The Company makes available, free of charge, copies of its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A and all amendments to those reports upon written or telephone request. Investors can also access these reports through the Company’s website, www.weycogroup.com, as soon as reasonably practical after the Company files or furnishes those reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The contents of the Company’s website are not incorporated by reference and are not a part of this filing. Also available on the Company’s website are various documents relating to the corporate governance of the Company, including its Code of Business Ethics.
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
There are various factors that affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The following is a description of some of the material factors that might materially and adversely affect the Company’s reputations, business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risk factors related to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases
The Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition have been, and are expected to continue to be adversely affected by the effects of widespread public health epidemics, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that are beyond its control.
Outbreaks of infectious diseases, public health epidemics and other adverse public health developments in countries where the Company, its customers and its suppliers operate have, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely impacted, and is expected to continue to adversely affect, the Company’s business. The nature and extent of the impact, including the effects on the global economy, are highly uncertain and beyond the Company’s control. Uncertain factors relating to the COVID-19 pandemic include the duration, spread and severity of the virus, as well as the effectiveness of vaccines, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s customers, vendors and suppliers, including any future bankruptcies of such parties. In addition, other factors include the actions, or perception of actions that may be taken, to contain or treat its impact, including declarations of states of emergency, business closures, manufacturing restrictions and a prolonged period of travel, commercial and/or other similar restrictions and limitations, including stay-at-home and similar orders.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures designed to contain its spread, the Company’s sales have been, and are expected to continue to be, negatively impacted as a result of disruption in demand and changes in customer purchasing behaviors, as well as reduced foot traffic, which have had, and are expected to continue to have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to the economic impact of the pandemic, collection of accounts receivable has slowed, and the Company expects that trend to continue into 2021. The Company wrote off a net $4.3 million of receivables during 2020 due to bankruptcy filings by two large customers. While the Company endeavors to actively manage receivables to secure payments and mitigate risk, and also monitors the financial health of its other customers, due to the pandemic or its related impact, additional customers could be in financial distress, which could cause the Company to experience other write-downs. The Company has reduced operating expenses where appropriate and continues to scrutinize its costs in light of decreased demand.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company and macroeconomic conditions, the Company conducted impairment assessments of its goodwill and trademarks at each quarterly interim period in 2020, and again at December 31, 2020. While the results did not indicate that such assets were impaired, if the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have adverse effects on the Company and the global economy for an extended period, the Company could recognize impairment in a future period. There have been some disruptions in the Company’s supply chain as a result of the pandemic however, the Company’s distribution center and supply chain are currently fully operational. Additional disruptions may occur in the Company’s supply chain as a result of facility closures, worker absenteeism, quarantines or other travel or health-related restrictions, which could delay the production of its products. The duration of the disruption to the Company’s customers and to its supply chain, and related financial impact, cannot be estimated at this time. Should such disruption continue for an extended period of time, the impact could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risk factors related to our business and industry
Decreases in disposable income and general market volatility in the U.S. and global economy may adversely affect the Company.
Spending patterns in the footwear market, particularly those in the moderate-priced market in which a majority of the Company’s products compete, have historically been correlated with consumers’ disposable income. As a result, the success of the Company is affected by changes in general economic conditions, especially in the United States. Factors affecting discretionary income for the moderate consumer include, among others, general business conditions, gas and energy costs, employment rates, consumer confidence, interest rates and taxation. Additionally, the economy and consumer behavior generally impact the financial strength and buying patterns of retailers, which can also affect the Company’s results. Volatile, unstable or weak economic conditions, or a worsening of conditions, could adversely affect the Company’s sales volume and overall performance.