Attached files

file filename
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - ESCALADE INCFinancial_Report.xls
EX-3.2 - EXHIBIT 3.2 - ESCALADE INCv374695_ex3-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ESCALADE INCv374695_ex32-1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ESCALADE INCv374695_ex32-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ESCALADE INCv374695_ex31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ESCALADE INCv374695_ex31-2.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 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 March 22, 2014 or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from _____ to _____

 

Commission File Number 0-6966

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Indiana

(State of incorporation)

13-2739290

(I.R.S. EIN)

 

817 Maxwell Ave, Evansville, Indiana

(Address of principal executive office)

47711

(Zip Code)

 

812-467-4449

(Registrant's Telephone Number)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company x

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨         No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class Outstanding at April 10, 2014
Common, no par value 13,796,326

 

1
 

 

INDEX

 

 

    Page No.

 

Part I.

 

Financial Information:

 

 

Item 1 -

 

Financial Statements:

 
 

 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 22, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 23, 2013

 

 

3

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013

 

 

4

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive

Income for the Three Months Ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013

 

 

4

 

 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013

 

 

5

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

6

 

Item 2 -

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

10

 

Item 3 -

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

13

 

Item 4 -

 

Controls and Procedures

 

13

 

Part II.

 

Other Information

 

 

Item 2 -

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

14

Item 5 - Other Information 15

 

Item 6 -

 

Exhibits

 

15

 

 

Signature

 

15

 

2
 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Information  March 22,
2014
   December 28,
2013
   March 23,
2013
 
   (Unaudited)   (Audited)   (Unaudited) 
ASSETS               
Current Assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents  $3,027   $2,346   $1,913 
Time deposits   1,450    1,700    1,950 
Receivables, less allowance of $1,314; $1,321; and $969; respectively   31,593    43,751    26,556 
Inventories   32,933    28,307    36,894 
Prepaid expenses   1,461    2,039    996 
Deferred income tax benefit   2,136    2,220    1,587 
Prepaid income tax   604    853    -- 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   73,204    81,216    69,896 
                
Property, plant and equipment, net   14,661    14,958    14,166 
Intangible assets   12,186    12,753    12,326 
Goodwill   13,113    13,113    12,017 
Investments   20,310    19,786    17,418 
Other assets   145    148    171 
   $133,619   $141,974   $125,994 
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY               
Current Liabilities:               
Notes payable  $13,871   $21,700   $14,672 
Current portion of long-term debt   1,569    1,563    2,546 
Trade accounts payable   4,508    2,483    5,691 
Accrued liabilities   13,651    17,933    13,099 
Income tax payable   --    --    777 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   33,599    43,679    36,785 
                
Other Liabilities:               
Long-term debt   4,551    4,946    4,620 
Deferred income tax liability   5,393    5,394    3,462 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   43,543    54,019    44,867 
                
Stockholders' Equity:               
Preferred stock:               
Authorized 1,000,000 shares; no par value, none issued               
Common stock:               
Authorized 30,000,000 shares; no par value, issued and outstanding – 13,786,966; 13,656,557; and 13,458,935; shares respectively   13,787   13,657    13,459 
Retained earnings   70,944    69,379    63,653 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   5,345    4,919    4,015 
    90,076    87,955    81,127 
   $133,619   $141,974   $125,994 

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3
 

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

   Three Months Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data  March 22, 2014   March 23, 2013 
         
Net sales  $34,074   $31,838 
           
Costs, Expenses and Other Income          
Cost of products sold   22,718    20,960 
Selling, administrative and general expenses   7,251    7,273 
Amortization   571    557 
           
Operating Income   3,534    3,048 
           
Interest expense   156    167 
Other expense (income)   (189)   38 
           
Income Before Income Taxes   3,567    2,843 
           
Provision for Income Taxes   1,316    1,219 
           
Net Income  $2,251   $1,624 
           
Earnings Per Share Data:          
Basic earnings per share  $0.16   $0.12 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.16   $0.12 
           
Dividends declared  $0.09   $0.08 
           

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

   Three Months Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Information  March 22, 2014   March 23, 2013 
         
Net income  $2,251   $1,624 
           
Foreign currency translation adjustment   425    (78)
           
Comprehensive income  $2,676   $1,546 
           

 

 

 

See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4
 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

   Three Months Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands  March 22,
2014
   March 23,
2013
 
         
Operating Activities:          
Net income  $2,251   $1,624 
Depreciation and amortization   1,147    1,065 
(Gain) Loss on disposal of property and equipment   (1)   6 
Stock-based compensation   133    130 
Adjustments necessary to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities   6,018    1,606 
Net cash provided by operating activities   9,548    4,431 
           
Investing Activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment   (279)   (181)
Purchase of short-term time deposits   -    (750)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   7    1 
Proceeds from disposal of short-term time deposits   250    -- 
Net cash used by investing activities   (22)   (930)
           
Financing Activities:          
Net decrease in notes payable   (7,828)   (1,707)
Net decrease in overdraft facility   -    (691)
Principal payments on long-term debt   (389)   (634)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   533    31 
Cash dividends paid   (1,244)   (1,084)
Director stock compensation   23    46 
Net cash used by financing activities   (8,905)   (4,039)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   60    (93)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   681    (631)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   2,346    2,544 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $3,027   $1,913 
           
Supplemental Cash Flows Information          
Dividends payable  $39   $41 
Seller note issued in purchase of real estate   -   $2,300 
           

 

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

5
 


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Presentation of Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements – The significant accounting policies followed by the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements. The consolidated condensed balance sheet of the Company as of December 28, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

 

Note B - Seasonal Aspects

 

The results of operations for the three month periods ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Note C - Inventories

 

In thousands  March 22, 2014   December 28, 2013   March 23, 2013 
             
Raw materials  $8,122   $7,308   $9,056 
Work in progress   5,174    4,151    4,842 
Finished goods   19,637    16,848    22,996 
   $32,933   $28,307   $36,894 

 

Note D – Equity Interest Investments

 

The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture, Stiga Sports AB (Stiga). The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Stiga, located in Sweden, is a global sporting goods company producing table tennis equipment and game products. Financial information for Stiga reflected in the table below has been translated from local currency to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the respective period-end for balance sheet amounts, and using average exchange rates for statement of operations amounts. Certain differences exist between U.S. GAAP and local GAAP in Sweden, and the impact of these differences is not reflected in the summarized information reflected in the table below. The most significant difference relates to the accounting for goodwill for Stiga which is amortized over eight years in Sweden but is not amortized for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes. The effect on Stiga’s net assets resulting from the amortization of goodwill for the periods ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013 are addbacks to Stiga’s consolidated financial information of $13.8 million and $11.9 million, respectively. These net differences are comprised of cumulative goodwill adjustments of $19.3 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $5.5 million as of March 22, 2014 and cumulative goodwill adjustments of $16.6 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $4.7 million as of March 23, 2013. The statement of operations impact of these goodwill and tax adjustments and other individually insignificant U.S. GAAP adjustments for the periods ended March 22, 2014, and March 23, 2013 are to increase Stiga’s net income by approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The Company’s 50% portion of net income for Stiga for the periods ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013 was $189 thousand and $69 thousand, respectively, and is included in other income (expense) on the Company’s statements of operations.

 

In addition, Escalade has a 50% interest in Neoteric Industries Inc. in Taiwan. The income and assets of Neoteric have no impact on the Company’s financial reporting. Additional information regarding Neoteric is considered immaterial and has not been included in the totals listed below.

 

6
 

 

Summarized financial information for Stiga Sports AB balance sheets as of March 22, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 23, 2013 and statements of operations for the periods ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013 is as follows:

 

In thousands  March 22, 2014   December 28, 2013   March 23, 2013 
             
Current assets  $26,775   $31,399   $23,730 
Non-current assets   9,444    8,967    8,133 
Total assets   36,219    40,366    31,863 
                
Current liabilities   5,498    10,019    6,670 
Non-current liabilities   4,991    4,893    3,990 
Total liabilities   10,489    14,912    10,660 
                
Net assets  $25,730   $25,454   $21,203 
                

 

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 22, 2014   March 23, 2013 
         
Net sales  $5,345   $4,836 
Gross profit   2,856    2,563 
Net income   93    52 

 

Note E – Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of all financial instruments recognized in the accompanying balance sheets at amounts other than fair values.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Time Deposits

 

Fair values of cash and cash equivalents and time deposits approximate cost due to the short period of time to maturity.

 

Notes Payable and Long-term Debt

 

Fair values of notes payable and long-term debt is estimated based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and determined through the use of a discounted cash flow model.

 

7
 

 

The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall in accordance with FASB ASC 825 at March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013.

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
March 22, 2014
In thousands
  Carrying Amount   Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)   Significant Other Observable Inputs  (Level 2)   Significant Unobservable Inputs  (Level 3) 
Financial assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $3,027   $3,027   $--   $-- 
Time deposits  $1,450   $1,450   $--   $-- 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
  Notes payable  $13,871   $--   $13,871   $-- 
Current portion of
Long-term debt
  $1,569   $--   $1,569   $-- 
  Long-term debt  $4,551   $--   $4,551   $-- 

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
March 23, 2013
In thousands
  Carrying Amount   Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)   Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)   Significant Unobservable Inputs  (Level 3) 
Financial assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,913   $1,913   $--   $-- 
Time deposits  $1,950   $1,950   $--   $-- 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
  Notes payable  $14,672   $--   $14,672   $-- 
Current portion of
Long-term debt
  $2,546   $--   $2,546   $-- 
  Long-term debt  $4,620   $--   $4,620   $-- 

 

The outstanding balance of the euro overdraft facility is included in Notes payable. For the periods ended March 22, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 23, 2013, the balance of the euro overdraft facility was zero, zero, and $1.8 million, respectively.

 

Note F – Stock Compensation

 

The fair value of stock-based compensation is recognized in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation.

 

During the three months ended March 22, 2014 and pursuant to the 2007 Incentive Plan, in lieu of director fees, the Company awarded to certain directors 1,982 shares of common stock. In addition, the Company awarded 25,000 stock options to directors and 50,000 restricted stock units to employees. The stock options awarded to directors vest at the end of one year and have an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant. Director stock options are subject to forfeiture, except for termination of services as a result of retirement, death or disability, if on the vesting date the director no longer holds a position with the Company. The 2014 restricted stock units awarded to employees vest over four years (one-third two years from grant date, one-third three years from grant date and one-third four years from grant date) provided that the employee is still employed by the Company and that the performance criteria related to the market price of the Company’s stock is satisfied. The criteria is for any 30 consecutive trading days on the NASDAQ Stock Market (or such other principal securities exchange on which the Company’s shares of common stock are then traded) during the period beginning on the grant date and ending on the fourth anniversary thereof, the cumulative average Volume Weighted Average Price per share is at least 15% higher than the closing price per share on the grant date plus any incremental dividends paid above the current quarterly dividend rate of $0.09 per share by the Company during such four year period. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted and utilizes the Monte Carlo technique to determine the fair value of restricted stock units granted.

 

8
 

 

For the three months ended March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013, the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $156 thousand and $176 thousand, respectively. At March 22, 2014 and March 23, 2013, respectively, there was $1.2 million and $1.2 million in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards.

 

Note G - Segment Information

 

 

   For the Three Months
Ended March 22, 2014
 
In thousands  Sporting Goods   Information Security and Print Finishing   Corp.   Total 
                 
Revenues from external customers  $27,721   $6,353   $--   $34,074 
Operating income (loss)   4,269    211    (946)   3,534 
Net income (loss)   2,619    (14)   (354)   2,251 
Total assets  $84,242   $22,629   $26,748   $133,619 

 

   For the Three Months
Ended March 23, 2013
 
In thousands  Sporting Goods   Information Security and Print Finishing   Corp.   Total 
                 
Revenues from external customers  $25,265   $6,573   $--   $31,838 
Operating income (loss)   4,225    (452)   (725)   3,048 
Net income (loss)   2,561    (617)   (320)   1,624 
Total assets  $79,527   $25,022   $21,455   $125,994 

 

Note H – Dividend Payment

 

On March 20, 2014, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per common share to all shareholders of record on March 13, 2014. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $1.2 million and was charged against retained earnings.

9
 

 

Note I - Earnings Per Share

 

The shares used in computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended 
In thousands  March 22, 2014   March 23, 2013 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding   13,686    13,447 
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units   255    157 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution   13,941    13,604 

 

Stock options that are anti-dilutive as to earnings per share and unvested restricted stock units which have a market condition for vesting that has not been achieved are ignored in the computation of dilutive earnings per share. The number of stock options and restricted stock units that were excluded in 2014 and 2013 were 75,000 and 559,250, respectively.

 

Note J – New Accounting Standards

 

With the exception of that discussed below, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the three months ended March 22, 2014, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, that are of significance, or potential significance to the Company.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which clarifies the presentation requirements of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Note K – Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not believe that the disposition or ultimate resolution of existing claims or lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Company.

 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, new product development, Escalade’s ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and business, the continuation and development of key customer and supplier relationships, Escalade’s ability to control costs, general economic conditions, fluctuation in operating results, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the securities market, Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

 

Overview

 

Escalade, Incorporated (Escalade, the Company, we, us or our) manufactures and distributes products for two industries: Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing. The Sporting Goods segment competes in a variety of categories including indoor recreational games, sports training and archery. Strong brands and on-going product innovation provide diversity for our customer base and adds value to consumers. Information Security and Print Finishing has increasingly focused its strategy on high security data destruction and post-printing document preparation.

 

10
 

 

Within these industries the Company has successfully built a robust market presence in several niche markets. This strategy is heavily dependent on expanding our customer base, barriers to entry, strong brands, excellent customer service and a commitment to innovation. A key strategic advantage is the Company’s established relationships with major customers that allow the Company to bring new products to market in a cost effective manner while maintaining a diversified portfolio of products to meet the demands of consumers. In addition to strategic customer relations, the Company has substantial manufacturing and import experience that enable it to be a low cost supplier.

 

A majority of the Company's products are in markets that are currently experiencing low growth rates. Where the Company enjoys a commanding market position, such as table tennis tables in the Sporting Goods segment and paper folding machines in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment, revenue growth is expected to be roughly equal to general macro-economic consumer trends. However, in markets that are fragmented and where the Company is not the dominant leader, such as archery in the Sporting Goods segment, the Company anticipates growth.

 

To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has a strategy of promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In addition, the Company has embarked on a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company's existing product lines or provide expansion into new or emerging categories, particularly in its Sporting Goods segment. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry that the Company can take to market through its established distribution channels or through new market channels. Significant synergies are achieved through assimilation of acquired product lines into the existing company structure. The Company also sometimes divests or discontinues certain operations, assets, and products that do not perform to the Company's expectations or no longer fit with the Company's strategic objectives.

 

The Company is currently facing weak demand and increased competition in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment. The operational focus for this segment continues to be expanding its Information Security product and service offerings to assist businesses and governments with their document and information high security needs to secure sensitive customer, employee and business information and to comply with new information privacy laws, rules and regulations. The Company continues to extend the capabilities of its line of shredders to include not only the secure destruction of paper but also the secure destruction and/or de-commissioning of other forms of electronic storage media. The Company also continues to monitor the profitability and explore the overall strategic fit of its Information Security and Print Finishing segment with its overall objectives, product and service offerings.

 

Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of these strategies are revenue growth, earnings growth, new product introductions, and the expansion of channels of distribution.

 

Results of Operations

 

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2014 were 7% higher compared to the same quarter last year. Operating income for the quarter was $3.5 million compared with $3.0 million in the same quarter last year, an increase of 16%. The increase in operating profits is primarily a result of decreased expenses in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment.

 

The following schedule sets forth certain consolidated statement of operations data as a percentage of net revenue:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 22, 2014   March 23, 2013 
Net revenue   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of products sold   66.7%   65.8%
Gross margin   33.3%   34.2%
Selling, administrative and general expenses   21.3%   22.9%
Amortization   1.7%   1.7%
Operating income   10.3%   9.6%

 

11
 

 

Consolidated Revenue and Gross Margin

 

Revenues from the Sporting Goods business were up 9.7% for the first quarter of 2014 compared with the same quarter last year. The Company attributes sales increases to new product development, brand marketing and product expansion which have increased consumer demand for our products. Management expects continued growth in the Sporting Goods segment through the remainder of the year; although at a lower growth rate in certain categories than in prior years.

 

Revenues from the Information Security and Print Finishing business decreased 3.3% for the first quarter of 2014 compared with the same quarter last year. Excluding the effects of changes in the currency exchange rates, revenues decreased 3.1% for the quarter. Declines in revenues were expected as the Company consolidates product offerings and concentrates focus on profitable markets.

 

The overall gross margin ratio for the first quarter of 2014 was 33.3% compared to 34.2% for the same quarter last year. Gross margins in the Sporting Goods segment decreased to 32.5% for the first quarter of 2014 compared with 33.9% for the same quarter last year due mainly to product mix. Gross margins for the Information Security and Print Finishing segment increased to 36.9% for the first quarter of 2014 compared with 35.3% for the same quarter last year partially resulting from cost cutting measures enacted in the prior year.

 

Consolidated Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Consolidated selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) costs decreased as a percent of net sales to 21.3% for the first quarter of 2014, which is lower than the 22.9% experienced in the same quarter last year. A portion of this decrease in expense relates to cost cutting measures implemented in the prior year the Information Security and Print Finishing segment. However, the Company will continue to focus on strategic investments in product development and brand marketing throughout the year.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2014 was 36.9% compared to 42.9% for the same quarter last year. The Company experienced a reduction in losses in certain foreign taxing jurisdictions in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013. Losses in these foreign taxing jurisdictions do not offset gains in other foreign taxing jurisdictions which negatively affected the effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2013.

 

Financial Condition and Liquidity

 

Total debt at the end of the first three months of 2014 was $20.0 million, a reduction of $8.2 million from December 28, 2013. Cash generated from the decreases in account receivables of $12.2 million from December 28, 2013 were used to reduce debt and pay dividends which resulted in the net decrease in notes payable. The following schedule summarizes the Company’s total debt:

 

In thousands  March 22,
2014
   December 28,
2013
   March 23,
2013
 
             
Notes payable short-term  $13,871   $21,700   $12,911 
Current portion long-term debt   1,569    1,563    2,546 
Bank overdraft facility   --    --    1,761 
Long term debt   4,551    4,946    4,620 
Total  $19,991   $28,209   $21,838 

 

As a percentage of stockholders’ equity, total debt was 22%, 32% and 27% at March 22, 2014, December 28, 2013, and March 23, 2013 respectively.

 

The Company funds working capital requirements through operating cash flows and revolving credit agreements with its bank. Based on working capital requirements, the Company expects to have access to adequate levels of revolving credit to meet growth needs.

 

 

12
 

 

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company attempts to minimize these risks through regular operating and financing activities and, when considered appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. During the quarter there were no derivatives in use. The Company does not purchase, hold or sell derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rates
The Company’s exposure to market-rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its revolving variable rate bank debt which is based on LIBOR interest rates and its overdraft facility which is based on EURIBOR interest rates. A hypothetical 1% or 100 basis point change in interest rates would not have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

 

Foreign Currency
The Company conducts business in various countries around the world and is therefore subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. This revenue is generated from the operations of the Company’s subsidiaries in their respective countries and surrounding geographic areas and is primarily denominated in each subsidiary’s local functional currency. These subsidiaries incur most of their expenses (other than inter-company expenses) in their local functional currency and include the Euro, Great Britain Pound Sterling, Mexican Peso, Chinese Yuan, Swedish Krona and South African Rand.

 

The geographic areas outside the United States in which the Company operates are generally not considered by management to be highly inflationary. Nonetheless, the Company’s foreign operations are sensitive to fluctuations in currency exchange rates arising from, among other things, certain inter-company transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the respective functional currency. Operating results as well as assets and liabilities are also subject to the effect of foreign currency translation when the operating results, assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in our consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries conduct substantially all their business in their respective functional currencies to avoid the effects of cross-border transactions. To protect against reductions in value and the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in currency exchange rates, the Company carefully considers the use of transaction and balance sheet hedging programs such as matching assets and liabilities in the same currency. Such programs reduce, but do not entirely eliminate the impact of currency exchange rate changes. The Company has evaluated the use of currency exchange hedging financial instruments but has determined that it would not use such instruments under the current circumstances. Changes in currency exchange rates may be volatile and could affect the Company’s performance.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Escalade maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based closely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-14(c). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and Management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, the Company has investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As the Company does not control or manage these entities, its disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are necessarily substantially more limited than those it maintains with respect to its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

13
 

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the first quarter of 2014.

 

There have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred since the beginning of the Company’s first quarter of 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

None.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

Period  (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased   (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)   (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs  (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Shares purchases prior to 12/29/2013 under the current repurchase program.   982,916   $8.84   982,916  $2,273,939
First quarter purchases:                
12/29/2013–01/25/2014   None    None   No Change  No Change
01/26/2014-02/22/2014   None    None   No Change  No Change
02/23/2014-03/22/2014   None     None   No Change  No Change
Total share purchases under the current program   982,916   $8.84   982,916  $2,273,939

 

The Company has one stock repurchase program which was established in February 2003 by the Board of Directors and which initially authorized management to expend up to $3,000,000 to repurchase shares on the open market as well as in private negotiated transactions. In each of February 2005 and 2006, August 2007 and February 2008 the Board of Directors increased the remaining balance on this plan to its original level of $3,000,000. The repurchase plan has no termination date and there have been no share repurchases that were not part of a publicly announced program.

 

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

14
 

 

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted amendments to Article III, Section 1 “Election and Term” of its Amended By-Laws. The Board has elected that the classes and terms of office of the Company’s Board of Directors shall not be governed by Indiana Code Section 23-1-33-6(c), a provision of the Indiana Business Corporation Law that would, absent this election by the Company’s Board of Directors, require the Company to maintain a classified board of directors. This amendment to the Company’s Amended By-Laws is effective as of July 29, 2009. The Board further amended Article III, Section 1 to implement the annual election of directors commencing at the annual meeting of shareholders that is held in calendar year 2015. A copy of the Amended By-Laws, as amended, is filed as Exhibit 3.2 with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

Number  Description
3.1  Articles of Incorporation of Escalade, Incorporated.  Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2007 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q.
3.2  Amended By-Laws of Escalade, Incorporated, as amended April 22, 2014.
31.1  Chief Executive Officer Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
31.2  Chief Financial Officer Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
32.1  Chief Executive Officer Section 1350 Certification.
32.2  Chief Financial Officer Section 1350 Certification.

 

 

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.

 

 

  ESCALADE, INCORPORATED
   
   
Date: April 22, 2014 /s/ Deborah Meinert
 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(On behalf of the registrant and in her

capacities as Principal Financial Officer

and Principal Accounting Officer)

     
     

  

15