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

Form 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO
SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

[   ]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2000

 

 

[   ]

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


Commission File Number: 1-6024

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

Delaware

38-1185150

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. employer identification no.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan

49351

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

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

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

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1 Par Value

New York Stock Exchange/Pacific Exchange, Inc.

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

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

Yes     X                        No ___

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

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $1 par value (excluding shares of treasury stock) as of March 24, 2000: 41,592,884.

The aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on March 24, 2000: $483,733,840.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant's annual stockholders' meeting to be held April 13, 2000, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.







PART I

Item 1.    Business.

General.

          Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of quality casual shoes, rugged outdoor and work footwear, and constructed slippers and moccasins. The Company, a Delaware corporation, is the successor of a 1969 reorganization of a Michigan corporation of the same name, originally organized in 1906, which in turn was the successor of a footwear business established in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1883.

          Consumers around the world purchased more than 36 million pairs of Company branded footwear during fiscal 1999, making the Company a global leader among U.S. shoe companies in the marketing of branded casual, work and outdoor footwear. The Company's products generally feature contemporary styling with patented technologies designed to provide maximum comfort. The products are marketed throughout the world under widely recognized brand names, including Bates®, Caterpillar®, Coleman®, Harley-Davidson®, Hush Puppies®, HyTest®, Merrell® and Wolverine®. The Company believes that its primary competitive strengths are its well-recognized brand names, broad range of comfortable footwear, patented comfort technologies, numerous distribution channels and diversified manufacturing and sourcing base.

          The Company's footwear is sold under a variety of brand names designed to appeal to most consumers of casual, work and outdoor footwear at numerous price points. The Company's footwear products are organized under three operating divisions: (i) the Wolverine Footwear Group, focusing on work, outdoor and lifestyle boots and shoes, (ii) the Performance Footwear Group, focusing on the Caterpillar® and Merrell® product lines of performance and lifestyle footwear and (iii) the Casual Footwear Group, focusing on Hush Puppies® brand comfortable casual shoes, slippers and moccasins under the Hush Puppies® brand and other private labels for third party retailers and children's footwear under various Company brands. The Company's Global Operations Group is responsible for manufacturing, sourcing and distribution in support of the various Company brands. The Company's footwear is distributed domestically through 58 Company-owned retail stores and to over 20,000 active accounts including department stores, footwear chains, catalogs, specialty retailers, mass merchants and Internet retailers. Many of these retailers operate multiple storefront locations. The Company's products are distributed worldwide in over 130 markets through licensees and distributors.

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

          For financial information regarding the Company, see the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are attached as Appendix A to this Form 10-K. Effective January 4, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. The Company has one reportable operating segment, Branded Footwear. The "Branded Footwear" segment is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of branded footwear, including casual shoes, slippers, moccasins, dress shoes, boots, uniform shoes and work shoes.



The Company's "Other Businesses" category consists of the Company's retail stores, apparel and accessory licensing, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. Financial information regarding the Company's operating segments can be found in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are attached as Appendix A to this Form 10-K.

Branded Footwear.

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

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

          1.          The Wolverine Footwear Group. The Wolverine Footwear Group is one of the world's largest work and outdoor footwear companies, encompassing multiple brands designed with performance and comfort features to serve a variety of work, outdoor and lifestyle functions. The Wolverine® brand, which has been in existence for 117 years, is identified with performance and quality and markets work and outdoor footwear in two categories: (i) work and industrial footwear; and (ii) rugged outdoor and sport footwear. The Wolverine Footwear Group also includes the Bates® and HyTest® product lines. These products feature quality materials and components and patented technologies and designs, such as the DuraShocks® and DuraShocks SR™ systems, innovative technologies with patent applications pending such as Wolverine Fusion™ technology and the new Wolverine Durashocks Motion Control™ system. The Wolverine Footwear Group also markets Harley-Davidson® footwear. Harley-Davidson® footwear styles include traditional motorcycle riding designs as well as contemporary fashion, military and western inspired footwear. In addition, the Wolverine Footwear Group markets hiking and outdoor shoes, boots and sandals through the Coleman® footgear line of products.

          Wolverine® Work and Industrial Footwear. The Company believes the Wolverine® brand has built its reputation by making quality, durable and comfortable work boots and shoes. The development of DuraShocks® technology allowed the Wolverine® brand to introduce a broad line of work footwear with a focus on comfort. The recently developed Wolverine Fusion™ and Wolverine Durashocks Motion Control™ technologies continue the Company's tradition of comfortable work and industrial footwear. The Wolverine Work product line features work boots and shoes, including steel toe boots and shoes, targeting male and female industrial and farm workers.


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          Wolverine® Rugged Outdoor and Sport Footwear. The Wolverine® rugged outdoor and sport product lines incorporate DuraShocks®, DuraShocks SR™, Wolverine Fusion and Wolverine Durashocks Motion Control™ technology and other comfort features into products designed for rugged outdoor use. This broad product line targets active lifestyles and includes all-terrain sport boots, walking shoes, trail hikers, rugged casuals and outdoor sandals. The Company also produces boots that target hunters, fishermen and other active outdoor users. Warmth, waterproofing and comfort are achieved through the use of Gore-Tex® and Thinsulate® brand fabrics and the Company's performance leathers and patented DuraShocks® technologies. In addition, the Company produces Wolverine® brand rubber footwear for hunters, fishermen and farm workers.

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

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

          Harley-Davidson® Footwear. Pursuant to a License Agreement with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the Company has the exclusive right to manufacture, market, distribute and sell Harley-Davidson® footwear throughout the world. Harley-Davidson® brand footwear products include motorcycle, casual, fashion, work and western footwear for men, women and children. Harley-Davidson® footwear is sold globally through a network of 600 independent Harley-Davidson ® dealerships as well as through department stores and specialty retailers.


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

          2.          The Performance Footwear Group. The Performance Footwear Group began operating as a separate division of the Company in 1999. The Performance Footwear Group is comprised of two of the Company's performance-lifestyle brands, Caterpillar® and Merrell®.

          Caterpillar® Footwear. The Company has been granted the exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, market and distribute footwear under the Caterpillar®, CAT & Design®, Walking Machines® and other trademarks. The Company believes the association with Caterpillar® equipment enhances the reputation of its boots for quality, ruggedness and durability. Caterpillar® brand footwear products include work boots and shoes, sport boots, rugged casuals and lifestyle footwear. In addition, the Company also manufactures and markets CAT® Marine Power footwear, designed for industrial and recreational marine uses. Caterpillar® brand products target work and industrial users and active lifestyle users. Prior to 1999, the Caterpillar® Footwear Group operated as a separate division of the Company. Caterpillar® footwear is marketed in over 130 countries worldwide.

          Merrell® Footwear. The Merrell® product line, acquired by the Company in October 1997, consists primarily of technical hiking and rugged outdoor footwear designed for backpacking, day hiking and rugged every day use. In 1999, Merrell® introduced the "After-Sport" product line, incorporating Merrell's® technical hiking and outdoor expertise with Wolverine Performance Leathers™ and other technical materials to create shoes with unique styling, performance and comfort features. Merrell® products are sold primarily through outdoor specialty retailers, department stores and catalogs. Prior to 1999, the Merrell® footwear product line was part of The Wolverine Footwear Group.

          3.          The Casual Footwear Group. The Casual Footwear Group consists of the Hush Puppies Company, Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc. and the Children's Footwear Group. Each of these groups are described below.

          The Hush Puppies Company. The Company believes that the 40-year heritage of the Hush Puppies® brand as a pioneer of comfortable casual shoes positions the brand to capitalize on the global trend toward more casual workplace and leisure attire. The diverse product line includes numerous styles for both work and casual wear and utilizes comfort features, such as the Comfort Curve® sole, HPO2® cushioning,


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patented Bounce® technology and light weight Zero-G™ constructions. Hush Puppies® shoes are sold to men, women and children in over 80 countries.

          Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc., the Company is one of the leading suppliers of constructed slippers in the United States. Prior to 1999 these activities were operated as a division of the Company. The styling of Wolverine Slipper Group's footwear reflects consumer demand for the "rugged indoor" look by using natural leathers such as moosehide, shearling and suede in constructed slipper and indoor and outdoor moccasin designs. Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc., designs and manufactures constructed slippers, aftersport footwear and moccasins on a private label basis according to customer specifications. Such products are manufactured for leading United States retailers and catalogs, such as Nordstrom, J.C. Penney, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer and Lands' End. In addition to its traditional line of private label slippers, Wolverine Slipper Group, Inc. also manufactures and markets slipper products under the popular Hush Puppies®, Turtle Fur® and Joe Boxer® brands and has developed a College Clogs™ program for the sale of licensed collegiate slipper products.

          The Children's Footwear Group. The Children's Footwear Group was formed in 1998 to consolidate the Company's rapidly growing Hush Puppies® and Caterpillar® children's footwear business with the recently started children's footwear programs under the Coleman® , Wolverine®, and Harley-Davidson® brands. The Company believes the consolidation facilitates the dedicated marketing, sourcing and sales programs that are necessary to extend the Company's high-profile, global brands into the children's footwear market segment.

Other Businesses.

          In addition to the manufacture and marketing of the Company's footwear products that are reported in the Branded Footwear segment, the Company also (i) operates a Company-owned pigskin tannery through its Wolverine Leathers Division, (ii) purchases and cures raw pigskins for sale to various customers through its wholly owned subsidiary Wolverine Procurement, Inc., (iii) operates 58 domestic retail footwear stores and (iv) licenses the Company's brand names for use on non-footwear products.

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


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

          3.          Retail Stores. The Company operated 58 domestic retail shoe stores as of February, 2000, under three formats, consisting of 56 factory outlet stores, one mall-based store called Up Footgear™ and one mall-based Hush Puppies® specialty store. The Company expects the scope of its retail operations to remain relatively consistent in the foreseeable future. Most of the Company's 56 factory outlet stores carry a large selection of first quality Company branded footwear at a discount to conventional retail prices. The Up Footgear™ prototype store features Company brands such as Wolverine®, Merrell®, Hush Puppies®, Caterpillar® and Harley-Davidson®. This store also carries a selection of branded footwear from other manufacturers. The regional mall-based full-service, full-price Hush Puppies® Specialty Store, features a broad selection of men's, women's and children's Hush Puppies® brand footwear and other Company brands and is used by the Company to test new styles and merchandising strategies.

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

Marketing.

                    The Company's overall marketing strategy is to develop brand-specific plans and related promotional materials for the United States market to foster a differentiated and globally consistent image for each of the Company's core footwear brands. Each footwear brand group has its own marketing personnel who develop the marketing strategy for products within that group. Domestic marketing campaigns target both the Company's retail accounts and consumers, and strive to increase overall brand awareness for the Company's branded products. The Company's advertisements typically emphasize fashion, comfort, quality, durability, functionality and other performance and lifestyle aspects of the Company's footwear. Components of the brand-specific plans include print, radio and television advertising, in-store point of purchase displays, promotional materials, and sales and technical assistance.

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

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Domestic Sales and Distribution.

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

Traditional wholesale distribution is used to service department stores (such as J.C. Penney, Sears and Nordstrom), large footwear chains (such as Famous Footwear), specialty retailers, catalog and independent retailers, and military outlets. A dedicated sales force and customer service team, advertising and point of purchase support, and in-stock inventories are used to service these accounts.
 
Volume direct programs provide branded and private label footwear at competitive prices with limited marketing support. These programs service major retail, mail order, mass merchants and government customers.
 
A network of independent Shoemobile™ distribution outlets is primarily used to distribute and sell HyTest® brand products. The Company also distributes a number of the Company's brands through this independent distributor network.

          In addition to its wholesale activities, the Company also operates domestic retail shoe stores as described above. The Company is developing various programs both independently and with its retail customers for the distribution of its products over the Internet.

          A broad distribution base insulates the Company from dependence on any one customer. No customer of the Company accounted for more than 10% of the Company's net sales and other operating income in fiscal 1999.

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

International Operations and Global Licensing.

          The Company records revenue from foreign sources through a combination of sales of branded footwear products generated from the Company's wholly owned operations in Canada and the United Kingdom, and from royalty income through a network of independent licensees and distributors. The Company's owned operations include Hush Puppies UK, Ltd., Merrell Europe Ltd., Hush Puppies Canada Footwear, Ltd., Wolverine CIS, Ltd. and the Merrell Canada division. The Company's owned operations are located in markets where the Company believes it can gain a strategic advantage.

          The Company derives royalty income from sales of Company footwear bearing the Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Bates®, HyTest®, Merrell® and other trademarks by independent distributors and licensees. The Company also derives royalty income from sales of footwear bearing the Caterpillar®, Coleman® and Harley-Davidson® trademarks through foreign distributors. License and

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distribution arrangements enable the Company to develop international markets without the capital commitment required to maintain inventories or fund localized marketing programs. In fiscal 1999, the Company's wholly owned foreign operations, together with the Company's foreign licensees and distributors sold an estimated 18 million pairs of footwear, which is similar to the level of international sales in fiscal 1998.

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

Manufacturing and Sourcing.

          The Company controls the sourcing and manufacture of approximately 75% of the pairs marketed under the Company's brand names globally. The balance is controlled directly by the Company's licensees. Of the pairs controlled by the Company, approximately 80% are purchased or sourced from third parties, the remainder are produced at Company-owned facilities. The Company's footwear is manufactured at Company-owned facilities in several domestic and certain affiliated foreign facilities located in Michigan, Arkansas, Missouri, New York, the Caribbean Basin, Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada. The Company has implemented a "twin plant" concept whereby a majority of the labor intensive cutting and fitting construction of the "upper" portion of shoes and boots is performed at the Company's facilities in the Caribbean Basin, Costa Rica and Mexico and the technology intensive construction, or "bottoming," is performed at the Company's domestic and Canadian facilities.

          The Company's factories each have the flexibility to produce a variety of footwear, and depart from the industry's historic practice of dedicating a given facility to production of specific footwear products. This flexibility allows the Company to quickly respond to changes in market preference and demand. The Company produces various products for both men and women in most of its domestic and international facilities, allowing the Company to respond to both market and customer-specific demand.

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

          The Company's domestic manufacturing operations allow the Company to (i) reduce its lead time, enabling it to quickly respond to market demand and reduce inventory risk, (ii) lower freight and shipping costs, and (iii) closely monitor product quality. The Company's foreign manufacturing strategy allows the Company to (i) benefit from lower labor costs, (ii) source the highest quality raw materials from around

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the world, and (iii) avoid additional capital expenditures necessary for factories and equipment. The Company believes that its overall global manufacturing strategy gives the Company maximum flexibility to properly balance the need for timely shipments, high quality products and competitive pricing.

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

          The Company's principal required raw material is quality leather, which it purchases from a select group of domestic and offshore suppliers, including the Company's tannery. The global availability of shearling and cowhide leather eliminates any reliance by the Company upon a sole supplier. The Company currently purchases the vast majority of the raw pigskins used in a significant portion of its tannery operations from two domestic sources. One of these sources has been a reliable and consistent supplier for over 30 years. The Company purchases all of its other raw materials and component parts from a variety of sources, none of which is believed by the Company to be a dominant supplier.

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

Trademarks, Licenses and Patents.

          The Company holds a significant portfolio of registered and common law trademarks that identify its branded footwear products. The trademarks that are most widely used by the Company include Hush Puppies®, Wolverine®, Bates®, Wolverine Fusion™, DuraShocks®, Hidden Tracks®, Bounce®, Comfort Curve®, HPO2™, HyTest®, Merrell® and FootRests®. The Company has obtained the right to manufacture, market and distribute footwear throughout most countries of the world under the Caterpillar®, Harley-Davidson® and Coleman® trademarks and the right to manufacture, market and distribute slippers in the United States and certain other countries under the Turtle Fur® and Joe Boxer® trademarks pursuant to license agreements with the respective trademark owners. All of the Company's licenses are long term and extend for four or more years with renewal options. The licenses are subject to customary approval, performance and default provisions. Pigskin leather produced by the Company's Wolverine Leathers Division is sold under the trademarks Wolverine Leathers®, Weather Tight® and All Season Weather Leathers.

          The Company believes that its products are identified by consumers by its trademarks and that its trademarks are valuable assets. The Company is not aware of any infringing uses or any prior claims of ownership of its trademarks that could materially affect its current business. It is the policy of the Company to pursue registration of its primary marks whenever possible and to vigorously defend its trademarks against infringement or other threats to the greatest extent practicable under the laws of the

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United States and other countries. The Company also holds several patents, copyrights and various other proprietary rights. The Company protects all of its proprietary rights to the greatest extent practicable under applicable laws.

Order Backlog.

          At March 25, 2000, the Company had a backlog of orders of approximately $158 million compared with a backlog of approximately $146 million at March 27, 1999. While orders in backlog are subject to cancellation by customers, the Company has not experienced significant cancellation of orders in the past and the Company expects that substantially all of the orders will be shipped in fiscal 2000. The backlog at a particular time is affected by a number of factors, including seasonality and the schedule for the manufacture and shipment of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments.

Competition.

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

          Because of the lack of reliable published statistics, the Company is unable to state with certainty its position in the footwear industry. Market shares in the footwear industry are highly fragmented and no one company has a dominant market position; however, the Company believes it is among the largest domestic manufacturers of footwear.

Research and Development.

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





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Environmental Matters.

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

Employees.

          As of January 1, 2000, the Company had approximately 5,900 domestic and foreign production, office and sales employees. Approximately 1,400 employees were covered by eight union contracts expiring at various dates through February 11, 2002. The Company has experienced no work stoppages since 1990. The Company presently considers its employee relations to be good.




















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Item 2.    Properties.

          The Company either directly or through its subsidiaries owned or leased the following offices and manufacturing facilities as of January 1, 2000:


LOCATION


TYPE OF FACILITY

OWNED
LEASED

SQUARE 
FOOTAGE

 

 

 

 

Rockford, MI

Administration/Sales

Owned

193,300

Jonesboro, AR

Administration/Sales

Leased

5,680

Malone, NY

Administration/Sales

Owned

11,718

New York, NY

Administration/Sales

Leased

3,811

Montecatine Terme, Italy

Administration/Sales

Leased

2,800

St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada

Administration/Sales

Leased

2,800

Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts,

 

 

 

Quebec, Canada

Administration/Sales

Leased

1,500

Tai Chung, Taiwan

Administration/Sales

Leased

19,000

Leicester, England, United Kingdom

Administration/Sales

Leased

13,250

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Administration/Sales

Leased

2,200

Moscow, Russia

Administration/Sales

Leased

3,800

 

 

 

 

Total Administration/Sales

 

 

259,859

 

 

 

 

Rockford, MI

Tannery

Owned

160,000

Des Moines, IA

Procurement

Owned

6,200

Dyersburg, TN

Procurement

Leased

12,000

Durant, OK

Procurement

Leased

12,900

Dennison, KS

Procurement

Leased

1,855

 

 

 

 

Total Tannery and Procurement

 

 

192,955

 

 

 

 

Jonesboro, AR

Manufacturing

Leased

79,197

Jonesboro, AR

Manufacturing

Owned

11,680

Monette, AR

Manufacturing

Owned

18,030

Rockford, MI

Manufacturing

Owned

20,833

Rockford, MI

Manufacturing

Owned

19,624

Rockford, MI

Manufacturing

Owned

7,790

Big Rapids, MI

Manufacturing

Owned

77,626

Kirksville, MO

Manufacturing

Owned

104,000

Malone, NY

Manufacturing

Owned

90,664

Malone, NY

Manufacturing

Owned

37,596

Malone, NY

Manufacturing

Owned

8,100

Malone, NY

Manufacturing

Owned

27,125

Bombay, NY

Manufacturing

Owned

58,980

Monterrey, MX

Manufacturing

Leased

60,000

Aquadilla, Puerto Rico

Manufacturing

Leased

62,100


12


San Pedro, Dominican Republic

Manufacturing

Leased

65,111

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Manufacturing

Leased

54,332

Alexandria, Ontario, Canada

Manufacturing

Owned

28,000

Cartago, Costa Rica

Manufacturing

Leased

88,308

 

 

 

 

Total Manufacturing

 

 

919,096

 

 

 

 

Jonesboro, AR

Warehouse

Leased

2,000

Jonesboro, AR

Warehouse

Leased

19,500

Jonesboro, AR

Warehouse

Owned

13,500

Jonesboro, AR

Warehouse

Owned

15,478

Rockford, MI

Warehouse

Owned

304,278

Rockford, MI

Warehouse

Owned

93,140

Rockford, MI

Warehouse

Owned

75,000

Cedar Springs, MI

Warehouse

Leased

32,900

Cedar Springs, MI

Warehouse

Leased

230,000

Big Rapids, MI

Warehouse

Owned

39,800

Howard City, MI

Warehouse

Leased

350,000

Malone, NY

Warehouse

Owned

115,211

Bombay, NY

Warehouse

Owned

26,000

St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada

Warehouse

Leased

33,000

 

 

 

 

Total Warehouse

 

 

1,349,807


          In addition, the Company's subsidiary, Hush Puppies Retail, Inc., operates retail stores through leases with various third-party landlords. The Company believes that its current facilities are suitable and adequate to meet its anticipated needs for the next twelve months.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

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

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

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

Supplemental Item. Executive Officers of the Registrant.

          The following table lists the names and ages of the Executive Officers of the Company as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the positions presently held with the Company. The information provided below the table lists the business experience of each such Executive Officer during

13


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

 

Name

Age

Positions held with the Company

 

 

 

 

 

Geoffrey B. Bloom

58

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
   of the Board

 

John Deem

44

Executive Vice President and President,
   Casual Footwear Group

 

Steven M. Duffy

47

Executive Vice President and President,
   Global Operations Group

 

V. Dean Estes

50

Vice President and President,
   Wolverine Footwear Group

 

Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.

42

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
   Officer and Treasurer

 

Blake W. Krueger

46

Executive Vice President, General Counsel
   and Secretary

 

Thomas P. Mundt

50

Vice President of Strategic Planning and
   Corporate Communications

 

Timothy J. O'Donovan

54

Chief Operating Officer and President

 

Nicholas P. Ottenwess

37

Corporate Controller

 

Robert J. Sedrowski

50

Vice President of Human Resources

 

James D. Zwiers

32

Associate General Counsel and Assistant
   Secretary


          Geoffrey B. Bloom has served the Company as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since April 1996. From 1993 to 1996 he served the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer.

          John Deem has served the Company as Executive Vice President and President, Casual Footwear Group since July 1998. From 1996 to July 1998, he served as Vice President of Global Product Development. From 1992 to 1996 he served as Executive Vice President of Product Development and Marketing at Dexter Shoe Company.

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

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

          Stephen L. Gulis, Jr., has served the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since April 1996. From 1994 to April 1996 he served the Company as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.


14


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

          Thomas P. Mundt has served the Company as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Communications since April 1996. From December 1993 to April 1996, he served the Company as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Treasurer.

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

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

          Robert J. Sedrowski has served the Company as Vice President of Human Resources since October 1993.

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


PART II

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

                    Wolverine World Wide, Inc. common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange, Inc. under the symbol "WWW." The following table shows the high and low sale prices by calendar quarter for 1999 and 1998 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. The number of stockholders of record of common stock on February 15, 2000, was 2,142.

 

 

1999         

1998       

 

 

 

High

Low

High

Low

 

 

1st quarter

13 1/2

8 7/8

30 15/16

20 7/8

 

 

2nd quarter

14 1/4

9 1/8

29 1/4

19 7/8

 

 

3rd quarter

14

9 7/8

22 7/8

8 1/16

 

 

4th quarter

12 1/4

9

15

8 5/8

 


  

Cash Dividends Declared Per Share:

 

 

1999

 

1998

 

 

1st quarter

$.03  

 

$.0275  

 

 

2nd quarter

.03

 

.0275

 

 

3rd quarter

.03

 

.0275

 

 

4th quarter

.03

 

.0275

 


          Dividends of $.035 were declared for the first quarter of fiscal 2000.


15


Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

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

 

 

1999

 

1998

 

1997

 

1996

 

1995

Summary of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales and other
   operating income


$665,576

 


$669,329

 


$665,125

 


$511,029

 


$413,957

 

Net earnings

32,380

 

41,651

 

41,539

 

32,856

 

24,067

 

Per share of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net earnings(2)(3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Basic

$.80

 

$1.00

 

$1.00

 

$.81

 

$.66

 

      Diluted

.78

 

.97

 

.96

 

.76

 

.62

 

   Cash dividends(3)(4)

.12

 

.11

 

.09

 

.07

 

.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Position at Year End

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                     

 

Total assets

$534,395

 

$521,478

 

$449,663

 

$361,598

 

$283,554

 

Long-term debt

139,201

 

161,650

 

94,264

 

41,309

 

30,678


Notes to Five-Year Operating and Financial Summary

1.

This summary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto, which are attached as Appendix A to this Form 10-K.

 

 

2.

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

 

 

3.

On April 17, 1997, July 11, 1996 and April 19, 1995, the Company announced three-for-two stock splits on shares of common stock outstanding at May 2, 1997, July 26, 1996 and May 1, 1995, respectively. All share and per share data have been retroactively adjusted for the increased shares resulting from these stock splits.

 

 

4.

Cash dividends per share represent the rates paid by the Company on the shares outstanding.







16


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

Operations

Results of Operations-1999 Compared to 1998

          Net sales and other operating income decreased 0.6% to $665.6 million in 1999 as compared to $669.3 million in 1998. On a combined basis, net sales and other operating income for the Company's branded footwear businesses, consisting of the Casual Footwear Group (comprised of The Hush Puppies Company, the Children's Footwear Group, Wolverine Slipper Group and the Company's Russian wholesale business), the Wolverine Footwear Group (comprised of the Wolverine® , HyTest®, Coleman®, Bates® and Harley-Davidson® brands), and the Performance Footwear Group (comprised of the Caterpillar® and Merrell® brands), decreased $5.5 million (0.9%) for 1999 as compared to 1998. The Company's other business units, consisting of Wolverine Retail, Wolverine Leathers, and Wolverine Procurement operations, reported a $1.8 million (2.5%) increase in net sales and other operating income in 1999 as compared to 1998.

          The Casual Footwear Group reported a $49.7 million (19.2%) decline in 1999 net sales and other operating income when compared to 1998. The decline was experienced primarily in The Hush Puppies Company, which reported a net sales and other operating income decrease of $39.5 million (21.3%) in 1999 as compared to 1998. This decrease relates primarily to a shortfall in the U.S. wholesale operation as a result of a slow down in the sales of classic suede casuals, along with the planned reduction in the specialty store distribution segment of the Hush Puppies U.K. wholesale operation. The closing of the Company's Russian wholesale footwear business accounted for an additional $5.0 million decline.

          The Wolverine Footwear Group reported record net sales and other operating income reflecting an increase of $15.4 million (6.1%) in 1999 as compared to 1998. Harley-Davidson footwear, which began operations late in the third quarter of 1998, contributed a majority of this increase. The Bates footwear division, including shipments to the United States Department of Defense, recognized a decrease in net sales and other operating income from the prior year as a result of a slow down in draw orders against contracts. The work boot business, comprised of the Wolverine Boots and Shoes division and HyTest Boots and Shoes, reported a slight increase in net sales and other operating income over the 1998 level.

          The Performance Footwear Group continued its strong growth reflecting an increase in net sales and other operating income of $28.8 million (32.8%) for 1999 over 1998. The Merrell outdoor footwear business accounted for the increase as this business offered new products and expanded its retail distribution channels.

          Within the Company's other business units, Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement accounted for substantially all of the $1.8 million increase in net sales and other operating income in 1999 over 1998. Wolverine Retail reported flat net sales and other operating income in 1999 as compared to 1998.

          As discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded a non-recurring, pre-tax charge to earnings of $14.0 million in the second quarter of 1999 related to the closing of its Russian wholesale footwear business, of which $6.9 million is reflected in cost of goods sold for

17


inventory write-downs, $6.6 million is reflected in selling and administrative expenses for goodwill, bad debt, severance, and other restructuring expenses, and $0.5 million is reflected in other expenses for the disposal of fixed assets.

          Gross margin as a percentage of net sales and other operating income of 31.3% in 1999 decreased slightly compared to the prior year's level of 31.8%. Gross margin dollars decreased $4.0 million or 1.9% in 1999 to $208.6 million as compared to $212.6 million in 1998. Excluding $6.9 million of the Russian restructuring charge that affected cost of goods sold, gross margin as a percentage of net sales and other operating income would have been 32.4% in 1999 and gross margin dollars would have increased $2.9 million or 1.4% in 1999 to $215.5 million. The gross margin percentage for the branded footwear businesses increased to 31.2% (excluding the Russian restructuring charge) in 1999 from 30.8% in 1998. Gross margins of the branded footwear businesses were favorably affected by the performance of the Wolverine Footwear and Performance Footwear Groups as their respective brands carry higher initial margins. The gross margin percentage for the other business units increased to 41.7% for 1999 compared to 39.7% for 1998, which resulted primarily from higher margin achievement from Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement.

          Selling and administrative expenses of $148.0 million for 1999 increased $4.6 million (3.2%) from the 1998 level of $143.4 million and, as a percentage of net sales and other operating income, increased to 22.2% in 1999 from 21.4% in 1998. Excluding $6.6 million of the Russian restructuring charge that affected selling and administrative expenses, these expenses for 1999 would have been $141.4 million, a decrease of $2.0 million from 1998 and, as a percentage of net sales and other operating income, would have been 21.2% in 1999. The change in selling and administrative expenses (excluding the Russian restructuring charge) includes increased depreciation expense of $1.5 million related to the recent investments in warehousing infrastructure and information services and $4.7 million in employee benefits that were offset by $8.2 million of cost reductions in travel, payroll and other selling and administrative expenses.

          Interest expense of $11.1 million was $2.6 million greater in 1999 than the 1998 level of $8.4 million. The increase in interest expense reflects a full year of additional borrowings on the Company's revolving credit facility for the repurchase of 2.2 million shares of the Company's common stock during the last half of 1998, increased borrowings to support investments in working capital and lower capitalization of interest due to the completion of capital projects during 1999.

          The 1999 effective tax rate of 34.6% increased from 32.6% in 1998 primarily as a result of earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, which are taxed generally at lower rates, becoming a smaller percentage of total consolidated earnings and other 1999 tax adjustments.

          Net earnings for 1999 were $32.4 million compared to net earnings of $41.7 million reported for 1998. Diluted earnings per share for 1999 were $0.78 compared to $0.97 in 1998. Excluding the Russian restructuring charge, net earnings would have been $41.8 million or $1.01 diluted earnings per share in 1999.

Results of Operations-1998 Compared to 1997

          Net sales and other operating income increased 0.6% to $669.3 million in 1998 as compared to $665.1 million in 1997. The Company's branded footwear businesses contributed a $10.1 million (1.7%)

18


increase in 1998 net sales and other operating income, while the Company's other business units reported a $5.9 million (7.7%) decline in net sales and other operating income in 1998 compared to 1997.

          The Casual Footwear Group reported a net sales and other operating income decrease of $21.6 million (7.7%) in 1998 as compared to 1997. The Hush Puppies Company reported a $29.8 million (13.0%) decline in 1998 net sales and other operating income from the 1997 level as a result of decreased demand for the Hush Puppies classics suede casual line and the planned reduction in the specialty store distribution segment of the Hush Puppies U.K. wholesale operation. A $5.0 million increase in net sales and other operating income contributed by the Company's Russian operations partially offset the shortfall in The Hush Puppies Company.

          The Wolverine Footwear Group reported record net sales and other operating income and experienced a $9.6 million (4.0%) increase in 1998 despite unseasonably warm weather during the key boot selling season. Harley-Davidson brand footwear, manufactured under a license acquired in 1998, began shipping in the third quarter and contributed a majority of the increase. The work boot business reported a 1.2% decrease in net sales and other operating income from 1997 primarily related to the sale of five Company-owned distribution units over the preceding eighteen months.

          The Performance Footwear Group reported a $22.1 million (33.6%) increase in net sales and other operating income in 1998 as compared to 1997. The Merrell outdoor footwear business, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 1997, contributed the majority of this increase. The Caterpillar Footwear Group recognized a 2.8% decrease in 1998 net sales and other operating income from the 1997 level, which was related primarily to unfavorably warm weather in the fourth quarter of 1998 and difficult global economic conditions in the last half of the year.

          Within the Company's other business units, Wolverine Retail's net sales and other operating income increased $1.2 million in 1998 compared to 1997. Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement combined for a net sales and other operating income decrease of $7.1 million in 1998 as compared to 1997. This decrease related primarily to reduced demand for the Hush Puppies classics suede casual line and price reductions for cowhide leather, making it a cost-effective alternative to pigskin supplied by this business unit.

          Gross margin as a percentage of net sales and other operating income increased to 31.8% in 1998 from 30.7% in 1997. Gross margin dollars increased $8.5 million (4.2%) in 1998 to $212.6 million as compared to $204.1 million in 1997. The gross margin percentage for the branded footwear businesses increased to 30.8% in 1998 from 30.4% in 1997. The increase was due primarily to higher initial gross margins, efficiencies resulting from the 1997 factory restructuring that was fully implemented in 1998 and the elimination of unprofitable product lines. Gross margins for the Company's other business units increased from 33.0% in 1997 to 37.9% in 1998 primarily as a result of improved labor efficiencies and lower raw material costs experienced in Wolverine Leathers.

          Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales and other operating income increased to 21.4% in 1998 from 20.6% in 1997 as these costs increased $6.2 million (4.6%) to $143.4 million in 1998 from $137.2 million in 1997. The increase in selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales and other operating income resulted primarily from costs associated with the start up of the new 350,000 square foot Howard City, Michigan distribution center, increased spending for media advertising on the Company's core brands and increased investments in branded marketing and

19


operations related to various new business initiatives, including the Harley-Davidson, Merrell and Coleman footwear brands.

          Interest expense of $8.4 million was $2.9 million (54.9%) greater in 1998 than the 1997 level of $5.5 million. The increase in interest expense for 1998 reflects additional borrowings on the Company's revolving credit facility to support the repurchase of 2.2 million shares of the Company's common stock during 1998, the 1997 fourth quarter acquisition of the Merrell outdoor footwear business and increased working capital requirements in 1998 as compared to 1997.

          The 1998 effective tax rate of 32.6% increased from 32.0% in 1997 as a result of earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, which are taxed generally at lower rates, becoming a smaller percentage of total consolidated earnings.

          Net earnings of $41.7 million for 1998 reflect a 0.3% increase over net earnings of $41.5 million reported for 1997. Diluted earnings per share for 1998 were $0.97 compared to $0.96 in 1997. Increased net earnings are primarily a result of the items noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          Net cash provided by operating activities was $47.2 million in 1999 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $4.5 million in 1998. Cash of $23.4 in 1999 and $54.7 million in 1998 was used to fund working capital requirements, an improvement of $31.3 million. Accounts receivable of $170.7 million at January 1, 2000 reflect an $18.6 million (12.2%) increase over the $152.1 million balance at January 2, 1999. Inventories of $168.0 million at January 1, 2000 increased by $1.0 million (0.6%) over the $167.0 million balance at January 2, 1999. The expansion of the Merrell business and the addition of the Harley-Davidson business increased accounts receivable and inventories by $15.6 million and $12.3 million, respectively, over the 1998 balances. As of year-end 1999, the Company's order backlog was up 10.0% over the prior year's level. Accounts payable of $23.4 million at January 1, 2000 reflect a $5.5 million (31.0%) increase from the $17.9 million balance at January 2, 1999. The increase in accounts payable is primarily attributable to the timing of 1999 year-end payments.

          Additions to property, plant and equipment of $19.4 million in 1999 compare to $32.4 million reported in 1998. A majority of these expenditures were related to the replacement of legacy information systems and purchases of manufacturing equipment necessary to upgrade the Company's footwear and leather manufacturing facilities. Depreciation and amortization expense of $14.9 million in 1999 compares to $13.0 million in 1998. This increase was a result of the capital investments noted above and the amortization of goodwill and other intangibles related to the acquisitions made during the past three years.

          The Company maintains short-term borrowing and commercial letter-of-credit facilities of $69.1 million, of which $30.4 million and $30.1 million were outstanding at the end of 1999 and 1998, respectively. Long-term debt, including current maturities, of $139.2 million at the end of 1999 decreased $22.4 million from the $161.7 million balance at the end of 1998. The decrease in debt primarily resulted from payments made out of cash flows generated from operations.

          It is expected that continued Company growth will require increases in capital funding over the next several years. The Company has a long-term domestic revolving credit facility of $165.0 million

20


expiring in October 2001. The Company's subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Canada have $11.4 million and $6.9 million variable rate revolving credit agreements expiring in October 2001 and April 2000, respectively. All revolving credit agreements are used to support working capital requirements. In addition, the Company issued $75 million of senior debt during the fourth quarter of 1998 and used the proceeds to reduce outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. The combination of credit facilities and cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet future capital needs. Any excess cash flows from operations are expected to be used to pay down the revolving credit facility.

          The Company declared dividends of $4.9 million in 1999, or $0.12 per share, which reflects a 9.1% increase over the $4.6 million, or $0.11 per share, declared in 1998. Additionally, shares issued under stock incentive plans provided cash of $1.4 million in 1999 compared to $4.1 million during 1998.

          The current ratio at year-end was 7.2 to 1.0 in 1999 compared to 6.7 to 1.0 at year-end 1998. The Company's total debt to total capital ratio decreased to .30 to 1.0 in 1999 from .36 to 1.0 in 1998.

Market Risk

          The Company has assets, liabilities and inventory purchase commitments outside the United States that are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. A substantial portion of inventory sourced from foreign countries is purchased in U.S. dollars and is accordingly not subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Similarly, revenues from products sold in foreign countries under licensing and distribution arrangements are denominated in U.S. dollars. As a result, the Company engages in forward foreign exchange and other similar contracts to reduce its economic exposure to changes in exchange rates on a limited basis because the associated risk is not considered significant.

          Assets and liabilities outside the United States are primarily located in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Company's investment in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are generally considered long-term. Accordingly, the Company does not hedge these net investments. As a result of management's decision to exit its Russian wholesale footwear operations in the second quarter of 1999, the Company's previous exposure to foreign currency risk in Russia was substantially eliminated as of the end of the year.

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

          The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of its long-term debt requirements. The Company's interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the effect of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve its objectives, the Company maintains a significant percentage of fixed-rate debt (70% at January 1, 2000) to take advantage of lower relative interest rates currently available and finances seasonal working capital needs with variable-rate debt. The Company has not historically utilized interest swap or similar hedging arrangements to fix interest rates, but in 1998 entered into an interest rate lock agreement to fix the interest rate prior to the issuance of 6.5% senior notes in the amount of $75 million. The contract was settled in 1998 and resulted in a prepayment of $2.2 million that is being amortized over the term of the senior notes. The amortization of the prepayment creates an effective interest rate of 6.78% on the senior debt.


21


          The table that follows provides principal cash flows and related interest rates of the Company's short- and long-term debt by fiscal year of maturity. For foreign currency-denominated debt, the information is presented in U.S. dollar equivalents. Variable interest rates are based on the weighted average rates of the portfolio at January 1, 2000.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1999


 


1998


 
(Millions of Dollars)



2000


 
 



2001


 
 



2002


 
 



2003


 
 



2004


 
 


There-
after


 
 



Total


 
 


Fair
Value


 
 



Total


 
 


Fair
Value


Denominated in U.S. Dollars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Fixed Rate
   Average Interest Rate

$4.7   
7.8%

 

$4.3   
7.8%

 

$15.0   
6.9%

 

$15.0   
6.9%

 

$15.0   
6.9%

 

$42.8   
6.5%

 

$96.8   
6.8%

 

$98.0

 

$101.2   
6.8%

 

$102.2

                                       

   Variable Rate
   Average Interest Rate

 

 

$40.0   
6.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$40.0   
6.5%

 

$40.0

 

$59.0   
6.7%

 

$59.0

                                     

Denominated in Canadian Dollars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Variable Rate
   Average Interest Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$4.5   
6.5%

 

$4.5

                                     

Denominated in British Sterling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Variable Rate
   Average Interest Rate

$2.5   
5.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$2.5   
5.2%

 

$2.5

 

$3.5   
7.0%

 

$3.5


The Company does not enter into contracts for speculative or trading purposes, nor is it a party to any leveraged derivative instruments.

Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure

          As of the date of this Annual Report, the Company has not experienced any Year 2000 issues arising from its systems or those of its material vendors and suppliers. To the extent that there might be any ongoing Year 2000 issues that might arise at a later date, the Company has contingency plans in place to address such issues. The Company continues to maintain contact with third parties with whom it has material relationships, such as vendors, suppliers and financial institutions, with respect to such third parties' Year 2000 compliance and any ongoing Year 2000 issues that might arise at a later date. A significant amount of the Company's Year 2000 issues were resolved by the installation of new systems designed to manage order processing, warehousing and finance on an fully integrated enterprise-wide basis (the "Base System"). The final cost of the Base System was $21.8 million. Final costs for other reprogramming and replacement to address Year 2000 issues not addressed by the Base System totaled $2.5 million.

          In light of the Company's efforts, the Year 2000 issue has had no material adverse effect to date on the operations or results of operations of the Company, and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. However, there can be no assurance that the Company or any third parties will not have ongoing Year 2000 issues that may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition in the future.

Inflation

          Inflation has not had a significant effect on the Company over the past three years nor is it expected to have a significant effect in the foreseeable future. The Company continuously attempts to minimize the effect of inflation through cost reductions and improved productivity.


22


Forward-Looking Statements

          This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, the letter to the stockholders from the Chairman and the President and other sections of this report, contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the footwear business, worldwide economics and about the Company itself. Certain statements are forward-looking, including those relating to: the Three-Year Strategic Growth Plan; projected targets; sales levels and growth; projected earnings and growth; earnings per share; results for years 2000 to 2002; balance sheet strength; projected cash flows; cash flow growth; debt reductions; projected capital and debt ratios; projected return on assets and equity; addition of new licensed footwear brands; acquisition of additional footwear businesses; meeting or exceeding strategic plan goals; management changes, skills and responsibilities; sufficiency of infrastructure; capital expenditure requirements; product development; and marketing programs. In addition, words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "plans," "predicts," "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Risk Factors") that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

          Risk Factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to changes in demand for the Company's products; changes in consumer preferences or spending patterns; the cost and availability of inventories, services, labor and equipment furnished to the Company; cost and availability of contract manufacturers; the degree and type of competition by the Company's competitors; changes in government and regulatory policies; changes in trading policies or import and export regulations; changes in interest rates, tax laws, duties or applicable assessments; technological developments; changes in local, domestic or international economic and market conditions; the size and growth of the overall footwear markets; changes in the amount or severity of inclement weather; changes due to the growth of Internet commerce; changes in consumer preference; popularity of particular designs and categories of footwear; consumer demand for new products developed by the Company and its competitors; the ability of the Company to manage and forecast its growth and inventories; the ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property; changes in business strategy or development plans; and the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. These matters are representative of the Risk Factors that could cause a difference between an ultimate actual outcome and a forward-looking statement. Historical operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in the future. The Risk Factors included here are not exhaustive. Other Risk Factors exist, and new Risk Factors emerge from time-to-time, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



23


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

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


Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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

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

          None.


PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

          The information regarding directors of the Company contained under the captions "Board of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 10, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference. The information regarding Executive Officers is provided in the Supplemental Item following Item 4 of Part I above.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

          The information contained under the captions "Compensation of Directors," "Executive Compensation," "Employment Agreements and Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements," and "Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 10, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

          The information contained under the captions "Ownership of Common Stock" and "Securities Ownership of Management" contained in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 10, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

          The information regarding certain employee loans following the caption "Executive Compensation," under the subheading "Stock Options," and the information contained under the captions "Compensation of Directors" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" contained in the definitive Proxy Statement of the Company dated March 10, 2000, are incorporated herein by reference.



24


PART IV

Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

          Item 14(a)(1). Financial Statements. Attached as Appendix A.

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

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999.

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Fiscal Years Ended January 1, 2000, January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998.

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended January 1, 2000, January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998.

     
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended January 1, 2000, January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998.

     
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of January 1, 2000.

     
 

Report of Independent Auditors.


          Item 14(a)(2).    Financial Statement Schedules. Attached as Appendix B.

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

 

Schedule II--Valuation and qualifying accounts.


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

          Item 14(a)(3).    Exhibits.

          The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit
Number


                                                                    Document

   

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 14, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.


25


3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.1

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

   

4.2

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

   

4.3

Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 1996, with NBD Bank as Agent. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.4

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of August 1, 1994, relating to 7.81% Senior Notes. Previously filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 10, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.5

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

   

4.6

Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 8, 1998, to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 1996, with NBD Bank as Agent. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.7

Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 5, 1999, to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 1996, with NBD Bank as Agent.

   

4.8

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding in addition to that described in Exhibits 4.4 and 4.5 above. The amount of none of these classes of debt outstanding on March 24, 2000, exceeds 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any agreement defining the rights of holders of any such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

   

10.1

Stock Option Plan of 1979, and amendment.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1988. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.2

1993 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.


26


10.3

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

   

10.4

Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.5

Employees Pension Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.6

Employment Agreement dated April 27, 1998, between the Company and Geoffrey B. Bloom.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.7

Executive Long-Term Incentive (Three Year) Plan 1996-1998 Period.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.8

1994 Directors' Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(aa) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 18, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.9

Stock Option Loan Program.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(h) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1991. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.10

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

   

10.11

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 15, 1996. Here incorporated by reference. An updated participant schedule is attached as Exhibit 10.11.

   

10.12

1995 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as an Appendix to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 19, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.13

Executive Long-Term Incentive (Three Year) Plan for the three year period 1994-1996.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.


27


10.14

Executive Long-Term Incentive (Three Year) Plan for the three year period 1995-1997.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.15

Indemnification Agreements.* The form of agreement was previously filed as Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1993. Here incorporated by reference. The Company has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each director and executive officer.

   

10.16

Supplemental Retirement Benefits.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(l) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.17

Benefit Trust Agreement dated May 19, 1987, and Amendments Number 1, 2 and 3 thereto.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1993. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.18

1996 Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.19

Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 15, 1996. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.20

1984 Executive Incentive Stock Purchase Plan, and amendment.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1988. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.21

Supplemental Director's Fee Agreement dated as of March 27, 1995, between the Company and Phillip D. Matthews.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 25, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.22

Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of March 27, 1995, between the Company and Phillip D. Matthews.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 25, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.23

1997 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 16, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.24

Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix B to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 16, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.


28


10.25

Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (3-Year Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix C to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 16, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.26

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

   

21

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

   

23

Consent of Independent Auditors.

   

24

Powers of Attorney.

   

27

Financial Data Schedule.

____________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.













29


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


          Item 14(b).    Reports on Form 8-K.

          No reports on Form 8-K were filed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 1, 2000.


SIGNATURES

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

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.

   

 

 

Dated: March 29, 2000

By:/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


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

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

Signature

              Title

Date

     
     

*/s/Geoffrey B. Bloom
Geoffrey B. Bloom

Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board
of Directors

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Timothy J. O'Donovan
Timothy J. O'Donovan

President and Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

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

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

March 29, 2000


30


*/s/Daniel T. Carroll
Daniel T. Carroll

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Donald V. Fites
Donald V. Fites

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Alberto L. Grimoldi
Alberto L. Grimoldi

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/David T. Kollat
David T. Kollat

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Phillip D. Matthews
Phillip D. Matthews

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/David P. Mehney
David P. Mehney

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Joseph A. Parini
Joseph A. Parini

Director

March 29, 2000

     

 

   

*/s/Joan Parker
Joan Parker

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Elizabeth A. Sanders
Elizabeth A. Sanders

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*/s/Paul D. Schrage
Paul D. Schrage

Director

March 29, 2000

     
     

*by/s/Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.
Attorney-in-Fact

   



31

















APPENDIX A


















Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

As of Fiscal Year End

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


Assets

     

Current assets:

     

     Cash and cash equivalents

$     1,446

 

$     6,203

     Accounts receivable, less allowances (1999--$6,644; 1998--$5,896)

170,732

 

152,110

     Inventories:

     

          Finished products

128,458

 

113,923

          Raw materials and work-in-process


39,553


 

53,116


 

168,011

 

167,039

     Refundable income taxes

1,302

 

4,822

     Deferred income taxes

3,377

 

5,938

     Other current assets


4,433


 

4,866


Total current assets

349,301

 

340,978

       

Property, plant and equipment:

     

     Land

1,177

 

1,177

     Buildings and improvements

64,848

 

63,006

     Machinery and equipment

117,524

 

108,094

     Software


29,217


 

22,097


 

212,766

 

194,374

     Less accumulated depreciation


96,483


 

83,239


 

116,283

 

111,135

Other assets

     

     Goodwill and other intangibles, less accumulated amortization

     

           (1999--$3,565; 1998--$2,447)

16,178

 

19,931

     Cash value of life insurance

16,443

 

14,725

     Prepaid pension costs

19,099

 

15,242

     Assets held for exchange

7,706

 

7,942

     Notes receivable

4,736

 

4,921

     Other


4,649


 

6,604


 

68,811


 

69,365


Total assets


$534,395


 

$521,478


       

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

     Notes payable

$       148

 

$    6,546

     Accounts payable

23,400

 

17,864

     Salaries, wages and other compensation

7,992

 

7,776

     Taxes, other than income taxes

2,368

 

1,927

     Other accrued expenses

10,261

 

12,594

     Current maturities of long-term debt


4,370


 

4,561


Total current liabilities

48,539

 

51,268

       

Long-term debt, less current maturities

134,831

 

157,089

Deferred compensation

6,076

 

6,993

Deferred income taxes

12,844

 

5,808

Stockholders' equity:

       

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

       

          issued, including treasury shares: 1999--44,426,322 shares;

       

          1998--43,832,070 shares

44,426

 

43,832

 

     Additional paid-in capital

76,752

 

72,825

 

     Retained earnings

255,265

 

227,829

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(614

)

(1,014

)

     Unearned compensation

(5,974

)

(5,999

)

     Cost of shares in treasury: 1999--3,125,952 shares; 1998--3,067,177 shares


(37,750


)


(37,153


)

Total stockholders' equity


332,105


 

300,320


 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity


$534,395


 

$521,478


 

( ) Denotes deduction.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



1


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income

     
Fiscal Year
     

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 

Common Stock

           

     Balance at beginning of the year

$  43,832

 

$  43,311

 

$  42,244

 

     Common stock issued under stock incentive

           

          plans (1999--594,252 shares;

           

          1998--521,352 shares; 1997--1,067,109 shares)


594


 

521


 

1,067


 

     Balance at end of the year

44,426

 

43,832

 

43,311

 
             

Additional Paid-In Capital

           

     Balance at beginning of the year

72,825

 

64,912

 

53,943

 

     Proceeds over par value and income tax benefits

           

          associated with common stock issued under

           

          stock incentive plans


3,927


 

7,913


 

10,969


 

     Balance at end of the year

76,752

 

72,825

 

64,912

 
             

Retained Earnings

           

     Balance at beginning of the year

227,829

 

190,799

 

152,948

 

     Net earnings

32,380

 

41,651

 

41,539

 

     Cash dividends (1999--$.12 per share;

           

          1998--$.11 per share; 1997--$.09 per share)


(4,944


)


(4,621


)


(3,688


)

     Balance at end of the year

255,265

 

227,829

 

190,799

 
             

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

           

     Balance at beginning of the year

(1,014

)

(68

)

79

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments


400


 

(946


)


(147


)

     Balance at end of the year

(614

)

(1,014

)

(68

)

             

Unearned Compensation

           

     Balance at beginning of the year

(5,999

)

(4,285

)

(2,908

)

     Awards under stock incentive plans

(3,094

)

(4,383

)

(3,117

)

     Compensation expense


3,119


 

2,669


 

1,740


 

     Balance at end of the year

(5,974

)

(5,999

)

(4,285

)

             

Cost of Shares in Treasury

           

     Balance at beginning of the year

(37,153

)

(12,239

)

(7,014

)

     Common stock purchased for treasury

           

           (1999--58,775 shares; 1998--2,309,064 shares;

           

          1997--200,790 shares)


(597


)


(24,914


)


(5,225


)

     Balance at end of the year


(37,750


)


(37,153


)


(12,239


)

Total stockholders' equity at end of the year


$332,105


 

$300,320


 

$282,430


 
             

Comprehensive Income

           

     Net earnings

$  32,380

 

$  41,651

 

$  41,539

 

     Foreign currency translation adjustments


400


 

(946


)


(147


)

Total comprehensive income


$  32,780


 

$  40,705


 

$  41,392


 

( ) Denotes deduction.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





2


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

     
Fiscal Year
     

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 
             

Net sales and other operating income

$665,576

 

$669,329

 

$665,125

 
             

Cost and expenses:

           

     Cost of products sold

457,001

 

456,726

 

460,999

 

     Selling and administrative expenses

147,980

 

143,403

 

137,157

 

     Interest expense

11,074

 

8,449

 

5,455

 

     Interest income

(728

)

(1,170

)

(845

)

     Other expenses -- net


703


 

113


 

1,278


 
 

616,030


 

607,521


 

604,044


 

Earnings before income taxes

49,546

 

61,808

 

61,081

 
             

Income taxes


17,166


 

20,157


 

19,542


 

Net earnings


$  32,380


 

$  41,651


 

$  41,539


 
             
             

Net earnings per share:

           

     Basic

$        .80

 

$      1.00

 

$      1.00

 

     Diluted

.78

 

.97

 

.96

 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




3


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     
Fiscal Year
     

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 

Operating Activities

           

Net earnings

$  32,380

 

$  41,651

 

$  41,539

 

Adjustments necessary to reconcile net earnings

           

     to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

           

          Restructuring charges

14,000

     

3,450

 

          Depreciation and amortization

14,881

 

13,036

 

9,151

 

          Deferred income taxes

9,597

 

547

 

4,642

 

          Other

(292

)

(5,025

)

(2,980

)

          Changes in operating assets and liabilities

           

               Accounts receivable

(20,822

)

(21,322

)

(6,092

)

               Inventories

(7,872

)

(17,043

)

(27,744

)

               Other operating assets

3,774

 

1,657

 

(5,794

)

               Accounts payable

5,536

 

(9,384

)

(17,162

)

               Other operating liabilities


(3,968


)


(8,588


)


764


 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

47,214

 

(4,471

)

(226

)

             

Investing Activities

           

Business acquisition

       

(15,753

)

Additions to plant and equipment

(19,447

)

(32,376

)

(35,419

)

Other


437


 

(1,348


)


(5,950


)

Net cash used in investing activities

(19,010

)

(33,724

)

(57,122

)

             

Financing Activities

           

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

1,080

 

12,739

 

4,711

 

Payments of short-term debt

(7,478

)

(9,444

)

(3,090

)

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

72,622

 

180,089

 

112,090

 

Payments of long-term debt

(95,071

)

(116,814

)

(59,135

)

Deferred financing and interest costs

   

(2,456

)

   

Cash dividends

(4,944

)

(4,621

)

(3,688

)

Purchase of common stock for treasury

(597

)

(24,914

)

(5,225

)

Proceeds from shares issued under stock incentive plans


1,427


 

4,051


 

8,919


 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities


(32,961


)


38,630


 

54,582


 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(4,757

)

435

 

(2,766

)

             

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year


6,203


 

5,768


 

8,534


 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year


$    1,446


 

$    6,203


 

$    5,768


 
             

Other Cash Flow Information

           

Interest paid

$  11,619

 

$    9,596

 

$    6,361

 

Net income taxes paid (refund)

(186

)

10,751

 

11,174

 

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




4


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Saturday nearest the end of December. Fiscal years presented herein include the 52-week periods ended January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, and the 53-week period ended January 3, 1998.

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

Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized on the sale of products when the related goods have been shipped and legal title has passed to the customer.

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

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

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

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

As required, the Company adopted the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed and Obtained for Internal Use, in 1999. The SOP provides guidelines for determining whether costs should be expensed or capitalized for computer software developed or purchased for internal use. The Company's accounting policies for such items were already in substantial compliance with SOP 98-1 and, therefore, the adoption did not have a material effect on its 1999 consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses and is amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging up to fifteen years. Other intangibles consist primarily of trademarks, brand names and patents that are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging from five to fifteen years. The Company reviews the recoverability of goodwill and other intangibles annually based on an analysis of undiscounted cash flows from the acquired businesses.


5


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $21,889,000 in 1999, $29,673,000 in 1998, and $26,976,000 in 1997.

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

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

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

 

1999


 

1998


 

1997


 

Weighted average shares outstanding during the year

41,146,525

 

42,218,378

 

42,214,620

 

Adjustment for nonvested common stock


(843,849


)


(697,962


)


(699,107


)

Denominator for basic earnings per share

40,302,676

 

41,520,416

 

41,515,513

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

339,909

 

733,195

 

1,249,070

 

Adjustment for nonvested common stock


843,849


 

697,962


 

699,107


 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share


41,486,434


 

42,951,573


 

43,463,690


 

Options to purchase 1,651,494 shares of common stock in 1999, 989,662 shares in 1998 and 116,275 shares in 1997 have not been included in the denominator for computation of diluted earnings per share because related exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the period and, therefore, were antidilutive.

Financial Instruments and Risk Management
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts and notes payable and long-term debt. The Company's estimate of the fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at January 1, 2000, January 2, 1999 and January 3, 1998. Fair value was determined using discounted cash flow analyses and current interest rates for similar instruments. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 133 requires companies to record derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes accounting rules for changes in fair value that result from hedging activities. The Company does not currently engage in significant hedging activities that require use of derivative instruments and does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial position or future results of operations.


6


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


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

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income represents net earnings and any revenues, expenses, gains and losses that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net earnings and recognized directly as a component of stockholders' equity.

Reclassifications
Certain amounts previously reported in 1998 and 1997 have been reclassified to conform with the presentation used in 1999.


2. Business Acquisition

On October 17, 1997, the Company acquired the assets of the Merrell outdoor footwear business from the Outdoor Division of Sports Holding Corp. for cash of $15,753,000, including related transaction expenses, and a $500,000 note payable.

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and, accordingly, the operating results of the Merrell business are included in the consolidated statements of operations since the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired based on their fair market value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and other intangibles recognized in connection with this transaction totaled $5,914,000.

Consolidated net sales would have approximated $685,000,000 in 1997 on a pro forma basis if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 1997. Consolidated pro forma net earnings for 1997 would not have been materially different from reported amounts .


3. Inventories

Inventories of $131,711,000 at January 1, 2000 and $134,355,000 at January 2, 1999 have been valued using the LIFO method. If the FIFO method had been used, inventories would have been $11,219,000 and $14,455,000 higher than reported at January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively.


4. Debt

Notes payable consist of unsecured short-term debt of the Company's Canadian and United Kingdom subsidiaries. The notes bear interest of up to 1% over the respective foreign bank base rate (7.5% and 7.1% weighted average base rate at January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively).

The Company has short-term debt and commercial letter-of-credit facilities that allow for total borrowings up to $69,055,000 at January 1, 2000 ($68,399,000 at January 2, 1999). In addition to the notes payable discussed above, amounts outstanding under these facilities consist of letters-of-credit that totaled $30,446,000 and $30,075,000 at January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, respectively.


7


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


Long-term debt consists of the following obligations:

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

6.5% senior notes payable

$  75,000

 

$  75,000

 

7.81% senior notes payable to insurance companies

21,429

 

25,714

 

Revolving credit obligations

42,453

 

60,660

 

Other


319


 

276


 
 

139,201

 

161,650

 

Less current maturities


4,370


 

4,561


 
 

$134,831


 

$157,089


 

The 6.5% senior notes payable require payments of interest only through December 2002, at which time annual principal payments of $10,714,000 become due through the maturity date of December 8, 2008. In connection with the issuance of these senior notes, the Company entered into an interest rate lock agreement with a bank that was settled on November 4, 1998 and resulted in a prepayment of $2,200,000. This prepayment is being amortized over the term of the notes using the effective interest method.

The 7.81% senior notes payable to insurance companies require equal annual principal payments of $4,285,000 through 2003, with the balance due on August 15, 2004.

The Company has domestic and foreign revolving credit agreements that allow for borrowings of up to $183,362,000 ($174,005,000 in 1998), of which $18,362,000 pertains to the Company's United Kingdom and Canadian subsidiaries. The agreements require that interest be paid at variable rates based on both LIBOR and the domestic prime rate. The weighted average interest rate of outstanding borrowings under these facilities was 5.5% at January 1, 2000 and 6.7% at January 2, 1999. The domestic and United Kingdom facilities expire in October 2001, and the Canadian facility expires in April 2000. Maximum borrowings under the agreements were $103,450,000 in 1999 and $149,000,000 in 1998.

The long-term loan agreements contain restrictive covenants which, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum levels of tangible net worth. At January 1, 2000, unrestricted retained earnings were $74,564,000. The agreements also impose restrictions on securing additional debt, sale and merger transactions and the disposition of significant assets.

Principal maturities of long-term debt during the four years subsequent to 2000 are as follows: 2001--$46,972,000; 2002--$14,999,000; 2003--$14,999,000; 2004--$15,003,000.

Interest costs of $563,000 in 1999, $1,145,000 in 1998 and $768,000 in 1997 were capitalized in connection with various capital improvement and computer hardware and software installation projects.


5. Leases

The Company leases machinery, transportation equipment and certain warehouse and retail store space under operating lease agreements which expire at various dates through 2012. At January 1, 2000, minimum rental payments due under all noncancelable leases are as follows: 2000--$7,411,000; 2001--$6,235,000; 2002--$4,587,000; 2003--$3,638,000; 2004--$2,560,000; thereafter--$12,295,000.


8


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


Rental expense under all operating leases consisted primarily of minimum rentals and totaled $10,249,000 in 1999, $9,085,000 in 1998 and $9,013,000 in 1997.


6. Capital Stock

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

On April 17, 1997 the Company announced a three-for-two stock split on shares of common stock outstanding at May 2, 1997. All share and per share data included in the consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted for the increased shares resulting from the stock split.

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

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

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


9


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

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

 
 

Shares Under
Options


 
 

Weighted-Average
Option Price


 
 

Outstanding at December 28, 1996

2,341,778

 

$7.71

 

Granted

798,015

 

24.12

 

Exercised

(922,491

)

20.48

 

Cancelled


(35,861


)


17.09


 

Outstanding at January 3, 1998

2,181,441

 

13.65

 

Granted

1,171,967

 

18.88

 

Exercised

(328,899

)

20.65

 

Cancelled


(626,058


)


25.48


 

Outstanding at January 2, 1999

2,398,451

 

14.82

 

Granted

967,592

 

9.94

 

Exercised

(264,334

)

10.33

 

Cancelled


(60,708


)


13.62


 

Outstanding at January 1, 2000


3,041,001


 

$13.95


 

Shares available for grant under the stock option plans were 1,894,747 at January 1, 2000 and 1,131,544 at January 2, 1999.

The weighted-average grant-date fair value was $4.13 in 1999, $7.37 in 1998 and $7.91 in 1997 for stock options granted.

During September 1998, the Board of Directors approved the cancellation and reissuance of stock options representing 594,478 shares of common stock. The cancelled options had original exercise prices ranging from $21.00 to $27.97. The reissued options had an exercise price of $15.00, which was 38% above the closing market price on the date of reissuance.

The exercise prices of options outstanding at January 1, 2000 range from $1.73 to $30.56. A summary of stock options outstanding at January 1, 2000 by range of option price is as follows:

       

Weighted-Average


 

Number of Options


 


Option Price


 

 
Remaining

 

Outstanding


 

Exercisable


 

Outstanding


 

Exercisable


 

Contractual Life


 

Less than $10

1,266,494

 

710,053

 

$  8.46

 

$  7.52

 

7.2 years

 

$10 to $20

1,156,169

 

851,705

 

13.60

 

13.25

 

7.7 years

 

Greater than $20


618,338


 

504,653


 

25.72


 

25.58


 

6.9 years


 
 

3,041,001


 

2,066,411


 

$13.95


 

$14.25


 

7.3 years


 

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



10



Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


Pro forma information regarding net earnings and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its stock awards using the fair value method. The fair value of these awards was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 5.3% (5% in 1998 and 6% in 1997); dividend yield of 0.5%; expected market price volatility factor of 0.47 (0.46 in 1998 and 0.32 in 1997); and an expected option life of four years.

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

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

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)


1999


1998


1997


Pro forma net earnings

$28,750

$39,130

$38,945

Pro forma net earnings per share:

     

     Basic

$      .71

$      .94

$      .94

     Diluted

.70

.91

.90


The Company also has nonvested stock award plans for officers and other key employees. Common stock issued under these plans is subject to certain restrictions, including prohibition against any sale, transfer or other disposition by the officer or employee (except for certain transfers for estate planning purposes for certain officers), and a requirement to forfeit the award upon termination of employment. These restrictions lapse over a three- to five-year period from the date of the award. Shares aggregating 340,665 in 1999, 195,625 in 1998 and 154,862 in 1997 were awarded under these plans. The weighted-average award-date fair value was $10.02 in 1999, $27.67 in 1998 and $23.75 in 1997 for the shares awarded. Rights to 11,956 shares in 1999, 4,000 shares in 1998 and 8,250 shares in 1997 were cancelled. Any future shares awarded reduce the number of shares identified as available for future grants in the stock option table. The market value of the shares awarded is recognized as unearned compensation in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and is amortized to operations over the vesting period.


7. Retirement Plans

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

The Company has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for certain current and former employees that entitles them to receive payments from the Company following retirement based on the employee's years of service and final average earnings (as defined). Under the plan, the employees are eligible for

11


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

reduced benefits upon early retirement. The Company also has individual deferred compensation agreements with certain former employees that entitle them to receive payments from the Company for a period of fifteen to eighteen years following retirement. The Company maintains life insurance policies with a cash surrender value of $16,100,000 at January 1, 2000 and $14,405,000 at January 2, 1999 that are intended to fund these deferred compensation benefits under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and the deferred compensation agreements.

The Company has a defined contribution money accumulation plan covering substantially all employees that provides for Company contributions based on earnings. This plan is combined with the principal defined benefit pension plan for funding purposes. Contributions to the money accumulation plan were approximately $1,500,000 in 1999, 1998 and 1997.

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

 

September 30,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

Pension assets at fair value, including underfunded plan amounts of

       

     $6,788 in 1999 and $5,370 in 1998

$120,110

 

$107,478

 

Projected benefit obligation on services rendered to date for funded

       

     defined benefit plans, including underfunded plan amounts of

       

     $19,827 in 1999 and $18,414 in 1998


(85,777


)


(88,706


)


Net pension assets of funded defined benefit plans

34,333

 

18,772

 

Projected benefit obligation on services rendered to date for unfunded

       

     supplemental employee retirement plans


(12,713


)


(11,616


)


Net pension assets

21,620

 

7,156

 

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

       

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

       

     supplemental employee retirement plans


5,607


 

4,777


 

Net pension and nonqualified trust assets


$27,227


 

$11,933


 
         

Components of net pension assets:

       

     Prepaid pension costs

$18,934

 

$15,138

 

     Unrecognized amounts, net of amortization:

       

          Transition assets

80

 

968

 

          Prior service costs

(7,384

)

(8,934

)

          Net experience gains (losses)


9,990


 
(16
)

Net pension assets

21,620

 

7,156

 

Nonqualified trust assets


5,607


 

4,777


 

Net pension and nonqualified trust assets


$27,227


 

$11,933


 







12


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


 

     September 30

 

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

Change in fair value of pension assets:

       

     Fair value of pension assets at beginning of the year

$107,478

 

$131,406

 

     Actual net investment income (loss)

17,062

 

(20,285

)

     Company contributions

528

 

310

 

     Benefits paid to plan participants


(4,958


)


(3,953


)


Fair value of pension assets at end of the year


$120,110


 

$107,478


 
         

Components of prepaid pension costs (liability):

       

     For overfunded plans

$  25,728

 

$  19,877

 

     For underfunded plans


(6,794


)


(4,739


)


Prepaid pension costs


$  18,934


 

$  15,138


 
         

Change in projected benefit obligations:

       

     Projected benefit obligations at beginning of the year

$100,322

 

$  81,221

 

     Service cost pertaining to benefits earned during the year

4,571

 

4,249

 

     Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

7,186

 

6,221

 

     Effect of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan amendments

553

 

2,544

 

     Actuarial losses (gains)

(9,184

)

10,040

 

     Benefits paid to plan participants


(4,958


)


(3,953


)


Projected benefit obligations at end of the year


$  98,490


 

$100,322


 

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

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 
             

Service cost pertaining to benefits earned during the year

$(4,571

)

$(4,249

)

$(3,698

)

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

(7,186

)

(6,221

)

(5,116

)

Expected return on pension assets

11,944

 

11,409

 

8,972

 

Net amortization


3,078


 

3,926


 

2,471


 

Net pension income


$  3,265


 

$  4,865


 

$  2,629


 

The discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligations were 8% and 4.5%, respectively, in 1999 and 7% and 4.5%, respectively, in 1998. The expected long-term return on plan assets was 10% in each year.

Plan assets were invested in listed equity securities (77%), fixed income funds (20%) and short-term and other investments (3%). Equity securities include 788,512 shares of the Company's common stock with a fair value of $8,969,000 at September 30, 1999. Dividends paid on these shares of the Company's common stock were not significant.





13


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)



8. Income Taxes

The provisions for income taxes consist of the following:

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 

Currently payable:

           

     Federal

$5,645

 

$16,248

 

$12,505

 

     State and foreign

1,924

 

3,362

 

2,395

 

Deferred


9,597


 

547


 

4,642


 
 

$17,166


 

$20,157


 

$19,542


 

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

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 

Income taxes at statutory rate

$17,341

 

$21,633

 

$21,378

 

State income taxes, net of federal income tax reduction

667

 

899

 

777

 

Nontaxable earnings of Puerto Rican subsidiary

           

     and foreign affiliates

(1,729

)

(2,211

)

(2,233

)

Foreign earnings taxed at rates differing from U.S.

           

     statutory rate

220

 

77

 

180

 

Other


667


 

(241


)


(560


)


 

$17,166


 

$20,157


 

$19,542


 

Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of the end of 1999 and 1998 are as follows:

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 
         

Deferred income tax assets:

       

     Accounts receivable and inventory valuation allowances

$    1,030

 

$   2,987

 

     Deferred compensation accruals

1,765

 

2,018

 

     Other amounts not deductible until paid


4,845


 

5,470


 

Total deferred income tax assets

7,640

 

10,475

 
         

Deferred income tax liabilities:

       

     Tax over book depreciation

(9,221

)

(3,479

)

     Prepaid pension costs

(6,845

)

(5,877

)

     Unremitted earnings of Puerto Rican subsidiary

(839

)

(802

)

     Other


(202


)


(187


)


Total deferred income tax liabilities


(17,107


)


(10,345


)


Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)


$  (9,467


)


$      130


 


14


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


The Company has provided for all taxes that would be payable if accumulated earnings of its Puerto Rican subsidiary were distributed. Similar taxes on the unremitted earnings of the Company's foreign affiliates have not been provided for because such earnings are considered permanently invested. The additional taxes that would be payable if unremitted earnings of its foreign affiliates were distributed approximate $9,533,000 at January 1, 2000 and $7,910,000 at January 2, 1999.


9. Litigation and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various environmental claims and other legal actions arising in the normal course of business. The environmental claims include sites where the Environmental Protection Agency has notified the Company that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to environmental remediation. These remediation claims are subject to ongoing environmental impact studies, assessment of remediation alternatives, allocation of cost between responsible parties and concurrence by regulatory authorities and have not yet advanced to a stage where the Company's liability is fixed. However, after taking into consideration legal counsel's evaluation of all actions and claims against the Company, management is currently of the opinion that their outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or future results of operations.


10. Business Segments

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

The other business units in the following tables consist of the Company's retail, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. The Company operates 58 domestic retail stores (56 in outlet malls and 2 in regional malls) at January 1, 2000 that sell Company-manufactured or sourced products and footwear manufactured by unaffiliated companies. The other business units distribute products through retail and wholesale channels.

The Company measures segment profits as earnings before income taxes. The accounting policies used to determine profitability and total assets of the branded footwear segment are the same as disclosed in the summary of significant accounting policies (see note 1).





15


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


Business segment information is as follows:

 

1999



(Thousands of Dollars)


Branded
Footwear


 
 

Other
Businesses


 
 


Corporate


 
 


Consolidated


Net sales and other operating income

             

     from external customers

$593,236

 

$72,340

     

$665,576

Intersegment sales

16,567

 

5,563

     

22,130

Interest expense (net)

13,736

 

1,539

 

$(4,929

)

10,346

Depreciation expense

7,524

 

1,459

 

4,780

 

13,763

Restructuring charge

14,000

         

14,000

Earnings before income taxes

41,536

 

9,097

 

(1,087

)

49,546

Assets

391,447

 

34,038

 

108,910

 

534,395

Additions to property, plant and equipment

4,967

 

1,684

 

12,796

 

19,447

               
 

1998


Net sales and other operating income

             

     from external customers

$598,741

 

$70,588

     

$669,329

Intersegment sales

18,417

 

8,323

     

26,740

Interest expense (net)

12,728

 

1,558

 

$ (7,007

)

7,279

Depreciation expense

6,787

 

2,083

 

2,736

 

11,606

Earnings before income taxes

54,982

 

7,095

 

(269

)

61,808

Assets

385,262

 

33,178

 

103,038

 

521,478

Additions to property, plant and equipment

17,160

 

2,179

 

13,037

 

32,376

               
 

1997


Net sales and other operating income

             

     from external customers

$588,666

 

$76,459

     

$665,125

Intersegment sales

19,406

 

12,382

     

31,788

Interest expense (net)

9,104

 

1,521

 

$(6,015

)

4,610

Depreciation expense

4,598

 

1,919

 

1,810

 

8,327

Restructuring charge

3,450

         

3,450

Earnings before income taxes

58,829

 

8,019

 

(5,767

)

61,081

Assets

329,224

 

31,851

 

88,588

 

449,663

Additions to property, plant and equipment

10,189

 

2,450

 

22,780

 

35,419





16


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)

Geographic information related to net sales and other operating income included in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 
             

United States

$565,456

 

$568,730

 

$568,730

 

Europe

59,379

 

60,571

 

79,750

 

Canada

25,698

 

19,384

 

18,400

 

Central and South America

7,987

 

8,211

 

7,155

 

Asia

5,442

 

4,271

 

4,256

 

Middle East and Russia


1,614


 

8,162


 

2,690


 
 

$665,576


 

$669,329


 

$665,125


 

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

(Thousands of Dollars)


1999


 

1998


 

1997


 
             

United States

$165,203

 

$157,152

 

$128,175

 

Foreign countries

19,891

 

23,348

 

17,627

 

The Company does not believe that it is dependent upon any single customer, since none accounts for more than 10% of consolidated net sales and other operating income.

No product groups, other than footwear, account for more than 10% of consolidated net sales and other operating income. Revenues derived from the sale and licensing of footwear account for over 90% of net sales and other operating income in 1999, 1998, and 1997.

Approximately 24% of the Company's employees are subject to bargaining unit contracts extending through various dates to 2002.







17


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)



11. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

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

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

 

1999



(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)


First
Quarter


 
 

Second
Quarter


 
 

Third
Quarter


 
 

Fourth
Quarter


 
 
                 

Net sales and other operating income

$136,193

 

$131,444

 

$170,482

 

$227,457

 

Gross margin

41,868

 

36,480

 

51,457

 

78,770

 

Net earnings (loss)

3,603

 

(2,712

)

11,521

 

19,968

 

Net earnings (loss) per share:

               

     Basic

$        .09

 

$       (.07

)

$        .29

 

$        .49

 

     Diluted

.09

 

(.07

)

.28

 

.48

 
                 
 

1998


                 

Net sales and other operating income

$148,514

 

$142,002

 

$164,486

 

$214,327

 

Gross margin

45,897

 

47,732

 

51,720

 

67,254

 

Net earnings

6,388

 

9,155

 

10,831

 

15,277

 

Net earnings per share:

               

     Basic

$        .15

 

$        .22

 

$          .26

 

$        .37

 

     Diluted

.15

 

.21

 

.25

 

.36

 

As discussed in note 12, the second quarter of 1999 was adversely affected by a restructuring charge totaling $0.23 per share related to the Company's Russian wholesale footwear business.

Adjustments in the fourth quarter primarily relating to inventories increased net earnings by $2,188,000 ($0.05 per share) in 1999 and $657,000 ($0.02 per share) in 1998.


12. Restructuring Charges

On September 29, 1998, the Company acquired certain assets of Sivan-Co Limited, a Russian wholesale distributor of Hush Puppies® and Caterpillar® branded footwear, in exchange for the assumption of bank debt in the amount of $4,111,000 and the forgiveness of $7,278,000 in trade accounts receivable that were due to the Company. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and resulted in goodwill and other intangibles of $2,559,000 being recognized in connection with the transaction .

As a result of the continued significant deterioration in Russian economic and political conditions in early 1999, the Company approved a plan in the second quarter to close its Russian wholesale footwear business. In connection with the closure, the Company recorded a non-recurring, non-cash, pre-tax charge to earnings of $14,000,000, of which $6,900,000 is reflected as a write-down in cost of products sold for inventory write-downs, $6,600,000 is recognized in selling and administrative expenses for goodwill, bad debt, severance, and other restructuring expenses, and $500,000 is recorded in other expenses for the disposal of fixed assets.

18


Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (cont.)


The restructuring charge resulted in a reduction of earnings of $0.23 per share. As of January 1, 2000, the restructuring was substantially complete and $13,800,000 of costs had been incurred and charged against the liability.

On September 24, 1997, the Company announced a restructuring of its domestic manufacturing and warehousing operations and closed three Hush Puppies® women's shoe factories and converted a slipper factory into a warehouse which resulted in a restructuring charge of $3,450,000 ($0.05 per share). This restructuring charge included employee termination benefits ($2,472,000) and other closing costs ($978,000) associated with the facilities, and is included in other expenses in the 1997 consolidated statement of operations. As of January 2, 1999, $3,409,000 of the restructuring costs had been incurred and charged against the related liability. The restructuring was essentially complete as of January 2, 1999.











19



Report Of Independent Auditors

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, operations and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 1, 2000. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and subsidiaries at January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 1, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP                   

Grand Rapids, Michigan
February 4, 2000

















APPENDIX B







Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and Subsidiaries



   
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
   
Additions
   
   
(1)
(2)
   

 
 

Description


Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to Costs and
Expenses
Charged to
Other Accounts
(Describe)

Deductions
(Describe)


Balance at
End of
Period
           
Fiscal year ended January 1, 2000          
Deducted from asset accounts:          
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
$4,729,000
$3,550,000
 
$2,358,000(A)
$5,921,000
  Allowance for cash discounts
1,167,000
6,529,000
 
6,973,000(B)
723,000
  Inventory valuation allowances
3,242,000
6,843,000
 
9,253,000(C)
832,000
$9,138,000
$16,922,000
 
$18,584,000   
$7,476,000
Fiscal year ended January 2, 1999          
Deducted from asset accounts:          
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
$6,038,000
$1,035,000
 
$2,344,000(A)
$4,729,000
  Allowance for cash discounts
1,254,000
5,394,000
 
5,481,000(B)
1,167,000
  Inventory valuation allowances
4,552,000
 
12,629,000
 
 
13,939,000(C)
 
3,242,000
 
$11,844,000
 
$19,058,000
 
 
$21,764,000   
 
$9,138,000
 
Fiscal year ended January 3, 1998          
Deducted from asset accounts:          
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
$4,228,000
$2,956,000
 
$1,146,000(A)
$6,038,000
  Allowance for cash discounts
1,406,000
7,690,000
 
7,842,000(B)
1,254,000
  Inventory valuation allowances
2,954,000
 
6,888,000
 
 
5,290,000(C)
 
4,552,000
 
$8,588,000
 
$17,534,000
 
 
$14,278,000   
 
$11,844,000
 



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















Commission File No. 1-6024

 

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBITS
TO
FORM 10-K

 

 
For the Fiscal Year Ended
January 1, 2000

 

 

 

 

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






EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit
Number


                                        Document

   

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 14, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

   

3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.1

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

   

4.2

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

   

4.3

Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 1996, with NBD Bank as Agent. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.4

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of August 1, 1994, relating to 7.81% Senior Notes. Previously filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 10, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.5

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

   

4.6

Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 8, 1998, to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 1996, with NBD Bank as Agent. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

4.7

Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 5, 1999, to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 11, 1996, with NBD Bank as Agent.

   

4.8

The Registrant has several classes of long-term debt instruments outstanding in addition to that described in Exhibits 4.4 and 4.5 above. The amount of none of these classes of debt outstanding on March 24, 2000, exceeds 10% of the Company's total consolidated assets. The Company agrees to furnish copies of any agreement defining the rights of holders of any such long-term indebtedness to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

   

10.1

Stock Option Plan of 1979, and amendment.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1988. Here incorporated by reference.


2


10.2

1993 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.3

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

   

10.4

Amended and Restated Directors Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.5

Employees Pension Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 1998. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.6

Employment Agreement dated April 27, 1998, between the Company and Geoffrey B. Bloom.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1999. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.7

Executive Long-Term Incentive (Three Year) Plan 1996-1998 Period.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.8

1994 Directors' Stock Option Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(aa) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 18, 1994. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.9

Stock Option Loan Program.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(h) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1991. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.10

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

   

10.11

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 15, 1996. Here incorporated by reference. An updated participant schedule is attached as Exhibit 10.11.

   

10.12

1995 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as an Appendix to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 19, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.13

Executive Long-Term Incentive (Three Year) Plan for the three year period 1994-1996.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.


3


10.14

Executive Long-Term Incentive (Three Year) Plan for the three year period 1995-1997.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.15

Indemnification Agreements.* The form of agreement was previously filed as Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1993. Here incorporated by reference. The Company has entered into an Indemnification Agreement with each director and executive officer.

   

10.16

Supplemental Retirement Benefits.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(l) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.17

Benefit Trust Agreement dated May 19, 1987, and Amendments Number 1, 2 and 3 thereto.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1993. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.18

1996 Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.19

Outside Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 15, 1996. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.20

1984 Executive Incentive Stock Purchase Plan, and amendment.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 1988. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.21

Supplemental Director's Fee Agreement dated as of March 27, 1995, between the Company and Phillip D. Matthews.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 25, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.22

Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of March 27, 1995, between the Company and Phillip D. Matthews.* Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 25, 1995. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.23

1997 Stock Incentive Plan.* Previously filed as Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 16, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.24

Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (Annual Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix B to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 16, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.


4


10.25

Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (3-Year Bonus Plan).* Previously filed as Appendix C to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 16, 1997. Here incorporated by reference.

   

10.26

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

   

21

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

   

23

Consent of Independent Auditors.

   

24

Powers of Attorney.

   

27

Financial Data Schedule.

____________________________

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.








5