e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2008
or
     
o   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 0-238001
LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Wisconsin   39-1446816
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
17634 NE Airport Way
Portland, Oregon 97230
(Address, zip code of principal executive offices)
(503) 262-0110
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See 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 o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller Reporting Company þ
        (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 o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of October 23, 2008: 6,241,750 shares
 
 

 


 

LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
Form 10-Q Index
         
    Page  
       
 
       
 
    3  
 
    4  
 
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    6  
 
    11  
 
    16  
 
    16  
 
       
 
    16  
 
    16  
 
    17  
 
    18  
 EX-10.1
 EX-10.2
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

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PART I –FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         
    September 27,     December 31,     September 29,  
    2008     2007     2007  
(in thousands, except share and per share data)   (unaudited)             (unaudited)  
Assets:
                       
Current Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,316     $ 15,385     $ 4,730  
Trade and other accounts receivable, net
    31,960       22,593       29,926  
Inventories (Note 2)
    30,769       27,131       30,070  
Prepaid expenses
    994       1,068       1,099  
Deferred tax assets
    1,234       1,201       1,220  
 
                 
Total current assets
    69,273       67,378       67,045  
 
                       
Property and equipment, net
    5,018       4,963       4,996  
Goodwill
    10,753       10,753       10,753  
Other assets
    420       453       461  
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 85,464     $ 83,547     $ 83,255  
 
                 
 
                       
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
                       
Current Liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 11,198     $ 7,456     $ 10,294  
Accrued compensation
    2,947       3,324       2,536  
Other accruals (Note 3)
    3,472       1,982       2,576  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    17,617       12,762       15,406  
 
                       
Long-term debt
          394       422  
Deferred revenue
    413       131       141  
Compensation and benefits (Note 6)
    1,564       1,993       3,348  
Deferred tax liabilities
    2,330       2,282       1,357  
 
                 
Total liabilities
    21,924       17,562       20,674  
 
                 
 
                       
Shareholders’ Equity:
                       
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued 6,717,627 shares
    67       67       67  
Additional paid-in capital
    28,031       27,473       27,258  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9)
    (1,195 )     (1,011 )     (1,684 )
Retained earnings (Note 7)
    38,770       42,328       39,920  
Less cost of 484,741, 600,362 and 614,156 shares of treasury stock, respectively
    (2,133 )     (2,872 )     (2,980 )
 
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    63,540       65,985       62,581  
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 85,464     $ 83,547     $ 83,255  
 
                 
See notes to interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Three Quarters Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,     September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands, except per share data)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net sales
  $ 40,265     $ 36,876     $ 92,807     $ 85,496  
Cost of goods sold
    24,478       22,464       55,717       51,705  
 
                       
Gross profit
    15,787       14,412       37,090       33,791  
Selling and administrative expenses
    11,234       9,465       29,140       26,580  
 
                       
Operating income
    4,553       4,947       7,950       7,211  
Non-operating income (expense)
    (54 )     48       57       262  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    4,499       4,995       8,007       7,473  
Income tax expense (Note 4)
    1,731       1,684       3,024       2,582  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 2,768     $ 3,311     $ 4,983     $ 4,891  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income per common share (Note 1):
                               
Basic
  $ 0.44     $ 0.54     $ 0.80     $ 0.80  
Diluted
  $ 0.43     $ 0.52     $ 0.78     $ 0.77  
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    6,229       6,100       6,204       6,079  
Diluted
    6,436       6,394       6,416       6,343  
See notes to interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    Three Quarters Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 4,983     $ 4,891  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net of effects of acquisition:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,368       1,326  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    2       70  
Stock-based compensation expense (Note 5)
    454       421  
Deferred income taxes
    15       72  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Trade and other accounts receivable
    (9,367 )     (10,014 )
Inventories
    (469 )     (8,032 )
Accounts payable
    3,742       4,867  
Accrued expenses and other
    758       (81 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    1,486       (6,480 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (1,504 )     (1,049 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
          2  
Acquisition payment (Note 1)
    (3,169 )      
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (4,673 )     (1,047 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Cash dividends paid (Note 7)
    (8,541 )     (914 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (95 )      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    938       469  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (7,698 )     (445 )
 
           
 
               
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (184 )      
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (11,069 )     (7,972 )
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Beginning of period
    15,385       12,702  
 
           
End of period
  $ 4,316     $ 4,730  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental information:
               
Cash payments for income taxes
  $ 2,004     $ 1,560  
See notes to interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
Notes to Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1. INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORTING
Basis of Presentation – LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. (NASDAQ: BOOT) is referred to as “we”, “us”, or “our” in this report. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, we have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures that are included in our annual financial statements. These condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which consist of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Danner, Inc., LaCrosse International, Inc. and LaCrosse Europe, Inc. LaCrosse Europe, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, LaCrosse Europe ApS, were formed during our third quarter of 2008 to acquire the inventories and operations of our former European distributor for $3.2 million, and to expand our direct sales and marketing support to our European customers. The results of operations since the date of acquisition have been included in the consolidated financial statements. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
We report our quarterly interim financial information based on 13-week periods. The nature of the 13-week calendar requires that all periods end on a Saturday, and that the year end on December 31. As a result, every first quarter and every fourth quarter have a unique number of days. The results of the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. Historically, our net sales and operating income have been more heavily weighted to the second half of the year.
Use of Estimates – We are required to make certain estimates and assumptions which affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses we have reported, and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions.
Net Income per Common Share – We present our net income on a per share basis for both basic and diluted common shares. Basic net income per common share excludes all dilutive stock options and is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The diluted net income per common share calculation assumes that all stock options were exercised or converted into common stock at the beginning of the period, unless their effect would be anti-dilutive. A reconciliation of the shares used in the basic and diluted net income per common share is as follows:
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Three Quarters Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,     September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008   2007   2008   2007
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    6,229       6,100       6,204       6,079  
Dilutive stock options
    207       294       212       264  
 
                               
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    6,436       6,394       6,416       6,343  
 
                               

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NOTE 2. INVENTORIES
A summary of inventories is presented below:
                         
    September 27,     December 31,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007     2007  
Raw materials
  $ 2,796     $ 1,691     $ 1,776  
Work in process
    313       183       220  
Finished goods
    28,166       25,631       28,557  
 
                 
Subtotal
    31,275       27,505       30,553  
Less: provision for slow-moving inventory
    (506 )     (374 )     (483 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 30,769     $ 27,131     $ 30,070  
 
                 
NOTE 3. PRODUCT WARRANTY
We provide a limited warranty for the replacement of defective products. Our limited warranty requires us to repair or replace defective products at no cost to the consumer within a specified time period after sale. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our limited warranty and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect our estimate of warranty liability include sales volume, and historical and anticipated future rates of warranty claims. Changes in the accrued product warranty costs during the quarters and three quarters ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, which are included in other accruals on our balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Three Quarters Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,     September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 1,097     $ 837     $ 941     $ 772  
Accruals for products sold
    645       404       2,106       1,513  
Warranty claims
    (452 )     (354 )     (1,757 )     (1,398 )
 
                       
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,290     $ 887     $ 1,290     $ 887  
 
                       
NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES
On a quarterly basis, we estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full fiscal year and record a quarterly income tax provision based on the anticipated rate. As the year progresses, we refine our estimate based on the facts and circumstances by each tax jurisdiction. The effective tax rate for the quarters ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 were 38.5% and 33.7%, respectively. The year to date effective tax rates for the three quarters ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 were 37.8% and 34.6%, respectively. The increase in the tax rate from 2007 is primarily due to the timing / realization of federal research and experimentation credits. The law allowing such credits for 2008 and 2009 was enacted on October 2, 2008, and the impact of the 2008 credits will be recognized in our fourth quarter of 2008.
Effective January 1, 2007, LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” On adoption, we recognized a $10,000 reduction in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as an adjustment to the January 1, 2007 retained earnings balance. At September 27, 2008, we had $240,000 of net uncertain tax benefit positions that would reduce our effective income tax rate if recognized. Due to statute expiration, a decrease could occur with respect to our FIN 48 reserve of less than $100,000 in the next twelve months. This reserve, including associated interest, relates to federal and state research and experimentation tax credits taken in prior years.
Our policy is to accrue interest related to potential underpayment of income taxes within the provision for income taxes.  The liability for accrued interest as of September 27, 2008, December 31, 2007, and September 29, 2007 was $34,000, $30,000 and $41,000, respectively. Interest is computed on the difference between our

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uncertain tax benefit positions under FIN 48 and the amount deducted or expected to be deducted in our tax returns.
We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return as well as state tax returns on a consolidated, combined, or stand-alone basis (depending upon the jurisdiction). We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the tax year ended December 2004. Depending on the jurisdiction, we are no longer subject to state examinations by tax authorities for years prior to the December 2003 and 2004 tax years.
NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We recognized $0.5 million and $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three quarters ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, respectively. To calculate the stock-based compensation expense under SFAS 123R, we use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our determination of fair value of option-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model is affected by various assumptions regarding certain subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected dividend yield, our expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, the risk-free interest rates, the estimated forfeiture rates, and the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on treasury instruments whose terms are consistent with the expected life of the stock options granted. The expected dividend yield, volatility, life of options, and forfeiture of options assumptions are based on historical experience.
The following table lists the assumptions we used in determining the fair value of stock options and the resulting weighted average fair value of options granted:
                 
    Three Quarters Ended
    September 27, 2008   September 29, 2007
Expected dividend yield
    2.9 %     0 %
Expected stock price volatility
    31 %     42 %
Risk-free interest rate
    3.2 %     4.7 %
Expected life of options
  4.5 years   3.2 years
Estimated forfeiture rate
    16 %     16 %
 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
  $ 3.92     $ 4.51  
The following table represents stock option activity for the quarter ended September 27, 2008:
                         
            Weighted   Weighted
            Average   Average
    Number of   Exercise   Remaining
    Shares   Price   Contract Life
Outstanding options at beginning of period
    814,959     $ 10.95          
Granted
    8,250       14.81          
Exercised
    (11,027 )     8.56          
Canceled
    (3,975 )     14.47          
 
                       
Outstanding options at end of period
    808,207       11.01     5.3 years
 
                       
Outstanding exercisable at end of period
    368,061       7.90     4.6 years
 
                       
At September 27, 2008, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $4.5 million, and the aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options was $3.1 million. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the quarter ended September 27, 2008 was $0.1 million.

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NOTE 6. COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS
We have a defined benefit pension plan covering eligible past employees and approximately 10% of current employees. We also sponsor an unfunded defined benefit postretirement death benefit plan that covers eligible past employees. Information relative to these two plans is presented below.
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
    Quarter Ended     Quarter Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,     September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Cost (benefit) recognized during the quarter:
                               
Interest cost
  $ 238     $ 234     $ 4     $ 4  
Expected return on plan assets
    (274 )     (257 )            
Amortization of prior loss
          25              
Amortization of prior service cost
    4       4              
             
Net period cost (benefit)
  $ (32 )   $ 6     $ 4     $ 4  
             
                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
    Three Quarters Ended     Three Quarters Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,     September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Cost (benefit) recognized during the first three quarters:
                           
Interest cost
  $ 714     $ 702     $ 12     $ 12  
Expected return on plan assets
    (822 )     (771 )            
Amortization of prior loss
          75              
Amortization of prior service cost
    12       12              
             
Net period cost (benefit)
  $ (96 )   $ 18     $ 12     $ 12  
             
We contributed $0.3 million to our defined benefit pension plan during the first three quarters of 2008 and anticipate contributing an additional $0.1 million during the remainder of 2008.
NOTE 7. CASH DIVIDENDS
On February 4, 2008, we announced a special cash dividend of one dollar ($1.00) per share of common stock and a first quarter cash dividend of twelve and one-half cents ($0.125) per share of our common stock. These dividends were paid together ($1.125 per share) on March 18, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2008. The total cash payment for this dividend was $7.0 million.
The Board of Directors, while not declaring future dividends to be paid, established a quarterly dividend policy reflecting its intent to declare and pay a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share of common stock (approximately $0.8 million per quarter) for the balance of 2008. Accordingly, quarterly dividends of $0.8 million were paid on June 18, 2008 and September 18, 2008.
On October 27, 2008, we announced a fourth quarter cash dividend of twelve and one-half cents ($0.125) per share of our common stock. This dividend will be paid on December 18, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 22, 2008. The total cash payment for this dividend will approximate $0.8 million.
NOTE 8. EXIT COSTS FOR DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
On June 19, 2008, we announced that we will be relocating our two distribution centers from La Crosse, Wisconsin to a new distribution center in Indianapolis, Indiana. We will operate these two distributions centers through April 30, 2009. We expect to incur exit costs related to compensation incentives and other costs of approximately $0.3 million through the exit time. In accordance with SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”), these exit costs will be expensed ratably through April 2009. Through September 27, 2008, we have expensed $0.1 million.

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NOTE 9. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OR LOSS
Comprehensive Income:
Comprehensive income represents net earnings and any revenue, expenses, gains and losses that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, are excluded from net earnings and recognized directly as a component of shareholders’ equity.
The reconciliation from net income to comprehensive income is as follows:
                                 
    Quarter Ended     Three Quarters Ended  
    September 27,     September 29,     September 27,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
             
Net income
  $ 2,768     $ 3,311     $ 4,983     $ 4,891  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (184 )           (184 )      
         
Comprehensive income
  $ 2,584     $ 3,311     $ 4,799     $ 4,891  
         
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss reported on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consists of adjustments related to foreign currency translation and pension benefits. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:
                         
    September 27,     December 31,     September 29,  
(in thousands)   2008     2007     2007  
Pension liability, net of tax
  $ 1,011     $ 1,011     $ 1,684  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    184              
       
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ 1,195     $ 1,011     $ 1,684  
       
NOTE 10. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces FASB Statement No. 141 and SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 are effective as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial instruments for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for nonfinancial instruments for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. This Statement became effective for us on January 1, 2008 but had no impact on our financial statements presented herein.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option For Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. This Statement became effective for us on January 1, 2008 but had no impact on our financial statements presented herein.

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ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements relate to future events and typically address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance.  Words such as  “plan,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “will,” “should,” “could” and other terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements.  The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence or non-occurrence of future events or circumstances.
The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, without limitation, statements regarding expected general capital expenditures during the fourth quarter of 2008, anticipated expenditures associated with our new Midwest distribution center, planned contributions to our defined benefit pension plan during the fourth quarter of 2008 and 2009, future income tax rates, and the expected funding requirements of our European operations during the fourth quarter of 2008. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those reflected in any such forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors, including without limitation, economic, competitive and governmental factors outside of our control. For more information concerning these factors and other risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our results of operations, please refer to Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors, of our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as may be supplemented or amended in our 2008 quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Overview
Our mission is to maximize the work and outdoor experience for our consumers. To achieve this, we design, develop, manufacture and market premium-quality, high-performance footwear and apparel, supported by compelling marketing and superior customer service. Our trusted Danner® and LaCrosse® brands are sold to a network of specialty retailers and distributors in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Additionally, we operate four websites for use by our consumers and retailers, and we operate a retail outlet store at our manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon.
We focus on two types of consumers for our footwear and apparel lines: work and outdoor. Work consumers include people in law enforcement, transportation, firefighting, construction, military services and other occupations that require high-performance and protective footwear as a critical tool for the job. Outdoor consumers include people active in hunting, outdoor cross-training, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities.
Weather, especially in the fall and winter, has been, and will likely continue to be, a significant contributing factor impacting our financial performance. Sales are typically higher in the second half of the year due to stronger demand for our cold and wet weather outdoor product offerings. We augment these offerings by infusing innovative technology into all product categories with the intent to create additional demand in all four quarters of the year.
We have achieved consistent growth in our core business in recent years, driven by our consumers’ demand for our innovative footwear and apparel products. Our sales growth continues to be driven by the success of our new product lines, our ability to meet at-once demand, and our ability to diversify and strengthen our portfolio of sales channels.

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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected financial information derived from our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. In addition, please see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, our consolidated annual financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
                                                 
    Quarter Ended   Three Quarters Ended
    September 27,   September 29,           September 27,   September 29,    
($ in thousands)   2008   2007   % Change   2008   2007   % Change
Net Sales
  $ 40,265     $ 36,876       9 %   $ 92,807     $ 85,496       9 %
Gross Profit
    15,787       14,412       10 %     37,090       33,791       10 %
Gross Profit %
    39.2 %     39.1 %   10 bps     40.0 %     39.5 %   50 bps
Selling and Administrative Expenses
    11,234       9,465       19 %     29,140       26,580       10 %
% of Net Sales
    27.9 %     25.7 %   220 bps     31.4 %     31.1 %   30 bps
Non-Operating Income (Expense)
    (54 )     48       (213 %)     57       262       (78 %)
Income Before Income Taxes
    4,499       4,995       (10 %)     8,007       7,473       7 %
Income Tax Expense
    1,731       1,684       3 %     3,024       2,582       17 %
Net Income
    2,768       3,311       (16 %)     4,983       4,891       2 %
 
                                               
Trade and other accounts receivable, net
    31,960       29,926       7 %                        
Inventories
    30,769       30,070       2 %                        
Quarter Ended September 27, 2008 Compared to Quarter Ended September 29, 2007:
Net Sales: Net sales for the third quarter of 2008 increased 9%, to $40.3 million, from $36.9 million in the same period of 2007. Sales to the work market were $19.4 million for the third quarter of 2008, up 29% from $15.1 million for the same period of 2007. The growth in work market sales reflects shipments related to previously announced military orders and continued penetration into a variety of targeted, niche work boot markets. During the third quarter of 2008, we shipped approximately $3.2 million to the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. We expect to ship an additional $3.0 million of previously announced orders to the United States Marine Corps during the balance of 2008.
Sales to the outdoor market were $20.8 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $21.8 million for the same period of 2007. We believe that the decline in overall outdoor sales was primarily due to the sluggish retail environment in North America. Net sales from the first quarter of operation of our European subsidiary to the outdoor market were approximately $1.6 million of the total $20.8 million for the third quarter of 2008.
Gross Profit: Gross profit for the third quarter of 2008 was 39.2% of net sales, compared to 39.1% in the same period of 2007. Margin improvement of 10 basis points was due to the impact of sales from our new European subsidiary (20 basis points) and the impact of selling price increases in recent periods and reductions in sales returns, discounts and allowances (30 basis points), partially offset by an increase in markdown sales (40 basis points).
Selling and Administrative Expenses: Selling and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2008 increased $1.8 million, or 19%, to $11.2 million from $9.5 million in the same period of 2007, driven by expenses related to establishment and operation of our European subsidiary ($1.2 million) and expenses related to other sales and product development activities ($0.6 million).
Non-Operating Income (Expense): Non-operating income (expense) in the third quarter of 2008 changed from income of approximately $48,000 to expense of $54,000 compared with the same period of 2007, primarily as a result of a decrease in interest income due to lower rates in 2008 and realized losses on foreign currency exchange rate changes during the third quarter of 2008 of approximately $50,000 (none in 2007).
Income Tax Expense: We recognized income tax expense at an effective rate of 38.5% for the third quarter of 2008 compared to an effective tax rate of 33.7% in the same period of 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2007 is

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primarily due to the timing / realization of federal research and experimentation credits. The law allowing such credits for 2008 and 2009 was enacted on October 2, 2008, and the impact of the 2008 credits will be recognized in our fourth quarter of 2008.
Net Income: Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $2.8 million, or $0.43 diluted earnings per common share, compared to $3.3 million, or $0.52 diluted earnings per common share in the same period of 2007. The net income decline of $0.5 million is attributable to additional gross profit of $1.4 million resulting from 9% net sales growth and an increase in gross margins, offset by increased selling and administrative expenses of $1.8 million (of which $1.2 million is attributable to the establishment and operation of our European subsidiary) and a $0.1 million increase in non-operating expense.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Net: Trade and other accounts receivable increased $2.0 million, or 7%, as compared to the third quarter of 2007. This increase is primarily attributable to the quarterly increase in net sales of 9%.
Inventories: Inventories increased $0.7 million, or 2%, from the third quarter of 2007. The increase was driven by additional inventory of $2.4 million held by our European subsidiary, $1.0 million due to increased production levels in our Portland, Oregon factory related to the increased military orders, partially offset by overall reductions in finished goods inventories. Excluding our inventories in Europe, inventories would have decreased $1.7 million, or 6%, from the third quarter of 2007. This decrease is in line with improved sales for the quarter coupled with less carryover of outdoor products from a year ago, and improved sales of markdown items.
First Three Quarters of 2008 Compared to the First Three Quarters of 2007:
Net Sales: Net sales for the first three quarters of 2008 increased 9%, to $92.8 million, from $85.5 million in the same period of 2007. Sales to the work market were $54.7 million for the first three quarters of 2008, up 25% from $43.7 million for the same period of 2007. The growth in work market sales reflects shipments related to previously announced military orders and continued penetration into a variety of targeted, niche work boot markets. During the first three quarters of 2008, we shipped approximately $6.6 million of previously announced orders to the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army.
Sales to the outdoor market were $38.1 million for the first three quarters of 2008, compared to $41.8 million for the same period of 2007. We believe that the decline in overall outdoor sales was primarily due to the sluggish retail environment in North America.
Gross Profit: Gross profit for the first three quarters of 2008 was 40.0% of net sales, compared to 39.5% in the same period of 2007. Margin improvement of 50 basis points was due to the impact of sales from our European subsidiary (10 basis points) and the impact of selling price increases in recent periods and reductions in sales returns, discounts and allowances (90 basis points), partially offset by an increase in markdown sales (50 basis points).
Selling and Administrative Expenses: Selling and administrative expenses in the first three quarters of 2008 increased $2.6 million, or 10%, to $29.1 million from $26.6 million in the same period of 2007, primarily driven by spending related to our new European subsidiary ($1.2 million) and expenses in sales and product development activities and other expenses ($1.4 million).
Non-Operating Income: Non-operating income in the first three quarters of 2008 was $0.1 million, down $0.2 million from the same period of 2007 due to a decrease in interest income due to lower rates in 2008 and realized losses on foreign currency exchange rate changes.
Income Tax Expense: We recognized income tax expense at an effective rate of 37.8% for the first three quarters of 2008 compared to an effective tax rate of 34.6% in the same period of 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate from 2007 is primarily due to the timing / realization of federal research and experimentation credits. The law allowing such credits for 2008 and 2009 was enacted on October 2, 2008, and the impact of the 2008 credits will be recognized in our fourth quarter of 2008. We anticipate the effective income tax rate for fiscal year 2008 to be approximately 36.5%.
Net Income: Net income for the first three quarters of 2008 was $5.0 million, or $0.78 diluted earnings per common share, compared to $4.9 million, or $0.77 diluted earnings per common share, in the same period of 2007. Net income growth of $0.1 million is attributable to additional gross profit of $3.3 million resulting from 9% net sales growth and an increase in

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gross margins, partially offset by increased selling and administrative expenses of $2.6 million, a $0.2 million decline in non-operating income and a $0.4 million increase in income tax expense.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have historically funded working capital requirements and capital expenditures with cash generated from operations, and prior to 2006, from borrowings under a revolving credit agreement or other long-term lending arrangements. We require working capital to support fluctuating accounts receivable and inventory levels caused by our seasonal business cycle. Working capital requirements are generally the lowest in the first quarter and the highest during the third quarter. We did not borrow against our credit line during the first three quarters of 2008 or 2007.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.5 million in the first three quarters of 2008, compared to net cash used of $6.5 million in the same period of 2007. Operating cash flows in the first three quarters of 2008 included net income of $5.0 million, adjustments for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization totaling $1.4 million and $0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense, and changes in working capital components, primarily consisting of an increase in accounts receivable of $9.4 million, and increase in inventory of $0.5 million, partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $4.5 million. With the seasonality of our business, an increase in accounts receivable and inventory is normal for the first three quarters of the year.
Net cash used in operating activities was $6.5 million in the first three quarters of 2007. Operating cash flows in the first three quarters of 2007 included net income of $4.9 million, adjustments for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization totaling $1.3 million and $0.4 million of stock-based compensation expense, and changes in working capital components, consisting primarily of increases in accounts receivable of $10.0 million, and an increase in inventories of $8.0 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $4.9 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $4.7 million and $1.0 million in the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. We purchased property and equipment of $1.5 million and $1.0 million in the first three quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. We also paid $3.2 million to acquire the inventories and operations from our former European distributor to establish our new European subsidiary. We anticipate spending $0.4 million on capital expenditures during the balance of 2008.
Net cash used in financing activities was $7.7 million in the first three quarters of 2008 compared to $0.4 million in the first three quarters of 2007. Cash dividends paid were $8.5 million in the first three quarters of 2008, compared to $0.9 million in the first three quarters of 2007. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $0.9 million in the first three quarters of 2008, compared to $0.5 million in the same period of 2007.
A summary of our contractual cash obligations at September 27, 2008 is as follows:
                                                         
    Payments due by year:
(in thousands)           Remaining in                    
Contractual Obligations   Total   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012   Thereafter
Operating leases (1) (2)
  $ 20,200     $ 532     $ 1,891     $ 2,085     $ 2,106     $ 2,129     $ 11,457  
 
(1)   See Part I, Item 2 – Properties in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a description of our leased facilities.
 
(2)   In June 2008, we signed a Single Tenant Industrial Lease to move our La Crosse, Wisconsin distribution operations to a newly constructed, 380,000 square foot building in Indianapolis, Indiana. The monthly base rent on the lease is scheduled for 124 months beginning March 1, 2009.
At September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, our pension plan had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the respective plan assets and accrued pension liabilities. These obligations in excess of plan assets and accrued pension liabilities have resulted in the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity net of tax of $1.0 million and $1.7 million as of September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, respectively. We contributed $0.3 million to our defined benefit pension plan during the first three quarters of 2008 and anticipate contributing an additional $0.1 million during the remainder of 2008. The continued decline in the equity markets have adversely affected our pension

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liability, future pension contributions, and future expenses related to our pension plan. Based upon current year to date results, we anticipate that for 2009 we will contribute approximately $1.0 million and incur pension related expenses of $0.3 million.
In June 2006, we received a grant of $0.2 million and a non-interest bearing loan of $0.6 million from the Portland Development Commission, which were used to finance certain leasehold improvements at our Portland distribution facility. The grant is recorded as deferred revenue and is being amortized as a reduction of operating expenses on a straight-line basis over five years, which is the estimated useful life of the associated leasehold improvements. In the third quarter of 2008, the loan was forgiven by the Portland Development Commission as we met certain facility usage requirements and employment criteria, including maintaining a minimum number of employees in the city of Portland, Oregon and paying those employees a competitive specified wage and benefits package. Given the forgiveness of this loan, we have reclassified the remaining unamortized long-term debt to deferred revenue and will continue to amortize the balance until 2011.
On February 4, 2008, we announced a special cash dividend of one dollar ($1.00) per share of common stock and a first quarter cash dividend of twelve and one-half cents ($0.125) per share of our common stock. These dividends were paid together ($1.125 per share) on March 18, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2008. The total cash payment for this dividend was $7.0 million.
The Board of Directors, while not declaring future dividends to be paid, established a quarterly dividend policy reflecting its intent to declare and pay a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share of common stock (approximately $0.8 million per quarter) for the balance of 2008. Accordingly, quarterly dividends were paid on June 18, 2008 and September 18, 2008 of $0.8 million.
On October 27, 2008, we announced a fourth quarter cash dividend of twelve and one-half cents ($0.125) per share of our common stock. This dividend will be paid on December 18, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 22, 2008. The total cash payment for this dividend will approximate $0.8 million.
We plan to consolidate our two La Crosse, Wisconsin distribution facilities in early 2009 to one location in Indianapolis, Indiana for increased capacity and operating efficiencies. We anticipate spending approximately $4.0 million by the end of the second quarter of 2009 for capital assets related to building out this new Midwest consolidated distribution facility including racking, computer systems and other build-out costs. We have evaluated the capital assets in our two distribution centers in La Crosse and have determined that no impairment exists as of September 27, 2008.
On July 21, 2008, we announced the formation of LaCrosse Europe ApS based in Copenhagen, Denmark. In establishing our European operations, we acquired the inventories and operations of our distribution partner, Gateway Footgear, for $3.2 million, in order to strengthen our direct sales and marketing support to customers in Europe. We expect that additional funding of approximately $1.0 million will be needed to fund our operations, including the build up of accounts receivable from our direct sales, during the remainder of 2008.
From time to time we enter into purchase commitments with our suppliers under customary purchase order terms. Any significant losses implicit in these contracts would be recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. At September 27, 2008, no such losses existed.
We have a commercial line of credit with a bank which carries a maximum committed amount of $30 million, which expires in June 2009, if not renewed. No amounts were outstanding under this line at September 27, 2008 or September 29, 2007. We believe that our existing resources and anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs for the foreseeable future.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our significant accounting policies and estimates are summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. There have been no significant changes in these critical accounting policies since December 31, 2007. Some of our accounting policies require us to exercise significant judgment in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. Such judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our historical experience, known trends in our industry, terms of existing contracts and other information from outside sources, as appropriate. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in our disclosures regarding market risk since December 31, 2007. See also Item 7A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for further sensitivity analysis regarding our market risk.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management evaluated, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a- 15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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
From time to time, we become involved in ordinary or routine legal and regulatory proceedings incidental to our business. When a loss is deemed probable, a reasonable estimate is recorded in our financial statements.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Other than the modification to the risk factors set forth below, there has not been a material change to the risk factors as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as modified and supplemented by the disclosure in Part II – Item 1A in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and June 28, 2008.
A decline in consumer spending due to unfavorable economic and consumer credit conditions could negatively impact our revenues and earnings.
Our success in generating sales of our products to consumers depends upon a number of factors, including economic factors impacting disposable consumer income, declines in consumer confidence and spending, and other economic developments. Factors such as employment, general business conditions, consumer confidence, prevailing interest rates and changes in tax laws also affect our financial condition. Current economic conditions have led to reduced sales forecasts by certain of our

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key customers. Given the uncertainties created by these trends, including both the depth and duration of the resulting impact on consumer spending, our outlook for future revenues and earnings may be negatively affected.
Our exposure to risk as a result of our new European subsidiary could negatively affect our business.
Our newly established European subsidiary will increase our exposure to risks associated with foreign operations, such as compliance with foreign laws and currency risks. Additionally, if we fail to successfully transition our European customer base from our former European distributor to our newly established subsidiary, we could lose existing customers or be required to grant additional customer incentives which are less favorable than the incentives we provided to our prior distribution partner. Also, our distribution center for Europe is owned and managed by an independent third party which increases our risks associated with inventory management and timely and accurate customer shipments.
The closure of our distribution centers in La Crosse, Wisconsin and the opening of our new distribution center may cause delays in shipping or unplanned expenses.
We plan to close our two distribution centers in La Crosse, Wisconsin and open our new distribution center in Indianapolis, Indiana during early 2009. If we are unable to adequately staff these facilities or if construction at the new facility is delayed, we may experience disruptions or increased costs in shipping products to our customers.
ITEM 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith and this list is intended to constitute the exhibit index:
  (10.1)   Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated October 3, 2008, by and among LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lender.
  (10.2)   Continuing Guaranty, dated October 13, 2008, by and among LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Bank.
  (31.1)   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  (31.2)   Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  (32.1)   Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
  (32.2)   Certification of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
    LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC.
                   (Registrant)
 
 
Date: October 28, 2008  By:   /s/ Joseph P. Schneider    
    Joseph P. Schneider   
    President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
     
Date: October 28, 2008  By:   /s/ David P. Carlson    
    David P. Carlson   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 

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