Back to GetFilings.com



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the first twelve week accounting period ended March 22, 2003

OR

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

Commission File Number: 1-6024

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


Delaware


 

38-1185150


(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Michigan


 

49351


(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)


 

(616) 866-5500


 

 

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 


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

Yes    X          No       

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

Yes    X          No       

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

There were 46,174,431 shares of Common Stock, $1 par value, outstanding as of May 2, 2003, of which 6,282,196 shares are held as Treasury Stock.



1


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the footwear business, worldwide economics and the Company itself including, without limitation, statements in Part 1, Item 2 regarding the Company's financial condition, liquidity and capital resources and statements in Part 1, Item 3 regarding market risk. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "is likely," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "should," "will," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Risk Factors") 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 forwar d-looking statements.

Risk Factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to changes in demand for the Company's products; changes in consumer preferences or spending patterns; the cost and availability of inventories, services, labor and equipment furnished to the Company; the cost and availability of contract manufacturers; the cost and availability of raw materials, including leather; the impact of competition and pricing by the Company's competitors; changes in government and regulatory policies; foreign currency fluctuations; changes in trading policies or import and export regulations; changes in interest rates, tax laws, duties, tariffs, quotas or applicable assessments; technological developments; changes in local, domestic or international economic and market conditions including the severity of the continued weakness in the U.S. economy; the size and growth of footwear markets; service interruptions at shipping and receiving ports; changes in the amount or severity of inclement weather; changes due t o the growth of Internet commerce; popularity of particular designs and categories of footwear; the ability of the Company to manage and forecast its growth and inventories; the ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property; integration of operations of newly acquired businesses; changes in business strategy or development plans; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the ability to retain rights to brands licensed by the Company; loss of significant customers; dependence on international distributors and licensees; the Company's ability to meet at-once orders; the exercise of future purchase options by the U.S. Department of Defense on previously awarded contracts; the risk of doing business in developing countries and economically volatile areas; and domestic and international terrorism and war. Additionally, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the continuing war on terrorism, the war in Iraq and subsequent events have created significant global economic and political uncertanties that may have material and adverse effects on consumer demand, foreign sourcing of footwear, shipping and transportation, product imports and exports and the sale of products in foreign markets. Also, health concerns and travel restrictions relating to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and related illnesses have the potential to cause material disruptions to supply chain, product development and consumer purchasing activities. These Risk Factors could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations as well as the footwear and retail industries generally. 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 t ime-to-time, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.






2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     Financial Statements

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Thousands of dollars)


 

March 22,
2003
(Unaudited)


 

December 28,
2002
(Audited)


 

March 23,
2002
(Unaudited)


ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Cash and cash equivalents

$

17,506

 

$

27,078

 

$

6,243

     Accounts receivable, less allowances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 22, 2003 - $10,848

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          December 28, 2002 - $10,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 23, 2002 - $9,187

 

165,681

 

 

156,285

 

 

162,620

     Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Finished products

 

150,691

 

 

146,229

 

 

156,110

          Raw materials and work in process

 

23,342


 

 

22,769


 

 

23,451


 

 

174,033

 

 

168,998

 

 

179,561

     Other current assets

 

11,643


 

 

10,984


 

 

9,358


TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

368,863

 

 

363,345

 

 

357,782

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Gross cost

 

230,632

 

 

225,974

 

 

217,148

     Less accumulated depreciation

 

132,427


 

 

128,700


 

 

118,384


 

 

98,205

 

 

97,274

 

 

98,764

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles

 

30,210

 

 

30,706

 

 

26,726

     Other

 

40,517


 

 

40,669


 

 

59,709


 

 

70,727


 

 

71,375


 

 

86,435


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

537,795


 

$

531,994


 

$

542,981













See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements


3


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 

March 22,
2003
(Unaudited)


 

December 28,
2002
(Audited)


 

March 23,
2002
(Unaudited)


 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Notes payable

$

391

 

$

-

 

$

713

 

     Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

 

62,705

 

 

65,147

 

 

52,028

 

     Current maturities of long-term debt

 

15,030


 

 

15,030


 

 

15,030


 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

78,126

 

 

80,177

 

 

67,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

 

67,256

 

 

57,885

 

 

79,757

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

24,547

 

 

24,692

 

 

17,296

 

Minority interest

 

170

 

 

143

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Common stock - par value $1, authorized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          80,000,000 shares; shares issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          (including shares in treasury):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               March 22, 2003 - 46,102,477 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               December 28, 2002 - 45,839,831 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               March 23, 2002 - 45,680,330 shares

 

46,102

 

 

45,840

 

 

45,680

 

     Additional paid-in capital

 

93,793

 

 

90,994

 

 

89,908

 

     Retained earnings

 

344,710

 

 

339,475

 

 

303,287

 

     Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(24,450

)

 

(23,522

)

 

(4,840

)

     Unearned compensation

 

(5,792

)

 

(3,833

)

 

(5,978

)

     Cost of shares in treasury:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 22, 2003 - 6,290,113 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          December 28, 2002 - 5,869,429 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          March 23, 2002 - 3,955,080 shares

 

(86,667


)

 

(79,857


)

 

(49,919


)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

367,696


 

 

369,097


 

 

378,138


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

537,795


 

$

531,994


 

$

542,981


 












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



4


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 

 

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

 

 

 

 

March 22,
2003


 

March 23,
2002


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

191,485

 

$

177,277

 

Cost of products sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122,289


 

 

115,175


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS MARGIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

69,196

 

 

62,102

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,883


 

 

50,864


 

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,313

 

 

11,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other expenses (income):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,383

 

 

1,580

 

     Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(107

)

 

(51

)

     Other - net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16


 

 

124


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,292


 

 

1,653


 

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     AND MINORITY INTEREST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,021

 

 

9,585

 

Income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,581


 

 

3,163


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARNINGS BEFORE MINORITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     INTEREST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,440

 

 

6,422

 

Minority interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26


)

 

(19


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET EARNINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,414


 

$

6,403


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

.19


 

$

.16


 

     Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

.18


 

$

.15


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

.055


 

$

.045


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares used for net earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     computation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,197,470

 

 

40,807,194

 

          Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,612,110

 

 

42,319,561

 











See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements



5


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 



Common
Stock


 


Additional
Paid-In
Capital


 



Retained
Earnings


 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Gain (Loss)


 



Unearned
Compensation


 

Cost of
Shares
in
Treasury


 




Total


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 28,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   2002

$

45,840

 

$

90,994

 

$

339,475

 

$

(23,522

)

$

(3,833

)

$

(79,857

)

$

369,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive gain (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,414

 

   Dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,179

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,179

)

   Purchase of 420,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      shares of common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      stock for treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,862

)

 

(6,862

)

   Issuance of 3,803 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      held in trust

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

 

 

57

 

   Issuance of common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      stock under stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      incentive plans

 

262

 

 

2,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,384

)

 

 

 

 

680

 

   Net change in notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      receivable

 

 

 

 

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8

)

   Amortization of unearned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

425

 

 

 

 

 

425

 

   Foreign currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      translation adjustments

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

(928


)

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

(928


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at March 22,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   2003

$

46,102


 

$

93,793


 

$

344,710


 

$

(24,450


)

$

(5,792


)

$

(86,667


)

$

367,696


 












See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements



6


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

March 22,
2003


 

March 23,
2002


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net earnings

$

7,414

 

$

6,403

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Depreciation

 

4,013

 

 

3,925

 

     Amortization

 

236

 

 

107

 

     Other

 

(953

)

 

(699

)

     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Accounts receivable

 

(9,772

)

 

(13,033

)

          Inventories

 

(4,773

)

 

12,545

 

          Other assets

 

(152

)

 

(380

)

          Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

 

(2,230


)

 

(10,397


)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities   

 

(6,217

)

 

(1,529

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

-

 

 

(25,793

)

     Additions to property, plant and equipment

 

(4,950

)

 

(2,152

)

     Other

 

16


 

 

39


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities   

 

(4,934

)

 

(27,906

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Proceeds from long-term debt

 

11,119

 

 

18,000

 

     Payments of long-term debt

 

(1,513

)

 

(14,061

)

     Net increase in short-term debt

 

399

 

 

623

 

     Cash dividends

 

(2,179

)

 

(1,871

)

     Purchase of common stock for treasury

 

(6,862

)

 

(3,581

)

     Proceeds from shares issued under stock incentive plans

 

647


 

 

748


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   

 

1,611

 

 

(142

)

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

 

(32


)

 

-


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(9,572

)

 

(29,577

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

 

27,078


 

 

35,820


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

$

17,506


 

$

6,243


 





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



7


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002. Certain amounts previously reported in 2002 have been reclassified to conform with the presentation used in 2003.

2. Fluctuations

The Company's sales are seasonal. Seasonal sales patterns and the fact that the fourth quarter has sixteen or seventeen weeks as compared to twelve weeks in each of the first three quarters can cause significant differences in sales and earnings from quarter to quarter. These differences, however, have followed a consistent pattern each year.

3. Earnings Per Share

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

 

 

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

 

 

 

 

March 22,
2003


 

March 23,
2002


 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

39,958,127

 

41,621,253

 

Adjustment for nonvested common stock

 

 

 

 

(760,657


)

(814,059


)

Denominator for basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

39,197,470

 

40,807,194

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

 

 

 

 

653,983

 

698,308

 

Adjustment for nonvested common stock

 

 

 

 

760,657


 

814,059


 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

40,612,110


 

42,319,561


 


Options to purchase 1,142,952 shares of common stock at March 22, 2003 and 1,384,349 shares at March 23, 2002 have not been included in the denominator for the computation of diluted earnings per share because the related exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the period and, therefore, they were nondilutive.

4. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) represents net earnings and any revenues, expenses, gains and losses that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net earnings and recognized directly as a component of stockholders' equity. The ending accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 22, 2003, and March 23, 2002, includes foreign currency translation adjustment gain of $2,210,000 and loss of $3,694,000, respectively, loss on foreign exchange contracts of $244,000 (net of taxes of $89,000) and $0, respectively, and a minimum pension liability of $26,416,000 (net of taxes of $13,607,000) and $1,146,000 (net of taxes of $591,000), respectively.The reconciliation from net earnings to comprehensive income is as follows (thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

 

 

 

 

March 22,
2003


 

March 23,
2002


 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

$  7,414

 

$  6,403

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

(928


)

(731


)

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

$  6,486


 

$  5,672


 



8


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002

5. Business Segments

The Company has one reportable segment that is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of branded footwear to the retail sector, including casual shoes, slippers, moccasins, dress shoes, boots, uniform shoes, work shoes and performance outdoor footwear. Revenue of this segment is 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 table consist of the Company's retail, apparel and accessory licensing, tannery and pigskin procurement operations. The Company operated 63 domestic retail stores at March 22, 2003 that sell Company-manufactured and sourced products, as well as footwear manufactured by unaffiliated companies. The other business units distribute products through retail and wholesale channels.

The Company measures segment profits as earnings before income taxes and minority interest. The accounting policies used to determine profitability of the branded footwear and other business segments are the same as disclosed in Note 1.

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

 

Branded
Footwear


 

Other
Businesses


 


Corporate


 


Consolidated


 

 

12 weeks ended March 22, 2003


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

$  177,212

 

$   14,273

 

-

 

$  191,485

 

Intersegment revenue

6,170

 

535

 

-

 

6,705

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     and minority interest

14,465

 

(427

)

$  (3,017

)

11,021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 weeks ended March 23, 2002


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from external customers

$  161,779

 

$   15,498

 

-

 

$  177,277

 

Intersegment revenue

6,894

 

506

 

-

 

7,400

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     and minority interest

13,258

 

(228

)

$  (3,445

)

9,585

 


6. Financial Instruments and Risk Management

The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts and notes payable and long-term debt. Except for fixed-rate, long-term debt at March 22, 2003 with a carrying value of $72,857,000 and a fair value of $77,479,000, the Company's estimate of the fair values of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts at March 22, 2003. 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.



9


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002

The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138. These statements require that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency inventory purchases made by non-U.S. wholesale operations in the normal course of business. At March 22, 2003, foreign exchange contracts with a notional value of $30,800,000 were outstanding to purchase various currencies (principally U.S. dollars) with maturities ranging up to one year. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. As of March 22, 2003, a liability of $333,000 has been recognized for the fair value of the foreign exchange contracts.

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

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


7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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

Pro forma information regarding net earnings and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its stock awards using the fair value method. The fair value of these awards was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 2.8% (4.2% in 2002); dividend yield of 1.4% (1.1% in 2002); expected market price volatility factor of 0.41 (0.42 in 2002); and an expected option life of four years.

The estimated weighted-average fair value for each option granted was $5.07 in the 2003 first quarter and $5.48 for the full year of 2002.

The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that 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, management believes that the Black-Scholes option model does not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company's stock options.



10


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of stock options are amortized to expense over the related vesting periods. The Company's pro forma information under SFAS No. 123 is as follows (thousands of dollars, except per share data):

 

 

 

12 Weeks Ended


 

 

 

 

 

 

March 22,
2003


 

March 23,
2002


 

Net earnings, as reported

 

 

 

 

$  7,414

 

$  6,403

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee
     compensation expense determined under fair
     value based method for all awards, net of
     related tax effects

 

 

 

 




942


 




999


 

Pro forma net earnings

 

 

 

 

$  6,472


 

$  5,404


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Basic - as reported

 

 

 

 

$    0.19

 

$    0.16

 

     Basic - pro forma

 

 

 

 

0.17

 

0.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Diluted - as reported

 

 

 

 

0.18

 

0.15

 

     Diluted - pro forma

 

 

 

 

0.16

 

0.13

 


8. Litigation and Contingencies

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

Pursuant to certain of the Company's lease agreements, the Company has provided financial guarantees to third parties in the form of indemnification provisions. These provisions indemnify and reimburse the third parties for costs, including but not limited to adverse judgments in lawsuits and taxes and operating costs. The terms of the guarantees are equal to the terms of the related lease agreements. The Company is not able to calculate the maximum potential amount of future payments it could be required to make under these guarantees, as the potential payment is dependent on the occurrence of future unknown events.






11


WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements - continued
March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002

9. Business Acquisitions

On January 16, 2002, the Company established a new subsidiary to operate the CAT® footwear business in the European market. This new entity, Wolverine Europe Limited, purchased assets consisting of accounts receivable, inventory, limited amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets totaling approximately $21,247,000 from Overland Group Limited of London, England and assumed liabilities of approximately $8,514,000. Cash and other consideration of $27,790,000 was remitted for the acquisition, resulting in goodwill of $15,057,000 after allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The former owner of Overland Group Limited is a 5% minority stockholder in the new subsidiary. The markets served directly by Wolverine Europe Limited include Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Wolverine Europe Limited also coordinates and supports other European markets serve d by independently-owned distributors. Consolidated pro forma revenue for the first quarter of 2002, assuming the transaction occurred at the beginning of the year, would not have been materially different from reported amounts. Consolidated pro forma net earnings for the first quarter of 2002, assuming the transaction occurred at the beginning of the year, are not materially different from reported amounts.


10. New Accounting Standards

DISPOSAL OBLIGATIONS
In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which requires liabilities for costs related to exit or disposal activities to be recognized when the liability is incurred. SFAS No. 146 supersedes EITF Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity, and is effective for the Company in fiscal 2003. The Company adopted SFAS No. 146 as of the first day of fiscal 2003 and does not expect that the adoption of this statement will have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

GUARANTOR ACCOUNTING
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). FIN 45 changes current practice in accounting for, and disclosure of, guarantees. FIN 45 will require certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value on the Company's balance sheet, a change from current practice, which is generally to record a liability only when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable, as those terms are defined in SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. FIN 45 also requires a guarantor to make significant new disclosures, even when the likelihood of making any payments under the guarantee is remote, which is another change from current practice. The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective immediately and are included in Note 8, "Litigation and Contingencies." The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 28, 2002. The Company expects that the new recognition and measurement provisions will not have a significant impact on the Company's future financial results.

CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46).  This standard clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (more commonly known as Special Purpose Entities or SPE's).  FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risk among the parties involved.  FIN 46 also enhances the disclosure requirements related to variable interest entities.  This statement is effective for variable interest entities created or in which an enterprise obtains an interest after January 31, 2003.  FIN 46 will be effective for the Company beginning January 4, 2004 for all interests in variable interest entities acquired before February 1, 2003.  The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.



12


ITEM 2.

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


Results of Operations - Comparison of the 12 Weeks Ended March 22, 2003 (2003 First Quarter) to the 12 Weeks Ended March 23, 2002 (2002 First Quarter)

Revenue of $191.5 million for the 2003 first quarter increased $14.2 million (8.0%) compared to $177.3 million for the 2002 first quarter. Revenue for the Company's branded footwear segment, consisting of The Hush Puppies Company, Wolverine Slippers, the Wolverine Footwear Group (comprised of the Wolverine®, Hytest®, Stanley®, Bates® and Harley-Davidson® brands), Merrell Performance Footwear and CAT Footwear increased $15.4 million (9.5%) for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002. The Company's other business units, consisting of Hush Puppies Retail, Apparel and Accessory Licensing, Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement, reported a decrease in revenue of $1.2 million (7.9%) for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002.

The Hush Puppies Company's 2003 first quarter revenue increased $3.5 million from the 2002 level. The increase was generated primarily from the Hush Puppies U.K. and Hush Puppies Canada wholesale operations as a result of expanded product distribution and heightened consumer demand. Hush Puppies International recorded a double-digit increase in revenue for 2003 first quarter compared to 2002, reflecting strong licensing results in Germany, Japan and Australia. Hush Puppies U.S. reported a slight increase in revenue for 2003 first quarter compared to 2002 as a result of the improved positioning of the brand's product line, distribution channels and identity. Wolverine Slipper's 2003 first quarter revenue increased $1.0 million compared to the same period in 2002 resulting from increased non-seasonal footwear sales.

The Wolverine Footwear Group's revenue increased $0.9 million (1.4%) for the 2003 first quarter compared to 2002. Revenue for the Bates® brand generated a double-digit increase as a result of fulfilling large contractual orders with the U.S. Department of Defense. Revenue from Harley-Davidson® footwear increased middle single-digits compared to the 2002 first quarter due to strong product demand from the Harley-Davidson® specialty retailer network and expanded distribution in the department store channel. Stanley® Footgear reported a low double-digit improvement in revenue due to increased demand by its primary retailer, Payless ShoeSource, Inc. Wolverine® Boots and Shoes' (including Hytest®) revenue decreased for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002 due to soft retail conditions in the work boot sector and a change in product mix to lower average priced products.

Merrell Performance Footwear continued to generate solid growth, reporting an increase in revenue of $10.3 million (23.8%) for the 2003 first quarter over the same period of 2002. The Merrell® U.S. business accounted for approximately 50% of the increase as a result of strong consumer demand and the expansion of product offerings with existing footwear retailers. The Merrell® international wholesale and licensing businesses accounted for the remaining increase, both posting double-digit revenue gains for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002.

The CAT Footwear Group's revenue for the 2003 first quarter was flat compared to the 2002 first quarter. CAT® footwear reported an increase in revenue for both the U.S. wholesale and international markets for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002 due to improved product offerings and increased consumer demand. The European CAT® footwear business reported a planned decrease in revenue for the 2003 first quarter compared to 2002 due to differences in the timing of seasonal deliveries and the liquidation of excess inventory in the 2002 first quarter that was assumed with the European CAT® acquisition.

The Company's other business units reported a combined $1.2 million decrease in revenue for the 2003 first quarter compared to the 2002 first quarter. Hush Puppies Retail's revenue decreased 4.4% for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002 reflecting the challenging retail environment experienced during 2003. Wolverine Leathers and Wolverine Procurement both recorded decreases in revenue for the 2003 first quarter compared to the 2002 first quarter relating primarily to reduced demand for sueded leather for footwear. Revenue for Apparel and Accessory Licensing increased slightly for 2003 first quarter compared to 2002 first quarter.

Gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the 2003 first quarter was 36.1%, compared to 35.0% for the 2002 first quarter. Gross margin dollars increased $7.1 million or 11.4% for the 2003 first quarter compared to the same period of 2002. The gross margin percentages for the branded footwear businesses were 36.1% for the 2003 first quarter and 35.1% for the same period of 2002. The margin increase for the branded footwear businesses reflects an improved mix of high margin lifestyle products and reduced markdowns as a result of improved inventory


13


management. The gross margin percentage for the other business units increased to 36.9% for the 2003 first quarter from 34.5% for the same period of 2002 as a result of improved production efficiencies at Wolverine Leathers.

Selling and administrative expenses of $56.9 million for the 2003 first quarter increased $6.0 million from the 2002 first quarter level of $50.9 million and, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 29.7% in 2003 compared to 28.7% in the 2002 first quarter. The change in selling and administrative expenses includes a planned increase of $1.6 million in pension expense and $1.3 million in advertising and marketing costs with the balance resulting from selling and distribution costs that are variable with the increase in revenue. Excluding these increases, core selling and administrative expenses were reduced as a percentage of revenue by 30 basis points.

Interest expense of $1.4 million for the 2003 first quarter compared to $1.6 million for the 2002 first quarter. The decrease in interest expense reflects a reduction in the balance due under senior notes outstanding resulting from principal payments made since the end of the 2002 first quarter.

The 2003 first quarter annualized estimated tax rate of 32.5% compares to 33.0% for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the 2003 tax rate from 2002 relates to a higher percentage of income being generated in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates.

Net earnings of $7.4 million for the 2003 first quarter compare to net earnings of $6.4 million for the same period in 2002. Diluted earnings per share of $0.18 for the 2003 first quarter compare to $0.15 for the same period of 2002.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash used in operating activities was $6.2 million for the 2003 first quarter compared to $1.5 million used for the 2002 first quarter. Cash of $16.9 million for the 2003 first quarter and $11.3 million for the 2002 first quarter was used to fund working capital requirements. Cash at March 22, 2003 was $17.5 million compared to $6.2 million at March 23, 2002.

Accounts receivable of $165.7 million at March 22, 2003 reflect an increase of $3.1 million (1.9%) from the balance at March 23, 2002 and an increase of $9.4 million (6.0%) from the December 28, 2002 balance. The number of average days' sales outstanding at March 22, 2003 was 69.7 days, compared with 78.7 days at March 23, 2002 and 70.9 days at December 28, 2002. No single customer accounted for more than 5% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at March 22, 2003.

Inventories of $174.0 million at March 22, 2003 reflect a decrease of $5.5 million (3.1%) compared to the balance at March 23, 2002 and an increase of $5.0 million (3.0%) over the balance at December 28, 2002. Decreases in inventories were experienced by all the wholesale divisions, except Merrell, compared to the 2002 first quarter end resulting from an asset management program focused on improving inventory turns. Total inventory turns were 2.9 times at March 22, 2003, compared with 2.6 times at March 23, 2002 and 2.9 times at December 28, 2002. As of March 22, 2003, the Company's backlog was 14.7% higher than the prior year's first quarter level.

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $62.7 million at March 22, 2003 reflect a $10.7 million (20.5%) increase over the $52.0 million balance at March 23, 2002 and a $2.4 million (3.7%) decrease from the $65.1 million balance at December 28, 2002. The increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities compared to the 2002 first quarter level was primarily attributable to the timing of inventory purchases.

Additions to property, plant and equipment of $5.0 million for the 2003 first quarter compares to $2.2 million reported for the same period of 2002. The majority of capital expenditures were for information system enhancements, distribution equipment and building improvements. Depreciation and amortization expense was $4.2 million for the 2003 first quarter compared to $4.0 million for the same period of 2002. The Company leases machinery, equipment and certain warehouse, office and retail store space under operating lease agreements that expire at various dates through 2018.

The Company has a long-term revolving credit agreement that expires in May 2006 and allows for borrowings up to $150.0 million, of which $10.0 million is allocated to the Company's Canadian subsidiary. Of the remaining $140.0 million facility, $35.0 million can be utilized by the Company's European subsidiaries. The revolving credit facility is used to support working capital requirements. Proceeds from existing credit facilities and anticipated renewals, along with cash flows from operations, are expected to be sufficient to meet capital needs in the foreseeable future. Any excess cash flows from operating activities are expected to be used to purchase property, plant and equipment, pay down existing debt, fund internal and external growth initiatives, pay dividends and repurchase the Company's common stock.



14


Long-term debt of $82.3 million at March 22, 2003, including current maturities, compares to $94.8 million and $72.9 million at March 23, 2002 and December 28, 2002, respectively. The decrease in debt at March 22, 2003 compared to March 23, 2002 was the result of annual principal payments on the Company's senior notes. The increase in debt from the December 28, 2002 balance was a result of borrowings made on the revolving credit facility to fund working capital investments. The Company had commercial letter-of-credit facilities outstanding of $5.1 million and $7.8 million at March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002, respectively. The decrease in letters of credit is due to the elimination of letter of credit requirements in favor of open account terms for a majority of the Company's footwear suppliers. Total debt to total capital ratio for the Company was 18.4% at March 22, 2003, 20.3% at March 23, 2002 and 16.5% at December 28, 2002.

Assets held for exchange in the amount of $4.4 million represent barter credits that were acquired in exchange for inventories in December 1997. Such credits are redeemable through 2005 with an option for a two year extension for a percentage of supplies purchased from certain vendors. The Company evaluates the recoverability of such assets on a quarterly basis and expects to utilize all available credits prior to their expiration. Barter credits of $3.5 million have been utilized through March 22, 2003.

The Company has significant pension benefit costs and credits that are based upon actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. The Company is required to consider market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in selecting these assumptions. Pre-tax charges resulting from the Company's qualified defined benefit pension plans increased $1.6 million ($0.025 per share) for the 2003 first quarter compared to 2002 first quarter due to market conditions and declining interest rates that adversely affected asset values of plan investments and the Company's estimated accumulated benefit obligation. As a result of these factors, the Company estimates that pre-tax charges relating to its qualified defined benefit pension plans will increase by $7.1 million (approximately $0.116 per share) in fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002. Also, based on the decline in the market valuation of the pension assets, the Company rec orded an additional minimum pension liability in the 2002 fourth quarter that resulted in a $25.3 million net change to the other comprehensive loss component of stockholders' equity. This adjustment had no impact on the net earnings or cash flows of the Company.

Effective August 19, 2002, the Company's Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares of common stock over a 24-month period. There were 361,800 shares ($5.8 million in market value) repurchased during the 2003 first quarter and 931,600 total cumulative shares ($14.8 million in market value) repurchased under the program at the end of the 2003 first quarter. The Company had a previous repurchase program for the repurchase of up to 2.0 million shares of common stock over 24 months from October 3, 2000 to October 3, 2002 with 151,000 shares ($2.3 million in market value) repurchased during the 2002 first quarter, 1,476,300 shares ($22.8 million in market value) repurchased during fiscal 2002 and 1,971,800 total cumulative shares ($29.6 million in market value) repurchased under the program. The primary purpose of these stock repurchase programs is to increase stockholder value. The Company intends to continue to repurchase share s of its common stock in open market transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions and other factors.

The Company declared dividends of $2.2 million in the 2003 first quarter, or $.055 per share. This represents a 22.2% increase over the $.045 per share declared in the 2002 first quarter. The dividend is payable May 1, 2003 to stockholders of record on April 1, 2003.

On January 16, 2002, the Company acquired, through a newly formed subsidiary, Wolverine Europe Limited, certain assets totaling $21.2 million and assumed certain liabilities of $8.5 million of the European CAT® footwear business from Overland Group Limited of London, England. Cash and other consideration paid totaled $27.8 million, resulting in goodwill of $15.1 million after allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. This acquisition is discussed further in Note 9 above.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates these estimates. Estimates are based on historical experience, when available, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.



15


Management believes that an understanding of the following critical accounting policies is important to an overall understanding of the consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company records provisions against gross revenue for estimated stock returns and cash discounts in the period when the related revenue is recorded. These estimates are based on factors that include, but are not limited to, historical stock returns, historical discounts taken, analysis of credit memorandum activity and customer demand. Corporate management evaluates the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, discounts and stock returns based on a review of current customer status and historical collection experience. At March 22, 2003 and March 23, 2002, management believes that it has provided sufficient reserves to address future collection uncertainties.

INVENTORY
The Company values its inventory using actual costs on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis for the majority of its inventory and a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for foreign, retail and certain other domestic inventories, less allowances to reflect the lower of cost or market. The Company reduces the value of its inventories to the lower of cost or market for excess or obsolete inventories based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Inventory quantities are verified at various times throughout the year by performing physical and perpetual inventory cycle count procedures.

INCOME TAXES
The Company operates in multiple tax jurisdictions both inside and outside the United States of America. Accordingly, management must determine the appropriate allocation of income in accordance with local law for each of these jurisdictions. The Company believes its tax accruals are adequate to cover exposures related to changes in income allocation between tax jurisdictions. The carrying value of the Company's deferred tax assets assumes that the Company will be able to generate sufficient taxable income in future years to utilize these deferred tax assets. If these assumptions change, the Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its gross deferred tax assets in future years. Management evaluates the potential for realizing gross deferred tax assets and assesses the need for valuation allowances on a quarterly basis. The Company did not record a valuation allowance at March 22, 2003 or March 23, 2002.

ITEM 3.          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 28, 2002, is incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

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

As of the beginning of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS Nos. 137 and 138. These provisions require the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to


16


fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

The Company conducts wholesale operations outside of the United States in Europe and Canada where the functional currencies are primarily the British Pound, Canadian Dollar and euro. The Company utilizes foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage the volatility associated with foreign currency inventory purchases made by non-U.S. wholesale operations in the normal course of business. At March 22, 2003, the Company had outstanding forward currency exchange contracts to purchase $30.8 million of various currencies (principally U. S. dollars) with maturities ranging up to one year.

The Company also has production facilities in the Dominican Republic and Mexico where financial statements are prepared in U.S. dollars as the functional currency; however, operating costs are paid in the local currencies. Revenue from products sold in foreign countries under distribution arrangements are denominated in U.S. dollars, however, royalty revenue generated by the Company from third-party foreign licensees is measured in the licensees' local currencies. Accordingly, the Company could be subject to related foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses in 2003 and beyond.

ITEM 4.          Controls and Procedures

Within 90 days prior to the date of filing this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on and as of the time of such evaluation, the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the time of such evaluation.











17


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 6.          Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

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

Exhibit
Number


Document

 

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

99.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350. This exhibit is furnished, not filed, in accordance with SEC Release No. 34-47551.

 

 


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

Date

Items Reported

Financial Statements

March 14, 2003

Items 7, 9

None


















18


SIGNATURES


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

 

 

WOLVERINE WORLD WIDE, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 6, 2003


 

/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


Date

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 6, 2003


 

/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


Date

 

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


















19


CERTIFICATIONS

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

1.

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

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

 

 

 

 

c)

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

 

 

5.

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

 

 

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

 

 

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

 

 

 

6.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


Date: May 6, 2003



/s/ Timothy J. O'Donovan


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

 




20


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

1.

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

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

 

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

 

 

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

 

 

 

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

 

 

 

 

c)

presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

 

 

5.

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

 

 

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

 

 

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and


6.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.


Date: May 6, 2003



/s/ Stephen L. Gulis, Jr.


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

 





21


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number


Document

 

 

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 7, 2002. Here incorporated by reference.

 

 

99.1

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350. This exhibit is furnished, not filed, in accordance with SEC Release No. 34-47551.



















22