WEYCO GROUP INC (WEYS)

ITEM 7     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

We design, market, and distribute quality and innovative footwear principally for men, but also for women and children, under a portfolio of well-recognized brand names including: Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, and Forsake.  Inventory is purchased from third-party overseas manufacturers. Almost all of these foreign-sourced purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars. We have two reportable segments, North American wholesale operations (“Wholesale”) and North American retail operations (“Retail”). In the Wholesale segment, our products are sold to leading footwear, department, and specialty stores, as well as e-commerce retailers, primarily in the United States and Canada. We also have licensing agreements with third parties who sell our branded apparel, accessories, and specialty footwear in the United States, as well as our footwear in Mexico and certain markets overseas.  Licensing revenues are included in our Wholesale segment. Our Retail segment consists of e-commerce businesses and four brick-and-mortar retail stores in the United States. Retail sales are made directly to consumers on our websites, or by our employees in our stores.  Our “other” operations included our wholesale and retail businesses in Australia, South Africa, and Asia Pacific (collectively, “Florsheim Australia”). We ceased operations in the Asia Pacific region in 2023 and completed the wind down of that business in 2024. The majority of our operations are in the United States, and our results are primarily affected by the economic conditions and the retail environment in the United States.

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial position, and liquidity of our Company for the two-year period ended December 31, 2024. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” below.

KNOWN TRENDS IMPACTING OUR BUSINESS

​

The retail landscape was challenged in 2024 due to economic uncertainties and inflation. These factors created an environment in which price-sensitive consumers limited their discretionary spending on non-essential goods, and footwear market sales were impacted accordingly. The footwear sector was further challenged by a warmer Fall season, which dampened sales of seasonal footwear. From a style perspective, consumers are increasingly gravitating toward casual shoes in lieu of traditional dress footwear. These broader industry headwinds and trends impacted our Wholesale business in 2024.

10

Table of Contents

​

In early 2025, the U.S. government imposed additional tariffs on goods sourced from China. These tariffs will increase our costs of goods across all brands. In an effort to mitigate the impact of the tariffs, we have already begun negotiating price reductions with a number of our Chinese suppliers and are in the process of reviewing our wholesale pricing for Fall.

​

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

2024 was a difficult year for our Wholesale segment, with sales down 9% compared to 2023, due to reduced consumer demand amid ongoing economic uncertainty and a challenging outdoor footwear market. Despite these challenges, we are navigating short-term pressures and evolving our portfolio of brands to position the Company for future growth.

​

BOGS sales declined 27% in 2024, compared to the prior year. The brand was impacted by reduced retailer orders early in the year due to an inventory glut in the outdoor market, which has since eased.  BOGS was further challenged in the second half of the year by mild Fall and Winter weather, which reduced consumers' urgency to purchase new boots. Consequently, pre-holiday demand for insulated and waterproof footwear was softer than anticipated. However, winter weather did eventually arrive across much of the U.S. in January and February 2025, and retailers are now moving through inventory. With leaner stock levels, our retail partners are in a better position to bring in fresh assortments, and we are starting to see renewed interest in the category for Fall 2025. The last two years have been challenging for BOGS, and we are focused on reenergizing the brand through product innovation and expanding its retail presence in the Spring/Summer selling season.

​

Net sales of our legacy businesses (comprised of the Florsheim, Stacy Adams and Nunn Bush brands) were collectively down 4% for the year. At the brand level, Florsheim’s sales were up 2%, while Stacy Adams and Nunn Bush were down 13% and 6%, respectively, for the year. The dress footwear category faced challenges in 2024 as retailers prioritized other segments. Despite this trend, Florsheim’s sales improved as a result of increased market share in the refined dress footwear category and expanded sales of hybrid and casual footwear.

​

Stacy Adams had a difficult 2024, reflecting broader challenges in the dress footwear market. The brand remains a leader in contemporary dress footwear and continues to perform well in retail accounts that emphasize dress shoes. Future growth depends on the brand diversifying its product assortment to capture demand for hybrid and refined casual styles. While it will take time, we are getting traction at retail with casual lifestyle product, particularly in the hybrid category.

​

Nunn Bush sales were down 6% for the year. We saw reduced demand for the brand in the first nine months of 2024, with sales improving in the final quarter. With a strong value proposition and innovative comfort technology, Nunn Bush has evolved beyond the dress shoe category and is experiencing retail success in the casual, hybrid, and soft-toe work categories. Over the last few years, Nunn Bush has built a meaningful presence in the work shoe category, which we believe will help drive sales growth in future years.

​

In our Retail segment, sales were up 2% for the year, driven by higher direct-to-consumer sales of Florsheim and BOGS footwear. We continue to invest in our e-commerce platform as we believe it is a key driver of profitable growth.

​

Florsheim Australia’s sales declined 20% for the year. The decline in 2024 was largely due to the closure of our Asia Pacific operations, as the division had historically not been profitable. We are now managing our Asia-Pacific wholesale customers through our Melbourne, Australia office. While 2024 was a challenging year for Florsheim Australia, we are pleased with the increase in same-store retail sales in Australia. Our focus for 2025 is growth of Florsheim Australia’s wholesale business.

​

Sales and Earnings Highlights

Consolidated net sales for 2024 were $290.3 million, down 9% compared to $318.0 million in 2023.  Consolidated gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 45.3% and 44.9% in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Operating earnings were $36.6 million, down 11% compared to $41.0 million in 2023, because of lower sales.  Net earnings were a record $30.3 million, or $3.16 per diluted share, in 2024, up slightly over our previous record of $30.2 million, or $3.17 per diluted share, in 2023.

Financial Position Highlights

At December 31, 2024, our cash and marketable securities totaled $77.3 million and we had no debt outstanding on our $40.0 million revolving line of credit. During 2024, we generated $37.7 million of cash from operations. We used cash to prefund our $21.6 million regular fourth quarter and one-time special dividend, which were paid to shareholders on January 2, 2025; pay $9.7 million in dividends; and repurchase $0.6 million of our common stock during the year. We also had $1.4 million of capital expenditures.

11

Table of Contents

​

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

Net sales and earnings from operations for our segments, as well as our “other” operations, in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were as follows:

​

​

North American Wholesale Segment

Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in our Wholesale segment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were as follows:

​

​

Wholesale net sales were collectively down in 2024 due mainly to lower consumer demand. Our BOGS brand experienced the largest decrease, with orders down early in the year because of an inventory glut in the outdoor market, which has since eased, and due to mild weather across the northern U.S. in the final months of 2024. Licensing revenues consist of royalties earned on sales of branded apparel, accessories, and specialty footwear in the United States and on branded footwear in Mexico and certain overseas markets. Licensing revenues decreased in 2024, compared to 2023, in line with decreased licensees’ sales of branded products.

Wholesale Earnings from Operations

Wholesale gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 40.2% in 2024 and 39.7% in 2023. Gross margins improved because of lower inventory costs, primarily inbound freight. Selling and administrative expenses for the Wholesale segment consist primarily of distribution costs, salaries and commissions, advertising costs, employee benefit costs, and depreciation. Selling and administrative expenses totaled $60.1 million in 2024 compared to $66.0 million in 2023. The decrease in 2024 was due to lower employee costs, mainly commission-based compensation, as well as lower advertising costs (primarily due to the reallocation of certain costs to the Retail segment, described below). As a percent of net sales, wholesale selling and administrative expenses were flat at 26% in both 2024 and 2023. Wholesale operating earnings were $31.5 million in 2024, down 5% from record operating earnings of $33.3 million in 2023, mainly as a result of lower sales.

​

Our costs of sales do not include distribution costs (e.g., receiving, inspection, warehousing, shipping, and handling costs) which are included in selling and administrative expenses. Wholesale distribution costs were $14.4 million and $15.5 million for the years ended

12

Table of Contents

​

December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our gross earnings may not be comparable to other companies, as some companies may include distribution costs in cost of sales.

North American Retail Segment

Retail Net Sales

Retail net sales were a record $38.7 million in 2024, up 2% over our previous record of $38.0 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher direct-to-consumer sales of Florsheim and BOGS footwear. Sales at our four domestic brick and mortar stores were down 4% for the year.

​

Retail Earnings from Operations

Retail gross earnings as a percent of net sales were flat at 65.9% in both 2024 and 2023. Selling and administrative expenses for the Retail segment consist primarily of freight, advertising expense, employee costs, rent and occupancy costs. Retail selling and administrative expenses totaled $20.2 million, or 52% of net sales, for the year compared to $18.3 million, or 48% of net sales, in 2023.  The increase in expense was primarily due to higher advertising costs. This year’s web advertising costs were up largely due to the reallocation of certain expenditures historically charged to our Wholesale segment that primarily benefit our websites. Retail operating earnings were $5.3 million in 2024, down 21% compared to record operating earnings of $6.8 million in 2023, mainly due to higher retail selling and administrative expenses in 2024.

​

Other

Our other operations consisted of our retail and wholesale businesses in Australia, South Africa, and Asia Pacific (collectively, “Florsheim Australia”). We ceased operations in the Asia Pacific region in 2023 and completed the wind down of that business in 2024. Accordingly, 2024 results of the “other” category primarily reflect the operations of Australia and South Africa.

Net sales at Florsheim Australia totaled $23.6 million in 2024, down 20% from $29.6 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to closing our Asia Pacific operations, as the division had historically not been profitable. Sales in Australia were down 10% for the year, due mainly to the impact of six fewer retail stores operating compared to last year. Australia’s same store sales were up 2% for the year. Florsheim Australia’s gross earnings were 61.0% of net sales in 2024 versus 62.5% of net sales in 2023. Florsheim Australia generated operating losses of $0.2 million in 2024 compared to operating earnings of $1.0 million in 2023. The decrease was a result of lower sales.

​

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE AND TAXES

Most of our interest income is generated by investments in money market mutual funds and marketable securities. Interest income totaled $3.7 million in 2024 compared to $1.1 million in 2023. The increase was due to higher cash balances in the U.S. and Canada this year. Interest expense was nominal in 2024 and $0.5 million in 2023. Last year’s interest expense was on outstanding debt balances during the first half of 2023, which have since been paid off. Other expense, net, totaled $0.4 million in 2024 and $0.7 million in 2023. Other expense was down in 2024 due mainly to a decrease in the non-service cost components of pension expense.

Our effective tax rate was 23.9% in 2024 versus 26.1% in 2023. The 2024 effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due mainly to the impact of state income taxes partially offset by income tax benefits from share-based compensation. The 2023 effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due mainly to the impact of state income taxes.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and short-term marketable securities, which aggregated $71.8 million and $69.5 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and our revolving line of credit. We generated $37.7 million of cash from operations in 2024 compared to $98.6 million in 2023. Fluctuations in net cash from operating activities mainly resulted from changes in operating assets and liabilities, most significantly, inventory. The significant cash from operations in 2023 was caused by reductions in inventory from peak levels at the end of 2022.

​

Our capital expenditures totaled $1.4 million and $3.3 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Last year’s capital expenditures included costs related to equipment installed in our Glendale distribution center that automates the packing and labeling process of single pair orders. Looking ahead, we expect capital expenditures will be between $1.0 million and $3.0 million in 2025.

​

13

Table of Contents

​

We paid cash dividends totaling $9.7 million and $9.3 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, in 2024 we prefunded our regular fourth quarter dividend of $0.26 per share as well as a one-time special cash dividend of $2.00 per share, for a total of $21.6 million; this dividend was paid to shareholders on January 2, 2025. We resumed our regular quarterly dividends in the first quarter of 2025. On March 4, 2025, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share to all shareholders of record on March 14, 2025, payable March 31, 2025.

We repurchase our common stock under our share repurchase program when we believe market conditions are favorable. In 2024, we repurchased 19,841 shares for a total cost of $0.6 million through our share repurchase program. In 2023, we repurchased 170,422 shares for a total cost of $4.3 million through our share repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2024, there were 848,916 authorized shares available for repurchase under the program.

On September 27, 2024, we amended our line of credit agreement to extend the maturity of our credit facility to September 26, 2025. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, there is a maximum available borrowing limit of $40.0 million, and amounts outstanding bear interest at the one-month term SOFR plus 125 basis points. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a lien against our general business assets, and contains representations, warranties and covenants (including a minimum tangible net worth financial covenant) that are customary for a facility of this type. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings on the line of credit, and we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

BOGS Trademark

In evaluating the BOGS trademark for impairment, we estimated its fair value using the relief-from-royalty method which required key assumptions. We estimated future sales of the brand based on historical and forecasted sales growth. We estimated an implied royalty rate that would hypothetically be paid by a market participant for use of the trademark based on comparable industry royalty agreements and other market data. We applied a discount rate to the estimated future cash flows, which was based on the Company’s weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), adjusted for a higher relative level of risk associated with intangible assets. The WACC includes assumptions such as market capital structure, market beta, risk-free rate of return, and estimated costs of borrowing. While we believe our judgments and assumptions are reasonable, different assumptions could change the estimated fair value. A number of factors, many of which we have no ability to control, could cause actual results to differ from the assumptions employed, including:

​

If there are changes to our assumptions due to these factors, the estimate of fair value may change significantly. Such change could result in an impairment charge in a future period, which could significantly impact our results of operations or financial condition. Based on the results of our assessment, we concluded that the estimated fair value of the BOGS trademark exceeded its carrying value as of December 31, 2024. Therefore, no impairment was recorded on the BOGS trademark in 2024.

Sales Returns, Sales Allowances and Doubtful Accounts

We record reserves and allowances (“reserves”) for sales returns, sales allowances and discounts, cooperative advertising, and accounts receivable balances that we believe will ultimately not be collected. The reserves are based on such factors as specific customer situations, historical experience, a review of the current aging status of customer receivables and current and expected economic conditions. The reserve for doubtful accounts includes a specific reserve for accounts identified as potentially uncollectible, plus an additional reserve for the balance of accounts, determined based on historical trends. We evaluate the reserves and the estimation process and adjust when appropriate.  Apart from unprecedented write-offs that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, our historical write-offs against the reserves have been within our expectations. Future changes in reserves may be required if actual returns, discounts and

14

Table of Contents

​

bad debt activity varies from the original estimates.  These changes could impact our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Pension Plan Accounting

Our pension expense and corresponding obligation are determined on an actuarial basis and require certain actuarial assumptions.  We believe the two most critical of these assumptions are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets.  We evaluate actuarial assumptions annually on the measurement date (December 31) and make modifications based on such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance.  Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions.

Discount Rate – Pension expense and projected benefit obligations both increase as the discount rate is reduced.  See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discount rates used in determining pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2024 and 2023.  We use the spot-rate approach to determine the service and interest cost components of pension expense. Under the spot-rate approach, the service and interest costs were calculated by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows, to provide a better estimate of future service and interest costs. A 0.5% decrease in the discount rate would have a nominal impact on annual pension expense and would increase the projected benefit obligation by approximately $2.3 million.

Expected Rate of Return – Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases.  In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider the historical returns on plan assets and future expectations of asset returns.  We utilized an expected rate of return on plan assets of 6.75% for both 2024 and 2023. This rate was based on our Company’s long-term investment policy of equity securities: 20% - 80%; fixed income securities: 20% - 80%; and other, principally cash:  0% - 20%.  A 0.5% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase annual pension expense by approximately $0.2 million.

Our unfunded benefit obligation was $10.4 million and $14.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

​

ITEM 7     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

We design, market, and distribute quality and innovative footwear principally for men, but also for women and children, under a portfolio of well-recognized brand names including: Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, Rafters, and Forsake.  Inventory is purchased from third-party overseas manufacturers.  Almost all of these foreign-sourced purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars. We have two reportable segments, North American wholesale operations (“Wholesale”) and North American retail operations (“Retail”). In the Wholesale segment, our products are sold to leading footwear, department, and specialty stores, as well as e-commerce retailers, primarily in the United States and Canada. We also have licensing agreements with third parties who sell our branded apparel, accessories, and specialty footwear in the United States, as well as our footwear in Mexico and certain markets overseas.  Licensing revenues are included in our Wholesale segment. Our Retail segment consists of e-commerce businesses and four brick-and-mortar retail stores in the United States.  Retail sales are made directly to consumers on our websites, or by our employees in our stores.  Our “other” operations include our wholesale and retail businesses in Australia, South Africa, and Asia Pacific (collectively, “Florsheim Australia”). However, we ceased operations in the Asia Pacific region in 2023, and are in the final stages of winding down this business. The majority of our operations are in the United States, and our results are primarily affected by the economic conditions and the retail environment in the United States.

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial position, and liquidity of our company for the two-year period ended December 31, 2023. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” below.

KNOWN TRENDS IMPACTING OUR BUSINESS

Macroeconomic pressures in the U.S. and the global economy have created a tepid retail environment. Following a period of unprecedented supply chain disruptions, retailers are being cautious with their inventory levels, which reduces wholesale customer orders.  Additionally, consumers are currently spending more of their discretionary income on experiences and services and less on footwear and apparel. Looking ahead, we expect to face continued headwinds as a result of the challenging retail environment in the first half of 2024, but we continue to focus on building our backlogs and are optimistic that demand will improve in the back half of the year.

10

Table of Contents

​

Post-pandemic disruptions in the supply chain in 2021 and the first half of 2022 affected the flow of our inventory into the U.S. over the past few years.  In 2022, we brought in much of our inventory for the Spring 2023 selling season early based on the expectation that extended inventory transit times would last throughout much of 2022.  As a result, our inventory was at peak levels at December 31, 2022.  By the end of 2022, inventory transit times had improved and supply chain issues had subsided.  In 2023, we managed our inventory down to more normalized levels.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We experienced a slowdown in sales in 2023, mainly as a result of lower wholesale shipments compared to record sales in 2022.  Though sales were down, we achieved record operating and net earnings in 2023 by maintaining our pricing integrity while taking a disciplined approach to our expenses.

In our Wholesale segment, net sales of our BOGS brand were down 31% in 2023, compared to the prior year. Mild weather throughout the Fall and early Winter, in combination with an inventory glut in the outdoor market, led to the sales decline. We believe the outdoor boot market will remain challenging throughout 2024 as retailers continue to right size their inventories.  With BOGS, we are focused on moving the business forward through product innovation with an emphasis on our BOGS seamless rubber boot construction. BOGS seamless construction is 30% lighter than comparable vulcanized rubber boots and over twice as durable as measured by the number of flexes our seamless boots can withstand without any sign of cracking. This year, we are expanding the number of seamless boots in our line across numerous price points. In addition to the expansion of our seamless collection, we are also introducing new non-insulated and lightly insulated footwear so the BOGS brand is less dependent on inclement weather.

​

Net sales of our legacy businesses (comprised of the Florsheim, Nunn Bush and Stacy Adams brands) were collectively down 5% for the year. At the brand level, Florsheim, Nunn Bush and Stacy Adams were down 4%, 2%, and 10%, respectively, for the year. The decline in sales of all three brands reflects a general slowdown in the market for dress and dress casual footwear. In addition, many of our retail partners have shifted to more of a “chase” strategy in order to maintain greater inventory flexibility.   We see the decrease in our legacy shipments as part of a return to a normal business cycle after a period of heightened demand and supply chain delays. We anticipate this trend will continue through the first half of 2024. Our sell-throughs at retail remain solid, and we continue to diversify our product mix across all three brands to expand our casual and hybrid offerings.

​

In our Retail segment, sales were up 4% for the year, driven by growth in our e-commerce businesses.  Overall, we believe we had strong direct consumer performance for the year, with a solid sales increase in 2023 as well as record retail operating earnings. We view our direct-to-consumer business as a growth opportunity and continue to invest in our online platform.

​

Florsheim Australia’s net sales in local currency were down 3% for the year. The loss of a significant wholesale account as well as soft consumer demand presented challenges in the Australian market. We anticipate headwinds through the first half of 2024 and are focused on reducing expenses while we assess opportunities to rekindle our growth. As previously disclosed, we closed our Asia Pacific operations in 2023. Going forward, certain significant wholesale accounts that were previously served by our Asia Pacific team will be picked up by Australian wholesale division.

​

Sales and Earnings Highlights

Consolidated net sales for 2023 were $318.0 million, down 10% compared to $351.7 million in 2022.  Consolidated gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 44.9% and 41.1% in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Operating earnings were a record $41.0 million, up 2% over our previous record of $40.4 million, despite lower sales.  Net earnings were a record $30.2 million, or $3.17 per diluted share, in 2023, up 2% compared to $29.5 million, or $3.07 per diluted share, in 2022.

Financial Position Highlights

At December 31, 2023, our cash and marketable securities totaled $75.9 million and we had no debt outstanding on our $40.0 million revolving line of credit. During 2023, we generated $98.6 million of cash from operations, due mainly to net earnings and reductions in inventory levels. We used funds to pay $9.3 million in dividends and to repurchase $4.3 million of our stock during 2023. We also had $3.3 million of capital expenditures.

11

Table of Contents

​

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

Net sales and earnings from operations for our segments, as well as our “other” operations, in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were as follows:

​

​

North American Wholesale Segment

Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in our Wholesale segment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were as follows:

​

​

Wholesale net sales were collectively down in 2023 due to lower demand following record growth in 2022.  Sales across all our brands in 2022 were positively impacted by a combination of post-pandemic retailer pipeline fill and strong consumer demand. Our BOGS brand experienced the largest decrease for the year, compared to record sales for the brand in 2022, as orders were down amid the current saturation of product in the outdoor market, and due to the mild weather in the final months of 2023.  Licensing revenues consist of royalties earned on sales of branded apparel, accessories, and specialty footwear in the United States and on branded footwear in Mexico and certain overseas markets. Licensing revenues increased in 2023, compared to 2022, in line with increased licensees’ sales of branded products.

Wholesale Earnings from Operations

Wholesale gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 39.7% in 2023 versus 35.6% in 2022. Gross margins improved as a result of increased selling prices and lower inventory costs, primarily inbound freight. Selling and administrative expenses for the wholesale segment consist primarily of distribution costs, salaries and commissions, advertising costs, employee benefit costs, and depreciation. Wholesale selling and administrative expenses were $66.0 million and $68.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in 2023 was primarily due to lower employee costs, mainly commission-based compensation. As a percent of net sales, wholesale selling and administrative expenses were 26% in 2023 and 24% in 2022.  Wholesale operating earnings reached a record $33.3 million in 2023, up 2% over our previous record of $32.6 million in 2022, due to higher gross margins and lower selling and administrative expenses.

​

Our cost of sales does not include distribution costs (e.g., receiving, inspection, warehousing, shipping, and handling costs) which are included in selling and administrative expenses. Wholesale distribution costs were $15.5 million and $16.0 million for the years ended

12

Table of Contents

​

December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our gross earnings may not be comparable to other companies, as some companies may include distribution costs in cost of sales.

North American Retail Segment

Retail Net Sales

Retail net sales were a record $38.0 million in 2023, up 4% over our previous record of $36.7 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher sales on our legacy brands’ websites, partially offset by lower sales on the BOGS’ website. Sales at our four domestic brick and mortar stores were down 4% for the year.

Retail Earnings from Operations

Retail gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 65.9% in 2023 and 65.7% in 2022. Selling and administrative expenses for the retail segment consist primarily of freight, advertising expense, employee costs, rent and occupancy costs. Retail selling and administrative expenses totaled $18.3 million in 2023, or 48% of net sales, for the year compared to $18.1 million, or 49% of net sales, in 2022. The Retail segment achieved record operating earnings of $6.8 million in 2023, up 11% over $6.1 million in 2022, due mainly to the increase in web sales.

Other

Our other operations consist of our retail and wholesale businesses in Australia, South Africa, and Asia Pacific (collectively, “Florsheim Australia”). However, we ceased operations in the Asia Pacific region in 2023, and are in the final stages of winding down this business. The winddown of our Asia-Pacific operations did not have a material impact on our full year 2023 consolidated results.

Other net sales totaled $29.6 million in 2023 down 7% from $31.8 million in 2022. In local currency, Florsheim Australia’s net sales were down 3% for the year, due mainly to the mid-year loss of a sizeable wholesale customer in Australia, partially offset by higher sales across Florsheim Australia’s retail businesses.   Other gross earnings were 62.5% of net sales in 2023 versus 61.1% of net sales in 2022. Other operating earnings totaled $1.0 million in 2023 and $1.7 million in 2022, down mainly as a result of lower sales in Australia this year.

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE AND TAXES

Most of our interest and dividend income is generated by investments in marketable securities and money market mutual funds. Interest and dividend income totaled $1.1 million and $361,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in 2023 was due to more earnings on the higher cash balances this year.  Interest expense was $529,000 in 2023 and $710,000 in 2022. The decrease in 2023 was due to less interest incurred as we paid off our debt during the year. Other expense, net, totaled $738,000 in 2023 and $277,000 in 2022. Other expense was up in 2023 due largely to an increase in the non-service cost components of pension expense, primarily interest cost, as a result of the higher interest rates this year. Last year’s other expense included a $894,000 pension settlement charge recorded in connection with a lump-sum benefit payment to a former executive of the Company.

Our effective tax rate was 26.1% in 2023 versus 25.7% in 2022. The current tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due mainly to the impact of state income taxes.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash, short-term investments, and short-term marketable securities, which aggregated $69.5 million and $18.4 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and our revolving line of credit.  We generated $98.6 million of cash from operations in 2023, and used $29.9 million of cash in operations in 2022. Fluctuations in net cash from (used for) operating activities mainly resulted from changes in net earnings and operating assets and liabilities, most significantly, our inventory. Our inventory balance was $74.9 million at December 31, 2023, down from $128.0 million at December 31, 2022. We brought our inventories down in 2023 to a level that balances availability for in-season orders with better inventory turn.

​

Our capital expenditures were $3.3 million and $2.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. This year’s capital expenditures included costs related to equipment installed in our Glendale warehouse that automates the packing and labeling process of single pair orders. With the growth of our e-commerce and drop-ship businesses, gaining efficiency in this area allows us to give faster service with significant labor savings. Looking ahead, we expect capital expenditures will be between $2.0 million and $4.0 million in 2024.

​

13

Table of Contents

​

We paid aggregate cash dividends of $9.3 million and $7.0 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.  The increase in 2023 was due to a timing difference in our quarterly dividend payment schedule; 2023 included four quarterly dividend payments, as our fourth quarter 2022 dividend was paid in early January 2023. 2022 included only three quarterly dividend payments, as our fourth quarter 2021 dividend was paid in late December 2021.

In December 2022, in accordance with the terms of our supplemental pension plan, we made a lump-sum benefit payment of $4.3 million to a former executive of the Company.

We repurchase our common stock under our share repurchase program when we believe market conditions are favorable. In 2023, we purchased 170,422 shares at a total cost of $4.3 million through our share repurchase program. In 2022, we purchased 171,397 shares at a total cost of $4.2 million through our share repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2023, there were 868,757 authorized shares remaining under the program.

On September 28, 2023, we amended our line of credit agreement. The amendment (“Amended Credit Agreement”) extended the maturity of our credit facility to September 28, 2024 and has a maximum available borrowing limit of $40.0 million. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, amounts outstanding bear interest at the one-month term secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus 125 basis points. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in our general business assets, and contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants (including a minimum tangible net worth financial covenant) for a facility of this type. At December 31, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings on the line of credit, and we were in compliance with all financial covenants. At December 31, 2022, outstanding borrowings on the line of credit were approximately $31.1 million at an interest rate of 5.77%.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately $5.9 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries.

We continue to evaluate the best uses for our available liquidity, including, among other uses, capital expenditures, continued stock repurchases and acquisitions. We believe that available cash, marketable securities, cash provided by operations, and available borrowing facilities will provide adequate support for the cash needs of the business for at least one year, although there can be no assurances.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not utilize any special purpose entities or other off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  As disclosed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Sales Returns, Sales Allowances and Doubtful Accounts

We record reserves and allowances (“reserves”) for sales returns, sales allowances and discounts, cooperative advertising, and accounts receivable balances that we believe will ultimately not be collected. The reserves are based on such factors as specific customer situations, historical experience, a review of the current aging status of customer receivables and current and expected economic conditions. The reserve for doubtful accounts includes a specific reserve for accounts identified as potentially uncollectible, plus an additional reserve for the balance of accounts, determined based on historical trends. We evaluate the reserves and the estimation process and adjust when appropriate.  Apart from unprecedented write-offs that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, our historical write-offs against the reserves have been within our expectations. Future changes in reserves may be required if actual returns, discounts and bad debt activity varies from the original estimates.  These changes could impact our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Pension Plan Accounting

Our pension expense and corresponding obligation are determined on an actuarial basis and require certain actuarial assumptions.  We believe the two most critical of these assumptions are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets.  We evaluate actuarial assumptions annually on the measurement date (December 31) and make modifications based on such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance.  Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions.

14

Table of Contents

​

Discount Rate – Pension expense and projected benefit obligations both increase as the discount rate is reduced.  See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discount rates used in determining pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2023 and 2022.  We use the spot-rate approach to determine the service and interest cost components of pension expense. Under the spot-rate approach, the service and interest costs were calculated by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows, to provide a better estimate of future service and interest costs. A 0.5% decrease in the discount rate would have a nominal impact on annual pension expense, and would increase the projected benefit obligation by approximately $2.7 million.

Expected Rate of Return – Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases.  In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider the historical returns on plan assets and future expectations of asset returns.  We utilized an expected rate of return on plan assets of 6.75% for both 2023 and 2022, respectively. This rate was based on our Company’s long-term investment policy of equity securities: 20% - 80%; fixed income securities: 20% - 80%; and other, principally cash:  0% - 20%.  A 0.5% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase annual pension expense by approximately $182,000.

Our unfunded benefit obligation was $14.0 million and $16.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

​

ITEM 7     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

We design and market quality and innovative footwear principally for men, but also for women and children, under a portfolio of well-recognized brand names, including: Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, Rafters, and Forsake.  Inventory is purchased from third-party overseas manufacturers.  The majority of foreign-sourced purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars. We have two reportable segments, North American wholesale operations (“Wholesale”) and North American retail operations (“Retail”). In the Wholesale segment, our products are sold to leading footwear, department, and specialty stores, as well as e-commerce retailers, primarily in the United States and Canada. We also have licensing agreements with third parties who sell our branded apparel, accessories, and specialty footwear in the United States, as well as our footwear in Mexico and certain markets overseas.  Licensing revenues are included in our Wholesale segment. Our Retail segment consists of e-commerce businesses and four brick and mortar retail stores in the United States.  Retail sales are made directly to consumers on our websites, or by our employees.  Our “other” operations include our wholesale and retail businesses in Australia, South Africa, Asia Pacific (collectively, “Florsheim Australia”), and Europe (“Florsheim Europe,” which closed in 2021). The majority of our operations are in the United States, and our results are primarily affected by the economic conditions and the retail environment in the United States.

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial position, and liquidity of our company for the two-year period ended December 31, 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” below.

KNOWN TRENDS IMPACTING OUR BUSINESS

Global supply chain disruptions and inflation impacted our operating results in 2021 and 2022. During 2021, disruptions in the supply chain affected the flow of our inventory into the U.S. due mainly to container shortages and port congestion.  In response, in 2022 we planned receipt of inventory based on the continuation of extended inventory transit times throughout the year. By the end of 2022, inventory transit times improved and supply chain issues had subsided. As a result, our inventories were at peak levels at December 31, 2022, and are expected to come down in the first half of 2023.

9

Table of Contents

​

We incurred higher freight costs as a result of the supply chain disruptions, which negatively impacted our gross margins in 2021.  In 2022, we implemented selling price increases to address the higher costs. By the end of 2022, freight rates had come down and gross margins returned to pre-pandemic levels, due mainly to the higher selling prices this year.

The effects of continuing inflation, a potential recession, or a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, on our future operating results cannot be reasonably estimated but could be material.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We experienced a record year in 2022 for our company, in both sales and earnings. Part of our strong volume this year had to do with pipeline fill, as many retailers needed to get shoes back on their shelves in the first half of the year. We also experienced strong consumer demand across our brands, especially with our more traditional footwear, which experienced a resurgence in 2022.

Our legacy brands, comprised of Florsheim, Stacy Adams and Nunn Bush, posted strong results in 2022. Florsheim’s net sales were up 43% for the full year, compared to 2021, making it a record year for the brand.  Stacy Adams and Nunn Bush net sales were up 49% and 40%, respectively, for the year. Our legacy brands benefitted from the strength of the men’s dress and refined casual business, as consumers were once again updating their wardrobes for social occasions as well as the return to the office work environment. While the dress footwear market reverted to more normalized sell-throughs late in the year, the category is healthy and we expect to see a steady performance throughout 2023.

Net sales at BOGS were up 23% for the year, leading the brand to a record year of sales. In 2022, we delivered on a strong backlog of orders as BOGS continued to broaden its mix of footwear into less seasonal lifestyle product. Late in the year, the outdoor category became oversaturated with product due to the unwinding of supply chain issues and we saw a more promotional environment along with a softness in consumer demand reflecting mild winter weather in certain parts of the U.S. and Canada.  Despite the changes in the market, we remain enthused about the overall performance of the BOGS brand. As we progress through 2023, we are mindful of the more challenging environment in the outdoor category, but are confident in our ability to navigate these changes and continue to move the brand forward and evolve its product offering.

In our Retail segment, net sales were up 16% for the year. Given the promotional environment and some of the weather challenges impacting BOGS, we were pleased with our double-digit growth for the year. We believe this reflects the strength of our e-commerce platform and the appeal of our brands. From a bottom-line perspective, the promotional environment negatively affected our gross margins and we incurred higher e-commerce expenses this year, primarily outbound freight and advertising.

Florsheim Australia’s net sales in local currency were up 22% for the year. Australia was a bright spot among our overseas businesses this year as we saw growth across retail, e-commerce, and wholesale for Florsheim, as well as increases for BOGS via wholesale and e-commerce. This resulted in greater profitability for the division. A portion of the increase was related to comparisons with pandemic-related shutdowns in 2021, but a good part of our success had to do with our management team’s strong execution in 2022, including a warehouse move and opening several new stores.

Sales and Earnings Highlights

Consolidated net sales for 2022 were a record $351.7 million, up 31% compared to $267.6 million in 2021.  Consolidated gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 41.1% and 40.1% in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Operating earnings were a record $40.4 million, up 57% over 2021 operating earnings of $25.7 million.  Net earnings were a record $29.5 million, or $3.07 per diluted share, in 2022, up 44% compared to $20.6 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, in 2021.

Financial Position Highlights

At December 31, 2022, our cash, short-term investments, and marketable securities totaled $25.5 million and we had $31.1 million outstanding on our $50.0 million revolving line of credit. During 2022, we drew $31.1 million on our line of credit and liquidated $8.0 million of investment securities. We used funds to pay $7.0 million in dividends and to repurchase $4.2 million of our stock. In addition, our operations resulted in a net $29.9 million use of cash, mainly to fund inventory purchases.  We also had $2.3 million of capital expenditures.

10

Table of Contents

​

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

Net sales and earnings from operations for our segments, as well as our “other” operations, in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:

​

​

NM - Not meaningful

​

North American Wholesale Segment

Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in our Wholesale segment for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:

​

​

2022 net sales were up across our brands. While part of the increase was due to pipeline fill, sales were also up due to robust consumer demand and higher selling prices this year. Both Florsheim and BOGS achieved record annual sales in 2022. Licensing revenues consist of royalties earned on sales of branded apparel, accessories, and specialty footwear in the United States and on branded footwear in Mexico and certain overseas markets.

Wholesale Earnings from Operations

Wholesale gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 35.6% in 2022 versus 33.8% in 2021. Gross margins returned to pre-pandemic levels as a result of selling price increases implemented to address higher costs.

Selling and administrative expenses for the wholesale segment consist primarily of distribution costs, salaries and commissions, advertising costs, employee benefit costs, and depreciation. Wholesale selling and administrative expenses were $68.2 million and $49.9 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. 2021 expenses were reduced by $5.5 million in wage subsidies received from the U.S. and Canadian governments. As a percent of net sales, wholesale selling and administrative expenses remained flat at 24% of net sales in both 2022 and 2021.  Wholesale operating earnings reached a record $32.6 million in 2022, up 68% over $19.5 million in 2021, due mainly to higher sales and gross margins this year.

11

Table of Contents

​

Our cost of sales does not include distribution costs (e.g., receiving, inspection, warehousing, shipping, and handling costs, which are included in selling and administrative expenses). Wholesale distribution costs were $16.0 million and $10.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Distribution costs in 2021 were reduced by $1.5 million as a result of government wage subsidies. Our gross earnings may not be comparable to other companies, as some companies may include distribution costs in cost of sales.

North American Retail Segment

Retail Net Sales

Net sales were a record $36.7 million in 2022, up 16% compared to $31.6 million in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher sales across all our brands’ websites, fueled by strong consumer demand. Sales were also up for the year at our four domestic brick and mortar stores.

Retail Earnings from Operations

Retail gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 65.7% in 2022 and 66.4% in 2021. Selling and administrative expenses for the retail segment consist primarily of freight, advertising expense, employee costs, and rent and occupancy costs. Retail selling and administrative expenses totaled $18.1 million in 2022, or 49% of net sales, for the year compared to $14.3 million, or 45% of net sales, in 2021. The increase was mainly due to higher e-commerce expenses, primarily outbound freight and advertising.

Other

Our other operations have historically included the wholesale and retail businesses of Florsheim Australia and Florsheim Europe, but we closed Florsheim Europe in 2021. As a result, the 2022 operating results of the “other” category reflect only that of Florsheim Australia.

Other net sales totaled $31.8 million in 2022 up 4% from $30.7 million in 2021. Sales in U.S. dollars were up $3.5 million, or 12%, at Florsheim Australia. In local currency, Florsheim Australia’s net sales were up 22% for the year, with sales up in both its retail and wholesale businesses. Last year’s sales at Florsheim Australia were negatively impacted by COVID-related lockdowns that existed throughout much of 2021. Florsheim Europe was closed and had no sales in 2022 versus $2.3 million in 2021.

Other gross earnings were 61.1% of net sales in 2022 versus 55.8% of net sales in 2021. Other operating earnings recovered to $1.7 million in 2022, up from operating losses of $404,000 in 2021. The improvement in 2022 was due to stronger performance at Florsheim Australia and the shedding of losses at Florsheim Europe.

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE AND TAXES

Most of our interest income is generated by investments in marketable securities and highly liquid taxable bond funds. Interest income totaled $361,000 and $641,000 in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease in 2022 was primarily due to less earnings on the lower investment balances this year.  Interest expense was $710,000 in 2022 and $81,000 in 2021. The increase was due to interest incurred on the higher debt balances this year. Other (expense) income, net, totaled expense of $277,000 in 2022 versus income of $1.1 million in 2021. This year’s expense included a $894,000 pension settlement charge recorded in connection with a lump-sum benefit payment to a former executive of the Company.

Our effective tax rate was 25.7% in 2022 versus 24.8% in 2021. The current tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due mainly to the impact of state income taxes.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash, short-term investments, and short-term marketable securities, which aggregated $18.4 million and $28.1 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and our revolving line of credit.  We used $29.9 million in cash from operations in 2022, and generated $6.4 million of cash from operations in 2021. Fluctuations in net cash from operating activities mainly resulted from changes in net earnings and operating assets and liabilities, most significantly, the year-end inventory and accounts receivable balances. Our inventory levels increased to $128.0 million at December 31, 2022 from $71.0 million at December 31, 2021. We have been building our inventories and, due to supply chain issues, we brought in much of our inventory for Spring 2023 early.  We are currently at peak inventory levels and expect levels come down as we move through the first half of 2023.  The supply chain at this

12

Table of Contents

​

point is back to normal which will make it easier for us to plan our inventory levels and bring product in closer to the season that is being targeted.

Our capital expenditures were $2.3 million and $1.0 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. In 2023, we plan to finalize an investment in our distribution center which will enable us to process and ship more efficiently the large increase in e-commerce orders experienced over the past several years. Including these costs, we expect capital expenditures will be between $2.0 million and $4.0 million in 2023.

We paid cash dividends of $7.0 million and $9.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.  The decrease in 2022 was due to a shift in timing of our quarterly dividend payment schedule; 2022 included three quarterly dividend payments, as our fourth quarter 2022 dividend was paid in early January 2023. 2021 included four quarterly dividend payments, as our fourth quarter 2021 dividend payment was paid in December 2021.

In December 2022, in accordance with the terms of our supplemental pension plan, we made a lump-sum benefit payment of $4.3 million to a former executive of the Company.

We repurchase our common stock under our share repurchase program when we believe market conditions are favorable. In 2022, we purchased 171,397 shares at a total cost of $4.2 million through our share repurchase program. In 2021, we purchased 125,204 shares at a total cost of $2.5 million through our share repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2022, there were 1,039,179 authorized shares remaining under the program.

On September 28, 2022, we amended our line of credit agreement. The amendment (“Amended Credit Agreement”) extended the maturity of our credit facility to September 28, 2023, increased our available borrowing limit from $40.0 million to $50.0 million, and replaced the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) benchmark used for determining interest rate on outstanding advances. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, amounts outstanding bear interest at the one-month term secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus 145 basis points. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in our general business assets, and contains customary representations, warranties and covenants (including a minimum tangible net worth financial covenant) for a facility of this type. At December 31, 2022, outstanding borrowings on the line of credit were approximately $31.1 million at an interest rate of 5.77%, and we were in compliance with all financial covenants. At December 31, 2021, there were no amounts outstanding on our line of credit.

As of December 31, 2022, approximately $4.7 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by our foreign subsidiaries.

We continue to evaluate the best uses for our available liquidity, including, among other uses, capital expenditures, continued stock repurchases and acquisitions. We believe that available cash, short-term investments, marketable securities, cash provided by operations, and available borrowing facilities will provide adequate support for the cash needs of the business for at least one year, although there can be no assurances.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not utilize any special purpose entities or other off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  As disclosed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Sales Returns, Sales Allowances and Doubtful Accounts

We record reserves and allowances (“reserves”) for sales returns, sales allowances and discounts, cooperative advertising, and accounts receivable balances that we believe will ultimately not be collected. The reserves are based on such factors as specific customer situations, historical experience, a review of the current aging status of customer receivables and current and expected economic conditions. The reserve for doubtful accounts includes a specific reserve for accounts identified as potentially uncollectible, plus an additional reserve for the balance of accounts, determined based on historical trends. We evaluate the reserves and the estimation process and adjust when appropriate.  Apart from unprecedented write-offs that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, our historical write-offs against the reserves have been within our expectations. Future changes in reserves may be required if actual returns, discounts and

13

Table of Contents

​

bad debt activity varies from the original estimates.  These changes could impact our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

Pension Plan Accounting

Our pension expense (benefit) and corresponding obligation are determined on an actuarial basis and require certain actuarial assumptions.  We believe the two most critical of these assumptions are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets.  We evaluate actuarial assumptions annually on the measurement date (December 31) and make modifications based on such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance.  Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions.

Discount Rate – Pension expense and projected benefit obligation both increase as the discount rate is reduced.  See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discount rates used in determining pension expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2022 and 2021.  We use the spot-rate approach to determine the service and interest cost components of pension expense. Under the spot-rate approach, the service and interest costs were calculated by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows, to provide a better estimate of future service and interest costs. A 0.5% decrease in the discount rate would have a nominal impact on annual pension expense, and would increase the projected benefit obligation by approximately $2.9 million.

Expected Rate of Return – Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases.  In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider the historical returns on plan assets and future expectations of asset returns.  We utilized an expected rate of return on plan assets of 6.75% and 7.00% for 2022 and 2021, respectively. This rate was based on our Company’s long-term investment policy of equity securities: 20% - 80%; fixed income securities: 20% - 80%; and other, principally cash:  0% - 20%.  A 0.5% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase annual pension expense by approximately $172,000.

Our unfunded benefit obligation was $16.1 million and $28.3 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

​

ITEM 7     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

The Company designs and markets quality and innovative footwear principally for men, but also for women and children, under a portfolio of well-recognized brand names, including: Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, Rafters, and Forsake.  Inventory is purchased from third-party overseas manufacturers.  The majority of foreign-sourced purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company has two reportable segments, North American wholesale operations (“Wholesale”) and North American retail operations (“Retail”). In the wholesale segment, the Company’s products are sold to leading footwear, department, and specialty stores, as well as e-commerce retailers, primarily in the United States and Canada. The Company also has licensing agreements with third parties who sell its branded apparel, accessories and specialty footwear in the United States, as well as its footwear in Mexico and certain markets overseas.  Licensing revenues are included in the Company’s wholesale segment. The Company’s retail segment consisted of e-commerce businesses and four brick and mortar retail stores in the United States as of December 31, 2021.  Retail sales are made directly to consumers on the Company’s websites, or by Company employees.  The Company’s “other” operations include the Company’s wholesale and retail businesses in Australia, South Africa, Asia Pacific (collectively, “Florsheim Australia”), and Europe (“Florsheim Europe”).  The majority of the Company’s operations are in the United States, and its results are primarily affected by the economic conditions and the retail environment in the United States.

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial position and liquidity of the Company for the two-year period ended December 31, 2021. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” below.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

The Company’s 2021 results were mixed. Business recovery was sluggish in early 2021 with the first quarter still being significantly impacted by the pandemic, but operations improved after Covid vaccinations were rolled out in the second quarter. Demand accelerated in the third quarter, although at wholesale, supply chain delays hindered the Company’s ability to fulfill orders timely. The Company ended the year strong, with record fourth quarter wholesale shipments and strong performances across all of its brands. The positive fourth quarter results reflected two underlying trends. First, the slow unwinding of the supply chain bottleneck, as the Company started to receive significant quantities of footwear in the final months of the year. The incoming shipments allowed the Company to fill a portion of the demand pipeline, as the Company is still in the process of getting retailers back to their natural inventory models. Second, the Company is seeing strong consumer response to its product offerings in both its outdoor and legacy brands.

The BOGS outdoor brand has been solid throughout the pandemic, and ended 2021 with a record fourth quarter. BOGS’ classic weather boot styles experienced elevated demand in multiple distribution channels, ranging from department stores in cities, to farm and agricultural stores in rural communities. In addition, BOGS greatly expanded sales of its casual and lifestyle footwear from a wholesale and direct-to-consumer perspective. Relative to 2019, BOGS’ e-commerce business in North America was up over 100% for both the fourth quarter and for all of 2021.

In June 2021, the Company acquired the Forsake brand, which joined BOGS as part of the Company’s outdoor division. Over the past few months, management has been working with Forsake’s founders to onboard the brand and determine opportunities to expand Forsake’s reach both in the wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. Along with the Company’s other brands, Forsake faced certain supply chain constraints and delays during 2021, but management believes good progress is being made to put the right structure in place for future growth.

The Company’s legacy brands, Florsheim, Stacy Adams, and Nunn Bush, had a robust fourth quarter. Over the course of the year, these brands were impacted by fluctuating consumer demand for dress and dress-casual footwear, from very low demand early in the year, to strong interest a few months later, with that trend continuing through the end of 2021. The falloff in the refined footwear category early in the pandemic followed a long period where the category had already been under pressure due to the increased importance of athletic and athleisure-casual footwear in today’s lifestyle. As a result, at the onset of the pandemic, many competitors pulled back or exited from the dress-shoe business, which put the Company in a strong position to pick up market share when the business bounced back. While the Company remains committed to diversifying its legacy product mix, it also recognizes that it has a tremendous opportunity to be the leader in a still sizeable category in the footwear world.

10

Table of Contents

​

The legacy brands also experienced success in introducing new casual and athleisure footwear. For example, the number two collection in Florsheim’s e-commerce business in 2021 was a sneaker program, and four of the top fifteen shoes were true casuals. The Company had similar success with Nunn Bush, as its number two wholesale package in 2021 was a sneaker collection. Looking back over the last two years, management is pleased with how the Company has gained market share in its traditional business, while at the same time, has pushed into new categories and positioned itself for additional opportunities.

In the retail segment, the Company posted its highest ever quarterly sales in the fourth quarter of 2021, driven by a 52% increase in e-commerce sales. Online transactions account for the vast majority of the Company’s retail sales. The Company’s online businesses are trending well above industry e-commerce growth numbers, which speaks to both the strength of its brands as well as its execution in this space. The Company continues to invest resources in marketing and analytical tools to build its e-commerce platform.

Overseas, the Company experienced an increase in fourth quarter sales and profitability at Florsheim Australia, which includes the markets of New Zealand, South Africa and the Pacific Rim. Australia reopened retail in October 2021 after months of lockdowns, which put the Company in the position to end the year on a stronger note. Overall, 2021 was a turnaround year for the Company’s overseas businesses. The Company exited its European Florsheim business and signed a long-term licensing deal for the brand in that region. Management also reset its Australian business with more favorable retail leases, increased its wholesale sales for BOGS and Florsheim, and experienced solid growth in its e-commerce business.

The Company is continuing to see strong demand for its brands across the board, and expects that both pipeline fill and strong consumer demand will drive its business in 2022. Management expects first quarter 2022’s volume to be significantly better than 2021, not only because demand is up, but also because the first quarter of 2021 was still somewhat impacted by the pandemic. As of March 1, 2022, the Company’s North American wholesale backlog was the highest in the Company’s history. The Company has bought aggressively, especially on its core product, to ensure that it can fulfill this demand as well as build its “in stock” inventory back to normal levels.

Sales and Earnings Highlights

Consolidated net sales totaled $267.6 million in 2021 compared to $195.4 million in 2020.  Consolidated gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 40.1% and 40.2% in 2021 and 2020, respectively, Operating earnings rose to $25.7 million, up from operating losses of $7.6 million last year.  Net earnings were $20.6 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, in 2021, compared to net losses of $8.5 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, in 2020.

The Company’s 2020 results were significantly impacted by the pandemic, due to most brick-and-mortar retailers being closed for a majority of the second quarter and an overall decrease in consumer demand. Additionally, last year’s operating results included non-recurring charges totaling $11.9 million. As such, comparisons of 2021 financial performance to 2020 may have limited utility. Therefore, selected comparisons to 2019 are included as appropriate. Consolidated net sales for the year-ended December 31, 2021 recovered to 88% of 2019 levels and operating earnings reached 95% of 2019 levels.

Financial Position Highlights

At December 31, 2021, cash, short-term investments, and marketable securities totaled $38.0 million and there were no amounts outstanding on the Company’s line of credit. During 2021, the Company generated $6.4 million of cash from operations. The Company used funds to pay $9.3 million in dividends and repurchase $2.5 million of company stock. The Company also spent $2.6 million to acquire the Forsake brand and had $1.0 million of capital expenditures.

Recent Acquisitions

On June 7, 2021, the Company acquired substantially all of the operating assets and certain liabilities of Forsake, a distributor of outdoor footwear, under the brand name “Forsake.” The principal assets acquired were inventory, accounts receivable, and intellectual property, including the Forsake brand name. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $2.6 million, plus contingent payments to be paid annually over a period of five years, depending on Forsake achieving certain performance measures. The Company’s estimate of the discounted fair value of the contingent payments was approximately $1.3 million in total. The $2.6 million purchase price was funded with the Company’s available cash.

11

Table of Contents

​

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

Net sales and earnings (loss) from operations for the Company’s segments, as well as its “other” operations, in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

​

​

*NM = Not Meaningful

​

North American Wholesale Segment

Wholesale Net Sales

Net sales in the Company’s North American wholesale segment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

​

​

As discussed above in “Executive Overview,” 2021 net sales were up across all of the Company’s legacy brands (Stacy Adams, Nunn Bush, and Florsheim). Last year’s sales of the legacy brands were lower than normal because the pandemic significantly impacted sales of dress and dress-casual footwear.  Sales of the BOGS outdoor brand, which were less affected by the pandemic in 2020, rose 17% for the year, with sales up across most distribution categories. Wholesale sales in 2021 recovered to 85% of 2019 levels.

Licensing revenues consist of royalties earned on sales of branded apparel, accessories and specialty footwear in the United States and on branded footwear in Mexico and certain overseas markets. Licensing revenues increased in 2021, compared to 2020, in line with increased licensees’ sales of branded products.

Wholesale Earnings from Operations

Wholesale gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 33.8% in 2021 versus 35.5% in 2020. The decrease in gross margins in 2021 was largely due to higher inbound freight costs, as the Company paid premium rates during the year. Management believes that gross margins will improve in mid to late 2022 as the supply chain stabilizes and as negotiated price increases with customers go into effect.

12

Table of Contents

​

Selling and administrative expenses for the wholesale segment consist primarily of distribution costs, salaries and commissions, advertising costs, employee benefit costs, and depreciation. Wholesale selling and administrative expenses were $49.9 million, or 24% of net sales, in 2021, versus $53.1 million, or 35% of net sales, in 2020. 2021 expenses included income of $5.5 million in wage subsidies received from the U.S. and Canadian governments, and expense of $1.1 million to write-off certain assets related to the closing of Florsheim Europe. 2020 expenses included the write-off of $4.3 million (net) in receivables related to the bankruptcy filings of two large customers, $2.0 million in employee costs related to restructuring and temporary closures, and $0.2 million in other related charges, partially offset by $1.7 million in wage subsidies received from the U.S. and Canadian governments.

Wholesale operating earnings rose to $19.5 million in 2021 from $975,000 in 2020, due mainly to higher sales. Wholesale operating earnings in 2021 reached 70% of 2019 levels.

The Company’s cost of sales does not include distribution costs (e.g., receiving, inspection, warehousing, shipping, and handling costs, which are included in selling and administrative expenses). Wholesale distribution costs were $10.8 million and $11.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 2021 and 2020 distribution costs were reduced by $1.5 million and $418,000, respectively, as a result of government wage subsidies. The Company’s gross earnings may not be comparable to other companies, as some companies may include distribution costs in cost of sales.

North American Retail Segment

Retail Net Sales

Net sales were $31.6 million in 2021, up 47% from $21.5 million in 2020. Same store sales rose 53% for the year, due to a 43% increase in e-commerce sales (with sales up on all brands’ websites) and higher brick-and-mortar same store sales. Last year’s brick-and-mortar sales were down significantly as a result of the pandemic. The Company closed three unprofitable retail stores in the third quarter of 2020 and one in the first quarter of 2021, and currently has just four active brick-and-mortar locations in North America. Retail sales in 2021 surpassed 2019 levels by 25%, due primarily to growth in e-commerce.

Retail Earnings (Loss) from Operations

Retail gross earnings as a percent of net sales were 66.4% in 2021 and 64.8% in 2020, with gross margins up at active brick-and-mortar locations and in e-commerce. Selling and administrative expenses for the retail segment consist primarily of freight, advertising expense, employee costs, and rent and occupancy costs. Retail selling and administrative expenses were $14.3 million in 2021 and $15.0 million in 2020.  As a percent of net sales, retail selling and administrative expenses were 45% in 2021 and 70% in 2020. 2020 expenses included $1.5 million in early lease termination charges, $1.0 million for the impairment of retail store fixed assets, and $0.3 million in employee costs related to restructuring and temporary closures, partially offset by $0.2 million of income from government wage subsidies.

The retail segment had operating earnings of $6.7 million in 2021 compared to operating losses of $1.1 million in 2020. The improvement in 2021 was due to the benefit of closing unprofitable stores, higher e-commerce earnings, and improved performance at active brick-and-mortar locations. Retail operating earnings in 2021 exceeded 2019 levels by 138%.

Other

The Company’s other businesses include its wholesale and retail operations of Florsheim Australia and Florsheim Europe. Net sales of the Company’s other businesses were $30.7 million in 2021, up 41% from $21.7 million in 2020. The increase was at Florsheim Australia, with sales up in both its retail and wholesale businesses. For the year, other net sales amounted to 84% of 2019 levels, with Florsheim Australia reaching 93% of 2019 levels, offset by lower sales at Florsheim Europe, which is being wound down.

Gross earnings in the Company’s other businesses were 55.8% of net sales in 2021 versus 48.8% of net sales in 2020. Collectively, Florsheim Australia and Florsheim Europe had operating losses totaling $404,000 in 2021 compared to operating losses of $7.5 million last year. Despite the lockdowns that existed throughout much of 2021, Florsheim Australia had operating earnings of $118,000 in 2021, resulting from improved gross margins and cost reductions. Last year’s losses included $3.6 million in employee costs related to restructuring and temporary closures, $2.1 million for the impairment of retail store fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets, $2.0 million in reserves for obsolete and slow moving inventory due to COVID-19-related impacts, and $0.3 million in related charges, partially offset by $3.5 million of income from government wage and rent subsidies. The improvement in 2021 was primarily due to the stronger results at Florsheim Australia.

13

Table of Contents

​

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE AND TAXES

The majority of the Company’s interest income is generated by investments in marketable securities and highly liquid fixed income funds. Interest income totaled $641,000 and $527,000 in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to investment earnings on the new fixed income funds this year.  Interest expense was $81,000 in 2021 and $79,000 in 2020. Other income totaled $1.1 million in 2021 versus $96,000 in 2020. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in the non-service cost components of pension expense, resulting from lower interest expense and higher expected return on plan assets, and unrealized gains on foreign exchange contracts entered into by Florsheim Australia.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 24.8% in 2021 versus (20.3%) in 2020. The current tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% due to the impact of state income taxes. The Company’s 2020 tax rate was impacted by the write-off of $2.0 million in deferred tax assets of its foreign subsidiaries. Additionally, last year the Company did not record an income tax benefit on foreign losses, and, in the U.S., it carried back losses to a tax year when the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 35%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are its cash, short-term investments, and short-term marketable securities, which aggregated to $28.1 million and $34.7 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and its revolving line of credit.  The Company generated $6.4 million and $40.0 million of cash from operations in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Fluctuations in net cash from operating activities mainly resulted from changes in net earnings (loss) and operating assets and liabilities, most significantly, the year-end accounts receivable and inventory balances. The Company’s inventory levels increased to $71.0 million at December 31, 2021 from $59.0 million at December 31, 2020. These figures include inventory that was both in-transit to the Company’s distribution facility and on-hand inventory. Before the supply chain issues experienced in 2021, typically about 10% to 20% of the Company’s inventory was in-transit.  As of December 31, 2021, approximately 59% of the $71.0 million was in-transit, with the remaining 41% on-hand. In early 2022, the Company has continued to receive a much higher number of containers on a daily basis than normal, which has allowed it to maintain strong shipments to customers and start building back higher inventory levels on core product that is needed for at-once business.

The Company’s capital expenditures were $1.0 million and $3.4 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s 2020 capital expenditures included costs related to the expansion of office space within its corporate headquarters. In 2022, the Company plans to invest in its distribution center to enable it to process and ship more efficiently the large increase in e-commerce orders experienced over the past several years. Including these costs, the Company expects capital expenditures will be between $2.0 million and $3.0 million in 2022.

The Company paid cash dividends of $9.3 million and $11.8 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.  The decrease in 2021 was due to a shift in timing of the Company’s regular quarterly dividend payment schedule; 2021 included four dividend payments while 2020 included five dividend payments, as the Company accelerated the timing of its January 2021 dividend payment into 2020.

The Company repurchases its common stock under its share repurchase program when it believes market conditions are favorable. In 2021, the Company purchased 125,204 shares at a total cost of $2.5 million through its share repurchase program. In 2020, the Company purchased 106,490 shares at a total cost of $2.1 million through its share repurchase program.  As of December 31, 2021, there were 210,576 authorized shares remaining under the program.

At December 31, 2021, the Company had a $40 million revolving line of credit with a bank that is secured by a lien against the Company’s general corporate assets. The line of credit bears interest at the LIBOR plus 1.35% and expires on November 4, 2022. The related credit agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants (including a minimum tangible net worth financial covenant) for a facility of this type. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no amounts outstanding on the Company’s line of credit and the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants. There were also no amounts outstanding on the line of credit during 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, approximately $3.5 million of cash and cash equivalents was held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

The Company will continue to evaluate the best uses for its available liquidity, including, among other uses, capital expenditures, continued stock repurchases and acquisitions. The Company believes that available cash, short-term investments, marketable securities, cash provided by operations, and available borrowing facilities will provide adequate support for the cash needs of the business for at least one year, although there can be no assurances.

14

Table of Contents

​

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not utilize any special purpose entities or other off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  As disclosed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Sales Returns, Sales Allowances and Doubtful Accounts

The Company records reserves and allowances (“reserves”) for sales returns, sales allowances and discounts, cooperative advertising, and accounts receivable balances that it believes will ultimately not be collected. The reserves are based on such factors as specific customer situations, historical experience, a review of the current aging status of customer receivables and current and expected economic conditions. The reserve for doubtful accounts includes a specific reserve for accounts identified as potentially uncollectible, plus an additional reserve for the balance of accounts, determined based on historical trends. The Company evaluates the reserves and the estimation process and makes adjustments when appropriate.  Prior to 2020, actual write-offs against the reserves had been within the Company’s expectations. However, in 2020, the Company wrote down $4.3 million (net) in receivables due to the bankruptcy filings of two large customers during the pandemic. Future changes in reserves may be required if actual returns, discounts and bad debt activity varies from the original estimates.  These changes could impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Pension Plan Accounting

The Company’s pension (benefit) expense and corresponding obligation are determined on an actuarial basis and require certain actuarial assumptions. Management believes the two most critical of these assumptions are the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. The Company evaluates its actuarial assumptions annually on the measurement date (December 31) and makes modifications based on such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance.  Changes in these assumptions can result in different expense and liability amounts, and future actual experience can differ from these assumptions.

Discount Rate – Pension expense and projected benefit obligation both increase as the discount rate is reduced.  See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discount rates used in determining pension (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the funded status of the plans at December 31, 2021 and 2020.  The Company uses the spot-rate approach to determine the service and interest cost components of pension (benefit) expense. Under the spot-rate approach, the service and interest costs were calculated by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows, to provide a better estimate of future service and interest costs. A 0.5% decrease in the discount rate would have a nominal impact on annual pension (benefit) expense, and would increase the projected benefit obligation by approximately $4.7 million.

Expected Rate of Return – Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on pension plan assets decreases.  In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets and future expectations of asset returns.  The Company utilized an expected rate of return on plan assets of 7.00% for both 2021 and 2020. This rate was based on the Company’s long-term investment policy of equity securities: 20% - 80%; fixed income securities: 20% - 80%; and other, principally cash:  0% - 20%.  A 0.5% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase annual pension expense by approximately $216,000.

The Company’s unfunded benefit obligation was $28.3 million and $34.0 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

15

Table of Contents

​

Goodwill and Trademarks

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired from a business acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if indicators of impairment are present. The Company’s goodwill primarily resulted from the 2011 acquisition of the BOGS and Rafters brands, and, to a lesser extent, the 2021 acquisition of the Forsake brand. The applicable reporting units are the Company’s wholesale and retail segments.

The Company has the option to assess goodwill for impairment by performing either a qualitative assessment or quantitative test. The qualitative assessment is the first step and determines whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units are less than the related carrying values. If the assessment indicates the fair values exceed the carrying values, then there is no impairment and the quantitative test is not required. However, if the assessment indicates the fair values are less than the carrying values, then the quantitative test is required. In the quantitative test, the fair value would be estimated based upon an evaluation of the reporting unit’s estimated future discounted cash flows as well as the valuation multiples for comparable companies. In 2021, the Company completed a qualitative assessment noting no indicators of impairment. In 2020, the Company performed a quantitative analysis which indicated a premium compared to the carrying value of net assets, including goodwill, at the reporting unit level.  The Company did not record goodwill impairment charges for any of its reporting units in 2021 or 2020.

In evaluating trademarks, the Company completed a qualitative assessment in 2021 noting no indicators of impairment. In 2020, a quantitative analysis was used, in which estimated fair values were determined using discounted cash flows and implied royalty rates. Based on the results of the trademark assessments, the Company concluded that the fair values of the trademarks substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. Therefore, no impairment was recorded on the Company’s trademarks in 2021 or 2020.

The Company can make no assurances that the goodwill or trademarks will not be impaired in the future. When preparing a discounted cash flow analysis, the Company makes a number of key estimates and assumptions. The Company estimates the future cash flows based on historical and forecasted revenues and operating costs. This, in turn, involves further estimates such as estimates of future growth rates and inflation rates. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital for the business and may change from year to year. Weighted average cost of capital includes certain assumptions such as market capital structures, market beta, risk-free rate of return and estimated costs of borrowing. Changes in these key estimates and assumptions, or in other assumptions used in this process, could materially affect the Company’s impairment analysis for a given year.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

​