or 37.9% of net sales, compared to $16.1 million, or 39.6% of net sales, in the same period last year. The basis point decrease reflects a decrease in sales of western products, which carry higher margins than our other products, as well as, an increase in sales of discontinued products at lower margins. Retail gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $8.5 million, or 50.3% of net sales, compared to $8.7 million, or 54.3% of net sales, for the same period in 2006. The decrease is primarily a result of increased sales of discontinued products at lower margins. Military gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $0.7 million or 545.7% of net sales compared to $0.1 million, or 14.6% of net sales, for the same period in 2006. 2007’s results included a $0.7 million reduction of cost of goods sold from the reimbursement of contract related expenses incurred in prior periods.

SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses were $22.3 million, or 36.2% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $21.1 million, or 36.7% of net sales for the same period in 2006. The net change primarily reflects increases in professional fees of $0.6 million and sales commissions of $0.4 million. 2006 includes a gain on the sale of a company-owned property of $0.7 million and pension expense of $0.6 million relating to the pension curtailment charge of $0.4 million relating to the freezing of the non-union pension plan in 2006.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $2.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $2.4 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase reflects higher interest rates.

Income taxes. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $0.5 million, compared to an expense of $0.5 million for the same period a year ago. Our estimated effective tax rate was 37% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity have been our income from operations, borrowings under our credit facility and other indebtedness.

Over the last several years our principal uses of cash have been for our acquisitions of EJ Footwear and certain assets of Gates-Mills, as well for working capital and capital expenditures to support our growth. Our working capital consists primarily of trade receivables and inventory, offset by accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital fluctuates throughout the year as a result of our seasonal business cycle and business expansion and is generally lowest in the months of January through March of each year and highest during the months of May through October of each year. We typically utilize our revolving credit facility to fund our seasonal working capital requirements. As a result, balances on our revolving credit facility will fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Our capital expenditures relate primarily to projects relating to our property, merchandising fixtures, molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations and for information technology. Capital expenditures were $0.7 million for the first three months of 2007, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2006. Capital expenditures for all of 2007 are anticipated to be approximately $6.0 million.

The total amount available under our revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of March 31, 2007, we had $55.9 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $82.2 million. Our credit facilities contain certain restrictive covenants, which among other things, require us to maintain a certain minimum EBITDA and certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios.

As of March 31, 2007, we were in compliance with these restrictive covenants; however the margins of compliance were minimal. These covenants become more restrictive during the remainder of 2007 and, after December 2007, revert to more restrictive covenants contained in the original agreements. We must improve our operating results and cash flows, or take other action, to meet the covenants in the future. Any failure by us to comply with the restrictive covenants could result in an event of default under the borrowing agreements, in which case the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding there under to be due and payable, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We believe that our existing credit facilities coupled with cash generated from operations will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. Our continued liquidity, however, is contingent upon future operating performance, cash flows and our ability to meet financial covenants under our credit facilities.

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $19.2 million in the first three months of 2007, compared to $11.1 million in the same period of 2006. Cash provided by operating activities was impacted by the decrease in accounts receivable and inventory offset by an increase in accounts payable reflecting payments due to overseas vendors. The decrease in accounts receivable is due to the collection of balances from large seasonal shipments that came due at the end of 2006. The decrease in inventory results from the increased sales volume experienced during the quarter.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million for the first three months of 2007, compared to cash provided of $0.4 million in 2006. Cash used by investing activities in 2007 reflects an investment in property plant and equipment of $0.8 million. Our 2007 expenditures primarily relate to investments in molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations and for information technology. Cash provided by investing activities in 2006 primarily relates to the sale of the Harper Street warehouse facility for $1.9 million, offset by investment in property, plant and equipment of $1.4 million.

Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $20.4 million, reflecting a decrease in net borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $18.8 million and repayments on long-term debt of $1.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $0.2 million.

Inflation

We cannot determine the precise effects of inflation; however, inflation continues to have an influence on the cost of materials, salaries, and employee benefits. We attempt to offset the effects of inflation through increased selling prices, productivity improvements, and reduction of costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Our management regularly reviews our accounting policies to make certain they are current and also to provide readers of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition. These include, but are not limited to, matters related to accounts receivable, inventories, pension benefits and

income taxes. Implementation of these accounting policies includes estimates and judgments by management based on historical experience and other factors believed to be reasonable. This may include judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities based on considerations that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our management believes the following critical accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Revenue principally consists of sales to customers, and, to a lesser extent, license fees. Revenue is recognized when the risk and title passes to the customer, while license fees are recognized when earned. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for estimated returns, trade promotions and other discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale.

Accounts receivable allowances

Management maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Management also records estimates for customer returns and discounts offered to customers. Should a greater proportion of customers return goods and take advantage of discounts than estimated by us, additional allowances may be required.

Sales returns and allowances

We record a reduction to gross sales based on estimated customer returns and allowances. These reductions are influenced by historical experience, based on customer returns and allowances. The actual amount of sales returns and allowances realized may differ from our estimates. If we determine that sales returns or allowances should be either increased or decreased, then the adjustment would be made to net sales in the period in which such a determination is made.

Inventories

Management identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate loss provisions related to these inventories. Historically, these loss provisions have not been significant as the vast majority of our inventories are considered saleable and we have been able to liquidate slow moving or obsolete inventories through our factory outlet stores or through various discounts to customers. Should management encounter difficulties liquidating slow moving or obsolete inventories, additional provisions may be necessary. Management regularly reviews the adequacy of our inventory reserves and makes adjustments to them as required.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets, including goodwill, trademarks and patents are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever there is an indication that may create impairment. None of our intangibles were impaired as of March 31, 2007.

Pension benefits

Accounting for pensions involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, extensive use is made of assumptions about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover, medical costs and discount rates. These assumptions are reviewed annually.

Pension expenses are determined by actuaries using assumptions concerning the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increase. An actuarial analysis of benefit obligations and plan assets is determined as of September 30 each year. The funded status of our plans and reconciliation of accrued pension cost is determined annually as of December 31. Further discussion of our pension plan and related assumptions is included in Note 9, “Retirement Plans,” to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007. Actual results would be different using other assumptions. Management records an accrual for pension costs associated with our sponsored noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering our non-union workers. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying plan assets could result in losses or a higher accrual. At December 31, 2005, we froze the non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for all non-U.S. territorial employees. As a result of freezing the plan, we have recognized a charge for previously unrecognized service costs of approximately $0.4 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006.

Income taxes

Management has recorded 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.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding our and management’s intent, belief, and expectations, such as statements concerning our future profitability and our operating and growth strategy. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other statements we make involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report

on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and other factors detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future could affect our businesses and financial results in the future and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on information presently available to our management. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes since December 31, 2006.

ITEM 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were (1) designed to ensure that material information relating to our Company is accumulated and made known to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in a timely manner, particularly during the period in which this report was being prepared and (2) effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management believes, however, that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a Company have been detected.

Internal Controls. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) during our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

     None

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

     There have been no material changes to our risk factors as disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

     None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

     None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

     None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

     None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

EXHIBIT		EXHIBIT
NUMBER		DESCRIPTION
10.1*		Amendment No. 5 to Loan and Security Agreement and Waiver, dated as of January 1, 2007 , by and among Rocky Brands, Inc., Lifestyle Footwear, Inc., Rocky Brands Wholesale LLC, and Rocky Brands Retail LLC, as Borrowers, and GMAC Commercial Finance LLC, as administrative agent and sole lead arranger for the Lenders.
31(a)*		Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Chief Executive Officer.
31(b)*		Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Chief Financial Officer.
32(a)+		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer.

EXHIBIT		EXHIBIT
NUMBER		DESCRIPTION
32(b)+		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer.

SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.