• Escalade Crosses 2020 Finish Line with Four Consecutive Quarters of Record Revenue

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 18 Feb 2021 05:00:01   America/Chicago

    Fourth-Quarter Highlights

    • Revenue increased 58.9% on net sales of $74.8 million
    • Gross margin improvement of 80 bps to 23.9%
    • Operating income of $6.9 million, an increase of 97.1%
    • Diluted EPS of $0.36 per share vs. $0.18 in the fourth quarter of 2019

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ: ESCA) – today announced its fourth quarter and full year financial results for its 2020 fiscal year, ended December 26, 2020. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $74.8 million, an increase of 58.9% over prior year, and a record for its fourth fiscal quarter. This represents the fourth consecutive quarter of record sales. Quarterly diluted earnings per share were $0.36, an increase of 99.1% from prior year.

    “We completed our fiscal year with a record fourth quarter performance fueled by continued consumer demand for our innovative and dynamic portfolio of brands and product categories. Our fourth consecutive record quarterly performance demonstrates that we’ve built a sustainable business model, which drives profitable growth, invests in our team and key growth enablers, and delivers exceptional value and returns to our shareholders,” said Scott Sincerbeaux, President and CEO of Escalade, Inc.

    “We took important steps in fiscal 2020 to strengthen Escalade’s competitive position over the long-term, including the acceleration of our product and asset creation pipeline and the acquisition of American Heritage Billiards and RAVE Sports, as well as key investments in our digital business and capabilities,” continued Sincerbeaux. “I would like to share my heartfelt thanks to the entire Escalade family, who have demonstrated incredible resilience throughout unprecedented times. Their dedication to serving customers and consumers, while balancing the health and wellbeing of friends, family and our community, is inspiring. Our team is what makes Escalade a truly special organization.”

    “We had an excellent finish to the year, including record earnings on revenue growth,” said Stephen Wawrin, Escalade’s Chief Financial Officer. “For the full year, we delivered shareholder value through an increase in our dividend and the repurchase of 405,924 shares of stock at an average price of $16.60 per share. In addition, we enhanced our strong balance sheet and increased our financial flexibility for further strategic investments.”

    Fourth Quarter Results

    Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $74.8 million compared to net sales of $47.0 million for the same quarter in 2019, an increase of $27.8 million, or 58.9%. The Company recognized increased sales across all product categories during the quarter due to increased product placement and continued high demand, most notably in our outdoor and fitness categories.

    Gross margin ratio for the fourth quarter of 2020 was 23.9%, compared to 23.1% for the same period in the prior year. Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $17.9 million compared to gross profit of $10.9 million for the same quarter in 2019, an increase of $7.0 million, or 64.0%.

    Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $10.5 million for the quarter compared to $7.0 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $3.5 million, or 50.0%. SG&A, as a percent of sales, for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased to 14.1% from 15.0% reported for the same period in the prior year.

    Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $6.9 million compared to operating income of $3.5 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $3.4 million, or 97.1%.

    Net income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $5.1 million, or $0.36 diluted earnings per share compared to net income of $2.6 million, or $0.18 diluted earnings per share for the same quarter in 2019.

    Full Year Results

    Full year net sales for 2020 were $273.6 million compared to $180.5 million in 2019, an increase of $93.1 million, or 51.6%.

    Gross margin ratio for full year 2020 increased to 27.3% from 23.5%. Margins were favorably impacted by factory utilization, change in sales mix and supply chain improvements made throughout the year. Gross profit for 2020 was $74.8 million compared to gross profit of $42.4 million in 2019, an increase of $32.4 million, or 76.6%.

    SG&A expenses for full year 2020 were $40.3 million compared to $31.6 million in 2019, an increase of $8.7 million, or 27.5%. As a percent of sales, SG&A decreased to 14.7% from 17.5% in 2019.

    Operating income for full year 2020 was $33.0 million compared to $9.2 million in 2019, an increase of $23.8 million, or 256.1%. During 2019, the Company experienced challenges with the integration of two of the latest acquisitions. The Company implemented changes during the second half of 2019 which enhanced the profitability of these acquisitions during 2020.

    Full year net income for 2020 was $25.9 million, or $1.82 diluted earnings per share compared to net income of $7.3 million, or $0.50 diluted earnings per share for 2019.

    Escalade is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods products sold worldwide. To obtain more information on the Company and its products, visit our website at: www.EscaladeInc.com or contact Patrick Griffin, Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations at 812/467-1358.

    ABOUT ESCALADE SPORTS

    Headquartered in Evansville, IN, Escalade Sports is a global manufacturer and distributor of sports and outdoor recreational equipment.  Leaders in their respective categories, Escalade Sports’ brands include Bear® Archery, Bear X™, Trophy Ridge®, Rocket®, SIK® and Cajun Bowfishing™ archery equipment; STIGA® and Ping-Pong® table tennis; Accudart® and Unicorn® darting; RAVE Sports® water recreation products; Atomic®, Victory Tailgate®, Triumph™ Sports, Viva Sol®, Zume Games® recreational games; DURA® and Onix® pickleball equipment; Goalrilla™, Goalsetter® residential in-ground basketball systems, Goaliath® and Silverback® residential in-ground and portable basketball goals; Lifeline® and the STEP® fitness products; Woodplay® premium playsets; American Heritage Billiards® - premium billiards and game room assortment; and Cue&Case® - a leader in specialty billiard accessories. Escalade Sports’ products are available at sporting goods dealers and independent retailers nationwide.  For more information on Escalade Sports, its brands, instruction manuals, retailers, warranty, replacement parts or customer service, please call 1-888-784-4288 or visit www.escaladesports.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

    This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to: specific and overall impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Escalade’s financial condition and results of operations; Escalade’s plans and expectations surrounding the transition to its new Chief Executive Officer and all potential related effects and consequences; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and market acceptance; new product development; Escalade’s ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which it has chosen to 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; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships; the ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; the ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; Escalade’s ability to control costs; Escalade’s ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; general economic conditions; fluctuation in operating results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the securities markets; Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; 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.

    Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited, In Thousands Except Per Share Data)

     Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
    All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share DataDecember 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019
            
    Net sales$74,767  $47,044  $273,649  $180,541 
            
    Costs and Expenses       
    Cost of products sold 56,911   36,159   198,822   138,181 
    Selling, administrative and general expenses 10,563   7,040   40,315   31,616 
    Amortization 372   334   1,480   1,469 
            
    Operating Income 6,921   3,511   33,032   9,275 
            
    Other Income (Expense)       
    Interest expense (102)  (61)  (250)  (356)
    Other income (expense) 32   3   140   15 
            
    Income Before Income Taxes 6,851   3,453   32,922   8,934 
            
    Provision for Income Taxes 1,764   878   6,988   1,676 
            
    Net Income$5,087  $2,575  $25,934  $7,258 
            
    Earnings Per Share Data:       
    Basic earnings per share$0.36  $0.18  $1.84  $0.50 
    Diluted earnings per share$0.36  $0.18  $1.82  $0.50 
            
    Dividends declared$0.14  $0.125  $0.53  $0.50 
            

     

    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited, In Thousands)


    All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Information
     December 26,
    2020
     December 28,
    2019
         
    ASSETS    
    Current Assets:    
    Cash and cash equivalents $3,505  $5,882 
    Receivables, less allowances of $896 and $483; respectively  65,280   35,450 
    Inventories  72,488   42,269 
    Prepaid expenses  4,068   3,151 
    Prepaid income tax  57   163 
    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  145,398   86,915 
         
    Property, plant and equipment, net  18,232   15,111 
    Operating lease right-of-use assets  1,608   1,080 
    Intangible assets  22,645   18,847 
    Goodwill  32,695   26,749 
    Other assets  127   77 
    TOTAL ASSETS $220,705  $148,779 
         
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
    Current liabilities:    
    Note payable $-  $135 
    Trade accounts payable  20,947   7,765 
    Accrued liabilities  24,271   9,689 
    Current operating lease liabilities  854   621 
    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  46,072   18,210 
         
    Long-term debt  30,073   - 
    Deferred income tax liability  4,193   3,537 
    Operating lease liabilities  763   475 
    Other liabilities  448   387 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES  81,549   22,609 
         
    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: 2020 —13,919,380 shares, 2019 —14,214,777 shares  13,919   14,215 
    Retained earnings  125,237   111,955 
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  139,156   126,170 
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $220,705  $148,779 


    Primary Logo

Share on,