Tariffs hit Rocky Brands (NASDAQ: RCKY) Q1 profit despite growth
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Rocky Brands, Inc. reported higher sales but sharply lower profit for the first quarter of 2026. Net sales rose 9.1% to $124.4 million, with wholesale up 4.8%, retail up 16.5% to $42.7 million, and contract manufacturing up 25.0%.
Profitability weakened as gross margin fell to 36.5% of sales from 41.2%, mainly due to approximately $7.1 million in higher tariff-related sourcing costs. Income from operations dropped to $3.6 million from $8.7 million, and net income declined 74.5% to $1.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. Adjusted net income was $1.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, down from $5.5 million.
On the balance sheet, inventories were $172.6 million and total debt was $122.2 million as of March 31, 2026, both modestly lower than a year earlier. Management expects tariff impacts to begin easing in the second quarter and sees a path back to gross margins in the low-40% range and improved profitability in the second half of the year.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- Profitability deteriorated sharply as gross margin fell from 41.2% to 36.5%, with net income down 74.5% to $1.3 million and adjusted net income down 67.1% to $1.8 million, reflecting significant near-term earnings pressure.
Insights
Sales grew, but tariffs compressed margins and significantly reduced earnings.
Rocky Brands delivered solid top-line growth in Q1 2026, with net sales up 9.1% to $124.4 million, led by strong retail and contract manufacturing performance. However, tariff-driven sourcing costs reduced gross margin from 41.2% to 36.5%.
Operating income fell to $3.6 million and net income to $1.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, a steep decline versus the prior-year quarter. Adjusted net income of $1.8 million shows that even excluding acquisition-related amortization, earnings were materially lower.
Management cites approximately $7.1 million in incremental tariffs in the quarter and expects this headwind to lessen beginning in Q2 2026, supporting a return to gross margins in the low-40% range later in the year. Debt of $122.2 million and inventories of $172.6 million were both slightly reduced year over year, indicating some balance-sheet discipline alongside current margin pressure.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
gross margin financial
adjusted net income financial
non-GAAP financial
asset-backed credit facility financial
forward-looking statements regulatory
Earnings Snapshot
Management expects tariff impacts to begin to lessen in the second quarter 2026 and believes this, along with current top-line trends, provides a path back to gross margins in the low 40 percent range and improved profitability over the second half of the year.
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| Exhibit 99* | Press Release, dated April 28, 2026, entitled "Rocky Brands, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Results". |
| Exhibit 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (imbedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
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Rocky Brands, Inc.
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/s/ Thomas D. Robertson
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Thomas D. Robertson
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Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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Exhibit 99
Rocky Brands, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Results
Net Sales Increased 9.1% to $124.4 Million
Retail Segment Sales Increased 16.5% to $42.7 Million
NELSONVILLE, Ohio, April 28, 2026 – Rocky Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCKY) today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
First Quarter 2026 Overview
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Net sales increased 9.1% to $124.4 million versus the year-ago quarter |
| ● | Gross margin decreased 470-basis points to 36.5% of net sales compared to 41.2% of net sales in the year-ago quarter |
| ● | Income from operations decreased 58.2% to $3.6 million compared to $8.7 million in the year-ago quarter |
| ● | Net income decreased 74.5% to $1.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $4.9 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter |
| ● | Adjusted net income decreased 67.1% to $1.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, as compared to $5.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter |
| ● | Inventories as of March 31, 2026 decreased 1.6% to $172.6 million compared to $175.5 million at March 31, 2025 |
| ● | Total debt as of March 31, 2026 decreased 5.0% to $122.2 million compared to $128.6 million at March 31, 2025 |
"The momentum we experienced in our business last year carried over into 2026, driving net sales growth of approximately 9% for the second consecutive quarter," said Jason Brooks, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our first quarter top-line performance was driven by continued strength in XTRATUF and Muck across selling channels, combined with robust demand online for our entire brand portfolio. Profitability was in line with our expectations as we anticipated higher sourcing variances, mainly as a result of increased tariffs of approximately $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the year-ago-period. These tariffs were partially offset with strong full-price selling, channel mix, and our mitigation actions last year, namely raising prices and diversifying our sourcing, including leveraging our own manufacturing facilities. Moving forward, the impact from higher tariffs begins to lessen in the second quarter which, along with current top-line trends, provides a clear path back to gross margins in the low 40 percent range and improvement in profitability over the second half of the year."
First Quarter 2026 Review
First quarter net sales increased 9.1% to $124.4 million compared with $114.1 million in the first quarter of 2025. Wholesale segment net sales for the first quarter increased 4.8% to $78.4 million compared to $74.8 million in the first quarter of 2025. Retail segment net sales for the first quarter increased 16.5% to $42.7 million compared to $36.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Contract Manufacturing segment net sales for the first quarter increased 25.0% to $3.3 million compared to $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Gross margin in the first quarter of 2026 was $45.4 million, or 36.5% of net sales, compared to $47.0 million, or 41.2% of net sales, for the same period last year. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales was attributable to an increase in sourcing variances, mainly tariff-related costs of approximately $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Operating expenses were $41.8 million, or 33.6% of net sales, for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $38.3 million, or 33.6% of net sales, for the same period a year ago. Excluding $0.7 million of acquisition-related amortization in the first quarter of 2026 and 2025, adjusted operating expenses were $41.1 million, or 33.0% of net sales, in the current year period and $37.6 million, or 33.0% of net sales, in the year-ago period.
Income from operations for the first quarter of 2026 was $3.6 million, or 2.9% of net sales, compared to $8.7 million, or 7.6% of net sales, for the same period a year ago. Adjusted income from operations for the first quarter of 2026 was $4.3 million, or 3.5% of net sales, compared to adjusted income from operations of $9.4 million, or 8.2% of net sales, a year ago, reflecting the impact of higher tariffs in the first quarter of 2026.
Interest expense for the first quarter of 2026 was $2.1 million compared with $2.4 million for the prior year period. The decrease in interest expense was driven by lower debt levels.
The Company reported first quarter of 2026 net income of $1.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to $4.9 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted net income for the first quarter of 2026 was $1.8 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to $5.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, in the year-ago period.
Balance Sheet Review
Cash and cash equivalents were $1.7 million as of March 31, 2026 compared to $2.9 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.
As of March 31, 2026, total debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.6 million, was $122.2 million, consisting of a $99.1 million senior term loan and $24.7 million of borrowings under the Company's senior secured asset-backed credit facility. As of March 31, 2026, total debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs was down 5.0% from March 31, 2025, and was down 0.4% compared to December 31, 2025.
Inventories as of March 31, 2026, were $172.6 million, down 1.6% compared to $175.5 million on the same date a year ago and down 4.7% compared to $181.1 million as of December 31, 2025.
Conference Call Information
The Company's conference call to review first quarter 2026 results will be broadcast live over the internet today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 4:30 pm Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 704-4453 (domestic) or (201) 389-0920 (international). The conference call will also be available to interested parties through a live webcast at www.rockybrands.com. Please visit the website and select the “Investors” link at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register and download any necessary software.
About Rocky Brands, Inc.
Rocky Brands, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of premium quality footwear and apparel marketed under a portfolio of well recognized brand names. Brands in the portfolio include Rocky®, Georgia Boot®, Durango®, Lehigh®, The Original Muck Boot Company®, XTRATUF® and Ranger®. More information can be found at RockyBrands.com.
Safe Harbor Language
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding intent, beliefs, expectations, projections, forecasts, and plans of the Company and its management and include statements in this press release regarding the Company's expectation that the impact from higher tariffs will begin to lessen in the second quarter (Paragraph 2), and the Company's belief that the impact of such tariffs, along with current top-line trends, will provide a clear path back to gross margins in the low 40 percent range and improvement in profitability over the second half of the year (Paragraph 2). These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the various risks inherent in the Company’s business as set forth in periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (filed March 11, 2026). One or more of these factors have affected historical results and could in the future affect the Company’s businesses and financial results in future periods and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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Company Contact: |
Tom Robertson |
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Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
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(740) 753-9100 |
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Investor Relations: |
Brendon Frey |
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ICR, Inc. |
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(203) 682-8200 |
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
March 31, |
December 31, |
March 31, |
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2026 |
2025 |
2025 |
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ASSETS: |
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CURRENT ASSETS: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,667 | $ | 2,902 | $ | 2,557 | ||||||
Trade receivables – net |
81,596 | 77,055 | 74,453 | |||||||||
Other receivables |
3,310 | 4,952 | 264 | |||||||||
Inventories – net |
172,638 | 181,134 | 175,508 | |||||||||
Income tax receivable |
1,158 | 1,050 | - | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
6,391 | 3,623 | 5,899 | |||||||||
Total current assets |
266,760 | 270,716 | 258,681 | |||||||||
LEASED ASSETS |
8,146 | 4,175 | 5,405 | |||||||||
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT – net |
50,234 | 49,929 | 49,585 | |||||||||
GOODWILL |
47,844 | 47,844 | 47,844 | |||||||||
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLES – net |
102,336 | 103,033 | 105,126 | |||||||||
OTHER ASSETS |
1,872 | 1,791 | 1,582 | |||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 477,192 | $ | 477,488 | $ | 468,223 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
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Accounts payable |
$ | 60,730 | $ | 52,958 | $ | 64,560 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
8,361 | 8,361 | 8,361 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
22,836 | 34,813 | 25,164 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities |
91,927 | 96,132 | 98,085 | |||||||||
LONG-TERM DEBT |
113,791 | 114,281 | 120,255 | |||||||||
LONG-TERM LEASES |
5,722 | 1,727 | 2,857 | |||||||||
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES |
12,381 | 12,381 | 10,044 | |||||||||
DEFERRED LIABILITIES |
827 | 879 | 769 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
224,648 | 225,400 | 232,010 | |||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: |
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Common stock, no par value; |
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25,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding March 31, 2026 - 7,536,488; December 31, 2025 - 7,505,139; March 31, 2025 - 7,451,996 |
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Additional paid-in-capital |
76,456 | 76,090 | 74,070 | |||||||||
Retained earnings |
176,088 | 175,998 | 162,143 | |||||||||
Total shareholders' equity |
252,544 | 252,088 | 236,213 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
$ | 477,192 | $ | 477,488 | $ | 468,223 | ||||||
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2026 |
2025 |
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NET SALES |
$ | 124,401 | $ | 114,073 | ||||
COST OF GOODS SOLD |
78,967 | 67,065 | ||||||
GROSS MARGIN |
45,434 | 47,008 | ||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES |
41,799 | 38,302 | ||||||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
3,635 | 8,706 | ||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER – net |
(2,034 | ) | (2,356 | ) | ||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE |
1,601 | 6,350 | ||||||
INCOME TAX EXPENSE |
342 | 1,409 | ||||||
NET INCOME |
$ | 1,259 | $ | 4,941 | ||||
INCOME PER SHARE |
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Basic |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.66 | ||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.66 | ||||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING |
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Basic |
7,536 | 7,459 | ||||||
Diluted |
7,616 | 7,493 | ||||||
Rocky Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2026 |
2025 |
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OPERATING EXPENSES |
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OPERATING EXPENSES, AS REPORTED |
$ | 41,799 | $ | 38,302 | ||
LESS: ACQUISITION-RELATED AMORTIZATION |
(692 | ) | (692 | ) | ||
ADJUSTED OPERATING EXPENSES |
$ | 41,107 | $ | 37,610 | ||
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS, AS REPORTED |
$ | 3,635 | $ | 8,706 | ||
ADJUSTED INCOME FROM OPERATIONS |
4,327 | 9,398 | ||||
NET INCOME |
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NET INCOME, AS REPORTED |
$ | 1,259 | $ | 4,941 | ||
TOTAL NON-GAAP ADJUSTMENTS |
692 | 692 | ||||
TAX IMPACT OF ADJUSTMENTS |
(148 | ) | (154 | ) | ||
ADJUSTED NET INCOME |
$ | 1,803 | $ | 5,479 | ||
NET INCOME PER SHARE, AS REPORTED |
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BASIC |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.66 | ||
DILUTED |
$ | 0.17 | $ | 0.66 | ||
ADJUSTED NET INCOME PER SHARE |
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BASIC |
$ | 0.24 | $ | 0.73 | ||
DILUTED |
$ | 0.24 | $ | 0.73 | ||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING |
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BASIC |
7,536 | 7,459 | ||||
DILUTED |
7,616 | 7,493 | ||||
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to GAAP financial measures, we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: "non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses," "non-GAAP adjusted income from operations," "non-GAAP adjusted net income," and "non-GAAP adjusted net income per share." Adjusted results exclude the impact of items that management believes affect the comparability or underlying business trends in our consolidated financial statements in the periods presented. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to management and investors and other users of our consolidated financial statements as an additional tool for evaluating operating performance. We believe they also provide a useful baseline for analyzing trends in our operations.
Investors should not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. See "Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures" accompanying this press release.
| Definition | Usefulness to management and investors | |
Acquisition-related amortization |
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets consists of amortization of intangible assets such as brands and customer relationships acquired in connection with the acquisition of the performance and lifestyle footwear business of Honeywell International Inc. Charges related to the amortization of these intangibles are recorded in operating expenses in our GAAP financial statements. Amortization charges are recorded over the estimated useful life of the related acquired intangible asset and are generally recorded over multiple years. |
We excluded amortization charges for our acquisition-related intangible assets for purposes of calculating certain non-GAAP measures because these charges are inconsistent in size and are significantly impacted by the valuation of our acquisition. These adjustments facilitate a useful evaluation of our current operating performance and comparison to past operating performance and provide investors with additional means to evaluate cost and expense trends. |