Wolverine World Wide Form 10-Q - 10/16/08

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the third twelve week accounting period ended September 6, 2008

OR

[  ]        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from          to         

Commission File Number: 001-06024

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware


 

38-1185150


(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan


 

49351


(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)



 

(616) 866-5500


 

 

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 



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 such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    X          No       

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer     X        Accelerated filer ___     Non-accelerated filer ___     Smaller reporting company ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes               No    X  

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

There were 61,617,988 shares of Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding as of October 10, 2008, of which 12,679,731 shares are held as Treasury Stock.




FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the footwear business, global economic conditions and the Company itself, including, without limitation, statements regarding the effect on earnings of a future hedge termination or determination of hedge ineffectiveness, expected length of time that stock options will remain outstanding, results of tax audits, the effect of litigation, the effect of the adoption of new accounting standards, timing or acceptance of new products, future progress toward achieving the Company's strategic growth plan, expected cash flows, expected share repurchase activity, the use of excess cash flows, future revenues, earnings and marketing, statements in Part I, Item 2 regarding the overview and the Company's financial condition, liquidity and capital resources and statements in Part I, Item 3 regarding market risk. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "should," "will," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Risk Factors") that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

Risk Factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to changes in demand for the Company's products; changes in consumer preferences or spending patterns; the cost and availability of inventories, services, labor and equipment furnished to the Company; the cost and availability of contract manufacturers; the cost and availability of raw materials, including leather and petroleum-based materials; the cost of finished goods; energy costs; changes in planned consumer demand or at-once orders; customer order cancellations; the impact of competition and pricing by the Company's competitors; changes in government and regulatory policies; foreign currency fluctuation in valuations compared to the U.S. dollar; changes in monetary controls and valuations of the Chinese renminbi and the relative value to the U.S. dollar; changes in duty structures in countries of import and export; changes in interest rates, tax laws, duties, tariffs, quotas or applicable assessments; availability and cost of existing and future lines of credit; technological developments; changes in local, domestic or international economic and market conditions, including customers' ability to access credit in current credit markets; the size and growth of footwear markets; service interruptions at shipping and receiving ports; changes in the amount, severity or timing of inclement weather; changes due to the growth of Internet commerce; popularity of particular designs and categories of footwear; the ability of the Company to manage and forecast its growth and inventories; the ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property; integration of operations of newly acquired businesses; changes in business strategy or development plans; the Company's ability to adapt and compete in global apparel and accessory markets; customer acceptance of new initiatives; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the ability to retain rights to brands licensed by the Company; loss of significant customers; relationships with international distributors and licensees; the Company's ability to meet at-once orders; the exercise of future purchase options by the U.S. Department of Defense on previously awarded contracts; the risk of doing business in developing countries and economically volatile areas; retail buying patterns; increased competition from private label brands; consolidation in the retail sector; and the acceptability of U.S. brands in international markets. Additionally, concerns regarding the effects of recent difficulties in credit and financial markets, acts of terrorism, the war in Iraq and subsequent events have created significant global economic and political uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand, foreign sourcing of footwear, shipping and transportation, product imports and exports and the sale of products in foreign markets. These matters are representative of the Risk Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement. Additional Risk Factors are identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, included in Item 1A. Historical operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. The Risk Factors included here are not exhaustive. Other Risk Factors exist, and new Risk Factors emerge from time-to-time, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Thousands of dollars)


 

September 6,
2008
(Unaudited)


 

December 29,
2007
(Audited)


 

September 8,
2007
(Unaudited)


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

74,310

 

$

76,087

 

$

24,770

 

     Accounts receivable, less allowances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          September 6, 2008 - $15,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          December 29, 2007 - $13,643

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          September 8, 2007 - $15,072

 

240,522

 

 

179,934

 

 

235,525

 

     Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Finished products

 

177,530

 

 

148,925

 

 

182,134

 

          Raw materials and work in process

 


16,532


 

 


16,927


 

 


16,184


 

 

 

194,062

 

 

165,852

 

 

198,318

 

     Deferred income taxes

 

10,122

 

 

11,909

 

 

10,703

 

     Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 


11,581


 

 


11,859


 

 


14,913


 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

530,597

 

 

445,641

 

 

484,229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Gross cost

 

291,488

 

 

288,206

 

 

284,368

 

     Less accumulated depreciation

 


208,230


 

 


202,789


 

 


198,342


 

 

 

83,258

 

 

85,417

 

 

86,026

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles

 

45,534

 

 

48,509

 

 

48,238

 

     Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

34,349

 

 

32,886

 

 

33,484

 

     Pension assets

 

18,289

 

 

17,752

 

 

10,003

 

     Other

 


9,667


 

 


8,173


 

 


10,433


 

 

 


107,839


 

 


107,320


 

 


102,158


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$


721,694


 

$


638,378


 

$


672,413


 







See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


3


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - continued
(Thousands of dollars, except share data)


 

September 6,
2008
(Unaudited)


 

December 29,
2007
(Audited)


 

September 8,
2007
(Unaudited)


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Accounts payable

$

54,284

 

$

51,551

 

$

56,037

 

     Accrued salaries and wages

 

17,209

 

 

18,475

 

 

17,836

 

     Other accrued liabilities

 

69,025

 

 

41,875

 

 

67,587

 

     Current maturities of long-term debt

 

10,725

 

 

10,731

 

 

10,730

 

     Revolver

 


70,897


 

 


-


 

 


-


 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

222,140

 

 

122,632

 

 

152,190

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

10,731

 

Deferred compensation

 

10,009

 

 

10,204

 

 

11,201

 

Accrued pension liabilities

 

26,246

 

 

25,684

 

 

23,818

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

1,114

 

 

1,079

 

 

1,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Common Stock - par value $1, authorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          160,000,000 shares; shares issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          (including shares in treasury):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               September 6, 2008 - 61,589,057 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               December 29, 2007 - 61,085,123 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               September 8, 2007 - 61,002,928 shares

 

61,589

 

 

61,085

 

 

61,003

 

     Additional paid-in capital

 

60,628

 

 

47,786

 

 

43,936

 

     Retained earnings

 

647,253

 

 

591,706

 

 

572,338

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

10,943

 

 

22,268

 

 

10,094

 

     Cost of shares in treasury:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          September 6, 2008 - 12,678,680 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          December 29, 2007 - 9,850,299 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          September 8, 2007 - 8,656,877 shares

 


(318,228


)


 


(244,066


)


 


(213,931


)


TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 


462,185


 

 


478,779


 

 


473,440


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$


721,694


 

$


638,378


 

$


672,413


 





(  ) - Denotes deduction
See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


4


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(Thousands of dollars, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

36 Weeks Ended


 

 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

318,852

 

$

310,168

 

$

874,452

 

$

841,549

 

Cost of products sold

 


190,122


 

 


185,216


 

 


521,762


 

 


507,068


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

128,730

 

 

124,952

 

 

352,690

 

 

334,481

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative
     expenses


 



82,389


 


 



80,548


 


 



244,192


 


 



233,845


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING PROFIT

 

46,341

 

 

44,404

 

 

108,498

 

 

100,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expenses/(income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest expense

 

675

 

 

503

 

 

1,839

 

 

1,453

 

     Interest income

 

(366

)

 

(682

)

 

(1,165

)

 

(2,426

)

     Other - net

 


(880


)


 


252


 

 


(1


)


 


424


 

 

 


(571


)


 


73


 

 


673


 

 


(549


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

46,912

 

 

44,331

 

 

107,825

 

 

101,185

 

Income taxes

 


15,721


 

 


14,848


 

 


36,121


 

 


33,895


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS

$


31,191


 

$


29,483


 

$


71,704


 

$


67,290


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

$


.64


 

$


.56


 

$


1.46


 

$


1.26


 

     Diluted

$


.62


 

$


.54


 

$


1.41


 

$


1.21


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share

$


.11


 

$


.09


 

$


.33


 

$


.27


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used for net earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     computation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Basic

 

48,511,216

 

 

52,349,773

 

 

49,103,566

 

 

53,447,264

 

          Diluted

 

49,977,840

 

 

54,184,736

 

 

50,751,196

 

 

55,432,766

 





See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


5


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Stockholders' Equity
(Thousands of dollars, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 

36 Weeks
Ended


 

 

September 6,
2008


 

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

61,085

 

     Common stock issued under stock incentive plans

 


504


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


61,589


 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

47,786

 

     Stock-based compensation expense

 

5,873

 

     Common stock issued under stock incentive plans

 

6,908

 

     Net change in notes receivable

 


61


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


60,628


 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

591,706

 

     Net earnings

 

71,704

 

     Cash dividends declared

 


(16,157


)


     Balance at end of the quarter

$


647,253


 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

22,268

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(15,428

)

     Change in fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges, net of taxes

 


4,103


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


10,943


 

 

 

 

 

COST OF SHARES IN TREASURY

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

(244,066

)

     Repurchase of common stock for treasury (2,848,213 shares)

 

(74,658

)

     Issuance of treasury shares (19,832 shares)

 


496


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


(318,228


)


 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AT END OF THE QUARTER

$


462,185


 





See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


6


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)


 

36 Weeks Ended


 

 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net earnings

$

71,704

 

$

67,290

 

     Adjustments necessary to reconcile net earnings to net cash
        provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Depreciation

 

13,040

 

 

13,502

 

     Amortization

 

948

 

 

780

 

     Deferred income taxes

 

(631

)

 

(1,141

)

     Stock-based compensation expense

 

5,873

 

 

5,943

 

     Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

(1,471

)

 

(2,440

)

     Pension

 

25

 

 

1,304

 

     Other

 

9,651

 

 

1,006

 

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Accounts receivable

 

(71,205

)

 

(78,328

)

          Inventories

 

(32,248

)

 

(11,544

)

          Other assets

 

114

 

 

(982

)

          Accounts payable and other liabilities

 


33,600


 

 


28,665


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities   

 

29,400

 

 

24,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(12,635

)

 

(11,561

)

     Other

 


(3,931


)


 


(3,804


)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities   

 

(16,566

)

 

(15,365

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net borrowings under revolver

 

70,897

 

 

-

 

     Payments of capital lease obligations

 

(6

)

 

(10

)

     Cash dividends paid

 

(15,468

)

 

(13,751

)

     Purchase of common stock for treasury

 

(74,658

)

 

(103,179

)

     Proceeds from shares issued under stock incentive plans

 

5,529

 

 

4,412

 

     Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 


1,471


 

 


2,440


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities   

 

(12,235

)

 

(110,088

)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

 


(2,376


)


 


1,505


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(1,777

)

 

(99,893

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

 


76,087


 

 


124,663


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

$


74,310


 

$


24,770


 



(  ) - Denotes reduction in cash and cash equivalents
See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


7


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of quality casual shoes, performance outdoor footwear, apparel, work shoes and boots, and uniform shoes and boots. The Company's global portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes: Bates®, Cat® Footwear, Harley-Davidson® Footwear, Hush Puppies®, HyTest®, Merrell®, Patagonia® Footwear, Sebago®, Stanley® Footgear and Wolverine®. Apparel and licensing programs are utilized to extend the Company's owned brands into product categories beyond footwear. The Company also operates a retail division to showcase its brands and branded footwear and apparel from other manufacturers, a tannery that produces Wolverine Performance Leathers™ and a pigskin procurement operation.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for a complete presentation of the financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized on the sale of products manufactured or sourced by the Company when the related goods have been shipped, legal title has passed to the customer and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue generated through programs with licensees and distributors involving products bearing the Company's trademarks is recognized as earned according to stated contractual terms upon either the purchase or shipment of branded products by licensees and distributors.

The Company records provisions against gross revenue for estimated stock returns and cash discounts in the period when the related revenue is recorded. These estimates are based on factors that include, but are not limited to, historical stock returns, historical discounts taken and analysis of credit memorandum activity.

COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD
Cost of products sold for the Company's operations include the actual product costs, including inbound freight charges, purchasing, sourcing, inspection and receiving costs. Warehousing costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

SEASONALITY
The Company's business is subject to seasonal influences and has twelve weeks in each of the first three quarters and sixteen or seventeen weeks in the fourth quarter. Both factors can cause significant differences in revenue, earnings and cash flows from quarter to quarter; however, the differences have followed a consistent pattern in previous years.

RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior period amounts on the consolidated condensed financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications did not affect net earnings.


8


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007

2.  Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

36 Weeks Ended


 

 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

Weighted average shares outstanding

48,985,866

 

52,953,299

 

49,641,783

 

54,119,733

 

Adjustment for nonvested restricted
    common stock


(474,650



)



(603,526



)



(538,217



)



(672,469



)


Denominator for basic earnings per share

48,511,216

 

52,349,773

 

49,103,566

 

53,447,264

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

1,183,955

 

1,466,954

 

1,297,718

 

1,575,659

 

Adjustment for nonvested restricted
    common stock - treasury method


282,669


 


368,009


 


349,912


 


409,843


 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

49,977,840


 

54,184,736


 

50,751,196


 

55,432,766


 

Options to purchase 1,336,589 and 1,224,173 shares of common stock for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008 and 622,870 and 523,336 shares for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 8, 2007 have not been included in the denominator for the computation of diluted earnings per share because the related exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the period and, therefore, they were anti-dilutive.

3.  Goodwill and Other Non-Amortizable Intangibles

The changes in the net carrying amounts of goodwill and trademarks are as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

Goodwill


 

Trademarks


 

Total


 

Balance at September 8, 2007

$

39,732

 

$

8,506

 

$

48,238

 

    Intangibles acquired

 

-

 

 

430

 

 

430

 

    Foreign currency translation effects

 


(159


)


 


-


 

 


(159


)


Balance at December 29, 2007

 

39,573

 

 

8,936

 

 

48,509

 

    Intangibles acquired

 

-

 

 

228

 

 

228

 

    Intangibles disposed

 

-

 

 

(17

)

 

(17

)

    Foreign currency translation effects

 


(3,186


)


 


-


 

 


(3,186


)


Balance at September 6, 2008

$


36,387


 

$


9,147


 

$


45,534


 

4.  Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents net earnings and any revenue, expenses, gains and losses that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net earnings and recognized directly as a component of stockholders' equity.

The ending accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

September 6,
2008


 

December 29,
2007


 

September 8,
2007


 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

20,005

 

$

35,433

 

$

29,444

 

Foreign currency cash flow hedge adjustments, net of taxes

 

2,048

 

 

(2,055

)

 

(2,531

)

Pension adjustments, net of taxes

 


(11,110


)


 


(11,110


)


 


(16,819


)


Accumulated other comprehensive income

$


10,943


 

$


22,268


 

$


10,094


 

 


9


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007

The reconciliation from net earnings to comprehensive income is as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

36 Weeks Ended


 

 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

Net earnings

$

31,191

 

$

29,483

 

$

71,704

 

$

67,290

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(14,065

)

 

3,894

 

 

(15,428

)

 

7,654

 

    Change in fair value of foreign currency
        cash flow hedges, net of taxes


 



2,875


 


 



(643



)



 



4,103


 


 



(1,483



)


Comprehensive income

$


20,001


 

$


32,734


 

$


60,379


 

$


73,461


 

5.  Business Segments

The Company has one reportable segment that is engaged in manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, licensing and distributing branded footwear, apparel and accessories to the retail sector, including casual shoes, dress shoes, performance outdoor footwear, boots, uniform shoes, work shoes, and apparel and accessories. Revenue of this segment is derived from the sale of branded footwear and apparel to external customers as well as royalty income from the licensing of the Company's trademarks and brand names to licensees and distributors. The business units comprising the branded footwear, apparel and licensing segment manufacture or source, market and distribute products in a similar manner. Branded footwear, apparel and licensed products are distributed through wholesale channels and under licensing and distributor arrangements.

The other business units in the following table consist of the Company's retail, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. Included in the other business units results below are 88 Company operated retail stores in North America and 20 consumer-direct Internet sites at September 6, 2008 that sell Company-manufactured and sourced products, as well as footwear and apparel manufactured by unaffiliated companies. The other business units distribute products through retail and wholesale channels.

There have been no material changes in the way the Company measures segment profits or in its basis of determining business segments.

Business segment information is as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

Branded
Footwear,
Apparel and
Licensing





 



Other
Business
Units





 





Corporate





 





Consolidated


 

 

12 Weeks Ended September 6, 2008


 

Revenue

$

292,485

 

$

26,367

 

$

-

 

$

318,852

 

Intersegment revenue

 

13,543

 

 

641

 

 

-

 

 

14,184

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

53,302

 

 

154

 

 

(6,544

)

 

46,912

 

Total assets

 

539,093

 

 

50,462

 

 

132,139

 

 

721,694

 

 

 


 

 

36 Weeks Ended September 6, 2008


 

Revenue

$

796,100

 

$

78,352

 

$

-

 

$

874,452

 

Intersegment revenue

 

35,005

 

 

2,638

 

 

-

 

 

37,643

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

121,871

 

 

954

 

 

(15,000

)

 

107,825

 

Total assets

 

539,093

 

 

50,462

 

 

132,139

 

 

721,694

 


10


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007


 

Branded
Footwear,
Apparel and
Licensing





 



Other
Business
Units





 





Corporate





 





Consolidated


 

 

12 Weeks Ended September 8, 2007


 

Revenue

290,239

 

$

19,929

 

$

-

 

$

310,168

 

Intersegment revenue

 

12,849

 

 

578

 

 

-

 

 

13,427

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

48,012

 

 

(681

)

 

(3,000

)

 

44,331

 

Total assets

 

511,670

 

 

50,043

 

 

110,700

 

 

672,413

 

 

 


 

 

36 Weeks Ended September 8, 2007


 

Revenue

777,075

 

$

64,474

 

$

-

 

$

841,549

 

Intersegment revenue

 

31,068

 

 

1,859

 

 

-

 

 

32,927

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

110,628

 

 

(491

)

 

(8,952

)

 

101,185

 

Total assets

 

511,670

 

 

50,043

 

 

110,700

 

 

672,413

 

6.  Financial Instruments and Risk Management

The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts and notes payable and long-term debt. The Company's estimate of the fair values of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at September 6, 2008. Fair value was determined using discounted cash flow analyses and current interest rates for similar instruments. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Effective December 30, 2007 (fiscal year 2008), the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS No. 157"), for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. SFAS No. 157 applies to all financial assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis and establishes a framework for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. There was no impact to the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 157. As of September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007, an asset of $2,894,000 and a liability of $1,912,000, respectively, have been recognized for the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts. In accordance with SFAS No. 157, these assets and liabilities fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 represents financial instruments lacking quoted prices (unadjusted) from active market exchanges, including over-the-counter exchange-traded financial instruments. The prices for the financial instruments are determined using prices for recently traded financial instruments with similar underlying terms as well as directly or indirectly observable inputs. The Company did not have any additional assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 6, 2008.

The Company follows Statement SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138, which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the consolidated condensed balance sheets at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency inventory purchases made by non-U.S. wholesale operations in the normal course of business. At September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007, foreign currency forward exchange contracts with a notional value of $47,603,000 and $39,501,000, respectively, were outstanding to purchase U.S. dollars with maturities ranging up to 231 days. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.







11


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007

The fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts represents the estimated receipts or payments necessary to terminate the contracts. Hedge effectiveness is evaluated by the hypothetical derivative method. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reported within the cost of products sold caption of the consolidated condensed statements of operations. Hedge ineffectiveness was not material to the consolidated condensed financial statements for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007. If, in the future, the foreign exchange contracts are determined to be ineffective hedges or terminated before their contractual termination dates, the Company would be required to reclassify into earnings all or a portion of the unrealized amounts related to the cash flow hedges that are currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders' equity.

The Company does not generally require collateral or other security on trade accounts and notes receivable.

7.  Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. The Company recognized compensation costs of $1,960,000 and $5,873,000, respectively, and related income tax benefits of $438,000 and $1,237,000, respectively, for its stock-based compensation plans in the statements of operations for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008. For the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 8, 2007, the Company recognized compensation costs of $1,785,000 and $5,943,000, respectively, and related income tax benefits of $452,000 and $1,528,000, respectively, for its stock-based compensation plans.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of operations for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007 has been reduced for estimated forfeitures, as it is based on awards ultimately expected to vest. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

The Company estimated the fair value of employee stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The estimated weighted-average fair value for each option granted during the 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007 was $5.68 and $6.87 per share, respectively, with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

36 Weeks Ended


 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


Expected market price volatility (1)

30.9%

 

23.7%

 

28.8%

 

23.3%

Risk-free interest rate (2)

3.0%

 

4.9%

 

2.5%

 

4.8%

Dividend yield (3)

1.7%

 

1.3%

 

1.6%

 

1.4%

Expected term (4)

4 years

 

4 years

 

4 years

 

4 years


(1)

Based on historical volatility of the Company's common stock. The expected volatility is based on the daily percentage change in the price of the stock over four years.

(2)

Represents the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect for the expected term of the option at the time of grant.

(3)

Represents the Company's cash dividend yield for the expected term.

(4)

Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company determined that all employee groups exhibit similar exercise and post-vesting termination behavior to determine the expected term.


12


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007

8.  Pension Expense

A summary of net pension and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan expense recognized by the Company is as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

36 Weeks Ended


 

 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

September 6,
2008


 

September 8,
2007


 

Service cost pertaining to benefits
   earned during the period


$


1,122

 


$


1,119

 


$


3,365

 


$


3,411

 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

2,635

 

 

2,540

 

 

7,903

 

 

7,681

 

Expected return on pension assets

 

(3,212

)

 

(3,235

)

 

(9,635

)

 

(9,815

)

Net amortization loss

 


915


 

 


1,284


 

 


2,746


 

 


3,853


 

Net pension expense

$


1,460


 

$


1,708


 

$


4,379


 

$


5,130


 

9.  Litigation and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various environmental claims and other legal actions arising in the normal course of business. The environmental claims include sites where the Environmental Protection Agency has notified the Company that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to environmental remediation. These remediation claims are subject to ongoing environmental impact studies, assessment of remediation alternatives, allocation of costs between responsible parties and concurrence by regulatory authorities and have not yet advanced to a stage where the Company's liability is fixed. However, after taking into consideration legal counsel's evaluation of all actions and claims against the Company, management is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company is involved in routine litigation incidental to its business and is a party to legal actions and claims, including, but not limited to, those related to employment and intellectual property. Some of the legal proceedings include claims for compensatory as well as punitive damages. While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, considering, among other things, the meritorious legal defenses available and liabilities that have been recorded along with applicable insurance, it is currently the opinion of the Company's management that these items will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Pursuant to certain of the Company's lease agreements, the Company has provided financial guarantees to third parties in the form of indemnification provisions. These provisions indemnify and reimburse third parties for costs, including but not limited to adverse judgments in lawsuits, taxes and operating costs. The terms of the guarantees are equal to the terms of the related lease agreements. The Company is not able to calculate the maximum potential amount of future payments it could be required to make under these guarantees, as the potential payment is dependent upon the occurrence of future unknown events.




13


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007

The Company has future minimum royalty and advertising obligations due under the terms of certain licenses held by the Company. These minimum future obligations are as follows (thousands of dollars):

 


2008


2009


2010


2011


2012


Thereafter


 

Minimum royalties

$

1,062

$

1,328

$

1,544

$

1,772

$

1,825

$

4,683

 

Minimum advertising

 

2,023

 

2,103

 

2,166

 

2,231

 

2,298

 

1,660

 

Minimum royalties are based on both fixed obligations and assumptions related to the consumer price index. Royalty obligations in excess of minimum requirements are based upon future sales levels. In accordance with these agreements, the Company incurred royalty expense of $916,000 and $2,270,000, respectively, for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008. The Company has met the minimum royalty requirements for 2008. For the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 8, 2007, the Company incurred royalty expense of $934,000 and $2,648,000, respectively.

The terms of certain license agreements also require advertising expenditures based on the level of sales. In accordance with these agreements, the Company incurred advertising expense of $834,000 and $2,418,000, respectively, for the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 6, 2008. The Company has met the minimum advertising requirements for 2008. For the 12 and 36 weeks ended September 8, 2007, the Company incurred advertising expense of $902,000 and $2,333,000, respectively.

10.  New Accounting Standards

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS No. 161"). SFAS No. 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how the instruments are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and how the instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The guidance in SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2009 for the Company). The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 161 on its disclosures in the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position ("FSP") Emerging Issue Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities ("FSP EITF 03-6-1"). FSP EITF 03-6-1 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. FSP EITF 03-6-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 (fiscal year 2009 for the Company). Upon adoption, a company is required to retrospectively adjust its earnings per share data, including any amounts related to interim periods, summaries of earnings and selected financial data, to conform to the provisions of FSP EITF 03-6-1. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 on its consolidated condensed financial statements.



14


ITEM 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

OVERVIEW
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (the "Company") continues to evolve from a leading global marketer of branded footwear into a multi-brand global marketer of footwear, apparel and accessories. The Company's business strategy is to market a portfolio of lifestyle brands that will: "Excite Consumers Around the World with Innovative Footwear and Apparel that Bring Style to Purpose."  The Company intends to execute this strategy by innovating to achieve product/brand excellence, delivering supply-chain excellence and operational efficiency, complementing its footwear brands with strong apparel and accessories offerings, and building a more substantial global consumer-direct footprint.

The following represent the financial performance highlights of the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007:

 

Record revenue and earnings per share for the 25th consecutive quarter.

 

 

 

 

Revenue for the third quarter of 2008 of $318.9 million, a 2.8% increase over the third quarter of 2007 revenue of $310.2 million.

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share during the third quarter of 2008 grew to $0.62 per share compared to $0.54 per share for the same quarter in the prior year, an increase of 14.8%.

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable increased 2.1% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 on a 2.8% increase in revenue for the quarter.

 

 

 

 

Inventory levels were reduced by $4.2 million, a 2.1% reduction, in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter in the prior year resulting in an increase in annualized inventory turns from 3.6 turns in the third quarter of 2007 to 3.9 turns in the third quarter of 2008.

 

 

 

 

The Company ended the third quarter of 2008 with $74.3 million of cash on hand and interest-bearing debt of $81.6 million.

 

 

 

 

During the third quarter of 2008, the Company utilized $19.0 million of cash to repurchase 0.7 million shares of stock under its share repurchase program.

 

 

 

 

The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share in the third quarter of 2008, a 22.2% increase over the $0.09 per share declared in the third quarter of 2007.







15


The following is a discussion of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the third quarter of 2008. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated condensed financial statements and notes.

Results of Operations - Comparison of the 12 Weeks Ended September 6, 2008 (2008 Third Quarter) to the 12 Weeks Ended September 8, 2007 (2007 Third Quarter)

Financial Summary - Third Quarter


 


2008


2007


Change


 


$


 


%


 


$


 


%


 


$


 


%


 


(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Branded footwear, apparel and licensing

$

292.5

 

91.7%

 

$

290.3

 

93.6%

 

$

2.2

 

0.8%

 

   Other business units


 


26.4


 


8.3%


 


 


19.9


 


6.4%


 


 


6.5


 


32.3%


 


Total revenue


$


318.9


 


100.0%


 


$


310.2


 


100.0%


 


$


8.7


 


2.8%


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Branded footwear, apparel and licensing

$

119.9

 

41.0%

 

$

117.8

 

40.6%

 

$

2.1

 

1.8%

 

   Other business units


 


8.8


 


33.5%


 


 


7.2


 


36.2%


 


 


1.6


 


22.6%


 


Total gross profit


$


128.7


 


40.4%


 


$


125.0


 


40.3%


 


$


3.7


 


3.0%


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

82.4

 

25.8%

 

$

80.6

 

26.0%

 

$

1.8

 

2.3%

 

Interest (income) expense - net

 

0.3

 

0.1%

 

 

(0.2

)

(0.1%

)

 

0.5

 

272.6%

 

Other (income) expense - net

 

(0.9

)

(0.3%

)

 

0.3

 

0.1%

 

 

(1.2

)

(449.2%

)

Earnings before income taxes

 

46.9

 

14.7%

 

 

44.3

 

14.3%

 

 

2.6

 

5.8%

 

Net earnings

 

31.2

 

31.2%

 

 

29.5

 

9.5%

 

 

1.7

 

5.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.62

 

 

 

$

0.54

 

 

 

$

0.08

 

14.8%

 

The Company has one reportable segment that is engaged in manufacturing, sourcing, marketing, licensing and distributing branded footwear, apparel and accessories. Within the branded footwear, apparel and licensing segment, the Company has identified five operating units, consisting of the Outdoor Group (comprised of the Merrell® and Patagonia® Footwear brands), the Wolverine Footwear Group (comprised of the Wolverine®, HyTest®, Bates® Footwear and Stanley® Footgear brands and certain private label branded products), the Heritage Brands Group (comprised of the Cat® Footwear, Harley-Davidson® Footwear and Sebago® brands), The Hush Puppies Company and Other. The Company's other business units consist of Wolverine Retail and Wolverine Leathers (comprised of the tannery and procurement operations). The following is supplemental information on total revenue:

Total Revenue - Third Quarter


 


2008


2007


Change


 


$


%


$


%


$


%


(Millions of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Outdoor Group

$

123.1

38.6%

$

113.3

36.5%

$

9.8

 

8.7%

 

   Wolverine Footwear Group

 

59.4

18.6%

 

61.8

19.9%

 

(2.4

)

(3.9%

)

   Heritage Brands Group

 

64.5

20.2%

 

64.7

20.8%

 

(0.2

)

(0.3%

)

   The Hush Puppies Company

 

42.4

13.3%

 

47.7

15.4%

 

(5.3

)

(11.0%

)

   Other


 


3.1


1.0%


 


2.8


0.9%


 


0.3


 


10.7%


 


Total branded footwear, apparel and licensing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   revenue

$

292.5

91.7%

$

290.3

93.6%

$

2.2

 

0.8%

 

   Other business units


 


26.4


8.3%


 


19.9


6.4%


 


6.5


 


32.3%


 


Total revenue


$


318.9


100.0%


$


310.2


100.0%


$


8.7


 


2.8%


 



16


REVENUE
Revenue of $318.9 million for the third quarter of 2008 exceeded the prior year's third quarter by $8.7 million. Increases in unit volume, changes in product mix and changes in selling price for the branded footwear, apparel and licensing operations, as discussed below, contributed $3.6 million of the revenue increase. The impact of translating foreign-denominated revenue to U.S. dollars increased revenue by $1.5 million. These increases were partially offset by $2.9 million due to the planned phase-out of the Hush Puppies® slippers, Stanley® Footgear and private label businesses. The other business units contributed $6.5 million to the increase. International revenue increased in the quarter to account for 43.5% of total revenue in 2008 as compared to 40.0% in 2007.

The Outdoor Group recorded revenue of $123.1 million for the third quarter of 2008, a $9.8 million increase over the third quarter of the prior year. The Merrell® brand grew revenue at a high single-digit rate, due primarily to the launch of the Apparel division in the second half of 2007 and increased sales from new product initiatives. Patagonia® Footwear grew its revenue at a low double-digit rate in the quarter in its second full year of operation.

The Wolverine Footwear Group recorded $59.4 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2008, a $2.4 million decrease from the third quarter of 2007. Revenue from the Wolverine® brand decreased at a mid single-digit rate during the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007, primarily due to weak U.S. market conditions. The Bates® military and civilian uniform footwear business continued its strong performance, growing revenue at a low double-digit rate in the quarter, driven by increased innovation in its product offerings. HyTest® grew revenue at a mid single-digit rate in the quarter. Revenue from the Stanley® Footgear and private label businesses decreased $2.4 million during the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007 as a result of the planned phase-out of these businesses. The Stanley® Footgear license expired on June 30, 2008.

The Heritage Brands Group generated revenue of $64.5 million during the third quarter of 2008, a $0.2 million decrease from the third quarter of 2007. Cat® Footwear's revenue decreased at a mid single-digit rate from the third quarter of 2007 due principally to challenging conditions in Europe. Harley-Davidson® Footwear revenue increased at a double-digit rate in the quarter, driven largely by increased sales leveraged by new product concepts. Revenue for the Sebago® brand decreased at a mid single-digit rate versus the third quarter of 2007 as solid revenue growth in the U.S. was offset by lower sales in international markets.

The Hush Puppies Company recorded revenue of $42.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, a $5.3 million decrease from the third quarter of 2007. The international licensing business continued its strong performance, with robust double-digit revenue growth. This growth was more than offset by quarter-over-quarter declines in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Soft retail conditions, factory product delays and the financial difficulties of a significant U.S. retail consumer contributed to the lower sales in the quarter. The planned phase-out of the slipper business decreased revenue by $0.5 million.

Within the Company's other business units, Wolverine Retail reported a low double-digit sales increase in comparison to the third quarter of 2007 as a result of growth from the Company's e-commerce channel and the positive sales contribution from new stores compared to the prior year's third quarter. Wolverine Retail operated 88 retail stores in North America at the end of the third quarter of 2008 compared to 87 at the end of the third quarter of 2007. In addition, a slight increase in revenue was generated from stores that were open during last year's third quarter. The Wolverine® Leathers operation reported a strong double-digit increase in revenue in the quarter primarily due to growth experienced with key customers and increased demand for its proprietary products.

GROSS MARGIN
The gross margin of 40.4% for the third quarter of 2008 was a 10 basis point increase from the third quarter of 2007. Benefits from favorable foreign exchange rates and business mix were essentially offset by higher freight and product costs from third-party manufacturers and service providers.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses of $82.4 million for the third quarter of 2008 increased $1.8 million from $80.6 million for the third quarter of 2007. Increased corporate general and administrative expenses were partially offset by expense reductions in other areas of the business.

INTEREST, OTHER & TAXES
The change in net interest (income) expense reflected increased borrowings to fund the repurchase of the Company's stock during the quarter.

The change in other (income) expense primarily related to the change in realized gains or losses on foreign denominated assets and liabilities.


17


The Company's effective tax rate was 33.5% for the third quarters of 2008 and 2007. 

NET EARNINGS
As a result of the revenue, gross margin and expense changes discussed above, the Company achieved net earnings of $31.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $29.5 million in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of $1.7 million.

Results of Operations - Comparison of the 36 Weeks Ended September 6, 2008 (First Three Quarters of 2008) to the 36 Weeks Ended September 8, 2007 (First Three Quarters of 2007)

Financial Summary - First Three Quarters


 


2008


2007


Change


 


$


 


%


 


$


 


%


 


$


 


%


 


(Millions of dollars, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Branded footwear, apparel and licensing

$

796.1

 

91.0%

 

$

777.1

 

92.3%

 

$

19.0

 

2.4%

 

   Other business units


 


78.4


 


9.0%


 


 


64.4


 


7.7%


 


 


14.0


 


21.5%


 


Total revenue


$


874.5


 


100.0%


 


$


841.5


 


100.0%


 


$


33.0


 


3.9%


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Branded footwear, apparel and licensing

$

326.3

 

41.0%

 

$

311.6

 

40.1%

 

$

14.7

 

4.7%

 

   Other business units


 


26.4


 


33.7%


 


 


22.9


 


35.4%


 


 


3.5


 


15.6%


 


Total gross profit


$


352.7


 


40.3%


 


$


334.5


 


39.7%


 


$


18.2


 


5.4%


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

$

244.2

 

27.9%

 

$

233.8

 

27.8%

 

$

10.4

 

4.4%

 

Interest (income) expense - net

 

0.7

 

0.1%

 

 

(1.0

)

(0.1%

)

 

1.7

 

169.4%

 

Other (income) expense - net

 

-

 

0.0%

 

 

0.5

 

0.1%

 

 

(0.5

)

(100.2%

)

Earnings before income taxes

 

107.8

 

12.3%

 

 

101.2

 

12.0%

 

 

6.6

 

6.6%

 

Net earnings

 

71.7

 

8.2%

 

 

67.3

 

8.0%

 

 

4.4

 

6.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.41

 

 

 

$

1.21

 

 

 

$

0.20

 

16.5%

 

The following is supplemental information on total revenue:

Total Revenue - First Three Quarters


 


2008


2007


Change


 


$


%


$


%


$


%


(Millions of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Outdoor Group

$

318.0

36.4%

$

299.2

35.6%

$

18.8

 

6.3%

 

   Wolverine Footwear Group

 

177.7

20.3%

 

172.8

20.5%

 

4.9

 

2.8%

 

   Heritage Brands Group

 

174.1

19.9%

 

173.9

20.7%

 

0.2

 

0.2%

 

   The Hush Puppies Company

 

117.5

13.4%

 

123.9

14.7%

 

(6.4

)

(5.1%

)

   Other


 


8.8


1.0%


 


7.3


0.9%


 


1.5


 


19.8%


 


Total branded footwear, apparel and licensing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   revenue

$

796.1

91.0%

$

777.1

92.3%

$

19.0

 

2.4%

 

   Other business units


 


78.4


9.0%


 


64.4


7.7%


 


14.0


 


21.5%


 


Total revenue


$


874.5


100.0%


$


841.5


100.0%


$


33.0


 


3.9%


 



18


REVENUE
Revenue of $874.5 million for the first three quarters of 2008 exceeded revenue for the first three quarters of the prior year by $33.0 million. The impact of translating foreign-denominated revenue to U.S. dollars increased revenue by $15.0 million. Increases in unit volume, changes in product mix and changes in selling price for the branded footwear, apparel and licensing operations, as discussed below, contributed $12.8 million of the revenue increase. These increases were partially offset by $8.8 million due to the planned phase-out of the Hush Puppies® slippers, Stanley® Footgear and private label businesses. The other business units contributed $14.0 million to the increase. International revenue increased on a year-to-date basis to account for 42.2% of total revenue in 2008 compared to 40.3% in 2007.

The Outdoor Group recorded revenue of $318.0 million for the first three quarters of 2008, an $18.8 million increase over the first three quarters of the prior year. The Merrell® brand grew revenue at a mid single-digit rate over the first three quarters of the prior year as a result of strong footwear shipments, with particular strength in the multi-sport and women's casual categories, as well as the addition of the Apparel division, which launched in the second half of 2007. Patagonia® Footwear grew its revenue at a high single-digit rate in the first three quarters of 2008 in its second full year of operation.

The Wolverine Footwear Group delivered revenue of $177.7 million during the first three quarters of 2008, a $4.9 million increase from the first three quarters of 2007. Revenue from the Wolverine® brand decreased at a mid single-digit rate during the first three quarters of 2008 compared to the first three quarters of 2007 primarily due to a challenging retail environment in the U.S. The Bates® military and civilian uniform footwear business continued its strong year-to-date performance, growing its revenue at a double-digit rate primarily due to increased civilian business and the timing of U.S. Department of Defense contract shipments compared to the first three quarters of 2007. HyTest® grew revenue at a double-digit rate over the first three quarters of the prior year. The Stanley® Footgear and private label businesses realized a $7.6 million decrease during the first three quarters of 2008, compared to the first three quarters of 2007, as a result of the planned phase-out of these businesses. The Stanley® Footgear license expired on June 30, 2008.

The Heritage Brands Group recorded revenue of $174.1 million for the first three quarters of 2008, a $0.2 million increase over the first three quarters of the prior year. Cat® Footwear's revenue marginally decreased from the first three quarters of 2007. Harley-Davidson® Footwear revenue decreased at a mid single-digit rate year-to-date due primarily to the planned repositioning of the brand in the U.S. market and resulting distribution channel modifications. Revenue for the Sebago® brand increased at a mid single-digit rate for the first three quarters of 2008, compared to the first three quarters of 2007 as a result of strong product sell-through and a positive response to new higher price point product introductions.

The Hush Puppies Company recorded revenue of $117.5 million in the first three quarters of 2008, a $6.4 million decrease from the first three quarters of 2007. The international licensing business grew revenue at a strong double-digit rate during the first three quarters of 2008 due to positive response to product offerings. Decreases in the U.S., Europe and Canada more than offset this increase due to financial difficulties of key retailers in the U.S. and U.K., soft retail conditions, factory product delays, and a planned exit of a highly promotional department store in Canada. The remaining $1.2 million decrease from the first three quarters of 2007 is a result of the planned phase-out of the slipper business.

Within the Company's other business units, Wolverine Retail reported a low double digit sales increase compared to the first three quarters of 2007 as a result of growth from the Company's e-commerce channel and the positive sales contribution from the addition of new stores compared to the prior year's first three quarters. Included in the other business units' results, Wolverine Retail operated 88 retail stores in North America at the end of the third quarter of 2008 compared to 87 at the end of the third quarter of 2007. The increase was partially offset by a very slight decrease in revenue from stores that were open during last year's first three quarters. The Wolverine® Leathers operation reported a strong double-digit increase in revenue in the first three quarters of 2008 primarily due to growth experienced with key customers and increased demand for its proprietary products.

The Company ended the third quarter of 2008 with an order backlog growth versus the prior year of approximately 1.1% in dollars and 9.6% in pairs.

GROSS MARGIN
The gross margin percentage for the first three quarters of 2008 was 40.3%, a 58 basis point improvement from the first three quarters of 2007 due primarily to benefits from favorable foreign exchange rates.


19


SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses of $244.2 million for the first three quarters of 2008 increased $10.4 million from $233.8 million for the first three quarters of 2007. Continued investment in brand development through product, marketing and retail placement initiatives increased costs for the first three quarters of 2008 by $2.0 million in comparison to the first three quarters of 2007. The remaining increase related primarily to selling and distribution costs that vary with the increase in revenue and an increase in corporate general and administrative expenses.

INTEREST, OTHER & TAXES
The change in net interest (income) expense reflected increased borrowings to fund the repurchase of the Company's stock during the first three quarters of 2008.

The change in other (income) expense primarily related to the change in realized gains or losses on foreign denominated assets and liabilities.

The Company's effective tax rate was 33.5% for the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007.

NET EARNINGS
As a result of the revenue, gross margin and expense changes discussed above, the Company achieved net earnings of $71.7 million for the first three quarters of 2008, compared to $67.3 million in the first three quarters of 2007, an increase of $4.4 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change from



 


September 6,
2008



 


December 29,
2007



 


September 8,
2007



 


December 29,
2007



 


September 8,
2007


(Millions of dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

74.3

 

$

76.1

 

$

24.8

 

$

(1.8

)

$

49.5

 

Accounts receivable

 

240.5

 

 

179.9

 

 

235.5

 

 

60.6

 

 

5.0

 

Inventories

 

194.1

 

 

165.9

 

 

198.3

 

 

28.2

 

 

(4.2

)

Accounts payable

 

54.3

 

 

51.6

 

 

56.0

 

 

2.7

 

 

(1.7

)

Accrued salaries and wages

 

17.2

 

 

18.5

 

 

17.8

 

 

(1.3

)

 

(0.6

)

Other accrued liabilities

 

69.0

 

 

41.9

 

 

67.6

 

 

27.1

 

 

1.4

 

Debt

 

81.6

 

 

10.7

 

 

21.5

 

 

70.9

 

 

60.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

$

29.4

 

 

 

 

$

24.1

 

 

 

 

$

5.3

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

12.6

 

 

 

 

 

11.6

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14.0

 

 

 

 

 

14.3

 

 

 

 

 

(0.3

)

The Company continued to strengthen its balance sheet in the third quarter of 2008. Cash of $69.7 million was used to fund working capital investments in the first three quarters of 2008 compared to $62.2 million used in the first three quarters of 2007. Inventory levels decreased 2.1% from the same quarter last year and annualized inventory turns increased from 3.6 turns to 3.9 turns. However, the change in inventory levels from year end had a negative impact on cash flows from operating activities when compared to the prior year. Accounts receivable increased 2.1% on a 2.8% increase in revenue over the same quarter last year. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at September 6, 2008.

The decrease in accounts payable as compared to the third quarter of 2007 was primarily attributable to the timing of inventory purchases from contract suppliers. The increase in other accrued liabilities compared to the third quarter of 2007 was primarily attributable to the increase in income taxes payable.

The Company has a revolving credit agreement that expires in July 2010 and allows for borrowings up to $150.0 million. The revolving credit facility is used to support working capital and general business requirements. The amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility at September 6, 2008 was $70.9 million which the Company considers short-term in nature. No amount was outstanding at September 8, 2007. Proceeds from the existing credit facility along with cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet capital needs in the foreseeable future. Any excess cash flows from operating activities are expected to be used to purchase property, plant and equipment, pay down existing debt, fund internal and external growth initiatives, pay dividends or repurchase the Company's common stock.

The increase in debt at September 6, 2008 compared to September 8, 2007 was the result of the outstanding balance under the revolving credit agreement primarily due to the repurchase of the Company's stock, partially

20


offset by annual principal payments on the Company's senior notes. The Company had commercial letter-of-credit facilities outstanding of $1.4 million and $0.7 million at September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007, respectively. The total debt-to-total capital ratio for the Company was 15.0% at the end of the third quarter of 2008, 4.3% at the end of the third quarter of 2007 and 2.2% at year end 2007.

The majority of capital expenditures were for information system enhancements, consumer-direct initiatives, manufacturing equipment and building improvements. The Company leases machinery, equipment and certain warehouse, office and retail store space under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2023.

The Company's Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program on April 19, 2007. The program authorized the repurchase of 7.0 million shares of common stock over a 36-month period beginning on the effective date of the program. There were 745,488 shares ($25.41 average price paid per share) repurchased during the third quarter of 2008 and 2,772,269 ($26.15 average price paid per share) repurchased during the first three quarters of 2008 under the program. As of September 6, 2008, there were 678,196 shares remaining for future repurchase under the April 19, 2007 program. The primary purpose of the stock repurchase program is to increase stockholder value. The Company intends to continue to repurchase shares of its common stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions and other factors. Additional information about stock repurchases is included in Part II, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q.

The Company declared dividends of $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2008, or $0.11 per share. This represents a 22.2% increase over the $0.09 per share declared in the third quarter of 2007. The quarterly dividend is payable on August 1, 2008 to stockholders of record on July 1, 2008.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, 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 the appropriateness of 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 from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The Company has identified the critical accounting policies used in determining estimates and assumptions in the amounts reported in its Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007. Management believes there have been no changes in those critical accounting policies.




21


ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company faces market risk to the extent that changes in foreign currency exchange rates affect the Company's foreign assets, liabilities and inventory purchase commitments and to the extent that its debt requirements are affected by changes in interest rates. The Company manages these risks by attempting to denominate contractual and other foreign arrangements in U.S. dollars and by maintaining a portion of its debt on a fixed-rate basis. The Company does not believe that there has been a material change in the nature of the Company's primary market risk exposures, including the categories of market risk to which the Company is exposed and the particular markets that present the primary risk of loss to the Company. As of the date of this Form 10-Q Quarterly Report, the Company does not know of or expect there to be any material change in the general nature of its primary market risk exposure in the near term.

The methods used by the Company to manage its primary market risk exposures, as described in the sections of its annual report incorporated herein by reference in response to this item, have not changed materially during the current year. As of the date of this Form 10-Q Quarterly Report, the Company does not expect to change its methods used to manage its market risk exposures in the near term. However, the Company may change those methods in the future to adapt to changes in circumstances or to implement new techniques.

The Company's market risk exposure is mainly comprised of its vulnerability to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Prevailing rates and rate relationships in the future will be primarily determined by market factors that are outside of the Company's control. All information provided in response to this item consists of forward-looking statements. Reference is made to the section captioned "Forward-Looking Statements" at the beginning of this document for a discussion of the limitations on the Company's responsibility for such statements. For purposes of this item, "near term" means a period of time going forward up to one year from the date of the financial statements.

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138, the Company is required to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

The Company conducts wholesale operations outside of the United States in Europe and Canada where the functional currencies are primarily the British pound, euro, and Canadian dollar. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage the volatility associated with inventory purchases made by non-U.S. wholesale operations in foreign currencies in the normal course of business. At September 6, 2008 and September 8, 2007, the Company had outstanding forward currency exchange contracts to purchase $47.6 million and $39.5 million, respectively, of U.S. dollars with maturities ranging up to 231 days.

The Company also faces market risk to the extent that its products are produced in countries where certain labor, overhead and raw material costs are paid in foreign currencies, including the Chinese renminbi. As a result, changes in the foreign currency exchange rates of these currencies could cause increases in the price of products that the Company purchases primarily in U.S. dollars.

The Company also has production facilities in the Dominican Republic, where financial statements are prepared in U.S. dollars as the functional currency; however, operating costs are paid in the local currency. Royalty revenue generated by the Company from certain third-party foreign licensees is calculated in the licensees' local currencies, but paid in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company could be subject to related foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses in 2008 and beyond.


22


ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on and as of the time of such evaluation, the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There have been no changes during the quarter ended September 6, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.













23


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities










Period







Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased








Average
Price Paid
per Share


Total Number
of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs



Maximum
Number
of Shares that
May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or
Programs


Period 1 (June 15, 2008 to July 12, 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program(1)

126,888

$

27.03

 

126,888

 

1,296,796

 

Employee Transactions(2)

32,070

 

27.25

 

-

 

-

Period 2 (July 13, 2008 to August 9, 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program(1)

618,600

 

25.08

 

618,600

 

678,196

 

Employee Transactions(2)

6,023

 

27.20

 

-

 

-

Period 3 (August 10, 2008 to September 6, 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program(1)

-

 

-

 

-

 

678,196

 

Employee Transactions(2)

9,440

 

27.17

 

-

 

-

Total for Quarter ended September 6, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock Repurchase Program(1)

745,488

$

25.41

 

745,488

 

678,196

 

Employee Transactions(2)

47,533

 

27.23

 

-

 

-


 

1.

The Company's Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program on April 19, 2007. This program authorized the repurchase of 7.0 million shares of common stock over a 36-month period, commencing on the effective date of the program. All shares repurchased during the period covered by this report were purchased under publicly announced programs.

 

 

 

 

2.

Employee transactions include: (1) shares delivered or attested in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations by holders of employee stock options who exercised options and (2) restricted shares withheld to offset tax withholding that occurs upon vesting of restricted shares. The Company's employee stock compensation plans provide that the value of the shares delivered or attested to, or withheld, shall be the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs.







24


ITEM 6.

Exhibits


 

 

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this report on Form 10-Q:


Exhibit
Number


Document

 

 

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated By-Laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 15, 2008. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.



SIGNATURES


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.

 

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 16, 2008


 

/s/ Blake W. Krueger


Date

 

Blake W. Krueger
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Duly Authorized Signatory for Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 16, 2008


 

/s/ Donald T. Grimes


Date

 

Donald T. Grimes
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized
    Signatory for Registrant)




25


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number


Document

 

 

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated By-Laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 15, 2008. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.








26