ROCKY BRANDS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2018 March (Form 10-Q)

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

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)



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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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 (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  (Check one):

☐ Large accelerated filer  ☒ Accelerated filer  ☐ Non-accelerated filer  ☐ Smaller reporting company  ☐ Emerging growth company

(Do not check if a smaller reporting 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒



There were 7,406,801 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding on April 30, 2018.





 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS





 



 

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PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)









See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)







See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)







See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements





1.   NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION



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 and Lehigh. 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 lifestyle. 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.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying 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 condensed consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal and recurring nature. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the whole year. The December 31, 2017 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in connection with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which includes all disclosures required by GAAP.

 

2.   ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES



Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements



Rocky Brands, Inc. is currently evaluating the impact of certain ASUs on its Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:







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Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Year





 



3.   FAIR VALUE 



Generally accepted accounting standards establish a framework for measuring fair value. 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:







   

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 (sales persons’ 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 facility 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.





4.   REVENUE



On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“New Revenue Standard”) for all contracts not yet completed as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This method requires a cumulative effect adjustment to reflect the impact of initially applying the New Revenue Standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The New Revenue Standard did not result in a material impact to the opening balance of retained earnings, and therefore no adjustment was made. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We expect the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard to be immaterial to our net income on an ongoing basis.

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Nature of Performance Obligations



Our products are distributed through three distinct channels, which represent our business segments: Wholesale, Retail, and Military. In our Wholesale business, we distribute our products through a wide range of distribution channels representing over ten thousand retail store locations in the U.S., Canada, and internationally. 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 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 products 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 detailed below as of March 31, 2018. 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. Previously, we recorded the return reserve liability as a contra balance within accounts receivable, and we will continue to do so under ASC 606. Previously, the related return reserve asset for the right to recover cost of goods sold was recognized within the inventory balance, and we will continue to do so under ASC 606. Please see Notes 5 and 6 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 with a duration of one year or less.  



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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 or services under non-cancellable contracts with the U.S. Military.



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. Items considered immaterial within the context of the contract are recognized as an expense.



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 selling, general, and administrative expenses. This treatment is consistent with how we accounted for these costs in prior years.



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 the majority of our costs incurred to obtain a contract would be subject to this practical expedient.



Contract Balances



The following table provides information about contract liabilities from contracts with our customers.







Significant changes in the contract liabilities balance during the period are as follows:







Disaggregation of Revenue



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 12 for segment disclosures.  







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5.    TRADE RECEIVABLES

 

Trade receivables are presented net of the related allowance for uncollectible accounts of approximately $215,000,  $177,000 and $1,396,000 at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, 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 is $1,079,000 at March 31, 2018.  



6.   INVENTORIES 



Inventories are comprised of the following:







 

In accordance with ASC 606, the return reserve asset netted against inventories is $649,000 at March 31, 2018.



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7.  IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS 



A schedule of identified intangible assets is as follows:







The weighted average life for our patents is 4.3 years.



A schedule of approximate amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended is as follows:









A schedule of approximate expected amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets for the years ending December 31, is as follows:







 

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8.   LONG-TERM DEBT 



In December 2014, we amended and restated our financing agreement with PNC Bank (“PNC”) to increase the credit facility to $75.0 million and extend the term of the facility an additional five years to November 2019. The credit facility’s base interest rate is the current prime rate less 0.25%, however the credit facility provides us the option to borrow on up to eight fixed loans at LIBOR plus 1.25% in accordance with the 2014 amended and restated credit agreement. The LIBOR rate is determined based on the fixed loan maturities, which vary from 30, 60, 90, or 180 days.



Our credit facility borrowings consist of the following:









The total amount available under our amended and restated revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of March 31, 2018, we had total capacity of $61.0 million.



Credit Facility Covenants



Our amended and restated credit facility contains a restrictive covenant which requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio.  This restrictive covenant is only in effect upon a triggering event taking place (as defined in the amended and restated credit facility agreement).  Our amended and restated credit facility places a restriction on the amount of dividends that may be paid. At March 31, 2018, there was no triggering event and the covenant was not in effect. 





9.   TAXES



We are subject to tax examinations in various taxing jurisdictions. The earliest exam years open for examination are as follows:







Our policy is to accrue interest and penalties on any uncertain tax position as a component of income tax expense. As of March 31, 2018, 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 its financial condition or results of operations as a result of implementing this standard.



We provided for income taxes at an effective tax rate of 20.5% and 34.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.





10.    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.



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A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:





 





11.   SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 



Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:













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12. 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, online retailers, independent retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores. Retail includes all sales from our consumer websites, stores and all sales in our Lehigh division. Military includes sales to the U.S. Military. The following is a summary of segment results for the Wholesale, Retail, and Military segments.



























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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 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 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as well as our annual report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.









Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017



Net sales.  Net sales decreased 2.7% to $61.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $63.1 million in the prior year period.  Wholesale sales increased $1.3 million to $40.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $39.2 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in 2018 was primarily the result of strong product lines, focused efforts to better partner with our bricks and mortar and E-tail accounts, and redirected marketing tactics which drove consumer engagement and generated greater brand awareness.  Retail sales increased to $13.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $11.9 million for the prior year period.  The $1.2 million increase in retail sales resulted from an increase in both our Lehigh business, which includes our business to business web platforms, and our branded e-commerce websites.  Military segment sales were $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $12.0 million for the same period in 2017.  We bid on military contracts when they become available.  Our U.S. Military sales are dependent on us winning bids for contracts and the purchase orders received on these contracts. We are currently fulfilling several multiyear contracts for the U.S. Military.



Gross margin.  Gross margin increased to $21.0 million or 34.2% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $19.7 million or 31.3% of net sales for the prior year period.  Wholesale gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $14.0 million, or 34.7% of net sales, compared to $13.0 million, or 33.3% of net sales for the prior year period.  The 140 basis point increase was largely due to higher margins due to a dedicated focus to increase full price selling by offering less discounts.  Retail gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $5.5 million or 42.4%, compared to $5.3 million or 44.8% in the prior year period.  The 250 basis point decrease was largely due to a combination of the increase in our Lehigh sales, which carries a lower margin than our e-commerce business, and increased sales of discontinued products on our e-commerce websites.  Military gross margin in the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1.4 million, or 17.9% of net sales, compared to $1.4 million, or 11.5% of net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in military margin was primarily due to some older and lower margin contracts ending in late 2017, as well as increased efficiencies in our Puerto Rico facility.



SG&A expenses.  SG&A expenses were $16.7 million, or 27.3% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $17.4 million, or 27.6% of net sales for 2017.  The net decrease primarily reflected the reduction in expenses related to the Creative Recreation brand, which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2017.



Other expenses.  Interest expense was approximately $47,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to approximately $90,000 for the prior year period.  The decrease in interest expense in the first quarter of 2018 from the prior year period was due to lower overall levels of debt.



Income taxes.  Income tax expense was $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to an income tax expense of $0.8 million for the same period a year ago. We provided for income taxes at an effective tax rate of 20.5% and 34.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The reduction in the effective tax rate was as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed in December 2017.





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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES



Overview



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



Over the last several years our principal uses of cash have been 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 corporate offices, property, merchandising fixtures, molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing and distribution operations and for information technology. Capital expenditures were $1.3 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  



We lease certain machinery, shoe centers, and manufacturing facilities under operating leases that generally provide for renewal options.



We believe that our credit facility 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 facility please see Note 8.



As a result of the TCJA,  we have recorded a liability of $2.5 million related to the taxation of unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which will be paid over eight years. The first installment was paid in April of 2018 for $510,000. We do not expect this to have a material impact on its current or future liquidity.



Cash Flows







Operating Activities.  Cash provided by operating activities was primarily impacted by a decrease in receivables for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and an increase in accounts payable for the three months ended March 31, 2017.



Investing Activities.  Cash used in investing activities primarily related to investments in molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations, for information technology and for improvements to our distribution facility for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Financing Activities.    Cash used in financing activities primarily related to net payments under the revolving credit facility and for the payment of dividends on our common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  



Inflation



Our financial performance is influenced by factors such as higher raw material costs as well as higher salaries and employee benefits.  Management attempts to minimize or offset the effects of inflation through increased selling prices, productivity improvements, and cost reductions.  We were able to mitigate the effects of inflation during 2017 due to these factors.  It is anticipated that any inflationary pressures during 2018 could be offset through possible price increases.



 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES



The preparation of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates these estimates. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Historically, actual results have not been materially different from the Company’s estimates. However, actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.



We have identified the critical accounting policies used in determining estimates and assumptions in the amounts reported in our Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations in our 2017 Form 10-K.



On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“New Revenue Standard”) for all contracts not yet completed as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This method requires a cumulative effect adjustment to reflect the impact of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The New Revenue Standard did not result in a material impact to the opening balance of retained earnings therefore no adjustment was made. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. We expect the impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard to be immaterial to our net income on an ongoing basis. For additional information regarding the adoption of ASC 606 see Note 4.

 

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES REFORM ACT OF 1995



The matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.    Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other statements we make involve risk and uncertainties including, without limitations, dependence on sales forecasts, changes in consumer demand and expectations, seasonality, impact of weather, competition, reliance on suppliers, changing retail trends, risks related to cybersecurity, economic changes, as well as other factors set forth under the caption “Item 1A, Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, 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.



 



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ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.



There have been no material changes to our market risk as disclosed in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.





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 Rule 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, 2018, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION



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, 2017.



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



The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s purchases of common stock for the periods indicated:

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In March 2017, the Company announced a $7,500,000 share repurchase plan. The repurchase program terminated on March 1, 2018. On March 5, 2018, the Company announced a $7,500,000 share repurchase plan to replace the expired plan. The newly authorized repurchase program terminates on March 1, 2019.

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ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS





* Filed with this Report.

** Furnished with this Report.

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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.





 

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