Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Form 10-K (Y/E 12/31/02)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________

Form 10-K

[X]

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002

 

 

[  ]

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: 1-6024

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

38-1185150
(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan
(Address of principal executive offices)

49351
(Zip code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (616) 866-5500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act:

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1 Par Value, Non-Cumulative

New York Stock Exchange/Pacific Exchange, Inc.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

 

Yes

  X  

 

No

     

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on June 14, 2002, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $665,102,583.

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value (excluding shares of treasury stock) as of March 20, 2003: 39,809,925.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant's annual stockholders' meeting to be held April 24, 2003, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.





FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          This Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the footwear business, worldwide economics and the Company itself. Statements, including without limitation, those related to: future revenue, earnings, margins, growth and cash flows; expected economic returns; projected 2003 operating results and dividend rates; continued supply to the U.S. military and significant customers; future strength of the Company; the establishment or growth of the retail presence for Company brands; the introduction of new lines or categories of products; future growth or success in specific countries, categories or market sectors; continued or expected distribution at specific retailers; liquidity; capital resources and market risk are forward-looking statements. In addition, 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; the impact of competition and pricing by the Company's competitors; changes in government and regulatory policies; foreign currency fluctuations; changes in trading policies or import and export regulations; changes in interest rates, tax laws, duties, tariffs, quotas or applicable assessments; technological developments; changes in local, domestic or international economic and market conditions including the severity of the continued weakness in the U.S. economy; the size and growth of footwear markets; changes in the amount or severity of inclement weather; changes due to the growth of Inte rnet 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 ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the ability to retain rights to brands licensed by the Company; loss of significant customers; performance of international distributors and licensees; the Company's ability to meet at-once orders; the risk of doing business in developing countries and economically volatile areas; retail buying patterns; consolidation in the retail sector; and the acceptability of U.S. brands in international markets. Additionally, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the continuing war on terrorism, the ongoing war in Iraq, and subsequent events have created significant global economic and political uncertainties that ma y 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 the United States and 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. 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.




PART I

Item 1.  Business.

General.

          Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of quality casual shoes, rugged outdoor and work footwear, and constructed slippers and moccasins. The Company, a Delaware corporation, is the successor of a Michigan corporation of the same name, originally organized in 1906, which in turn was the successor of a footwear business established in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1883.

          Consumers around the world purchased more than 37 million pairs of Company branded footwear during fiscal 2002, making the Company a global leader among U.S. footwear companies in the marketing of branded casual, work and outdoor footwear. The Company's products generally feature contemporary styling with proprietary technologies designed to provide maximum comfort and performance. The products are marketed throughout the world under widely recognized brand names, including Bates®, CAT®, Coleman®, Harley-Davidson®, Hush Puppies®, HyTest®, Merrell®, Stanley® and Wolverine®. The Company believes that its primary competitive strengths are its well-recognized brand names, broad range of comfortable footwear, patented and proprietary designs and comfort technologies, numerous distribution channels and diversified manufacturing and sourcing base.

          The Company's footwear is sold under a variety of brand names designed to appeal to most consumers of casual, work and outdoor footwear at numerous price points. The Company's footwear products are organized under five operating divisions: (i) the Wolverine Footwear Group, focusing on work, outdoor and lifestyle boots and shoes, (ii) the Merrell Performance Footwear Group, focusing on the Merrell® product lines of performance and lifestyle footwear, (iii) the CAT Footwear Group, focusing on the CAT® product lines of work and lifestyle footwear, (iv) the Hush Puppies Company, focusing on Hush Puppies® brand comfortable casual and dress shoes, and (v) the Wolverine Slipper Group, focusing on moccasins and slippers under the Hush Puppies® and Karen Neuburger® brands and other labels for third party retailers. The Company's Global Operations Group is responsible for manufacturing, sourcing, distribution and custom er support for the various Company brands. The Company's footwear is distributed domestically through 63 Company-owned retail stores and to numerous accounts including department stores, footwear chains, catalogs, specialty retailers, mass merchants and Internet retailers. Many of the retailers to whom Wolverine distributes operate multiple storefront locations. The Company's products are distributed worldwide in over 130 markets through licensees and distributors.

          The Company, through its Wolverine Leathers Division, operates a Company-owned tannery and is one of the premier tanners of quality pigskin leather for the shoe and leather goods industries. Pigskin leather tanned by the Company is used in a significant portion of the footwear marketed by the Company, and is also sold to Company licensees and other domestic and foreign manufacturers of shoes. In addition, Wolverine Procurement, Inc., a Company-owned subsidiary, performs skinning operations and purchases raw pigskins which it then cures and sells to the Wolverine Leathers Division and to outside customers for processing into pigskin leather products.

          For financial information regarding the Company, see the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are attached as Appendix A to this Form 10-K. The Company has one reportable operating segment, Branded Footwear. The Branded Footwear segment is engaged in the manufacture

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and marketing of branded footwear, including casual shoes, slippers, moccasins, dress shoes, boots, uniform shoes, work shoes and performance outdoor footwear. The Company's Other Businesses category consists of the Company's retail stores, apparel and accessory licensing, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. Financial information regarding the Company's operating segments and financial information about geographic areas is found in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are attached as Appendix A to this Form 10-K.

Branded Footwear.

          The Company sources and markets a broad range of footwear styles including shoes, boots and sandals under many recognizable brand names including Bates®, CAT®, Coleman®, Harley-Davidson®, Hush Puppies®, HyTest®, Merrell®, Stanley® and Wolverine®. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc., also sources constructed slippers and moccasins and markets them under the Hush Puppies® and Karen Neuburger® trademarks and on a private label basis. The Company combines quality materials and skilled workmanship from around the world to produce footwear according to its specifications at both Company-owned and independent manufacturing facilities.

          The Company's five branded footwear operating divisions are described below.

                    1.          Wolverine Footwear Group. The Wolverine Footwear Group encompasses footwear under the Wolverine®, Bates®, HyTest®, Harley-Davidson®, Coleman® and Stanley® brands and markets footwear designed with performance and comfort features to serve a variety of work, outdoor and lifestyle functions.

          Wolverine® Work and Industrial Footwear. The Wolverine® brand has built its reputation by offering high quality work boots and shoes that incorporate innovative technologies to deliver comfort and durability. The Wolverine® brand, which has been in existence for 120 years, markets work and outdoor footwear in three categories: (i) work and industrial; (ii) outdoor sport; and (iii) rugged casual. The development of DuraShocks® technology allowed the Wolverine® brand to introduce a broad line of work footwear with a focus on comfort. The Wolverine Fusion®, DuraShocks SR™, SEMC composite safety toe and Wolverine Compressor™ technologies continue the Company's tradition of comfortable work and industrial footwear. The Wolverine® work product line features work boots and shoes, including steel toe boots and shoes, targeting male an d female industrial and farm workers. The Wolverine® rugged casual and outdoor sport product lines also incorporate DuraShocks® technology and other comfort features into products designed for casual and outdoor sport use. The rugged casual line targets active lifestyles and includes walking shoes, rugged casuals and outdoor sandals. The outdoor sport line is designed to meet the demands of hunters, fishermen and other active outdoor sportsmen and women. Warmth, waterproofing and comfort are achieved through the use of Gore-Tex® and Thinsulate® brand fabrics, the Company's performance leathers and patented DuraShocks® technologies.


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          Bates® Uniform Footwear. The Bates Uniform Footwear Division is an industry leader in supplying footwear to military and civilian uniform users. The Bates Uniform Footwear Division utilizes DuraShocks®, DuraShocks SR™, CoolTech® and other proprietary comfort technologies in the design of its military-style boots and oxfords including the Bates®, Enforcer Series® and Special Ops™ footwear lines. The Bates Uniform Footwear Division contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and the militaries of several foreign countries to supply military footwear. Civilian uniform uses include police, security, postal, restaurant and other industrial occupations. Bates Uniform Footwear Division products are also distributed through specialty retailers and catalogs.

          HyTest®. The HyTest® product line consists primarily of high quality work boots and shoes designed to protect male and female industrial workers from foot injuries. HyTest® footwear incorporates various specialty safety features into its product lines, including steel toe, composite toe, electrical hazard, static dissipating and conductive footwear to protect against hazards of the workplace. In addition, HyTest® brand footwear incorporates features such as FootRests® comfort technology and the proprietary SEMC™ composite toe to provide comfort together with safety for working men and women. HyTest® footwear is distributed primarily through a network of independently owned Shoemobile® mobile truck retail outlets providing direct sales of the Company's occupational and work footwear brands to workers at industrial facilities and also through direct sales arrangements with large industrial customers.

          Harley-Davidson® Footwear. Pursuant to a license arrangement with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the Company has the exclusive right to manufacture, market, distribute and sell Harley-Davidson® brand footwear throughout the world. Harley-Davidson® brand footwear products include motorcycle, casual, fashion, work, military and western footwear for men, women and children. Harley-Davidson® footwear is sold globally through a network of independent Harley-Davidson® dealerships as well as through department stores and specialty retailers.

          Coleman® Footgear. The Company has been granted the exclusive rights to manufacture, market, distribute and sell outdoor footwear under the Coleman® brand in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Coleman® brand footwear products include lightweight hiking boots, outdoor sport boots, rubber footgear and outdoor sandals, which are sold primarily at value-oriented prices through specialty retailers and mass merchants.


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                    Stanley® Footgear. Pursuant to a license arrangement with The Stanley Works, the Company has exclusive rights to manufacture, market, distribute and sell footwear under the Stanley® brand. The Stanley® Footgear line is designed primarily for and marketed in the value-priced work footwear market. Stanley® Footgear is currently sold in Payless ShoeSource, Inc. stores throughout the United States.

                    2.          Merrell Performance Footwear Group. The Merrell Performance Footwear Group was established as a separate division of the Company in October 2002. The Merrell® product line consists primarily of technical hiking, rugged outdoor and outdoor inspired casual footwear designed for backpacking, day hiking and every day use. The Merrell® product line also includes the "After-Sport" product line, incorporating Merrell® footwear's technical hiking and outdoor expertise with Wolverine Performance Leathers™ and other technical materials to create footwear with unique styling, performance and comfort features. Merrell® products are sold primarily through outdoor specialty retailers, department stores and catalogs. Merrell® footwear is marketed in over 120 countries worldwide.

                    3.          CAT Footwear Group. The CAT Footwear Group was established as a separate division of the Company in October 2002. Pursuant to a license arrangement with Caterpillar Inc., the Company has exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, market and distribute footwear under the Caterpillar®, CAT & Design®, Walking Machines® and other trademarks. The Company believes the association with CAT® equipment enhances the reputation of its boots for quality, ruggedness and durability. CAT® brand footwear products include work boots and shoes, sport boots, rugged casuals and lifestyle footwear. In addition, the Company also manufactures and markets CAT® Marine Power footwear, designed for industrial and recreational marine uses. CAT® footwear products target work and industrial users and active lifestyle users. CAT&r eg; footwear is marketed in over 130 countries worldwide.

                    4.          The Hush Puppies Company. Over its 45-year heritage, the Hush Puppies® brand has been a pioneer of comfortable casual shoes. The diverse product line includes numerous styles for both dress and casual wear and utilizes comfort features, such as the Comfort Curve® sole, Float Fx®, patented Bounce® technology and lightweight Zero-G™ constructions. Hush Puppies® shoes are sold to men, women and children in over 96 countries through department stores, catalogs, and independent retailers.

                    5.          Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc., the Company is one of the leading suppliers of constructed slippers in the United States. The styling of Wolverine Slipper Group's footwear reflects consumer demand for the "rugged indoor" look by using natural leathers such as moosehide, shearling and suede in constructed slipper and indoor and outdoor moccasin designs. The Wolverine Slipper Group designs and manufactures constructed slippers, aftersport footwear, moccasins and children's footwear on a private label basis according to customer specifications. In addition to its traditional line of private label products, the Wolverine Slipper Group also manufactures and markets slipper products under the famous Hush Puppies® brand and has developed a College Clogs™ program for the sale of licensed collegiate slipper products. In addition, the Wolverine Slipper Group markets Karen Neuburger® slipper products pursuant to a license arrangement completed in the first quarter of 2002.


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Other Businesses.

          In addition to the manufacture and marketing of the Company's footwear products that are reported in the Branded Footwear segment, the Company also (i) operates a Company-owned pigskin tannery through its Wolverine Leathers Division, (ii) purchases and cures raw pigskins for sale to various customers through its wholly owned subsidiary Wolverine Procurement, Inc., (iii) operates 63 domestic retail footwear stores, and (iv) licenses the Company's brand names for use on non-footwear products.

                    1.          The Wolverine Leathers Division. The Wolverine Leathers Division produces pigskin leathers primarily for use in the footwear industry. Wolverine Leathers® brand products are manufactured in the Company's pigskin tannery located in Rockford, Michigan. The Company believes these leathers offer superior performance and advantages over cowhide leathers. The Company's waterproof, stain resistant and washable leathers are featured in many of the Company's domestic footwear lines and many products offered by the Company's international licensees and distributors. Wolverine performance leathers are also featured in certain outside brands of athletic and outdoor footwear.

                    2.          Wolverine Procurement, Inc. Wolverine Procurement, Inc. performs skinning operations and purchases raw pigskins from third parties, which it cures and sells to the Wolverine Leathers Division and to outside customers for processing into pigskin leather products.

                    3.          Retail Stores.          The Company operates 63 domestic retail shoe stores as of February, 2003, consisting of 61 factory outlet stores under the Hush Puppies and Family name, and two mall-based stores under the Track 'N Trail® name. The Company expects the scope of its retail operations to remain relatively consistent in the foreseeable future. Most of the Company's 61 factory outlet stores carry a large selection of first quality Company branded footwear at discounted retail prices. The Track 'N Trail® stores feature Company brands such as Wolverine®, Merrell®, Hush Puppies®, CAT® and Harley-Davidson®. These stores also carry a selection of branded footwear from other manufacturers.

                    4.          Apparel and Accessory Licensing. The Company's Apparel and Accessory Licensing Division licenses the Company's brands for use on non-footwear products including apparel, eyewear, watches, socks, handbags and plush toys. Current significant licensing programs include Hush Puppies® brand apparel, eyewear, watches and plush toys, and Wolverine® brand apparel, gloves and watches.

Marketing.

          The Company's overall marketing strategy is to develop brand-specific plans and related promotional materials for the United States and international markets to foster a differentiated and consistent image for each of the Company's core footwear brands. Each footwear brand group has its own marketing personnel who develop the marketing strategy for products within that group. Marketing campaigns and strategies vary by brand and may target accounts and/or end users as they strive to increase overall brand awareness for the Company's branded products. The Company's advertisements typically emphasize fashion, comfort, quality, durability, functionality and other performance and lifestyle aspects of the Company's footwear. Components of the brand-specific plans vary and may

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include print, radio and television advertising, in-store point of purchase displays, promotional materials, and sales and technical assistance.

          The Company's footwear brand groups provide its international licensees and distributors with creative direction and materials to convey consistent messages and brand images. Examples of marketing assistance that may be provided by the Company to its licensees and distributors are (i) direction on the categories of footwear to be promoted, (ii) photography and layouts, (iii) broadcast advertising, including commercials and film footage, (iv) point of purchase presentation specifications, blueprints and packaging, (v) sales materials and (vi) consulting on retail store layout and design. The Company believes its footwear brand names provide a competitive advantage and the Company makes significant expenditures on marketing and promotion to support the position of its products and enhance brand awareness.

Domestic Sales and Distribution.

          The Company uses a wide variety of distribution channels to distribute its branded footwear products. To meet the diverse needs of its broad customer base, the Company uses three primary distribution strategies.

 

Traditional wholesale distribution is used to service department stores, large footwear chains, specialty retailers, catalogs, independent retailers and uniform outlets. A dedicated sales force and customer service team, advertising and point of purchase support, and in-stock inventories are used to service these accounts.

 

 

 

 

Volume direct programs provide branded and private label footwear at competitive prices with limited marketing support. These programs service major retail, mail order, mass merchant and government customers.

 

 

 

 

A network of independent Shoemobile® distribution outlets is used to distribute the Company's work and occupational footwear at industrial facilities.

 

 

 

 

The Company solicits all branches of the United States military and enters bids for contracts to supply specific footwear products.

          In addition to its wholesale activities, the Company also operates domestic retail shoe stores as described above. The Company is developing various programs both independently and with its retail customers for the distribution of its products over the Internet and operates direct to customer sites at www.upfootgear.com, www.hytest.com, www.wolverinebootsandshoes.com, www.trackandtrail.com, www.hushpuppies.com and www.catfootwear.com.

          A broad distribution base insulates the Company from dependence on any one customer. No customer of the Company accounted for more than 10% of the Company's revenue in fiscal 2002.

          Footwear sales are seasonal with significant increases in sales experienced during the U.S. fall and spring seasons. Due to this seasonal nature of footwear sales, the Company experiences some fluctuation in its levels of working capital. The Company provides working capital for such fluctuations through internal financing and through a revolving credit agreement that the Company has in place. The Company expects the seasonal sales pattern to continue in future years.


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International Operations and Global Licensing.

          The Company records revenue from foreign sources through a combination of sales of branded footwear products generated from the Company's owned operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg and from royalty income through a network of independent licensees and distributors. The Company's owned operations include Hush Puppies (UK) Ltd., Merrell Europe B.V., Merrell (Europe) Limited, Hush Puppies Canada Footwear, Ltd., and the Merrell Canada division. In addition, in January 2002, the Company established a new subsidiary to manage the CAT® footwear brand in the European market. This new subsidiary, Wolverine Europe Limited, purchased on-going operations and assets of the European CAT® footwear business from Overland Group Limited of London, England. The markets served directly by Wolverine Europe Limited include Austria, France, Germany, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and it will conti nue to coordinate and oversee support for other European markets served by independently-owned distributors. The Company's owned operations are located in markets where the Company believes it can gain a strategic advantage.

          The Company derives royalty income from sales of Company footwear bearing the Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Bates®, HyTest®, Merrell® and other trademarks by independent distributors and licensees. The Company also derives royalty income from sales of footwear bearing the CAT®, Coleman® and Harley-Davidson® trademarks through foreign distributors. License and distribution arrangements enable the Company to develop sales in international markets without the capital commitment required to maintain related foreign operations, employees, inventories or localized marketing programs. In fiscal 2002, the Company's wholly owned foreign operations, together with the Company's foreign licensees and distributors sold an estimated 17 million pairs of footwear, which is consistent with the level of international sales in fiscal 2001.

          The Company continues to develop a global network of licensees and distributors to market its footwear brands. The Company assists in designing products that are appropriate to each foreign market but are consistent with the global brand position. Independent licensees and distributors purchase goods from either the Company or authorized third-party manufacturers pursuant to distribution agreements or manufacture branded products consistent with Company standards pursuant to license agreements. Distributors and licensees are responsible for independently marketing and distributing Company branded products in their respective territories, with product and market support provided by the Company.

Manufacturing and Sourcing.

          The Company controls the sourcing and manufacture of approximately 75% of the pairs of footwear marketed under the Company's brand names globally. The balance is controlled directly by the Company's licensees. Of the pairs controlled by the Company, approximately 85% are purchased or sourced from third parties, with the remainder produced at Company-owned facilities. Footwear produced by the Company is manufactured at Company-owned facilities in several domestic and certain affiliated foreign facilities located in Michigan, Arkansas, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. For some of the Company-produced footwear, a "twin plant" concept is utilized whereby a majority of the labor intensive cutting and fitting construction of the "upper" portion of shoes and boots is performed at the Company's facilities in the Dominican Republic, Arkansas and Mexico and the technology intensive construction, or "bottoming," is performed at the Company's Michigan facilities.


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          The Company's factories each have the flexibility to produce a variety of footwear, and depart from the industry's historical practice of dedicating a given facility to production of specific footwear products. This flexibility allows the Company to quickly respond to changes in market preference and demand. The Company primarily produces slippers, work and military footwear in its domestic and Caribbean facilities, allowing the Company to respond to both market and customer-specific demand.

          The Company sources a majority of its footwear from a variety of foreign manufacturing facilities in the Asia-Pacific region, Central and South America, India and Europe. The Company maintains technical offices in the Asia-Pacific region to facilitate the sourcing and importation of quality footwear. The Company has established guidelines for each of its third-party manufacturers in order to monitor product quality, labor practices and financial viability. In addition, the Company has adopted "Engagement Criteria for Partners & Sources" to require that its domestic and foreign manufacturers, licensees and distributors use ethical business standards, comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations, are committed to environmentally safe practices, treat employees fairly with respect to wages, benefits and working conditions, and do not use child or prison labor.

          The Company's domestic manufacturing operations allow the Company to (i) reduce its production lead time, enabling it to quickly respond to market demand and reduce inventory risk, (ii) lower freight and shipping costs, and (iii) closely monitor product quality. The Company's foreign manufacturing strategy allows the Company to (i) benefit from lower manufacturing costs and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, (ii) source the highest quality raw materials from around the world, and (iii) avoid additional capital expenditures necessary for owned factories and equipment. The Company believes that its overall global manufacturing strategy gives the Company maximum flexibility to properly balance the need for timely shipments, high quality products and competitive pricing.

          The Company owns and operates a pigskin tannery through its Wolverine Leathers Division, which is one of the premier tanners of quality leather for the footwear industry. The Company and its licensees receive virtually all of their pigskin requirements from the tannery. The Company believes the tannery provides a strategic advantage for the Company by producing leather using proprietary technology at prices below those available from other sources.

          The Company's principal required raw material is quality leather, which it purchases from a select group of domestic and offshore suppliers, including the Company's tannery. The global availability of common upper materials and specialty leathers eliminates any reliance by the Company upon a sole supplier. The Company currently purchases the vast majority of the raw pigskins used in a significant portion of its tannery operations from one domestic source. This source has been a reliable and consistent supplier for over 30 years. Alternative sources of pigskin are available; however the price, processing and/or product characteristics are less advantageous to the Company. The Company purchases all of its other raw materials and component parts from a variety of sources, none of which is believed by the Company to be a dominant supplier.

          The Company is subject to the normal risks of doing business abroad due to its international operations, including the risk of expropriation, acts of war or terrorism, political disturbances and similar events, the imposition of trade barriers, quotas and tariffs, loss of most favored nation trading status and currency and exchange rate fluctuations. With respect to international sourcing activities, management believes that over a period of time, it could arrange adequate alternative sources of supply for the products currently obtained from its foreign suppliers. A sustained disruption of such sources of supply could have an adverse impact on the Company's operations and financial condition.


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Trademarks, Licenses and Patents.

          The Company holds a significant portfolio of registered and common law trademarks that identify its branded footwear products. The owned trademarks that are most widely used by the Company include Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Bates®, Wolverine Fusion™, DuraShocks®, Wolverine Compressor™, Hidden Tracks®, Bounce®, Comfort Curve®, HyTest®, Merrell®, Track 'N Trail® and FootRests®. The Company has obtained license rights to manufacture, market and distribute footwear throughout most countries of the world under the CAT® and Harley-Davidson® trademarks; the right to manufacture, market and distribute footwear in the United States and other countries under the Stanley® trademark; the right to manufacture, market and distribute slippers in the United States and certain other countries under the Karen Neuburg er® trademark; and the right to manufacture, market and distribute footwear in Europe, Asia and the Middle East under the Coleman® trademark -- all pursuant to license arrangements with the respective trademark owners. All of the Company's licenses are long term and extend for three or more years with conditional renewal options, with the exception of the Karen Neuburger® license which expires in 2004. Pigskin leather produced by the Company's Wolverine Leathers Division is sold under the trademarks Wolverine Leathers®, Weather Tight® and All Season Weather Leathers™.

          The Company believes that its products are identified by consumers by its trademarks and that its trademarks are valuable assets. The Company is not aware of any infringing uses or any prior claims of ownership of its trademarks that could materially affect its current business. It is the policy of the Company to pursue registration of its primary marks whenever possible and to vigorously defend its trademarks against infringement or other threats to the greatest extent practicable under the laws of the United States and other countries. The Company also holds many design and utility patents, copyrights and various other proprietary rights. The Company protects all of its proprietary rights to the greatest extent practicable under applicable laws.

Order Backlog.

          At March 22, 2003, the Company had a backlog of footwear orders of approximately $266 million compared with a backlog of approximately $233 million at March 23, 2002. Approximately 60 percent of the backlog is related to orders for products expected to be shipped in the third and fourth quarters of 2003 and the first quarter of 2004 and can be affected by the timing of customer requests for shipment of the ordered products. While orders in backlog are subject to cancellation by customers, the Company has not experienced significant cancellation of orders in the past and the Company expects that substantially all of the orders will be shipped in fiscal 2003. The backlog at a particular time is affected by a number of factors, including seasonality, retail conditions, product availability and the schedule for the manufacture and shipment of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventu al actual shipments.






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Competition.

          The Company's footwear lines are manufactured and marketed in a highly competitive environment. The Company competes with numerous domestic and foreign marketers, manufacturers and importers of footwear, some of which are larger and have greater resources than the Company. The Company's major competitors for its brands of footwear are located in the United States and Europe. The Company has at least ten major competitors in connection with the sale of its work shoes and boots, at least ten major competitors in connection with the sale of its sport boots, and at least thirty major competitors in connection with the sale of its casual, work and outdoor shoes. Product performance and quality, including technological improvements, product identity, competitive pricing, and the ability to adapt to style changes are all important elements of competition in the footwear markets served by the Company. The footwear industry in general is subject to changes in consumer preferences . The Company strives to maintain its competitive position through promotion of brand awareness, manufacturing efficiencies, its tannery operations, and the style, comfort and value of its products. Future sales by the Company will be affected by its continued ability to sell its products at competitive prices and to meet shifts in consumer preferences.

          Because of the lack of reliable published statistics, the Company is unable to state with certainty its position in the footwear industry. Market shares in the non-athletic footwear industry are highly fragmented and no one company has a dominant market position.

Research and Development.

          In addition to normal and recurring product development, design and styling activities, the Company engages in research and development related to new and improved materials for use in its branded footwear and other products and in the development and adaptation of new production techniques. The Company's continuing relationship with the Biomechanics Evaluation Laboratory at Michigan State University, for example, has led to specific biomechanical design concepts, such as Bounce®, DuraShocks® and Hidden Tracks® comfort technologies, that have been incorporated in the Company's footwear. While the Company continues to be a leading developer of footwear innovations, research and development costs do not represent a material portion of operating expenses.

Environmental Matters.

          Compliance with federal, state and local provisions which have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment have not had, nor are they expected to have, any material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company uses and generates certain substances and wastes that are regulated or may be deemed hazardous under certain federal, state and local regulations with respect to the environment. The Company from time to time works with federal, state and local agencies to resolve cleanup issues at various waste sites and other regulatory issues.

Employees.

          As of December 28, 2002, the Company had approximately 4,426 domestic and foreign production, office and sales employees. Approximately 767 employees were covered by five union

11


contracts expiring at various dates through March 31, 2004. The Company has experienced no work stoppages since 1990. The Company presently considers its employee relations to be good.

Available Information.

          Information about the Company is available at its website, http://www.wolverineworldwide.com. The Company makes available on or through its website, free of charge, the Company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports (along with certain other Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission) as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are also accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Item 2.  Properties.

          The Company operates its domestic administration, sales and marketing operations primarily from an owned facility of approximately 225,000 square feet in Rockford, Michigan. The Company's manufacturing operations are primarily conducted at its owned Pigskin Tannery in Rockford, Michigan, and a combination of leased and owned footwear manufacturing facilities in Arkansas; Michigan; Monterey, Mexico; and the Dominican Republic. The Company operates its warehousing operations primarily through owned warehouses in Rockford, Michigan, totaling approximately 475,000 square feet, a leased warehouse in Cedar Springs, Michigan, of approximately 362,000 square feet and a leased warehouse in Howard City, Michigan, of approximately 350,000 square feet.

          The Company also leases and owns various other offices and warehouses in the United States to meet its operational requirements. In addition, the Company's subsidiary, Hush Puppies Retail, Inc., operates retail stores through leases with various third-party landlords. International operations are conducted in Canada, England, and Europe through leased warehouses, offices and showrooms. The Company believes that its current facilities are suitable and adequate for its current needs.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

          The Company is involved in litigation and various legal matters arising in the normal course of business, including certain environmental compliance activities. The Company has considered facts related to legal and regulatory matters and opinions of counsel handling these matters, and does not believe the ultimate resolution of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or future results of operations.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

          No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Supplemental Item.  Executive Officers of the Registrant.

          The following table lists the names and ages of the Executive Officers of the Company as of December 28, 2002, and the positions presently held with the Company. The information provided below the table lists the business experience of each such Executive Officer during the past five years. All

12


Executive Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the Company, or if not appointed by the Board of Directors, they serve at the pleasure of management.

 

Name

Age

Positions held with the Company

 

 

 

 

 

Steven M. Duffy

50

Executive Vice President and President,

 

 

 

   Global Operations Group

 

V. Dean Estes

53

Vice President and President,

 

 

 

   Wolverine Footwear Group

 

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.

45

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial

 

 

 

   Officer and Treasurer

 

Blake W. Krueger

49

Executive Vice President, General Counsel

 

 

 

   and Secretary

 

Timothy J. O'Donovan

57

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

Nicholas P. Ottenwess

40

Vice President of Finance and Corporate
   Controller

 

Robert J. Sedrowski

53

Vice President of Human Resources

 

James D. Zwiers

35

Associate General Counsel and Assistant
   Secretary

          Steven M. Duffy has served the Company as Executive Vice President since April 1996 and is President of the Company's Global Operations Group. From 1993 to 1996 he served as Vice President. From 1989 to April 1993 he served in various senior manufacturing positions.

          V. Dean Estes has served the Company as Vice President since 1995. Mr. Estes is also President of the Wolverine Footwear Group. Since he joined the Company in 1975, Mr. Estes has served in various positions relating to the sales, marketing and product development functions of the Company's work boot and shoe and related businesses.

          Stephen L. Gulis, Jr., has served the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 1996. From 1994 to April 1996 he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1993 to 1994 he served as Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller and from 1986 to 1993 he was the Vice President of Administration and Controller for the Hush Puppies Company.

          Blake W. Krueger has served the Company as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 1996. From 1993 to April 1996 he served as General Counsel and Secretary. From 1985 to 1996 he was a partner with the law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.

          Timothy J. O'Donovan has served the Company as Chief Executive Officer and President since April 2000. From 1996 to April 2000 he served as Chief Operating Officer and President. From 1982 to April 1996 he served as Executive Vice President.

          Nicholas P. Ottenwess has served the Company as Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller since June 2001. From September 1997 to June 2001 he served as Corporate Controller. From 1993 to September 1997 he served as Vice President of Finance and Administration for The Hush Puppies Company.


13


          Robert J. Sedrowski has served the Company as Vice President of Human Resources since October 1993. From 1990 to 1993 he served as Director of Human Resources.

          James D. Zwiers has served the Company as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary since January 1998. From 1995 to 1998 he was an attorney with the law firm of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

          Wolverine World Wide, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange under the symbol "WWW." The following table shows the high and low sales prices on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends declared by calendar quarter for 2002 and 2001. The number of stockholders of record on March 3, 2003, was 1,721.


 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


High


 

 


Low


 

 


High


 

 


Low


 

 

First quarter

$

18.23

 

$

14.00

 

$

19.56

 

$

12.96

 

 

Second quarter

 

19.25

 

 

15.80

 

 

18.49

 

 

13.30

 

 

Third quarter

 

17.72

 

 

12.55

 

 

19.50

 

 

15.00

 

 

Fourth quarter

 

17.24

 

 

13.42

 

 

16.98

 

 

12.25

 

 

Cash Dividends Declared Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2002


 

 

 


2001


 

 

First quarter

$

.045

 

 

$

.04

 

 

Second quarter

 

.045

 

 

 

.04

 

 

Third quarter

 

.045

 

 

 

.04

 

 

Fourth quarter

 

.045

 

 

 

.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends of $.055 were declared in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.

 

 

 

See Item 12 for information with respect to the Company's equity compensation plans.











14


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary (1)
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

1999

 

1998

Summary of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Revenue

$827,106

 

$720,066

 

$701,291

 

$665,576

 

$669,329

     Net earnings

47,912

 

45,240

 

10,690

 

32,380

 

41,651

     Per share of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Net earnings, as reported: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Basic

$1.19

 

$1.11

 

$.26

 

$.80

 

$1.00

         Diluted

1.15

 

1.07

 

.26

 

.78

 

.97

       Cash dividends declared

.18

 

.16

 

.14

 

.12

 

.11

Financial Position at Year End

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total assets

$531,994

 

$543,678

 

$494,568

 

$534,395

 

$521,478

     Long-term debt

72,915

 

90,848

 

92,194

 

139,201

 

161,650

Notes to Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary

1.

This summary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, which are attached as Appendix A to this Form 10-K. In particular, see the discussions of the 2000 realignment charge in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the $14.0 million realignment charge to exit the Company's Russian wholesale footwear operation as discussed in the Company's 1999 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and business acquisitions in Note 12.

 

 

2.

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year after adjustment for nonvested common stock. Diluted earnings per share assume the exercise of dilutive stock options and the vesting of all outstanding common stock.


Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Operations

Results of Operations--2002 Compared to 2001

          Revenue of $827.1 million in 2002 increased $107.0 million (14.9%) as compared to $720.1 million in 2001, of which 10.0 percent of 2002 revenue was related to the European acquisitions discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements. On a combined basis, revenue for the Company's branded footwear businesses, consisting of The Hush Puppies Company, Wolverine Slippers, the Wolverine Footwear Group (comprised of the Wolverine®, Hytest®, Stanley®, Bates® and Harley-Davidson® brands), the Merrell Performance Footwear Group and the CAT Footwear Group, increased $101.4 million (15.7%) in 2002 compared to 2001. The Company's other business units, consisting of Hush Puppies Retail, Apparel and Accessory Licensing, Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement, reported an increase in revenue of $5.6 million (7.5%) in 2002 compared to 2001.


15


          The Hush Puppies Company reported an increase in revenue of $2.2 million (1.7%) in 2002 compared to 2001. The increase was generated primarily from the Hush Puppies U.K. and Hush Puppies Canada wholesale operations as a result of expanded product distribution and heightened consumer demand. Hush Puppies International recorded a double-digit increase in revenue for 2002 as compared to 2001, reflecting strong licensing results in Germany, Mexico and Australia. Hush Puppies U.S. reported a middle single-digit decline in revenue for the full year of 2002 as compared with 2001, as management continued to execute the repositioning of the brand's product line, distribution channels and identity. Management believes these initiatives are taking hold as Hush Puppies U.S. reported a low single-digit increase in revenue for the second half of 2002 as compared to 2001. Wolverine Slippers' 2002 revenue decreased $2.8 million (7.3%) as a result of reduced retailer demand.

          The Wolverine Footwear Group's revenue decreased $2.5 million (0.9%) in 2002 compared to 2001. Harley-Davidson Footwear reported double-digit revenue gains due to increased product demand from the Harley-Davidson® specialty retailer network and expanded distribution in the department store channel. Bates® also generated a double-digit increase in revenue as a result of fulfilling contractual orders from the Department of Defense and increased demand in the civilian sector. Wolverine® Boots and Shoes (including Hytest®) experienced a decline in revenue resulting from a planned exit and refocusing of underperforming product lines, a general softness in the industrial work boot market and a shift in product mix toward lower price point products. Stanley® Footgear reported a small reduction in revenue reflecting cautious inventory purchases made by its primary retail customer during the first three quarters of 2002.

          Merrell Performance Footwear reported the sixth consecutive year of double-digit revenue growth, reflecting an increase of $45.0 million (33.3%) for 2002 when compared to 2001. The Merrell® U.S. footwear business accounted for approximately 70% of the increase as a result of strong consumer demand and the expansion of product offerings with existing footwear retailers. The Merrell® international businesses accounted for the remaining increase, posting double-digit revenue gains for 2002 as compared to 2001, benefiting from the full year results of the 2001 Merrell Europe acquisition.

          The CAT Footwear Group recorded a $61.9 million (130.8%) increase in revenue for 2002 as compared to 2001. The European CAT® footwear business, which was acquired in January 2002, accounted for the increase. The CAT® footwear wholesale business in the U.S. reported a decrease in revenue for 2002 as compared to 2001. However, the CAT® U.S. business experienced a double-digit revenue increase in the second half of 2002 resulting from a new strategic brand plan focused on a younger lifestyle consumer. The CAT® international distribution business reported decreased revenue for 2002 as compared to 2001, reflecting a reduction of pairs sold in Mexico, South America and the Pacific Rim.

          The Company's other business units reported a combined $5.6 million (7.5%) increase in revenue in 2002 compared to 2001. Hush Puppies Retail reported a $0.3 million (0.8%) increase in revenue in 2002 compared to 2001. Wolverine Leathers recorded an increase in 2002 revenue of $6.6 million. The increase related to both improved demand for Wolverine Performance Leathers™ from external branded footwear companies and third party contract manufacturers that produce footwear under the Company's branded labels. Wolverine Procurement reported a reduction in revenue of $1.2 million in 2002 compared to 2001. Revenue for Apparel and Accessory Licensing increased $0.2 million (7.9%) for 2002 compared to 2001.


16


          Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 35.6% and 35.7% in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The margin decline in 2002 was primarily due to liquidating excess inventories as the Company refocused the product lines of its newly acquired European businesses. Excluding the European acquisitions, 2002 gross margins were 36.2% compared to 35.7% for 2001, a 50 basis point improvement, reflecting an improved mix of higher margin lifestyle products and improved margins from the Company's other business units. Gross margin dollars in 2002 increased $16.7 million or 6.5% to $273.7 million compared to $257.0 million in 2001. The gross margin percentage for the branded footwear businesses decreased to 35.2% in 2002 from 35.6% in 2001. The decrease in gross margins for the branded footwear businesses resulted primarily from the actions taken to liquidate excess inventory in the Company's newly acquired European businesses, as noted above. Excluding the European acquisitions, 2002 gro ss margins for the branded footwear businesses were 35.9% compared to 35.6% for 2001, a 30 basis point improvement, reflecting increased shipments of higher margin lifestyle products under the Merrell® and Harley-Davidson® brands. The gross margin percentage for the other business units increased to 39.2% in 2002 compared to 36.6% in 2001. The improvement in margins was primarily due to increased volume and improved efficiencies from the Wolverine Leathers operations and improvements reported by the Apparel and Accessory Licensing division.

          Selling and administrative expenses of $217.2 million for 2002 increased $35.0 million (19.2%) from the 2001 level of $182.2 million and, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 26.3% in 2002 from 25.3% in 2001. The dollar change in selling and administrative expenses includes increases of $19.8 million related to the acquired European entities, $2.8 million related to increased employee benefit costs and $4.0 million in additional pension expense. The remaining $8.4 million relates to variable costs associated with the revenue increase.

          Interest expense in 2002 was $6.7 million compared to $7.2 million in 2001. The decrease in interest expense reflects a reduction in senior notes outstanding due to principal payments made during the year and lower average borrowings and interest rates under the Company's revolving credit facility.

          The change in other (income) expense primarily relates to the change in realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions.

          The Company's 2002 effective income tax rate of 32.9% compared to 34.0% for 2001. The decrease in the 2002 effective tax rate from 2001 relates to a higher percentage of income being generated in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates.

          Net earnings of $47.9 million for 2002 compares to $45.2 million for 2001. Diluted earnings per share of $1.15 for 2002 compares to $1.07 for 2001. The non-amortization provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142 apply to 2002 results and application of the non-amortization provisions to results for 2001 would have resulted in an increase in 2001 net earnings of $731,000 ($0.02 per share).

Results of Operations--2001 Compared to 2000

          Revenue increased 2.7% to $720.1 million in 2001 compared to $701.3 million in 2000. On a combined basis, revenue for the Company's branded footwear businesses, consisting of the Casual Footwear Group (comprised of The Hush Puppies Company, the Children's Footwear Group, and the Wolverine Slipper Group), the Wolverine Footwear Group (comprised of the Wolverine® Boots and

17


Shoes, HYTEST®, Stanley®, Coleman®, Bates® and Harley-Davidson® brands), and the Performance Footwear Group (comprised of the CAT® and Merrell® brands) increased $22.0 million (3.5%) in 2001 compared to 2000. The Company's other business units, consisting of Wolverine Retail, Apparel and Accessory Licensing, Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement, reported a $3.2 million (4.1%) decrease in revenue in 2001 compared to 2000.

          The Casual Footwear Group reported a decrease in revenue of $12.0 million (6.4%) in 2001 compared to 2000. Revenue for the Hush Puppies Company decreased from 2000 levels as Hush Puppies U.S. experienced soft sales as a result of a weak retail environment. Many retailers remained reluctant to place reorders due to concerns about the economy and rising inventory levels. Hush Puppies Canada recorded a 4.6% increase in revenue due to the successful launch of Steps by Hush Puppies™, a middle market product for men and women. Hush Puppies U.K. experienced a slight decline for the year due to the loss of its largest customer during the second quarter of 2001. This customer transitioned its business to the discount retail market, which is not serviced by the Company. The Children's Footwear Group experienced a decrease in revenue for 2001 as a result of losing several customers that exited the childrens' footwear business. Revenue for the Wolverine Slipper Group was genera lly consistent with 2000 levels.

          The Wolverine Footwear Group's revenue increased $5.5 million (2.0%) in 2001 compared to 2000. Wolverine® Boots and Shoes, Harley-Davidson® and Stanley® footwear provided the increase with expanded distribution networks in 2001. In 2001, Stanley® footgear, a new footwear line for the Company as of the third quarter of 2000, expanded its distribution network to include the Hytest® mobile retail units in addition to its current distribution to Payless ShoeSource, Inc. These increases were partially offset by Bates®, which reported a 3.4% decrease in revenue from 2000, primarily due to the timing of contract awards for the Department of Defense. Also reporting a decrease in revenue was the HYTEST® work boot business. HYTEST® sells primarily to employees of large manufacturing companies that were adversely affected by the weakened economy.

          The Performance Footwear Group reported record revenue, reflecting an increase of $28.5 million (18.5%) for 2001 compared to 2000. The Merrell® outdoor footwear business accounted for the increase as a result of strong consumer demand for the brand, new product offerings and expansion of its domestic and international distribution. Partially offsetting the Merrell® increase was a decrease in revenue reported by CAT® footwear due to retail account closings, weak retail performance and a decline in the European business.

          The Company's other business units reported a combined $3.2 million (4.1%) decrease in revenue in 2001 compared to 2000. Wolverine Retail reported a $0.8 million (1.9%) increase in revenue in 2001 compared to 2000. Wolverine Procurement's revenue increased $2.4 million in 2001 over 2000 due to an increase in the market price for sow skins. These increases were offset by Wolverine Leathers, which recorded a $5.8 million decrease in revenue primarily as a result of a decline in production of Hush Puppies® and CAT® products worldwide. Revenue for Apparel and Accessory Licensing increased slightly for 2001 compared to 2000.

          As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, on July 12, 2000, the Company announced a strategic realignment of its global sourcing and manufacturing operations. In connection with this realignment, the Company closed manufacturing facilities in New York, Missouri, Canada, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica in the second half of 2000. A pre-tax charge to earnings of $45.0 million was recorded in 2000, of which $15.0 million was reflected in cost of products sold for inventory write-

18


downs, $29.6 million was recognized in selling and administrative expenses for severance, bad debt, loss on disposal of fixed assets and goodwill impairment, and $0.4 million was recorded in other expenses. These charges resulted in a $0.71 per share reduction of net earnings for 2000. The realignment activities were primarily completed in the third and fourth quarters of 2000 and the first half of 2001. Remaining liabilities of $2.8 million associated with the sourcing realignment include pension benefits for certain terminated employees and lease termination costs.

          The analysis in this paragraph excludes the realignment charge in 2000. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 35.7% and 34.1% in 2001 and 2000, respectively. Gross margin dollars in 2001 increased $18.0 million or 7.5% to $257.0 million compared to $239.0 million in 2000. The gross margin percentage for the branded footwear businesses increased to 35.6% in 2001 from 33.5% in 2000. The increase in gross margins for the branded footwear businesses resulted primarily from initial pricing margin improvements and benefits from the 2000 realignment discussed above. Additionally, increased shipments of higher margin Merrell® and Harley-Davidson® products improved the mix of overall margins. The gross margin percentage for the other business units decreased to 36.6% in 2001 compared to 38.5% in 2000, primarily due to a reduction in process efficiencies resulting from a decline in sales volume at Wolverine Leathers.

          The analysis in this paragraph excludes the realignment charge in 2000. Selling and administrative expenses of $182.2 million for 2001 increased $12.8 million (7.6%) from the 2000 level of $169.4 million and, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 25.3% in 2001 from 24.2% in 2000. The change in selling and administrative expenses primarily includes increases of $2.2 million in advertising costs and $10.1 million in selling and administrative costs related to the expansion of the Merrell®, Harley-Davidson® and Stanley® brands.

          Interest expense in 2001 was $7.2 million compared to $10.3 million in 2000. The decrease in interest expense reflected lower average borrowings and declining interest rates in 2001 compared to 2000.

          The Company's 2001 effective income tax rate of 34.0% compared to 28.8% for 2000. The increase is due to income tax benefits from nontaxable earnings of foreign affiliates representing a smaller percentage of taxable income in 2001.

          Net earnings were $45.2 million for 2001 compared to $10.7 million for 2000. Diluted earnings per share were $1.07 for 2001 compared to $0.26 for 2000. Excluding the 2000 realignment charges, net earnings were $40.5 million and diluted earnings per share were $0.97 for 2000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          Net cash provided by operating activities was $88.3 million in 2002 compared to $53.9 million in 2001. Cash of $20.6 million was generated from working capital in 2002, primarily related to the reduction in inventories, compared to $11.6 million that was used in 2001. Cash at December 28, 2002 was $27.1 million.

          Accounts receivable of $156.3 million at December 28, 2002 increased $4.0 million, a 2.6% increase, from the $152.3 million balance at December 29, 2001. The accounts receivable balance at December 28, 2002 included $13.9 million relating to the acquired European businesses. Excluding the acquisitions, accounts receivable decreased by $11.5 million (7.6%) from the balance at December 29,

19


2001 as a result of a focused asset management program. The number of days sales outstanding at December 28, 2002 was 71 days, compared with 81 days at December 29, 2001. No single customer accounted for more than 5% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at December 28, 2002.

          Inventories of $169.0 million at December 28, 2002 decreased $8.0 million (4.5%) from $177.0 million at December 29, 2001. Excluding the European acquisitions, which added $22.8 million of inventory as of December 28, 2002, total inventories decreased 16.6%. Significant decreases in inventories were experienced in Merrell® U.S., Wolverine® Boots and Shoes and Hush Puppies® U.S. resulting from an asset management program focused on improving inventory turns. Total inventory turns were 2.9 times in 2002, compared with 2.7 times in 2001. As of December 28, 2002, the Company's backlog was 19% higher than the prior year-end's level.

          Accounts payable of $29.5 million at December 28, 2002 increased $1.1 million (4.2%) over the $28.4 million balance at December 29, 2001. Other accrued liabilities of $35.6 million at December 28, 2002 reflected a $4.6 million (14.7%) increase from the $31.0 million balance at December 29, 2001. The increases in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities compared to the 2001 level were primarily attributable to the European CAT® footwear business acquired in 2002.

          Additions to property, plant and equipment were $13.9 million in 2002 compared to $11.3 million in 2001. The majority of capital expenditures were for information system enhancements, distribution equipment and building improvements. Depreciation and amortization expense of $16.9 million in 2002 compares to $17.6 million in 2001. The Company leases machinery, equipment and certain warehouse, office and retail store space under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2018.

          The Company has a long-term revolving credit agreement that expires in May 2006 and allows for borrowings up to $150.0 million, of which $10.0 million is allocated for the Company's Canadian subsidiary. Of the remaining $140.0 million facility, $35.0 million can be used by the Company's European subsidiaries. The revolving credit facility is used to support working capital requirements. Proceeds from existing credit facilities and anticipated renewals, along with cash flows from operations, are expected to be sufficient to meet capital needs in the forseeable future. Any excess cash flows from operating activities are expected to be used to purchase property, plant and equipment, pay down existing debt, fund growth initiatives, pay dividends and repurchase the Company's common stock.

          Long-term debt, including current maturities, of $72.9 million at the end of 2002, decreased $17.9 million from the $90.8 million balance at the end of 2001. The decrease in debt was the result of annual principal payments on senior notes and the reduction of revolving working capital debt. The Company had commercial letter of credit facilities outstanding of $8.4 million and $18.4 million at the end of 2002 and 2001, respectively. The decrease in letters of credit is due to transitioning a majority of footwear suppliers to open account. Total debt to total capital ratio for the Company was 16.5% in 2002 and 19.6% in 2001.

          Assets held for exchange in the amount of $4.7 million represent barter credits that were acquired in exchange for inventories in December 1997. Such credits are redeemable through 2005 for a percentage of supplies purchased from certain vendors. The Company evaluates the recoverability of such assets on a quarterly basis and expects to utilize all available credits prior to their expiration. Barter credits of $3.2 million have been utilized through December 28, 2002.


20


          The Company has significant pension benefit costs and credits that are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. The Company is required to consider market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in selecting these assumptions. Pre-tax charges resulting from the Company's qualified defined benefit pension plans, excluding the effect of special termination gains and expenses, increased $4.0 million ($0.06 per share) for 2002 when compared to 2001 due to market conditions and declining interest rates that adversely affected asset values of plan investments and the Company's estimated accumulated benefit obligation. As a result of these factors, the Company estimates that pre-tax charges relating to its qualified defined benefit pension plans will increase by an additional $7.1 million (approximately $0.11 per share) in fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002. Also, based on the decline in the market valuation of the pension assets, the Company recorded an additional minimum pension liability in the 2002 fourth quarter that resulted in a $25.3 million net change to the other comprehensive loss component of stockholders' equity. This adjustment had no impact on the net earnings or cash flows of the Company.

          Applying SFAS 87 and SFAS 132, the Company's qualified pension plans were underfunded by $17.6 million in 2002 and overfunded by $9.1 million in 2001. However, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Wolverine Employees' Pension Plan (representing 92% of the Company's pension benefit obligation) had no minimum funding requirements. A $2.1 million cash contribution was made in 2002 to provide long-term stability to the plan. No contributions were made in 2001. The Company also maintains three separate defined benefit pension plans for certain bargaining units and hourly employees (representing 8% of the Company's pension benefit obligation) which required funding of $0.4 million in 2002 and $0.5 million in 2001 under ERISA.

          Effective October 3, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 2.0 million shares of common stock over 24 months. This program expired on October 3, 2002 with 1,476,300 shares ($22.8 million in market price) repurchased during 2002 and 1,971,800 total cumulative shares ($29.6 million in market price) repurchased under the program. Effective August 19, 2002, the Company's Board of Directors approved an additional common stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares of common stock over a 24-month period. There were 569,800 shares ($9.0 million in market price) repurchased during fiscal 2002 under the program. The primary purpose of these stock repurchase programs is to increase stockholder value. The Company intends to continue to repurchase shares of its common stock in open market transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions and othe r factors.

          The Company declared dividends of $7.2 million in 2002, or $0.18 per share, which reflected a 12.5% increase over the $6.6 million, or $0.16 per share, declared in 2001. On February 18, 2003, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.055 per share of common stock, an increase of 22.2% as compared to the same period of 2002. The quarterly dividend is payable on May 1, 2003, to stockholders of record on April 1, 2003.

          On January 16, 2002, the Company acquired, through a newly formed subsidiary, Wolverine Europe Limited, certain assets totaling $21.2 million and assumed certain liabilities of $8.5 million of the European CAT® footwear business from Overland Group Limited of London, England. Cash and other consideration paid totalled $27.8 million, resulting in goodwill of $15.1 million after allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. On October 17, 2001, the Company acquired, through a newly formed subsidiary,

21


Merrell Europe B.V., assets from certain European distributors for cash and other consideration of $2.2 million. These acquisitions are discussed further in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

                    The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an on-going basis, management evaluates these estimates. Estimates are based on historical experience, when available, 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

                    Management believes that an understanding of the following critical accounting policies is important to an overall understanding of the consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
          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, analysis of credit memorandum activity and customer demand. Corporate management evaluates the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, discounts and stock returns based on a review of current customer status and historical collection experience. At December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, management believes that it has provided sufficient reserves to address future collection uncertainties.

INVENTORY
          The Company values its inventory using actual costs on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis for the majority of its inventory and a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for foreign, retail and certain other domestic inventories, less allowances to reflect the lower of cost or market. The Company reduces the value of its inventories to the lower of cost or market for excess or obsolete inventories based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Inventory quantities are verified at various times throughout the year by performing physical and perpetual inventory cycle count procedures.













22


INCOME TAXES
          The Company operates in multiple tax jurisdictions both inside and outside the United States. Accordingly, management must determine the appropriate allocation of income in accordance with local law for each of these jurisdictions. The Company believes its tax accruals are adequate to cover exposures related to changes in income allocation between tax jurisdictions. The carrying value of the Company's deferred tax assets assumes that the Company will be able to generate sufficient taxable income in future years to utilize these deferred tax assets. If these assumptions change, the Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its gross deferred tax assets in future years. Management evaluates the potential for realizing gross deferred tax assets and assesses the need for valuation allowances on a quarterly basis. The Company did not record a valuation allowance in 2002, 2001 or 2000.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

                    As of the beginning of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138. These provisions require the Company 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 gain (loss) 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, Canadian Dollar and euro. 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 December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, the Company had outstanding forward currency exchange contracts to purchase $24.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, of various currencies (principally U. S. dollars) with maturities ranging up to 180 days.

                    The Company also has production facilities in the Dominican Republic and Mexico where financial statements are prepared in the functional currency of the U.S. dollar; however, operating costs are paid in the local currencies. Revenue from products sold in foreign countries under distribution arrangements are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, royalty revenue generated by the Company from third party foreign licensees are measured in the licensees' local currencies. Accordingly, the Company could be subject to related foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses in 2003 and beyond.

                    Assets and liabilities outside the United States are primarily located in Canada, the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. The Company's investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are generally considered long-term. Accordingly, the Company does not hedge these net investments. For the year ended December 28, 2002, the strengthening of foreign currencies increased the value of these investments in net assets by $6.1 million. This gain resulted in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments at December 28, 2002 of $3.1 million that are deferred and recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity.


23


                    Because the Company markets, sells and licenses its products throughout the world, it could be significantly affected by weak economic conditions in foreign markets that could reduce demand for its products.

                    The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of its long-term debt requirements. The Company's interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the effect of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to effectively manage overall borrowing costs. To achieve its objectives, the Company maintains substantially all fixed-rate debt to take advantage of lower relative interest rates currently available and finances seasonal working capital needs with variable-rate debt. The Company has not historically utilized interest rate swaps or similar hedging arrangements to fix interest rates; however, in 1998 the Company entered into an interest rate lock agreement to fix the interest rate prior to the issuance of 6.5% senior notes in the amount of $75 million. The contract was settled in 1998 and resulted in a prepayment of $2.2 million that is being amortized over the term of the senior notes. The amort ization of the prepayment creates an effective interest rate of 6.78% on the senior notes.

          The following table lists required principal payments and related interest rates for the Company's short- and long-term debt by fiscal year of maturity. For foreign currency-denominated debt, the information is presented in U.S. dollar equivalents. Variable interest rates are based on the weighted average rates of the portfolio at the respective consolidated balance sheet dates.

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


2001



 



2003



 



2004



 



2005



 



2006



 



2007



 


There-
After



 



Total



 


Fair
Value



 



Total



 


Fair
Value


 

 

 

 

 

(Millions of Dollars, except percentages)

 

 

 

 

Denominated in U.S. Dollars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Fixed rate

$15.0

 

$15.0

 

$10.7

 

$10.7

 

$10.7

 

$10.8

 

$72.9

 

$77.5

 

$87.9

 

$88.2

     Average interest rate

6.9

%

6.9

%

6.5

%

6.5

%

6.5

%

6.5

%

6.7

%

--

 

6.7

%

--

          At December 29, 2001, variable rate debt totaling $2.9 million denominated in British Pounds Sterling was outstanding at an average interest rate of 4.8%. The fair value of these borrowings approximated carrying value.

          The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative or trading purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instruments. The Company's future contractual obligations for agreements with initial terms greater than one year are summarized as follows (millions of dollars):














24


 


 


 


Payment Period


 


 


 


2003


2004


2005


2006


2007


Thereafter


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

$15.0

$15.0

$10.7

$10.7

$10.7

$10.8

Operating leases

7.9

6.7

5.9

4.7

4.1

19.1

          Should additional funds be required, the Company had $172.9 million of additional borrowing capacity available under all of its existing credit facilities at December 28, 2002. The Company's additional borrowing capacity is summarized as follows (millions of dollars):


 


 


Expiration of Availability


 
 


Total
Commitments
Available


 
Less than
1 Year



1 Year or
Greater


Revolving credit

$150.0

 

$      --

 

$150.0

 

Lines of credit

19.6

 

19.6

 

--

 

Standby letters of credit

3.3

 

3.3

 

--

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

          The response to this Item is set forth under the caption "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

          The response to this Item is set forth in Appendix A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

          None.











25


PART III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

          The information regarding directors of the Company contained under the caption "Election of Directors" and under the caption "Wolverine's Board of Directors" under the subheadings "Nominees for Terms Expiring in 2006," "Continuing Directors -- Terms Expiring in 2005," and "Continuing Directors -- Terms Expiring in 2004" in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 17, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference. In addition to the directors discussed in the definitive Proxy Statement, the Company's Board of Directors currently includes Joan Parker (age 67), whose term expires at this year's annual meeting. Ms. Parker is retiring after 22 years of service as a director. Ms. Parker is President of Parker & Associates, an international public relations firm. She has held that position since April 2002. Prior to this position, Ms. Parker was a Senior Partner with J. Walter Thompson, an international advertising firm, from 1995 to April 2002.

          The information regarding directors and Executive Officers of the Company under the caption "Related Matters" under the subheading "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 17, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information regarding Executive Officers is provided in the Supplemental Item following Item 4 of Part I above.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

          The information contained under the caption "Wolverine's Board of Directors" under the subheading "Compensation of Directors," under the caption "Related Matters" under the subheading "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," and under the captions "Executive Compensation" (excluding information under the subheading "Equity Compensation Plan Information") and "Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements" in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March  17, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

          The information contained under the caption "Ownership of Wolverine Stock" and under the caption "Executive Compensation" under the subheading "Equity Compensation Plan Information" contained in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 17, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

          The information regarding certain loans following the caption "Executive Compensation," under the subheading "Stock Options," and the information contained under the caption "Related Matters" under the subheading "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" contained in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 17, 2003, are incorporated herein by reference.


26


Item 14.  Controls and Procedures.

          Within 90 days prior to the date of filing this report, 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 were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the time of such evaluation.

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

          Item 15(a)(1).  Financial Statements. Attached as Appendix A.

          The following consolidated financial statements of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries are filed as a part of this report:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001.

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001, and December 30, 2000.

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001, and December 30, 2000.

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001, and December 30, 2000.

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 28, 2002.

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Auditors.

          Item 15(a)(2).  Financial Statement Schedules. Attached as Appendix B.

          The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries is filed as a part of this report:

 

Schedule II--Valuation and qualifying accounts.

          All other schedules (I, III, IV, and V) for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.





27


          Item 15(a)(3).  Exhibits.

          The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit
Number

 
Document

 

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. See Exhibit 3.1 above.

 

 

4.2

Amended and Restated By-laws. See Exhibit 3.2 above.

 

 

4.3

Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997. Previously filed with the Company's Form 8-A filed April 12, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.4

Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 30, 2000, to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.5

Second Amendment dated as of February 11, 2002, to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 23, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.6

Third Amendment dated as of December 10, 2002, to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997.

 

 

4.7

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of August 1, 1994, relating to 7.81% Senior Notes. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.8

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 8, 1998, relating to 6.50% Senior Notes due on December 8, 2008. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.9

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding in addition to those described in Exhibits 4.7, 4.8 and 4.10. The authorized amount of none of these classes of debt exceeds 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any agreement defining the rights of holders of any such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.


28


4.10

Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001, with Bank One, Michigan, as agent. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 16, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.11

First Amendment dated as of February 8, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 23, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.12

Second Amendment dated as of August 30, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

4.13

Third Amendment dated as of December 19, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001.

 

 

10.1

1988 Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, filed July 21, 1988, Registration No. 33-23196. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.2

1993 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, filed June 22, 1993, Registration No. 33-64854. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.3

1995 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, filed October 26, 1995, Registration No. 33-63689. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.4

1997 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.5

Stock Incentive Plan of 1999.* Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 23, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.6

Stock Incentive Plan of 2001.* Previously filed as Appendix B to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 26, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.7

Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.8

Amended and Restated Directors' Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as Appendix D to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.


29


10.9

Amended and Restated Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.* Previously filed as Appendix E to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.10

Supplemental Director's Fee Arrangement dated April 27, 1993, between the Company and Phillip D. Matthews.* (Reflects the grant of a currently oustanding stock option to Mr. Matthews. This agreement is otherwise no longer in effect.)

 

 

10.11

Amended and Restated Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix B to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.12

Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (3-Year Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix C to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.13

Amended and Restated Stock Option Loan Program.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.14

Executive Severance Agreement.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998. Here incorporated by reference. An updated participant schedule is attached as Exhibit 10.14.

 

 

10.15

Form of Indemnification Agreement.* The Company has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each director and executive officer. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.16

Benefit Trust Agreement dated May 19, 1987, and Amendments Number 1, 2, 3 and 4 thereto.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.17

Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference. An updated participant schedule is attached as Exhibit 10.17.

 

 

10.18

Employees' Pension Plan (Restated as Amended through December 13, 2001).* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

10.19

Fiftieth Amendment dated as of July 9, 2002, to the Employees' Pension Plan.


30


21

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

 

 

23

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

 

 

24

Powers of Attorney.

 

 

99.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350. This exhibit is furnished, not filed, in accordance with SEC Release Number 33-8212.

____________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

          The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed above to any stockholder without charge upon written request to Mr. Blake W. Krueger, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, 9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan 49351.

          Item 15(b).          Reports on Form 8-K.

          No reports on Form 8-K were filed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

SIGNATURES

                    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated March 27, 2003

By:

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


 

 

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)

                    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

 

Title

Date

       
       

*/s/ Geoffrey B. Bloom


 

Chairman of the Board
of Directors

March 27, 2003

Geoffrey B. Bloom

   

31


/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


 

Chief Executive Officer,
President (Principal Executive Officer)
and Director

March 27, 2003

Timothy J. O'Donovan

   
       
       

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


 

Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)

March 27, 2003

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.

   
       
       

/s/ Nicholas P. Ottenwess


 

Vice President of Finance and
Corporate Controller (Principal
Accounting Officer)

March 27, 2003

Nicholas P. Ottenwess

   
       
       

*/s/ Donald V. Fites


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Donald V. Fites

     
       
       

*/s/ Alberto L. Grimoldi


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Alberto L. Grimoldi

     
       
       

*/s/ David T. Kollat


 

Director

March 27, 2003

David T. Kollat

     
       
       

*/s/ Phillip D. Matthews


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Phillip D. Matthews

     
       
       

*/s/ David P. Mehney


 

Director

March 27, 2003

David P. Mehney

     
       
       

*/s/ Joseph A. Parini


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Joseph A. Parini

     
       
       

*/s/ Joan Parker


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Joan Parker

     
       
       

*/s/ Elizabeth A. Sanders


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Elizabeth A. Sanders

     
       
       

32


*/s/ Paul D. Schrage


 

Director

March 27, 2003

Paul D. Schrage

     
       
       

*by /s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


 

Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)

March 27, 2003

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Attorney-in-Fact

   

























33


CERTIFICATIONS

          I, Timothy J. O'Donovan, certify that:

          1.          I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Wolverine World Wide, Inc.;

          2.          Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

          3.          Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

          4.          The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

          (a)          designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

          (b)          evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

          (c)          presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

          5.          The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

          (a)          all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

          (b)          any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

          6.          The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


34


Date: March 27, 2003

/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


 

Timothy J. O'Donovan
President and Chief Executive Officer
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

 

          I, Stephen L. Gulis, Jr., certify that:

          1.          I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Wolverine World Wide, Inc.;

          2.          Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

          3.          Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

          4.          The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

          (a)          designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

          (b)          evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

          (c)          presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

          5.          The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

          (a)          all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and


35


          (b)          any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

          6.          The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 27, 2003

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


 

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
   Officer and Treasurer
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

 





















36


APPENDIX A

Financial Statements



























CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 


 


As of Fiscal Year End


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

           

Assets

           

Current assets:

           

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

27,078

 

$

35,820

 

     Accounts receivable, less allowances (2002--$10,191; 2001--$7,382)

 

156,285

   

152,330

 

     Inventories:

           

          Finished products

 

146,229

   

151,612

 

          Raw materials and work-in-process


 


22,769


 


 


25,429


 


   

168,998

   

177,041

 

     Deferred income taxes

 

2,992

   

2,927

 

     Other current assets


 


7,992


 


 


6,684


 


Total current assets

 

363,345

   

374,802

 
             

Property, plant and equipment:

           

     Land

 

1,104

   

1,105

 

     Buildings and improvements

 

62,982

   

63,675

 

     Machinery and equipment

 

123,499

   

114,018

 

     Software


 


38,389


 


 


34,751


 
   

225,974

   

213,549

 

Less accumulated depreciation


 


128,700


 


 


114,555


 


   

97,274

   

98,994

 

Other assets:

           

     Goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles

 

30,706

   

12,685

 

     Other amortizable intangibles

 

3,263

   

2,272

 

     Cash surrender value of life insurance

 

22,628

   

20,246

 

     Prepaid pension costs

 

--

   

20,436

 

     Assets held for exchange

 

4,719

   

5,739

 

     Notes receivable

 

2,466

   

2,366

 

     Other


 


7,593


 


 


6,138


 

 


 


71,375


 


 


69,882


 


Total assets


$


531,994


 


$


543,678


 


Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

           

Current liabilities:

           

     Notes payable

$

--

 

$

90

 

     Accounts payable

 

29,542

   

28,357

 

     Salaries, wages and other compensation

 

12,296

   

8,758

 

     Income taxes

 

3,575

   

6,376

 

     Taxes, other than income taxes

 

4,322

   

2,908

 

     Other accrued expenses

 

15,412

   

13,002

 

     Current maturities of long-term debt


 


15,030


 


 


15,030


 


Total current liabilities

 

80,177

   

74,521

 
             

Long-term debt, less current maturities

 

57,885

   

75,818

 

Deferred compensation

 

4,742

   

6,283

 

Accrued pension liability

 

19,870

   

--

 

Deferred income taxes

 

80

   

12,904

 

Minority interest

 

143

   

--

 
             

Stockholders' equity:

           

     Common stock, $1 par value: authorized 80,000,000 shares; issued,

           

        including treasury shares: 2002--45,839,831; 2001--45,413,788

 

45,840

   

45,414

 

     Additional paid-in capital

 

90,994

   

86,771

 

     Retained earnings

 

339,475

   

298,755

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(23,522

)

 

(4,109

)

     Unearned compensation

 

(3,833

)

 

(4,649

)

     Cost of shares in treasury: 2002--5,869,429 shares; 2001--3,857,988 shares


 


(79,857


)


 


(48,030


)


Total stockholders' equity


 


369,097


 


 


374,152


 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$


531,994


 


$


543,678


 


( ) Denotes deduction.

           

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

           

1


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 


 


 


 


 


Fiscal Year


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 


(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

                 

Common Stock

                 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

45,414

 

$

44,785

 

$

44,426

 

     Common stock issued under stock incentive plans

                 

        (2002--426,543 shares; 2001--628,779 shares;

                 

         2000--358,687 shares)


 


426


 


 


629


 


 


359


 


     Balance at end of the year

 

45,840

   

45,414

   

44,785

 
                   

Additional Paid-In Capital

                 

     Balance at beginning of the year

 

86,771

   

79,633

   

76,752

 

     Amounts associated with common stock issued

                 

         under stock incentive plans:

                 

             Proceeds over par value

 

3,547

   

5,617

   

2,839

 

             Income tax benefits

 

531

   

1,521

   

42

 

     Issuance of treasury shares (2002--142,894 shares)

 

409

   

--

   

--

 

     Net change in notes receivable


 


(264


)


 


--


 


 


--


 


     Balance at end of the year

 

90,994

   

86,771

   

79,633

 
                   

Retained Earnings

                 

     Balance at beginning of the year

 

298,755

   

260,158

   

255,265

 

     Net earnings

 

47,912

   

45,240

   

10,690

 

     Cash dividends (2002--$.18 per share;

                 

        2001--$.16 per share; 2000--$.14 per share)


 


(7,192


)


 


(6,643


)


 


(5,797


)


     Balance at end of the year

 

339,475

   

298,755

   

260,158

 
                   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

                 

     Balance at beginning of the year

 

(4,109

)

 

(2,532

)

 

(614

)

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

6,101

   

(431

)

 

(1,918

)

     Change in fair value of foreign exchange contracts, net of

                 

        taxes (2002-- $89)

 

(244

)

 

--

   

--

 

     Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes

                 

        (2002-- $13,016; 2001--$591)


 


(25,270


)


 


(1,146


)


 


--


 


     Balance at end of the year

 

(23,522

)

 

(4,109

)

 

(2,532

)

                   

Unearned Compensation

                 

     Balance at beginning of the year

 

(4,649

)

 

(5,921

)

 

(5,974

)

     Awards under restricted stock incentive plans

 

(2,037

)

 

(2,107

)

 

(3,027

)

     Compensation expense


 


2,853


 


 


3,379


 


 


3,080


 


     Balance at end of the year

 

(3,833

)

 

(4,649

)

 

(5,921

)

                   

Cost of Shares in Treasury

                 

     Balance at beginning of the year

 

(48,030

)

 

(38,885

)

 

(37,750

)

     Common stock purchased for treasury

                 

        (2002--2,154,335 shares; 2001--625,816 shares;

                 

             2000--106,220 shares)

 

(33,626

)

 

(9,145

)

 

(1,135

)

     Issuance of treasury shares (2002--142,894 shares)


 


1,799


 


 


--


 


 


--


 


     Balance at end of the year


 


(79,857


)


 


(48,030


)


 


(38,885


)


Total stockholders' equity at end of the year


$


369,097


 


$


374,152


 


$


337,238


 


                   

Comprehensive Income

                 

     Net earnings

$

47,912

 

$

45,240

 

$

10,690

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

6,101

   

(431

)

 

(1,918

)

     Change in fair value of foreign exchange contracts, net of taxes

 

(244

)

 

--

   

--

 

     Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes


 


(25,270


)


 


(1,146


)


 


--


 


Total comprehensive income


$


28,499


 


$


43,663


 


$


8,772


 


                   

( ) Denotes deduction.

                 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                 

2


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 


 


 


 


 


Fiscal Year


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 


(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

                 
                   

Revenue

$

827,106

 

$

720,066

 

$

701,291

 
                   

Cost and expenses:

                 

     Cost of products sold

 

532,878

   

463,030

   

477,318

 

     Selling and administrative expenses

 

217,154

   

182,178

   

198,953

 

     Interest expense

 

6,721

   

7,239

   

10,281

 

     Interest income

 

(255

)

 

(497

)

 

(372

)

     Other (income) expenses -- net


 


(1,046


)


 


(431


)


 


96


 


 


 


755,452


 


 


651,519


 


 


686,276


 


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

 

71,654

   

68,547

   

15,015

 
                   

Income taxes


 


23,599


 


 


23,307


 


 


4,325


 


Earnings before minority interest

 

48,055

   

45,240

   

10,690

 
                   

Minority interest


 


143


 


 


--


 


 


--


 


                   

Net earnings


$


47,912


 


$


45,240


 


$


10,690


 


                   
                   

Net earnings per share:

                 

     Basic

$

1.19

 

$

1.11

 

$

.26

 

     Diluted

 

1.15

   

1.07

   

.26

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.






















3


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 


 


 


 


 


Fiscal Year


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

                 

Operating Activities

                 

Net earnings

$

47,912

 

$

45,240

 

$

10,690

 

Adjustments necessary to reconcile net earnings

                 

     to net cash provided by operating activities:

                 

        Realignment charges

 

--

   

--

   

45,050

 

        Depreciation

 

16,633

   

15,991

   

16,495

 

        Amortization

 

227

   

1,630

   

1,200

 

        Deferred income taxes (credit)

 

216

   

5,169

   

(4,068

)

        Other

 

2,668

   

(2,539

)

 

(3,483

)

        Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                 

             Accounts receivable

 

(5,879)

   

9,178

   

2,175

 

             Inventories

 

24,884

   

(31,655

)

 

11,678

 

             Other operating assets

 

(1,076)

   

2,425

   

3,632

 

             Accounts payable

 

(656)

   

7,450

   

655

 

             Other operating liabilities


 


3,350


 


 


1,046


 


 


(13,055


)


Net cash provided by operating activities

 

88,279

   

53,935

   

70,969

 
                   

Investing Activities

                 

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(27,366

)

 

(1,410

)

 

--

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(13,875

)

 

(11,298

)

 

(11,978

)

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

 

241

   

46

   

707

 

Other


 


366


 


 


189


 


 


268


 


Net cash used in investing activities

 

(40,634

)

 

(12,473

)

 

(11,003

)

                   

Financing Activities

                 

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

 

--

   

6,706

   

3,797

 

Payments of short-term debt

 

(90

)

 

(7,512

)

 

(3,049

)

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

94,215

   

113,972

   

120,812

 

Payments of long-term debt

 

(112,226

)

 

(115,318

)

 

(167,819

)

Cash dividends

 

(7,192

)

 

(6,643

)

 

(5,797

)

Purchase of common stock for treasury

 

(33,626

)

 

(9,145

)

 

(1,135

)

Proceeds from shares issued under stock incentive plans


 


2,202


 


 


3,864


 


 


213


 


Net cash used in financing activities

 

(56,717

)

 

(14,076

)

 

(52,978

)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


 


330


 


 


--


 


 


--


 


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(8,742

)

 

27,386

   

6,988

 
                   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year


 


35,820


 


 


8,434


 


 


1,446


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year


$


27,078


 


$


35,820


 


$


8,434


 


                   

Other Cash Flow Information

                 

Interest paid

$

6,633

 

$

7,656

 

$

10,182

 

Net income taxes paid

 

18,201

   

7,854

   

1,280

 
                   

( ) Denotes reduction in cash and cash equivalents.

                 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                 









4


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"). Upon consolidation, all intercompany accounts, transactions and profits have been eliminated.

FISCAL YEAR
The Company's fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Saturday nearest the end of December. Fiscal years presented herein include the 52-week periods ended December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000.

USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized on the sale of products manufactured or sourced by the Company when the related goods have been shipped and legal title has passed to the customer. Revenue generated through programs with licensees and distributors involving products utilizing the Company's trademarks and brand names is recognized as earned based on the completion of stated contractual terms.

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, analysis of credit memorandum activity and customer demand.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS
Shipping and handling costs that are charged to and reimbursed by the customer are recognized as revenue, while the related expenses incurred by the Company are recorded as cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of operations.

CASH EQUIVALENTS
All short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents.

ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS
The Company evaluates the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable based on a review of current customer status and historical collection experience.

INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for certain domestic inventories. Foreign, retail and other domestic inventories are valued using methods approximating cost under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated on the basis of cost and include expenditures for new facilities, major renewals, betterments and software. Normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.


5


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

Depreciation of plant, equipment and software is computed using the straight-line method. The depreciable lives range from five to forty years for buildings and improvements, from three to ten years for machinery and equipment, and from three to ten years for software.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Other intangibles consist primarily of trademarks, brand names and patents. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective for the Company in fiscal 2002. Under the new rules, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized but will be subject to impairment tests at least annually in accordance with SFAS No. 142. Other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful life (periods ranging from four to fifteen years). Estimated aggregate amortization expense for such intangibles for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is expected to approximate $200,000 annually. The Company reviews the carrying amounts of goodwill and other non-amortizable intangib le assets annually to determine if such assets may be impaired. If the carrying amounts of these assets are not recoverable based upon a discounted cash flow analysis, such assets are reduced by the estimated shortfall of fair value to recorded value.

The Company applied the new rules on accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets beginning in the first quarter of 2002. Application of the non-amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 in 2001 and 2000 would have resulted in an increase in net earnings of approximately $731,000 ($0.02 per share) and $792,000 ($0.02 per share), respectively. The Company has performed the required impairment tests of goodwill during fiscal 2002 and has determined that there was no impairment indicated for recorded goodwill.

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles for the year ended December 28, 2002 is as follows:

 


 

 


 

 


2002

 


 

(Thousands of Dollars)

     

Balance as of December 29, 2001

$

12,685

 

Goodwill acquired

 

15,057

 

Other non-amortizable intangibles acquired

 

640

 

Foreign currency translation effects


 


2,324


 


Balance as of December 28, 2002


$


30,706


 


ASSETS HELD FOR EXCHANGE
Assets held for exchange represent barter credits that were acquired in exchange for inventories in December 1997. Such credits are redeemable through December 31, 2005 for a percentage of supplies purchased from certain vendors. The Company evaluates the recoverability of such assets on a quarterly basis and expects to utilize all available credits prior to their expiration.

IMPAIRMENT OR DISPOSAL OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, and the accounting and reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations, for the disposal of a segment of a business. SFAS No. 144 is effective for the Company in fiscal 2002. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 as of the first

6


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

day of fiscal 2002 and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

DISPOSAL OBLIGATIONS
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which requires liabilities for costs related to exit or disposal activities to be recognized when the liability is incurred. SFAS No. 146 supersedes EITF Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity, and is effective for the Company in fiscal 2003. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 146 as of the first day of fiscal 2003 and does not expect that the adoption of this statement will have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

GUARANTOR ACCOUNTING
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). Fin 45 changes current practice in accounting for, and disclosure of, guarantees. FIN 45 will require certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value on the Company's balance sheet, a change from current practice, which is generally to record a liability only when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable, as those terms are defined in SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. FIN 45 also requires a guarantor to make significant new disclosures, even when the likelihood of making any payments under the guarantee is remote, which is another change from current practice. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective immediately and are included in Note 8, "Litigation and Contingencies." The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 28, 2002. The Company expects that the new recognition and measurement provisions will not have a significant impact on the Company's future financial results.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations, in accounting for its stock incentive plans because the alternative fair value accounting provided under SFAS No.123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires the use of option valuation models that were not specifically developed for valuing the types of stock incentive plans maintained by the Company. Under APB Opinion No. 25, compensation expense is recognized when the market price of the stock underlying an award on the date of grant exceeds any related exercise price.

Pro forma information regarding net earnings and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its stock awards using the fair value method. The fair value of these awards was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 4.2% (4.6% in 2001 and 6.1% in 2000); dividend yield of 1.1% (1.0% in 2001 and .05% in 2000); expected market price volatility factor of 0.420 (0.515 in 2001 and 0.495 in 2000); and an expected option life of four years.

The estimated weighted-average fair value for each option granted was $5.48 in 2002, $6.57 in 2001 and $4.84 in 2000.

The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting provisions and are fully transferable. In addition, the model requires input of highly subjective assumptions. Because the Company's stock options have characteristics significantly different from traded options and the input assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value, management believes that the Black-Scholes option model does not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company's stock options.

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of stock options are amortized to expense over the related vesting periods. The Company's pro forma information under SFAS No. 123 is as follows:



7


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)



 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

                 

Net earnings, as reported

$

47,912

 

$

45,240

 

$

10,690

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation

                 

     expense determined under fair value based method

                 

     for all awards, net of related tax effects


 


3,229


 


 


5,092


 


 


4,231


 


Pro forma net earnings


$


44,683


 


$


40,148


 


$


6,459


 


                   

Net earnings per share:

                 

     Basic--as reported

$

1.19

 

$

1.11

 

$

.26

 

     Basic--pro forma

 

1.11

   

.99

   

.16

 
                   

     Diluted--as reported

 

1.15

   

1.07

   

.26

 

     Diluted--pro forma

 

1.08

   

.96

   

.16

 

ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $33,584,000 in 2002, $29,757,000 in 2001 and $27,514,000 in 2000.

The Company provides sales incentives to retail customers in the form of a cooperative advertising program. Under this program, customers are reimbursed for Company approved advertising-related expenditures where the value to the Company is objectively verifiable. Cooperative advertising dollars are expensed by the Company as earned by customers.

INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is based on the earnings reported in the consolidated financial statements. A deferred income tax asset or liability is determined by applying currently enacted tax laws and rates to the cumulative temporary differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expense (credit) is measured by the net change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is computed based on weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during each year after adjustment for restricted nonvested common stock issued under restricted stock incentive plans. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of dilutive stock options and the vesting of all common stock under restricted stock programs.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


 


2002


 


2001


 


2000


 

Weighted average shares outstanding during the year

41,016,362

 

41,571,272

 

41,517,846

 

Adjustment for nonvested restricted common stock


(770,749


)


(832,991


)


(911,412


)


Denominator for basic earnings per share

40,245,613

 

40,738,281

 

40,606,434

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

776,864

 

877,608

 

277,316

 

Adjustment for nonvested restricted common stock


770,749


 


832,991


 


911,412


 


Denominator for diluted earnings per share


41,793,226


 


42,448,880


 


41,795,162


 





8


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

Options to purchase 796,487 shares of common stock in 2002, 712,187 shares in 2001 and 2,313,464 shares in 2000 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 antidilutive.

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. Except for fixed rate long-term debt at December 28, 2002 with a carrying value of $72,857,000 and a fair value of $77,479,000, the Company's estimate of the fair values of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000. 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.

In fiscal 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138. The statements require that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet 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 December 28, 2002, foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of $24,000,000 were outstanding to purchase various currencies (principally U.S. dollars) with maturities ranging up to 180 days. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. As of December 28, 2002, a liability of $333,000 has been recognized for the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts.

The fair value of the foreign 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 other income (expense) caption of the statement of operations. Hedge ineffectiveness was not material to the consolidated financial statements in 2002. 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 loss within stockholders' equity.

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

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Comprehensive income (loss) represents net earnings and any revenues, 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 loss at December 28, 2002 includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $3,138,000, loss on foreign exchange contracts of $244,000 (net of taxes of $89,000), and a minimum pension liability adjustment of $26,416,000 (net of taxes of $13,607,000).

RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts previously reported in 2001 and 2000 have been reclassified to conform with the presentation used in 2002.

2.  Inventories
Inventories of $95,164,000 at December 28, 2002 and $119,092,000 at December 29, 2001 have been valued using the LIFO method. If the FIFO method had been used, inventories would have been $8,893,000 and $9,633,000 higher than reported at December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, respectively.



9


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)


3.  Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following obligations:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

           

6.5% senior notes payable

$

64,286

 

$

75,000

 

7.81% senior notes payable

 

8,571

   

12,857

 

Revolving credit obligations

 

--

   

2,903

 

Other


 


58


 


 


88


 


   

72,915

   

90,848

 

Less current maturities


 


15,030


 


 


15,030


 


 


$


57,885


 


$


75,818


 


The 6.5% unsecured senior notes payable require annual principal payments of $10,714,000 due through the maturity date of December 8, 2008. In connection with the issuance of these senior notes, the Company entered into an interest rate lock agreement with a bank that was settled in 1998 and resulted in a prepayment of $2,200,000. This prepayment is being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest method.

The 7.81% unsecured senior notes payable require a principal payment of $4,285,000 during 2003, with the balance due on August 15, 2004.

The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement that allows for borrowings up to $150,000,000, of which $10,000,000 pertains to the Company's Canadian subsidiary. Of the remaining $140,000,000 facility available to the U.S. operations, $35,000,000 may also be utilized by the European subsidiaries. This agreement requires that interest be paid at a variable rate based on LIBOR and expires in May 2006.

The Company had commercial letters of credit outstanding of $8,383,000 and $18,429,000 at December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, respectively.

The long-term loan agreements contain restrictive covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum levels of tangible net worth. At December 28, 2002, unrestricted retained earnings were $41,836,000. The agreements also impose restrictions on securing additional debt, sale and merger transactions and the disposition of significant assets.

Principal maturities of long-term debt during the four years subsequent to 2003 are as follows: 2004--$15,014,000; 2005--$10,728,000; 2006--$10,723,000; 2007--$10,714,000.

Interest costs of $254,000 in 2002, $427,000 in 2001 and $286,000 in 2000 were capitalized in connection with various capital improvement and computer hardware and software installation projects.

4. Leases
The Company leases machinery, equipment and certain warehouse, office and retail store space under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2018. At December 28, 2002, minimum rental payments due under all noncancelable leases are as follows: 2003--$7,910,000; 2004--$6,723,000; 2005--$5,853,000; 2006--$4,696,000; 2007--$4,074,000; thereafter--$19,098,000.         

Rental expense under all operating leases consisted primarily of minimum rentals and totaled $11,011,000 in 2002, $10,105,000 in 2001 and $10,845,000 in 2000.


10


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

5.  Capital Stock
The Company has 2,000,000 authorized shares of $1 par value preferred stock, of which none is issued or outstanding.

The Company has a preferred stock rights plan that is designed to protect stockholder interests in the event the Company is confronted with coercive or unfair takeover tactics. One right is associated with each share of common stock currently outstanding. The rights trade with the common stock and become exercisable only upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. Each right, when exercisable, will entitle the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of Series B junior participating preferred stock for $120. The Company has designated 500,000 shares of preferred stock as Series B junior participating preferred stock for possible future issuance under the Company's preferred stock rights plan. Upon issuance for reasons other than liquidation, each share of Series B junior participating preferred stock will have 100 votes and a preferential quarterly dividend equal to the greater of $21 per share or 100 times the dividend declared on common stock.

In the event that the Company is a party to a merger or other business combination, regardless of whether the Company is the surviving corporation, right holders other than the party to the merger will be entitled to receive common stock of the surviving corporation worth twice the exercise price of the rights. The plan also provides for protection against self-dealing transactions by a 15% stockholder or the activities of an adverse person (as defined). The Company may redeem the rights for $.01 each at any time prior to a person being designated as an adverse person or fifteen days after a triggering event. Unless redeemed earlier, all rights expire on May 7, 2007. The Board of Directors can elect to exclude certain transactions from triggering the exercise of preferred stock rights and other actions under the plan.

The Company has stock incentive plans under which options to purchase shares of common stock may be granted to officers, other key employees and non-employee directors. Options granted are exercisable over ten years and vest over various periods. All unexercised options are available for future grant upon their cancellation.

A summary of the transactions under the stock option plans is as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 
 


Shares Under
Option


 
 


Weighted-Average
Option Price


 
 


Outstanding at January 1, 2000

3,041,001

   

$

13.95

 

Granted

857,709

     

11.05

 

Exercised

(78,394

)

   

11.80

 

Cancelled


(69,651


)


 


 


13.32


 


Outstanding at December 30, 2000

3,750,665

     

13.49

 

Granted

900,229

     

15.47

 

Exercised

(643,035

)

   

10.26

 

Cancelled


(26,595


)


 


 


16.68


 


Outstanding at December 29, 2001

3,981,264

     

14.48

 

Granted

797,994

     

15.59

 

Exercised

(321,869

)

   

10.87

 

Cancelled


(45,191


)


 


 


15.85


 


Outstanding at December 28, 2002


4,412,198


 


 


$


14.89


 


Shares available for grant under the stock option plans were 1,610,881 at December 28, 2002, 2,036,327 at December 29, 2001 and 825,884 at December 30, 2000.




11


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

The exercise prices of options outstanding at December 28, 2002 range from $1.98 to $30.56. A summary of stock options outstanding at December 28, 2002 by range of option price, is as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


         

Weighted-Average


 
 

Number of Options


 


Option Price


 

 
Remaining
Contractual Life


 

 


Outstanding


 


Exercisable


 


Outstanding


 


Exercisable


 


 


                     

Less than $10

691,260

 

691,260

$

8.95

$

8.95

 

4.8 years

 

$10 to $20

3,118,930

 

2,210,846

 

14.12

 

13.91

 

7.0 years

 

Greater than $20


602,008


 


602,008


 


25.74


 


25.74


 


4.1 years


 


 


4,412,198


 


3,504,114


$


14.89


$


14.97


 


6.2 years


 


The number of options exercisable at December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000 totaled 3,075,846 and 2,711,858, respectively.

The Company also has stock award plans for officers and other key employees. Common stock issued under these plans is subject to certain restrictions, including a prohibition against any sale, transfer or other disposition by the officer or employee (except for certain transfers for estate planning purposes for certain officers), and a requirement to forfeit the award upon certain terminations of employment in cases other than death, disability or retirement. These restrictions lapse over a three- to five-year period from the date of the award. Shares aggregating 161,700 in 2002, 156,250 in 2001 and 286,890 in 2000 were awarded under these plans. The weighted-average grant date fair value was $15.47 in 2002, $15.11 in 2001 and $10.95 in 2000 for the shares awarded. Rights to awards were cancelled for 18,224 shares in 2002 and 10,288 shares in 2001 (there were no rights to awards cancelled in 2000). The market value of the shares awarded is recognized as unearned compensation in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and is amortized to operations over the vesting period.

6.  Retirement Plans
The Company has noncontributory, defined benefit pension plans covering a majority of its domestic employees. The Company's principal defined benefit pension plan provides benefits based on the employees' years of service and final average earnings (as defined), while the other plans provide benefits at a fixed rate per year of service. The Company intends to annually contribute amounts deemed necessary to maintain the plans on a sound actuarial basis.

The Company has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") for certain current and former employees that entitles them to receive payments from the Company following retirement based on the employees' years of service and final average earnings (as defined). Under the SERP, the employees are eligible for reduced benefits upon early retirement. The Company also has individual deferred compensation agreements with certain former employees that entitle them to receive payments from the Company for a period of fifteen to eighteen years following retirement. The Company maintains life insurance policies with a cash surrender value of $22,428,000 at December 28, 2002 and $20,062,000 at December 29, 2001 that are intended to fund deferred compensation benefits under the SERP and deferred compensation agreements.

The Company has a defined contribution money accumulation plan covering substantially all employees that provides for Company contributions based on earnings. This plan is combined with the principal defined benefit pension plan for funding purposes. The Company recognized expense for the money accumulation plan of $1,500,000 in 2002, $1,400,000 in 2001 and $1,570,000 in 2000.

The following summarizes the status of and changes in the Company's pension assets and related obligations for its defined benefit pension plans at the end of the plan years:



12


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

 


 


September 30


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

           

Pension assets at fair value, including assets for underfunded plans of

           

     $6,965 in 2001

$

102,486

 

$

114,392

 

Projected benefit obligation on services rendered to date for funded

           

     defined benefit plans, including underfunded plan amounts of

           

     $8,787 in 2001


 


(120,109


)


 


(105,315


)


Net pension assets (liabilities) of funded defined benefit plans

 

(17,623

)

 

9,077

 
             

Nonqualified trust assets (cash surrender value of life insurance) recorded

           

     in other assets and intended to satisfy the projected benefit obligation of

           

     unfunded supplemental employee retirement plans

 

17,153

   

13,715

 

Projected benefit obligation on services rendered to date for unfunded

           

     supplemental employee retirement plans


 


(12,435


)


 


(14,022


)


Net assets (liabilities) for nonqualified supplemental employee retirement plans


 


4,718


 


 


(307


)


Net pension and nonqualified trust assets (liabilities)


$


(12,905


)


$


8,770


 


             

Components of net pension assets (liabilities):

           

     Prepaid pension costs

$

--

 

$

31,728

 

     Accrued pension liability

 

(20,762

)

 

(13,589

)

     Intangible asset

 

4,862

   

3,075

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive income


 


40,023


 


 


1,737


 


     Net amounts recognized in balance sheets

 

24,123

   

22,951

 

     Unrecognized amounts, net of amortization:

           

        Transition assets

 

--

   

27

 

        Prior service costs

 

(5,229

)

 

(5,619

)

        Net experience losses

 

(48,952

)

 

(22,304

)

     Nonqualified trust assets


 


17,153


 


 


13,715


 


Net pension and nonqualified trust assets (liabilities)


$


(12,905


)


$


8,770


 


             

Change in fair value of pension assets:

           

     Fair value of pension assets at beginning of the year

$

114,392

 

$

134,815

 

     Actual net investment loss

 

(8,140

)

 

(13,895

)

     Company contributions

 

3,099

   

1,145

 

     Benefits paid to plan participants


 


(6,865


)


 


(7,673


)


Fair value of pension assets at end of the year


$


102,486


 


$


114,392


 


             

Change in projected benefit obligations:

           

     Projected benefit obligations at beginning of the year

$

119,337

 

$

104,830

 

     Service cost pertaining to benefits earned during the year

 

4,435

   

3,753

 

     Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

8,959

   

8,457

 

     Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions

 

516

   

885

 

     Actuarial losses

 

6,162

   

8,911

 

     Special termination benefits

 

--

   

174

 

     Benefits paid to plan participants


 


(6,865


)


 


(7,673


)


Projected benefit obligations at end of the year


$


132,544


 


$


119,337


 




13


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

The following is a summary of net pension income (expense) recognized by the Company:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

                 

Service cost pertaining to benefits earned during the year

$

(4,435

)

$

(3,753

)

$

(4,459

)

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

(8,959

)

 

(8,457

)

 

(7,841

)

Expected return on pension assets

 

12,477

   

13,310

   

12,526

 

Net amortization gain (loss)

 

(1,010

)

 

1,427

   

1,544

 

Curtailment gain

 

--

   

--

   

667

 

Special termination benefits


 


--


 


 


(174


)


 


(3,201


)


Net pension income (expense)


$


(1,927


)


$


2,353


 


$


(764


)


Pension expense for qualified retirement plans was $186,000 in 2002 and pension income, excluding the effect of special termination gains and expenses, was $4,040,000 in 2001 and $4,349,000 in 2000.

In connection with the realignment of its manufacturing operations in 2000 described in Note 11, certain of the Company's pension plans were amended to provide early retirement benefits. Special termination benefit costs of $174,000 and $3,201,000 in 2001 and 2000, respectively, and a curtailment gain of $667,000 in 2000 were recorded as a result of these changes in scheduled benefits.

The discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation were 6.76% and 4.5%, respectively, in 2002 and 7.55% and 4.5%, respectively, in 2001. The expected long-term return on plan assets was 10% in each year. Unrecognized net experience losses exceeding certain corridors are amortized over a five-year period, unless the minimum amortization method based on average remaining service periods produces a higher amortization.

Plan assets were invested in listed equity securities (65%), fixed income funds (24%) and short-term and other investments (11%). Equity securities include 688,512 shares of the Company's common stock with a fair value of $10,328,000 at September 30, 2002. Dividends declared per share of the Company's common stock were $.18 in 2002, $.16 in 2001, and $.14 in 2000.

7.  Income Taxes
The provisions for income taxes consist of the following:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

                 

Currently payable:

                 

     Federal

$

20,002

 

$

17,147

 

$

7,463

 

     State and foreign

 

3,381

   

991

   

930

 

Deferred (credit)


 


216


 


 


5,169


 


 


(4,068


)


 


$


23,599


 


$


23,307


 


$


4,325


 









14


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

A reconciliation of the Company's total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to earnings before income taxes is as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

                 

Income taxes at statutory rate

$

25,079

 

$

23,991

 

$

5,255

 

State income taxes, net of federal income tax reduction

 

271

   

460

   

(20

)

Nontaxable earnings of foreign affiliates

 

(1,674

)

 

(1,518

)

 

(1,916

)

Foreign earnings (losses) taxed at rates differing from

                 

     the U.S. statutory rate

 

121

   

(84

)

 

163

 

Other


 


(198


)


 


458


 


 


843


 


 


$


23,599


 


$


23,307


 


$


4,325


 


Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of the end of 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


(Thousands of Dollars)

           

Deferred income tax assets:

           

     Accounts receivable and inventory valuation allowances

$

1,611

 

$

1,712

 

     Deferred compensation accruals

 

1,475

   

1,597

 

     Future benefit of foreign net operating losses

 

650

   

--

 

     Accrued pension costs

 

4,775

   

--

 

     Other amounts not deductible until paid


 


5,110


 


 


4,446


 


Total deferred income tax assets

 

13,621

   

7,755

 
             

Deferred income tax liabilities:

           

     Tax over book depreciation

 

(9,372

)

 

(8,940

)

     Prepaid pension costs

 

--

   

(7,882

)

     Unremitted earnings of Puerto Rican subsidiary

 

--

   

(792

)

     Other


 


(1,337


)


 


(118


)


Total deferred income tax liabilities


 


(10,709


)


 


(17,732


)


Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)


$


2,912


 


$


(9,977


)


No provision has been made for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign taxes that may result from future remittances of the undistributed earnings ($59,374,000 at December 28, 2002 and $47,889,000 at December 29, 2001) of foreign subsidiaries because it is expected that such earnings will be reinvested overseas indefinitely. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not practicable.

8.  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 cost 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 significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or future results of operations.


15


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

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 the third parties for costs, including but not limited to adverse judgments in lawsuits and 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 on the occurrence of future unknown events.

9.  Business Segments
The Company has one reportable segment that is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of branded footwear, including casual shoes, slippers, moccasins, dress shoes, boots, uniform shoes, work shoes and performance outdoor footwear, to the retail sector. Revenues of this segment are derived from the sale of branded footwear products to external customers and the Company's retail division 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 segment manufacture or source, market and distribute products in a similar manner. Branded footwear is distributed through wholesale channels and under licensing and distributor arrangements.

The other business units in the following tables consist of the Company's retail, apparel and accessory licensing, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. The Company operated 63 domestic retail stores at December 28, 2002 that sell Company-manufactured and sourced products, as well as footwear manufactured by unaffiliated companies. The other business units distribute products through retail and wholesale channels.

The Company measures segment profits as earnings before income taxes and minority interest. The accounting policies used to determine profitability and total assets of the branded footwear and other business segments are the same as disclosed in Note 1.

Business segment information is as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


 


 

 
 


 
 


Branded
Footwear


 
 


 
 


Other
Businesses


 
 


 
 



Corporate


 
 


 
 



Consolidated


 

(Thousands of Dollars)

                       

Revenue

$

746,202

 

$

80,904

 

$

--

 

$

827,106

 

Intersegment sales

 

24,814

   

3,099

   

--

   

27,913

 

Interest (income) expense -- net

 

10,841

   

1,323

   

(5,698

)

 

6,466

 

Depreciation expense

 

5,339

   

2,407

   

8,887

   

16,633

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

                       

     and minority interest

 

78,847

   

6,780

   

(13,973

)

 

71,654

 

Assets

 

384,723

   

40,453

   

106,818

   

531,994

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

8,732

   

1,700

   

3,443

   

13,875

 
                         

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


 


 


 


2001


 


 


 


 

 
 


 
 


Branded
Footwear


 
 


 
 


Other
Businesses


 
 


 
 



Corporate


 
 


 
 



Consolidated


 

(Thousands of Dollars)

                       

Revenue

$

644,793

 

$

75,273

 

$

--

 

$

720,066

 

Intersegment sales

 

19,599

   

4,632

   

--

   

24,231

 

Interest (income) expense -- net

 

11,939

   

1,273

   

(6,470

)

 

6,742

 

Depreciation expense

 

5,445

   

2,295

   

8,251

   

15,991

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

68,086

   

5,887

   

(5,426

)

 

68,547

 

Assets

 

355,045

   

45,165

   

143,468

   

543,678

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

2,001

   

3,553

   

5,744

   

11,298

 


16


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


 


 


 


 


2000


 


 


 


 

 
 


 
 


Branded
Footwear


 
 


 
 


Other
Businesses


 
 


 
 



Corporate


 
 


 
 



Consolidated


 

(Thousands of Dollars)

                       

Revenue

$

622,829

 

$

78,462

 

$

--

 

$

701,291

 

Intersegment sales

 

17,617

   

5,503

   

--

   

23,120

 

Interest (income) expense -- net

 

13,561

   

1,296

   

(4,948

)

 

9,909

 

Depreciation expense

 

7,106

   

2,141

   

7,248

   

16,495

 

Realignment charges

 

45,050

   

--

   

--

   

45,050

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

9,918

   

7,555

   

(2,458

)

 

15,015

 

Assets

 

346,235

   

37,546

   

110,787

   

494,568

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

3,156

   

5,062

   

3,760

   

11,978

 

Geographic information, based on shipping destination, related to revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 

(Thousands of Dollars)

                 

United States

$

644,647

 

$

617,711

 

$

598,115

 

Foreign countries:

                 

     Europe

 

127,461

   

50,115

   

54,555

 

     Canada

 

39,363

   

34,221

   

30,766

 

     Central and South America

 

6,417

   

7,764

   

7,852

 

     Asia

 

6,780

   

6,356

   

7,274

 

     Middle East and Russia


 


2,438


 


 


3,899


 


 


2,729


 

 


 


182,459


 


 


102,355


 


 


103,176


 

 


$


827,106


 


$


720,066


 


$


701,291


 

The Company's long-lived assets (primarily intangible assets and property, plant and equipment) are as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 


 


2002


 


 


2001


 


 


2000


 

(Thousands of Dollars)

                 

United States

$

136,644

 

$

155,731

 

$

157,291

 

Foreign countries

 

32,005

   

13,144

   

12,191

 

The Company does not believe that it is dependent upon any single customer, since none accounts for more than 10% of consolidated revenue.

No product groups, other than footwear, account for more than 10% of consolidated revenue. Revenues derived from the sale and licensing of footwear accounted for over 90% of revenue in 2002, 2001 and 2000.

Approximately 17% of the Company's employees are subject to bargaining unit contracts extending through various dates to 2004.





17


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

10.  Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
The Company generally reports its quarterly results of operations on the basis of 12-week periods for each of the first three quarters and a 16- or 17-week period for the fourth quarter.

The Company's unaudited quarterly results of operations are as follows:

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2002


 


 


 


 


 
 


 
 


First
Quarter


 
 


 
 


Second
Quarter


 
 


 
 


Third
Quarter


 
 


 
 


Fourth
Quarter


 
 


(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

                       

Revenue

$

177,277

 

$

169,276

 

$

219,197

 

$

261,356

 

Gross margin

 

62,102

   

61,621

   

78,018

   

92,487

 

Net earnings

 

6,403

   

9,099

   

15,342

   

17,068

 

Net earnings per share:

                       

     Basic

$

.16

 

$

.22

 

$

.38

 

$

.43

 

     Diluted

 

.15

   

.21

   

.37

   

.42

 
                         

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


2001


 


 


 


 


 
 


 
 


First
Quarter


 
 


 
 


Second
Quarter


 
 


 
 


Third
Quarter


 
 


 
 


Fourth
Quarter


 
 


(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

                       

Revenue

$

158,223

 

$

151,699

 

$

186,175

 

$

223,969

 

Gross margin

 

53,326

   

55,269

   

67,798

   

80,643

 

Net earnings

 

5,980

   

8,858

   

14,364

   

16,038

 

Net earnings per share:

                       

     Basic

$

.15

 

$

.22

 

$

.35

 

$

.39

 

     Diluted

 

.14

   

.21

   

.34

   

.38

 

Adjustments in the fourth quarter were immaterial in 2002 and resulted in an increase in net earnings of $1,435,000 ($0.03 per share) in 2001. These adjustments related primarily to inventories.

11.  Realignment Charges
On July 12, 2000, the Company announced a strategic realignment of its global sourcing and manufacturing operations. In connection with this realignment, the Company decided to close five of its manufacturing facilities in New York, Missouri, Canada, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, eliminate certain footwear product offerings and related raw material inventories, reduce administrative support services and incur other expenses. Workforce reductions totaling 1,391 employees occurred in the areas of manufacturing (1,272), general management (28) and administrative support (91). The realignment activities were primarily completed in the third and fourth quarters of 2000 and the first half of 2001.

The following table summarizes the sourcing realignment, impairment and other pre-tax charges recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in 2000 (thousands of dollars):

Sourcing realignment charges:

     

     Severance and related costs

$

11,723

 

     Inventories

 

12,141

 

     Other exit costs


 


4,263


 


   

28,127

 

Impairment charges:

     

     Property, plant and equipment

 

8,126

 

     Goodwill


 


1,077


 


   

9,203

 

Other charges


 


7,720


 


 


$


45,050


 




18


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

Severance and related costs associated with the sourcing realignment included involuntary and voluntary employee termination expenses. Inventory charges represented the write-down to net realizable value of raw materials that are no longer used in production and certain finished footwear products that were discontinued as part of the realignment plan. Other exit costs primarily represented expenses required under contractual arrangements that have been or are expected to be incurred prior to their estimated disposal dates.

Impairment charges consisted of write-downs of property, plant and equipment to their fair values less costs to sell, costs to close and reconfigure manufacturing facilities, and the write-off of goodwill previously recorded in connection with the purchase of the Company's Costa Rican operation.

Other charges pertained to one-time costs that were expensed as incurred and consisted primarily of the write-off of amounts for customer chargebacks and other deductions that the Company previously expected to collect, but will no longer pursue.

Within the consolidated statements of operations for 2000, cost of products sold, selling and administrative expenses and other expenses included $15,036,000, $29,589,000 and $425,000, respectively, for the sourcing realignment and other charges. These charges resulted in a $0.71 per share reduction of net earnings in 2000.

The following table summarizes the activity and remaining liabilities associated with the sourcing realignment at December 28, 2002, December 29, 2001 and December 30, 2000, and for the fiscal years then ended (thousands of dollars):

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 
 


 
 


Severance and
Related Costs


 
 


 
 



Inventories


 
 


 
 


Other Exit
Costs


 
 


 
 



Total


 
 


Amounts recognized as charges in the

                       

     consolidated statements of operations

$

11,723

 

$

12,141

 

$

4,263

 

$

28,127

 

Disposal of inventories

 

--

   

(11,024

)

 

--

   

(11,024

)

Payments


 


(5,720


)


 


--


 


 


(1,871


)


 


(7,591


)


Balance at December 30, 2000

 

6,003

   

1,117

   

2,392

   

9,512

 
                         

Changes in amounts recognized

 

680

   

1,114

   

15

   

1,809

 

Disposal of inventories

 

--

   

(2,231

)

 

--

   

(2,231

)

Payments


 


(4,049


)


 


--


 


 


(2,209


)


 


(6,258


)


Balance at December 29, 2001

 

2,634

   

--

   

198

   

2,832

 
                         

Satisfaction of pension benefit obligation

 

(2,531

)

 

--

   

--

   

(2,531

)

Payments


 


(103


)


 


--


 


 


(198


)


 


(301


)


Balance at December 28, 2002


$


--


 


$


--


 


$


--


 


$


--


 









19


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.)

12.  Business Acquisitions
On January 16, 2002, the Company established a new subsidiary to operate the CAT® footwear business in the European market. This new entity, Wolverine Europe Limited, purchased assets consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, limited amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets totaling approximately $21,247,000 from Overland Group Limited of London, England and assumed liabilities of approximately $8,514,000. Cash and other consideration of $27,790,000 was remitted for the acquisition, resulting in goodwill of $15,057,000 after allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The former owner of Overland Group Limited is a 5% minority stockholder in the new subsidiary. The markets served directly by Wolverine Europe Limited include Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Wolverine Europe Limited also coordinates and supports other Euro pean markets served by independently-owned distributors. Based on the information provided by the Overland Group, the Company's consolidated pro forma revenue for 2001, assuming the acquisition occurred at the beginning of 2001, would have included approximately $69.9 million from the acquired business for a total of $784.5 million. Consolidated pro forma revenue for 2002, year-to-date period assuming the transaction occurred at the beginning of the year, would not have been materially different from reported amounts. Consolidated pro forma net earnings for 2002 and 2001, assuming the transaction occurred at the beginning of these years, are not materially different from reported amounts.

In October 2001, the Company expanded its owned Merrell® operations in the United Kingdom to cover the additional countries of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Spain. A new subsidiary, Merrell® Europe BV, was formed to direct the operations in these additional countries. Assets consisting primarily of inventory and fixed assets totaling $1,272,000 were acquired from certain former Merrell® distributors for cash and the assumption of liabilities totaling $2,552,000. Goodwill of $1,280,000 was recognized as of the purchase date. Consolidated pro forma revenue and net earnings in 2001 and 2000, assuming the transaction occurred at the beginning of these years, are not materially different from reported amounts.












20







[Ernst & Young LLP Logo]

Ernst & Young LLP
Suite 1000
171 Monroe Avenue, NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Phone: (616) 774-0710
Fax:       (616) 774-0190
www.ey.com





Report of Independent Auditors

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, operations and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2002. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP




Grand Rapids, Michigan
February 5, 2003









21


APPENDIX B

Schedule II






































Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts of Continuing Operations

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Column A


 


Column B


 


 


Column C


 


Column D


 


 


Column E


 

 

 

 

 


Additions


 

 

 

 

 




Description



 
 
 



Balance at
Beginning of
Period



 
 
 



 
 
 


(1)
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses



 
 
 



 
 
 


(2)
Charged to
Other Accounts
(Describe)



 
 
 




Deductions
(Describe)



 
 
 



 
 
 



Balance at
End of
Period


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal year ended December 28, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deducted from asset accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

6,548,000

 

$

5,717,000

 

 

 

$

3,291,000

(A)

$

8,974,000

     Allowance for cash discounts

 

834,000

 

 

11,081,000

 

 

 

 

10,698,000

(B)

 

1,217,000

     Inventory valuation allowances

 


5,628,000


 


 


9,195,000


 


 


 


 


6,961,000


(C)


 


7,862,000


 

$


13,010,000


 


$


25,993,000


 


 


 


$


20,950,000


 


$


18,053,000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal year ended December 29, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deducted from asset accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

5,036,000

 

$

6,819,000

 

 

 

$

5,307,000

(A)

$

6,548,000

     Allowance for cash discounts

 

1,111,000

 

 

8,028,000

 

 

 

 

8,305,000

(B)

 

834,000

     Inventory valuation allowances

 


6,233,000


 


 


9,409,000


 


 


 


 


10,014,000


(C)


 


5,628,000


 

$


12,380,000


 


$


24,256,000


 


 


 


$


23,626,000


 


$


13,010,000


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal year ended December 30, 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deducted from asset accounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

6,977,000

 

$

10,864,000

 

 

 

$

12,805,000

(A)

$

5,036,000

     Allowance for cash discounts

 

723,000

 

 

6,711,000

 

 

 

 

6,323,000

(B)

 

1,111,000

     Inventory valuation allowances

 


8,351,000


 


 


8,503,000


 


 


 


 


10,621,000


(C)


 


6,233,000


 

$


16,051,000


 


$


26,078,000


 


 


 


$


29,749,000


 


$


12,380,000









(A) Accounts charged off, net of recoveries.
(B) Discounts given to customers.
(C) Adjustment upon disposal of related inventories.












Commission File No. 1-6024



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549













EXHIBITS
TO
FORM 10-K



For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 28, 2002










Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
9341 Courtland Drive
Rockford, Michigan 49351







EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number


Document

   

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. See Exhibit 3.1 above.

   

4.2

Amended and Restated By-laws. See Exhibit 3.2 above.

   

4.3

Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997. Previously filed with the Company's Form 8-A filed April 12, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.4

Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 30, 2000, to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.5

Second Amendment dated as of February 11, 2002, to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 23, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.6

Third Amendment dated as of December 10, 2002, to the Rights Agreement dated as of April 17, 1997.

   

4.7

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of August 1, 1994, relating to 7.81% Senior Notes. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.8

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 8, 1998, relating to 6.50% Senior Notes due on December 8, 2008. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.9

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding in addition to those described in Exhibits 4.7, 4.8 and 4.10. The authorized amount of none of these classes of debt exceeds 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any agreement defining the rights of holders of any such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

   

4.10

Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001, with Bank One, Michigan, as agent. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 16, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

   

1


4.11

First Amendment dated as of February 8, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 23, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.12

Second Amendment dated as of August 30, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.13

Third Amendment dated as of December 19, 2002, to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001.

   

10.1

1988 Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, filed July 21, 1988, Registration No. 33-23196. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.2

1993 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, filed June 22, 1993, Registration No. 33-64854. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.3

1995 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, filed October 26, 1995, Registration No. 33-63689. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.4

1997 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.5

Stock Incentive Plan of 1999.* Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 23, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.6

Stock Incentive Plan of 2001.* Previously filed as Appendix B to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 26, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.7

Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.8

Amended and Restated Directors' Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as Appendix D to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.9

Amended and Restated Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.* Previously filed as Appendix E to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.10

Supplemental Director's Fee Arrangement dated April 27, 1993, between the Company and Phillip D. Matthews.* (Reflects the grant of a currently oustanding stock option to Mr. Matthews. This agreement is otherwise no longer in effect.)


2


   

10.11

Amended and Restated Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix B to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.12

Amended and Restated Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (3-Year Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix C to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 25, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.13

Amended and Restated Stock Option Loan Program.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.14

Executive Severance Agreement.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998. Here incorporated by reference. An updated participant schedule is attached as Exhibit 10.14.

   

10.15

Form of Indemnification Agreement.* The Company has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each director and executive officer. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.16

Benefit Trust Agreement dated May 19, 1987, and Amendments Number 1, 2, 3 and 4 thereto.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.17

Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000. Here incorporated by reference. An updated participant schedule is attached as Exhibit 10.17.

   

10.18

Employees' Pension Plan (Restated as Amended through December 13, 2001).* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.19

Fiftieth Amendment dated as of July 9, 2002, to the Employees' Pension Plan.

   

21

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

   

23

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

   

24

Powers of Attorney.

   

99.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350. This exhibit is furnished, not filed, in accordance with SEC Release Number 33-8212.

____________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


3


Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Exhibit 4.6

Exhibit 4.6

THIRD AMENDMENT TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
AND
NATIONAL CITY BANK, AS SUCCESSOR RIGHTS AGENT

                    This Third Amendment to Rights Agreement (the "Amendment") amends the Rights Agreement between WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. ("Wolverine") and NATIONAL CITY BANK ("National City"), as successor Rights Agent, dated April 17, 1997 (the "Rights Agreement"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings set forth in the Rights Agreement.

                    WHEREAS, under Section 26 of the Rights Agreement, Wolverine may amend any provision of the Rights Agreement to cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision that is defective;

                    THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

          1.          Section 1(d) of the Rights Agreement is hereby amended following subsection (iii) to read as follows:

"provided, however, that: (A) nothing in this paragraph (d) shall cause a person engaged in business as an underwriter of securities to be the "Beneficial Owner" of, or to "beneficially own," any securities acquired through such person's participation in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting until the expiration of forty days after the date of such acquisition; and (B) for purposes of the definition of Acquiring Person and for purposes of Section 11(a)(ii)(B) of this Agreement, nothing in this paragraph (d) shall cause a person who has reported or is permitted to report ownership of the Company's Common Stock on Schedule 13G under the Exchange Act (or any successor report) and who does not have any intention to and has not reserved the right to control or influence the control, management or policies of the Company to be the "Beneficial Owner" of, or to "beneficially own," any shares of Company Common Stock that the person has reported or is permitted to repor t on Schedule 13G."

          2.          Except as specifically set forth in this Amendment, all terms and conditions as set forth in the Rights Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

                    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be effective as of December 10, 2002.




 

Attest:

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.

     

/s/ James D. Zwiers


 

/s/ Blake W. Krueger


James D. Zwiers
Associate General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary

 

Blake W. Krueger
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

     
     
     

Attest:

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK

     
     

/s/ Sherry L. Damore


 

/s/ Laura Kress


Name Sherry L. Damore
Its Vice President

 

Name Laura Kress
Its Vice President

     
     
     


WWW Exhibit 4.13 to Form 10-K 2003

Exhibit 4.13

THIRD AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

          THIS THIRD AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of December 19, 2002 (this "Amendment"), is among WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers (collectively with the Company, the "Borrowers" and each a "Borrower"), the lenders party hereto from time to time (collectively, the "Banks" and, individually, a "Bank"), Bank One, Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, as Agent, Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as syndication agent (in such capacity, the "Syndication Agent") and Comerica Bank, as documentation agent (in such capacity, the "Documentation Agent").

R E C I T A L

          The Borrowers, the Banks party thereto and the Agent are parties to a Credit Agreement dated as of May 29, 2001, as amended by a First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 8, 2002 and a Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 2002 (the "Credit Agreement"). The Borrowers desire to amend the Credit Agreement and the Agent and the Banks are willing to do so in accordance with the terms hereof.

T E R M S

          In consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE 1.
AMENDMENTS

          The Credit Agreement is amended as follows:

          1.1 Reference in Section 3.7(a) to "December 31, 2002" shall be deleted and "April 30, 2003" is substituted in place thereof.

ARTICLE 2.
REPRESENTATIONS

          Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and the Banks that:

          2.1          The execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of this Amendment are within its corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and are not in contravention of any law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, decree, writ, injunction, order or award of any arbitrator, court or governmental authority, or of the terms of such Borrower's charter or by-laws, or of any contract or undertaking to which such Borrower is a party or by which such Borrower or its property may be bound or affected.

          2.2 This Amendment is the legal, valid and binding obligations of each Borrower enforceable against such Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (whether applied in a proceeding at law or in equity).





          2.3 After giving effect to the amendments herein contained, the representations and warranties contained in the Loan Documents are true in all material respects on and as of the date hereof with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the date hereof.

          2.4 After giving effect to the amendments herein contained, no Event of Default or Unmatured Default exists or has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof.


ARTICLE 3.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

          This Amendment shall be effective as of the date hereof when it shall be executed by the Borrowers, the Required Banks and the Agent.


ARTICLE 4.
MISCELLANEOUS.


          4.1          References in the Credit Agreement and any other Loan Document to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and as further amended from time to time.

          4.2          Except as expressly amended hereby, each Borrower agrees that the Loan Documents are ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect and that it has no set off, counterclaim, defense or other claim or dispute with respect to any of the foregoing. The terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.

          4.3          This Amendment may be signed upon any number of counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument, and telecopied signatures shall be enforceable as originals.

















2

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Gulis Jr.


 

 

 

 

Its:

EVP - CFO


 

 

 

HUSH PUPPIES CANADA FOOTWEAR, LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Gulis Jr.


 

 

 

 

Its:

Director and Authorized Officer


 

 

 

HUSH PUPPIES (U.K.) LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Gulis Jr.


 

 

 

 

Its:

Director and Authorized Officer


 

 

 

MERRELL (EUROPE) LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Gulis Jr.


 

 

 

 

Its:

Authorized Officer


 

 

 

WOLVERINE EUROPE B.V.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Gulis Jr.


 

 

 

 

Its:

Director


 

 

 

WOLVERINE EUROPE LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ NP Ottenwess


 

 

 

 

Its:

Director


 

 

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE
EUROPE LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ NP Ottenwess


 

 

 

 

Its:

Director



3

 

BANK ONE, NA (as successor by merger to Bank
One, Michigan),
as a Bank and as Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Glenn A. Currin


 

 

Glenn A. Currin

 

 

 

 

 

Its:

Managing Director















4

 

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK,
     as a Bank and as Syndication Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Kirby M. Law


 

 

Kirby M. Law

 

 

Its:

Vice President















5

 

COMERICA BANK,
     as a Bank and as Documentation Agent

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeffrey J. Judy


 

 

 

 

Its:

Vice President















6

 

STANDARD FEDERAL BANK N.A., formerly
known as Michigan National Bank

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jason Byrd


 

 

 

 

 

Its:

AVP















7

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK OF
MICHIGAN/ILLINOIS

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ William C. Goodhue


 

 

William C. Goodhue

 

 

Its:

Senior Vice President















8

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK, formerly known as Old
Kent Bank

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David A. Foote


 

 

David A. Foote

 

 

Its:

Vice President















9

 

BANK ONE, NA, CANADA BRANCH

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 


 

 

 

 

 

Its:

 















10
WWW Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K 2003

Exhibit 10.10

SUPPLEMENTAL DIRECTOR'S FEE AGREEMENT


THIS SUPPLEMENTAL DIRECTOR'S FEE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made as of April 27, 1993 by and between PHILLIP D. MATTHEWS, an individual ("Director"), and WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

R E C I T A L S:

Director is an independent, non-employee director of the Company. Due to his unique and substantial experience in business, the Company desires that Director serve as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors for a minimum period of one year. In connection with such service, the Company desires that Director commit a substantial amount of his time, efforts and attention to the affairs of the Company and make himself regularly available for consultation with the executive officers of the Company. In performing such services, the Company recognizes and anticipates that Director may be required to forego other business opportunities and reduce or eliminate his participation in other ventures with which he is currently involved. Director is willing and desires to serve as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

                    ACCORDINGLY, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.          Service as Chairman. Director agrees to serve as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors during the term of this Agreement. Director will serve in such position as an officer of the Board of Directors and not as an executive officer or employee of the Company. In connection with such service, Director agrees to assist with and supervise the overall management of the Company as the Chairman of the Board, and to perform such other services as the Board of Directors may reasonably request. Director agrees to devote such amounts of his time, efforts and attention to the affairs of the Company as may be required in his reasonable judgment to perform such services to the satisfaction of the Company's Board of Directors. Director agrees to make himself available on a regular basis for consultation with the Company's executive officers. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall guarantee or require or compel the Company or the Board of Directors to retain Director in the position of Chairman of the Board or otherwise infringe upon the unfettered right of the Board of Directors to elect or appoint any other person to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors.

2.          Term; Renewal. The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of one year, commencing on April 27, 1993 and ending on April 26, 1994. Unless the Company delivers written notice to the Director on or prior to April 1, 1994, or April 1 of any succeeding year during the term of this Agreement, of its intention not to renew the term of this Agreement for an additional one-year period, then this Agreement shall be automatically renewed for an additional one-year period on the same terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.





3.          Compensation. In consideration of the extraordinary time, effort and attention Director has agreed to commit to the Company in connection with such service as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors above and beyond the time, effort and attention expected of other directors of the Company, the Company agrees to compensate Director as follows:

          (a)          Retainer; Meeting Fees. The Company shall pay to Director the Company's standard retainer fee for service as a member of the Board of Directors as in effect from time to time as and when payable to all directors of the Company. The Company shall also pay to Director the standard fee for attendance at and participation in meetings of the Board of Directors as and when payable to all directors of the Company. Director shall not be entitled to compensation for attendance at meetings of committees of the Company's Board of Directors.

          (b)          Additional Compensation. The Company shall pay to Director a fee of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in twelve (12) equal, monthly installments payable on the last day of each month during the term of this Agreement, commencing May 31, 1993. The final monthly installment for the first year of this Agreement will be paid to Director on April 26, 1994.

          (c)          Business Expenses. The Company shall pay or reimburse Director for actual and reasonable business expenses incurred by Director in connection with his service as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors during the term of this Agreement and, for each one-year term of this Agreement, will also pay directly or reimburse Director for office, clerical and related expenses incurred by Director in connection with such service in an amount not to exceed Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000).

          (d)          Stock Option. The Company shall grant to Director a non- qualified stock option to purchase 3,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $1.00 par value (the "Option Shares"). The per share purchase price for the Option Shares shall be equal to the mean of the highest and lowest prices of sales of shares of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on April 27, 1993. Such option shall be evidenced by a written agreement containing such terms and conditions, consistent with this Agreement, as the members of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors may determine.

          4.          Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the Company or by Director as follows:

          (a)          Discretionary Termination by Director. Director may terminate this Agreement at any time in Director's discretion, for any reason or without reason, upon sixty (60) days' advance written notice delivered to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.



- -2-


          (b)          Termination by Company for Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement immediately for Cause. "Cause" shall include, without limitation, Director's material breach of this Agreement; the willful and continued failure to perform his duties as provided in this Agreement; misappropriation of Company property; activities in aid of a competitor; dishonesty; conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude injurious to the Company; or removal from office by the stockholders of the Company as provided in the Delaware General Corporation Law, as such law may be amended.

          (c)          Termination by Non-renewal. This Agreement will automatically terminate at the end of any one-year Agreement term if the Company has provided the Director with the notice of non-renewal specified in Section 2 above.

          (d)          Discretionary Termination by Company. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time in its discretion, for any reason or without reason. Any termination of this Agreement by the Company, other than termination for Cause or by non-renewal, shall be deemed to have been a termination under this subsection.

5.          Compensation Upon Termination. The date on which any termination becomes effective is referenced in this Agreement as the "Termination Date." Upon any termination of this Agreement, Director shall be entitled to continue to receive the standard retainer fee and regular fees for attendance at meetings of the Board, plus additional fees for attendance at meetings of Board committees held after the Termination Date, if Director continues to be a director of the Company. In addition, Director shall be entitled to receive the compensation set forth below:

          (a)          If the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a) or 4(b) above, Director shall be entitled to receive the additional compensation provided in Section 3(b) of this Agreement earned by Director through the Termination Date, prorated on the basis of a 365 day year, and reimbursement pursuant to Section 3(c) of all expenses incurred through the Termination Date.

          (b)          If the Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 4(d) above, except as provided in Section 6 below, Director shall be entitled to receive the full amount of the additional compensation provided in Section 3(b) of this Agreement, and reimbursement pursuant to Section 3(c) of all expenses incurred through the Termination Date.

6.          Termination Following Change in Control. If this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Sections 4(c) or 4(d) following a Change in Control (as hereafter defined), Director shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment in cash on the Termination Date of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000). Director shall be entitled to receive the compensation provided in Section 3(b) prorated through the date he receives the lump sum payment provided above, and shall not be entitled to any compensation provided in Section 3(b) for the remaining term of this Agreement from and after such date. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in


- -3-


Control" shall mean any change in control of the Company of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A issued under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"); provided, that without limitation a Change in Control shall have occurred for purposes of this Agreement if: (i) any "person" (as such term is defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of the 1934 Act) is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then-outstanding securities; or (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the Company cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, of each new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then sti ll in office who were directors at the beginning of such period.

7.          Entire Agreement. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the matters covered by this Agreement have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement, and this Agreement supersedes any other agreements on the matters covered by this Agreement.

8.          Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement has been authorized by the Company's Board of Directors. No provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless such amendment, waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in a writing specifically authorized by a written Board resolution, and signed by Director and by such director or officer as may be specifically designated by the Board of Directors of the Company in such resolution. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach or non-performance of this Agreement by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach or non-performance.

9.          Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect as if the invalid or unenforceable provision were absent from this Agreement.

10.          Binding Effect; Assignability. All of the terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by and against the successors and authorized assigns of the Company and Director. Neither the Company nor Director shall assign any of their respective rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other person, firm or corporation without the prior written consent of the other party.

11.          Notices. Notices to a party under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered, sent by certified or registered mail (postage prepaid), shipped and receipted by express courier service (charges prepaid), or mailed first class (postage prepaid), or transmitted by telecopier or similar facsimile transmitter:







- -4-


          (a)          If to Director:

                        Mr. Phillip D. Matthews
                        Matthews, Mullaney & Company
                        100 West Broadway, Suite 970
                        Glendale, California 91210
                        Fax: (818) 543-6659

          (b)          If to the Company:

                        Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
                        9341 Courtland Drive, N.E.
                        Rockford, Michigan 49351
                        Attn: General Counsel
                        Fax: (616) 866-0660

12.          Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and the counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

13.          Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, and construction of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan as applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of Michigan, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.

                    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date and year first written above.


 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.

   
   
 

By:

/s/ Daniel T. Carroll


   

Daniel T. Carroll,
Director and Chairman of the
Compensation Committee of the
   Board of Directors

   

"Company"

   
   
 

/s/ Phillip D. Matthews


 

Phillip D. Matthews

 

"Director"




- -5-


WWW Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-K 2003

Exhibit 10.14

          The persons listed below have entered into Executive Severance Agreements with the Company. The form Executive Severance Agreement previously filed contains certain blanks to be completed for each person. The information listed below is inserted into the blanks for the respective person's Executive Severance Agreement.

 

Salary Multiplier
Rate
(Section 4(a)(4))

Termination Period
(Section 1(n))

Change of Control
Continuation Period
(Section 2)

 

 

 

 

Timothy J. O'Donovan

3

3 years

36 months

Steven M. Duffy

3

3 years

36 months

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.

3

3 years

36 months

Blake W. Krueger

3

3 years

36 months

Owen S. Baxter

2

2 years

24 months

William J. B. Brown

2

2 years

24 months

Arthur G. Croci

2

2 years

24 months

Richard C. DeBlasio

2

2 years

24 months

V. Dean Estes

2

2 years

24 months

Jacques Lavertue

2

2 years

24 months

Thomas P. Mundt

2

2 years

24 months

Nicholas P. Ottenwess

2

2 years

24 months

Robert J. Sedrowski

2

2 years

24 months

Spencer E. Zimmerman

2

2 years

24 months

James D. Zwiers

2

2 years

24 months

WWW Exhibit 10.17 to Form 10-K 2003

Exhibit 10.17


          The following persons have a percentage benefit multiplier under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "Plan") of 2.4% or 2.0%, as indicated below, in lieu of the 1.6% of final average monthly remuneration benefit multiplier described in the Plan:

 

2.4%

2.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven M. Duffy

Owen S. Baxter

 

 

V. Dean Estes

William J.B. Brown

 

 

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.

Arthur G. Croci

 

 

Blake W. Krueger

Richard C. DeBlasio

 

 

Timothy J. O'Donovan

Gary Fountain

 

 

Robert J. Sedrowski

Ted Gedra

 

 

 

Blaine C. Jungers

 

 

 

Jacques Lavertue

 

 

 

Thomas P. Mundt

 

 

 

Nicholas P. Ottenwess

 

 

 

A. T. Payne

 

 

 

James Weston

 

 

 

Spencer E. Zimmerman

 

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Exhibit 10.19 to Form 10-K Y/E/ 12/28/02

Exhibit 10.19

FIFTIETH AMENDMENT
OF
WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
EMPLOYEES' PENSION PLAN

          FIFTIETH AMENDMENT to the WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. EMPLOYEES' PENSION PLAN (the Plan) made this 9th day of July, 2002, by WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. (the Company).

 

1.

Purpose. Under the authority reserved to it under Section 12.1 of the Plan, the Company wishes to amend the Plan to permit deferred vested participants to elect optional forms of benefit under the plan.

 

 

 

 

2.

Amendment. The Plan is amended at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Section 6.1 to delete the last sentence prohibiting election of an optional form of benefits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Supplement F to include A.T. Payne, III, as a B Executive.

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Effective Date. This amendment shall be effective on April 1, 2002 as to Section 6.1 and February 15, 2002, as to Supplement F.

 

 

 

 

4.

Revised Pages. The amendment is incorporated in revised pages which shall be substituted for their counterparts.

          The Company has caused this Amendment to be executed by its authorized officers on the date first written above.



   

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.

     
     
   

/s/ Blake W. Krueger 


   

Blake W. Krueger
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

     
     
     

Attest

   
     

/s/ Nicholas P. Ottenwess


   

Nicholas P. Ottenwess
Corporate Controller

   
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Exhibit 21

EXHIBIT 21 -- SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

                              Name

State or Country of
Incorporation or Organization

 

 

Aguadilla Shoe Corporation

Michigan

Brooks France, S.A.

France

BSI Shoes, Inc.

Michigan

Dominican Wolverine Shoe Company Limited

Cayman Islands

Hush Puppies Canada Footwear Ltd.

Canada

Hush Puppies Retail, Inc.

Michigan

d/b/a

Hush Puppies & Family
Hush Puppies Factory Direct
Little Red Shoe House
The Slipper Store
The Slipper Store.com
UP Footgear

 

Hush Puppies (U.K.) Ltd.

England & Wales

Hy-Test, Inc.

Michigan

d/b/a

Hy-Test

 

Merrell Europe B.V.

The Netherlands

Merrell (Europe) Limited

England & Wales

Spartan Shoe Company Limited

Cayman Islands

Wolverine de Costa Rica, S.A.

Costa Rica

Wolverine de Mexico S.A. de C.V.

Mexico

Wolverine Design Center, Inc.

Michigan

Wolverine Europe Limited

England & Wales

Wolverine International GP, LLC

Michigan

Wolverine International, L.P.

Cayman Islands

Wolverine International S.à.r.l.

Luxembourg

Wolverine International, S.L.

Spain

Wolverine Outdoors, Inc.

Michigan

Wolverine Procurement, Inc.

Michigan

Wolverine Russia, Inc.

Michigan

Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc.

Michigan

d/b/a

Wolverine Slipper Group
Slipper Gift Store

 

Wolverine Sourcing, Inc.

Michigan

Wolverine World Wide Europe Limited

England & Wales

All of the subsidiaries listed above are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company except Wolverine Europe Limited, which is 95% owned by the Company.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Exhibit 23

Exhibit 23 -- Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-67462, 333-93563, 333-49523, 33-63689, 33-55213, 33-64854, 33-23195, 33-23196, 333-88898 and 333-97917) pertaining to various plans of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. of our report dated February 5, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002.

 

   
 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 26, 2003

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Exhibit 24

Exhibit 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 22, 2003

/s/ Phillip D. Matthews


 













POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 23, 2003

/s/ Geoffrey B. Bloom


 

















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 23, 2003

/s/ Donald V. Fites


 

















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 24, 2003

/s/ Alberto L. Grimoldi


 

















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 25, 2003

/s/ David T. Kollat


 

















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 20, 2003


/s/ David P. Mehney


 
















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

February 17, 2003

/s/ Joseph A. Parini


 



















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 25, 2003

/s/ Joan Parker


 


















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 28, 2003

/s/ Elizabeth A. Sanders


 
















POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    The undersigned, in his or her capacity as a director or officer, or both, as the case may be, of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., does hereby appoint TIMOTHY J. O'DONOVAN; STEPHEN L. GULIS, JR.; BLAKE W. KRUEGER; JAMES D. ZWIERS; and JEFFREY A. OTT, or any of them, his or her attorneys or attorney, with full power of substitution, to execute in his or her name an Annual Report of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, and any amendments to that report, and to file it or them with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each attorney shall have power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do in person, and the undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the acts of such attorneys.


     Date

Signature

 
     

January 24, 2003

/s/ Paul D. Schrage


 
Wolverine World Wide Inc. Exhibit 99.1

Exhibit 99.1

CERTIFICATION

Solely for the purpose of complying with 18 U.S.C. § 1350, each of the undersigned hereby certifies in his capacity as an officer of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (the "Company") that the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Company at the end of such period and the results of operations of the Company for such period.

 

Dated: March 27, 2003

 

/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


   

Timothy J. O'Donovan
President and Chief Executive Officer

     
     
     

Dated: March 27, 2003

 

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


   

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer



A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and will be retained by Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.