UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

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

For the quarterly period ended October 7, 20171, 2022 or

 

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

For the transition period from _____ to _____

 

Commission File Number 0-6966

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Indiana

13-2739290
 (State

(State of incorporation)

 (I.R.S.

13-2739290

(I.R.S. EIN)

 

817 Maxwell Ave, Evansville, Indiana

47711
 (Address

(Address of principal executive office)

 (Zip

47711

(Zip Code)

 

812-467-4449812-467-1358

(Registrant's Telephone Number)

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

Title of each classTrading SymbolName of Exchange on which registered

Common Stock, No Par Value

ESCA

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

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.

YesxYes☒ No¨

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

Yesx No¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer¨

 

Accelerated filerx

Non-accelerated filer¨   (Do not check if a

 

Smaller reporting company¨

smaller reporting company)

Emerging growth company¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨          ☐

 

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

Yes¨ Nox

 

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

 

Class

Outstanding at October 31, 2017

21, 2022

Common, no par value

14,370,586

13,590,407

 


 

INDEX

 

  

Page

No.

Part I.

Financial Information:

 
   

Item 1 -

Financial Statements:

 
   
 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 7, 2017,1, 2022, December 31, 2016,825, 2021, and October 1, 20162, 2021

3

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 7, 20171, 2022 and October 1, 20162, 2021

4

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive IncomeStockholders’ Equity for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 7, 20171, 2022 and October 1, 20162, 2021

5

   
 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 7, 20171, 2022 and October 1, 20162, 2021

6

   
 

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

7

   

Item 2 -

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

13

14

   

Item 3 -

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

14

17

   

Item 4 -

Controls and Procedures

15

17

   

Part II.

Other Information

 
   

Item 1A -

Risk Factors

18

Item 2 -

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

16

18

   

Item 6 -

Exhibits

17

19

   
 

Signature

17

19

 

2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Information October 7,
2017
  December 31,
2016
  October 1,
2016
  

October 1,

2022

 

December 25,
2021

 

October 2,

2021

 
 (Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)  

(Unaudited)

 

(Audited)

 

(Unaudited)

 
ASSETS             
Current Assets:             
Cash and cash equivalents $1,646  $1,013  $4,306  $4,000  $4,374  $6,492 
Receivables, less allowance of $570; $910; and $554; respectively  34,774   35,894   37,034 

Receivables, less allowance of $729; $457; and $636; respectively

 65,258  65,991  68,849 
Inventories  42,392   33,802   42,936  134,957  92,382  91,755 
Prepaid expenses  3,478   2,798   2,401  4,143  7,569  6,527 
Deferred income tax benefit     1,283   1,553 
Prepaid income tax  520   833   952   1,075  739  -- 
Other current assets        395 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  82,810   75,623   89,577  209,433  171,055  173,623 
             
Property, plant and equipment, net  14,215   13,714   13,665  27,618  24,936  24,000 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 9,074  2,210  2,500 
Intangible assets, net  20,058   20,857   21,221  34,712  20,778  21,207 
Goodwill  21,548   21,456   21,456  39,226  32,695  32,695 
Investments  19,565   19,030   19,268 
Other assets  51   81   91   261  124  131 
TOTAL ASSETS $158,247  $150,761  $165,278  $320,324  $251,798  $254,156 
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY             
Current Liabilities:             
Current portion of long-term debt $1,300  $1,250  $1,405  $7,143  $7,143  $7,143 
Trade accounts payable  9,935   4,376   9,726  22,684  15,847  25,071 
Accrued liabilities  10,777   12,792   10,342  19,060  24,385  18,100 

Income tax payable

 --  --  124 

Current operating lease liabilities

  816  818  990 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  22,012   18,418   21,473  49,703  48,193  51,428 
             
Other Liabilities:             
Long-term debt  24,738   24,189   35,999 

Long‑term debt

 99,568  50,396  51,874 
Deferred income tax liability  5,375   6,441   7,166  4,759  4,759  4,193 

Operating lease liabilities

 8,557  1,387  1,493 

Other liabilities

  448  448  448 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  52,125   49,048   64,638  163,035  105,183  109,436 
             
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 – 14,370,586; 14,304,959; and 14,301,959; shares respectively  14,371   14,305   14,302 

Authorized 30,000,000 shares; no par value, issued and outstanding – 13,590,407; 13,493,332; and 13,557,879; shares respectively

 13,590  13,493  13,558 
Retained earnings  93,967   91,688   89,582   143,699  133,122  131,162 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (2,216)  (4,280)  (3,244)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  106,122   101,713   100,640   157,289  146,615  144,720 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $158,247  $150,761  $165,278  $320,324  $251,798  $254,156 

 

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

3

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data 

October 7,

2017

  October 1,
2016
  

October 7,

2017

  October 1,
2016
  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

 
          
Net sales $41,892  $38,793  $125,097  $121,824  $74,904  $81,298  $241,621  $240,168 
                 
Costs and Expenses                 
Cost of products sold  30,533   28,505   92,376   87,793  61,273  62,992  184,147  179,355 
Selling, administrative and general expenses  6,866   4,583   22,053   21,256  8,769  10,202  33,975  33,888 
Amortization  365   376   1,212   1,963  642  432  2,067  1,438 
                         
Operating Income  4,128   5,329   9,456   10,812  4,220  7,672  21,432  25,487 
                 
Other Income (Expense)                 
Interest expense  (200)  (211)  (601)  (631) (954) (414) (2,462) (1,035)
Equity in earnings of affiliates  615   573   639   749 
Gain on bargain purchase        256    
Other income (expense)  (6)  35   (49)  168  (22) 68  50  124 
                         
Income Before Income Taxes  4,537   5,726   9,701   11,098  3,244  7,326  19,020  24,576 
                 
Provision for Income Taxes  1,419   1,483   3,099   3,068  286  1,360  3,735  5,042 
                         
Net Income $3,118  $4,243  $6,602  $8,030  $2,958  $5,966  $15,285  $19,534 
                 
Earnings Per Share Data:                 
Basic earnings per share $0.22  $0.30  $0.46  $0.56  $0.22  $0.44  $1.13  $1.41 
Diluted earnings per share $0.22  $0.30  $0.46  $0.56  $0.22  $0.43  $1.12  $1.40 
                 
Dividends declared $0.115  $0.11  $0.345  $0.33  $0.15  $0.14  $0.45  $0.42 

 

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

4

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMESTOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
  October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
 
             
Net Income $3,118  $4,243  $6,602  $8,030 
                 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  444   3   2,064   (66)
                 
Comprehensive Income $3,562  $4,246  $8,666  $7,964 
  

Common Stock

  

Retained

     

All Amounts in Thousands

 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Earnings

  

Total

 
                 

Balances at July 10, 2021

  13,779  $13,779  $131,354  $145,133 
                 

Net income

          5,966   5,966 

Expense of stock options and restricted stock units

          229   229 

Dividends declared

          (1,917)  (1,917)

Purchase of stock

  (221)  (221)  (4,470)  (4,691)

Stock issued to directors as compensation

                
                 

Balances at October 2, 2021

  13,558  $13,558  $131,162  $144,720 
                 
                 

Balances at December 26, 2020

  13,919  $13,919  $125,237  $139,156 
                 

Net income

          19,534   19,534 

Expense of stock options and restricted stock units

          666   666 

Exercise of stock options

  10   10   134   144 

Settlement of restricted stock units

  46   46   (46)  -- 

Dividends declared

          (5,804)  (5,804)

Purchase of stock

  (423)  (423)  (8,688)  (9,111)

Stock issued to directors as compensation

  6   6   129   135 
                 

Balances at October 2, 2021

  13,558  $13,558  $131,162  $144,720 

 

  

Common Stock

  

Retained

     

All Amounts in Thousands

 

Shares

  

Amount

  

Earnings

  

Total

 
                 

Balances at July 9, 2022

  13,590  $13,590  $142,403  $155,993 
                 

Net income

          2,958   2,958 

Expense of restricted stock units

          377   377 

Dividends declared

          (2,039)  (2,039)
                 

Balances at October 1, 2022

  13,590  $13,590  $143,699  $157,289 
                 
                 

Balances at December 25, 2021

  13,493  $13,493  $133,122  $146,615 
                 

Net income

          15,285   15,285 

Expense of restricted stock units

          1,453   1,453 

Settlement of restricted stock units

  93   93   (93)  -- 

Dividends declared

          (6,115)  (6,115)

Stock issued to directors as compensation

  4   4   47   51 
                 

Balances at October 1, 2022

  13,590  $13,590  $143,699  $157,289 

All amounts are net of tax

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

5

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 Nine Months Ended  

Nine Months Ended

 
All Amounts in Thousands October 7, 2017 October 1, 2016  

October 1, 2022

  

October 2, 2021

 
      
Operating Activities:         
Net income $6,602  $8,030  $15,285  $19,534 
Depreciation and amortization  3,167   4,482  5,207  3,935 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 258  (224)

Stock-based compensation

 1,453  666 
Gain on disposal of property and equipment  (4)  (2,112) (22) (27)
Stock-based compensation  391   230 
Gain on bargain purchase  (256)   
Dividends received from equity method investments  2,168   1,060 
Adjustments necessary to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities  (3,640)  (9,778)
Net cash provided by operating activities  8,428   1,912 

Adjustments necessary to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities

  (27,974)  (26,933)

Net cash used by operating activities

  (5,793)  (3,049)
         
Investing Activities:         
Purchase of property and equipment  (2,298)  (2,206) (1,792) (8,281)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 40  43 
Acquisitions  (1,401)  (9,659)  (35,757)  -- 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment  4   2,523 
Purchase of marketable securities     (395)
Net cash used by investing activities  (3,695)  (9,737)  (37,509)  (8,238)
         
Financing Activities:         
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  44,495   54,076  180,355  192,792 
Payments on long-term debt  (43,946)  (39,810) (131,183) (163,849)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  153   531  --  144 

Purchase of stock

 --  (9,111)

Director stock compensation

 51  135 
Deferred financing fees     (83) (180) (33)
Cash dividends paid  (4,954)  (4,709)  (6,115)  (5,804)
Director stock compensation  152   144 
Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities  (4,100)  10,149 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  633   2,324 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  42,928   14,274 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 (374) 2,987 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  1,013   1,982   4,374   3,505 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $1,646  $4,306  $4,000  $6,492 
        
Non-Cash Transactions        
Note payable for deferred purchase price obligation $50  $ 

 

See notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

6

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


 

Presentation of Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements – The significant accounting policies followed by the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for its annual financial reporting. All adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements. The consolidated condensed balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 201625, 2021 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for 20162021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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

Note B - Seasonal Aspects


 

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended October 7, 20171, 2022 and October 1, 20162, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

Note C - Inventories


 

In thousands October 7,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 October 1,
2016
  

October 1,

2022

  

December 25,
2021

  

October 2,

2021

 
        
Raw materials $4,049  $4,781  $5,467  $9,988  $9,142  $10,160 
Work in progress  3,660   3,671   5,093  4,537  3,529  3,873 
Finished goods  34,683   25,350   32,376   120,432   79,711   77,722 
 $42,392  $33,802  $42,936  $134,957  $92,382  $91,755 

 

Note D – Equity Interest Investments

The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture, Stiga Sports AB (Stiga). The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Stiga, located in Sweden, is a global sporting goods company producing table tennis equipment, snow sleds, and game products. Financial information for Stiga reflected in the table below has been translated from local currency to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the respective period-end for balance sheet amounts, and using average exchange rates for statement of operations amounts. Certain differences exist between U.S. GAAP and local GAAP in Sweden, and the impact of these differences is not reflected in the summarized information reflected in the table below. The most significant difference relates to the accounting for goodwill for Stiga which is amortized over eight years in Sweden but is not amortized for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes. The goodwill for Stiga was fully amortized as of December 27, 2014. The effect on Stiga’s net assets resulting from the cumulative amortization of goodwill for the periods ended October 7, 2017 and October 1, 2016 are addbacks to Stiga’s consolidated financial information of $11.0 million and $10.4 million, respectively. These net differences are comprised of cumulative goodwill adjustments of $15.4 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $4.4 million as of October 7, 2017 and cumulative goodwill adjustments of $14.6 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $4.2 million as of October 1, 2016. The Company’s 50% portion of net income for Stiga, included in equity in earnings of affiliates on the Company’s statements of operations, for the three and nine month periods ended October 7, 2017 and October 1, 2016 is as follows:

7

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
In thousands October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
  October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
 
                 
Equity in earnings of affiliates $615  $573  $639  $749 

Summarized financial information for Stiga Sports AB balance sheets as of October 7, 2017, December 31, 2016, and October 1, 2016 and statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended October 7, 2017 and October 1, 2016 is as follows:

In thousands October 7,
2017
  December 31,
2016
  October 1,
2016
 
          
Current assets $33,874  $28,322  $28,857 
Non-current assets  10,645   9,379   9,908 
Total assets  44,519   37,701   38,765 
             
Current liabilities  11,481   4,847   5,604 
Non-current liabilities  5,556   5,133   5,583 
Total liabilities  17,037   9,980   11,187 
             
Net assets $27,482  $27,721  $27,578 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
In thousands October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
  October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
 
             
Net sales $13,036  $10,635  $29,333  $27,161 
Gross profit  6,006   4,918   13,718   12,661 
Net income  1,229   1,146   1,278   1,498 

Note E – Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was computed based on financial statement income.

Note F – Fair Values of Financial Instruments


 

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

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

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

 

Long-term Debt

 

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

 


The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall in accordance with FASB ASC 825 at October 7, 2017,1, 2022, December 31, 201625, 2021 and October 1, 2016.2, 2021.

 

8
      

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

October 1, 2022

In thousands

 

Carrying
Amount

  

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other


Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant



Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Financial assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $4,000  $4,000  $--  $-- 
                 

Financial liabilities

                

Current portion of long-term debt

 $7,143  $--  $7,143  $-- 

Long-term debt

 $99,568  $--  $99,568  $-- 

 

      

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

December 25, 2021

In thousands

 

Carrying

Amount

  

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Financial assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $4,374  $4,374  $--  $-- 
                 

Financial liabilities

                

Current portion of long-term debt

 $7,143  $--  $7,143  $-- 

Long-term debt

 $50,396  $--  $50,396  $-- 

 

    Fair Value Measurements Using    

Fair Value Measurements Using

 
October 7, 2017
In thousands
 Carrying
Amount
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 

October 2, 2021

In thousands

 

Carrying

\Amount

  

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other

Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant



Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 
Financial assets                 
Cash and cash equivalents $1,646  $1,646  $  $  $6,492  $6,492  $--  $-- 
                 
Financial liabilities                 
Current portion of long-term debt $1,300  $  $1,300  $  $7,143  $--  $7,143  $-- 
Long-term debt $24,738  $  $24,738  $  $51,874  $--  $51,874  $-- 

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using 
December 31, 2016
In thousands
 Carrying
Amount
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets                
Cash and cash equivalents $1,013  $1,013  $  $ 
                 
Financial liabilities                
Current portion of  long-term debt $1,250  $  $1,250  $ 
Long-term debt $24,189  $  $24,189  $ 

     Fair Value Measurements Using 
October 1, 2016
In thousands
 Carrying
Amount
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs 
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets                
Cash and cash equivalents $4,306  $4,306  $  $ 
Marketable securities $395  $395  $  $ 
                 
Financial liabilities                
     Current portion of  long-term debt $1,405  $  $1,405  $ 
     Long-term debt $35,999  $  $35,999  $ 

Note GE – Stock Compensation


 

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

 

During the nine months ended October 7, 20171, 2022 and pursuant to the 2007 Incentive Plan and the 2017 Incentive Plan, in lieu of cash payments of director fees, the Company awarded to certain directors 12,6833,886 shares of common stock. During the nine months ended October 7, 2017,1, 2022, the Company awarded 14,25020,000 restricted stock units to directors and 40,782196,254 restricted stock units to employees. The restricted stock units awarded to directors time vest over two years (one-half(one-half one year from grant date and one-half two years from grant date) provided that the director is still a director of the Company at the vest date. Director restricted stock units are subject to forfeiture, except for termination of services as a result of retirement, death or disability, if on the vesting date the director no longer holds a position with the Company. The 20172022 restricted stock units awarded to employees time vest over fourthree years (one-third(one-third one year from grant, one-third two years from grant date, and one-third three years from grant date and one-third four years from grant date)grant) provided that the employee is still employed by the Company and that the performance criteria related to the market price of the Company’s stock is satisfied. The criteria is for any 30 consecutive trading days on the NASDAQ Stock Market (or such other principal securities exchange on which the Company’s shares of common stock are then traded) during the period beginning on the grant date and ending on the fourth anniversary thereof, the cumulative average Volume Weighted Average Price per share is at least 15% higher than the closing price per share on the grant date plus any incremental dividends paid above the current quarterly dividend rate of $0.115 per share by the Company during such four year period. The Company utilizes the Monte Carlo technique to determine the fair value of restricted stock units granted for awards with market conditions.vesting date.

9

 

For the three and nine month periodsmonths ended October 7, 2017, including expense associated with issuing certain directors stock in lieu of cash for certain director fees,1, 2022, the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of $103$377 thousand and $543$1,453 thousand, respectively compared to stock based compensation expense of ($13)$229 thousand and $374$666 thousand for the same periods in the prior year. At October 7, 20171, 2022 and October 1, 2016,2, 2021, respectively, there was $0.6 million$1,937 thousand and $0.6 million$865 thousand in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards.

 


Note H -F ‑ Segment Information


 

 For the Three Months
Ended October 7, 2017
  

For the Three Months

Ended October 1, 2022

 
In thousands Sporting
Goods
 Corp. Total  

Sporting
Goods

  

Corp.

  

Total

 
        
Revenues from external customers $41,892  $  $41,892  $74,904  $--  $74,904 
Operating income (loss)  5,046   (918)  4,128  4,661  (441) 4,220 
Net income  3,034   84   3,118 

Net income (loss)

 2,387  571  2,958 

 

 As of and for the Nine Months
Ended October 7, 2017
  

As of and for the Nine Months

Ended October 1, 2022

 
In thousands Sporting
Goods
 Corp. Total  

Sporting
Goods

  

Corp.

  

Total

 
        
Revenues from external customers $125,097  $  $125,097  $241,621  $--  $241,621 
Operating income (loss)  11,215   (1,759)  9,456  23,026  (1,594) 21,432 
Net income (loss)  6,835   (233)  6,602 

Net income

 14,665  620  15,285 
Total assets $135,574  $22,673  $158,247  $312,418  $7,906  $320,324 

 

 For the Three Months
Ended October 1, 2016
  

For the Three Months

Ended October 2, 2021

 
In thousands Sporting
Goods
 Corp. Total  

Sporting
Goods

  

Corp.

  

Total

 
        
Revenues from external customers $38,793  $  $38,793  $81,298  $--  $81,298 
Operating income  4,334   995   5,329 

Operating income (loss)

 8,087  (415) 7,672 
Net income  2,502   1,741   4,243  5,614  352  5,966 

 

 As of and for the Nine Months
Ended October 1, 2016
  

As of and for the Nine Months

Ended October 2, 2021

 
In thousands Sporting
Goods
 Corp. Total  

Sporting
Goods

  

Corp.

  

Total

 
        
Revenues from external customers $121,824  $  $121,824  $240,168  $--  $240,168 
Operating income (loss)  11,324   (512)  10,812  27,049  (1,562) 25,487 
Net income  6,492   1,538   8,030  18,956  578  19,534 
Total assets $137,747  $27,531  $165,278  $246,777  $7,379  $254,156 

 

Note IG – Dividend Payment


 

On September 18, 2017,13, 2022, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.115$0.15 per common share to all shareholders of record on September 11, 2017.6, 2022. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $1.7$2.0 million and was charged against retained earnings.

 

On June 15, 2017,7, 2022, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.115$0.15 per common share to all shareholders of record on June 8, 2017.May 31, 2021. The total amount of the dividend was approximately $1.7$2.0 million and was charged against retained earnings.

 

10

On March 20, 2017,21, 2022, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.115$0.15 per common share to all shareholders of record on March 13, 2017.14, 2022 (the amount was funded to the transfer agent by the Company on March 17, 2022). The total amount of the dividend was approximately $1.6$2.0 million and was charged against retained earnings.

 

9

Note J -H ‑ Earnings Per Share


 

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

 

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
In thousands October 7,
2017
 October 1,
2016
 October 7,
2017
 October 1,
2016
  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

 
          
Weighted average common shares outstanding  14,367   14,289   14,347   14,253  13,590  13,706  13,565  13,821 
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units  33   60   33   60   62   102   82   102 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution  14,400   14,349   14,380   14,313   13,652   13,808   13,647   13,923 

 

Stock options that are anti-dilutive as to earnings per share and unvested restricted stock units which have a market condition for vesting that has not been achieved are ignored in the computation of dilutive earnings per share. The number of stock options and restricted stock units that were excluded in 20172022 and 20162021 were 77,600zero and 64,000,11,900, respectively.

 

Note K – New Accounting Standards and Changes in Accounting Principles

Note I – New Accounting Standards and Changes in Accounting Principles


 

With the exception of that discussed below, thereThere have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the three and nine month periodsmonths ended October 7, 2017,1, 2022, as compared to the recent accounting pronouncements described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,25, 2021, that are of significance, or potential significance to the Company.

 

In March 2016,Note J – Revenue from Contracts with Customers


Revenue Recognition – Revenue is recognized when obligations under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU) 2016-09, Improvementsterms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of our goods at a point in time based on shipping terms and transfer of title. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends existing guidance relatedreceive in exchange for transferring goods. Sales, value add, and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling fees charged to accounting for employee share-based payments affecting the income tax consequencescustomers are reported within revenue.

Gross-to-net sales adjustments – We recognize revenue net of awards, classification of awardsvarious sales adjustments to arrive at net sales as equity or liabilities, and classificationreported on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years,operations. These adjustments are referred to as gross-to-net sales adjustments and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016.primarily fall into one of three categories: returns, warranties and customer allowances.

 

Returns The new standard requires excess tax benefitsCompany records an accrued liability and tax deficiencies to bereduction in sales for estimated product returns based upon historical experience. An accrued liability and reduction in sales is also recorded for approved return authorizations that have been communicated by the customer.

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

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

10

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

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 

All Amounts in Thousands

 

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

 
                 

Gross Sales by Channel:

                

Mass Merchants

 $29,849  $41,792  $85,804  $93,298 

Specialty Dealers

  20,298   19,170   74,631   73,347 

E-commerce

  26,090   25,116   87,441   86,053 

International

  4,032   2,259   12,643   9,182 

Other

  1,188   883   3,454   2,469 

Total Gross Sales

  81,457   89,220   263,973   264,349 
                 

Less: Gross-to-Net Sales Adjustments

                

Returns

  892   1,283   3,740   5,531 

Warranties

  663   590   1,985   1,703 

Customer Allowances

  4,998   6,049   16,627   16,947 

Total Gross-to-Net Sales Adjustments

  6,553   7,922   22,352   24,181 

Total Net Sales

 $74,904  $81,298  $241,621  $240,168 

Note K – Leases


We have operating leases for office, manufacturing and distribution facilities as well as for certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 10 years. As of October 1, 2022, the Company has not entered into any lease arrangements classified as a finance lease.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur.included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current operating lease liabilities and operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The Company has elected an accounting policy to account for forfeitures when they actually occur. The new guidance also requires cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes to be classified in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as a financing activity, which is the classification currently used by the Company. Lastly, the guidance requires that excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activitynot recognize short-term leases (one year or less) on the statement of cash flows.balance sheet. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients which applies to apply this provision usingleases that commenced before the prospective transition method. Adoptionadoption date. By electing the package of this guidancepractical expedients, the Company did not impactneed to reassess the presentation of cash flows infollowing; whether any existing contracts are or contain leases, the current period.lease classification for any existing leases and initial direct costs for any existing leases.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 eliminates the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will be required to classify all deferred taxROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. When the implicit rate of the lease is not provided or cannot be determined, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Components of lease expense and other information is as noncurrent. The ASU is effective forfollows:

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 

All Amounts in Thousands

 

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

  

October 1,

2022

  

October 2,
2021

 
                 

Lease Expense

                

Operating Lease Cost

 $393  $433  $1,073  $1,151 

Short-term Lease Cost

  658   692   1,882   2,339 

Variable Lease Cost

  81   101   393   304 

Total Operating Lease Cost

 $1,132  $1,226  $3,348  $3,794 
                 

Operating Lease – Operating Cash Flows

 $100  $434  $712  $1,050 

New ROU Assets – Operating Leases

 $30  $1,189  $7,773  $2,329 


Other information about lease amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2017 and has elected to apply the requirements prospectively. Comparative financial statements of prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted. Adoption of this standard did not impact results of operations or cash flows in the current or previous reporting periods.is summarized as follows:

 

11
  

Nine Months Ended

 

All Amounts in Thousands

 

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

 
         

Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term – Operating Leases (in years)

  9.29   3.93 

Weighted Average Discount Rate – Operating Leases

  5.00%  5.00%

 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of October 1, 2022 were as follows:

 

All Amounts in Thousands

    
     

Year 1

 $146 

Year 2

  1,364 

Year 3

  1,313 

Year 4

  1,294 

Year 5

  1,283 

Thereafter

  6,467 

Total future minimum lease payments

  11,867 

Less imputed interest

  (2,494)

Total

 $9,373 
     

Reported as of October 1, 2022

    

Current operating lease liabilities

  816 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

  8,557 

Total

 $9,373 

Note L – Commitments and Contingencies


 

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

 

Note M – Acquisition


 

During the nine months ended October 7, 2017,On January 21, 2022, the Company acquiredcompleted its acquisition of the assets constituting the Brunswick Billiards business of Life Fitness, LLC. The purchase price of the acquisition is $35.8 million. The acquisition was funded by cash and the Company’s revolving credit facility. The Company has not yet finalized its final evaluation of the fair value of certain items. The current estimates of fair value for the more significant assets acquired and liabilities through two acquisitions. These acquisitions, individuallyassumed were receivables ($1.3 million), inventory ($13.6 million), fixed assets, including building and land ($4.1 million), accounts payable ($3.2 million), other accrued liabilities ($2.5 million), goodwill and other intangible assets ($22.5 million).

Note N – Debt


On January 21, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in aggregate, were not and would notthe Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lender”). Under the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement, Old National Bank has been added as a Lender. The Lenders have been materialnow made available to the Company’s net sales, resultsCompany a senior revolving credit facility with increased maximum availability of operations$65.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), up from $50.0 million, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $90.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or total assets duringin part, and reborrow prior to the three and nine month periods ended October 7, 2017. Accordingly, our consolidated results from operations do not differ materially from historical performance as a result of these acquisitions, and therefore, pro-forma results are not presented.revolving loan maturity date. The Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the term loan facility to January 21, 2027.

 

12

Total consideration paid for

On July 18, 2022, the acquisitions was $1.5 million, of which $1.4 million was paid in cash and a note payable was recorded forCompany entered into the remaining $0.1 million. The consideration paid by the company for these acquisitions was allocatedFirst Amendment to the assets acquired, netRestated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the liabilities assumed, based upon their estimated fair valuesFirst Amendment, the Lender increased the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $65.0 million to $75.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature in the Restated Credit Agreement. The First Amendment also adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 3:00 to 1:00 as of the dateend of the acquisition.Company’s third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022.

 

ASC 805 requires that when fair valueAs of October 1, 2022, the outstanding principal amount of the net assets acquired exceedsterm loan was $41.7 million and total amount drawn under the purchase price, resulting in a bargain purchase,Revolving Facility was $65.0 million.

Note O – Subsequent Events


On October 26, 2022, the acquirer must reassessCompany entered into the reasonablenessSecond Amendment ("Second Amendment”) to the Restated Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the values assignedSecond Amendment, the Lender increased the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $75.0 million to all$90.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature in the Restated Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 3:25 to 1:00 as of the net assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred. The Company has performed such assessment and has concluded that the values assigned appear to be reasonable. The following table summarizes the allocationend of the purchase priceCompany’s third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2022 and 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2023. The Second Amendment also modified the EBITDA definition to permit add-backs of a) up to $2.0 million for disposition related expenses; and b) up to $2.0 million for unusual or non-recurring expenses which are incurred prior to the acquisition that resulted in a bargain purchase:end of fiscal year 2023 and which are subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent.

 

In thousands   
Accounts receivable, net $852 
Inventories, net  737 
Other assets  64 
Intangible assets  413 
Total fair value of assets acquired  2,066 
Total liabilities assumed  (563)
Net assets acquired  1,503 
Total consideration paid  (1,101)
Gain before deferred income tax liability  402 
Income tax liability – deferred  (146)
Gain on bargain purchase $256 

 

12

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

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to,to: specific and overall impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Escalade’s financial condition and results of operations; the impact of competitive products and pricing,pricing; product demand and market acceptance,acceptance; new product development,development; Escalade’s ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which it has chosen to focus,focus; Escalade’s ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products,products; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships, therelationships; Escalade’s ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; Escalade’s ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits,habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; Escalade’s ability to control costs; Escalade’s ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; general economic conditions,conditions; fluctuation in operating results,results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates,rates; changes in the securities markets; continued listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market; the Company’s inclusion or exclusion from certain market indices; Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financingfinancing; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; the potential impact of actual or perceived defects in, or safety of, our products, including any impact of product recalls or legal or regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

 

Overview

 

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

 

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

 

To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has focused on promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In addition, the Company has embarked on a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company's existing product lines or provide expansion into new or emerging categories in sporting goods. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry that the Company can take to market through its established distribution channels or through new market channels. Significant synergies are achieved through assimilation of acquired product lines into the existing Company structure. In January 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of the Brunswick Billiards® business, complementing its existing portfolio of billiards brands and other offerings in the Company’s indoor recreation market. The Company also sometimes divests or discontinues certain operations, assets, brands, and products that do not perform to the Company's expectations or no longer fit with the Company's strategic objectives.

 

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


As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the Company continues to respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the pandemic may not have had a material adverse direct effect on the Company, the pandemic’s effects on the global supply chain, higher freight and materials costs, supplier product delays, workforce availability and labor costs have caused operational challenges for the Company. The ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company is workinghighly uncertain and will depend on future developments, and such effects could exist for an extended period of time even after the pandemic ends. Consumer demand for the Company’s products may be slowing due to overcome the industry-wide downturnadditional factors such as general economic conditions, inflation, recessionary fears, rising interest rates, changes in the archery category, a reductionhousing market and declining consumer confidence. Management cannot predict the full impact of these factors on the Company. Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in contribution from our joint venture, Stiga Sports, AB, and bankruptcies that have plaguedthis Form 10-Q, the retail industry. We believe these conditions have masked improvements in our other existing and acquired businesses. The Company’s balance sheet remains strong, as inventory levels and receivables are downresults of operations for the third quarterperiod ended October 1, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of 2017, and long-term debt has decreased by 31.3% from the third quarter of 2016. results to be expected for fiscal year 2022.

 

Results of Operations

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

 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
  October 7,
2017
  October 1,
2016
 
Net revenue  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
Cost of products sold  72.9%  73.5%  73.8%  72.1%
Gross margin  27.1%  26.5%  26.2%  27.9%
Selling, administrative and general expenses  16.4%  11.8%  17.6%  17.4%
Amortization  0.9%  1.0%  1.0%  1.6%
Operating income  9.8%  13.7%  7.6%  8.9%

13

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

  

October 1,
2022

  

October 2,
2021

 

Net revenue

  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%

Cost of products sold

  81.8%  77.5%  76.2%  74.7%

Gross margin

  18.2%  22.5%  23.8%  25.3%

Selling, administrative and general expenses

  11.7%  12.6%  14.0%  14.1%

Amortization

  0.9%  0.5%  0.9%  0.6%

Operating income

  5.6%  9.4%  8.9%  10.6%

 

Revenue and Gross Margin

Sales increaseddecreased by 8.0%7.9% for the third quarter of 2017,2022, compared with the same period in the prior year drivenyear. Sales declined due to softening consumer demand and excess inventories in the retail channel. During the third quarter of 2022, increases in billiards and pickleball sales, together with the contribution from the Brunswick Billiards® acquisition completed January 21, 2022, were more than offset by our corelower sales in outdoor categories – Basketball, Table Tennisincluding archery, games, water sports, and Archery.playground. For the first nine months ended October 7, 2017,of 2022, sales were up by 2.7%0.6% compared to the same period prior year.

 

The overall grossGross margin percentage increaseddeclined to 27.1%18.2% for the third quarter of 2017,2022 compared to 26.5%22.5% for 2016. the same period in 2021 due to lower sales, unfavorable product mix, global supply chain constraints, and nonrecurring product recall expenses.

Gross margin percentage decreased to 26.2%23.8% for the first nine months of 2017,2022, compared to 27.9% for the same period in the prior year. Gross margin, for the quarter, was favorably impacted by product mix of sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $6.9 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $4.6 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $2.3 million or 49.8%. SG&A as a percent of sales is 16.4% for the third quarter of 2017 compared with 11.8% for the same period in the prior year. In the third quarter of 2016, SG&A was favorably impacted by the recognition of a gain of approximately $1.9 million on the sale of our Wabash, IN land and building. One-time expenses of $0.4 million unfavorably impacted SG&A during the third quarter of 2016. The net gain of these one-time events recorded during the third quarter of 2016 was $1.5 million. For the first nine months of 2017, SG&A were $22.1 million compared to $21.3 million for the same period in 2016, an increase of $0.8 million or 3.7%. As a percent of sales, SG&A is 17.6% for the first nine months of 2017 compared with 17.4%25.3% for the same period in the prior year.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2022 compared to $10.2 million for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $1.4 million or 14.0%. SG&A as a percent of sales is 11.7% for the third quarter of 2022 compared with 12.6% for the same period in the prior year. For the first nine months of 2022, SG&A were $34.0 million compared to $33.9 million for the same period in 2021, an increase of $0.1 million or 0.3%. As a percent of sales, SG&A is 14.0% for the first nine months of 2022 compared with 14.1% for the same period in the prior year.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 20172022 was 31.9%19.6% compared to 27.6%20.5% for the same period last year. The effective tax rate for prior year is lower than 2017 primarily due to benefits from the captive insurance.


Financial Condition and Liquidity

 

Total debt at the end of the first nine months of 20172022 was $26.0$106.7 million, an increase of $0.6$49.2 million from December 31, 2016.25, 2021. The increase in debt was largely driven by the funding of the Brunswick Billiards acquisition completed in January of 2022. The following schedule summarizes the Company’s total debt:

 

In thousands October 7,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 October 1,
2016
  

October 1,

2022

  

December 25,
2021

  

October 2,

2021

 
        
Current portion long-term debt $1,300  $1,250  $1,405 

Current portion of long-term debt

 $7,143  $7,143  $7,143 
Long term debt  24,738   24,189   35,999   99,568   50,396   51,874 
Total $26,038  $25,439  $37,404 

Total Debt

 $106,711  $57,539  $59,017 

 

As a percentage of stockholders’ equity, total debt was 24.5%67.8%, 25.0%39.2% and 37.2%40.8% at October 7, 2017,1, 2022, December 31, 2016,25, 2021, and October 2, 2021, respectively.

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

Each loan bears interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the interest period in effect plus the Applicable Rate. Applicable Rate means the applicable rate per annum set forth below, based upon Escalade’s Funded Debt to Adjusted Ratio as of the most recent determination date:

Funded Debt to

EBITDA Ratio

 

Revolving
Commitment
ABR Spread

  

Revolving
Commitment Term
Benchmark Spread

  

Letter of
Credit Fee

  

Commitment

Fee Rate

 

Category 1

Greater than or equal to 2.50 to 1.0

  0.25%    2.00%    2.00%    0.30%  

Category 2

Greater than or equal to 1.50 to 1.0 but less than 2.50 to 1.0

  -0-   1.75%  1.75%  0.25%

Category 3

Less than 1.50 to 1.0

  (0.25%)  1.50%  1.50%  0.20%

The Applicable Rate is determined as of the end of each quarter based upon the Company’s annual or quarterly consolidated financial statements and shall be effective during the period commencing the date of delivery to the agent.

In addition to the increased revolving borrowing amount and extended maturity dates, other significant changes reflected in the Restated Credit Agreement included: specifying that Indian’s acquisition of the assets of the Brunswick Billiards business is a permitted acquisition; providing a $7.5 million swingline commitment by Chase; replacing LIBOR with the replacement benchmark secured overnight financing rate as previously contemplated; and adjustments to certain financial covenants relating to the fixed charge coverage ratio. Escalade’s indebtedness under the Restated Credit Agreement continues to be collateralized by liens on all of the present and future equity of each of Escalade’s domestic subsidiaries and substantially all of the assets of the Company (excluding real estate). Each direct and indirect domestic subsidiary of Escalade and Indian has secured its guaranty of indebtedness incurred under the Revolving Facility with a first priority security interest and lien on all of such subsidiary’s assets. Escalade, Indian and all of the domestic subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Pledge and Security Agreement dated January 21, 2022 in favor of the Lender to continue the existing liens, previously existing under the original pledge and security agreements entered into on April 30, 2009, as amended, and thereafter for subsidiaries created or acquired after that date. The obligations, guarantees, liens and other interests granted by Escalade, Indian, and their domestic subsidiaries continue in full force and effect.

16

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

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

As of October 1, 2016 respectively.2022, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $41.7 million and total amount drawn under the Revolving Facility was $65.0 million.

 

The Company funds working capital requirements, shareholder dividends, and stock repurchases through operating cash flows and revolving credit agreements with its bank. Based on working capital requirements, theLenders. The Company expects to havethat cash generated from its 2022 operations and its access to adequate levels of revolving credit will provide it with sufficient cash flows for its operations and to meet growth needs.

Item 3.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

 

Interest RatesNot Required.

The Company’s exposure to market-rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its revolving variable rate bank debt which is based on LIBOR interest rates. 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.

14

Foreign Currency

The Company conducts business in various countries around the world and is therefore subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. The Sporting Goods foreign currency transactions are denominated primarily in Mexican Peso and Chinese Yuan. The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture, Stiga, which is denominated in Swedish Krona.

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

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

Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Escalade maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based closely on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, could provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. 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 Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company has evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the third quarter of 2017.2022.

 

There have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred since the beginning of the Company’s first quarter of 20172022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

15

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

None.

 

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

Not required.In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2021, as updated in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 9, 2022. These risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Our operations could also be affected by additional risks or uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently do not consider material to our business. As of the date of this filing, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in the above-referenced Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period (a) Total 
Number of 
Shares (or
Units) 
Purchased
  (b) Average Price
Paid per Share (or
Unit)
  (c) Total Number 
of Shares (or 
Units) Purchased 
as Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs
  (d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate 
Dollar Value) of 
Shares (or Units) 
that May Yet Be 
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 
Shares purchases prior to 7/15/2017 under the current repurchase program.  982,916  $8.84   982,916  $2,273,939 
Third quarter purchases:                
7/16/2017–8/12/2017  None   None   No Change   No Change 
8/13/2017-9/9/2017  None   None   No Change   No Change 
9/10/2017-10/7/2017  None   None   No Change   No Change 
Total share purchases under the current program  982,916  $8.84   982,916  $2,273,939 

Period

(a) Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchased

(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)

(c) Total Number
of Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

(d) Maximum Number

(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs

Share purchases prior to 7/9/2022 under the current repurchase program.

2,153,132

$13.38

2,153,132

$4,153,252

Third quarter purchases:

    

7/10/2022–8/6/2022

None

None

No Change

No Change

8/7/2022-9/3/2022

None

None

No Change

No Change

9/4/2022-10/1/2022

None

None

No Change

No Change

Total share purchases under the current program

2,153,132

$13.38

2,153,132

$4,153,252

 

The Company has one stock repurchase program which was established in February 2003 by the Board of Directors and which initially authorized management to expend up to $3,000,000 to repurchase shares on the open market as well as in private negotiated transactions. In February 2005, February 2006, August 2007 and February 2008 the Board of Directors increased the remaining balance on this plan to its original level of $3,000,000. In September 2019, the Board of Directors increased the stock repurchase program from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000. In December 2020, the Board of Directors increased the stock repurchase program to $15,000,000. From its inception date through October 1, 2022, the Company has repurchased 2,153,132 shares of its common stock under this repurchase program for an aggregate price of $28,812,686. The repurchase planprogram has no termination date and there have been no share repurchases that were not part of a publicly announced program.

 

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

16

 

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

Number

Number

Description

3.1

3.1

Articles of Incorporation of Escalade, Incorporated. Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2007 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q.

3.2

3.2

Amended By-laws of Escalade, Incorporated, as amended April 22, 2014.August 10, 2022.

10.1

Second Amendment dated October 26, 2022 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2022 among Escalade, Incorporated, Indian Industries, Inc., each of their domestic subsidiaries, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (without exhibits and schedules, which Escalade has determined are not material). Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2014 First QuarterCurrent Report on Form 10-Q.8-K filed on October 27, 2022.

31.1

31.1

Chief Executive Officer Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

31.2

31.2

Chief Financial Officer Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.

32.1

32.1

Chief Executive Officer Section 1350 Certification.

32.2

32.2

Chief Financial Officer Section 1350 Certification.

101.CAL

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.INS

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED

 

Date:November 2, 2017         October 27, 2022/s/ Stephen R. Wawrin
 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 (On behalf of the registrant and in his
 capacities as Principal Financial Officer
 and Principal Accounting Officer)

                                    

17

 

19