Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

 

Commission file number 0-23939

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Oregon   93-0498284

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

 

14375 Northwest Science Park Drive

Portland, Oregon

  97229
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(503) 985-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether 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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
     

(Do not check if smaller

reporting company)

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on October 27, 2008 was 33,854,106.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

     PAGE NO.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1 – Financial Statements - Columbia Sportswear Company (Unaudited)

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   4

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   15

Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   25

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

   25

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1A – Risk Factors

   26

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

   31

Item 5 – Other Information

   31

Item 6 – Exhibits

   31

Signature

   32

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007
ASSETS      

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 142,955    $ 191,950

Short-term investments

     2,316      81,598

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $10,043 and $7,369, respectively

     366,219      300,506

Inventories, net (Note 2)

     301,378      265,874

Deferred income taxes

     31,851      31,169

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     23,108      14,567
             

Total current assets

     867,827      885,664

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $184,744 and $168,067, respectively

     224,901      210,450

Intangibles and other non-current assets (Note 3)

     52,758      53,094

Goodwill (Note 3)

     17,273      17,273
             

Total assets

   $ 1,162,759    $ 1,166,481
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

Current Liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 84,778    $ 95,412

Accrued liabilities

     73,701      62,549

Income taxes payable

     20,893      7,436

Deferred income taxes

     937      949

Other current liabilities

     83      185
             

Total current liabilities

     180,392      166,531

Income taxes payable

     22,281      18,663

Deferred income taxes

     5,444      8,968

Other long-term liabilities

     8,729      2,198
             

Total liabilities

     216,846      196,360

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

     

Shareholders’ Equity:

     

Preferred stock; 10,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

     —        —  

Common stock (no par value); 125,000 shares authorized; 33,966 and 35,824 issued and outstanding (Note 6)

     440      17,004

Retained earnings

     900,297      895,476

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 5)

     45,176      57,641
             

Total shareholders’ equity

     945,913      970,121
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,162,759    $ 1,166,481
             

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $  452,415     $  471,081     $  962,925     $  979,281  

Cost of sales

     250,362       267,550       544,552       558,477  
                                

Gross profit

     202,053       203,531       418,373       420,804  

Selling, general, and administrative expense

     120,824       112,197       315,992       281,780  

Net licensing income

     1,899       1,256       3,903       3,306  
                                

Income from operations

     83,128       92,590       106,284       142,330  

Interest income, net

     1,801       2,060       6,390       7,051  
                                

Income before income tax

     84,929       94,650       112,674       149,381  

Income tax expense

     (26,600 )     (32,041 )     (36,184 )     (50,649 )
                                

Net income

   $  58,329     $  62,609     $  76,490     $  98,732  
                                

Earnings per share (Note 6):

        

Basic

   $  1.70     $  1.73     $  2.19     $  2.73  

Diluted

     1.69       1.72       2.19       2.70  

Cash dividends per share:

   $  0.16     $  0.14     $  0.48     $  0.42  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

        

Basic

     34,411       36,112       34,856       36,157  

Diluted

     34,518       36,445       34,963       36,517  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 76,490     $ 98,732  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     23,298       22,193  

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

     210       227  

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

     (5,627 )     593  

Stock-based compensation

     4,902       5,429  

Tax benefit (expense) from employee stock plans

     (372 )     2,902  

Excess tax benefit from employee stock plans

     (37 )     (1,672 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (70,355 )     (97,097 )

Inventories

     (40,756 )     (101,679 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (9,137 )     (3,992 )

Intangibles and other assets

     50       523  

Accounts payable

     (12,969 )     (15,159 )

Accrued liabilities

     13,353       8,691  

Income taxes payable

     19,960       11,875  

Other liabilities

     6,479       12  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     5,489       (68,422 )
                

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities:

    

Purchases of short-term investments

     (52,337 )     (218,669 )

Sales of short-term investments

     131,565       307,010  

Capital expenditures

     (32,860 )     (17,741 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment

     36       28  
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     46,404       70,628  
                

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:

    

Proceeds from notes payable

     20,791       29,550  

Repayments on notes payable

     (20,791 )     (33,174 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (17 )     (17 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     3,541       14,279  

Excess tax benefit from employee stock plans

     37       1,672  

Repurchase of common stock

     (79,623 )     (17,739 )

Cash dividends paid

     (16,681 )     (15,186 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (92,743 )     (20,615 )
                

Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (8,145 )     2,443  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (48,995 )     (15,966 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     191,950       64,880  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 142,955     $ 48,914  
                

Non-cash investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid

   $ 7,539     $ 2,391  

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest

   $ 31     $ 92  

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

     22,058       39,529  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation:

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the management of Columbia Sportswear Company (the “Company”) and in the opinion of management include all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2008, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. A significant part of the Company’s business is of a seasonal nature; therefore, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company, however, believes that the disclosures contained in this report comply with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Estimates and assumptions:

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and assumptions. Some of these more significant estimates relate to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory, product warranty, and income taxes.

Reclassifications:

Certain immaterial reclassifications of amounts reported in the prior period financial statements have been made to conform to classifications used in the current period financial statements.

Concentration of credit risk:

Derivatives

The Company routinely uses derivative instruments to hedge the exchange rate risk of anticipated transactions denominated in non-functional currencies. At September 30, 2008 no contract had a remaining maturity longer than one year. All the counterparties to these transactions had a Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) / Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) short-term credit rating of A-2 / P-1 or better with the majority having a rating of A-1+ / P-1. In addition, the net exposure to any single counterparty was immaterial at September 30, 2008.

Cash and Investments

At September 30, 2008, approximately seventy-five percent of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were concentrated in domestic and international money market mutual funds, a significant portion of which was held by a single financial institution. S&P rated all the Company’s domestic and international money market mutual funds AAAm, the highest rating assigned to a money market mutual fund.

On September 29, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a temporary guarantee program for money market mutual funds regulated under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The temporary guarantee program limits coverage to the lesser of fund balances at September 19, 2008 or fund balances immediately prior to an institution reporting a net asset value below $1 per share. The two broker-dealer institutions managing the Company’s domestic money market mutual funds have assured the Company that they have submitted the necessary applications to be covered under the program. The Company anticipates that the full domestic money market mutual fund balance at September 19, 2008, approximately $50,000,000, will be covered under the guarantee.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

All the Company’s remaining cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were deposited with various institutions in the Company’s primary operating geographies. All institutions were rated investment grade by both S&P and Moody’s, and most were rated AA- / Aa1 or better.

Trade Receivables

Current credit and market conditions may slow the Company’s collection efforts as customers experience increased difficulty in accessing credit and paying their ongoing obligations, which could lead to higher than normal accounts receivable. This could result in greater expense associated with collection efforts and increased bad debt expense. No single customer accounted for greater than or equal to 10% of consolidated revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 or for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. No single customer accounted for greater than or equal to 10% of consolidated accounts receivable at September 30, 2008. The Company had one customer in its Canadian segment that accounted for approximately 12.4% of consolidated accounts receivable outstanding at December 31, 2007.

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, and include investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents were $142,955,000 and $191,950,000 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, primarily consisting of money market funds and bank deposits.

Short-term investments:

Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of six months or less at September 30, 2008. At December 31, 2007, short-term investments consisted of certificates of deposit with maturities greater than three months and less than six months from the date of purchase and variable rate demand notes and obligations that generally mature up to 30 years from the purchase date. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. All short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gains and losses reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses are determined based on the specific identification method. The Company did not hold any auction-rate securities at September 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007 and has no investments considered to be trading or held-to-maturity securities.

Property, plant and equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are: land improvements, 15 years; buildings and building improvements, 15-30 years; machinery and equipment, 3-5 years; and furniture and fixtures, 3-10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement, which is most commonly 7 years, or the remaining term of the underlying lease.

Product warranty:

Some of the Company’s products carry limited warranty provisions for defects in quality and workmanship. A warranty reserve is established at the time of sale to cover estimated costs based on the Company’s history of warranty repairs and replacements and is recorded in cost of sales. A summary of accrued warranties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 10,946     $ 11,196     $ 10,862     $ 11,162  

Charged to costs and expenses

     520       521       2,608       2,029  

Claims settled

     (963 )     (320 )     (2,967 )     (1,794 )
                                

Balance at end of period

   $ 10,503     $ 11,397     $ 10,503     $ 11,397  
                                

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Recent accounting pronouncements:

In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (the GAAP hierarchy). SFAS No. 162 will become effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 162 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 are effective for the fiscal years and interim quarters beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. This statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations. This statement replaces SFAS No. 141 and requires the acquirer of a business to recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value. SFAS No. 141R also requires transaction costs related to the business combination to be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement permits an entity to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This framework is intended to increase consistency in how fair value determinations are made under various existing accounting standards that permit, or in some cases require, estimates of fair market value. SFAS No. 157 also expands financial statement disclosure requirements about a company’s use of fair value measurements, including the effect of such measures on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 10.

NOTE 2 - INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company periodically reviews its inventory for excess, close-out and slow moving items and makes provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Inventories, net, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Raw materials

   $ 921    $ 392

Work in process

     2,509      3,979

Finished goods

     297,948      261,503
             
   $ 301,378    $ 265,874
             

NOTE 3 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized and are periodically evaluated for impairment. Intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives.

The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable intangible assets balance (in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
     Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
    Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
 

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

          

Patents

   $ 1,603    $ (724 )   $ 1,603    $ (556 )
                              

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

          

Trademarks and trade names

   $ 46,771      $ 46,771   

Goodwill

     17,273        17,273   
                  
   $ 64,044      $ 64,044   
                  

Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization is estimated to be $224,000 in each of 2008, 2009, and 2010, and $187,000 in 2011 and 2012.

Other non-current assets totaled $5,108,000 and $5,276,000 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

NOTE 4 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

1997 Stock Incentive Plan

The Company’s 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for issuance of up to 7,400,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, of which 745,503 shares were available for future grants under the Plan at September 30, 2008. The Plan allows for grants of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards. The Company uses original issuance shares to satisfy share-based payments. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment.

Stock Options

Options to purchase the Company’s common stock are granted at prices equal to or greater than the fair market value on the date of grant. Options granted prior to 2001 generally vest and become exercisable ratably over a period of five years from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Options granted after 2000 generally vest and become exercisable over a period of four years (twenty-five percent on the first anniversary date following the date of grant and monthly thereafter) and expire ten years from the date of the grant, with the exception of most options granted in 2005. Most options granted in 2005 vested and became exercisable one year from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes model. Key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected option term, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock over the option’s expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the option’s expected term, and the Company’s estimated annual dividend yield. Assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary to reflect changes in market conditions and the Company’s experience. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by people who receive equity awards.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table shows the weighted average assumptions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2008   2007(1)    2008   2007

Expected term

   4.33 years   —      4.43 years   5.07 years

Expected stock price volatility

   25.81%   —      25.03%   29.10%

Risk-free interest rate

   3.01%   —      2.54%   4.59%

Expected dividend yield

   1.86%   —      1.57%   1.00%

Estimated average fair value per option granted

   $ 8.02   —      $ 8.61   $ 19.16

 

(1)

There were no stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2007.

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   Aggregate Intrinsic
Value

(in thousands)

Options outstanding at December 31, 2007

   1,358,417     $ 46.70    6.54    $    4,497

Granted

   637,722       40.99      

Cancelled

   (170,850 )     50.01      

Exercised

   (105,985 )     33.84      
                  

Options outstanding at September 30, 2008

   1,719,304     $ 45.04    7.12    $    3,396
                      

Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2008

   1,628,496     $ 45.00    7.02    $    3,331
                      

Options exercisable at September 30, 2008

   916,833     $ 45.16    5.37    $    2,772
                      

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been realized if all options had been exercised on the last business day of the period indicated, based on the Company’s closing stock price on that day. Total stock option compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $2,621,000 and $3,397,000, respectively. At September 30, 2008 and 2007, unrecognized costs related to stock options totaled approximately $7,439,000 and $7,650,000, respectively, before any related tax benefit. The unrecognized costs related to stock options are being amortized over the related vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. Unrecognized costs related to stock options at September 30, 2008 are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.04 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $917,000 and $10,312,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total cash received as a result of stock option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $3,541,000 and $14,279,000, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

Service-based restricted stock units are granted at no cost to key employees and generally vest over three years from the date of grant. Performance-based restricted stock units are granted at no cost to certain members of the Company’s senior executive team, excluding the Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer, and generally vest over a performance period of between two and one-half and three years with an additional required service period of one year. Restricted stock units vest in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and are based on continued service and, in some instances, on individual performance and /or Company performance.

Prior to 2007, the fair value of service-based and performance-based restricted stock units was determined based on the number of units granted and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2007, the fair value of service-based and performance-based restricted stock units is discounted by the present value of the future stream of dividends over the vesting period using the Black-Scholes model. The relevant assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model to compute the discount are the vesting period, dividend yield and closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. This change in valuation method is the result of the Company’s initiation of a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2006.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The following table presents the weighted average assumptions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2008   2007 (1)    2008   2007

Vesting period

   3.00 years   —      3.06 years   3.11 years

Expected dividend yield

   1.83%   —      1.56%   1.00%

Estimated average fair value per restricted stock unit granted

   $ 36.03   —      $ 39.30   $ 60.61

 

(1)

There were no restricted stock units granted during the three months ended September 30, 2007.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share

Restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2007

   159,870     $  55.31

Granted

   167,430       39.30

Vested

   (20,206 )     51.87

Forfeited

   (33,492 )     49.66
            

Restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2008

   273,602     $ 46.46
            

Restricted stock unit compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $2,281,000 and $2,032,000, respectively. At September 30, 2008 and 2007, unrecognized costs related to restricted stock units totaled approximately $6,839,000 and $6,668,000, respectively, before any related tax benefit. The unrecognized costs related to restricted stock units are being amortized over the related vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. These unrecognized costs at September 30, 2008 are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.99 years. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $1,048,000 and $1,071,000, respectively.

1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 1999, the Company’s shareholders approved the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). There are 750,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the ESPP, which allows qualified employees of the Company to purchase shares on a quarterly basis up to fifteen percent of their respective compensation. The purchase price of the shares is equal to eighty-five percent of the lesser of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the first or last trading day of the respective quarter. Effective July 1, 2005, the Company suspended offerings under the ESPP indefinitely. As of September 30, 2008 a total of 275,556 shares of common stock had been issued under the ESPP.

NOTE 5 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes, reported on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and the unrealized gains and losses on derivative transactions. A summary of comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net income

   $ 58,329     $ 62,609     $ 76,490     $ 98,732  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Unrealized derivative holding gains (losses) arising during period

     3,139       942       4,046       (514 )

Reclassification to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses on derivative transactions

     15       (1,064 )     (30 )     (1,503 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (24,868 )     14,401       (16,481 )     22,460  
                                

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (21,714 )     14,279       (12,465 )     20,443  
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 36,615     $ 76,888     $ 64,025     $ 119,175  
                                

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     Foreign
currency
translation
    Unrealized
holding losses
on derivative
transactions
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 61,060     $ (3,419 )   $ 57,641  

Activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008

     (16,481 )     4,016       (12,465 )
                        

Balance at September 30, 2008

   $ 44,579     $ 597     $ 45,176  
                        

NOTE 6 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, requires dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the calculation of diluted EPS, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units determined using the treasury stock method.

A reconciliation of the shares of common stock used in the denominator for computing basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, used in computing basic earnings per share

     34,411      36,112      34,856      36,157

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units

     107      333      107      360
                           

Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, used in computing diluted earnings per share

     34,518      36,445      34,963      36,517
                           

Earnings per share of common stock:

           

Basic

   $ 1.70    $ 1.73    $ 2.19    $ 2.73

Diluted

     1.69      1.72      2.19      2.70

Stock options and service-based restricted stock units representing 1,457,729 and 313,174 shares of common stock were outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 1,409,608 and 249,183 shares of common stock were outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, but these shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because their effect would be anti-dilutive. Performance-based restricted stock units representing 41,214 and 25,040 shares of common stock were outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 41,996 and 24,075 shares of common stock were outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, but those shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because they were subject to performance conditions that had not been met.

Since the inception of the Company’s stock repurchase plan in 2004 through September 30, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $400,000,000 of the Company’s common stock and the Company has repurchased 8,582,333 shares under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $395,521,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company repurchased an aggregate of $79,386,000 under the stock repurchase plan, of which $54,988,000 was recorded as a reduction to total retained earnings; otherwise, the aggregate purchase price would have resulted in a negative common stock carrying amount. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares or to acquire shares over any specified period of time.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

In October 2008, the Company reached the limit of the Board of Directors’ previous stock repurchase authorizations resulting in the repurchase of 8,694,657 shares at an aggregate price of $400,000,000 since April 2004. In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100,000,000 of the Company’s common stock. Shares of the Company’s common stock may be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, subject to the market conditions. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares or acquire shares over any specified period of time.

NOTE 7 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in four geographic segments: (1) United States, (2) Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), (3) Latin America and Asia Pacific (“LAAP”), and (4) Canada, which are reflective of the Company’s internal organization, management, and oversight structure. Each geographic segment operates predominantly in one industry: the design, production, marketing and selling of active outdoor apparel, including outerwear, sportswear, footwear and related accessories and equipment.

In 2007, the Company reclassified its geographical net sales and segment reporting to reflect changes in its internal management and oversight structure as well as growth of the international distributor business. Net sales to international distributors, previously included as part of “Other International,” have been regrouped into either the EMEA or LAAP region, in accordance with the markets in which each respective distributor operates.

The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, income before income tax, interest income (expense), income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, identifiable assets, and goodwill are summarized in the following tables (in thousands). In addition to the geographic distribution of net sales, the Company’s net sales by major product line are also summarized below. Inter-geographic net sales, which are recorded at a negotiated mark-up and eliminated in consolidation, are not material.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales to unrelated entities:

        

United States

   $ 271,334     $ 284,156     $ 522,699     $ 556,709  

EMEA

     78,155       87,235       207,312       211,098  

LAAP

     46,125       41,893       135,229       115,941  

Canada

     56,801       57,797       97,685       95,533  
                                
   $ 452,415     $ 471,081     $ 962,925     $ 979,281  
                                

Income before income tax:

        

United States

   $ 51,973     $ 59,761     $ 45,180     $ 85,866  

EMEA

     11,888       12,506       22,843       20,446  

LAAP

     4,884       4,518       17,754       14,032  

Canada

     14,204       15,848       20,649       21,971  

Interest and other income and eliminations

     1,980       2,017       6,248       7,066  
                                
   $ 84,929     $ 94,650     $ 112,674     $ 149,381  
                                

Interest income (expense), net:

        

United States

   $ 1,094     $ 2,457     $ 4,693     $ 7,636  

EMEA

     21       (817 )     12       (1,543 )

LAAP

     411       148       878       330  

Canada

     275       272       807       628  
                                
   $ 1,801     $ 2,060     $ 6,390     $ 7,051  
                                

Income tax expense:

        

United States

   $ (19,292 )   $ (18,321 )   $ (23,803 )   $ (32,174 )

EMEA

     (1,017 )     (6,606 )     (1,384 )     (7,546 )

LAAP

     (940 )     (540 )     (3,794 )     (2,574 )

Canada

     (5,351 )     (6,574 )     (7,203 )     (8,355 )
                                
   $ (26,600 )   $ (32,041 )   $ (36,184 )   $ (50,649 )
                                

Depreciation and amortization expense:

        

United States

   $ 5,691     $ 4,920     $ 16,025     $ 13,595  

EMEA

     1,744       2,449       5,466       7,233  

LAAP

     466       368       1,491       1,179  

Canada

     165       58       316       186  
                                
   $ 8,066     $ 7,795     $ 23,298     $ 22,193  
                                

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Assets:

    

United States

   $ 850,299     $ 872,027  

EMEA

     248,260       239,007  

LAAP

     80,290       78,308  

Canada

     111,564       97,815  
                

Total identifiable assets

     1,290,413       1,287,157  

Eliminations and reclassifications

     (127,654 )     (120,676 )
                

Total assets

   $ 1,162,759     $ 1,166,481  
                

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Net sales to unrelated entities:

           

Sportswear

   $ 157,364    $ 161,896    $ 434,078    $ 449,389

Outerwear

     208,475      215,741      320,005      315,397

Footwear

     63,888      71,421      157,446      166,810

Accessories and equipment

     22,688      22,023      51,396      47,685
                           
   $ 452,415    $ 471,081    $ 962,925    $ 979,281
                           

NOTE 8 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

As part of the Company’s risk management programs, the Company uses a variety of financial instruments, including foreign currency option and forward contracts. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company hedges against the currency risk associated with anticipated transactions for approximately the next twelve months denominated in European euros, Canadian dollars and Japanese yen. The Company accounts for these instruments as cash flow hedges. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, such financial instruments are marked to market with the effective portion offset to accumulated other comprehensive income and any ineffective portion offset to current earnings. Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income are subsequently amortized to cost of goods sold when the underlying transaction is included in earnings. Hedge effectiveness is determined by evaluating the ability of a hedging instrument’s cumulative change in fair value to offset the cumulative change in the present value of expected cash flows on the underlying exposures. Hedge ineffectiveness was not material during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.

In the normal course of business, the Company’s financial position and results of operations are routinely subject to a variety of risks, including market risk associated with interest rate movements on borrowings and investments and currency rate movements on non-functional currency denominated assets, liabilities and income. The Company regularly assesses these risks and has established policies and business practices that serve to mitigate these potential exposures. The Company does not enter into foreign currency or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes.

The Company’s foreign currency risk management objective is to mitigate the uncertainty of anticipated cash flows attributable to changes in exchange rates. Particular focus is put on anticipated cash flows resulting from anticipated inventory purchases and the related receivables and payables, including third party or intercompany transactions.

The Company manages this risk primarily by using currency forward exchange contracts and options. Anticipated transactions that are hedged carry a high level of certainty and are expected to be recognized within one year. The Company uses cross-currency swaps to hedge foreign currency denominated payments related to intercompany loan agreements. Hedged transactions are denominated primarily in the Euro, Japanese yen and Canadian dollars.

 

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COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company attempts to mitigate exchange rate risk through hedging practices. However, if recent foreign currency exchange rate volatility continues, it is reasonably possible that the Company could experience a materially adverse effect on the cost of goods sold during the next twelve months.

NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Letters of credit outstanding issued for purchase orders of inventory were $6,304,000 and $13,738,000 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

Product purchase obligations for open production purchase orders for sourced apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, and materials used to manufacture apparel were $277,379,000 and $148,835,000 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

Operating Leases

Future minimum operating lease payments, including rent escalation clauses, were $211,166,000 and $94,274,000 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Future minimum payments do not include real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance and other costs for which the Company may be obligated.

There have not been any other material changes relating to the commitments and contingencies reported on the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

NOTE 10 - FAIR VALUE MEASURES

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. SFAS No. 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

  Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

 

  Level 2 – inputs, other than the quoted market prices in active markets, which are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

 

  Level 3 – unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Total    Level 1 (1)    Level 2 (2)    Level 3

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 142,955    $ 142,955    $ —      —  

Short-term investments

     2,316      2,316      —      —  

Derivative financial instruments

     1,899      —        1,899    —  

 

(1)

Level 1 assets include money market funds and certificates of deposit which cost approximates fair value.

 

(2)

Level 2 assets include derivative financial instruments which are valued based on significant observable inputs. See Note 5 and Note 8 for further discussion.

There were no assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

 

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Item 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include any statements related to our expectations regarding future performance or market position, including any statements regarding anticipated sales results across markets, distribution channels and product categories, access to raw materials and factory capacity, and financing and working capital requirements and resources.

These forward-looking statements, and others we make from time to time, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements, including the risks described below in Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors. We do not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date they are made or to conform them to actual results or to changes in circumstances or expectations.

The following discussion of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources, including known trends and uncertainties identified by management, should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes that appear elsewhere in this quarterly report.

In 2007, we reclassified our geographical net sales and segment reporting to reflect changes in our internal management and oversight structure as well as growth of the international distributor business. Net sales to international distributors, previously included as part of “Other International,” have been regrouped into either the new Europe, Middle-East and Africa (“EMEA”) or Latin America and Asia Pacific (“LAAP”) region, in accordance with the markets in which each respective distributor operates. Previously reported geographical net sales information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was reclassified to reflect this change.

All references to quarters relate to the quarter ended September 30 of the particular year.

Overview

Highlights for the third quarter of 2008 are as follows:

 

   

Net sales decreased $18.7 million, or 4%, to $452.4 million from $471.1 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared with the third quarter of 2007 contributed one percentage point of benefit to the consolidated net sales comparison. The decrease in net sales was primarily driven by our Columbia brand business in the United States, EMEA region and Canada, partially offset by growth from our sales of Mountain Hardwear brand products and our business in the LAAP region.

 

   

Gross profit increased 150 basis points to 44.7% of net sales from 43.2% of net sales for the comparable period in 2007. This expansion was primarily due to improved sportswear and footwear product margins, favorable foreign currency hedge rates and a lower volume of close-out product sales at better comparative margins.

 

   

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense increased $8.6 million, or 8%, to $120.8 million from $112.2 million for the comparable period in 2007. We expect full year 2008 SG&A expense, as a percentage of net sales, to increase compared to 2007 due primarily to planned investment in incremental marketing activities in 2008 to drive consumer demand for our brands, together with initial investment and incremental operating costs of our new retail stores.

 

   

Net income was $58.3 million or $1.69 per diluted share, compared to $62.6 million or $1.72 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2007.

 

   

Our backlog for the spring 2009 selling season as of September 30, 2008 decreased $43.5 million, or 10.5%, to $370.9 million from $414.4 million as of September 30, 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared with 2007 contributed less than one percentage point of benefit to the spring 2009 backlog comparison. The decrease in our spring backlog was the result of a decline in orders in the United States, EMEA and Canada driven primarily by a decline in orders of Columbia brand sportswear. Although we cannot predict with certainty any future results, our reported backlog is one indicator of our anticipated net sales for the spring 2009 selling season. Many factors, however, could cause actual sales to differ materially from reported future order backlog, including the potential cancellation of orders by customers, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and continued deterioration of the macroeconomic conditions. We expect that our own retail sales will partially offset some of the anticipated wholesale sales decline for the spring 2009 season. Moreover, our spring 2009 backlog should not be used in forecasting sales beyond the spring 2009 selling season.

 

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Table of Contents

Since our initial public offering in 1998, our net sales have increased from $427.3 million in 1998 to $1,356.0 million in 2007, which equates to a compound annual growth rate of approximately 14% for this period. Although we cannot predict future results with certainty and despite current global economic conditions, we are committed to our demand creation and retail expansion strategies to stimulate increased consumer demand and improve inventory management with minimal disruption to our wholesale distribution channels. With our commitment to investment in these strategies, a well-developed sourcing and distribution infrastructure and a proven design and product development team, we believe that we are well positioned to establish sustainable platforms that will support long-term growth and profitability.

Results of Operations

Net income decreased $4.3 million, or 7%, to $58.3 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $62.6 million for the comparable period in 2007. Diluted earnings per share was $1.69 for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $1.72 for the third quarter of 2007.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship to net sales of specified items in our consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

   55.3     56.8     56.6     57.0  
                        

Gross profit

   44.7     43.2     43.4     43.0  

Selling, general and administrative expense

   26.7     23.8     32.8     28.8  

Net licensing income

   0.4     0.3     0.4     0.3  
                        

Income from operations

   18.4     19.7     11.0     14.5  

Interest income, net

   0.4     0.4     0.7     0.8  
                        

Income before income tax

   18.8     20.1     11.7     15.3  

Income tax expense

   (5.9 )   (6.8 )   (3.8 )   (5.2 )
                        

Net income

   12.9 %   13.3 %   7.9 %   10.1 %
                        

Quarter Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2007

Net Sales: Consolidated net sales decreased 4% to $452.4 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $471.1 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared with the third quarter of 2007 contributed one percentage point of benefit to consolidated net sales for the third quarter of 2008.

The decrease in net sales was driven by decreased net sales in the United States, EMEA region and Canada, partially offset by increased net sales in the LAAP region. By product category, the reduction in net sales was led by footwear, followed by outerwear and sportswear, partially offset by an increase in net sales of accessories and equipment.

Sales by Geographic Region

Net sales in the United States decreased $12.9 million, or 5%, to $271.3 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $284.2 million for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in net sales in the United States was led by sportswear, followed by outerwear, footwear and accessories and equipment. The net sales decrease was led by the wholesale business for the Columbia brand, partially offset by increased net sales through our retail stores as a result of our expanded retail business and an increase in net sales of Mountain Hardwear brand outerwear. The decrease in wholesale net sales in the United States was primarily the result of lower initial order volumes for fall 2008 season and the weak U.S. retail environment resulting from difficult macro-economic conditions.

Net sales in the EMEA region decreased $9.1 million, or 10%, to $78.2 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $87.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared with 2007 contributed six percentage points of benefit to the EMEA net sales comparison. The decrease in net sales in the EMEA region was led by footwear, followed by sportswear and outerwear. Net sales of accessories and equipment in the EMEA region remained essentially flat compared to the third quarter of 2007. The net sales decreases for EMEA direct and EMEA distributors were essentially equal. The decrease in EMEA direct net sales was a result of lower initial order volumes due to continued product assortment and marketing challenges, coupled with economic uncertainty in that region. The decrease in net sales to EMEA distributors reflects earlier shipments of our fall 2008 products in this year’s second quarter, compared with shipments of our fall 2007 line, more of which occurred in last year’s third quarter.

 

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Net sales in the LAAP region increased $4.3 million, or 10%, to $46.1 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $41.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared with 2007 contributed less than one percentage point of benefit to the LAAP net sales comparison. Net sales growth in the LAAP region was driven by our Japan business, followed by our Korea business, partially offset by a decrease in net sales to LAAP distributors. The increase in Japan net sales was primarily the result of growth in our retail business as well as continued expansion with key wholesale partners, particularly in the sports chain channel.

Net sales in Canada decreased $1.0 million, or 2%, to $56.8 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $57.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared with 2007 contributed one percentage point of benefit to Canada’s net sales comparison. The decrease in net sales in Canada was primarily the result of a decrease in net sales of outerwear, partially offset by increased net sales in sportswear, footwear and accessories and equipment. The net sales decrease in outerwear was primarily attributable to lower initial order volumes for the fall 2008 season. The decrease in net sales in Canada was partially offset by incremental sales of fall 2008 Mountain Hardwear brand and Montrail brand products that were previously sold through third party distributors. We began selling Mountain Hardwear brand and Montrail brand products directly in the Canadian market beginning with the spring 2008 product line.

Sales by Product Category

Net sales of sportswear decreased $4.4 million, or 3%, to $157.5 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $161.9 million for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in sportswear net sales was the result of a decrease in net sales in the United States, followed by the EMEA region, partially offset by increased net sales in the LAAP region and Canada. The sportswear net sales decrease was led by the United States wholesale business for the Columbia brand, partially offset by increased net sales through our retail stores as a result of our expanded retail business. We primarily attribute the decrease in wholesale sportswear net sales in the United States to lower initial order volumes for fall 2008 season and the weak U.S. retail environment resulting from difficult macro-economic conditions.

Net sales of outerwear decreased $7.2 million, or 3%, to $208.6 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $215.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in outerwear net sales was led by the United States, followed by Canada and the EMEA region, partially offset by a net sales increase in the LAAP region. The outerwear net sales decrease was led by the United States wholesale business for the Columbia brand, partially offset by an increase in net sales of Mountain Hardwear brand outerwear and increased net sales through our retail stores as a result of our expanded retail business. The decrease in wholesale outerwear net sales in the United States was primarily the result of lower initial order volumes for fall 2008 season and the continued weak U.S. retail environment resulting from difficult macro-economic conditions.

Net sales of footwear decreased $7.8 million, or 11%, to $63.6 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $71.4 million for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in footwear net sales was led by the EMEA region, followed by the United States, partially offset by an increase in net sales in the LAAP region and Canada. The decreases in net sales of footwear for EMEA direct and EMEA distributors were essentially equal. The decrease in EMEA direct footwear net sales was primarily the result of lower initial order volumes due to continued product assortment and marketing challenges, coupled with economic uncertainty in that region. The decrease in EMEA distributor footwear net sales was largely attributable to earlier shipments of fall 2008 products in this year’s second quarter, compared with shipments of our fall 2007 line, more of which occurred in last year’s third quarter.

Net sales of accessories and equipment increased $0.7 million, or 3%, to $22.7 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $22.0 million for the comparable period in 2007. The increase in accessories and equipment net sales was led by the LAAP region, followed by Canada. The increase in net sales of accessories and equipment were partially offset by a decrease in the United States while net sales remained essentially flat in the EMEA region. The increase in accessories and equipment net sales in the LAAP region was primarily attributable to increased sales of bags and packs.

Gross Profit: Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 44.7% for the third quarter of 2008 from 43.2% for the comparable period in 2007. Gross profit expansion was primarily due to improved sportswear and footwear product margins, favorable foreign currency hedge rates and a lower volume of close-out product sales at better comparative margins.

Our gross profits may not be comparable to those of other companies in our industry because some include all of the costs related to their distribution network in cost of sales. We, like others, have chosen to include these expenses as a component of SG&A expense.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense: SG&A expense includes all costs associated with our design, merchandising, marketing, distribution and corporate functions, including related depreciation and amortization.

 

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SG&A expense increased $8.6 million, or 8%, to $120.8 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $112.2 million for the comparable period in 2007. Selling expenses increased $3.1 million, or 8%, and general and administrative expenses increased $5.5 million, or 8%. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expense increased to 26.7% of net sales for the third quarter of 2008 from 23.8% of net sales for the comparable period in 2007.

Selling expenses, including commissions and advertising, increased to 9.2% of net sales for the third quarter of 2008 from 8.2% of net sales for the comparable period in 2007. We attribute the increase in selling expenses as a percentage of net sales to our increased marketing investments to drive consumer demand for our brands, which was amplified by a decrease in consolidated net sales for the quarter.

The increase in general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from the start-up and operational costs of our new retail stores. Depreciation and amortization included in SG&A expense totaled $7.8 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $7.5 million for the same period in 2007.

Net Licensing Income: We derive net licensing income from income that we earn through licensing our trademarks across a range of categories that complement our current product offerings. Products distributed by our licensees for the third quarter of 2008 included socks, bicycles, insulated products including soft-sided coolers, leather accessories, camping gear, eyewear, watches, home furnishings, and other accessories.

Net licensing income increased to $1.9 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $1.3 million for the same period in 2007. The components of licensing income for the third quarter of 2008 were led by socks, followed by leather accessories, leather outerwear, eyewear, insulated products and bicycles.

Interest Income, Net: Net interest income was $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in interest income was due to a change in the mix of cash and short-term investments, coupled with lower interest rates compared to the same period in 2007. Interest expense was nominal for the third quarter of 2008 and the comparable period in 2007.

Income Tax Expense: The provision for income taxes decreased to $26.6 million for the third quarter of 2008 from $32.0 million for the comparable period in 2007 due to lower income and a lower effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Our effective income tax rate was 31.3% for the third quarter of 2008 compared to 33.9% for the same period in 2007. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of a tax benefit associated with a tax reserve and the fact that a greater percentage of our income in 2008 is expected to be earned in foreign jurisdictions that tax corporate income at a lower rate than the U.S. tax rate.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

Net Sales: Consolidated net sales decreased 2% to $962.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $979.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates contributed two percentage points of benefit to consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

The decrease in net sales was led primarily by the United States, followed by the EMEA region, partially offset by increased net sales in the LAAP region and Canada. By product category, the reduction in net sales was led by sportswear, followed by footwear, partially offset by increased net sales of outerwear and accessories and equipment.

Sales by Geographic Region

Net sales in the United States decreased $34.1 million, or 6%, to $522.7 million from $556.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. The reduction in net sales in the United States was led by sportswear, followed by outerwear and footwear, while net sales of accessories and equipment remained essentially flat. The net sales decrease was led by the wholesale business for the Columbia brand, partially offset by increased net sales through our retail stores as a result of our expanded retail business. The decrease in wholesale net sales was primarily the result of lower initial order volumes for spring and fall 2008 seasons and the weak U.S. retail environment resulting from difficult macro-economic conditions. In addition, unseasonably cool weather conditions in the spring 2008 season led to significant order reductions and cancellations.

Net sales in the EMEA region decreased $3.8 million, or 2%, to $207.3 million from $211.1 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates contributed seven percentage points of benefit to the EMEA net sales comparison. The decrease in net sales in the EMEA region was led by footwear, followed by sportswear, offset by an increase in outerwear net sales and a modest increase in net sales of accessories and equipment. The decrease in net sales in the EMEA region included a decrease in EMEA direct net sales, partially offset by an increase in net sales to EMEA distributors. The decrease in EMEA direct net sales was result of lower initial order volumes in spring and fall 2008 seasons due to continued product assortment and marketing challenges, coupled with economic uncertainty in that region. The increase in net sales to EMEA distributors primarily reflects increased outerwear net sales to our largest distributor.

 

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Net sales in the LAAP region increased $19.3 million, or 17%, to $135.2 million from $115.9 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates contributed three percentage points of benefit to the LAAP net sales comparison. Net sales growth in the LAAP region was led by our Japan business, followed by our Korea business and our LAAP distributor businesses. The increase in Japan net sales was primarily the result of growth in our retail business as well as continued expansion with key wholesale partners, particularly in the sports chain channel.

Net sales in Canada increased $2.2 million, or 2%, to $97.7 million from $95.5 million for the comparable period in 2007. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates contributed six percentage points of benefit to Canada’s net sales comparison. The increase in net sales in Canada was led by sportswear, followed by accessories and equipment, offset by a decrease in net sales of outerwear and footwear. The increase in Canada net sales was primarily the result of incremental sales of Mountain Hardwear brand and Montrail brand products that were previously sold through third party distributors, partially offset by a decrease in sales of Columbia brand outerwear primarily attributable to lower initial order volumes for the fall 2008 season.

Sales by Product Category

Net sales of sportswear decreased $15.3 million, or 3%, to $434.1 million from $449.4 million for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in sportswear net sales was predominantly the result of decreased net sales in the United States, followed by the EMEA region, offset by net sales increases in the LAAP region and Canada. The sportswear net sales decrease was led by the United States wholesale business for the Columbia brand, partially offset by increased net sales through our retail stores as a result of our expanded retail business. We primarily attribute the decrease in wholesale net sales of sportswear to lower initial order volumes and the weak U.S. retail environment resulting from difficult macro-economic conditions. In addition, unseasonably cool weather conditions in the spring 2008 season led to significant order reductions and cancellations.

Net sales of outerwear increased $4.6 million, or 1%, to $320.0 million from $315.4 million for the comparable period in 2007. The increase in outerwear net sales was led by the LAAP region, followed by the EMEA region, partially offset by a net sales decrease in the United States and Canada. The net sales increase of outerwear in the LAAP region was driven by our Japan business, followed by our Korea business and net sales to LAAP distributors. The increase in net sales of outerwear in Japan was primarily the result of growth in our retail business as well as continued expansion with key wholesale partners, particularly in the sports chain channel.

Net sales of footwear decreased $9.4 million, or 6%, to $157.4 million from $166.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. The decrease in footwear net sales was led by the EMEA region, followed by the United States and Canada, partially offset by a slight increase in net sales in the LAAP region. The decrease in footwear net sales in the EMEA region was led by EMEA direct footwear net sales, followed by EMEA distributor net sales. The decrease in EMEA direct footwear net sales was primarily the result of lower initial order volumes due to continued product assortment and marketing challenges, coupled with economic uncertainty in that region. The decrease in EMEA distributor footwear net sales was primarily a result of earlier shipments of spring 2008 product that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Net sales of accessories and equipment increased $3.7 million, or 8%, to $51.4 million from $47.7 million for the comparable period in 2007. Accessories and equipment net sales growth was led by the LAAP region, followed by Canada and the EMEA region while net sales in the United States remained essentially flat. The increase in accessories and equipment net sales in the LAAP region was primarily attributable to increased sales of bags and packs.

Gross Profit: Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 43.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 43.0% for the comparable period in 2007. Gross profit percentages expanded in our outerwear, sportswear and footwear categories, partially offset by a contraction in accessories and equipment gross profit percentage. Gross profit expansion was primarily due to favorable foreign currency hedge rates, a lower volume of close-out product sales and some increased average selling prices.

Improvement in foreign currency hedge rates for our fall 2008 selling season favorably affected our gross profit. Since our global supply of inventory is generally purchased with U.S. dollars, the gross profit of our direct international businesses is partially dependent on the valuation of the U.S. dollar. For our fall 2008 selling season, the hedge rates for our European, Canadian and Japanese businesses improved from our fall 2007 selling season.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense: SG&A expense increased $34.2 million, or 12%, to $316.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $281.8 million for the comparable period in 2007. Selling expenses increased $5.6 million, or 7%, and general and administrative expenses increased $28.6 million, or 14%. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expense increased to 32.8% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 28.8% of net sales for the comparable period in 2007.

 

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Selling expenses, including commissions and advertising, increased to 9.2% of net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 8.5% of net sales for the comparable period in 2007. We attribute the increase in selling expenses as a percentage of net sales to our increased marketing investments to drive consumer demand for our brands, which was amplified by a decrease in consolidated net sales for nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

The increase in general and administrative expenses primarily resulted from the start-up and operational costs of our new retail stores. Depreciation and amortization included in SG&A expense totaled $22.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $21.4 million for the same period in 2007.

Net Licensing Income: Net licensing income increased to $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $3.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. The components of licensing income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were led by socks, followed by insulated products, leather accessories, eyewear, bicycles and camping gear.

Interest Income, Net: Net interest income was $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $7.1 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in interest income was due to a change in the mix of cash and short-term investments, coupled with lower interest rates compared to the same period in 2007. Interest expense was nominal for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and the comparable period in 2007.

Income Tax Expense: The provision for income taxes decreased to $36.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $50.6 million for the comparable period in 2007 due to lower income and a lower effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Our effective income tax rate was 32.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 33.9% for the same period in 2007. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of a tax benefit associated with a tax reserve and the fact that a greater percentage of our income in 2008 is expected to be earned in foreign jurisdictions that tax corporate income at a lower rate than the U.S. tax rate.

Seasonality of Business

Our business is affected by the general seasonal trends common to the outdoor apparel industry, with sales and profits highest in the third calendar quarter. Our products are marketed on a seasonal basis, with product sales mix weighted substantially toward the fall season. Results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. Sales of our products are subject to substantial cyclical fluctuation and impacts from unseasonable weather conditions. Sales tend to decline in periods of recession or uncertainty regarding future economic prospects that affect the financial strength and purchasing patterns of our retail partners or cause reduced consumer spending, particularly on discretionary items. This cyclicality and any related fluctuation in consumer and wholesale demand could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Business Strategy and Outlook Update

Our business, like other branded consumer product companies, is heavily dependent upon discretionary consumer spending patterns. Our net sales volumes have been affected by the unpredictability of the global economy, its impact on consumer purchasing behavior and retailers’ behavior related to advance orders, order cancellations and seasonal reorders. The current macro-economic environment in the U.S. has caused tightening of credit for our customers and consumers and a significant slowing of retail sales. This has resulted in, and could continue to cause, a more cautious approach by many of our wholesale customers when placing advance orders for seasonal products and reducing, delaying delivery, or cancelling advance orders placed in prior periods. These pressures are also emerging in other global markets. In addition, the effects of foreign currency exchange rates may amplify our revenue decline if the U.S. dollar continues to strengthen compared to foreign currencies in our direct markets. We expect our retail revenues to partially offset some of this wholesale decline.

We believe that we have appropriately factored into our plans our historical experiences, current retail expectations, incremental sales from our new retail stores, and the estimated effect of foreign currency exchange rate differences, however macro-economic conditions have increased the uncertainty of our ability to rely on these historic experiences and estimates. Historically, our results in the fourth quarter are more variable than the third quarter because they rely more heavily on fall weather patterns and the pace of retail sell-through to stimulate customer reorders. In this challenging economic environment, we are also mindful of our reliance on the overall financial health of our customers and their ability to continue to access credit markets to fund their purchases and day-to-day operations.

Despite the current environment, we remain committed to investing in our demand creation and retail expansion strategies that we believe will stimulate consumer demand, enhance our brand equity, grow our market share, improve inventory management and distribution of excess and end-of-season products in the U.S., and be accretive to earnings in the long-term after the economy

 

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recovers. In the short-term, we expect that pursuing these strategies during a period of economic turmoil will negatively affect our operating income by increasing SG&A expenses as a percentage of consolidated net sales. However, we expect these investments to establish sustainable platforms that will support improved long-term growth and profitability.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary ongoing funding requirements are for working capital, investing activities associated with the expansion of our global operations and general corporate needs. At September 30, 2008 we had total cash and cash equivalents of $143.0 million compared to $192.0 million at December 31, 2007.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to net cash used of $68.4 million for the same period in 2007. The change was primarily due to smaller increases in inventory and accounts receivable during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $46.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $70.6 million for the comparable period in 2007. For the 2008 period, net cash provided by investing activities primarily consisted of $79.2 million for net sales of short-term investments, partially offset by $40.4 million for capital expenditures, of which $7.5 million was incurred but not yet paid. For the 2007 period, net cash provided by investing activities primarily consisted of net sales of short-term investments of $88.3 million, partially offset by $20.1 million used for capital expenditures, of which $2.4 million was incurred but not yet paid.

Cash used in financing activities was $92.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $20.6 million for the comparable period in 2007. For the 2008 period, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of the repurchase of common stock at an aggregate price of $79.6 million and payment of dividends of $16.7 million. For the 2007 period, net cash used in financing activities primarily consisted of the repurchase of $17.7 million of common stock, the payment of dividends of $15.2 million and the net repayments of notes payable of $3.6 million, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock under employee stock plans of $14.3 million.

To assist with the funding of our domestic working capital requirements, we have available unsecured revolving lines of credit with aggregate seasonal limits ranging from $50.0 million to $125.0 million, of which $25.0 million to $100.0 million is committed. At September 30, 2008, no balance was outstanding under these lines of credit and we were in compliance with covenants associated with our lines of credit. Internationally, our subsidiaries have local currency operating lines in place guaranteed by us with a combined limit of approximately $118.0 million at September 30, 2008, of which $4.1 million is designated as a European customs guarantee. At September 30, 2008, no balance was outstanding under these lines of credit.

We expect to fund our future capital expenditures with existing cash and cash provided by operations. If the need arises for additional expenditures, we may need to seek additional funding. Our ability to obtain additional financing will depend on many factors, including prevailing market conditions, our financial condition, and our ability to negotiate favorable terms and conditions. Financing may not be available on terms that are acceptable or favorable to us, if at all.

Our operations are affected by seasonal trends typical in the outdoor apparel industry, and have historically resulted in higher sales and profits in the third calendar quarter. This pattern has resulted primarily from the timing of shipments to wholesale customers for the fall outerwear season. We believe that our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months will be adequately covered by existing cash, cash provided by operations and existing short-term borrowing arrangements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We maintain unsecured and uncommitted import lines of credit with a combined limit of $150.0 million at September 30, 2008, available for issuing documentary letters of credit. At September 30, 2008, we had letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $6.3 million issued for purchase orders for inventory.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make various estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, cost of sales and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described below have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies and estimates. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results could differ from the estimates we use in applying the critical

 

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accounting policies. We base our ongoing estimates on historical experience and other various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Many of these critical accounting policies affect working capital account balances, including the policy for revenue recognition, the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, the provision for potential excess, close-out and slow moving inventory, product warranty, income taxes and stock-based compensation.

Management and our independent auditors regularly discuss with our audit committee each of our critical accounting estimates, the development and selection of these accounting estimates, and the disclosure about each estimate in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. These discussions typically occur at our quarterly audit committee meetings and include the basis and methodology used in developing and selecting these estimates, the trends in and amounts of these estimates, specific matters affecting the amount of and changes in these estimates, and any other relevant matters related to these estimates, including significant issues concerning accounting principles and financial statement presentation.

Revenue Recognition

We record wholesale and licensed product revenues when title passes and the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer, based on the terms of sale. Title generally passes upon shipment or upon receipt by the customer depending on the country of the sale and the agreement with the customer. Retail store revenues are recorded at the time of sale.

In some countries outside of the United States where title passes upon receipt by the customer, predominantly where we sell directly in Western Europe, precise information regarding the date of receipt by the customer is not readily available. In these cases, we estimate the date of receipt by the customer based on historical and expected delivery times by geographic location. We periodically test the accuracy of these estimates based on actual transactions. Delivery times vary by geographic location, generally from one to seven days. To date, we have found these estimates to be materially accurate.

At the time of revenue recognition, we also provide for estimated sales returns and miscellaneous claims from customers as reductions to revenues. The estimates are based on historical rates of product returns and claims. However, actual returns and claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and thus may differ from the estimates. If actual or expected future returns and claims are significantly greater or lower than the reserves that we have established, we will record a reduction or increase to net revenues in the period in which we make such a determination. Over the three year period ended December 31, 2007, our actual annual sales returns and miscellaneous claims from customers were less than two percent of net sales.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

We make ongoing estimates of the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. In determining the amount of the allowance, we consider our historical level of credit losses and we make judgments about the creditworthiness of customers based on ongoing credit evaluations. We analyze specific customer accounts, customer concentrations, credit insurance coverage, current economic trends, and changes in customer payment terms. Tight credit market conditions may slow our collection efforts as customers experience increased difficulty in obtaining requisite financing, leading to higher than normal accounts receivable. Because we cannot predict future changes in the financial stability of our customers, actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates and may have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. If the financial condition of our customers deteriorates and results in their inability to make payments, a larger allowance may be required. If we determine that a smaller or larger allowance is appropriate, we will record a credit or a charge to SG&A expense in the period in which we make such a determination.

Inventory Obsolescence and Product Warranty

We make ongoing estimates of potential future excess, close-out or slow moving inventory and product warranty costs. We identify our excess inventory, a component of which is planned, and evaluate our purchase commitments, sales forecasts, our own retail capacity, and historical experience, and make provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value at the lower of cost or estimated market value. When we evaluate our reserve for warranty costs, we consider our historical claim rates by season, product mix, current economic trends, and the historical cost to repair, replace, or refund the original sale. If we determine that a smaller or larger reserve is appropriate, we will record a credit or a charge to cost of sales in the period we make such a determination.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we recognize income tax expense for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and for the amount of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We make assumptions, judgments and estimates to determine our current provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and our uncertain tax positions in accordance with FIN 48. Our judgments, assumptions and estimates relative to the current provision for income tax take into account

 

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current tax laws, our interpretation of current tax laws and possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities. Changes in tax law or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of current and future tax audits could significantly affect the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements. Our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the value of a deferred tax asset take into account predictions of the amount and category of future taxable income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and category of income in future years could cause our current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net deferred taxes to be inaccurate. Any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above could cause our actual income tax obligations to differ from our estimates, which could materially affect our financial position and results of operations.

On a quarterly basis, we estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full fiscal year and record an appropriate quarterly income tax provision, in accordance with the anticipated effective rate. As the calendar year progresses, we periodically refine our estimate based on actual events and earnings by jurisdiction during the year. This ongoing estimation process can result in changes to our expected effective tax rate for the full calendar year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that our year-to-date provision equals our expected annual effective tax rate.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period using the straight-line attribution method. As allowed under SFAS No. 123R, we estimate stock-based compensation for stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires various highly subjective assumptions, including volatility and expected option life. Further, as required under SFAS No. 123R, we estimate forfeitures for stock-based awards granted, which are not expected to vest. If any of these inputs or assumptions changes significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (the GAAP hierarchy). SFAS No. 162 will become effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 162 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This statement is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 are effective for the fiscal years and interim quarters beginning after November 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. This statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations. This statement replaces SFAS No. 141 and requires the acquirer of a business to recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value. SFAS No. 141R also requires transaction costs related to the business combination to be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement permits us to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This framework is intended to increase consistency in how fair value determinations are made under various existing accounting standards that permit, or in some cases require, estimates of fair market value. SFAS No. 157 also expands financial statement disclosure requirements about a company’s use of fair value measurements, including the effect of such measures on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There has not been any material change in the market risk disclosure contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, except for foreign currency exchange rate risk exposure. See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-Q, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition, or results of operations may be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Please note that additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations.

We May be Adversely Affected by a Prolonged Economic Downturn or Economic Uncertainty

Sales of our products are subject to substantial cyclical fluctuation. Consumer demand for our products may not reach our growth targets, or may decline, when there is an economic downturn or economic uncertainty in our key markets, particularly markets in North America and Europe. For example, the credit market crisis and an overall slower economy in the United States are creating additional uncertainties for our customers and our business. Continued volatility in the global oil markets often has resulted in higher fuel and product prices, which vendors may pass on to us. Because we price our products to our customers in advance and external cost increases may be difficult to anticipate, we may not be able to pass these increased costs on to our customers. Rising oil prices and interest rates may also adversely affect consumer demand. Our investment portfolio is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Changes in market conditions, such as those that accompany an economic downturn or economic uncertainty, may negatively affect the value and liquidity of our investment portfolio, perhaps significantly. Our sensitivity to economic cycles and any related fluctuation in consumer and wholesale demand and rising shipping and other costs may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We May be Adversely Affected by Uncertainty in the Global Credit Market

Our vendors, customers and other participants in our supply chain may require access to credit markets in order to do business. Credit market conditions may slow our collection efforts as customers experience increased difficulty in obtaining requisite financing, leading to higher than normal accounts receivable. This could result in greater expense associated with collection efforts and increased bad debt expense. Credit conditions may impair our vendors’ ability to finance the purchase of raw materials or general working capital needs to support our production requirements, resulting in a delay or non-delivery of inventory shipments during key seasons.

Our ability to find investments that are both safe and liquid and that provide a reasonable return may be impaired. This could result in lower interest income, longer investment tenors and/or higher other-than-temporary impairments.

We May be Adversely Affected by Weather Conditions

Our business is adversely affected by unseasonable weather conditions. A significant portion of the sales of our sportswear, outerwear, footwear and accessories and equipment is dependent in part on the weather and may decline in years in which weather conditions do not favor the use of these products. Periods of unseasonably warm weather in the fall or winter or unseasonably cold or wet weather in the spring may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. For example, in spring 2008, unseasonably cool weather in the United States caused customers to delay, and in some cases reduce or cancel, orders for our sportswear and footwear, which had an adverse effect on our net sales and profitability. Inventory accumulation by retailers resulting from unseasonable weather in one season may negatively affect orders in future seasons, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition in future periods.

Our International Operations Involve Many Risks

We are subject to the risks generally associated with doing business abroad. These risks include foreign laws and regulations, foreign consumer preferences, political unrest, disruptions or delays in shipments and changes in economic conditions in countries in which we manufacture or sell products. In addition, disease outbreaks, terrorist acts and United States military operations have increased the risks of doing business abroad. These factors, among others, may affect our ability to sell products in international markets, our ability to manufacture products or procure materials, and our cost of doing business. If any of these or other factors make the conduct of business in a particular country undesirable or impractical, our business may be materially and adversely affected.

As a global company, we determine our income tax liability in various competing tax jurisdictions based on a careful analysis and interpretation of local tax laws and regulations. This analysis requires a significant amount of judgment and estimation and is often based on certain assumptions about the future actions of the local tax authorities. Such determinations are the subject of periodic

 

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domestic and foreign tax audits. Although we accrue for uncertain tax positions, our accrual may be insufficient to satisfy unfavorable findings, which by their nature cannot be predicted with certainty. Unfavorable audit findings and tax rulings may result in payment of taxes, fines and penalties for prior period and higher tax rates in future periods, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, many of our imported products are subject to duties, tariffs or quotas that affect the cost and quantity of various types of goods imported into the United States or into our other sales markets. Any country in which our products are produced or sold may eliminate, adjust or impose new quotas, duties, tariffs, antidumping penalties or other charges or restrictions, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We May be Adversely Affected by the Financial Health of Retailers

A slowing economy in our key markets is having an adverse effect on the financial health of our customers, including potential bankruptcies, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We extend credit to our customers based on an assessment of a customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. To assist in the scheduling of production and the shipping of seasonal products, we offer customers discounts for placing pre-season orders and extended payment terms for taking delivery before the peak shipping season. These extended payment terms increase our exposure to the risk of uncollectible receivables. In addition, we face increased risk of order reduction or cancellation when dealing with financially ailing retailers or retailers struggling with economic uncertainty. Some of our significant customers have had financial difficulties in the past and are currently experiencing tightened credit markets and declining sales and profitability on a comparable store basis, which in turn has an adverse effect on our business.

We Operate in Very Competitive Markets

The markets for outerwear, sportswear, footwear, related accessories and equipment are highly competitive, as are the markets for our licensed products. In each of our geographic markets, we face significant competition from global and regional branded apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment companies.

Retailers who are our customers often pose our most significant competitive threat by marketing apparel, footwear and equipment under their own labels. For example, in the U.S., several of our largest customers have developed significant private label brands during the past decade that compete directly with our products. These retailers have assumed an increasing degree of inventory risk in their private label products and, as a result, may first cancel advanced orders with us in order to manage their own inventory levels downward during a weak economic cycle. In 2006 and 2007 our European business was negatively affected by a key customer’s decision to expand its private label program, which resulted in reduced outerwear and footwear orders from that key customer.

We also compete with other companies for the production capacity of independent manufacturers that produce our products and for import quota capacity. Many of our competitors are significantly larger than us, have substantially greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we have, and have achieved greater recognition for their products than we have. Increased competition may result in reductions in display areas in retail locations, reductions in sales, or reductions in our profit margins, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We May be Adversely Affected by Retailer Consolidation

When retailers combine their operations through mergers, acquisitions, or other transactions, their consolidated order volume may decrease while their bargaining power and the competitive threat they pose by marketing products under their own label may increase. Some of our significant customers have consolidated their operations in the past, which in turn has had a negative effect on our business. We expect retailer consolidation to continue, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We Face Risks Associated with Consumer Preferences and Fashion Trends

Changes in consumer preferences or consumer interest in outdoor activities may have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, changes in fashion trends may have a greater impact than in the past as we expand our offerings to include more product categories in more geographic areas. We also face risks because our business requires us to anticipate consumer preferences. Our decisions about product designs often are made far in advance of consumer acceptance. Although we try to manage our inventory risk through early order commitments by retailers, we must generally place production orders with manufacturers before we have received all of a season’s orders, and orders may be cancelled by retailers before shipment. If we fail to anticipate and respond to consumer preferences, we may have lower sales, excess inventories and lower profit margins, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our Success Depends on Our Use of Proprietary Rights

Our registered and common law trademarks have significant value and are important to our ability to create and sustain demand for our products. We also place significant value on our trade dress, the overall appearance and image of our products. From time to time, we discover products that are counterfeit reproductions of our products or that otherwise infringe on our proprietary rights. Counterfeiting activities typically increase as brand recognition increases, especially in markets outside the United States. Increased instances of counterfeit manufacture and sales of these products may adversely affect our sales and our brand and result in a shift of consumer preference away from our products. The actions we take to establish and protect trademarks and other proprietary rights may not be adequate to prevent imitation of our products by others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of our products as violations of proprietary rights. In markets outside of the United States, it may be more difficult for us to establish our proprietary rights and to successfully challenge use of those rights by other parties. We also license our proprietary rights to third parties. Failure to choose appropriate licensees and licensed product categories may dilute or harm our brand image. Actions or decisions in the management of our intellectual property portfolio may affect the strength of the brand, which may in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Although we have not been materially inhibited from selling products in connection with trademark and trade dress disputes, as we extend our brand into new product categories and new product lines and expand the geographic scope of our marketing, we may become subject to litigation based on allegations of the infringement of intellectual property rights of third parties including third party trademark, copyright and patent rights. Future litigation also may be necessary to defend us against such claims or to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property litigation may be costly and may divert management’s attention from the operation of our business. Adverse determinations in any litigation may result in the loss of our proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities or require us to seek licenses from third parties, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. This may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our Success Depends on Our Distribution Facilities

Our ability to meet customer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve objectives for operating efficiencies depends on the proper operation of our existing distribution facilities, the development or expansion of additional distribution capabilities and the timely performance of services by third parties (including those involved in shipping product to and from our distribution facilities). In the United States, we rely primarily on our distribution centers in Portland, Oregon and Robards, Kentucky; in Canada, we rely primarily on our distribution center in Strathroy, Ontario; and in Europe we rely primarily on our distribution center in Cambrai, France.

Our distribution facilities in the United States and France are highly automated, which means that their operations are complicated and may be subject to a number of risks related to computer viruses, the proper operation of software and hardware, electronic or power interruptions, and other system failures. Risks associated with upgrading or expanding these facilities may significantly disrupt or increase the cost of our operations.

Our distribution facilities may also be interrupted by disasters, such as earthquakes (which are known to occur in the Northwestern United States) or fires. We maintain business interruption insurance, but it may not adequately protect us from the adverse effect that may be caused by significant disruptions in our distribution facilities.

Our Success Depends on Our Information Systems

Our business is increasingly reliant on information technology. Information systems are used in all stages of our production cycle, from design to distribution and sales, and are used as a method of communication between employees, with our subsidiaries and liaison offices overseas, as well as with our customers. We also rely on our information systems to allocate resources and forecast operating results. System failures, breach of confidential information, or service interruptions may occur as the result of a number of factors, including computer viruses, hacking or other unlawful activities by third parties, disasters, or our failure to properly protect, repair, maintain, or upgrade our systems. Any breach or interruption of critical business information systems may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our Success Depends on Our Growth Strategies

We face many challenges in implementing our growth strategies. For example, our expansion into international markets involves countries where we have little sales or distribution experience and where our brands are not yet widely known. Expanding our product categories involves, among other things, gaining experience with new brands and products, gaining consumer acceptance, and establishing and protecting intellectual property rights. Attracting superior retail channel partners and improving the sales productivity of our customers will each depend on various factors, including the strength of our brand names, our ability to design and manufacture innovative products, competitive conditions, our ability to manage increased sales and future expansion, the availability of desirable locations and the negotiation of terms with retailers. Future terms with customers may be less favorable to us than those under which we now operate. Large retailers in particular increasingly seek to transfer various costs of business to their vendors, such as the cost of lost profits from product price markdowns. Our strategy to open and operate additional outlet and first-line retail stores also involves many challenges and risks. The success of our retail initiative depends on our ability to adapt our internal processes to facilitate direct-to-consumer sales, to effectively manage retail store inventory, to hire, retain and train personnel capable of managing a retail operation, to identify and negotiate favorable terms for new retail locations, and to effectively manage construction, opening, and ongoing operations of stores in multiple locations.

To implement our business strategy, we must manage growth effectively. We must continue to modify various aspects of our business, to maintain and enhance our information systems and operations to respond to increased demand and to attract, retain and manage qualified personnel. Growth may place an increasing strain on management, financial, product design, marketing, distribution and other resources, and we may have operating difficulties as a result. For example, in recent years, we have undertaken a number of new initiatives that require significant management attention and corporate resources, including the implementation of our retail store strategy, the development or expansion of distribution facilities on two continents, the acquisition of the Sorel and Pacific Trail brands, and the acquisition and integration of Mountain Hardwear, Inc. and the Montrail brand. This growth involves many risks and uncertainties that, if not managed effectively, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We May be Adversely Affected by Currency Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Although we generally purchase products in U.S. dollars, the cost of these products, which are generally produced overseas, may be affected by changes in the value of the relevant currencies. Price increases caused by currency exchange rate fluctuations may make our products less competitive or have an adverse effect on our margins. Our international revenues and expenses generally are derived from sales and operations in foreign currencies, and these revenues and expenses may be materially affected by currency fluctuations, including amounts recorded in foreign currencies and translated into U.S. dollars for consolidated financial reporting. Currency exchange rate fluctuations may also disrupt the business of the independent manufacturers that produce our products by making their purchases of raw materials more expensive and more difficult to finance. As a result, foreign currency fluctuations may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We May be Adversely Affected by Labor Disruptions

Our business depends on our ability to source and distribute products in a timely manner. Labor disputes at factories, shipping ports, transportation carriers, retail stores or distribution centers create significant risks for our business, particularly if these disputes result in work slowdowns, lockouts, strikes, or other disruptions during our peak manufacturing and importing seasons, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, potentially resulting in cancelled orders by customers, unanticipated inventory accumulation, and reduced revenues and earnings.

We Depend on Independent Manufacturers

Our products are produced by independent manufacturers worldwide. We do not operate or own any production facilities. Although we enter into a number of purchase order commitments each season, we generally do not maintain long-term manufacturing contracts. Because of these factors, manufacturing operations may fail to perform as expected or our competitors may obtain production or quota capacities that effectively limit or eliminate the availability of these resources to us. If a manufacturer fails to ship orders in a timely manner or to meet our standards or if we are unable to obtain necessary production or quota capacities, we may miss delivery deadlines, or incur additional costs, which may result in cancellation of orders, refusal to accept deliveries, a reduction in purchase prices, or increased costs, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business. Reliance on independent manufacturers also creates quality control risks. A failure in our quality control program may result in diminished product quality, which may result in increased order cancellations and returns, decreased consumer demand for our products, or product recalls, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Finally, if a manufacturer violates labor or other laws, or engages in practices that are not generally accepted as ethical in our key markets, we may be subject to significant negative publicity, consumer demand for our products may decrease, and under some circumstances we may be subject to liability for the manufacturer’s practices, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We Depend on Key Suppliers

Some of the materials that we use may be available from only one source or a very limited number of sources. For example, some specialty fabrics are manufactured to our specification by one source or a few sources and zippers are supplied by one manufacturer. From time to time, we have difficulty satisfying our raw material and finished goods requirements. Although we believe that we can identify and qualify additional manufacturers to produce these materials as necessary, there are no guarantees that additional manufacturers will be available. In addition, depending on the timing, any changes may result in increased costs or production delays, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our Advance Purchases of Products May Result in Excess Inventories

To minimize our purchasing costs, the time necessary to fill customer orders and the risk of non-delivery, we place orders for our products with manufacturers prior to receiving all of our customers’ orders and we maintain an inventory of various products that we anticipate will be in greater demand. In addition, customers are allowed to cancel orders prior to shipment with sufficient notice. We may not be able to sell the products we have ordered from manufacturers or that we have in our inventory. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices through discount retail channels, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We Depend on Key Personnel

Our future success will depend in part on the continued service of key personnel, particularly Timothy Boyle, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gertrude Boyle, our Chairman and widely-recognized advertising spokesperson. Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain key managers, designers, sales people and others. We face intense competition for these individuals worldwide, and there is a significant concentration of well-funded apparel and footwear competitors in and around Portland, Oregon (including NIKE, Inc. and adidas AG). We may not be able to attract qualified new employees or retain existing employees, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our Business Is Affected by Seasonality

Our results of operations are likely to continue to fluctuate significantly from period to period. Our products are marketed on a seasonal basis; our results of operations for the quarter ended September 30 in the past have been much stronger than the results for the other quarters. This seasonality, along with other factors that are beyond our control, and that are discussed elsewhere in this section, may adversely affect our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate. Our operating margins are also sensitive to a number of factors that are beyond our control, including shifts in product sales mix, geographic sales trends, and currency exchange rate fluctuations, all of which we expect to continue as we expand our product offerings and geographic penetration. Results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

We Face Risks of Product Liability and Warranty Claims

Our products are used in outdoor activities, sometimes in severe conditions. Although we have not incurred any significant expense as the result of product recalls or product liability claims, recalls or claims in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Some of our products carry warranties for defects in quality and workmanship. We maintain a warranty reserve for future warranty claims, but the actual costs of servicing future warranty claims may exceed the reserve, which may also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our Common Stock Price May Be Volatile

The price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially since our initial public offering. Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which is likely to continue to have significant price and volume fluctuations that may adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. Factors such as general market conditions, fluctuations in financial results, variances from financial market expectations, changes in earnings estimates by analysts, or announcements by us or our competitors may also cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially.

 

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Insiders Control a Majority of Our Common Stock and May Sell Shares

Three shareholders— Timothy Boyle, Gertrude Boyle and Sarah Bany— beneficially own a majority of our common stock. As a result, if acting together, they can effectively control matters requiring shareholder approval without the cooperation of other shareholders. Shares held by these three insiders are available for resale, subject to the requirements of, and the rules under, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The sale or the prospect of the sale of a substantial number of these shares may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Item 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (1)
   Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs –

July 1, 2008 to July 31, 2008

   385,842    $ 37.06    385,842    $ 25,007,000

August 1, 2008 to August 31, 2008

   510,381      39.79    510,381      4,697,000

September 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008

   5,450      40.00    5,450      4,479,000
                       

Total

   901,673    $ 38.62    901,673    $ 4,479,000

 

(1)

Since the inception of our stock repurchase plan in 2004 through September 30, 2008, our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of $400,000,000 of our common stock and we have repurchased 8,582,333 shares under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $395,521,000. The repurchase program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares or to acquire shares over any specified period of time. In October 2008, we reached the limit of the Board of Directors’ previous stock repurchase authorizations resulting in the repurchase of 8,694,657 shares at an aggregate price of $400,000,000 million since April 2004. In October 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100,000,000 of the Company’s common stock. Shares of the Company’s common stock may be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, subject to the market conditions. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares or acquire shares over any specified period of time.

Item 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

On October 31, 2008, we entered into a fourth amendment to our Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. This amendment, effective October 31, 2008, extends the maturity date of loans under the agreement to July 1, 2010. The Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement is filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q.

Item 6 – EXHIBITS

 

  (a) Exhibits

 

10.1    Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement effective October 31, 2008 between Columbia Sportswear Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Timothy P. Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Bryan L. Timm, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
32.1    Section 1350 Certification of Timothy P. Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer
32.2    Section 1350 Certification of Bryan L. Timm, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

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SIGNATURE

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.

 

    COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR COMPANY
Date: November 6, 2008     /s/ BRYAN L. TIMM
    Bryan L. Timm
    Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

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