Rocky Brands sales down 4.6% in 2012

Fourth Quarter 2012 Income and Sales

The Company reported fourth quarter net income of $2.5 million, or $0.34 per diluted share compared with net income of $0.3 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2011. The fourth quarter of 2011 included a one-time, non-operational charge of $3.7 million, net of tax, associated with the termination of its defined benefit pension plan.

Excluding the charge, fourth quarter 2011 net income was $3.9 million, or $0.52 per diluted share. (See below for a reconciliation of fourth quarter 2011 income per diluted share on a GAAP basis to a non-GAAP basis). Fourth quarter 2012 net sales were $58.0 million versus net sales of $64.0 million a year ago.

Fiscal Year 2012 Income and Sales

The Company reported net income of $8.9 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2012, compared with net income of $8.3 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for fiscal 2011. Excluding the aforementioned charge, fiscal year 2011 net income was $12.0 million, or $1.60 per diluted share. (See below for a reconciliation of fiscal year 2011 income per diluted share on a GAAP basis to a non-GAAP basis). For fiscal year 2012, net sales were $228.3 million versus net sales of $239.6 million in fiscal year 2011.

Military Contract

The Company also announced it has received an order to fulfill a contract to the U.S. Military to produce “Hot Weather” combat boots. The first year of the contract includes a minimum purchase amount of $3.0 million and a maximum of $15.0 million. Shipment of the boots is expected to begin in March 2013. The contract includes an option for four additional years with the same terms.

David Sharp, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our fourth quarter performance reflects the challenges facing the more weather sensitive areas of our business as a second consecutive winter of mild temperatures tapered demand for insulated, waterproof boots. In an effort to mitigate the impact of weather and further diversify our operations, we’ve been developing new product lines with good success evidenced by the increase in Durango lifestyle and western sales which were both up 44% in 2012.

“Based on the momentum of these two categories, combined with other growth vehicles, including a private label program with one of our largest wholesale accounts and a recently awarded military contract, we believe we are well positioned to generate solid top-line expansion in the first half of 2013. Looking further out, we remain confident that the adjustments we’re making to the business will allow us to grow sales annually on a consistent basis and leverage costs to drive improved profitability and greater shareholder value.”