Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (the “Company”) is a leading designer, marketer and licensor of a broad range of quality casual footwear and apparel; performance outdoor and athletic footwear and apparel; kids’ footwear; industrial work shoes, boots and apparel; and uniform shoes and boots. The Company’s portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes: Bates®, Cat®, Chaco®, Harley-Davidson®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Keds®, Merrell®, Saucony®, Sperry®, Stride Rite®, Sweaty Betty® and Wolverine®. The Company’s products are marketed worldwide through owned operations, through licensing and distribution arrangements with third parties, and through joint ventures. The Company also operates retail stores and eCommerce sites to market both its own brands and branded footwear and apparel from other manufacturers, and has a leathers division that markets Wolverine Performance Leathers™.

On June 30, 2022, the Company sold the Champion trademarks for footwear in the United States and Canada to HanesBrand Inc. for $90.0 million in cash. The Company recorded a gain of $90.0 million associated with the transaction.

On August 2, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Lady of Leisure InvestCo Limited (the “Acquired Company”) for $417.4 million, net of acquired cash of $7.4 million. The Acquired Company owns the Sweaty Betty® brand and activewear business, a premium women’s activewear brand. See Note 19 for further discussion.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) and any variable interest entities for which we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company announced changes to its reportable segments as a result of changes in how its Chief Operating Decision Maker, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, allocates resources to and assess performance of the Company's operating segments. All prior period disclosures have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the new reportable segments.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31. Fiscal years 2022 and 2021 each had 52 weeks, and fiscal year 2020 had 53 weeks.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The Company identifies the performance obligation in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations and recognizes revenue upon completion of the performance obligation.

Control of the Company's goods and services, and associated revenue, are transferred to customers at a point in time. The Company’s contract revenue consists of wholesale revenue and direct-to-consumer revenue. Wholesale revenue is recognized for products sourced by the Company when control transfers to the customer generally occurring upon the shipment or delivery of branded products to the customer. Direct-to-consumer includes eCommerce revenue that is recognized for products sourced by the Company when control transfers to the customer once the related goods have been shipped and retail store revenue is recognized at time of sale. The shipment of goods, or point of purchase for retail store sales, was evaluated to best represent when control transfers based on the Company’s right of payment for the goods, the customer’s legal title to the asset, the transfer of physical possession and the customer having the risks and rewards of the goods.

Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Shipping and handling costs that are charged to and reimbursed by a customer are recognized as revenue, while the related expenses incurred by the Company are recorded as cost of goods sold. The Company has elected the practical expedient to treat shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the goods transfers to the customer as fulfillment activities.

Payment terms for the Company's revenue vary by sales channel. Standard credit terms apply to the Company's wholesale receivables, while payment is rendered at the time of sale within the direct-to-consumer channel. The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable (contract assets), and customer advances (contract liabilities) on the consolidated balance sheets. Generally, billing occurs commensurate to revenue recognition resulting in contract assets. See Note 6 for additional information.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold includes the actual product costs, including inbound freight charges and certain outbound freight charges, purchasing, sourcing, inspection and receiving costs. Warehousing costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except for certain materials that are expensed the first time that the advertising takes place. Advertising expenses were $220.7 million, $195.4 million and $135.6 million for fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Prepaid advertising totaled $2.7 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting, and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method. Under the guidance in ASC 260, the Company’s unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and must be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable that represents estimated losses resulting from its customers’ failure to make required payments. Company management evaluates the allowance for credit losses based on a review of current customer status and historical collection experience along with current and reasonable supportable forecasts of future economic conditions.

Inventories

Inventories

The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the LIFO method for certain domestic finished product inventories. Cost is determined using the FIFO method for all raw materials, work-in-process and finished product inventories in foreign countries and certain domestic finished product inventories. The average cost of inventory is used for finished product inventories of the Company’s direct-to-consumer business and Sweaty Betty® inventory. The Company has applied these inventory cost valuation methods consistently from year to year.

The Company reduces the carrying value of its inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value for excess or obsolete inventories based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If the Company were to determine that the estimated realizable value of its inventory is less than the carrying value of such inventory, the Company would provide a reserve for such difference as a charge to cost of sales. If actual market conditions are different from those projected, adjustments to those inventory reserves may be required. The adjustments would increase or decrease the Company’s cost of sales and net income in the period in which they were realized or recorded. Inventory quantities are verified at various times throughout the year by performing physical inventory counts and subsequently comparing those results to perpetual inventory balances. If the Company determines that adjustments to the inventory quantities are appropriate, an adjustment to the Company’s cost of goods sold and inventory is recorded in the period in which such determination was made.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and EquipmentProperty, plant and equipment are stated on the basis of cost and include expenditures for buildings, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, material handling systems, equipment and computer hardware and software. Normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight-line method. The depreciable lives range from 14 to 20 years for buildings, from 5 to 15 years for leasehold improvements, from 3 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and from 3 to 5 years for software.

Lessee

Leases

The Company’s leases consist primarily of corporate offices, retail stores, distribution centers, showrooms, vehicles and office equipment. The Company leases assets in the normal course of business to meet its current and future needs while providing flexibility to its operations. The Company enters into contracts with third parties to lease specifically identified assets. Most of the Company’s leases have contractually specified renewal periods. Most retail store leases have early termination clauses that the Company can elect if stipulated sales amounts are not achieved. The Company determines the lease term for each lease based on the terms of each contract and factors in renewal and early termination options if such options are reasonably certain to be exercised.

Separation of Lease and Nonlease Components

Under FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases, the Company has elected the practical expedient to account for lease components and nonlease components associated with individual leases as a single lease component for all of its leases. In addition, the Company has elected to account for multiple lease components as a single lease component.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third-party costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing that result in a closing of such financings for the Company. Deferred financing costs related to fixed term borrowings are recorded as a reduction of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheet. Deferred financing costs related to revolving credit facilities are recorded as an other noncurrent asset in the consolidated balance sheet. These costs are amortized into earnings through interest expense over the terms of the respective agreements.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value by establishing criteria for designation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Refer to Note 11 for further discussion regarding the Company's derivative arrangements and derivative accounting.

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments where the Company owns a non-controlling interest, but exercises significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company's original cost of investment is adjusted for the Company's share of equity in the earnings of the equity investee.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Indefinite-lived intangibles include trademarks and trade names. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to impairment tests at least annually. The Company reviews the carrying

amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by reporting unit at least annually, or when indicators of impairment are present, to determine if such assets may be impaired. The Company includes assumptions such as a discount rate and expected future operating performance, which includes forecasted revenue growth, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margin and cost of capital, which are derived from internal projections and operating plans, as part of a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate fair value. If the carrying value of these assets is not recoverable, based on the discounted cash flow analysis, management compares the fair value of the assets to the carrying value. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are considered impaired if the recorded value exceeds the fair value.

The Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset are less than their carrying value. The Company would not be required to quantitatively determine the fair value unless the Company determines, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than the carrying value.

The Company performs its annual testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment at the beginning of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year for all reporting units. See Note 4 for information related to the results of the Company's annual test.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group may not be recoverable. Each impairment test is based on a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment amount to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which provides a consistent definition of fair value, focuses on exit price, prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs for measuring fair value and establishes a three-tier hierarchy for fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1:	Fair value is measured using quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2:	Fair value is measured using either direct or indirect inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for similar assets or liabilities.
Level 3:	Fair value is measured using valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

Environmental Cost, Expense Policy [Policy Text Block]

Environmental

The Company establishes a reserve for estimated environmental remediation costs based upon the evaluation of currently-available facts with respect to each individual affected site. The costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when they are probable and reasonably estimable, generally no later than the completion of feasibility studies, the Company’s commitment to a plan of action, or approval by regulatory agencies. Liabilities for estimated costs of environmental remediation are based primarily upon third-party environmental studies, other internal analysis and the extent of the contamination and the nature of required remedial actions at each site. The Company records adjustments to the estimated costs if there are changes in the scope of the required remediation activity, extent of contamination, governmental regulations or remediation technologies. Environmental costs relating to existing conditions caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenues are expensed as incurred.

Assets related to potential recoveries from other responsible parties are recognized when a definitive agreement is reached and collection of cash is realizable. Recoveries of covered losses under insurance policies are recognized only when realization of the claim is deemed probable.

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims related to the environmental matters described in Note 17. The Company routinely assesses the legal and factual circumstances of each matter and the likelihood of any adverse outcomes in these matters, as well as ranges of possible losses. Assessments of lawsuits and claims can involve a series of complex judgments about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. The Company accrues an estimated liability for legal proceeding claims that are both probable and estimable and reserves may change in future periods due to new developments in each matter. For further discussion, refer to Note 17.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits

The determination of the obligation and expense for retirement benefits is dependent on the selection of certain actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include, among others, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates and rates of increase in compensation. These assumptions are reviewed with the Company’s actuaries and updated annually based on relevant external and internal factors and information, including, but not limited to, long-term expected asset returns, rates of termination, regulatory requirements and plan changes. See Note 13 for additional information. The Company has elected to measure its defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of December 31 of each year, regardless of the Company's actual fiscal year end date, which is the Saturday nearest to December 31.

Share-based Payment Arrangement

Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The Company generally grants restricted stock or units (“Restricted Awards”), performance-based restricted stock or units (“Performance Awards”) and stock options under its stock-based compensation plans. All stock-based awards are accounted for based on their respective grant date fair values. Compensation cost for all awards expected to vest is recognized over the vesting period, including accelerated recognition for retirement-eligible employees.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on the geographic dispersion of the earnings reported in the consolidated financial statements. A deferred income tax asset or liability is determined by applying currently-enacted tax laws and rates to the cumulative temporary differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event the Company determines it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future, the valuation allowance adjustment to the deferred tax assets will be charged to earnings in the period in which the Company makes such a determination. The Company includes Global Intangible Low Tax Income ("GILTI") as a current period tax expense when incurred.

The Company records an increase in liabilities for income tax accruals associated with tax benefits claimed on tax returns but not recognized for financial statement purposes (unrecognized tax benefits). In determining whether an uncertain tax position exists, the Company determines, based solely on its technical merits, whether the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, and if so, a tax benefit is measured on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon the ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits through interest expense and income tax expense, respectively.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

For most of the Company’s international subsidiaries, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the year-end exchange rate. Operating statement amounts are translated at average exchange rates for each period. The cumulative translation adjustments resulting from changes in exchange rates are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations and were not material for fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Acquisitions

Business Combination

The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that once control is obtained, the consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of an acquired business starting from the acquisition date.

All assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired business to the fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with any excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration, if any, is included in the purchase price and is recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date. During the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date, adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed may be recorded, with the corresponding offset to goodwill.

The determination of fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities requires estimates and the use of valuation techniques and requires management to make judgments that may involve the use of significant estimates. For intangible assets acquired in a business combination, the Company typically uses the income method. Significant estimates used in valuing certain intangible

assets include, but are not limited to, the amount and timing of future cash flows, growth rates and discount rates, among other items. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used, the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements may be exposed to potential impairment of the intangible assets and goodwill as discussed in the "Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles" accounting policy.