Edgar Filing: ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 001-34382

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio		31-1364046
(State or Other Jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)		Identification No.)

39 E. Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)

(740) 753-1951

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO x

As of April 22, 2016, 7,587,195 shares of Rocky Brands, Inc. common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

FORM 10-Q

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		NUMBER

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited), and December 31, 2015	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (Unaudited)	5

	Notes to the Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	6 –16

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17 – 21

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	22

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	22

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	23

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	23

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	23

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	23

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	23

Item 5.	Other Information	23

Item 6.	Exhibits	23

SIGNATURE		24

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015		March 31, 2015
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
ASSETS:
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,716,716	$	3,407,140	$	4,391,765
Trade receivables – net		38,253,999		44,549,207		54,271,919
Other receivables		597,343		583,479		618,179
Inventories		84,502,529		76,991,059		83,125,271
Income tax receivable		1,214,755		128,699		52,961
Deferred income taxes		1,031,818		1,031,818		1,291,907
Prepaid expenses		3,073,814		2,530,517		3,078,008
Total current assets		132,390,974		129,221,919		146,830,010

FIXED ASSETS – net		28,103,995		27,836,527		25,331,520
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES		36,514,458		36,547,873		36,649,003
OTHER ASSETS		253,621		258,812		277,305
TOTAL ASSETS	$	197,263,048	$	193,865,131	$	209,087,838


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	15,044,942	$	9,118,555	$	13,894,921
Accrued expenses:
Salaries and wages		1,050,831		442,259		909,487
Taxes - other		462,277		533,220		439,220
Accrued freight		371,196		427,412		534,100
Commissions		345,825		378,191		505,585
Accrued duty		2,365,462		2,301,449		2,465,913
Other		1,490,356		1,547,130		1,173,185
Total current liabilities		21,130,889		14,748,216		19,922,411

LONG TERM DEBT		21,649,319		23,700,089		36,691,449
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		13,000,609		13,000,609		12,928,048
DEFERRED LIABILITIES		265,262		295,676		434,625
TOTAL LIABILITIES		56,046,079		51,744,590		69,976,533

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value;
25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding March 31, 2016 - 7,583,901; December 31, 2015 - 7,567,271 and March 31, 2015 - 7,559,725		71,004,499		70,882,392		70,566,065
Retained earnings		70,212,470		71,238,149		68,545,240
Total shareholders' equity		141,216,969		142,120,541		139,111,305
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	197,263,048	$	193,865,131	$	209,087,838

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016			2015
NET SALES	$	57,529,945		$	65,451,303

COST OF GOODS SOLD		38,619,053			43,479,993

GROSS MARGIN		18,910,892			21,971,310

SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES		19,131,894			19,567,947

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS		(221,002	)		2,403,363

OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
Interest expense, net		(135,976	)		(165,076	)
Other – net		67,528			(63,340	)
Total other - net		(68,448	)		(228,416	)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES		(289,450	)		2,174,947

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)		(98,000	)		761,000

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	(191,450	)	$	1,413,947

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic	$	(0.03	)	$	0.19
Diluted	$	(0.03	)	$	0.19

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic		7,583,170			7,559,343
Diluted		7,583,170			7,566,698

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016			2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	(191,450	)	$	1,413,947
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		1,905,604			1,801,555
Gain on disposal of fixed assets		(16,053	)		-
Stock compensation expense		122,107			102,479
Change in assets and liabilities
Receivables		6,281,344			1,393,485
Inventories		(7,511,470	)		2,111,771
Other current assets		(1,629,353	)		(577,527	)
Other assets		5,191			22,185
Accounts payable		5,870,933			(1,283,018	)
Accrued and other liabilities		425,872			(4,103,858	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		5,262,725			881,019

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of fixed assets		(2,086,650	)		(772,809	)
Investment in trademarks and patents		-			(1,176	)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets		18,500			-

Net cash used in investing activities		(2,068,150	)		(773,985	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility		20,875,394			20,135,196
Repayments of revolving credit facility		(22,926,164	)		(19,714,120	)
Proceeds from stock option exercises		-			2,914
Dividends paid on common stock		(834,229	)		(755,953	)

Net cash used in financing activities		(2,884,999	)		(331,963	)

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		309,576			(224,929	)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
BEGINNING OF PERIOD		3,407,140			4,616,694

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
END OF PERIOD	$	3,716,716		$	4,391,765

See notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

ROCKY BRANDS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015

INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORTING

In the opinion of management, the accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial results. All such adjustments reflected in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal and recurring nature. The results of the operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the whole year. Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

TRADE RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables are presented net of the related allowance for uncollectible accounts of approximately $833,000, $820,000 and $1,017,000 at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is calculated based on the relative age and size of trade receivable balances. Our credit policy generally provides that trade receivables will be deemed uncollectible and written-off once we have pursued all reasonable efforts to collect on the account.

INVENTORIES

Inventories, net of reserves, are comprised of the following:

	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
	2016		2015		2015
	(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)

Raw materials	$	17,543,577	$	12,494,980	$	12,931,069
Work-in-process		920,773		1,155,837		877,162
Finished goods		66,038,179		63,340,242		69,317,040

Total	$	84,502,529	$	76,991,059	$	83,125,271

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:

	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015

Interest	$	117,947	$	155,196

Federal, state and local income taxes,
net of refunds	$	988,056	$	3,500,971

Fixed asset purchases in accounts payable	$	148,357	$	147,296

PER SHARE INFORMATION

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The diluted earnings per share computation includes common share equivalents, when dilutive. There are no adjustments to net income necessary in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted income per common share computation for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
Weighted average
shares outstanding		7,583,170		7,559,343
Dilutive restricted share units		-		6,596
Dilutive stock options		-		759
Dilutive weighted average
shares outstanding		7,583,170		7,566,698

Weighted average shares that were antidilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of earnings per share were 142,518 and 86,827 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, diluted earnings per share of common stock are equal to basic earnings per share of common stock due to the net loss.

RECENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). Some share-based payment awards that require a specific performance target to be achieved before the employee can benefit from the award, also require an employee to render service until the performance target is achieved. In some cases, the terms of an award may provide that the performance target could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. That is, the employee would be entitled to benefit from the award regardless of whether the employee is rendering service on the date the performance target is achieved. Some entities account for those performance targets as performance conditions that affect the vesting of the award and, therefore, do not reflect the performance target in the estimate of the grant-date fair value. Others treat them as nonvesting conditions that affect the grant-date fair value of the award. The amendments apply to reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target can be achieved after the requisite service period. The update is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20). The objective of this update is to simplify the income statement presentation requirements in Subtopic 225-20 by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Extraordinary items are events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence. Eliminating the extraordinary classification simplifies income statement presentation by altogether removing the concept of extraordinary items from consideration. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). The objective of this update is to simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. These disclosures include the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, the transition method, a description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items (that is, debt issuance cost asset and the debt liability). The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on our consolidated financial statements as ASU 2015-15 allowed debt issuance costs related to a line of credit arrangement to remain as an asset and be amortized over the remaining term of the line of credit agreement.

Accounting standards not yet adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this update supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, the amendments supersede the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and create new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers. In summary, the core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14. The amendments in this update defer the effective date of Update 2014-09. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). Currently, there is no guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments in this update provide that guidance. In doing so, the amendments should reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The amendments require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The update is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330). The amendments in this Update require an entity to measure inventory within the scope of this Update at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. The amendments in this Update more closely align the measurement of inventory in GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes - Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this Update will simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments in this Update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this Update. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this Update will require lessees to recognize (with the exception of short-term leases) a lease liability, which is a lessee‘s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The new lease guidance simplified the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is permitted for all entities upon issuance. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The amendments in this Update were issued as part of the FASB’s initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The areas for simplification in this Update involve several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. In addition, the amendments in this Update eliminate the guidance in Topic 718 that was indefinitely deferred shortly after the issuance of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is permitted for all entities upon issuance. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This Update clarifies guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in the new revenue recognition standard. The Update includes targeted improvements based on input the Board received from the Transition Resource Group for Revenue Recognition and other stakeholders. The Update seeks to proactively address areas in which diversity in practice potentially could arise, as well as to reduce the cost and complexity of applying certain aspects of the guidance both at implementation and on an ongoing basis. The amendments in this update are effective at the same time as ASU 2014-09. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We have not yet determined the impact this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

INCOME TAXES

We file income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examinations for years before 2012. In 2014, we were subjected to an IRS examination for our consolidated U.S. Federal return for the year 2011. There were no adjustments to our return as a result of that examination. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2011 to 2015. Foreign jurisdiction tax returns that remain subject to examination range from 2010 to 2015 for Canada and from 2010 to 2015 for Puerto Rico. We do not believe we have any uncertain tax positions.

Our policy is to accrue interest and penalties on any uncertain tax position as a component of income tax expense. As of March 31, 2016, no such expenses were recognized during the quarter.

We provided for income taxes at an estimated effective tax rate of 33.9% and 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

A schedule of intangible assets is as follows:

	Gross		Accumulated		Carrying
March 31, 2016 (unaudited)	Amount		Amortization		Amount
Trademarks:
Wholesale	$	32,343,578	$	-	$	32,343,578
Retail		2,900,000		-		2,900,000
Patents		2,595,477		2,337,930		257,547
Customer relationships		2,200,000		1,186,667		1,013,333
Total Identified Intangibles	$	40,039,055	$	3,524,597	$	36,514,458


	Gross		Accumulated		Carrying
December 31, 2015	Amount		Amortization		Amount
Trademarks:
Wholesale	$	32,343,578	$	-	$	32,343,578
Retail		2,900,000		-		2,900,000
Patents		2,595,477		2,324,515		270,962
Customer relationships		2,200,000		1,166,667		1,033,333
Total Identified Intangibles	$	40,039,055	$	3,491,182	$	36,547,873


	Gross		Accumulated		Carrying
March 31, 2015 (unaudited)	Amount		Amortization		Amount
Trademarks:
Wholesale	$	32,343,578	$	-	$	32,343,578
Retail		2,900,000		-		2,900,000
Patents		2,595,477		2,283,386		312,091
Customer relationships		2,200,000		1,106,666		1,093,334
Total Identified Intangibles	$	40,039,055	$	3,390,052	$	36,649,003

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $33,415 and $33,817 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The weighted average amortization period for patents and customer relationships are 6 years.

Estimate of Aggregate Amortization Expense for the years ending December 31,:


2017	127,612
2018	121,468
2019	113,484
2020	110,578
2021	110,578

CAPITAL STOCK

On May 7, 2014, our shareholders approved the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan includes 500,000 of our common shares that may be granted under various types of awards as described in the 2014 Plan. As of March 31, 2016, we were authorized to issue 283,661 shares under this plan.

Service Based Restricted Stock

In the first quarter of 2016, we issued 30,000 restricted stock units to certain members of our management that will be settled in one share of common stock of the company per unit. These restricted stock units vest in increments of 25% per year over the next four years. We valued the units at an average fair value of $11.56 per unit, which was the closing price of our stock on the last trading date prior to the grant date. Also in the first quarter of 2016, we issued an additional 2,000 restricted stock units to a member of management. These units vest the same as the first issuance. We valued the units at an average fair value of $10.29 per unit, which was the closing price of our stock on the last trading date prior to the grant date. In the first quarter of 2015, we issued 28,000 restricted stock units to certain members of our management that will be settled in one share of common stock of the company per unit. These restricted stock units vest in increments of 25% per year over the next four years. We valued the units at a fair value of $13.42 per unit, which was the closing price of our stock on the last trading date prior to the grant date. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded expense of $62,691 and $41,109, respectively, related to restricted stock units.

Performance Based Restricted Stock

In the first quarter of 2016, we made available up to 43,000 performance based restricted stock units to certain members of our management. Shares underlying the performance based restricted stock units will be issued upon achieving certain established EPS goals at the end of fiscal year 2017. In the first quarter of 2015, we made available up to 32,000 performance based restricted stock units to certain members of our management. Shares underlying the performance based restricted stock units will be issued upon achieving certain established EPS goals at the end of fiscal year 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not record any expense related to these performance based restricted stock units as it is uncertain if we will reach the performance goals.

Stock Options

In the first quarter of 2016, we issued 30,000 stock options to certain members of our management. These stock options vest in increments of 20% per year over the next five years. The options are exercisable at $11.56 per option, which was the closing price of our stock on the last trading date prior to the grant date. We have determined the fair value of the options to be $3.41 per option using the Black Scholes calculation. The significant assumptions utilized for the Black Scholes calculations consist of an expected life of 6.5 years, historical volatility of 42.32%, a risk free interest rate of 2.06%, a dividend yield of 3.81% and an initial employee forfeiture rate of 7.7%. Our expected life estimate is based on the sum of the vesting terms divided by the number of vesting tranches. Also in the first quarter of 2016, we issued an additional 2,000 stock options to a member of our management. These units vest the same as the first issuance. The options are exercisable at $10.29 per option, which was the closing price of our stock on the last trading date prior to the grant date. We have determined the fair value of the options to be $2.84 per option using the Black Scholes calculation. The significant assumptions utilized for the Black Scholes calculations consist of an expected life of 6.5 years, historical volatility of 42.32%, a risk free interest rate of 1.88%, a dividend yield of 4.30% and an initial employee forfeiture rate of 7.7%. In the first quarter of 2015, we issued 28,000 stock options to certain members of our management. These stock options vest in increments of 20% per year over the next five years. The options are exercisable at $13.42 per option, which was the closing price of our stock on the last trading date prior to the grant date. We have determined the fair value of the options to be $4.70 per option using the Black Scholes calculation. The significant assumptions utilized for the Black Scholes calculations consist of an expected life of 6.5 years, historical volatility of 46.20%, a risk free interest rate of 1.92%, a dividend yield of 2.99% and an initial employee forfeiture rate of 3.8%. Our expected life estimate is based on the sum of the vesting terms divided by the number of vesting tranches. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded expense of $17,417 and $12,370, respectively, related to stock option issuances.

The following summarizes stock option transactions from January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016:

	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at January 1, 2016		51,600		$	14.08
Issued		32,000		$	11.48
Exercised		-		$	-
Forfeited		(3,000	)	$	12.80
Options outstanding at March 31, 2016		80,600		$	13.10

Options exercisable at:
January 1, 2016		4,000		$	14.57
March 31, 2016		14,000		$	14.25

Unvested options at March 31, 2016		66,600		$	12.86

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we issued 3,630 shares of common stock to members of our Board of Directors. We recorded compensation expense of $42,000, which was the fair market value of the shares on the grant dates. The shares are fully vested.

10.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have identified three reportable segments: Wholesale, Retail and Military. Wholesale includes sales of footwear and accessories to several classifications of retailers, including sporting goods stores, outdoor specialty stores, mail order catalogs, independent retailers, mass merchants, retail uniform stores, and specialty safety shoe stores. Retail includes all sales from our consumer websites, stores and all sales in our Lehigh division. Military includes sales to the U.S. Military. The following is a summary of segment results for the Wholesale, Retail, and Military segments.

	(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016		2015
NET SALES:
Wholesale	$	40,191,054	$	50,979,693
Retail		11,536,384		11,854,759
Military		5,802,507		2,616,851
Total Net Sales	$	57,529,945	$	65,451,303

GROSS MARGIN:
Wholesale	$	12,971,037	$	16,303,024
Retail		5,144,944		5,348,445
Military		794,911		319,841
Total Gross Margin	$	18,910,892	$	21,971,310

Segment asset information is not prepared or used to assess segment performance.

11.

LONG-TERM DEBT

In October 2010, we entered into a financing agreement with PNC Bank (“PNC”) to provide a $70 million credit facility. In December 2014, we amended and restated the credit facility to increase the facility to $75 million and extend the term of the facility an additional five years. The credit facility’s base interest rate is the current prime rate less 0.25%, however the credit facility provides us the option to borrow on up to eight fixed loans at LIBOR plus 1.25% in accordance with the 2014 amended and restated credit agreement. The LIBOR rate is determined based on the fixed loan maturities, which vary from 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. As of March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31 2015, we had approximately $20.0 million, $17.0 million and $32.0 million, respectively, in fixed LIBOR borrowings under the credit facility. The amended and restated credit facility matures in November 2019.

The total amount available under our amended and restated revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base calculation based on various percentages of accounts receivable and inventory. As of March 31, 2016, we had $21.6 million in borrowings under this facility and total capacity of $61.3 million.

Our amended and restated credit facility contains a restrictive covenant which requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio. This restrictive covenant is only in effect upon a triggering event taking place (as defined in the amended and restated credit facility agreement). At March 31, 2016, there was no triggering event and the covenant was not in effect.

Our amended and restated revolving credit facility matures in November 2019. We have no other long-term debt maturities.

12.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Generally accepted accounting standards establish a framework for measuring fair value. The fair value accounting standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This standard clarifies how to measure fair value as permitted under other accounting pronouncements.

The fair value accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This standard also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

The fair values of cash, accounts receivable, other receivables and accounts payable approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts due from our customers, net of allowances. Other receivables consist primarily of amounts due from employees (sales persons’ advances in excess of commissions earned and employee travel advances); other customer receivables, net of allowances; and expected insurance recoveries. The carrying amounts of our revolving line of credit and other short-term financing obligations also approximate fair value, as they are comparable to the available financing in the marketplace during the year.

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information derived from our Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, expressed as a percentage of net sales. The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with our Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2016			2015
Net Sales		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost Of Goods Sold		67.1	%		66.4	%
Gross Margin		32.9	%		33.6	%

Selling, General and
Administrative Expenses		33.3	%		29.9	%

Income From Operations		-0.4	%		3.7	%

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Net sales. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $57.5 million compared to $65.5 million for the same period in 2015. Wholesale sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $40.2 million compared to $51.0 million for the same period in 2015. The $10.8 million decrease in Wholesale sales was the result of a $4.3 million decrease in our work footwear category, a $2.7 million decrease in our western footwear category, a $2.1 million decrease in our lifestyle category, which was partially offset by a $1.2 million increase in our commercial military footwear category. We believe the declines were principally the result of the factors that impacted our core work, western and outdoor categories during the second half of last year, namely warm temperatures and the softening of local economies tied to oil & gas production, created an inventory overhang in our channels of distribution that impacted fill-in of our Georgia Boot, Rocky and Durango brands during the first quarter. Retail sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $11.5 million compared to $11.9 million for the same period in 2015. Military segment sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were $5.8 million, compared to $2.6 million in the same period in 2015. We have received an order to fulfill a contract to the U.S. Military to produce “Hot Weather” combat boots. Shipments to the U.S. Military for both periods were made under this order. In early 2016, we received an order to fulfill a contract to the U.S. Military to produce “Temperate Weather” combat boots. We began shipping under this order in March, 2016.

Gross margin. Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $18.9 million, or 32.9% of net sales, compared to $22.0 million, or 33.6% of net sales, in the same period last year. Wholesale gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $13.0 million, or 32.3% of net sales, compared to $16.3 million, or 32.0% of net sales, in the same period last year. The Retail gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $5.1 million, or 44.6% of net sales, compared to $5.3 million, or 45.1% of net sales, for the same period in 2015. Military gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $0.8 million, or 13.7% of net sales, compared to $0.3 million, or 12.2% of net sales, for the same period in 2015.

SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses were $19.1 million, or 33.3% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $19.6 million, or 29.9% of net sales for the same period in 2015. The net decrease in 2016 was primarily related to a reduction in freight cost of $0.1 million and lower commissions of $0.2 million.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in the prior year.

Income taxes. Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $0.1 million, compared to $0.8 million expense for the same period a year ago. We provided for income taxes at effective tax rates of 33.9% for 2016 and 35% for 2015. We used a lower rate in 2016 as we expect to make additional permanent capital investment in the Dominican Republic which reduces the amount of dividends that we need to provide for U.S. income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

Over the last several years our principal uses of cash have been for working capital and capital expenditures to support our growth. Our working capital consists primarily of trade receivables and inventory, offset by accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital fluctuates throughout the year as a result of our seasonal business cycle and business expansion and is generally lowest in the months of January through March of each year and highest during the months of May through October of each year. We typically utilize our revolving credit facility to fund our seasonal working capital requirements. As a result, balances on our revolving credit facility will fluctuate significantly throughout the year. Our capital expenditures relate primarily to projects relating to our property, merchandising fixtures, molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing and distribution operations, retail sales fleet and for information technology. Capital expenditures were $2.1 million for the first three months of 2016, compared to $0.8 million for the same period in 2015. Total capital expenditures for 2016 are anticipated to be approximately $6.9 million.

Our amended and restated revolving credit facility matures in November 2019. We have no other long-term debt maturities.

Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.9 million in the same period of 2015. Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily impacted by decreases in accounts receivable levels and higher accounts payable, partially offset by increases in inventory levels. Cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was primarily impacted by increases in inventory and accounts receivable, partially offset by decreases in accrued and other liabilities.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.8 million in the same period of 2015. Cash used in investing activities reflects an investment in property, plant and equipment of $2.1 million in 2016 and $0.8 million in 2015. Our 2016 and 2015 expenditures primarily relate to investments in molds and equipment associated with our manufacturing operations, for information technology and for improvements to our distribution facility.

Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $2.9 million and was related to net payments under the revolving credit facility and for the payment of dividends on our common stock. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $0.3 million and was related to the payment of dividends on our common stock, mostly offset by net borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Inflation

We cannot determine the precise effects of inflation; however, inflation continues to have an influence on the cost of materials, salaries, and employee benefits. We attempt to offset the effects of inflation through increased selling prices, productivity improvements, and reduction of costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Our management regularly reviews our accounting policies to make certain they are current and also to provide readers of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition. These include, but are not limited to, matters related to accounts receivable, inventories, intangibles and income taxes. Implementation of these accounting policies includes estimates and judgments by management based on historical experience and other factors believed to be reasonable. This may include judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities based on considerations that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Our management believes the following critical accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition

Revenue principally consists of sales to customers, and, to a lesser extent, license fees. Revenue is recognized when the risk and title passes to the customer, while license fees are recognized when earned. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for estimated returns, trade promotions and other discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale.

Accounts receivable allowances

Management maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is calculated based on the relative age and size of trade receivable balances.

Sales returns and allowances

We record a reduction to gross sales based on estimated customer returns and allowances. These reductions are influenced by historical experience, based on actual customer returns and allowances. The actual amount of sales returns and allowances realized may differ from our estimates. If we determine that sales returns or allowances should be either increased or decreased, then the adjustment would be made to net sales in the period in which such a determination is made.

Inventories

Management identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate loss provisions related to these inventories. Historically, these loss provisions have not been significant as the vast majority of our inventories are considered saleable, and we have been able to liquidate slow moving or obsolete inventories through our factory outlet stores or through various discounts to customers. Should management encounter difficulties liquidating slow moving or obsolete inventories, additional provisions may be necessary. Management regularly reviews the adequacy of our inventory reserves and makes adjustments to them as required.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets, including goodwill, trademarks and patents are reviewed for impairment annually, and more frequently, if necessary. We perform such testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year or as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying amount.

In assessing whether indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, we must make certain estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows, long-term growth rates of our business, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital and other factors such as discount rates, royalty rates, cost of capital, and market multiples to determine the fair value of our assets. These estimates and assumptions require management’s judgment, and changes to these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or impairment for each of our other indefinite-lived intangible assets. Future events could cause us to conclude that indications of intangible asset impairment exist. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of our business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws and regulations, competition, or the sale or disposition of a reporting segment. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Income taxes

Management has recorded a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets for a portion of state and local income tax net operating losses that it believes may not be realized. We have considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance; however, in the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding our and management’s intent, belief, and expectations, such as statements concerning our future profitability and our operating and growth strategy. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other statements we make involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and other factors detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future could affect our businesses and financial results and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on information presently available to our management. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes since December 31, 2015.

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were (1) designed to ensure that material information relating to our Company is accumulated and made known to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, in a timely manner, particularly during the period in which this report was being prepared, and (2) effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Management believes, however, that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Internal Controls. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act) during our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as disclosed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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

None

ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None

ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS

	EXHIBIT	EXHIBIT
	NUMBER	DESCRIPTION

31 (a)*

Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Chief Executive Officer.

31 (b)*

Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Chief Financial Officer.

32 (a)+

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Executive Officer.

32 (b)+

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of the Chief Financial Officer.

101*

Attached as Exhibits 101 to this report are the following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 formatted in XBRL (“eXtensible Business Reporting Language”): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related notes to these financial statements.

_____________________

* Filed with this report.

+ Furnished with this report.

SIGNATURE

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

		Rocky Brands, Inc.


Date:	April 29, 2016	/s/ James E. McDonald
		James E. McDonald, Executive Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer*

In his capacity as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. McDonald is duly authorized to sign this report on behalf of the Registrant.