Wolverine World Wide Form 10-Q - 05/04

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the first twelve week accounting period ended March 27, 2004

OR

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

Commission File Number: 1-6024

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


Delaware


 

38-1185150


(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan


 

49351


(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)



 

(616) 866-5500


 

 

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    X          No       

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

Yes    X          No       

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

There were 47,272,931 shares of Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding as of April 29, 2004, of which 7,513,735 shares are held as Treasury Stock.




1


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the footwear business, worldwide economics and the Company itself including, without limitation, statements regarding the impact and scope of the Merrell® shop-in-shop concept, the impact of research and development tax credits in 2004, estimated tax rates, and the use of excess cash flows, statements in Part 1, Item 2 regarding the overview, the Company's financial condition, liquidity and capital resources and statements in Part 1, Item 3 regarding market risk. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "should," "will," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Risk Factors") t hat 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; the size and growth of footwear markets; service interruptions at shipping and receiving ports; changes in the amount or severity of inclement weather; changes due to the growth of Internet commerce; popularity of particular designs a nd 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; dependence on international distributors and licensees; the Company's ability to meet at-once orders; the exercise of future purchase options by the U.S. Department of Defense on previously awarded contracts; the risk of doing business in developing countries and economically volatile areas; retail buying patterns; consolidation in the retail sector; and the acceptability of U.S. brands in international markets. Additionally, concern regarding acts of terrorism, the war in Iraq and subsequent events have created significant global economic and political uncertainties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand, foreign sourcing of footwear, shipping and transportation, product imports and exports and the sale of products in foreign markets. These matters are representative of the Risk Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement. Historical operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. The Risk Factors included here are not exhaustive. Other Risk Factors exist, and new Risk Factors emerge from time-to-time, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.












2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Thousands of dollars)


 

March 27,
2004
(Unaudited)


 

January 3,
2004
(Audited)


 

March 22,
2003
(Unaudited)


 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

36,770

 

$

55,356

 

$

17,506

 

     Accounts receivable, less allowances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 27, 2004 - $11,919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          January 3, 2004 - $10,462

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 22, 2003 - $10,848

 

168,670

 

 

146,879

 

 

165,681

 

     Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Finished products

 

153,440

 

 

143,127

 

 

150,691

 

          Raw materials and work in process

 


20,181


 

 


21,777


 

 


23,342


 

 

 

173,621

 

 

164,904

 

 

174,033

 

     Other current assets

 


23,437


 

 


19,497


 

 


11,643


 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

402,498

 

 

386,636

 

 

368,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Gross cost

 

242,650

 

 

238,350

 

 

230,632

 

     Less accumulated depreciation

 


(146,315


)

 


(142,343


)

 


(132,427


)

 

 

96,335

 

 

96,007

 

 

98,205

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles

 

42,200

 

 

42,130

 

 

33,022

 

     Other

 


54,819


 

 


54,108


 

 


37,705


 

 

 


97,019


 

 


96,238


 

 


70,727


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$


595,852


 

$


578,881


 

$


537,795


 

















See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements





3


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 

March 27,
2004
(Unaudited)


 

January 3,
2004
(Audited)


 

March 22,
2003
(Unaudited)


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Notes payable

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

391

 

     Accounts payable

 

37,986

 

 

26,328

 

 

27,639

 

     Accrued salaries and wages

 

10,628

 

 

16,696

 

 

10,523

 

     Other accrued liabilities

 

32,328

 

 

26,722

 

 

24,543

 

     Current maturities of long-term debt

 


16,020


 

 


16,020


 

 


15,030


 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

96,962

 

 

85,766

 

 

78,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

 

43,898

 

 

43,903

 

 

67,256

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

18,281

 

 

18,804

 

 

24,547

 

Minority interest

 

331

 

 

314

 

 

170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Common stock - par value $1, authorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          80,000,000 shares; shares issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          (including shares in treasury):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               March 27, 2004 - 47,122,683 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               January 3, 2004 - 46,662,593 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               March 22, 2003 - 46,102,477 shares

 

47,123

 

 

46,663

 

 

46,102

 

     Additional paid-in capital

 

107,906

 

 

101,706

 

 

93,793

 

     Retained earnings

 

392,376

 

 

382,603

 

 

344,710

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

8,982

 

 

8,540

 

 

(24,450

)

     Unearned compensation

 

(7,733

)

 

(4,138

)

 

(5,792

)

     Cost of shares in treasury:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 27, 2004 - 7,518,884 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          January 3, 2004 - 7,209,313 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 22, 2003 - 6,290,113 shares

 


(112,274


)

 


(105,280


)

 


(86,667


)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 


436,380


 

 


430,094


 

 


367,696


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$


595,852


 

$


578,881


 

$


537,795


 












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



4


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

 

March 27,
2004


 

March 22,
2003


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

$

224,871

 

$

191,485

 

Cost of products sold

 

 


139,430


 

 


122,289


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS MARGIN

 

 

85,441

 

 

69,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 


66,337


 

 


56,883


 

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

19,104

 

 

12,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expenses (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest expense

 

 

1,049

 

 

1,383

 

     Interest income

 

 

(111

)

 

(107

)

     Other - net

 

 


72


 

 


16


 

 

 

 


1,010


 

 


1,292


 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     AND MINORITY INTEREST

 

 

18,094

 

 

11,021

 

Income taxes

 

 


5,778


 

 


3,581


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS BEFORE MINORITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     INTEREST

 

 

12,316

 

 

7,440

 

Minority interest

 

 


(17


)

 


(26


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS

 

$


12,299


 

$


7,414


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

 

$


.32


 

$


.19


 

     Diluted

 

$


.30


 

$


.18


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share

 

$


.065


 

$


.055


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used for net earnings per share computation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Basic

 

 

38,801,953

 

 

39,197,470

 

          Diluted

 

 

40,555,706

 

 

40,219,539

 










See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements



5


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

 

March 27,
2004


 

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

46,663

 

     Common stock issued under stock incentive plans

 


460


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


47,123


 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

101,706

 

     Amounts associated with common stock issued under stock incentive plans

 

6,294

 

     Issuance of treasury shares (2,227 shares)

 

14

 

     Net change in notes receivable

 


(108


)

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


107,906


 

 

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

382,603

 

     Net earnings

 

12,299

 

     Cash dividends

 


(2,526


)

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


392,376


 

 

 

 

 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

8,540

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

283

 

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

 


159


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


8,982


 

 

 

 

 

UNEARNED COMPENSATION

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

(4,138

)

     Awards under restricted stock incentive plans

 

(4,322

)

     Compensation expense

 


727


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


(7,733


)

 

 

 

 

COST OF SHARES IN TREASURY

 

 

 

     Balance at beginning of the year

$

(105,280

)

     Common stock repurchased for treasury (255,112 shares)

 

(5,837

)

     Common stock surrendered relating to stock incentive plans (52,232 shares)

 

(1,190

)

     Issuance of treasury shares (2,227 shares)

 


33


 

     Balance at end of the quarter

$


(112,274


)

 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AT END OF THE QUARTER

$


436,380


 







See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


6


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

March 27,
2004


 

March 22,
2003


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net earnings

$

12,299

 

$

7,414

 

     Adjustments necessary to reconcile net earnings to net cash
        used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Depreciation

 

4,478

 

 

4,013

 

     Amortization

 

199

 

 

236

 

     Other

 

356

 

 

(307

)

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Accounts receivable

 

(22,281

)

 

(9,772

)

          Inventories

 

(9,364

)

 

(4,773

)

          Other assets

 

(3,203

)

 

(152

)

          Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

 


9,210


 

 


(2,876


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities   

 

(8,306

)

 

(6,217

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(4,854

)

 

(4,950

)

     Other

 


58


 

 


16


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities   

 

(4,796

)

 

(4,934

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Proceeds from long-term debt

 

10,002

 

 

11,119

 

     Payments of long-term debt

 

(10,006

)

 

(1,513

)

     Net increase in short-term debt

 

-

 

 

399

 

     Cash dividends

 

(2,526

)

 

(2,179

)

     Purchase of common stock for treasury

 

(5,837

)

 

(5,840

)

     Proceeds from shares issued under stock incentive plans

 


1,181


 

 


(375


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   

 

(7,186

)

 

1,611

 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

 


1,702


 

 


(32


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(18,586

)

 

(9,572

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

 


55,356


 

 


27,078


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

$


36,770


 

$


17,506


 






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




7


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003

1.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for a complete presentation of the financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements.

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

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

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004.

2.  Earnings Per Share

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

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

March 27,
2004


 

March 22,
2003


 

Weighted average shares outstanding

39,535,604

 

39,958,127

 

Adjustment for nonvested restricted stock

(733,651


)

(760,657


)

Denominator for basic earnings per share

38,801,953

 

39,197,470

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

1,366,510

 

653,983

 

Adjustment for nonvested restricted stock

387,243


 

368,086


 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

40,555,706


 

40,219,539


 

Options to purchase 806,562 shares of common stock at March 27, 2004 and 1,142,952 shares at March 22, 2003 have not been included in the denominator for the computation of diluted earnings per share because the related exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the period and, therefore, they were anti-dilutive.

3.  Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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

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

 

March 27,
2004


 

January 3,
2004


 

March 22,
2003


 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

$

14,343

 

$

14,060

 

$

2,210

 

Foreign currency cash flow hedge adjustments

 

(1,478

)

 

(1,637

)

 

(244)

 

Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of taxes

 


(3,883


)

 


(3,883


)

 


(26,416


)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$


8,982


 

$


8,540


 

$


(24,450


)




8


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003

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

 

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

 

March 27,
2004


 

March 22,
2003


 

Net earnings

 

$    12,299

 

$    7,414

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

    Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

283

 

(928

)

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


 


159



 


- -


 

Comprehensive income

 

$    12,741


 

$    6,486


 

4.  Business Segments

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

The other business units in the following table consist of the Company's retail, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. The Company operated 65 domestic retail stores at March 27, 2004 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.

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

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

 

Branded
Footwear
and
Licensing



 


Other
Businesses



 



Corporate



 



Consolidated


 

 

12 weeks ended March 27, 2004


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$  209,465

 

$   15,406

 

-

 

$  224,871

 

Intersegment revenue

7,555

 

404

 

-

 

7,959

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     and minority interest

22,282

 

(1,035

)

$  (3,153

)

18,094

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

12 weeks ended March 22, 2003


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$  177,212

 

$   14,273

 

-

 

$  191,485

 

Intersegment revenue

6,170

 

535

 

-

 

6,705

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     and minority interest

14,465

 

(427

)

$  (3,017

)

11,021

 





9


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003

5.  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 March 27, 2004 with a carrying value of $57,857,400 and a fair value of $61,455,600, the Company's estimate of the fair values of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at March 27, 2004. 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.

The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138, which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the 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 March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003, foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of $31,010,000 and $30,800,000, respectively, were outstanding to purchase various currencies (principally U.S. dollars) with maturities ranging up to 251 days. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003, liabilities of $1,082,000 and $333,000 have been recorded for the fair value of the foreign e xchange contracts.

The fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts represents the estimated receipts or payments necessary to terminate the contracts. Hedge effectiveness is evaluated by the hypothetical derivative method. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reported within the cost of products sold caption of the consolidated condensed statements of operations. Hedge ineffectiveness was approximately $672,000 for the quarter ended March 27, 2004 and was not material to the consolidated financial statements at March 22, 2003. If, in the future, the foreign exchange contracts are determined to be ineffective hedges or terminated before their contractual termination dates, the Company would be required to reclassify into earnings all or a portion of the unrealized amounts related to the cash flow hedges that are currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity.

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

6.  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 incentives 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 for 2004 year-to-date: risk-free interest rate of 3.0% (2.8% in 2003); dividend yield of 1.3% (1.4% in 2003); expected market price volatility factor of 0.36 (0.41 in 2003); and an expected option life of four years.

The estimated weighted-average fair value for each option granted was $6.73 and $5.07 for year-to-date 2004 and 2003, respectively.





10


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003

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 (thousands of dollars, except per share data):

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

March 27
2004


 

March 22
2003


Net earnings, as reported

$

12,299

 

$

7,414

Add:  Total stock-based employee

 

 

 

 

 

          compensation expense included in reported

 

 

 

 

 

          net income, net of related tax effects

 

27

 

 

-

Deduct:  Total stock-based employee

 

 

 

 

 

          compensation expense determined under

 

 

 

 

 

          fair value based method for all awards,

 

 

 

 

 

          net of related tax effects

 


966


 

 


948


Pro forma net earnings

$


11,360


 

$


6,466


 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

   Basic - as reported

$

0.32

 

$

0.19

   Basic - pro forma

 

0.29

 

 

0.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Diluted - as reported

 

0.30

 

 

0.18

   Diluted - pro forma

 

0.28

 

 

0.16

7.  Pension Expense

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

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

March 27,
2004


 

March 22,
2003


 

Service cost pertaining to benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

   earned during the period

$

(922

)

$

(736

)

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

(2,081

)

 

(1,959

)

Expected return on pension assets

 

2,756

 

 

2,308

 

Net amortization loss

 


(1,285


)

 


(1,245


)

Net pension expense

$


(1,532


)

$


(1,632


)

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




11


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003

and claims against the Company, management is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or future results of operations.

Pursuant to certain of the Company's lease agreements, the Company has provided financial guarantees to third parties in the form of indemnification provisions. These provisions indemnify and reimburse 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 payments are dependent on the occurrence of future unknown events.

9.  Business Acquisitions

On November 3, 2003, the Company acquired certain operating assets of Sebago, Inc., an international distributor of performance nautical and American-inspired footwear, consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, trademarks and other amortizable intangible assets totaling approximately $18,046,000 and assumed liabilities of approximately $1,986,000. Subject to certain post-closing adjustments, the total purchase price of Sebago, Inc., was $16,780,000, which consisted of $14,780,000 paid in cash and a note payable for $2,000,000 ($1,000,000 due in both 2004 and 2005), resulting in goodwill of $720,000 after allocation of the preliminary purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Future adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation will result in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of op erations since November 3, 2003 are included in the Company's consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Immediately after the acquisition was consummated, management of the Company began to implement an integration plan for the Sebago operation. In conjunction with the integration plan, the Company recorded additional liabilities of approximately $1,792,000, which were included in the acquisition cost allocation in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination. The additional liabilities include approximately $1,496,000 for severance and related costs for approximately 100 manufacturing and administrative employees in Maine, and $296,000 related to exit costs for specific product lines of Sebago, Inc. At March 27, 2004, substantially all of the liabilities remain recorded on the consolidated condensed balance sheets.

10.  New Accounting Standards

On March 31, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Exposure Draft, Share-Based Payments, which is a proposed amendment to SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. The Exposure Draft would require all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. The FASB expects that a final standard would be effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004. The Company does not intend to adopt a fair-value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation until a final standard has been issued by the FASB. Pro forma earnings per share disclosures required by SFAS No. 123 are disclosed in Note 6.












12


ITEM 2.

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

OVERVIEW
During the 2004 first quarter, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (the "Company") achieved record revenue and earnings. Revenue grew 17.4% to $224.9 million from $191.5 million for the 2003 first quarter. Earnings per share during the 2004 first quarter grew to $0.30 per share compared to $0.18 per share reported for the same quarter last year, an increase of 66.7%, with positive earnings contributions from all of the Branded Footwear and Licensing operating units. The Company also realized significant gross margin improvement during the quarter which resulted from global synergies in the Merrell® business, repositioning efforts in the global Hush Puppies® wholesale businesses and the impact of the 2003 slipper business realignment. The balance sheet metrics continued to improve with the 2004 first quarter accounts receivable up only 1.8% and inventory levels relatively flat on a 17.4% increase in revenue over the same quarter last year. Additionally, the Company ended the first quarter of 2004 with $36.8 mi llion in cash on hand and debt outstanding of $59.9 million.

These results are being driven by the Company's strategic growth plan as discussed in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004. This plan is focused on transforming Wolverine World Wide, Inc. into the premier company in the non-athletic segment of the global footwear market. Achievements during the 2004 first quarter include:

A stronger presence in Europe


 

The European-based Branded Footwear and Licensing operations accounted for nearly one-third of the quarter-to-quarter revenue increase and represented over 20% of the Company's 2004 first quarter revenue.


Sources of revenue growth


 

The Sebago® business, acquired in November of 2003, added $9.8 million in revenue to the 2004 first quarter and produced a positive earnings contribution during this seasonally important, high volume shipping period for the brand.

 

Nineteen new Merrell® shop-in-shops were installed in the first quarter including the Company's first three in Europe. As of the end of the 2004 first quarter, a total of 79 shop-in-shops are in place. Sales during the first quarter to retailers with shops installed are up significantly.


Sources of earnings improvement


 

The efforts to refocus and streamline the slipper business had a positive impact on earnings as losses were reduced during the quarter, which is historically a very low volume period for slipper revenue.

 

Gross margins for the 2004 first quarter increased 190 basis points to 38.0%. This improvement relates to the increased sales mix of the Company's high margin lifestyle product offerings, benefits from favorable foreign exchange rate changes and improvements generated with the realignment in the slipper operations.

Looking ahead for the full year, the Company has solid momentum and is benefiting not only from a strong acceptance of innovative new products but also from good sell-throughs at retail and increases in backlog. Recognizing that Sebago® shipped a significant portion of their annual deliveries in the 2004 first quarter, the rate of growth for the remainder of 2004 is not expected to be as dramatic as that of the 2004 first quarter.

The following is a discussion of the Company's results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the 2004 first quarter. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated condensed financial statements and notes included in this report and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004.





13


Results of Operations - Comparison of the 12 Weeks Ended March 27, 2004 (2004 First Quarter) to the 12 Weeks Ended March 22, 2003 (2003 First Quarter)

Financial Summary - 2004 First Quarter versus 2003 First Quarter

 


2004


2003


Change


 


$


%


$


%


 


$


 


%


 


(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Branded Footwear and Licensing

$209.5

93.1%

$177.2

92.5%

 

$32.3

 

18.2%

 

   Other business units


15.4


6.9%


14.3


7.5%


 


1.1


 


7.9%


 


Total revenue


$224.9


100.0%


$191.5


100.0%


 


$33.4


 


17.4%


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Branded Footwear and Licensing

$79.7

38.0%

$63.9

36.1%

 

$15.8

 

24.7%

 

   Other business units


5.7


37.3%


5.3


36.9%


 


0.4


 


8.9%


 


Total gross margin


$85.4


38.0%


$69.2


36.1%


 


$16.2


 


23.5%


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

$66.3

29.5%

$56.9

29.7%

 

$9.4

 

16.6%

 

Interest expense-net

0.9

0.4%

1.3

0.7%

 

(0.4

)

(26.5%

)

Other income-net

0.1

0.0%

0.0

0.0%

 

0.1

 

-  

 

Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

18.1

8.0%

11.0

5.8%

 

7.1

 

64.2%

 

Net earnings

12.3

5.5%

7.4

3.9%

 

4.9

 

65.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$0.30

 

$0.18

 

 

$0.12

 

66.7%

 

The Company has one reportable segment that is engaged in manufacturing, sourcing, marketing and distributing branded products. Within the Branded Footwear and Licensing segment, the Company has identified five branded footwear and licensing operating units, consisting of the Wolverine Footwear Group (comprised of the Bates®, Hytest®, Harley-Davidson®, Stanley® and Wolverine® brands), the Outdoor Group (comprised of the Merrell® and Sebago® brands), CAT Footwear, The Hush Puppies Company, and Other Branded Products. The Company's other business units consist of Hush Puppies Retail, Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement. The following is supplemental information on revenue of the Branded Footwear and Licensing operating units:

Revenue - Branded Footwear and Licensing Operating Units

 


2004


2003


Change


 


$


%


$


%


$


%


(Millions of Dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Wolverine Footwear Group

$68.3

30.4%

$61.5

32.1%

$6.8

11.1%

   Outdoor Group

77.7

34.6%

53.7

28.1%

24.0

44.7%

   CAT Footwear

23.7

10.5%

23.7

12.4%

-  

-  

   The Hush Puppies Company

37.9

16.9%

37.5

19.6%

0.4

1.1%

   Other Branded Footwear and Licensing


1.9


0.7%


0.8


0.3%


1.1


127.9%


Total Branded Footwear and Licensing revenue


$209.5


93.1%


$177.2


92.5%


$32.3


18.2%


REVENUE
Revenue for the 2004 first quarter increased $33.4 million over the 2003 first quarter. Increases in unit volume, changes in product mix and changes in selling price for the Branded Footwear and Licensing operations, as discussed below, contributed $25.8 million of the revenue increase. The impact of translating foreign denominated revenue to U.S. dollars improved revenue by $6.5 million for Branded Footwear and Licensing. The acquisition of Sebago® added $9.8 million to revenue of the Outdoor Group. The other business units contributed $1.1 million to the increase. Both domestic and international revenue increased, with international revenue accounting for 32.1% of total revenue in 2004 as compared to 28.2% in 2003.

The Wolverine Footwear Group's revenue increase was largely due to the success of the Bates® and Harley-Davidson® divisions. The Bates® brand improved with strong demand from both the military and civilian uniform accounts, along with several sporting goods accounts now carrying the Bates® product. Revenue from the Harley-Davidson® footwear brand improved due to strong reorders from the Harley-Davidson dealerships as well as the addition of new independent retail accounts. Wolverine® Boots and Shoes (including Hytest®) experienced an increase in revenue resulting from stronger demand in the safety and industrial sector of the market.



14


The Outdoor Group reported double-digit revenue growth for the 2004 first quarter. Sebago®, which was purchased in November 2003, accounted for approximately half of the increase. The Merrell® European and Canadian wholesale businesses both contributed to the increase, as a result of the expansion of multi-sport and casual footwear product sales in these markets. The Merrell U.S. footwear business also increased, with growth coming from the outdoor/sporting goods and department store distribution channels. Revenue from the Merrell® International business increased as a result of higher demand from distributors in Scandinavia, Russia and Italy.

CAT Footwear's revenue was flat for the 2004 first quarter compared with the 2003 first quarter. The CAT® U.S. wholesale business was up slightly as a result of increases in the industrial/work collection with large key accounts. The CAT® international distributor business reported improved revenue, reflecting an increase in demand in Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and the Pacific Rim. The CAT® European business recognized a decrease in revenue reflecting slower sell-through of the spring/summer product line.

The Hush Puppies Company's revenue increase was driven by its international business growth of 10.4%, which was led by Hush Puppies U.K. This increase was offset by a low-single digit decrease in U.S. wholesale revenue and the impact of the realignment of the Hush Puppies® slipper product line. The decline in the U.S. business reflects the global repositioning of the brand's product and distribution strategy toward higher priced, better grade footwear aimed at a younger, more contemporary consumer.

Revenue for other branded products increased slightly in the 2004 first quarter due to lower returns of private label slippers and other footwear to a key U.S. catalog retailer.

Within the Company's other business units, Hush Puppies Retail reported an increase in revenue as a result of same store revenue increases of 4.9% and new store openings. Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement also recorded increases in revenue due to increased shipments of satin sueded products to existing customers along with new customer initiatives.

As a result of increases in customer orders for future delivery, the Company ended the 2004 first quarter with an order backlog 12.6% above 2003 first quarter levels. The purchase of Sebago® contributed 2.8% of this increase.

GROSS MARGIN
The gross margin dollar and percentage increases for the Branded Footwear and Licensing segment relate to the increased sales mix of the Company's high margin lifestyle product offerings, benefits from favorable foreign exchange rate changes and improvements generated with the realignment in the slipper operations. The gross margin percentage for the other business units increased due to a higher quality inventory mix for Hush Puppies Retail, which required lower markdowns. This improvement was offset by a decrease in margins for Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement.

SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling and administrative expenses of $66.3 million for the 2004 first quarter increased $9.4 million from the 2003 first quarter level of $56.9 million and, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 29.5% in 2004 compared to 29.7% in the 2003 first quarter. The impact of translating foreign denominated operating expense to U.S. dollars increased total expenses by $1.6 million (2.8%) in 2004. Other dollar increases relate primarily to selling costs, which are variable to the increase in revenue volume. These increases were offset by a reduction in global distribution costs.

INTEREST, OTHER & TAXES
The decrease in interest expense reflects lower average outstanding amounts on senior notes and minimal borrowing under the Company's revolving credit facility.

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

The Company's 2004 first quarter effective income tax rate was 32.0% compared to 32.5% for the 2003 first quarter. This reduced effective tax rate reflects the overall profit mix from the Company's foreign entities and the impact of research and development tax credits expected in 2004. The Company expects the research and development tax credits will have an ongoing positive effect. The estimated annualized effective tax rate for fiscal 2004 is 32.0%.

Net earnings improved as a result of the changes discussed above. All of the Company's major Branded Footwear and Licensing operations contributed to record results for the 2004 first quarter.



15


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

Change from



 


March 27,
2004



 


January 3,
2004


March 22,
2003



 


January 3,
2004



 


March 22,
2003


 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

36.8

 

$

55.4

$

17.5

 

$

(18.6

)

$

19.3

 

Accounts receivable

 

168.7

 

 

146.9

 

165.7

 

 

21.8

 

 

3.0

 

Inventories

 

173.6

 

 

164.9

 

174.0

 

 

8.7

 

 

(0.4

)

Accounts payable

 

38.0

 

 

26.3

 

27.6

 

 

11.7

 

 

10.4

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

43.0

 

 

43.4

 

35.1

 

 

(0.4

)

 

7.9

 

Debt

 

59.9

 

 

59.9

 

82.7

 

 

-

 

 

(22.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$

(8.3

)

 

 

$

(6.2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

4.9

 

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4.7

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash of $25.5 million was used to fund working capital investments in the 2004 first quarter compared to $16.9 million used in the 2003 first quarter. The balance sheet metrics continued to improve with the 2004 first quarter accounts receivable up only 1.8% and the number of days' sales outstanding reduced by 9.0%. Inventory levels remained relatively flat on a 17.4% increase in revenue over the same quarter last year, inventory turns improved 10.3% and SKU (stock keeping unit) levels were reduced by 10.6% for the 2004 first quarter. No single customer accounted for more than 5% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at March 27, 2004.

The increase in accounts payable was primarily attributable to the timing of inventory purchases from contract suppliers. The increase in other accrued liabilities was primarily attributable to liabilities assumed in the Sebago® footwear acquisition in November 2003, adjustments made for foreign currency forward exchange contracts, timing of various tax payments and increases in employee benefit accruals.

The majority of capital expenditures were for information system enhancements, consumer-direct initiatives, distribution equipment and building improvements. The Company leases machinery, equipment and certain warehouse, office and retail store space under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 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 to the Company's Canadian subsidiary. Of the remaining $140.0 million facility, $35.0 million can be utilized by the Company's European subsidiaries. The revolving credit facility is used to support working capital requirements. No amount was outstanding under revolving credit facilities at March 27, 2004 and $9.4 million was outstanding at March 22, 2003. 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 internal and external growth initiatives, pay dividends or repurchase the Company's common stock.

The decrease in debt compared to March 22, 2003 balances was the result of annual principal payments on the Company's senior notes and lower borrowings made on the revolving credit facility to fund working capital investments. The Company had commercial letter-of-credit facilities outstanding of $4.0 million and $5.1 million at March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003, respectively. The decrease in letters of credit is due to the elimination of letter-of-credit requirements in favor of open account terms for a majority of the Company's footwear suppliers. The total debt to total capital ratio for the Company was 12.1% for the 2004 first quarter, 18.4% for the 2003 first quarter and 12.2% for the 2003 fiscal year.

Included in other assets are assets held for exchange in the amount of $3.3 million represent barter credits that were acquired in exchange for inventories in December 1997. Such credits are redeemable for a percentage of supplies purchased from certain vendors through 2005 with an option for a two-year extension. 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 $4.6 million have been utilized through March 27, 2004.

The Company's pension benefit costs and credits are based upon 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


16


resulting from the Company's qualified defined benefit pension plans remained relatively flat for the 2004 first quarter when compared to the same period of 2003 due to market conditions and interest rates remaining fairly stable.

The Company's Board of Directors approved common stock repurchase programs on December 9, 2003 and August 19, 2002. Each program authorizes the repurchase of 2.0 million shares of common stock over a 24-month period commencing on the effective date of the program. There were 255,112 shares ($5.8 million in market value) repurchased during the 2004 first quarter. 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 or privately negotiated transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions and other factors. Additional information about stock repurchases is included in Part II, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q.

The Company declared dividends of $2.5 million in the 2004 first quarter, or $.065 per share. This represents a 18.2% increase over the $.055 per share declared in the 2003 first quarter. The quarterly dividend is payable on May 3, 2004 to stockholders of record on April 1, 2004.

On November 3, 2003, the Company acquired certain operating assets of Sebago, Inc., an international distributor of performance nautical and American-inspired footwear, consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, trademarks and other amortizable intangible assets totaling approximately $18.1 million and assumed liabilities of approximately $2.0 million. Subject to certain post-closing adjustments, the total purchase price of Sebago, Inc., was $16.8 million, which consisted of $14.8 million paid in cash and a note payable for $2.0 million ($1.0 million due in both 2004 and 2005), resulting in goodwill of $0.7 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an on-going basis, management evaluates these estimates. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Historically, actual results have not been materially different from the Company's estimates. However, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The Company has identified the critical accounting policies used in determining estimates and assumptions in the amounts reported in its Mangement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004. Management believes there have been no changes in those critical accounting policies.


ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended January 3, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

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

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



17


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

The Company applies SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138, when accounting for derivative instruments. 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 income (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 March 27, 2004 and March 22, 2003, the Company had outstanding forward currency exchange contracts to purchase $31.0 million and $30.8 million, respectively, of various currencies (principally U. S. dollars) with maturities ranging up to 280 days.

The Company also has production facilities in the Dominican Republic where financial statements are prepared in U.S. dollars as the functional currency; however, operating costs are paid in the local currencies. Royalty revenue generated by the Company from certain third-party foreign licensees is calculated in the licensees' local currencies, but paid in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, the Company could be subject to related foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses in 2004 and beyond.


ITEM 4.

Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on and as of the time of such evaluation, the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the twelve-week period ended March 27, 2004 that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control o ver financial reporting.














18


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities






Period



Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased




Average
Price Paid
per Share


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


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


January 4, 2004 to January 31, 2004

-

$

-

-          

2,141,000          

February 1, 2004 to February 28, 2004

224,512

 

22.81

224,512          

1,916,488          

February 29, 2004 to March 27, 2004

30,600


 


23.31


30,600          


1,885,888          


Total

255,112


$


$22.87


255,112          


1,885,888          



 

1.

The Company's Board of Directors approved two common stock repurchase programs on December 9, 2003 and August 19, 2002. Each program authorizes the repurchase of 2.0 million shares of common stock over a 24-month period commencing on the effective date of the program. All shares repurchased during the period covered by this report were purchased under publicly announced programs.



ITEM 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


 

(a)

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


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 Bylaws. 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.

 

 

31.1

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

 

 

31.2

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

 

 

32.1

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


 

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K. The following report on Form 8-K was filed during the period covered by this report:



Date


Items Reported


Financial Statements


February 4, 2004


Items 7, 12


None











19


SIGNATURES


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

 

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 5, 2004


 

/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


Date

 

Timothy J. O'Donovan
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Signatory for Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 5, 2004


 

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


Date

 

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized
    Signatory for Registrant)





















20


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 Bylaws. 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.

 

 

31.1

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

 

 

31.2

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

 

 

32.1

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





















21


Wolverine World Wide Exhibit 31.1 to Form 10-Q - 05/04

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

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

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wolverine World Wide, Inc.;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

 

 

4.

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


 

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



Date: May 5, 2004


/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


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

 





Wolverine World Wide Exhibit 31.2 to Form 10-Q - 05/04

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

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

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wolverine World Wide, Inc.;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

 

 

4.

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


 

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

 

 

c)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


 

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

 

 

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.



Date: May 5, 2004


/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


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

 






Wolverine World Wide Exhibit 32.1 to Form 10-Q - 05/04

Exhibit 32.1

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 Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the accounting period ended March 27, 2004 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.

Date: May 5, 2004



 

/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


 

Timothy J. O'Donovan
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


 

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