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ESCALADE INC - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2007
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)

812-467-1334
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act

 

 

Common Stock, No Par Value

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(Title of Class)

(Name of Exchange on Which Registered)

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act
Yes o No x

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o

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

Aggregate market value of common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of July 14, 2007 based on the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market: $83,606,793

The number of shares of Registrant’s common stock (no par value) outstanding as of February 22, 2008: 12,679,986

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 25, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

Page




Part I

 

 

Item 1.

Business

  3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

  6

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

  9

Item 2.

Properties

10

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

10

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

10

 

 

 

Part II

 

 

Item 5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

11

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

14

Item 7.

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

14

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

20

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

21

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

21

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

21

Item 9B.

Other Information

24

 

 

 

Part III

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

24

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

25

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

25

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

25

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

25

 

 

 

Part IV

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

26

2


Part I

ITEM 1 — BUSINESS

General

Escalade, Incorporated (“Escalade” or “Company”) operates in two business segments: sporting goods and office products. Escalade and its predecessors have more than 75 years of manufacturing and selling experience in these two industries.

The following table presents the percentages contributed to Escalade’s net sales by each of its business segments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 


 

Sporting goods

 

 

 

70

%

 

 

 

71

%

 

 

 

66

%

 

Office/graphic arts

 

 

 

30

%

 

 

 

29

%

 

 

 

34

%

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

 

Total net sales

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

 

For additional segment information, see Note 13 – Operating Segment and Geographic Information in the consolidated financial statements.

Sporting Goods

Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade Sports manufactures and distributes widely recognized brands in family game room and outdoor sporting goods products through traditional department stores, mass merchandise retailers, and sporting goods specific retailers. Escalade is the world’s largest producer of table tennis tables and the world’s largest unit producer of pool tables in the United States. Some of the Company’s most recognized brands include:

 

 

Product Segment

Brand Names



Table Tennis

Ping-Pong®, STIGA®

Pool Tables and Accessories

Mizerak™, Murrey®, Mosconi™, Black Widow™

Basketball Backboards and Goals

Goalrilla™, Goaliath®, Silverback™

Game Tables (Hockey and Soccer)

Harvard Game®, Rhino™, Murrey Game™

Archery

Fred Bear®, Indian Archery®, Jennings®, Carolina Archery Products®

Fitness

The STEP®, USWeight™

Play Systems

ChildLife®, Woodplay®

The largest sporting goods customer is Sears Holdings Corporation (“Sears”), which accounted for 26%, 30% and 33% of total sporting goods revenues in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. On a consolidated basis, Sears accounted for 18%, 19% and 22% of Escalade revenues in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Escalade Sports has been a preferred supplier of sporting goods products to Sears for more than 30 years, winning numerous awards for delivering outstanding products and service. Although the Company has a long-term supplier relationship with Sears, it does not have any long-term supplier contracts with Sears. Sales to Sears have been declining in recent years, and the Company expects continued declines into the foreseeable future. The Company cannot provide any assurance that Sears will continue to be a significant customer in the future.

Escalade Sports manufactures in the U.S.A. and Mexico; and imports product from China, where the Company employs a number of contract manufacturers.

Certain products produced by Escalade Sports are subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Company believes it is in full compliance with all applicable regulations.

3


Office Products

Operating as Martin Yale, the office products business has a worldwide presence with manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Besides the sales offices located at each manufacturing plant, Martin Yale has sales offices in the United Kingdom, France, Spain and China.

Martin Yale products include: data shredders, paper trimmers, paper folding machines, paper drills, collators, bursting machines, letter openers, and office related products such as keyboard drawers and paper hole punches. Martin Yale brands include Martin Yale™, Premier®, Master™, Mead Hatcher™, Intimus®, and Paper Monster®.

Martin Yale products are sold throughout office products retailers, wholesalers and catalog distributors. No single Martin Yale customer accounted for more than 10% of Office Product sales during 2007.

Marketing and Product Development

In both the sporting goods and office product business segments, Escalade has rigorously developed strategic plans to enhance and promote product branding. The Company constantly evaluates the quality-to-price paradigm of its customers, and then designs and redesigns its products to achieve the best fit. Marketing efforts are then initiated through its retail partners in the form of advertising and other promotion allowances. In general, the Company does not directly advertise to end-users.

In order to meet customer needs, each operating segment conducts its own independent research and development efforts to design new products and enhance already existing products. On a consolidated basis, the Company incurred research and development costs of approximately $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $2.0 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Competition

Escalade is subject to competition with various manufacturers in each product line produced or sold by Escalade. The Company is not aware of any other single company that is engaged in both the same industries as Escalade or that produces the same range of products as Escalade within such industries. Nonetheless, competition exists for many Escalade products within both the sporting goods and office product industries and some competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company. Escalade believes that its long-term success depends on its ability to strengthen its relationship with existing customers, attract new customers and develop new products that satisfy the quality and price requirements of sporting goods and office product customers.

Licenses, Trademarks and Brand Names

The Company has an agreement and contract with Sweden Table Tennis AB for the exclusive right and license to distribute and produce table tennis equipment under the brand name STIGA® for the United States and Canada. The company also owns several registered trademarks and brand names including but not limited to Ping-Pong®, Fred Bear®, Goalrillaä, The Step®, and Wood Play® which are used in the Sporting Goods business segment and Premier® and Intimus® which are used in the Office Products business segment.

Backlog and Seasonality

Sales are based primarily on standard purchase orders and in most cases orders are shipped within the same month received. Unshipped orders at the end of the fiscal year (backlog), were not material, and therefore not an indicator of future results. Consumer demand for sporting goods is seasonal and driven by holiday season demand. Over the past three years approximately 58% of sporting goods sales came in the second half of the year. The Company expects sporting goods sales to continue to be seasonal in the future. Demand for Office Products has not been seasonal and is not expected to be so in the future.

4


Employees

The number of employees at December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 for each business segment were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 


 

Sporting Goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA

 

 

475

 

 

460

 

Mexico

 

 

149

 

 

169

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

624

 

 

629

 

 

 



 



 

Office/Graphic Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA

 

 

111

 

 

117

 

Europe

 

 

115

 

 

136

 

Asia

 

 

14

 

 

9

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

240

 

 

262

 

 

 



 



 

Total

 

 

864

 

 

891

 

 

 



 



 

The International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers AFL-CIO represent hourly rated employees at the Escalade Sports’ Evansville, Indiana factory; approximately 120 employees at December 29, 2007. A 3-year labor contract was negotiated and renewed in April 2006; the new agreement expires on April 30, 2009. Management believes it has satisfactory relations with its employees.

Sources of Supplies

Raw materials for Escalade’s various product lines consist of wood, steel, plastics, fiberglass and packaging. Escalade relies upon suppliers in various countries and upon various third party Asian manufacturers for certain of its game tables and non-security paper shredders. The Company believes that these sources will continue to provide adequate supplies as needed and that all other materials needed for the Company’s various operations are available in adequate quantities from a variety of domestic and foreign sources.

SEC Reports

The Company’s internet site (www.escaladeinc.com) makes available free of charge to all interested parties the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, as well as all other reports and schedules filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Commission. Interested parties may also find reports, proxy and information statements and other information on issuers that file electronically with the Commission at the Commission’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

5


ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS

Failure to improve and maintain the quality of internal controls over financial reporting could materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to provide timely and accurate financial information about the Company, which could harm the Company’s reputation and share price.

The Company’s Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management cannot be certain that weaknesses and deficiencies in the Company’s internal controls will not arise or be identified or that the Company will be able to correct and maintain adequate controls over financial processes and reporting in the future. Any failure to maintain adequate controls or to adequately implement required new or improved controls could harm operating results or cause failure to meet reporting obligations in a timely and accurate manner. Ineffective internal controls over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, which could adversely affect the trading price of the Company’s common stock.

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. However, Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

Our markets are highly competitive and we may not continue to compete successfully.

The sporting goods and office products markets are highly competitive. We compete with a variety of regional, national and international manufacturers for customers, employees, products, services and other important aspects of our business. Some of our current and potential competitors are larger than we are and have substantially greater financial resources that may be devoted to sourcing, promoting and selling their products. It is possible that increased competition or improved performance by our competitors may reduce our market share, profit margin and projected operating results, and may adversely affect our business and financial performance in other ways.

A large portion of our sales are to a major customer, the loss of which could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Sears is our largest customer and accounted for 18%, 19% and 22% of our total consolidated revenues in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Although the Company has been a preferred supplier of sporting goods products to Sears for more than 30 years and has won numerous awards from Sears for delivering outstanding products and services, the Company has never had a long-term supplier contract with Sears and does not expect to obtain any such contract in the future. In addition, the Company has no control over decisions made by Sears as Sears reshapes its product mix and positioning in the consumer market in ways that have adversely affected our sales to Sears. The Company currently expects that sales to Sears in 2008 will decline significantly and that sales to Sears may further diminish thereafter. The Company cannot provide any assurance that Sears will continue to be a significant customer.

Our business is seasonal and our annual results are dependent on the success of our second half sales. 

Our Sporting Goods business is seasonal in nature with the highest sales and operating income historically occurring during the third and fourth fiscal quarters due largely to the holiday selling season. In 2007, approximately 58% of our sporting goods sales came in the second half of the year. Any decrease in our second half sales, whether because of a slow holiday selling season or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results for the entire fiscal year.

6


We may pursue strategic acquisitions, which could have an adverse impact on our business.

We may from time to time acquire complementary companies or businesses. Acquisitions may result in difficulties in assimilating acquired companies, and may result in the diversion of our capital and our management’s attention from other business issues and opportunities. We may not be able to successfully integrate operations that we acquire, including their personnel, financial systems, distribution, and operating procedures. If we fail to successfully integrate acquisitions, our business could suffer. In addition, the integration of any acquired business, and their financial results, into ours may adversely affect our operating results. We expect to do additional acquisitions in the future, but we currently do not have any agreements with respect to any such acquisitions.

Our ability to expand our business will be dependent upon the availability of adequate capital. 

The rate of our expansion will also depend on the availability of adequate capital, which in turn will depend in large part on cash flow generated by our business and the availability of equity and debt capital. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain equity or debt capital on acceptable terms or at all.

Our growth may strain our resources, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Both our sporting goods and office products businesses have grown over the past several years through strategic acquisitions. Our growth places additional demands on our management and our operational systems. If we are not successful in continuing to support our operational and financial systems, expanding our management team and increasing and effectively managing our customers and suppliers, our growth may result in operational inefficiencies and ineffective management of the business, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Our expanding international operations expose us to the unique risks inherent in foreign operations.

We have operations in Mexico and Europe, and rely on Asian suppliers for various raw materials and products. Our foreign operations encounter risks similar to those faced by our U.S. operations, as well as risks inherent in foreign operations, such as local customs and regulatory constraints, control over product quality and content, foreign trade policies, competitive conditions, foreign currency fluctuations and unstable political and economic conditions. Our 2003 acquisition of Schleicher and Company, International AG in Germany and our business relationships in Asia have increased our exposure to these foreign operating risks, which could have an adverse impact on our international income and worldwide profitability.

Our business may be adversely affected by the actions of and risks associated with our third-party suppliers.

The raw materials that we purchase for our own manufacturing operations and many of the products that we sell are sourced from a wide variety of third-party suppliers. We cannot control the supply, design, function or cost of many of the products that we offer for sale and are dependent on the availability and pricing of key materials and products. Disruptions in the availability of raw materials used in production of these products may adversely affect our sales and result in customer dissatisfaction. In addition, global sourcing of many of the products we sell is an important factor in our financial performance. Our ability to find qualified suppliers and access products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, especially with respect to goods sourced outside the United States. Political instability, the financial instability of suppliers, merchandise quality issues, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs, inflation and other factors relating to foreign trade are beyond our control.

7


Historically, instability in the political and economic environments of the countries in which we or our suppliers obtain products and raw materials has not had a material adverse effect on our operations. However, we cannot predict the effect that future changes in economic or political conditions in such foreign countries may have on our operations. In the event of disruptions or delays in supply due to economic or political conditions in foreign countries, such disruptions or delays could adversely affect our results of operations unless and until alternative supply arrangements could be made. In addition, products and materials purchased from alternative sources may be of lesser quality or more expensive than the products and materials we currently purchase abroad.

These and other issues affecting our suppliers could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Deterioration in our relationships with our suppliers or in the financial condition of our suppliers could adversely affect our liquidity, financial position and results of operations.

Access to materials, parts and supplies is dependent upon close relationships with our suppliers and our ability to purchase products from our principal suppliers on competitive terms. We do not enter into long-term supply contracts with these suppliers, and we have no current plans to do so in the future. These suppliers are not required to sell to us and are free to change the prices and other terms at which they sell to us. Any deterioration or change in our relationships with, or in the financial condition of our significant suppliers, could have an adverse impact on our ability to procure materials and parts necessary to produce products for sale and distribution. If one of these suppliers terminated or significantly curtailed its relationship with us, or if one of these suppliers ceased operations, we would be forced to expand our relationship with other suppliers, seek out new relationships with other suppliers or risk a loss in market share due to diminished product offerings and availability. Any change in one or more of these suppliers’ willingness or ability to continue to supply us with their products could have an adverse impact on our liquidity, financial position and results of operations.

Our quarterly operating results are subject to fluctuation.

Our operating results have fluctuated from quarter to quarter in the past, and we expect that they will continue to do so in the future. Our earnings may not continue to grow at rates similar to the growth rates achieved in recent years and may fall short of either a prior fiscal period or market expectations. Factors that could cause these quarterly fluctuations include the following: international, national and local general economic and market conditions; the size and growth of the overall sporting goods and office products markets; intense competition among manufacturers, marketers, distributors and sellers of our products; demographic changes; changes in consumer preferences; popularity of particular designs, categories of products and sports; seasonal demand for our products; the size, timing and mix of purchases of our products; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; our ability to sustain, manage or forecast our growth and inventories; new product development and introduction; our ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property; performance and reliability of our products; our customer service; the loss of significant customers or suppliers; our dependence on distributors; business disruptions; increased costs of freight and transportation to meet delivery deadlines; changes in our business strategy or development plans; general risks associated with doing business outside the United States, including, without limitation: exchange rates, import duties, tariffs, quotas and political and economic instability; changes in government regulations; any liability and other claims asserted against us; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and other factors referenced or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K and any other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Our operating results may be impacted by changes in the economy that impact business and consumer spending.

In general, our sales depend on discretionary spending by our customers. A deterioration of current economic conditions or an economic downturn in any of our major markets or in general could result in declines in sales and impair our growth. Accordingly, our operating results are directly impacted by the health of the North American, European and Asian economies. Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by current and future economic conditions, including unemployment levels, energy costs, interest rates, recession, inflation, the impact of natural disasters and terrorist activities, and other matters that influence business and consumer spending.

8


Our failure to improve our operational efficiency and reduce our administrative costs could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position and results of operations.

Our ability to improve our profit margins is largely dependent on the success of our initiatives to streamline our infrastructure, improve our operational efficiency and the reduction of administrative costs at every level of the Company. Our failure to implement these initiatives successfully, or the failure of such initiatives to result in improved profitability, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position and results of operations.

Our stock price may fluctuate based on market expectations.

The public trading of our stock is based in large part on market expectations that our business will continue to grow and that we will achieve certain levels of net income. If our quarterly financial performance does not meet market expectations, our stock price would likely decline. Any decrease in our stock price may be disproportionate to any shortfall in our financial performance.

Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could reduce the value of our products.

We obtain patents, trademarks and copyrights for our intellectual property, which represent important assets to the Company. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property through patents, trademarks and copyrights, our intellectual property rights may be misappropriated by others, invalidated or challenged, and our competitors could duplicate our products or may otherwise limit any competitive design or manufacturing advantages we may have. We believe that our success is likely to depend upon continued innovation, technical expertise, marketing skills and customer support and services rather than on legal protection of our intellectual property rights. However, we intend to aggressively assert our intellectual property rights when necessary.

We may be subject to product liability claims and our insurance may not be sufficient to cover damages related to those claims.

We may be subject to lawsuits resulting from injuries associated with the use of sporting goods equipment and office products that we sell. We may incur losses relating to these claims or the defense of these claims. There is a risk that claims or liabilities will exceed our insurance coverage. In addition, we may be unable to retain adequate liability insurance in the future. In addition, we are subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar state regulatory agencies. If we fail to comply with government and industry safety standards, we may be subject to claims, lawsuits, fines and adverse publicity that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

These risks are not exhaustive.

Other sections of this Form 10-K may include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

ITEM 1B — UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

9


ITEM 2 — PROPERTIES

At December 29, 2007, the Company operated from the following locations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location

 

Square
Footage

 

Owned or
Leased

 

Use








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporting Goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evansville, Indiana, USA

 

359,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing and distribution; sales and marketing; administration

Evansville, Indiana, USA

 

126,400

 

Leased

 

Warehousing

Olney, Illinois, USA

 

108,500

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing and distribution

Gainesville, Florida, USA

 

154,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing and distribution

Rosarito, Mexico

 

66,500

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing and distribution

Rosarito, Mexico

 

82,500

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing

Reynosa, Mexico

 

126,800

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing and distribution

Raleigh, N. Carolina, USA

 

69,800

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing and distribution

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

 

18,000

 

Leased

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wabash, Indiana, USA

 

141,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing and distribution; sales and marketing; administration

Sanford, N. Carolina, USA

 

1,600

 

Leased

 

Sales and marketing

Markdorf, Germany

 

70,300

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing and distribution; sales and marketing; administration

Paris, France

 

12,900

 

Leased

 

Distribution; sales and marketing

Crawley, UK

 

8,300

 

Leased

 

Sales and marketing

Barcelona, Spain

 

8,600

 

Leased

 

Distribution; sales and marketing

The Company has no idle facilities, and believes that its facilities are in excellent condition and suitable for their respective operations. The Company also believes that it is in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and is not subject to any proceeding by any federal, state or local authorities regarding such matters. The Company provides regular maintenance and service on its plants and machinery as required.

ITEM 3 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

The Company is not aware of any probable or levied penalties against the Company relating to the American Jobs Creation Act.

ITEM 4 — SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

10


Part II

ITEM 5 — MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The Company’s common stock is traded under the symbol “ESCA” on the NASDAQ Global Market. The following table sets forth, for the calendar periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market (formerly the NASDAQ National Market):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices

 

High

 

Low

 







2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth quarter ended December 29, 2007

 

$

9.90

 

$

8.78

 

Third quarter ended October 6, 2007

 

 

9.95

 

 

8.06

 

Second quarter ended July 14, 2007

 

 

10.01

 

 

8.85

 

First quarter ended March 24, 2007

 

 

10.78

 

 

8.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth quarter ended December 30, 2006

 

$

10.98

 

$

9.69

 

Third quarter ended October 7, 2006

 

 

11.68

 

 

9.83

 

Second quarter ended July 15, 2006

 

 

13.74

 

 

10.15

 

First quarter ended March 25, 2006

 

 

12.70

 

 

10.11

 

The closing market price on February 22, 2008 was $9.06 per share.

Depending on profitability and cash flows from operations, the Board of Directors anticipates issuing annual dividends and has done so for four consecutive years. Dividends issued/declared over the last three years are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record Date

 

 

Payment Date

 

Amount per Common Share

 







March 17, 2006

 

 

March 21, 2006

 

 

$

0.20

 

 

March 9, 2007

 

 

March 16, 2007

 

 

$

0.22

 

 

March 14, 2008

 

 

March 21, 2008

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

There were approximately 227 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock at February 22, 2008. The approximate number of stockholders, including those held by depository companies for certain beneficial owners, was 958.

11


SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock with that of the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ US Stock Market Index and the NASDAQ Non-Financial Stocks Index for the five year period ended December 29, 2007. The following information is based on an investment of $100, on January 1, 2002, in the Company’s common stock, the NASDAQ US Stock Market Index and the NASDAQ Non-Financial Stocks Index, with dividends reinvested.

COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

(LINE GRAPH)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2003

 

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

 

2006

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escalade Common Stock

 

 

100

 

 

170

 

 

134

 

 

120

 

 

111

 

 

97

 

NASDAQ US Stock Index

 

 

100

 

 

150

 

 

163

 

 

166

 

 

183

 

 

198

 

NASDAQ Non-Financial Stock Index

 

 

100

 

 

153

 

 

165

 

 

169

 

 

185

 

 

210

 

The above performance graph does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates the performance graph by reference therein.

12


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 10/06/2007 under the current repurchase program.

 

892,533

 

 

$

8.93

 

892,533

 

 

$

401,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth quarter purchases:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/07/2007 – 11/03/2007

 

None

 

 

 

None

 

None

 

 

 

No Change

 

11/04/2007 – 12/01/2007

 

None

 

 

 

None

 

None

 

 

 

No Change

 

12/02/2007 – 12/29/2007

 

None

 

 

 

None

 

None

 

 

 

No Change

 











Total share purchases under the current program

 

892,533

 

 

$

8.93

 

892,533

 

 

$

3,000,000

 











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.

13


ITEM 6 — SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At and For Years Ended

 

December 29,
2007

 

December 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

December 25,
2004

 

December 27,
2003

 













Income Statement Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporting goods

 

$

129,788

 

$

136,733

 

$

120,996

 

$

141,644

 

$

134,750

 

Office and graphic arts products

 

 

55,788

 

 

54,732

 

 

62,319

 

 

76,040

 

 

81,518

 

Total net sales

 

 

185,576

 

 

191,465

 

 

183,315

 

 

217,684

 

 

216,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

9,255

 

 

8,495

 

 

12,916

 

 

8,180

 

 

14,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares

 

 

12,901

 

 

13,012

 

 

13,055

 

 

12,980

 

 

12,968

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.99

 

$

0.63

 

$

1.15

 

Cash dividends

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

 

31,442

 

 

33,125

 

 

42,350

 

 

36,852

 

 

24,657

 

Total assets

 

 

152,016

 

 

150,715

 

 

124,860

 

 

134,969

 

 

134,437

 

Short-term bank debt

 

 

13,033

 

 

10,336

 

 

1,066

 

 

11,638

 

 

21,568

 

Long-term bank debt

 

 

19,135

 

 

22,609

 

 

18,487

 

 

15,542

 

 

15,020

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

91,742

 

 

85,715

 

 

76,623

 

 

71,034

 

 

61,283

 

Fiscal year 2006 was adversely impacted by the completion of a plan to rationalize certain products in the Office Products business. This event is more fully described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Fiscal year 2005 was adversely impacted by lower sales to Sears, a major sporting goods customer, and the rationalization of certain products in the Office Products business. These events are more fully described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Fiscal year 2004 was negatively impacted by restructuring charges and a goodwill impairment loss.

ITEM 7 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following section should be read in conjunction with Item 1: Business; Item 1A: Risk Factors; Item 6: Selected Financial Data; and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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, 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 the securities market 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” or “Company”) manufactures and distributes products for two industries: Sporting Goods and Office Products. 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.

14


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 Office Products segment, revenue growth is expected to be roughly equal to general growth 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 Office Products segment, the Company anticipates significant growth. To enhance internal growth, the Company has developed a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company’s 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. The following table sets forth the percentage growth in revenues and net income over the past three years:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporting Goods

 

-5.1

%

 

13.0

%

 

-14.6

%

 

Office Products

 

1.9

%

 

-12.2

%

 

-18.0

%

 

Total

 

-3.1

%

 

4.4

%

 

-15.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

9.0

%

 

-34.2

%

 

57.9

%

 

Results of Operations

The following schedule sets forth certain consolidated statement of income data as a percentage of net revenue for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









Net revenue

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

Cost of products sold

 

70.8

%

 

72.0

%

 

69.7

%

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

Gross margin

 

29.2

%

 

28.0

%

 

30.3

%

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

 

20.8

%

 

20.6

%

 

19.8

%

 

Restructuring costs

 

0.0

%

 

0.0

%

 

-0.3

%

 

Amortization

 

1.4

%

 

1.2

%

 

0.6

%

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

Operating income

 

7.0

%

 

6.2

%

 

10.2

%

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

Consolidated Revenue and Gross Margin

Continued sales declines to mass market retail customers in the Sporting Goods business resulted in an overall decline of 3% in consolidated net revenues for 2007 compared to 2006. These declines in the mass market retail channel offset gains in the specialty retail and dealer channels. Revenues from the Office Products business increased 2% in 2007 compared to 2006 due principally to changes in foreign exchange rates.

The overall gross margin in 2007 increased in comparison to 2006 due to expansion of the Sporting Goods business into the specialty retail and dealer markets which have higher gross margin ratios. The gross margin ratio in the Office Products business declined slightly in 2007 compared to last year, primarily due to the effect of changing foreign exchange rates on the cost of goods sold in North America.

15


Consolidated Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) declined slightly in 2007 compared to 2006 due principally to lower sales; as a ratio of net revenue, SG&A costs were relatively unchanged from the prior year. Lower SG&A costs in the Office Products business were offset by slightly higher costs in the Sporting Goods business and corporate administration. The reduction in SG&A costs in the Office Products business is associated with cost reductions designed to bring European operating costs in line with current revenues. The increase in SG&A costs associated with the Sporting Goods business reflects higher selling costs associated with expansion into the specialty retail and dealer channels. Corporate administration costs were higher primarily due to professional fees associated with selecting an integrated global information system and compliance task; audit and tax.

Other Income

Other income increased in 2007 compared to 2006 as a result of a one-time sale of rights to license potential future intellectual property. The transaction generated a gain of $1.5 million.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate in 2007 was higher relative to 2006 primarily due to taxation on repatriated earnings from the Company’s foreign operations. Excluding the effects of this repatriation, the effective tax rate for 2007 would have been 29.6% compared to 25.9% and 32.9% in 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company expects future effective tax rates to approximate the effective tax rate achieved in 2007 excluding the effect of repatriated earnings.

Sporting Goods

Net sales, operating income, and net income for the Sporting Goods business segment for the three years ended December 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Revenue

 

$

129,788

 

$

136,733

 

$

120,996

 

Operating income

 

 

7,745

 

 

7,835

 

 

12,288

 

Net income

 

 

5,341

 

 

3,562

 

 

7,386

 

Net revenue declined 5% in 2007 compared to 2006, but remains slightly more than the level achieved in 2005. Sales to the Company’s mass market retail customers declined roughly 14% in 2007 compared to 2006 and reflect two factors: a general slowdown in the US economy which is adversely affecting mass retailers in general and a continued industry wide decline in consumer demand for soccer and hockey game tables. The Company continues to aggressively pursue opportunities with its mass market retail customers, but sales to this channel are expected to continue to decline. To counteract this trend, the Company continues to pursue a strategy of expanding certain product offerings and distribution through specialty retailers and dealers. Sales to these channels increased 14% in 2007 compared to 2006 and now comprise 38% of total revenues compared to 31% last year. Growth anticipated in the specialty retail and distributor channels are not expected to completely overcome expected significant declines in mass market retail channels, including diminished sales to Sears. Consequently the Company anticipates total 2008 sales for the Sporting Goods segment to be relatively unchanged from 2007.

Sales in 2006 were higher than 2005 due primarily to acquisitions completed during the first half of 2006 which increased distribution to the specialty retail and distributor channels. Sales to mass market retail customers were relatively unchanged in 2006 compared to 2005.

The gross margin ratio in 2007 increased slightly compared to 2006, but continued to be less than the ratio achieved in 2005 due to continued pricing pressures from mass market retailers. Because sales to the specialty retailer/dealer channel have higher gross margins, the gross margin ratio in the Sporting Goods business is expected to continue to improve as sales to this channel become a larger part of total product mix. As a result, operating income as a percentage of net revenue increased to 5.9% in 2007 compared to 5.7% in 2006. Management anticipates this trend to continue as sales to the specialty retail/dealer channel increase.

16


Net income for 2007 increased 50% over 2006 due primarily to the one-time sale of rights to license potential future intellectual property.

Office Products

Net sales, operating income, and net income for the Office Products business segment for the three years ended December 29, 2007 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

$

55,788

 

$

54,732

 

$

62,319

 

Operating income

 

 

8,809

 

 

8,131

 

 

8,679

 

Net income

 

 

5,617

 

 

5,095

 

 

5,683

 

Sales in the Office Products business increased 1.9% in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to changes in foreign exchange rates. Excluding the effect of changing foreign exchange rates, 2007 sales were essentially unchanged from 2006. Declining sales to traditional office products retailers were offset by increased sales to specialty machine dealers and increased demand for high security and heavy duty shredders. Management anticipates further declines in sales to office product retailers as a result of the slowing US economy. However, new product launches and an expanding presence in machine dealers is expected to offset these shortfalls resulting in a modest increase in 2008.

Sales in 2006 were lower than 2005 due to product rationalizations designed to eliminate unprofitable products and customers to improve profitability.

Profitability in the Office Products segment increased again in 2007 as evidenced by the ratio of operating income to net sales which increased from 13.9% in 2005, to 14.9% in 2006 and 15.8% in 2007. The primary reasons for this improving trend in profitability are the product rationalizations and cost reduction programs that were completed in 2006. Product rationalizations allowed the Company to eliminate unprofitable products and customers, while cost reduction programs aligned operating expenses with current revenue levels.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Cash flows and financial strength continue to be strong as a result of continued profitability. The current ratio, a basic measure of liquidity (current assets divided by current liabilities), was unchanged in 2007 compared to 2006. Total accounts receivable are down at the end of 2007 as a direct result of a lower sales volume. Year end inventory balances are consistent with prior years and current sales trends.

As of December 29, 2007, total debt to banks, including short-term and long-term, was substantially unchanged compared to the prior year. Cash from operations in 2007, funded acquisitions totaling $4.2 million; property, plant and equipment investments of $2.4 million; the payment of dividends totaling $2.9 million; and the repurchase of common stock totaling $3.4 million. As a percentage of stockholders’ equity, total bank debt was 35% at December 29, 2007 compared to 38% at December 30, 2006.

Spending on property, plant and equipment in 2007 totaled $2.4 million compared to $2.7 million in 2006. Depreciation expense, $3.2 million, was unchanged in 2007 compared to 2006. Capital expenditure levels in 2007 were consistent with prior years. In 2008, the Company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $4.5 million higher due to costs associated with the implementation of a global integrated information system.

The Company’s working capital requirements are primarily funded through cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements with its bank. During 2007 the Company’s maximum borrowings under its primary revolving credit lines totaled $52.4 compared to $55.4 million in 2006 and the Company met all its debt covenants. The over all effective interest rate in 2007 was 6.7% which was consistent with the effective rate of 6.4% in 2006.

17


The Company’s relationship with its primary lending bank remains strong and the Company expects to have access to the same level of revolving credit that was available in 2007. In addition, the Company believes it can quickly reach agreement with its current lending bank or an alternate lending source to increase available credit should the need arise.

On March 4, 2008, The Company announced the payment of an annual dividend of $0.25 per share to all shareholders of record on March 14, 2008, payable on March 21, 2008.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements.

Off Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

The Company has no financing arrangements that are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet.

Contractual Obligations

The following schedule summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 29, 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts in thousands

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 


 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Less than 1
year

 

1 – 3 years

 

3 – 5 years

 

More than 5
years

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

32,168

 

$

 

$

13,033

 

$

16,435

 

$

2,700

 

Future interest payments (1)

 

 

8,575

 

 

2,050

 

 

3,254

 

 

1,111

 

 

2,160

 

Future interest payments (receipts) under the Interest rate swap agreement (2)

 

 

(247

)

 

(174

)

 

(73

)

 

 

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

1,913

 

 

1,032

 

 

729

 

 

152

 

 

 

Minimum payments under royalty and license agreements

 

 

742

 

 

642

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

43,151

 

$

3,550

 

$

16,943

 

$

17,798

 

$

4,860

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 

Notes:

(1) Assumes that the Company will not increase borrowings under its long-term credit agreements and that the effective interest rate experienced in 2007 (6.7%) will continue for the life of the agreements.

(2) Assumes that the LIBOR rate (5.0%) at December 29, 2007 will remain unchanged for the term of the swap agreement.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The methods, estimates and judgments used in applying the Company’s accounting policies have a significant impact on the results reported in its financial statements. Some of these accounting policies require difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. The most critical accounting estimates are described below and in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Product Warranty
The Company provides limited warranties on certain of its products, for varying periods. Generally, the warranty periods range from 90 days to one year. However, some products carry extended warranties of seven-year, ten-year, and lifetime warranties. The Company records an accrued liability and expense 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 expensed in the current year. To the extent there are product defects in current products that are unknown to management and do not fall within historical defect rates, the product warranty reserve could be understated and the Company could be required to accrue additional product warranty costs thus negatively affecting gross margin.

18


Inventory Valuation Reserves
The Company evaluates inventory for obsolescence and excess quantities based on demand forecasts based on specified time frames, usually one year. The demand forecast is based on historical usage, sales forecasts and current as well as anticipated market conditions. All amounts in excess of the demand forecast are deemed to be excess or obsolete and a reserve is established based on the anticipated net realizable value. To the extent that demand forecasts are greater than actual demand and the Company fails to reduce manufacturing output accordingly, the Company could be required to record additional inventory reserves which would have a negative impact on gross margin.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon a review of outstanding receivables, historical collection information and existing economic conditions. Accounts receivable are ordinarily due between 30 and 60 days after the issuance of the invoice. Accounts are considered delinquent when more than 90 days past due. Delinquent receivables are reserved or written off based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer. To the extent that actual bad debt losses exceed the allowance recorded by the Company, additional reserves would be required which would increase selling, general and administrative costs.

Advertising Subsidies
The Company enters agreements with certain retailers to pay for direct advertising programs and/or provide in-store display units. These agreements are not based on retailer purchase volumes and do not obligate the retailer to continue carrying the Company’s products. The Company determines the value of the advertising services based on its own research and history of providing such services. The Company expenses these costs in the period in which they are incurred as a selling expense.

CO-OP Advertising
The Company offers co-operative advertising allowances to certain retailers to encourage product promotions. These agreements are typically based on a percentage of retailer purchases up to a maximum allowance and the Company is never directly involved with the media provider. The Company accrues the estimated cost of these programs based on the sales volume of the retailer and historical trends. As costs are accrued they are recorded as a reduction in sales. To the extent that actual co-operative advertising costs exceed the Company’s estimates, additional co-operative advertising allowances would be required which would reduce net revenues.

Volume Rebates
The Company has various rebate programs with certain retailers that are based on purchase volume. Typically these programs are based on achieving specified sales volumes and the rebate is calculated as a percentage of purchases. Based on the terms of the agreement, purchase levels and historical trends the Company accrues the estimated cost of these programs and records the same as a reduction in sales. To the extent that actual rebate program costs exceed the Company’s estimates, additional rebate program allowances would be required which would reduce net revenues.

Catalog Allowances
A number of large office supply dealers operate through catalogs distributed to businesses throughout the country. Product content is decided by the dealer each time a new catalog is issued; typically once a year. Catalog allowances are required by the dealer as an inducement to include the Company’s products. The allowance is based on a fixed cost per page and/or a percentage of purchases by the dealer. The fixed portion of the allowance is often paid when the catalog is distributed and is recognized when incurred and the variable portion is accrued based on dealer purchases and historical trends. Catalog allowances are recorded as a reduction in sales. To the extent that actual catalog costs exceed the estimated costs associated with variable agreement provisions, additional catalog allowances would be required which would negatively impact net revenues.

19


Effect of Inflation

The Company cannot accurately determine the precise effects of inflation; however, there were some increases in sales and costs due to inflation in 2007. The Company attempts to pass on increased costs and expenses through price increases when necessary. The Company is working on reducing expenses; improving manufacturing technologies; and redesigning products to keep these costs under control.

Capital Expenditures

As of December 29, 2007, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. However, in the first quarter of 2008, the Company initiated a project to implement a global integrated information system. In 2008, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures related to this project of $4.5 million.

ITEM 7A — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates, interest rates and marketable equity security prices. 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 fiscal 2007, the only derivative in use was an interest rate swap agreement. 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 both U.S. prime and LIBOR 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. In an effort to mitigate the risk of unfavorable interest rate fluctuations the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively converted a portion of its variable rate debt into fixed rate debt.

Foreign Currency
The Company conducts business in various countries around the world and is therefore subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Approximately 13% of consolidated revenue is derived from sales outside of the U.S. 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 and Chinese Yuan.

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 our consolidated financial statements. The unrealized effect of foreign currency translation in 2007 resulted in a $2.3 million gain that was recorded in stockholders’ equity as other comprehensive income, compared to a $2.4 million gain in 2006 and a $3.9 million loss in 2005. At December 29, 2007, a hypothetical change of 10% in foreign currency exchange rates would cause a $2.6 million change to stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet and a $0.4 million change to net income in our consolidated statement of income.

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 they would not be practicable under the current circumstances. Historical trends in currency exchanges indicate that it is reasonably possible that adverse changes in exchange rates of 20% for the Euro could be experienced in the near term. A hypothetical adverse change of 20% would have resulted in an decline of 3% in net revenues and a 9% decline in net income.

20


Marketable Securities
An adverse movement of equity market prices would have an impact on the Company’s long-term marketable equity securities available for sale that are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 29, 2007 the aggregate fair market value of long-term marketable equity securities available for sale was $4.5 million. Due to the unpredictable nature of the equity market the Company has not employed any hedge programs relative to these investments.

ITEM 8 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The financial statements and supplementary data required by Item 8 are set forth in Part IV, Item 15.

ITEM 9 — CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A — 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.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Escalade’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Escalade’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting of the Company includes those policies and procedures that:

          (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the Company;

21


          (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

          (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error or circumvention through collusion or improper overriding of controls. Therefore, even those internal control systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.

The management of Escalade assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework and implemented a process to monitor and assess both the design and operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 29, 2007, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007 has been audited by BKD LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting prepared by the independent registered public accounting firms are included below in this Item 9A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert J. Keller, Chief Executive Officer

 

/s/ Terry Frandsen, Chief Financial Officer

 

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 fourth quarter of 2007. In connection with such evaluation, there have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred since the beginning of the Company’s fourth quarter of 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Audit Committee,

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Escalade, Incorporated

Evansville, Indiana

We have audited Escalade, Incorporated’s (Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We did not audit the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Martin Yale International, GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary, whose consolidated financial statements reflect total assets and revenues of $22,944 and $30,943 (dollars in thousands), respectively, included in the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 29, 2007. The effectiveness of this subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting was audited by other accountants whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the effectiveness of the subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting, is based solely on the report of other accountants.

22


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit and the report of the other accountants provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of other accountants, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 10, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

BKD, LLP

 

Evansville, Indiana

March 10, 2008

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Martin Yale International GmbH,

Markdorf/Germany

We have audited Martin Yale International GmbH’s (Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

23


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, based on our audit the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 10, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

FALK & Co GmbH

Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Steuerberatungsgesellschaft

 

Heidelberg, Germany

March 10, 2008

ITEM 9B — OTHER INFORMATION

None.

Part III

ITEM 10 — DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information required under this item with respect to Directors and Executive Officers is contained in the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 25, 2008 under the captions “Certain Beneficial Owners,” “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” Board of Directors, Its Committees, Meetings and Functions,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by reference.

24


ITEM 11 — EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required under this item is contained in the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 25, 2008 under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference, except that the information required by Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K which appear within such caption under the sub-heading “Report of Compensation Committee” is specifically not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K or into any other filing by the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

ITEM 12 — SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Except for the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, which is included below, information required by this item is contained in the registrant’s proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 25, 2008 under the caption “Certain Beneficial Owners” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Category

 

Number of
Securities to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants
and Rights

 

Number of
Securities Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

 

 

 

591,035

 

 

 

$

13.24

 

 

 

 

964,041

 

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Total

 

 

 

591,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

964,041

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

(1) These plans include the Company’s 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Director Stock Option Plan, the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan and a special grant of 10,000 options to Directors approved at the 2006 annual shareholders meeting.

ITEM 13 — CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K is contained in the registrant’s proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 25, 2008 under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Board of Directors, Its Committees, Meetings and Functions” and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by Item 404 of Regulation S-K is: None.

ITEM 14 — PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is contained in the registrant’s proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 25, 2008 under the caption “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” and is incorporated herein by reference.

25


Part IV

ITEM 15 — EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

 

(A)

Documents filed as a part of this report:


 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Financial Statements

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

Consolidated financial statements of Escalade, Incorporated and subsidiaries:

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets—December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of income—fiscal years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity—fiscal years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows—fiscal years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006, and December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.


 

 

 

 

 

(3)

Exhibits

 

 

 

3.1

Articles of incorporation of Escalade, Incorporated (a)

 

 

3.2

By-Laws of Escalade, Incorporated (a)

 

 

4.1

Form of Escalade, Incorporated’s common stock certificate (a)

 

 

10.1

Licensing agreement between Sweden Table Tennis AB and Indian Industries, Inc. dated January 1, 1995 (d)

 

 

10.2

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2001 between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, Indiana, N.A. dated August 29, 2002 (g)

 

 

10.3

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 24, 2001 between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, Indiana, N.A. dated August 29, 2002 (h)

 

 

10.4

Third Amendment to amend and restate the credit agreement between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, N.A. The effective date is June 1, 2003 (i)

 

 

10.5

Credit Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Bank One, National Association (excluding exhibits and schedules not deemed to be material). The effective date is September 7, 2003 (j)

 

 

10.6

Revolving Note dated as of September 5, 2003 in principal amount of $45,000,000, executed by Indian-Martin, Inc. in favor of Bank One, National Association (j)

 

 

10.7

Pledge Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Bank One, National Association (j)

 

 

10.8

Collateral Assignment and Security Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Bank One, National Association (j)

 

 

10.9

Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Indian-Martin AG (j)

 

 

10.10

Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Indian Industries, Inc. Substantially similar Receivables Purchase Agreements were also entered into by Indian-Martin, Inc. and each of Escalade, Incorporated’s other domestic operating subsidiaries, Harvard Sports, Inc., Martin Yale Industries, Inc., Master Products Manufacturing Company, Inc., U.S. Weight, Inc. and Bear Archery, Inc. (j)

 

 

10.11

Services Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Martin Yale Industries, Inc. Substantially similar Services Agreements were also entered into by Indian-Martin, Inc. and each of Escalade, Incorporated’s other domestic operating subsidiaries, Harvard Sports, Inc., Indian Industries, Inc., Master Products Manufacturing Company, Inc., U.S. Weight, Inc. and Bear Archery, Inc. (j)

 

 

10.12

Escalade Subordination Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, National Association (j)

 

 

10.13

Offset Waiver Agreement dated as of September 5, 2003 between Escalade, Incorporated, Bank One, National Association, Indian-Martin, Inc., Harvard Sports, Inc., Indian Industries, Inc., Martin Yale Industries, Inc., Master Products Manufacturing Company, Inc., U.S. Weight, Inc. and Bear Archery, Inc. (j)

26


 

 

 

 

10.14

Loan Agreement dated September 1, 1998 between Martin Yale Industries, Inc. and City of Wabash, Indiana (f)

 

10.15

Trust Indenture between the City of Wabash, Indiana and Bank One Trust Company, NA as Trustee dated September 1, 1998 relating to the Adjustable Rate Economic Development Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1998 (Martin Yale Industries, Inc.       Project) (f)

 

10.16

First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and Bank One, National Association, a national banking association. The Effective date of the Amendment was July 15, 2004. (k)

 

10.17

Fourth amendment to amended and restated credit agreement dated June 1, 2003 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, N.A. a national banking association. The Effective date of amendment was July 15, 2004. (l)

 

10.18

Euro revolving note dated July 15, 2004, in principal amount of €2,500,000, executed by Escalade, Incorporated in favor of Bank One, N.A., London branch. (l)

 

10.19

Uncommitted overdraft facility not to exceed 1.0 million Euro and 500 thousand pounds sterling between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, N.A., London branch. (l)

 

10.20

Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective October 24, 2001 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA. The effective date of the Amendment was May 19, 2006. (n)

 

10.21

Seventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective October 24, 2001 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA. The effective date of the Amendment was July 1, 2006. (n)

 

10.22

Promissory Note between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA. Dated July 1, 2006. (n)

 

10.23

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated September 5, 2003 by and between Indian-Martin, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA. The effective date of the Amendment was July 1, 2006. (n)

 

10.24

Promissory Note between Indian-Martin, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA. Dated July 1, 2006. (n)

 

10.25

Eighth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective October 24, 2001 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA. The effective date of the Amendment was May 17, 2007. (p)

 

10.26

Promissory note between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA dated May 17, 2007. (p)

 

10.27

Promissory note between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA dated May 17, 2007. (p)


 

 

 

 

(4)

Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements

 

 

 

 

10.25

The Harvard Sports/Indian Industries, Inc. 401(k) Plan as amended and merged in 1993 (c)

 

10.26

Martin Yale Industries, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan as amended in 1993 (c)

 

10.27

Incentive Compensation Plan for Escalade, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (a)

 

10.28

Example of contributory deferred compensation agreement between Escalade, Incorporated and certain management employees allowing for deferral of compensation (a)

 

10.29

1997 Director Stock Compensation and Option Plan (e)

 

10.30

1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan (e)

 

10.31

1997 Director Stock Compensation and Option Plan Certificate (m)

 

10.32

1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan Certificate (m)

 

10.33

Agreement dated April 19, 2006 by and between Charles William Reed and Escalade, Incorporated (Management Contract) (n)

 

10.34

Relocation and retention agreement dated July 24, 2006 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and Terry Frandsen. (Management Contract) (o)

 

10.35

Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference herein from Annex 1 to the Registrant’s 2007 Definitive Proxy Statement. (p)

 

10.36

Employment offer letter dated July 23, 2007 between Robert Keller and Escalade, Inc. (q)

 

10.37

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement utilized in Restricted Stock Unit grants pursuant to the Escalade Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan. (r)

 

10.38

Escalade, Incorporated schedule of Directors Compensation

 

10.39

Escalade, Incorporated schedule of Executive Officers Compensation

 

 

 

 

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

27


 

 

 

 

23.1

Consent of BKD, LLP

 

23.2

Consent of FALK & Co GmbH

 

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

 

 

 

 

(a)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 20007 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(b)

Intentionally not used

 

(c)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

(d)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

(e)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 1997 Proxy Statement

 

(f)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 1998 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(g)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2001 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(h)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2002 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(i)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2003 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(j)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2003 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(k)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2004 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(l)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2004 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(m)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

(n)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2006 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(o)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2006 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(p)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2007 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(q)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2007 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q

 

(r)

Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2008

28


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Index to Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries and Independent Accountants’ Report are submitted herewith:

 

Page

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm

30

 

 

Consolidated financial statements of Escalade, Incorporated and subsidiaries:

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets—December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

32

 

 

Consolidated statements of income—fiscal years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

33

 

 

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity—fiscal years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

34

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows—fiscal years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

35

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements

36

29


(BKD LLP LOGO)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Audit Committee, Board of Directors and Stockholders
Escalade, Incorporated
Evansville, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Escalade, Incorporated (Company) as of December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2007. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the 2007, 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements of Martin Yale International, GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary, which consolidated statements reflect total assets of $22,944, $28,391 and $24,132 and net sales of $30,943, $24,378 and $31,923 (dollars in thousands) for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, included in the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the years ended December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Those consolidated statements were audited by other accountants, whose reports have been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Martin Yale International, GmbH, is based solely on the reports of the other accountants.

Our audits also included auditing the adjustments to convert the financial statements of Martin Yale International, GmbH into accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for purposes of consolidation.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Our audits included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the other accountants provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other accountants, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, effective December 31, 2006.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 10, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

BKD, LLP
Evansville, Indiana
March 10, 2008

30


(FALK & Co LOGO)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Martin Yale International GmbH,
Markdorf/Germany

We have audited the balance sheets of Martin Yale International GmbH, Markdorf/Germany (Company) as of December 31, 2007 and December 30, 2006, and the related statements of income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Our audits included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2007, and December 30, 2006, and the results of its operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Germany.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 10, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

FALK & Co GmbH
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Steuerberatungsgesellschaft

Heidelberg, Germany
March 10, 2008

31


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Information

 

December 29,

 

December 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,808

 

$

3,829

 

Receivables, less allowances of $1,087 and $1,559

 

 

30,639

 

 

33,590

 

Inventories

 

 

32,541

 

 

32,232

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

2,551

 

 

2,085

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

 

1,399

 

 

733

 

Prepaid income tax

 

 

860

 

 

2,001

 

 

 


 


 

Total current assets

 

 

70,798

 

 

74,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

20,391

 

 

20,657

 

Intangible assets

 

 

21,012

 

 

20,608

 

Goodwill

 

 

25,803

 

 

25,027

 

Investments

 

 

12,473

 

 

9,011

 

Interest rate swap

 

 

54

 

 

239

 

Other assets

 

 

1,485

 

 

703

 

 

 


 


 

Total assets

 

$

152,016

 

$

150,715

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable—bank

 

 

13,033

 

$

10,336

 

Trade accounts payable

 

 

2,938

 

 

3,350

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

23,216

 

 

27,659

 

Income tax payable

 

 

169

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

Total current liabilities

 

 

39,356

 

 

41,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

19,135

 

 

22,609

 

Other non-current income tax liability

 

 

118

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

 

589

 

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

1,076

 

 

1,046

 

 

 


 


 

Total liabilities

 

 

60,274

 

 

65,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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: 2007 —12,673,149 shares, 2006—13,039,457 shares

 

 

12,673

 

 

13,039

 

Retained earnings

 

 

73,246

 

 

69,194

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

5,823

 

 

3,482

 

 

 


 


 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

91,742

 

 

85,715

 

 

 


 


 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

152,016

 

$

150,715

 

 

 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

32


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended

 

 


 

 

December 29,

 

December 30,

 

December 31,

 

All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 


 

Net Sales

 

$

185,576

 

$

191,465

 

$

183,315

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs, Expenses and Other Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

 

131,389

 

 

137,821

 

 

127,719

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

 

 

38,462

 

 

39,466

 

 

36,312

 

Restructuring costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

(631

)

Amortization

 

 

2,657

 

 

2,343

 

 

1,210

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income

 

 

13,068

 

 

11,835

 

 

18,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(2,837

)

 

(2,637

)

 

(1,482

)

Other income

 

 

3,991

 

 

2,263

 

 

2,036

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

 

14,222

 

 

11,461

 

 

19,259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

 

4,967

 

 

2,966

 

 

6,343

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

9,255

 

$

8,495

 

$

12,916

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.99

 

 

 


 


 


 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.98

 

 

 


 


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

33


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 


 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

All Amounts in Thousands

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Earnings

 

Income

 

Total

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 25, 2004

 

 

13,031

 

 

13,031

 

 

53,450

 

 

4,553

 

 

71,034

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,916

 

 

 

 

 

12,916

 

Unrealized loss on securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(78

)

 

(78

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,893

)

 

(3,893

)

Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreement, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

368

 

 

368

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

82

 

 

82

 

 

231

 

 

 

 

 

313

 

Dividend paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,961

)

 

 

 

 

(1,961

)

Stock issued under the director stock option plan

 

 

6

 

 

6

 

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

96

 

Purchase of stock

 

 

(172

)

 

(172

)

 

(2,000

)

 

 

 

 

(2,172

)

 

   













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2005

 

 

12,947

 

 

12,947

 

 

62,726

 

 

950

 

 

76,623

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,495

 

 

 

 

 

8,495

 

Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

278

 

 

278

 

Realization of previously unrealized gains on securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(189

)

 

(189

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,405

 

 

2,405

 

Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreement, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38

 

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

588

 

 

 

 

 

588

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

226

 

 

226

 

 

1,238

 

 

 

 

 

1,464

 

Dividend paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,604

)

 

 

 

 

(2,604

)

Stock issued under the director stock option plan

 

 

10

 

 

10

 

 

131

 

 

 

 

 

141

 

Purchase of stock

 

 

(144

)

 

(144

)

 

(1,380

)

 

 

 

 

(1,524

)

 

   













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 30, 2006

 

 

13,039

 

$

13,039

 

$

69,194

 

$

3,482

 

$

85,715

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,255

 

 

 

 

 

9,255

 

Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

128

 

 

128

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,333

 

 

2,333

 

Unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreement, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(120

)

 

(120

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment to initially apply FASB Interpretation No. 48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(265

)

 

 

 

 

(265

)

Expense of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

680

 

 

 

 

 

680

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

18

 

 

18

 

 

122

 

 

 

 

 

140

 

Dividend paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,866

)

 

 

 

 

(2,866

)

Stock issued to directors as compensation

 

 

15

 

 

15

 

 

128

 

 

 

 

 

143

 

Purchase of stock

 

 

(399

)

 

(399

)

 

(3,002

)

 

 

 

 

(3,401

)

 

   













 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balances at December 29, 2007

 

 

12,673

 

$

12,673

 

$

73,246

 

$

5,823

 

$

91,742

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

34


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(All Amounts in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 29,

 

December 30

 

December 31

 

Years Ended

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,255

 

$

8,495

 

$

12,916

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

6,044

 

 

5,649

 

 

4,735

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

(533

)

 

116

 

 

561

 

Stock option expense

 

 

680

 

 

588

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

284

 

 

436

 

 

413

 

Provision for deferred compensation

 

 

92

 

 

108

 

 

116

 

Deferred compensation paid

 

 

(62

)

 

(411

)

 

 

(Gain) loss on disposals of assets

 

 

(57

)

 

(98

)

 

226

 

Changes in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

4,300

 

 

1,663

 

 

13,553

 

Inventories

 

 

1,091

 

 

5,543

 

 

(2,868

)

Prepaids

 

 

(1,207

)

 

(86

)

 

(122

)

Other assets

 

 

(1,036

)

 

(807

)

 

(1,706

)

Income tax payable

 

 

1,106

 

 

(1,836

)

 

3,066

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

(5,646

)

 

539

 

 

(6,258

)

 

 










Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

14,311

 

 

19,899

 

 

24,632

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash surrender value, net of loans and premiums

 

 

12

 

 

(43

)

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

(2,387

)

 

(2,683

)

 

(8,395

)

Purchase of long-term investments

 

 

 

 

(192

)

 

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(4,177

)

 

(28,759

)

 

(3,213

)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

 

200

 

 

142

 

 

70

 

Retirement of life insurance policies

 

 

294

 

 

1,036

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of investments

 

 

 

 

952

 

 

 

 

 










Net cash used by investing activities

 

 

(6,058

)

 

(29,547

)

 

(11,538

)

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in notes payable—bank

 

 

(777

)

 

12,898

 

 

(7,597

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

140

 

 

1,464

 

 

313

 

Reduction of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

(354

)

Purchase of stock

 

 

(3,401

)

 

(1,524

)

 

(2,172

)

Cash dividend paid

 

 

(2,866

)

 

(2,604

)

 

(1,961

)

Directors compensation

 

 

143

 

 

141

 

 

96

 

 

 










Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

 

(6,761

)

 

10,375

 

 

(11,675

)

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

 

 

(2,513

)

 

85

 

 

(1,452

)

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

(1,021

)

 

812

 

 

(33

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

 

 

3,829

 

 

3,017

 

 

3,050

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

 

$

2,808

 

$

3,829

 

$

3,017

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flows Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

2,831

 

$

2,630

 

$

1,815

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

3,324

 

$

2,512

 

$

5,561

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

35


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 — Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations
Escalade, Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacture and sale of sporting goods and office products. The Company is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana and has manufacturing facilities in the United States of America, Mexico and Germany. The Company sells products to customers throughout the world.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Escalade, Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The books and records of Subsidiaries located in foreign countries are maintained according to generally accepted accounting principles in those countries. Upon consolidation the Company evaluates the differences in accounting principles and determines whether adjustments are necessary to convert the foreign financial statements to the accounting principles upon which the consolidated financial statements are based. As a result of this evaluation no material adjustments were identified.

Fiscal Year End
The Company’s fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Saturday in December. Fiscal 2007 and 2006 were 52 weeks long ending on December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Fiscal 2005 was 53 weeks long ending on December 31, 2005.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Highly liquid financial instruments with insignificant interest rate risk and with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Fair values of cash equivalents approximate cost due to the short period of time to maturity. Fair values of long-term investments, non-marketable debt investments, short-term debt, long-term debt and swaps, are based on quoted market prices or pricing models using current market rates. The Company believes the carrying value of short-term debt and long-term debt adequately reflects the fair value of these instruments. For the Company’s portfolio of non-marketable equity securities, management believes that the carrying value of the portfolio approximates the fair value at December 29, 2007. All of the estimated fair values, except for marketable equity securities available for sale, are based on management’s estimates because there is no readily available market. Consequently, the estimated fair value may not necessarily represent the amounts that could be realized in a current transaction, and these fair values could change significantly.

Accounts Receivable
Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized as products are shipped to customers and accounts receivable are stated at the amount billed to customers. Interest and late charges billed to customers are not material and because collection is uncertain, are not recognized until collected and are therefore not included in accounts receivable. The Company does not offer the right of return on any of its sales and the Company does not engage in consignment or contingency sales. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts which is described in Note 2 – Certain Significant Estimates.

36


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Inventories
Inventory cost is computed on a currently adjusted standard cost basis (which approximates actual cost on a current average or first-in, first-out basis). Work in process and finished goods inventory are determined to be saleable based on a demand forecast within a specific time horizon, generally one year or less. Inventory in excess of saleable amounts is reserved, and the remaining inventory is valued at the lower cost or market. This inventory valuation reserve totaled $3.6 million and $2.7 million at fiscal year-end 2007 and 2006, respectively. Inventories, net of the valuation reserve, at fiscal year-ends were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

9,188

 

$

7,786

 

Work in process

 

 

7,032

 

 

6,021

 

Finished goods

 

 

16,321

 

 

18,425

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

32,541

 

$

32,232

 

 

 



 



 

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed for financial reporting purposes principally using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings, 20-30 years; leasehold improvements, term of the lease; machinery and equipment, 5-15 years; and tooling, dies and molds, 2-4 years. Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

2,902

 

$

2,780

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

 

20,784

 

 

20,450

 

Machinery and equipment

 

 

33,912

 

 

32,561

 

 

 



 



 

Total cost

 

 

57,598

 

 

55,791

 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

(37,207

)

 

(35,134

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

20,391

 

$

20,657

 

 

 



 



 

Investments
Investments are composed of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable equity securities available for sale

 

$

4,496

 

$

2,843

 

Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)

 

 

7,977

 

 

6,168

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

12,473

 

$

9,011

 

 

 



 



 

Marketable Equity Securities Available for Sale. This consists of marketable equity securities recorded at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Summarized financial data for these securities at fiscal year-end were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost basis

 

$

4,119

 

$

2,539

 

Unrealized gain

 

 

377

 

 

304

 

 

 



 



 

Approximate fair market value

 

$

4,496

 

$

2,843

 

 

 



 



 

Non-Marketable Equity Investments. The Company has minority equity positions in companies strategically related to the Company’s business, but does not have control over these companies. The accounting method employed is dependent on the level of ownership and degree of influence the Company can exert on operations. Where the equity interest is less than 20% and the degree of influence is not significant, the cost method of accounting is employed. Where the equity interest is greater than 20% but not more than 50%, the equity method of accounting is utilized. Under the equity method, the Company’s proportionate share of net income (loss) is recorded in other income on the consolidated statement of income. The proportionate share of net income was $1,354 thousand, $1,290 thousand and $1,455 thousand in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Total cash dividends received from these equity investments amounted to $39 thousand, $434 thousand, and $638 thousand in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and overall health of the investments’ industry), a write-down is recorded to estimated fair value.

37


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Intangible Assets
The Company has various intangible assets including consulting agreements, patents, trademarks, non-competition agreements and goodwill. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the following lives: consulting agreements, the life of the agreement; non-compete agreements, the lesser of the term or 5 years; and patents, the lesser of the remaining life or 5 to 8 years. Trademarks are deemed to have indefinite useful lives and accordingly are not amortized, but evaluated on an annual basis to determine whether any impairment in value has occurred.

Employee Incentive Plan
During 2007, the Company replaced two stock-based compensation plans with a new incentive plan more fully explained in Note 10. Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment selecting the modified prospective application. Accordingly, after January 1, 2006, the Company began expensing the fair value of stock options and restricted stock units granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled.

Prior to 2006, the Company accounted for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock issued to Employees, and related interpretations. Accordingly, in 2005 no stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income, as all options granted under this plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date.

Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for the foreign operations of Escalade is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the translation are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and are excluded from net income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income and were insignificant in fiscal years 2007, 2006, and 2005.

Cost of Products Sold
Cost of products sold are comprised of those costs directly associated with or allocated to the products sold and include materials, labor and factory overhead.

Other Income
The components of Other Income are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from non-marketable equity investments accounted for on the equity method

 

$

1,354

 

$

1,290

 

$

1,460

 

Dividend and interest income from marketable equity securities held for sale

 

 

390

 

 

193

 

 

168

 

Gain on sale of marketable equity securities held for sale

 

 

 

 

315

 

 

 

Royalty income from patents

 

 

639

 

 

456

 

 

382

 

Gain on sale of rights to license future potential intellectual property

 

 

1,500

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

108

 

 

9

 

 

26

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

3,991

 

$

2,263

 

$

2,036

 

 

 



 



 



 

38


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Income Taxes
Income tax in the consolidated statement of income includes deferred income tax provisions or benefits for all significant temporary differences in recognizing income and expenses for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Research and Development
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development costs incurred during 2007, 2006 and 2005 were approximately $2,330 thousand, $2,170 thousand, and $1,991 thousand, respectively.

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.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which became effective for the Company on December 31, 2006. The Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The adoption of FIN 48 during the first quarter of 2007 resulted in a transition adjustment reducing beginning retained earnings by $264 thousand; $164 thousand in taxes and $100 thousand in interest. If recognized, the tax portion of the adjustment would affect the effective tax rate. Interest costs and penalties related to income taxes are classified as interest expense and selling, general and administrative costs, respectively in the Company’s financial statements. Tax returns for all years after 2003 are subject to future examination by tax authorities.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“Statement No. 157”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and, accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of the provisions of Statement No. 157 related to financial assets and liabilities and other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis is not anticipated to materially impact the company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. Subsequently, the FASB provided for a one-year deferral of the provisions of Statement No. 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a non-recurring basis. There was no impact on the Company’s financial statements as a result of adopting the provisions of Statement No. 157 for non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed on a non-recurring basis.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“Statement No. 141(R)”). Statement No. 141(R) changes the requirements for an acquirer’s recognition and measurement of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in a business combination. Statement No. 141(R) is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively for all business combinations entered into after the date of adoption.

39


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“Statement No. 160”). Statement No. 160 requires (i) that noncontrolling (minority) interests be reported as a component of shareholders’ equity, (ii) that net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be separately identified in the consolidated statement of operations, (iii) that changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest be accounted for as equity transactions, (iv) that any retained noncontrolling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary be initially measured at fair value, and (v) that sufficient disclosures are provided that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Statement No. 160 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements of the statement shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of the provisions of Statement No. 160 is not anticipated to materially impact the company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Note 2 — Certain Significant Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and judgments are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on experience; current and expected future conditions; third party evaluations; and various other assumptions believed reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and liabilities. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the financial statements and related notes.

Listed below are certain significant estimates and assumptions related to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements:

Product Warranty
The Company provides limited warranties on certain of its products, for varying periods. Generally, the warranty periods range from 90 days to one year. However, some products carry extended warranties of seven-year, ten-year, and lifetime warranties. The Company records 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. A reconciliation of the liability is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

1,141

 

$

1,043

 

$

1,298

 

Additions

 

 

621

 

 

560

 

 

472

 

Deductions

 

 

(554

)

 

(462

)

 

(727

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

1,208

 

$

1,141

 

$

1,043

 

 

 



 



 



 

40


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Inventory Valuation Reserves
The Company evaluates inventory for obsolescence and excess quantities based on demand forecasts based on specified time frames; usually one year. The demand forecast is based on historical usage, sales forecasts and current as well as anticipated market conditions. All amounts in excess of the demand forecast are deemed to be excess or obsolete and a reserve is established based on the anticipated net realizable value. A reconciliation of the reserve is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

2,668

 

$

3,867

 

$

6,223

 

Additions

 

 

1,418

 

 

669

 

 

763

 

Deductions

 

 

(513

)

 

(1,868

)

 

(3,119

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

3,573

 

$

2,668

 

$

3,867

 

 

 



 



 



 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon a review of outstanding receivables, historical collection information and existing economic conditions. Accounts receivable are ordinarily due between 30 and 60 days after the issuance of the invoice. Accounts are considered delinquent when more than 90 days past due. Delinquent receivables are reserved or written off based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer. A reconciliation of the allowance is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

1,559

 

$

1,544

 

$

2,510

 

Additions

 

 

509

 

 

116

 

 

561

 

Deductions

 

 

(981

)

 

(101

)

 

(1,527

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

1,087

 

$

1,559

 

$

1,544

 

 

 



 



 



 

Advertising Subsidies
The Company enters agreements with certain retailers to pay for direct advertising programs and/or provide in-store display units. These agreements are not based on retailer purchase volumes and do not obligate the retailer to continue carrying the Company’s products. The Company determines the value of the advertising services based on its own research and history of providing such services. The Company expenses these costs in the period in which they are incurred as a selling expense. A reconciliation of the liability is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

1,246

 

$

991

 

$

725

 

Additions

 

 

1,458

 

 

1,828

 

 

1,579

 

Deductions

 

 

(1,196

)

 

(1,573

)

 

(1,313

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

1,508

 

$

1,246

 

$

991

 

 

 



 



 



 

41


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

CO-OP Advertising
The Company offers co-operative advertising allowances to certain retailers to encourage product promotions. These agreements are typically based on a percentage of retailer purchases up to a maximum allowance and the Company is never directly involved with the media provider. The Company accrues the estimated cost of these programs based on the sales volume of the retailer and historical trends. As costs are accrued they are recorded as a reduction in sales. A reconciliation of the liability is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

3,622

 

$

2,794

 

$

3,545

 

Additions

 

 

4,070

 

 

4,484

 

 

4,081

 

Deductions

 

 

(4,369

)

 

(3,656

)

 

(4,832

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

3,323

 

$

3,622

 

$

2,794

 

 

 



 



 



 

Volume Rebates
The Company has various rebate programs with its retailers that are based on purchase volume. Typically these programs are based on achieving specified sales volumes and the rebate is calculated as a percentage of purchases. Based on the terms of the agreement, purchase levels and historical trends the Company accrues the cost of these programs and records the same as a reduction in sales. A reconciliation of the liability is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

1,612

 

$

1,503

 

$

3,419

 

Additions

 

 

1,913

 

 

2,044

 

 

2,150

 

Deductions

 

 

(2,663

)

 

(1,935

)

 

(4,066

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

862

 

$

1,612

 

$

1,503

 

 

 



 



 



 

Catalog Allowances
A number of large office supply dealers operate through catalogs distributed to businesses throughout the country. Product content is decided by the dealer each time a new catalog is issued; typically once a year. Catalog allowances are required by the dealer as an inducement to include the Company’s products. The allowance is based on a fixed cost per page and/or a percentage of purchases by the dealer. The fixed portion of the allowance is often paid when the catalog is distributed and is recognized in the period incurred and the variable portion is accrued based on dealer purchases and historical trends. Catalog allowances are recorded as a reduction in sales. A reconciliation of the liability is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

$

697

 

$

1,040

 

$

761

 

Additions

 

 

1,427

 

 

1,444

 

 

1,637

 

Deductions

 

 

(1,675

)

 

(1,787

)

 

(1,358

)

 

 



 



 



 

Ending balance

 

$

449

 

$

697

 

$

1,040

 

 

 



 



 



 

42


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3 — Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee compensation

 

$

8,589

 

$

9,262

 

Customer related allowances and accruals

 

 

9,425

 

 

10,029

 

Other accrued items

 

 

5,202

 

 

8,368

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

23,216

 

$

27,659

 

 

 



 



 

Note 4 — Operating Leases

The Company leases warehouse and office space under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2011. Terms of the leases, including renewals, taxes, utilities, and maintenance, vary by lease. Total rental expense included in the results of operations relating to all leases was $1,817 thousand, $2,181 thousand, and $1,275 thousand in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

At December 29, 2007, minimum rental payments under non-cancelable leases with terms of more than one year were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

Amount

 






 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

$

1,032

 

2009

 

 

509

 

2010

 

 

220

 

2011

 

 

152

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

1,913

 

 

 



 

Note 5 — Acquired Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The carrying basis and accumulated amortization of recognized intangible assets are summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 


In Thousands

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patents

 

$

22,369

 

$

7,264

 

$

21,077

 

$

4,924

 

Consulting agreements

 

 

976

 

 

976

 

 

976

 

 

956

 

Non-compete agreements

 

 

2,197

 

 

1,858

 

 

2,072

 

 

1,746

 

Customer list

 

 

1,589

 

 

1,161

 

 

1,455

 

 

692

 

Trademarks

 

 

5,262

 

 

122

 

 

3,467

 

 

121

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

32,393

 

$

11,381

 

$

29,047

 

$

8,439

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Amortization expense was $2,869 thousand, $2,471 thousand and $1,169 thousand for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

43


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Estimated future amortization expense for each reporting segment is summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

Thereafter

 





















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporting Goods

 

$

2,642

 

$

2,442

 

$

1,790

 

$

1,748

 

$

1,732

 

$

5,263

 

Office Products

 

 

195

 

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

$

2,837

 

$

2,502

 

$

1,790

 

$

1,748

 

$

1,732

 

$

5,263

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived and intangible assets on an annual basis, or whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may be impaired. The Company determines impairment based on the asset’s ability to generate cash flow greater than the carrying value of the asset, using a discounted probability-weighted analysis. If projected discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the asset is adjusted to its fair value.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

Sporting Goods

 

Office Products

 

Total

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

7,151

 

$

10,006

 

$

17,157

 

Acquisitions

 

 

4,866

 

 

2,319

 

 

7,185

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

685

 

 

685

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance at December 30, 2006

 

 

12,017

 

 

13,010

 

 

25,027

 

Purchase price adjustment

 

 

 

 

(134

)

 

(134

)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

910

 

 

910

 

 

 



 



 



 

Balance at December 29, 2007

 

$

12,017

 

$

13,786

 

$

25,803

 

 

 



 



 



 

Note 6 — Borrowings

Short-Term Debt
Short-term debt at fiscal year-ends was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving line of credit

 

$

13,033

 

$

10,336

 

 

 



 



 

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Indian-Martin, Inc., has a revolving line of credit under which it can borrow funds from time to time to purchase eligible accounts receivable from the Company’s operating subsidiaries which accounts are and will be pledged to secure those borrowings. At December 29, 2007, this line of credit aggregated $30 million but was limited to $29 million by the underlying accounts receivable balances pledged as security collateral. At the company’s option, borrowings can be made under the bank’s prime interest rate minus 1.25% or LIBOR plus 1.38%. During 2007 and 2006, weighted average daily borrowings under this line were $15,795 thousand and $15,374 thousand with effective interest rates of 6.9% for each respective year.

44


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at fiscal year-ends was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving term loan of $30,000, the amount available under this revolving term loan is reduced by $5,000 annually starting May 31, 2008, with the balance due May 31, 2012. At December 29, 2007, $10,000 had an interest rate of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.00%, or 6.84%, and $3,504 had an interest rate of prime minus .375% or 6.50%, unsecured.

 

$

13,504

 

$

17,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving term loan of Euro 3,000 (approximately $4,397 US Dollars), the balance is due May 31, 2012 and bears an interest rate of EURIBOR plus 1.50%, or 5.90% at December 29, 2007, unsecured

 

 

2,931

 

 

1,975

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage payable (Wabash, Indiana Adjustable Rate Economic Development Revenue Refunding Bonds), annual installments are optional, interest varies with short-term rates and is adjustable weekly based on market conditions, maximum rate is 10.00%, rate at December 29, 2007 is 3.7%, due September 2028, secured by plant facility, machinery and equipment, and a stand-by letter of credit

 

 

2,700

 

 

2,700

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,135

 

 

22,609

 

Portion classified as current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

19,135

 

$

22,609

 

 

 



 



 

Maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 29, 2007 are as follows: $3,504 thousand in 2011 and $15,631 thousand in 2012 or thereafter.

The mortgages payable and term loan agreements contain certain restrictive covenants, of which the more significant include maintenance of specified net worth and maintenance of specified ranges of debt service and leverage ratios.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement
In May 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement having a notional amount of $10 million and a maturity date of May 19, 2008. This swap agreement is designated as a cash flow hedge, and effectively converts a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt to fixed rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 5.08%. The Company entered into this interest rate swap agreement to manage interest costs and cash flows associated with variable interest rates, primarily short-term changes in LIBOR; changes in the cash flows of the interest rate swap offset changes in the interest payments on the covered portion of the Company’s revolving debt. During 2007, the Company recorded an after tax loss of $120 thousand in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) relating to this interest rate swap agreement. There was no impact on net income due to ineffectiveness. The Company’s exposure to credit loss on its interest rate swap agreement in the event of non-performance by the counterparty is believed to be remote due to the strong credit rating of the counterparty.

45


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 7 — Earnings Per Share

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding.

 

 

12,901

 

 

13,012

 

 

13,055

 

Dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

14

 

 

32

 

 

153

 

 

 



 



 



 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

 

 

12,915

 

 

13,044

 

 

13,208

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of anti-dilutive stock options

 

 

395

 

 

470

 

 

424

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution, includes the incremental shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options outstanding.

Note 8 — Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has an employee profit-sharing salary reduction plan, pursuant to the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for non-union employees. The Company’s contribution is a matching percentage of the employee contribution as determined by the Board of Directors annually. The Company’s expense for the plan was $527 thousand, $579 thousand and $490 thousand for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Note 9 — Deferred Compensation Plan

In October 1985, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Contributory Deferred Compensation Plan pursuant to which some recipients of incentive compensation could elect to defer receipt thereof. For each dollar of deferred compensation, the Company provided a 75% matching amount. All deferrals allowed under this plan have been made and amounts deferred earn interest at the rate of 9%. Plan balances are not intended to be recognized for tax purposes until receipt. Participants have no vested rights in deferred amounts credited to their accounts and are general creditors of the Company until such amounts are actually paid.

Note 10 — Stock Compensation Plans

In April 2007, Shareholders approved the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan (“2007 Inventive Plan”), which is an incentive plan for key employees, directors and consultants with various equity-based incentives as described in the plan document. The 2007 Incentive Plan is a replacement for the 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the 1997 Director Stock Compensation and Option Plan which expired at the end of April 2007. All options issued and outstanding under the expired plans will remain in effect until exercised, expired or forfeited.

The 2007 Incentive Plan is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, which is authorized to determine, among other things, the key employees, directors or consultants who will receive awards under the plan, the amount and type of award, exercise prices or performance criteria, if applicable, and vesting schedules. Subject to various restrictions contained in the plan document, the total number of shares of common stock which may be issued pursuant to awards under the Plan may not exceed 1,086,422 shares.

46


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Restricted Stock Units
In 2007, the Company granted restricted stock units to certain officers and directors of the Company at fair market value on the date of grant. The restricted stock units granted to employees of the Company vest over three to four years and dependent on certain market criteria. The restricted stock units granted to directors vest over one to two years. All restricted stock units are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting and are subject to forfeiture if on the vesting date the employee is not employed or the director no longer holds a position with the Company.

During 2007, the Company issued 137,250 restricted stock units to employees and 12,442 restricted stock units to directors. The following table presents a summary of non-vested restricted stock units granted to employees and directors as of December 29, 2007, and changes during the year ended December 29, 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-vested restricted stock units as of December 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

149,692

 

$

5.75

 

Vested

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(5,000

)

$

5.75

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Non-vested restricted stock units as of December 29, 2007

 

 

144,692

 

$

5.75

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

When vesting is dependent on certain market criteria, the fair value of restricted stock units is determined by the use of Monte Carlo techniques. The market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date is used to value restricted stock units where vesting is not contingent on market criteria. In 2007, the Company recognized $200 thousand in compensation expense related to restricted stock units and as of December 29, 2007, there was $632 thousand of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units.

Stock Options
Beginning January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. Accordingly, after January 1, 2006, the Company began expensing the fair value of stock options granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled. Total compensation expense recorded in the income statement for 2007 and 2006 relating to stock options was $480 thousand and $588 thousand, respectively. The recognized tax benefit related thereto was $31 and $55 thousand for 2007 and 2006, respectively.

During 2007, the Company issued 6,524 Director Stock Options at an option price of $9.35. These options are exercisable after April 24, 2008.

The following table summarizes option activity for each of the three years ended 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incentive Stock Options

 

Director Stock Options

 

 

 

Granted  

 

Outstanding

 

Granted  

 

Outstanding

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

417,850

 

 

 

 

6,524

 

 

 

 

28,493

 

 

2006

 

 

 

197,500

 

 

 

 

520,695

 

 

 

 

15,076

 

 

 

 

23,891

 

 

2005

 

 

 

250,000

 

 

 

 

713,324

 

 

 

 

2,767

 

 

 

 

17,245

 

 

The fair value of each option grant award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model using the following assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk-free interest rates

 

4.35%

 

 

4.35%

 

 

3.77%

 

Dividend yields

 

2.26%

 

 

1.81%

 

 

1.20%

 

Volatility factors of expected market price of common stock

 

42.6%

 

 

51.3%

 

 

53.8%

 

Weighted average expected life of the options

 

3 years

 

 

4 years

 

 

4 years

 

47


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the three years ended 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 







 

 

Shares

 

Option
Price

 

Shares

 

Option
Price

 

Shares

 

Option
Price

 

 

 













 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

 

544,586

 

 

$6.99 to
19.21

 

 

730,569

 

 

$6.99 to
19.21

 

 

578,930

 

 

$6.99 to
19.21

 

 

Issued during year

 

 

6,524

 

 

$9.35

 

 

212,576

 

 

$11.08 to
11.26

 

 

252,767

 

 

$13.40 to
13.88

 

Canceled or expired

 

 

(86,422

)

 

 

 

 

(172,550

)

 

 

 

 

(20,900

)

 

 

 

Exercised during year

 

 

(18,345

)

 

$6.99 to
9.03

 

 

(226,009

)

 

$3.60 to
6.99

 

 

(80,228

)

 

$2.42 to
6.99

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

 

 

446,343

 

 

$6.99 to
19.21

 

 

544,586

 

 

$6.99 to
19.21

 

 

730,569

 

 

$6.99 to
19.21

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of year

 

 

307,694

 

 

 

 

 

222,885

 

 

 

 

 

376,502

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year

 

$

2.70

 

 

 

 

$

4.32

 

 

 

 

$

5.61

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 29, 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

 

 




 

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

 













 

$6.99 - $11.26

 

 

194,850

 

 

2.5 years

 

$

10.10

 

 

110,701

 

$

9.45

 

$13.40 – $19.21

 

 

251,493

 

 

1.7 years

 

$

15.68

 

 

196,993

 

$

16.31

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

446,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

307,694

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Prior to 2006, the Company accounted for stock options under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock issued to Employees, and related interpretations. As a result no stock-based employee compensation costs are reflected in net income for 2005 because options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock at the grant date.

In anticipation of the effective date of SFAS 123R Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R) which requires the expensing of stock options based on fair-value assessments, the Company elected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, to accelerate the vesting of 167,800 outstanding options where the exercise price ($19.21 per share) exceeded the market price for the Company’s stock. This resulted in the immediate recognition of the pro-forma stock-based employee compensation costs associated with these options. Accordingly, the pro-forma compensation expense reported in the tables below reflects the additional stock-based employee compensation expense associated with these options.

48


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share for 2005 if the Company had applied the fair value provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation:

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts

 

 

2005

 






 

 

 

 

 

Net income, as reported

 

$

12,916

 

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation cost determined under the fair value based method, net of income taxes

 

 

(1,823

)

 

 



 

Pro forma net income

 

$

11,093

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share

 

 

 

 

Basic—as reported

 

$

0.99

 

 

 



 

Basic—pro forma

 

$

0.85

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted—as reported

 

$

0.98

 

 

 



 

Diluted—pro forma

 

$

0.84

 

 

 



 

Note 11 — Other Comprehensive Income

The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









Change in net unrealized value of available-for-sale investments net of tax of $(85), $(185), and $52, in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

$

128

 

$

278

 

$

(78

)

Realization of previously unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments net of tax of $126

 

 

 

 

(189

)

 

 

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

2,333

 

 

2,405

 

 

(3,893

)

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreement net of tax of $78, $(25), and $(245), in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

 

(120

)

 

38

 

 

368

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

2,341

 

$

2,532

 

$

(3,603

)

 

 



 



 



 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









Accumulated gain on available for sale investments

 

$

320

 

$

192

 

$

103

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

5,468

 

 

3,135

 

 

730

 

Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreement

 

 

35

 

 

155

 

 

117

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

5,823

 

$

3,482

 

$

950

 

 

 



 



 



 

49


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 12 — Provision for Taxes

Income before taxes and the provision for taxes consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States of America (USA)

 

$

10,482

 

$

8,874

 

$

16,066

 

Non USA

 

 

3,740

 

 

2,587

 

 

3,193

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

14,222

 

$

11,461

 

$

19,259

 

 

 



 



 



 

Provision for taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

3,745

 

$

2,000

 

$

4,580

 

State

 

 

428

 

 

482

 

 

510

 

International

 

 

510

 

 

48

 

 

840

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

4,683

 

 

2,530

 

 

5,930

 

 

 



 



 



 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

112

 

 

186

 

 

334

 

State

 

 

30

 

 

108

 

 

79

 

International

 

 

142

 

 

142

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

284

 

 

436

 

 

413

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

4,967

 

$

2,966

 

$

6,343

 

 

 



 



 



 

The Company has not provided for USA deferred taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings for non-USA subsidiaries where the Company intends to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in operations outside the USA.

The provision for income taxes was computed based on financial statement income. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed using the statutory rate follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax at statutory rate

 

$

4,835

 

$

3,897

 

$

6,548

 

Increase (decrease) in income tax resulting from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent differences (goodwill impairment, investment income, dividends, and captive insurance earnings)

 

 

(79

)

 

(79

)

 

(348

)

State tax expense, net of federal effect

 

 

302

 

 

390

 

 

386

 

Effect of foreign tax rates

 

 

(620

)

 

(689

)

 

(229

)

Research credit

 

 

(60

)

 

(120

)

 

(121

)

Foreign income repatriation (Section 956 inclusion)

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

 

 

Internal Revenue Service audit settlement

 

 

 

 

 

 

278

 

Other

 

 

(446

)

 

(433

)

 

(171

)

 

 



 



 



 

Recorded provision for income taxes

 

$

4,967

 

$

2,966

 

$

6,343

 

 

 



 



 



 

50


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

In accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which became effective for the Company on December 31, 2006 the Company has recorded the following changes in liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions:

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

Other non-current
income tax liability

 





Balance as of December 31, 2006 (Adoption)

 

$

164

 

Additions for current year tax positions

 

 

6

 

Additions for prior year tax positions

 

 

 

Settlements

 

 

 

Reductions Settlements

 

 

 

Reductions for prior year tax positions

 

 

(52

)

 

 



 

Balance as of December 29, 2007

 

$

118

 

 

 



 

The components of the net deferred tax assets are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 







Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee benefits

 

$

243

 

$

707

 

Valuation reserves

 

 

1,261

 

 

598

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

424

 

 

412

 

Depreciation

 

 

689

 

 

779

 

Stock option expense

 

 

85

 

 

55

 

Net operating loss carry forward

 

 

1,220

 

 

1,318

 

 

 



 



 

Total assets

 

 

3,922

 

 

3,869

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on sale of securities available-for-sale

 

 

(208

)

 

(113

)

Unrealized equity investment income

 

 

(1,010

)

 

(984

)

Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreement

 

 

(19

)

 

(84

)

Goodwill and intangible assets

 

 

(761

)

 

(492

)

 

 



 



 

Total liabilities

 

 

(1,998

)

 

(1,673

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valuation Allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

 

 

(1,211

)

 

(228

)

(Increase) decrease during period

 

 

97

 

 

(983

)

 

 



 



 

Ending balance

 

 

(1,114

)

 

(1,211

)

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

810

 

$

985

 

 

 



 



 

Deferred tax assets are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 







Deferred income tax asset - current

 

$

1,399

 

$

733

 

Deferred income tax asset (liability) – long-term

 

 

(589

)

 

252

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

810

 

$

985

 

 

 



 



 

The Company has a US federal unused net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $270 thousand and state unused net operating losses of approximately $14,165 thousand of which an estimated $14,165 thousand has been reserved as the Company does not expect to be able to utilize it. All operating loss carry-forwards expire in various amounts through 2021.

51


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13 — Operating Segment and Geographic Information

The following table presents certain operating segment information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sporting Goods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 

129,788

 

 

136,733

 

 

120,996

 

Operating income

 

 

7,745

 

 

7,835

 

 

12,288

 

Interest expense

 

 

1,355

 

 

2,775

 

 

874

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

3,005

 

 

1,975

 

 

4,154

 

Net income

 

 

5,341

 

 

3,562

 

 

7,386

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

87,634

 

 

88,209

 

 

67,641

 

Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation & amortization

 

 

4,264

 

 

3,985

 

 

2,657

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

1,325

 

 

1,843

 

 

7,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 

55,788

 

 

54,732

 

 

62,319

 

Operating income

 

 

8,809

 

 

8,131

 

 

8,679

 

Interest expense

 

 

185

 

 

613

 

 

786

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

2,810

 

 

2,423

 

 

2,432

 

Net income

 

 

5,617

 

 

5,095

 

 

5,683

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

47,623

 

 

46,778

 

 

44,319

 

Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)

 

 

772

 

 

712

 

 

662

 

Depreciation & amortization

 

 

1,780

 

 

1,664

 

 

2,078

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

1,062

 

 

840

 

 

992

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

(3,486

)

 

(4,131

)

 

(2,262

)

Interest expense

 

 

1,297

 

 

(751

)

 

(178

)

Provision for taxes

 

 

(848

)

 

(1,432

)

 

(243

)

Net income

 

 

(1,703

)

 

(162

)

 

(153

)

Identifiable assets

 

 

16,759

 

 

15,728

 

 

12,900

 

Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)

 

 

7,205

 

 

5,456

 

 

3,952

 

Depreciation & amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Revenue

 

 

185,576

 

 

191,465

 

 

183,315

 

Operating income

 

 

13,068

 

 

11,835

 

 

18,705

 

Interest expense

 

 

2,837

 

 

2,637

 

 

1,482

 

Provision for taxes

 

 

4,967

 

 

2,966

 

 

6,343

 

Net income

 

 

9,255

 

 

8,495

 

 

12,916

 

Identifiable assets

 

 

152,016

 

 

150,715

 

 

124,860

 

Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)

 

 

7,977

 

 

6,168

 

 

4,614

 

Depreciation & amortization

 

 

6,044

 

 

5,649

 

 

4,735

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

2,387

 

 

2,683

 

 

8,395

 

Each operating segment is individually managed and has separate financial results that are reviewed by the Company’s management. Each segment contains closely related products that are unique to the particular segment. There were no changes to the composition of segments in 2007. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

The sporting goods segment consists of home entertainment products such as pool tables and accessories; table tennis tables and accessories; soccer and hockey tables; archery equipment and accessories; basketball goals; and fitness, arcade and darting products. Customers include retailers, dealers and wholesalers located throughout the United States and Europe.

52


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The office product segment consists of office machinery used in the office and graphic arts environment. Products include data shredders; folding machines; and paper trimmers and cutters. Customers include large office product retailers, office machine dealers, and office supply catalogs.

The All Other segment consists of general and administrative expenses not specifically related to the operating business segments and includes investment income from equity investments.

Interest expense is allocated to operating segments based on working capital usage and the provision for taxes is allocated based on a combined federal and state statutory rate of 36% adjusted for actual taxes on foreign income. Permanent tax adjustments and timing differences are included in the All Other segment.

Identifiable assets are principally those assets used in each segment. The assets in the All Other segment are principally cash and cash equivalents; deferred tax assets; marketable equity securities; and investments.

The Company has one customer in the sporting goods segment who accounted for 18%, 19% and 22% of consolidated total revenues in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues. Within the sporting goods segment this customer accounted for 26%, 30% and 33% of total revenues.

As of December 29, 2007, approximately 120 employees of the Company’s labor force were covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires April 30, 2009.

Raw materials for Escalade’s various product lines consist of wood, particleboard, slate, standard grades of steel, steel tubing, plastic, vinyl, steel cables, fiberglass and packaging. Escalade relies upon suppliers in Europe and Brazil for its requirement of billiard balls and slate utilized in the production of home pool tables and upon various Asian manufacturers for certain of its table tennis needs and other items. Escalade sources some of its game table product line in China.

Revenues by geographic region/country were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

157,148

 

$

162,207

 

$

153,687

 

Europe

 

 

22,540

 

 

18,220

 

 

23,015

 

Other

 

 

5,888

 

 

11,038

 

 

6,613

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

185,576

 

$

191,465

 

$

183,315

 

 

 



 



 



 

Revenues are attributed to country based on location of customer and are for continuing operations.

Identified assets by geographic region/country were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

121,791

 

$

122,325

 

$

100,908

 

Europe

 

 

30,225

 

 

28,390

 

 

23,952

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

$

152,016

 

$

150,715

 

$

124,860

 

 

 



 



 



 

53


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 14 — Summary of Quarterly Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In thousands, except per share data (unaudited)

 

March 24

 

July 14

 

October 6

 

December 29

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

33,467

 

$

50,530

 

$

60,687

 

$

40,892

 

Operating income

 

 

1,847

 

 

3,780

 

 

5,812

 

 

1,629

 

Net income

 

 

1,097

 

 

2,435

 

 

3,131

 

 

2,592

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.19

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In thousands, except per share data (unaudited)

 

March 25

 

July 15

 

October 7

 

December 30

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

32,800

 

$

48,949

 

$

65,583

 

$

44,133

 

Operating income

 

 

2,182

 

 

2,087

 

 

4,994

 

 

2,572

 

Net income

 

 

1,724

 

 

1,188

 

 

2,992

 

 

2,591

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.13

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.20

 

Note 15 — Acquisitions

All of the Company’s acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

2007

In February 2007, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of Trophy Ridge, LLC, which manufactures and sells premium archery accessories under the Trophy Ridge brand name. The Trophy Ridge brand name has significant appeal in the sports enthusiast market place and will be used to further expand distribution of the Company’s archery accessory products. The Trophy Ridge operation has been relocated and consolidated into the Company’s existing archery operations in the Gainesville, Florida plant. The operating results of Trophy Ridge will be included in the Sporting Goods segment results from the date of acquisition. The purchase price of $3.8 million was paid in cash. Contingent on the achievement of certain performance criteria, the Company may be obligated to pay an addition $1.0 million over a two year period from the date of acquisition. The estimated fair market value of the assets acquired as of the date of acquisition is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

1,083

 

Property, plant & equipment

 

 

170

 

Other assets

 

 

125

 

Patents & Trademarks

 

 

2,419

 

 

 



 

Net assets acquired

 

$

3,797

 

 

 



 

In December 2007, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of Piston Point, Inc. which distributed a unique broadhead arrow point. The piston point arrow head will be sold through the Company’s Sporting Goods business. The total price of $512 thousand was paid in cash using the Company’s revolving credit lines and was primarily composed of patents related to the piston point arrow head.

54


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2006

In February 2006, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of Family Industries, Inc., which manufactures and sells premium quality residential playground systems made from stained redwood under the WoodPlay brand. Combined with the acquisition of the ChildLife product line in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, this acquisition greatly enhances the breadth of the product offering and expands the Company’s potential customer base. Playground systems will continue to be sold under both the Woodplay and ChildLife brand names, primarily through specialty dealers. The operating results from this acquisition have been included in the Sporting Goods business segment results since the date of acquisition. The total price paid, which was paid in cash using the Company’s revolving credit lines, exceeded the estimated fair market value of the net assets acquired resulting in $4.8 million in Goodwill. The Goodwill recorded will be deductible for income tax purposes. The estimated fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

2,865

 

Property, plant & equipment

 

 

50

 

Other assets

 

 

112

 

Goodwill

 

 

4,767

 

 

 



 

Total assets acquired

 

 

7,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

(654

)

 

 



 

Net assets acquired

 

$

7,140

 

 

 



 

In April 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Desmar Seguridad Y Archivo, S.L. (“Desmar”), a distributor of office products located in Barcelona, Spain. The Company acquired Desmar to solidify its presence in Spain. The operating results from this acquisition have been included in the Office Products business segment results since the acquisition date and the Company intends to operate this acquisition as a wholly owned distributor from its existing location. The total purchase price of EUR 1.9 million ($2.4 million) was paid in cash and financed through the Company’s current Euro debt facilities. The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair market value of the assets acquired resulting in Goodwill of $2.2 million. The Goodwill recorded will not be deductible for income tax purposes. The estimated fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

1,383

 

Property, plant & equipment

 

 

177

 

Other assets

 

 

493

 

Goodwill

 

 

2,238

 

 

 



 

Total assets acquired

 

 

4,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

(1,913

)

 

 



 

Net assets acquired

 

$

2,378

 

 

 



 

In May 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Carolina Archery Products which manufactures and distributes archery accessories. This acquisition expands the Company’s product offerings in archery accessories and provides the Company with valuable technology rights that will be used to enhance its competitive position in the market place. The operating results from this acquisition have been included in the Sporting Goods business segment results since the date of acquisition. The total purchase price of $18.9 million was paid in cash and financed through the Company’s current debt facilities. The estimated fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

(All amounts in thousands)

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

3,358

 

Property, plant & equipment

 

 

67

 

Patent & other intangibles

 

 

15,447

 

 

 



 

Net assets acquired

 

$

18,872

 

 

 



 

55


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table presents unaudited pro forma financial information as if the Carolina Archery acquisition described above had occurred at the beginning of the respective periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

 

 



(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

 

December 30, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenue excluding Carolina Archery Products acquisition

 

$

183,426

 

$

183,315

 

Net revenue of Carolina Archery Products

 

 

10,491

 

 

8,500

 

Consolidation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

Pro forma net revenues

 

$

193,917

 

$

191,815

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income excluding Carolina Archery Products acquisition

 

$

7,679

 

$

12,916

 

Net income of Carolina Archery Products

 

 

2,558

 

 

2,176

 

Consolidation adjustment

 

 

(940

)

 

(796

)

 

 



 



 

Pro forma net income

 

$

9,297

 

$

14,330

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earning per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excluding Carolina Archery Products acquisition

 

$

0.59

 

$

0.99

 

Carolina Archery Products

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.17

 

Consolidation adjustment

 

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.06

)

 

 



 



 

Pro forma basic earnings per share

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.10

 

 

 



 



 

The consolidation adjustment in the above tables reflects the amortization of patents and other intangible assets over the expected economic lives.

2005

On February 28, 2005, Escalade Sports acquired substantially all of the assets of ChildLife, Inc., a manufacturer of premium residential play systems. The total purchase price was $3,272 thousand and included inventory, a consulting agreement, machinery and tooling, customer lists, and a noncompete agreement. The customer lists and non-compete agreement are being amortized over a five year period, and the consulting agreement is being amortized over a one year period.

Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has obtained a letter of credit for the benefit of a certain mortgage holder. At December 29, 2007, the balance of the letter of credit was $2,734 thousand. It is to be used in the event of a default in either interest or principal payments.

The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of its 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.

56


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company has entered into various agreements whereby it is required to make royalty and license payments. At December 29, 2007, the Company had future estimated minimum non-cancelable royalty and license payments as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

In Thousands

 

Amount

 





 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

$

642

 

2012 and beyond

 

 

100

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

742

 

 

 



 

57


ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

/s/ Robert. Keller

March 11, 2008

Robert J. Keller

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert E. Griffin

 

Chairman and Director

 

March 11, 2008

Robert E. Griffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Blaine E. Matthews, Jr.

 

Director

 

March 11, 2008

Blaine E. Matthews, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Edward E. Williams

 

Director

 

March 11, 2008

Edward E. Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard D. White

 

Director

 

March 11, 2008

Richard D. White

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ George Savitsky

 

Director

 

March 11, 2008

George Savitsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard Baalmann

 

Director

 

March 11, 2008

Richard Baalmann

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert J. Keller
Robert J. Keller

 

President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

March 11, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Terry Frandsen
Terry Frandsen

 

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

March 11, 2008

58