ESCA 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2023

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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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 its 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 31, 2022 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 (GAAP) 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 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On August 10, 2022, Escalade’s Board of Directors approved a change in its fiscal year end from the last Saturday in December of each year to December 31 of each year. Escalade’s fiscal quarters will end on March 31, June 30, and September 30. The fiscal year change is effective beginning with Escalade’s 2023 fiscal calendar, which began on January 1, 2023. Consistent with SEC guidance, no transition report is required in connection with the change in Escalade’s fiscal year end.

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 B ‑ Seasonal Aspects

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The results of operations for the third quarter and three quarter periods ended September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Note C ‑ Inventories

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In thousands		September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				October 1, 2022
Raw materials		$	5,048			$	7,789			$	9,988
Work in progress			2,874				3,478				4,537
Finished goods			97,345				110,603				120,432
		$	105,267			$	121,870			$	134,957

Note D – Fair Values of Financial Instruments

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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

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

Long-term Debt

Fair values of 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.

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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 September 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and October 1, 2022.

						Fair Value Measurements Using
September 30, 2023 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		$	919			$	919			$	--			$	--
Financial liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		$	7,143			$	--			$	7,143			$	--
Long-term debt		$	64,896			$	--			$	64,896			$	--

						Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2022 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		$	3,967			$	3,967			$	--			$	--
Financial liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		$	7,143			$	--			$	7,143			$	--
Long-term debt		$	87,738			$	--			$	87,738			$	--

						Fair Value Measurements Using
October 1, 2022 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		$	4,000			$	4,000			$	--			$	--
Financial liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt		$	7,143			$	--			$	7,143			$	--
Long-term debt		$	99,568			$	--			$	99,568			$	--

Note E – Stock Compensation

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

During the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, and pursuant to the 2017 Incentive Plan, the Company issued 30,921 shares of common stock with a fair market value of $ 395 thousand in lieu of accrued and unpaid annual cash incentives for fiscal year 2022 to certain officers. During the three quarters ended September 30, 2023 and pursuant to the 2017 Incentive Plan, in lieu of cash payments of director fees, the Company awarded to certain directors 4,441 shares of common stock.

During the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, the Company awarded 21,200 restricted stock units to directors and 145,563 restricted stock units to employees. The restricted stock units awarded to directors time vest over two years (one-half one year from grant date and one-half two years from grant date) provided that the director is still a director of the Company at the vest date. Director restricted stock units 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 2023 restricted stock units awarded to employees time vest over three years (one-third one year from grant, one-third two years from grant and one-third three years from grant) provided that the employee is still employed by the Company on the vesting date.

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For the third quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $ 546 thousand and $ 1,463 thousand, respectively compared to stock based compensation expense of $ 377 thousand and $ 1,453 thousand for the same periods in the prior year. At September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively, there was $ 1,979 thousand and $ 1,937 thousand in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards.

Note F ‑ Segment Information

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		For the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2023
In thousands		Sporting Goods				Corp.				Total
Revenues from external customers		$	73,358			$	--			$	73,358
Operating income (loss)			6,958				( 513	)			6,445
Net income			4,089				186				4,275

		As of and for the Three Quarters Ended September 30, 2023
In thousands		Sporting Goods				Corp.				Total
Revenues from external customers		$	198,060			$	--			$	198,060
Operating income (loss)			14,485				( 1,633	)			12,852
Net income (loss)			7,422				( 457	)			6,965
Total assets		$	279,805			$	3,568			$	283,373

		For the Third Quarter Ended October 1, 2022
In thousands		Sporting Goods				Corp.				Total
Revenues from external customers		$	74,904			$	--			$	74,904
Operating income (loss)			4,661				( 441	)			4,220
Net income			2,387				571				2,958

		As of and for the Three Quarters Ended October 1, 2022
In thousands		Sporting Goods				Corp.				Total
Revenues from external customers		$	241,621			$	--			$	241,621
Operating income (loss)			23,026				( 1,594	)			21,432
Net income			14,665				620				15,285
Total assets		$	312,418			$	7,906			$	320,324

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Note G – Dividend Payment

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On September 5, 2023, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $ 0.15 per common share to all shareholders of record on August 29, 2023. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $ 2.1 million and was charged against retained earnings.

On June 19, 2023, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $ 0.15 per common share to all shareholders of record on June 12, 2023. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $ 2.1 million and was charged against retained earnings.

On March 20, 2023, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $ 0.15 per common share to all shareholders of record on March 13, 2023. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $ 2.1 million and was charged against retained earnings.

Note H ‑ Earnings Per Share

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

		Third Quarter Ended								Three Quarters Ended
In thousands		September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022				September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022
Weighted average common shares outstanding			13,737				13,590				13,706				13,565
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units			150				62				140				82
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution			13,887				13,652				13,846				13,647

Note I – New Accounting Standards and Changes in Accounting Principles

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With the exception of that discussed below, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the third quarter and three quarters ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, that are of significance, or potential significance to the Company.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This amendment requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss model which requires the use of forward-looking information to calculate credit loss estimates. It also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment and requires credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a reduction in the amortized cost basis of the securities. These changes will result in earlier recognition of credit losses.

The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2023. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

Note J – Revenue from Contracts with Customers

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Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of our goods at a point in time based on shipping terms and transfer of title. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods. Sales, value add, and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are reported within revenue.

Gross-to-net sales adjustments – We recognize revenue net of various sales adjustments to arrive at net sales as reported on the statement of operations. These adjustments are referred to as gross-to-net sales adjustments and primarily fall into one of three categories: returns, warranties and customer allowances.

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Returns – The Company records an accrued liability and reduction in sales for estimated product returns based upon historical experience. An accrued liability and reduction in sales is also recorded for approved return authorizations that have been communicated by the customer.

Warranties – Limited warranties are provided on certain products for varying periods. We record an accrued liability and reduction in sales for estimated future warranty claims based upon historical experience and management’s estimate of the level of future claims. Changes in the estimated amounts recognized in prior years are recorded as an adjustment to the accrued liability and sales in the current year.

Customer Allowances – Customer allowances are common practice in the industries in which the Company operates. These agreements are typically in the form of advertising subsidies, volume rebates and catalog allowances and are accounted for as a reduction to gross sales. The Company reviews such allowances on an ongoing basis and accruals are adjusted, if necessary, as additional information becomes available.

Disaggregation of Revenue – We generate revenue from the sale of widely recognized sporting goods brands in basketball goals, archery, indoor and outdoor game recreation and fitness products. These products are sold through multiple sales channels that include: mass merchants, specialty dealers, key on-line retailers (“E-commerce”) and international. The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to sales channel:

		Third Quarter Ended								Three Quarters Ended
All Amounts in Thousands		September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022				September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022
Gross Sales by Channel:
Mass Merchants		$	35,931			$	29,849			$	72,101			$	85,804
Specialty Dealers			19,669				20,298				65,134				74,631
E-commerce			21,785				26,090				69,512				87,441
International			2,961				4,032				9,189				12,643
Other			892				1,188				3,206				3,454
Total Gross Sales			81,238				81,457				219,142				263,973
Less: Gross-to-Net Sales Adjustments
Returns			2,493				892				6,039				3,740
Warranties			358				663				988				1,985
Customer Allowances			5,029				4,998				14,055				16,627
Total Gross-to-Net Sales Adjustments			7,880				6,553				21,082				22,352
Total Net Sales		$	73,358			$	74,904			$	198,060			$	241,621

Note K – Leases

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We have operating leases for office, manufacturing and distribution facilities as well as for certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 9 years. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has not entered into any lease arrangements classified as a finance lease.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current operating lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company has elected an accounting policy to not recognize short-term leases (one year or less) on the balance sheet. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients which applies to leases that commenced before the adoption date.

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ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When the implicit rate of the lease is not provided or cannot be determined, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Components of lease expense and other information is as follows:

		Third Quarter Ended								Three Quarters Ended
All Amounts in Thousands		September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022				September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022
Lease Expense
Operating Lease Cost		$	388			$	393			$	1,137			$	1,073
Short-term Lease Cost			388				658				1,611				1,882
Variable Lease Cost			117				81				415				393
Total Operating Lease Cost		$	893			$	1,132			$	3,163			$	3,348
Operating Lease – Operating Cash Flows		$	266			$	100			$	759			$	712
New ROU Assets – Operating Leases		$	242			$	30			$	325			$	7,773

Other information about lease amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements is summarized as follows:

		Three Quarters Ended
All Amounts in Thousands		September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term – Operating Leases (in years)			8.29				9.29
Weighted Average Discount Rate – Operating Leases			5.21	%			5.00	%

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:

All Amounts in Thousands
Year 1		$	381
Year 2			1,480
Year 3			1,445
Year 4			1,401
Year 5			1,314
Thereafter			5,331
Total future minimum lease payments			11,352
Less imputed interest			( 2,152	)
Total		$	9,200
Reported as of September 30, 2023
Current operating lease liabilities			1,037
Long-term operating lease liabilities			8,163
Total		$	9,200

Note L – Commitments and Contingencies

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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.

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Note M – Debt

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On January 21, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in the Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lender”). Under the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement, Old National Bank has been added as a Lender. The Lenders made available to the Company a senior revolving credit facility with increased maximum availability of $ 65.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), up from $ 50.0 million, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $ 90.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date. The Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the term loan facility to January 21, 2027.

On July 18, 2022, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the First Amendment, the Lender increased the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $ 65.0 million to $ 75.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature in the Restated Credit Agreement. The First Amendment also adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022.

On October 26, 2022, the Company entered into the Second Amendment ("Second Amendment”) to the Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the Second Amendment, the Lender increased the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $ 75.0 million to $ 90.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature in the Restated Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 3:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022 and 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2023. The Second Amendment also modified the EBITDA definition to permit add-backs of a) up to $ 2.0 million for disposition related expenses; and b) up to $ 2.0 million for unusual or non-recurring expenses which are incurred prior to the end of fiscal year 2023 and which are subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent.

On May 8, 2023, the Company entered into the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Restated Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 4:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s second fiscal quarter of 2023, 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third fiscal quarter of 2023, and 2:75 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 and thereafter. The Third Amendment adjusted the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant to 1:10 to 1:00 commencing as of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 and 1:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2024 and thereafter. For the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters in 2023, the Third Amendment suspended the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and added a minimum EBITDA covenant of $ 22.5 million as of the end of each such fiscal quarter. Under the terms of the Third Amendment, the Company and the Lender also agreed to decrease the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $ 90.0 million to $ 75.0 million, upon the consummation of the sale of the Company’s Mexican subsidiary and the dissolution of Escalade Insurance, Inc. The proceeds from such sale and dissolution, respectively, will be used to partially prepay the amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As reflected in the Fourth Amendment to the Restated Credit Agreement effective September 1, 2023, the maximum availability of the senior revolving credit facility was reduced to $ 85.0 million following the dissolution of Escalade Insurance, Inc.

As of September 30, 2023, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $ 34.5 million and total amount drawn under the Revolving Facility was $ 37.5 million.

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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: specific and overall impacts and residual effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Escalade’s financial condition and results of operations; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and market acceptance; new product development; Escalade’s ability to achieve its business objectives; Escalade’s ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships; Escalade’s ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; Escalade’s ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; Escalade’s ability to control costs; Escalade’s ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures; fluctuation in operating results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the securities markets; continued listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market; the Company’s inclusion or exclusion from certain market indices; Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; the potential impact of actual or perceived defects in, or safety of, our products, including any impact of product recalls or legal or regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; the potential impact of regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; 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.

Overview

Escalade, Incorporated (Escalade, the Company, we, us or our) is focused on growing its Sporting Goods business through organic growth of existing categories, strategic acquisitions, and new product development. The Sporting Goods business competes in a variety of categories including basketball goals, archery, billiards, indoor and outdoor game recreation and fitness products. Strong brands and on-going investment in product development provide a solid foundation for building customer loyalty and continued growth.

Within the sporting goods industry, 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.

To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has focused on 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 in sporting goods. 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.

In January 2022, the Company acquired the assets of the Brunswick Billiards® business, complementing its existing portfolio of billiards brands and other offerings in the Company’s indoor recreation market. These and other acquisitions strengthen the Company’s leadership in various product categories, while providing exciting new opportunities within the growing water sports market. 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.

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.

Notwithstanding that the World Health Organization has declared that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and the Company continues to respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from the residual effects of the pandemic. Even though the pandemic may not have had a material adverse direct effect on the Company, the pandemic’s effects on the global supply chain, higher freight and materials costs, supplier product delays, workforce availability and labor costs have caused operational challenges for the Company. The ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, and such effects could exist for an extended period of time. Consumer demand for the Company’s products may be slowing due to additional factors such as general economic conditions, inflation, recessionary fears, rising interest rates, changes in the housing market and declining consumer confidence. Management cannot predict the full impact of these factors on the Company. Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Form 10-Q, the Company’s results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for fiscal year 2023.

Results of Operations

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

		Third Quarter Ended								Three Quarters Ended
		September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022				September 30, 2023				October 1, 2022
Net revenue			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%
Cost of products sold			75.3	%			81.8	%			76.9	%			76.2	%
Gross margin			24.7	%			18.2	%			23.1	%			23.8	%
Selling, administrative and general expenses			15.1	%			11.7	%			15.7	%			14.0	%
Amortization			0.8	%			0.9	%			0.9	%			0.9	%
Operating income			8.8	%			5.6	%			6.5	%			8.9	%

Revenue and Gross Margin

Sales decreased by 2.1% for the third quarter of 2023, compared with the same period in the prior year. The decrease in sales was primarily due to softer consumer demand across the majority of the Company’s product categories, partially offset by improved demand in our basketball and pickleball product categories and the impact of the change in the Company’s reporting calendar which resulted in more business days during the third quarter of 2023. Excluding the impact of the change in the Company’s reporting calendar, net sales declined 11.6%. For the three quarters ended September 30, 2023, sales were down 18.0% on a year-over-year basis due to softer consumer demand and the impact of the change in the Company’s reporting calendar, which has resulted in seven fewer days in the first three quarters of 2023 compared to the first three quarters of 2022. Excluding the impact of the change in the Company’s reporting calendar, net sales declined 15.5%.

Gross margin percentage increased to 24.7% for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 18.2% in 2022, due to favorable product mix, lower costs associated with supply chain disruption and nonrecurring product recall expenses in the prior year quarter that did not recur in the third quarter of 2023.

Gross margin percentage decreased to 23.1% for the first three quarters ended September 30, 2023, compared to 23.8% for the same period in the prior year. The decline was primarily due to less favorable product mix and lower operating leverage with the lower sales level.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $11.1 million for the third quarter of 2023 compared to $8.8 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $2.3 million or 26.3%. SG&A as a percent of sales is 15.1% for the third quarter of 2023 compared with 11.7% for the same period in the prior year. For the first three quarters of 2023, SG&A were $31.1 million compared to $34.0 million for the same period in 2022, a decrease of $2.9 million or 8.4%. As a percent of sales, SG&A is 15.7% for the first three quarters of 2023 compared with 14.0% for the same period in the prior year.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first three quarters of 2023 was 19.0% compared to 19.6% for the same period last year.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Total debt as of September 30, 2023 was $72.0 million, a decrease of $22.8 million from December 31, 2022. The following schedule summarizes the Company’s total debt:

In thousands		September 30, 2023				December 31, 2022				October 1, 2022
Current portion of long-term debt		$	7,143			$	7,143			$	7,143
Long term debt			64,896				87,738				99,568
Total Debt		$	72,039			$	94,881			$	106,711

As a percentage of stockholders’ equity, total debt was 44.7%, 59.9% and 67.8% at September 30, 2023, December 31, 2022, and October 1, 2022 respectively.

On January 21, 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Industries, Inc. (“Indian”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2022 Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in the Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lenders”). The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2019, as amended, in its entirety, and continues the existing Company’s credit facilities which have been in place since April 30, 2009. The Company’s indebtedness under the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement continues to be collateralized by liens on all of the present and future equity of each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and substantially all of the assets of the Company (excluding real estate). Under the terms of the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement, Old National Bank was added as a Lender. The Lenders made available to Escalade and Indian a senior revolving credit facility with increased maximum availability of $65.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), up from $50.0 million, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $90.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date. The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the existing $50.0 million term loan facility to January 21, 2027.

In addition to the increased borrowing amount and extended maturity date, the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement provided a $7.5 million swingline commitment by Chase, replaced LIBOR with the replacement benchmark secured overnight financing rate, and adjusted certain financial covenants relating to the fixed charge coverage ratio.

On July 18, 2022, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the First Amendment, the Lender increased the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $65.0 million to $75.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature in the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement. The First Amendment also adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022.

On October 26, 2022, the Company entered into the Second Amendment ("Second Amendment”) to the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the Second Amendment, the Lender increased the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $75.0 million to $90.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature in the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 3:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022 and 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2023. The Second Amendment also modified the EBITDA definition to permit add-backs of a) up to $2.0 million for disposition related expenses; and b) up to $2.0 million for unusual or non-recurring expenses which are incurred prior to the end of fiscal year 2023 and which are subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent.

On May 8, 2023, the Company entered into the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Restated Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 4:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s second fiscal quarter of 2023, 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third fiscal quarter of 2023, and 2:75 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 and thereafter. The Third Amendment adjusted the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant to 1:10 to 1:00 commencing as of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 and 1:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2024 and thereafter.

For the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters in 2023, the Third Amendment suspended the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and added a minimum EBITDA covenant of $22.5 million as of the end of each such fiscal quarter. Under the terms of the Third Amendment, the Company and the Lender also agreed to decrease the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $90.0 million to $75.0 million, upon the consummation of the sale of the Company’s Mexican subsidiary and the dissolution of Escalade Insurance, Inc. The proceeds from such sale and dissolution, respectively, will be used to partially prepay the amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As reflected in the Fourth Amendment to the Restated Credit Agreement effective September 1, 2023, the maximum availability of the senior revolving credit facility was reduced to $85.0 million following the dissolution of Escalade Insurance, Inc.

As of September 30, 2023, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $34.5 million and total amount drawn under the Revolving Facility was $37.5 million.

The Company funds working capital requirements, shareholder dividends, and stock repurchases through operating cash flows and revolving credit agreements with its Lenders. The Company expects that cash generated from its 2023 operations and its access to adequate levels of revolving credit will provide it with sufficient cash flows for its operations and to meet growth needs.

Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not Required.

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 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, could 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.

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 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 2023.

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 2023 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.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. These risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Our operations could also be affected by additional risks or uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently do not consider material to our business. As of the date of this filing, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in the above-referenced Form 10-K, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference.

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

Share purchases prior to 6/30/2023 under the current repurchase program.

2,153,132

$

13.38

2,153,132

$

4,153,252

Third quarter purchases:

7/1/2023-7/31/2023

None

None

No Change

No Change

8/1/2023-8/31/2023

None

None

No Change

No Change

9/1/2023-9/30/2023

None

None

No Change

No Change

Total share purchases under the current program

2,153,132

$

13.38

2,153,132

$

4,153,252

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 February 2005, February 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. In September 2019, the Board of Directors increased the stock repurchase program from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000. In December 2020, the Board of Directors increased the stock repurchase program to $15,000,000. From its inception date through September 30, 2023, the Company has repurchased 2,153,132 shares of its common stock under this repurchase program for an aggregate price of $28,812,686. The repurchase program 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.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

Item 5.   OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

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 August 10, 2022. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2022 Third 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.
99.1	Fourth Amendment effective September 1, 2023 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2022 among Escalade, Incorporated, Indian Industries, Inc., each of their domestic subsidiaries, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (without exhibits and schedules, which Escalade has determined are not material).
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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: October 26, 2023	/s/ Stephen R. Wawrin
	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(On behalf of the registrant and in his
	capacities as Principal Financial Officer
	and Principal Accounting Officer)