ESCA 10-Q Quarterly Report Oct. 1, 2011 | Alphaminr
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ESCA 10-Q Quarter ended Oct. 1, 2011

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ESCALADE INC
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10-Q 1 escalade_3q11.htm FORM 10-Q Unassociated Document
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 quarter ended October 1, 2011 or

o 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
13-2739290
(State of incorporation)
(I.R.S. EIN)
817 Maxwell Ave, Evansville, Indiana
47711
(Address of principal executive office)
(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 o

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 o

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company x
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12 b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o 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 October 24, 2011
Common, no par value
12,883,948
INDEX

Page No.
3
4
4
5
6
11
15
16
17
17
18

2


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
(All amounts in thousands, except share information)

October 1,
2011
December 25,
2010
October 2,
2010
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 4,433 $ 1,536 $ 2,370
Time deposits
1,200 1,250 1,500
Receivables, less allowance of $920; $1,204; and $1,469; respectively
23,728 25,458 23,726
Inventories
35,911 22,888 25,684
Prepaid expenses
1,545 1,160 1,783
Deferred income tax benefit
1,273 1,502 246
Income tax receivable
— 1,216 —
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
68,090 55,010 55,309
Property, plant and equipment, net
13,879 19,844 19,929
Intangible assets
14,560 15,678 16,020
Goodwill
25,646 25,397 25,788
Investments
12,911 11,624 10,346
Deferred income tax benefit
— — 145
$ 135,086 $ 127,553 $ 127,537
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Notes payable
$ 18,129 $ 11,053 $ 13,829
Current portion of long-term debt
2,000 2,000 2,000
Trade accounts payable
4,913 3,751 3,229
Accrued liabilities
14,763 14,074 12,928
Income tax payable
651 — 987
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
40,456 30,878 32,973
Other Liabilities:
Long-term debt
5,500 7,500 7,500
Deferred income tax liability
2,208 2,145 —
TOTAL LIABILITIES
48,164 40,523 40,473
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 – 12,876,806; 12,780,372; and 12,762,422; shares respectively
12,877 12,780 12,762
Retained earnings
69,951 70,329 69,365
Accumulated other comprehensive income
4,094 3,921 4,937
86,922 87,030 87,064
$ 135,086 $ 127,553 $ 127,537
See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

3


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
(All amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
Net sales
$ 28,734 $ 28,565 $ 97,582 $ 89,471
Costs, expenses and other income:
Cost of products sold
20,428 19,369 66,344 59,813
Selling, general and administrative expenses
8,725 6,469 26,064 21,398
Amortization
436 368 1,245 1,042
Operating income (loss)
(855 ) 2,359 3,929 7,218
Interest expense, net
(117 ) (223 ) (529 ) (1,005 )
Other income
1,065 275 1,700 586
Income before income taxes
93 2,411 5,100 6,799
Provision for income tax
473 1,239 2,792 2,963
Net income (loss)
$ (380 ) $ 1,172 $ 2,308 $ 3,836
Per share data:
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$ (0.03 ) $ 0.09 $ 0.18 $ 0.30
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$ (0.03 ) $ 0.09 $ 0.17 $ 0.29
Cash dividend paid
$ 0.25 — $ 0.25 —


Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
Net income (loss)
$ (380 ) $ 1,172 $ 2,308 $ 3,836
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(2,053 ) 2,382 173 171
Comprehensive income (loss)
$ (2,433 ) $ 3,554 $ 2,481 $ 4,007

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
4
ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
(All amounts in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
Operating Activities:
Net income
$ 2,308 $ 3,836
Depreciation and amortization
5,652 3,437
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
(345 ) (4 )
Stock-based compensation
310 128
Adjustments necessary to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
(8,969 ) (2,365 )
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
(1,044 ) 5,032
Investing Activities:
Purchase of property and equipment
(1,404 ) (1,047 )
Purchase of short-term time deposits
— (750 )
Proceeds from sale of short-term time deposits
50 —
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
3,418 4
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
2,064 (1,793 )
Financing Activities:
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable
7,076 (3,816 )
Principal payments on long-term debt
(2,000 ) (500 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
125 49
Stock option forfeiture
— (22 )
Cash dividend paid
(3,232 ) —
Director stock compensation
209 139
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
2,178 (4,150 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(301 ) 242
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2,897 (669 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
1,536 3,039
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 4,433 $ 2,370
See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
5
ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES


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 25, 2010 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 accounting principles generally accepted 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 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Note B – Change in Accounting Estimate

In the third quarter of 2011, Company management finalized plans to replace the Oracle ERP system at its last remaining site and expects to have the replacement ERP system installed at that location by year-end. As a result, the Company reduced the remaining economic life of the Oracle ERP asset to six months. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 250-10-50-4, this change of estimated useful life is deemed as a change in accounting estimate and has been accounted for prospectively, effective August 11, 2011. The effect of this change in estimate was to decrease net income approximately $1.4 million and decrease basic and diluted earnings per share by $0.11 for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2011.

Note C – Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.

Note D – Seasonal Aspects

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Note E – Inventories
In thousands
October 1,
2011
December 25,
2010
October 2,
2010
Raw materials
$ 10,277 $ 5,973 $ 6,525
Work in progress
4,733 2,497 3,224
Finished goods
20,901 14,418 15,935
$ 35,911 $ 22,888 $ 25,684

6

Note F – 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 October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 are addbacks to Stiga’s consolidated financial information of $8.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively. These net differences are comprised of cumulative goodwill adjustments of $12.4 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $3.5 million as of October 1, 2011 and cumulative goodwill adjustments of $10.1 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $2.9 million as of October 2, 2010. The statement of operations impact of these goodwill and tax adjustments and other individually insignificant U.S. GAAP adjustments for the periods ended October 1, 2011, and October 2, 2010 are to increase Stiga’s net income by approximately $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The Company’s 50% portion of net income for Stiga for the periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 was $1.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and is included in other income on the Company’s statement of operations.

In addition, Escalade has a 50% interest in two joint ventures, Escalade International, Ltd. in the United Kingdom, and Neoteric Industries Inc. in Taiwan. Escalade International Ltd. is a sporting goods wholesaler, specializing in fitness equipment. The Company’s 50% portion of net income for Escalade International for the periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 was $58 thousand and $55 thousand, respectively, and is included in other income on the Company’s statement of operations. The income and assets of Neoteric have no impact on the Company’s financial reporting. Additional information regarding these entities is considered immaterial and has not been included in the totals listed below.

Summarized financial information for Stiga Sports AB balance sheets as of October 1, 2011, December 25, 2010, and October 2, 2010 and statements of operations for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 is as follows:

In thousands
October 1,
2011
December 25,
2010
October 2,
2010
Current assets
$ 22,337 $ 19,384 $ 14,285
Non-current assets
10,108 11,338 11,505
Total assets
32,445 30,722 25,790
Current liabilities
11,243 9,599 8,485
Non-current liabilities
7,463 8,918 7,280
Total liabilities
18,706 18,517 15,765
Net assets
$ 13,739 $ 12,205 $ 10,025

7

Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
October 1,
2011
October 2,
2010
October 1,
2011
October 2,
2010
Net sales
$ 12,169 $ 6,487 $ 25,787 $ 15,860
Gross profit
6,086 3,089 13,660 7,644
Net income (loss)
2,227 356 2,272 (292 )

Note G – Notes Payable

On April 14, 2011, the Company entered into the Seventh Amendment to its Credit Agreement with its issuing bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Chase). The Seventh Amendment amends the Credit Agreement originally dated as of April 30, 2009, and as amended had a maturity date of May 31, 2012. The Seventh Amendment now makes available to the Company a senior revolving credit facility in the maximum principal amount of up to $22 million with a maturity date of July 31, 2013 and a term loan in the principal amount of $8.5 million with a maturity date of May 31, 2015. The term loan agreement requires the Company to make repayment of the principal balance in equal installments of $0.5 million per quarter beginning in September 2010. A portion of the credit facility not in excess of $5 million is available for the issuance of commercial or standby letters of credit to be issued by Chase. The Credit Agreement Amendment also provides a two (2) million euro overdraft facility.

Note H – Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was computed based on financial statement income. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, the Company has recorded the following changes in uncertain tax positions:
Nine Months Ended
In thousands
October 1,
2011
October 2,
2010
Beginning balance
$ 220 $ 536
Additions for current year tax positions
— —
Additions for prior year tax positions
— —
Settlements
— (262 )
Reductions for prior year tax positions
(128 ) (25 )
Ending balance
$ 92 $ 249
Note I – 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

The Company believes the carrying value of both short-term and long-term debt adequately reflects the fair value of these instruments.
8
The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC 820 at October 1, 2011, December 25, 2010, and October 2, 2010.
October 1, 2011
December 25, 2010
October 2, 2010
In thousands
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 4,433 $ 4,433 $ 1,536 $ 1,536 $ 2,370 $ 2,370
Time deposits
1,200 1,200 1,250 1,250 1,500 1,500
Financial liabilities
Note payable and Short-term debt
18,129 18,129 11,053 11,053 13,829 13,829
Current portion of Long-term debt
2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Long-term debt
5,500 5,500 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500
The outstanding balance of the euro overdraft facility is included in Notes payable and Short-term debt. For the periods ended October 1, 2011, December 25, 2010, and October 2, 2010, the balance of the euro overdraft facility was $2.3 million, $1.6 million, and $2.0 million, respectively.

Note J – Stock Compensation

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

During the nine months ended October 1, 2011 and pursuant to the 2007 Incentive Plan, in lieu of director fees payable in cash, the Company awarded to certain directors 19,823 shares of common stock. In addition, the Company awarded 37,500 stock options to directors and 200,000 stock options 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 2011 stock options awarded to employees have a graded vesting of 25% per year over four years and are subject to forfeiture if on the vesting date the employee is no longer employed. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted.

For the three months and nine months ended October 1, 2011, the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $163 thousand and $519 thousand, respectively, compared to stock based compensation expense of $50 thousand and $267 thousand for the same periods last year. At October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively, there was $1.0 million and $0.6 million in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards.
9
Note K- Segment Information
As of and for the Three Months
Ended October 1, 2011
In thousands
Sporting Goods
Information Security and Print Finishing
Corp.
Total
Revenues from external customers
$ 20,180 $ 8,554 $ — $ 28,734
Operating income (loss)
2,164 (40 ) (2,979 ) (855 )
Net income (loss)
1,010 (207 ) (1,183 ) (380 )

As of and for the Nine Months
Ended October 1, 2011
In thousands
Sporting Goods
Information Security and Print Finishing
Corp.
Total
Revenues from external customers
$ 69,110 $ 28,472 $ — $ 97,582
Operating income (loss)
8,487 228 (4,786 ) 3,929
Net income (loss)
4,612 (580 ) (1,724 ) 2,308
Total assets
$ 74,065 $ 41,923 $ 19,098 $ 135,086
As of and for the Three Months
Ended October 2, 2010
In thousands
Sporting Goods
Information Security and Print Finishing
Corp.
Total
Revenues from external customers
$ 20,727 $ 7,838 $ — $ 28,565
Operating income (loss)
2,979 187 (807 ) 2,359
Net income (loss)
1,656 (132 ) (352 ) 1,172
As of and for the Nine Months
Ended October 2, 2010
In thousands
Sporting Goods
Information Security and Print Finishing
Corp.
Total
Revenues from external customers
$ 63,255 $ 26,216 $ — $ 89,471
Operating income (loss)
9,501 842 (3,125 ) 7,218
Net income (loss)
4,888 49 (1,101 ) 3,836
Total assets
$ 69,105 $ 39,350 $ 19,082 $ 127,537
Note L – Dividend Payment
On September 2, 2011, the Company paid a dividend of $0.25 per common share to all shareholders of record on August 25, 2011. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $3.2 million and was charged against retained earnings.
10
Note M- 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
Nine Months Ended
All amounts in thousands
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
October 1, 2011
October 2, 2010
Weighted average common shares outstanding
12,871 12,740 12,838 12,712
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units
543 569 565 484
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution
13,414 13,309 13,403 13,196

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 2011 and 2010 were 247,024 and 484,649, respectively.

Note N – New Accounting Standards

With the exception of those discussed below, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended October 1, 2011, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2010, that are of significance, or potential significance to the Company.

In June 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance in this update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and thus is effective for the Company’s first quarter reporting in 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011 FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment , to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The guidance in this update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and thus is effective for the Company’s first quarter reporting in 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note O – 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 results of operations 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, Escalade’s ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired assets and businesses, new product development, 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 filings 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.
11

Overview

Escalade, Incorporated (“Escalade” or “Company”) manufactures and distributes products for two industries: Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing. Within these industries the Company has successfully built a market presence in niche markets. This strategy is heavily dependent on expanding the customer base, barriers to entry, brand recognition and excellent customer service. A key strategic advantage is the Company’s established relationships with major customers that allow the Company to bring new products to the market in a cost effective manner while maintaining a diversified product line and wide customer base. 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 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 growth/decline in the economy. However, in markets that are fragmented and where the Company is not the dominant leader, such as archery in the Sporting Goods segment and data security shredders in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment, the Company anticipates growth. To enhance growth, the Company has a strategy of promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In the Information Security and Print Finishing segment, the Company’s strategic focus is increasingly upon expanding its 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 medical patient information, drug prescriptions and adhesive labels, pill and syrup vials, CDs, DVDs, and other forms of magnetic, optical and solid state media. The Company is further exploring opportunities to provide secure on-site and off-site document and data destruction and disposal services to meet the specific needs of its customers.

In addition, the Company will continue to investigate acquisition opportunities of companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company’s existing product lines. 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. Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of this strategy are revenue growth, earnings growth and the expansion of channels of distribution.

Results of Operations

Consolidated net revenue for the third quarter of 2011 was relatively flat with the same period in 2010. Concern over economic volatility has resulted in retailers cautiously managing inventory levels, which has slowed sales growth in certain of the Sporting Goods product lines. Year to date revenue was up 9.1% over the same period last year. The Company recorded an operating loss in the third quarter of 2011 driven largely by accelerated depreciation expense related to the anticipated replacement of its Oracle ERP system. The Information Security and Print Finishing segment also incurred and accrued cost related to product design issues with one of its new products. Net operating loss for the quarter was $0.9 million and net operating income for the first nine months of 2011 was $3.9 million compared to operating income of $2.4 million and $7.2 million for the three and nine month periods last year, respectively. Without the accelerated depreciation expense of $2.2 million, the Company would have recorded operating income of $1.4 million and $6.1 million for the three and nine month periods of 2011.
12
The following schedule sets forth certain consolidated statement of operations data as a percentage of net revenue:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
October 1,
2011
October 2,
2010
October 1,
2011
October 2,
2010
Net revenue
100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of products sold
71.1 % 67.8 % 68.0 % 66.9 %
Gross margin
28.9 % 32.2 % 32.0 % 33.1 %
Selling, administrative and general expenses
30.4 % 22.6 % 26.7 % 23.8 %
Amortization
1.5 % 1.3 % 1.3 % 1.2 %
Operating income (loss)
(3.0 )% 8.3 % 4.0 % 8.1 %

Consolidated Revenue and Gross Margin

Revenue from the Sporting Goods business was down 2.6% for the third quarter and up 9.3% for the first nine months of 2011, compared with the same periods last year. Careful inventory management by retailers and the timing of certain shipments contributed to a reduction in sales in the third quarter compared with same quarter last year. However, the Company expects sales in the fourth quarter to exceed fourth quarter last year.

Compared to last year, revenue from the Information Security and Print Finishing business was up 9.1% and 8.6% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively. Excluding the effects of changes in the currency exchange rates, revenue in this segment was up 5.4% and 5.4% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively. The Company is experiencing a softening in the government and commercial channels for Information Security and Print Finishing products and expects growth in the fourth quarter to be less than that experienced in the first nine months of the year.

The overall gross margin ratios for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 were 28.9% and 32.0%, respectively, compared to 32.2% and 33.1%, respectively, for same periods last year. Additional sales promotions in the Sporting Goods segment resulted in a lower gross margin percentage in the third quarter this year as compared with the third quarter last year. The Information Security and Printing Finishing segment incurred warranty cost related to replacement of an electronic component on a single product sold to a limited commercial customer base. Warranty cost related to this product for the quarter and first nine months of 2011 was $400 thousand and $455 thousand, respectively. Of this expense, $300 thousand is recorded as an accrued liability.

Consolidated Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Compared to the same periods last year, consolidated selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) costs increased as a percent of net sales to 30.4% and 26.7% for the three and nine months periods in 2011; up from 22.6% and 23.8% for the three and nine month periods in 2010. During the quarter, the Company began accelerating depreciation expense related to the replacement of its Oracle ERP system. Accelerated depreciation expense for the quarter of $2.2 million is included in SG&A. Without the additional depreciation expense, SG&A for the third quarter of 2011 would have been $6.5 million or 22.7% of net sales. A similar expense for accelerated depreciation will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.
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Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate year to date is 54.8% and 43.6% for 2011 and 2010, respectively. During the three-month period ended October 1, 2011 the Company incurred a foreign tax liability related to the sale of the Reynosa, Mexico facility for which a U.S. federal tax benefit is not expected to be fully realized. The sale of the facility generated a book pre-tax gain of $380 thousand and a combined Mexico and U.S. tax liability of $474 thousand. Had the Company been able to fully utilize a foreign tax credit related to the Mexico tax, the effective tax rate would have been 48.0% at the end of the third quarter of 2011.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Total bank debt at the end of the third quarter of 2011 was up 24.7% or $5.1 million from the latest year end. Debt was up 9.9% or $2.3 million from the same period last year. The Company believes its debt leverage is appropriate based on current sales levels and working capital requirements. The following schedule summarizes the Company’s total bank debt:
In thousands
October 1,
2011
December 25,
2010
October 2,
2010
Notes payable short-term
$ 18,129 $ 11,053 $ 13,829
Current portion long-term debt
2,000 2,000 2,000
Long term debt
5,500 7,500 7,500
Total bank debt
$ 25,629 $ 20,553 $ 23,329

As a percentage of stockholders’ equity, total bank debt was 30%, 24% and 27% at October 1, 2011, December 25, 2010 and October 2, 2010, respectively.

During the first nine months of 2011, operations used $1.1 million in cash. Increased inventory levels at both Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing contributed to the use of operating cash. Inventory levels increased by $3.2 million during the quarter, but are expected to decline during the next quarter.

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.

During the period, Company management finalized plans to replace the Oracle ERP system at its last remaining site and expects to have the replacement ERP system installed at that location by year-end. Implementation of a new ERP system at all additional Sporting Goods locations not previously on the Oracle ERP system is expected to be completed over the next 18-24 months. The plan to begin implementation by first replacing the Oracle system reduces the number of disparate systems in service and allows the Company to better utilize infrastructure and personnel resources. During the third quarter, the Company reduced the remaining economic life of the Oracle ERP asset to six months. This shortening of the economic life resulted in additional depreciation expense for the quarter of $2.2 million ($1.4 million, net of tax). Additional depreciation expense of $2.2 million ($1.4 million net of tax) will be expensed in the fourth quarter of 2011. Implementation of a new ERP system at the Company’s European locations is also in progress. The approximate cost of the ERP implementations is expected to be $1.6 million for Sports and $0.5 million for the Martin Yale Europe operations. Accelerated depreciation on the remaining legacy ERP systems is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
14
On September 20, 2011, the Company finalized the sale of its Reynosa, Mexico facility. In the third quarter, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of the property of $380 thousand and an after tax loss of $94 thousand. The recognition of a loss on the disposal is due to a foreign tax component which is not expected to be fully offset against U.S. taxes.

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 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 the Company’s 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.
15

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.

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 third quarter of 2011.

There have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred since the beginning of the Company’s third quarter of 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 1.
Not Required.
Item 1A.
Not Required.
16
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 purchased prior to 7/09/2011 under the current repurchase program
982,916 $ 8.84 982,916 $ 2,273,939
Third quarter purchases:
07/10/2011–08/06/2011
None
None
No Change
No Change
08/07/2011-09/03/2011
None
None
No Change
No Change
09/04/2011-10/01/2011
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 authorized management to expend up to $3,000,000 to repurchase shares on the open market as well as in private negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan has no termination date. There have been no share repurchases that were not part of a publicly announced program. In February 2008, the Board of Directors increased the remaining amount on this plan to its original level of $3,000,000. Although authorized by the Board, the Company has agreed to certain restrictions on the repurchase of shares as part of the April 30, 2009 Credit Agreement terms. The Seventh Amendment contained no changes in these restrictions.

Item 3.
Not Required.
Item 5.
Not Required.
Exhibits
(a)
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 Bylaws of Escalade, Incorporated, as amended through July 29, 2010, incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2010 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q.
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.
17

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: November 1, 2011
/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)
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