10-K 1 v333406_10k.htm ANNUAL REPORT

 

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, 2012

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

(State of incorporation)

13-2739290

(I.R.S. EIN)

 

817 Maxwell Ave, Evansville, Indiana

(Address of Principal Executive Office)

47711

(Zip Code)

 

812-467-4449

(Registrant's Telephone Number)

 

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

 

Common Stock, No Par Value

(Title of Class)

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

(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 ¨ 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 ¨ 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 ¨

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

 

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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “Large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer ¨

 

Non-accelerated filer ¨ (do not

check if a smaller reporting company)

   Smaller reporting company x

 

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

Yes ¨ No x

 

Aggregate market value of common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of July 14, 2012 based on the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market: $53,581,482

 

The number of shares of Registrant's common stock (no par value) outstanding as of February 12, 2013: 13,438,435.

 

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 26, 2013 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 5
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 13
Item 2. Properties 13
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 14
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 14
     
Part II    
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 14
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 17
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 17
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 25
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 25
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 26
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 26
Item 9B. Other Information 27
     
Part III    
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 27
Item 11. Executive Compensation 27
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 28
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence 28
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 28
     
Part IV    
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 29

 

2
 

 

Part I

 

ITEM 1—BUSINESS

 

General

 

Escalade, Incorporated (“Escalade” or “Company”) operates in two business segments: Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing (or “Martin Yale Group”). Escalade and its predecessors have more than 80 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:

 

   2012   2011   2010 
Sporting Goods   76%   72%   71%
Information Security and Print Finishing   24%   28%   29%
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, imports, and distributes widely recognized sporting goods brands in family recreation, fitness, training, and hunting products through traditional department stores, mass merchandise retailers, and sporting goods specific retailers. Escalade is the world’s largest producer of table tennis tables. Some of the Company’s most recognized brands include:

 

Product Segment   Brand Names
Archery   Bear Archery®, Trophy Ridge®, Whisker Biscuit®, Cajun Archery®
Table Tennis   STIGA®, Ping-Pong®
Basketball Backboards and Goals   Goalrilla™, Goaliath®, Silverback®
Play Systems   Woodplay®, Childlife®
Fitness   The STEP®, USWeight™
Game Tables (Hockey and Soccer)   Harvard Game®, Atomic®, Accudart®, Redline®
Pool Table Accessories   Mosconi®, Mizerak®

 

In 2012, the Company has one customer in the Sporting Goods segment, Dick’s Sporting Goods, which accounted for approximately 18% of total consolidated gross revenues.

 

Escalade Sports manufactures in the USA and Mexico and imports product from Asia, where the Company utilizes 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 material compliance with all applicable regulations.

 

Information Security and Print Finishing

 

Martin Yale Group has increasingly expanded its focus on the information security requirements of larger corporate customers, governments, and strategic business partners. The Company is particularly focused on addressing information security issues including the decommissioning or destruction of data stored on optical, solid state, magnetic, and traditional media like paper to meet the increasingly strict security standards set by the National Security Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Deutsches Institut fur Normung (German Institute for Standardization), the European Union, and many other governments and organizations around the world. Martin Yale Group continues to focus on the print finishing sector with a particular focus on digital print applications.

  

3
 

  

Martin Yale Group has a worldwide presence with manufacturing facilities in Indiana and Germany and joint venture manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic and Taiwan. Martin Yale Group has sales offices in the USA, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, China, Italy, South Africa and Sweden.

 

Martin Yale Group products include: shredders, disintegrators, degaussers, paper folders, letter openers, and paper cutters/trimmers. The key Martin Yale Group brands include martin yale®, intimus®, and papermonster®.

 

Martin Yale Group products and services are sold directly to end-users as well as through retailers, wholesalers, catalogs, specialty dealers, and business partners. No single Martin Yale Group customer accounted for more than 10% of Information Security and Print Finishing sales during 2012.

 

Marketing and Product Development

 

The Company makes a substantial investment in product development and brand marketing to differentiate its product line from its competition. Each operating segment conducts market research and development efforts to design products which satisfy existing and emerging consumer needs. On a consolidated basis, the Company incurred research and development costs of approximately $1.6 million, $1.4 million, and $1.9 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The Company also makes investments in brand marketing to properly communicate the specific attributes and qualities of its products. The Company advertises directly to the consumer or end-user as well as through its retail partners in the form of advertising and other promotional allowances.

 

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 Information Security and Print Finishing industries. 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 Information Security and Print Finishing customers.

 

Licenses, Trademarks and Brand Names

 

The Company has an agreement and contract with STIGA Sports AB, a 50% owned joint venture, 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®, Bear Archery®, Goalrillaä, The Step®, and Wood Play® which are used in the Sporting Goods business segment and intimus® and papermonster® which are used in the Information Security and Print Finishing 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 are not an indicator of future results. Due to diversity in product categories, Sporting Goods revenues have not been seasonal and are not expected to be so in the future. Demand for Information Security and Print Finishing has not been seasonal and is not expected to be so in the future.

 

4
 

 

Employees

 

The number of employees at December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for each business segment were as follows:

   2012   2011 
Sporting Goods          
USA   321    281 
Mexico   103    105 
Asia   8    6 
    432    392 
Information Security and Print Finishing          
USA   79    90 
Europe   112    126 
Asia   10    10 
    201    226 
Total   633    618 

 

The I.U.E./C.W.A. (United Electrical Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO) represents hourly rated employees at the Escalade Sports’ Evansville, Indiana distribution center. There are approximately 16 covered employees at December 29, 2012. A 1-year labor contract was negotiated and renewed in April 2012; the new agreement expires on April 30, 2013. 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). 

 

ITEM 1A—RISK FACTORS

 

Sales declines and increased losses at Martin Yale Group could continue.

 

Declines in overall sales in Information Security and Print Finishing and increases in losses by our Martin Yale Group are due mainly to high organizational costs and quality issues. In addition, continued weakness in the global office products channel and the government sales channel primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom and prolonged economic weakness in Spain and certain other European countries continue to provide challenges. Sales in Information Security and Print Finishing may continue to decrease. Improving profitability in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment will prove to be a challenge. The Company cannot provide any assurance that it will be able to maintain or increase sales levels or achieve profitability in the future.

 

5
 

 

If the Company would lose significant customers in the future, the Company may have difficulty in replacing such lost revenues.

 

The Company has one major customer and several other significant customers and historically has derived substantial revenues from those customers. The Company needs to continue to expand its customer base to minimize the effects of the loss of any single customer in the future. If sales to one or more significant customers would be lost or materially reduced, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to replace such revenues, which losses could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Markets are highly competitive and the Company may not continue to compete successfully.

 

The market for sporting goods and information security and print finishing products is highly fragmented and intensely competitive. Escalade competes with a variety of regional, national and international manufacturers for customers, employees, products, services and other important aspects of the business. In Sporting Goods, the Company has historically sold a large percentage of its sporting goods products to mass merchandisers and has increasingly attempted to expand sales to specialty retailer and dealer markets. Similarly, the Company has traditionally sold information security and print finishing products to office products retailers, specialty machine dealers and government channels. In addition to competition for sales into those distribution channels, vendors also must compete in sporting goods with large format sporting goods stores, traditional sporting goods stores and chains, warehouse clubs, discount stores and department stores, and in information security and print finishing products with office supply superstores, computer and electronics superstores, contract stationers, and others. Competition from on-line retailers may also impact sales. Some of the current and potential competitors are larger than Escalade and have substantially greater financial resources that may be devoted to sourcing, promoting and selling their products, and may discount prices more heavily than the Company can afford.

 

If the Company is unable to predict or react to changes in consumer demand, it may lose customers and sales may decline.

 

Success depends in part on the ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing consumer demand and preferences regarding sporting goods and information security and print finishing products. Products must appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to change. The Company often makes commitments to manufacture products months in advance of the proposed delivery to customers. If Escalade misjudges the market for products, sales may decline significantly. The Company may have to take significant inventory markdowns on unpopular products that are overproduced and/or miss opportunities for other products that may rise in popularity, both of which could have a negative impact on profitability. A major shift in consumer demand away from sporting goods or information security and print finishing products could also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Quarterly operating results are subject to fluctuation.

 

Operating results have fluctuated from quarter to quarter in the past, and the Company expects that they will continue to do so in the future. Earnings may not recover to historical levels 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 Information Security and Print Finishing markets; intense competition among manufacturers, marketers, distributors and sellers of products; demographic changes; changes in consumer preferences; popularity of particular designs, categories of products and sports; seasonal demand for products; the size, timing and mix of purchases of products; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; ability to sustain, manage or forecast growth and inventories; new product development and introduction; ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property; performance and reliability of products; customer service; the loss of significant customers or suppliers; dependence on distributors; business disruptions; increased costs of freight and transportation to meet delivery deadlines; changes in 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 the Company; 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.

 

6
 

 

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

 

In general, the Company’s sales depend on discretionary spending by consumers. The economic downturn experienced in both the United States and the global economy has resulted in reduced consumer demand and reduced selling price and adversely impacted sales. A continuance of this economic downturn could result in declines in revenues and impair growth in 2013. Severely negative economic conditions could greatly impair the ability and willingness of consumers to buy products. Operating results are directly impacted by the health of the North American, European and Asian economies. 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.

 

If national and global financial markets do not improve, potential disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect business, including the availability and cost of short-term funds for liquidity requirements and ability to meet long-term commitments, which could adversely affect results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

If internal funds are not available from operations, the Company may be required to rely on the banking credit and equity markets to meet financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect the Company’s ability to borrow pursuant to its Credit Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Chase) or to borrow from other financial institutions. Access to funds under the Credit Agreement or pursuant to arrangements with other financial institutions is dependent on Chase's or other financial institutions' ability to meet funding commitments. Financial institutions, including Chase, may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience high volumes of borrowing requests from other borrowers within a short period of time. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to replace its current Credit Agreement on favorable terms, if at all, in the event that replacement would become necessary or desirable.

 

Longer term disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect access to the liquidity needed for business. Any disruption could require the Company to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged. Such measures could include deferring capital expenditures and reducing or eliminating future share repurchases, dividend payments or other discretionary uses of cash.

 

Current financial conditions in the United States and globally may have significant effects on customers and suppliers that would result in material adverse effects on business, operating results and stock price.

 

Current financial conditions in the United States and globally and concern that the worldwide economy may enter into a prolonged recessionary period may materially adversely affect customers' access to capital or willingness to spend capital on products and/or their levels of cash liquidity with which to pay for products that they will order or have already ordered from the Company. In addition, current financial conditions may materially adversely affect suppliers' access to capital and liquidity with which to maintain their inventories, production levels and/or product quality could cause them to raise prices, lower production levels or result in their ceasing operations. Continuing adverse economic conditions in the Company’s markets would also likely negatively impact business, which could result in: (1) reduced demand for products; (2) increased price competition for products; (3) increased risk of excess or obsolete inventories; (4) increased risk of collectability of cash from customers; (5) increased risk in potential reserves for doubtful accounts and write-offs of accounts receivable; (6) reduced revenues; and (7) higher operating costs as a percentage of revenues.

 

7
 

 

All of the foregoing potential consequences of current financial conditions are difficult to forecast and mitigate. As a consequence, operating results for a particular period are difficult to predict, and, therefore, prior results are not necessarily indicative of future results to be expected in future periods. Any of the foregoing effects could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition and could adversely affect stock price.

 

Negative economic conditions could prevent the Company from accurately forecasting demand for its products which could adversely affect its operating results or market share.

 

The current negative economic conditions and market instability in the United States and globally makes it increasingly difficult for the Company, customers and suppliers to accurately forecast future product demand trends, which could cause the Company to produce excess products that can increase inventory carrying costs and result in obsolete inventory. Alternatively, this forecasting difficulty could cause a shortage of products, or materials used in products, that could result in an inability to satisfy demand for products and a loss of market share.

 

The Company may pursue strategic acquisitions, which could have an adverse impact on its business.

 

In the past, the Company has made acquisitions of complementary companies or businesses, which have been part of the strategic plan and may continue to pursue acquisitions in the future from time to time. Acquisitions may result in difficulties in assimilating acquired companies, and may result in the diversion of capital and management’s attention from other business issues and opportunities. The Company may not be able to successfully integrate operations that it acquires, including personnel, financial systems, distribution, and operating procedures. If the Company fails to successfully integrate acquisitions, the Company’s business could suffer. In addition, the integration of any acquired business, and its financial results, may adversely affect operating results. Escalade will consider acquisitions in the future, but the Company currently does not have any agreements with respect to any such acquisitions.

 

Growth may strain resources, which could adversely affect the Company’s business and financial performance.

 

Both the Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing businesses have grown in the past through strategic acquisitions. Growth places additional demands on management and operational systems. If the Company is not successful in continuing to support operational and financial systems, expanding the management team and increasing and effectively managing customers and suppliers, growth may result in operational inefficiencies and ineffective management of the Company’s business, which could adversely affect its business and financial performance.

 

The Company’s ability to expand business will be dependent upon the availability of adequate capital.

 

The rate of expansion will also depend on the availability of adequate capital, which in turn will depend in large part on cash flow generated by the business and the availability of equity and debt capital. Escalade can make no assurances that it will be able to obtain equity or debt capital on acceptable terms or at all, especially considering the current disruptions in the credit markets.

 

Failure to improve operational efficiency and reduce administrative costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial position and results of operations.

     

The Company’s ability to improve profit margins is largely dependent on the success of on-going initiatives to streamline infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and the reduction of administrative costs in certain segments of the Company. Failure to continue to implement these initiatives successfully, or the failure of such initiatives to result in improved profitability, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, results of operations and financial position.

 

8
 

 

The Company’s business may be adversely affected by the actions of and risks associated with third-party suppliers.

 

The raw materials that the Company purchases for manufacturing operations and many of the products that it sells are sourced from a wide variety of third-party suppliers. The Company cannot control the supply, design, function or cost of many of the products that are offered 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 sales and result in customer dissatisfaction. In addition, global sourcing of many of the products sold is an important factor in the Company’s financial performance. The ability to find qualified suppliers and to access products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, especially with respect to goods sourced outside the United States. Political instability, 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 the Company’s control.

 

Historically, instability in the political and economic environments of the countries in which the Company or its suppliers obtain products and raw materials has not had a material adverse effect on operations. However, the Company cannot predict the effect that future changes in economic or political conditions in such foreign countries may have on 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 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 currently purchased abroad.

 

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

 

Access to materials, parts and supplies is dependent upon close relationships with suppliers and the ability to purchase products from the principal suppliers on competitive terms. The Company does not enter into long-term supply contracts with these suppliers, and has no current plans to do so in the future. These suppliers are not required to sell to the Company and are free to change the prices and other terms. Any deterioration or change in the relationships with or in the financial condition of the Company’s significant suppliers could have an adverse impact on its ability to procure materials and parts necessary to produce products for sale and distribution. If any of the significant suppliers terminated or significantly curtailed its relationship with the Company or ceased operations, the Company would be forced to expand relationships with other suppliers, seek out new relationships with new 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 the Company with their products could have an adverse impact on the Company’s liquidity, results of operations and financial position.

 

Escalade may be subject to product warranty claims that require the replacement or repair of the product sold. Such warranty claims could adversely affect Escalade’s financial position and relationships with its customers.

 

The Company manufactures and/or distributes a variety of products in both its Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing business segments. From time to time, such products may contain manufacturing defects or design flaws that are not detected prior to sale, particularly as to new product introductions or upon design changes to existing products. The failure to identify and correct manufacturing defects and product design issues prior to the sale of those products could result in product warranty claims that result in costs to replace or repair any such defective products. Because many of the Company’s products are sold to retailers for broad consumer distribution and/or to customers who buy in large quantities, the costs associated with product warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position. Product warranty claims also could cause customer dissatisfaction that may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reputation and on the Company’s relationships with its customers, which may result in lost or reduced sales.

 

9
 

 

Escalade may be subject to product liability claims and the Company’s insurance may not be sufficient to cover damages related to those claims.

     

The Company may be subject to lawsuits resulting from injuries associated with the use of sporting goods equipment and information security and print finishing products that it sells. The Company may incur losses relating to these claims or the defense of these claims. There is a risk that claims or liabilities will exceed the Company’s insurance coverage. In addition, the Company may be unable to retain adequate liability insurance in the future. Further, the Company is subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar state regulatory agencies. If the Company fails to comply with government and industry safety standards, it may be subject to claims, lawsuits, fines, product recalls and adverse publicity that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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

 

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

 

The Company is subject to risks associated with laws and regulations related to health, safety and environmental protection.

 

Products, and the production and distribution of products, are subject to a variety of laws and regulations relating to health, safety and environmental protection. Laws and regulations relating to health, safety and environmental protection have been passed in several jurisdictions in which the Company operates in the United States and abroad. Although the Company does not anticipate any material adverse effects based on the nature of operations and the thrust of such laws, there is no assurance such existing laws or future laws will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

International operations expose the Company to the unique risks inherent in foreign operations.

 

The Company has operations in Mexico, Europe, S. Africa and Asia. Foreign operations encounter risks similar to those faced by 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. The Company’s international operations headquartered in Germany and its business relationships in Asia further increase its exposure to these foreign operating risks, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s international income and worldwide profitability.

 

The Company could be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates and/or the value of the United States dollar.

 

The Company is exposed to risks related to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the value of the United States dollar. Changes in currency exchange rates and the value of the United States dollar can have a significant impact on earnings from international operations. While the Company carefully watches fluctuations in currency exchange rates, these types of changes can have material adverse effects on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

10
 

 

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

 

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 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 reported financial information, which could adversely affect the trading price of the Company’s common stock.

 

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, does 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.

 

Failure to effectively implement the Company’s global integrated information system could cause incorrect information or delays in getting information which could adversely affect the performance of the Company.

 

The Company is in the process of converting its U.S. Enterprise Risk Planning (ERP) systems from legacy systems to Epicor. The Martin Yale North America location was converted at the beginning of 2011; the Escalade Sports North Carolina location at the beginning of 2012 and the Martin Yale International, Germany location at the beginning of the third quarter of 2012. The Company intends to complete the conversion of its remaining Sports sites over the next two years. There can be no assurance the Company will have the necessary funds or the staff to fully avail itself of the control features inherent in the system design. Without such utility, the Company management is faced with cumbersome and time consuming efforts to manually consolidate its financial information.

 

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires the use of estimates that may vary from actual results.

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make significant estimates that may affect financial statements. Due to the inherent nature of making estimates, actual results may vary substantially from such estimates, which could materially adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. For more information on the Company’s critical accounting estimates, please see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of this Form 10-K.

 

Changes in accounting standards could impact reported earnings and financial condition.

 

The accounting standard setters, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the International Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and apply and can materially affect how the Company records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, the Company could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, which may result in the restatement of prior period financial statements.

 

11
 

 

Effective tax rate may fluctuate.

 

The Company is a multi-national, multi-channel provider of sporting goods and information security and print finishing products. As a result, the Company’s effective tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various countries, states and other jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The effective tax rate may be lower or higher than its tax rates have been in the past due to numerous factors, including the sources of income, any agreement with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions, the tax filing positions taken in various jurisdictions and changes in the political environment in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company bases estimates of an effective tax rate at any given point in time upon a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to the Company and to estimates of the amount of business likely to be done in any given jurisdiction. The loss of one or more agreements with taxing jurisdictions, a change in the mix of business from year to year and from country to country, changes in rules related to accounting for income taxes, changes in tax laws and any of the multiple jurisdictions in which the Company operates, or adverse outcomes from tax audits that the Company may be subject to in any of the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, could result in an unfavorable change in the effective tax rate which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

 

The market price of Escalade’s common stock is likely to be highly volatile as the stock market in general can be highly volatile.

 

The public trading of Escalade’s common stock is based on many factors, which could cause fluctuation in the Company’s stock price. These factors may include, among other things:

 

·General economic and market conditions;
·Actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results;
·Lack of research coverage by securities analysts;
·Relatively low market capitalization resulting in low trading volume in the Company’s stock;
·If securities analysts provide coverage, our inability to meet or exceed securities analysts' estimates or expectations;
·Conditions or trends in the Company’s industries;
·Changes in the market valuations of other companies in the Company’s industries;
·Announcements by the Company or the Company’s competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives;
·Capital commitments;
·Additions or departures of key personnel;
·Sales and repurchases of the Company’s common stock; and
·The ability to maintain listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market.

 

Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s control. These factors may cause the market price of the Company’s common stock to decline, regardless of operating performance.

 

If we are unable to pay quarterly dividends at intended levels, our reputation and stock price may be harmed.

 

Our quarterly cash dividend is currently $0.08 per common share. The dividend program requires the use of a modest portion of our cash flow. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future. This ability may be subject to certain economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. Our Board of Directors (“Board”) may, at its discretion, decrease the intended level of dividends or entirely discontinue the payment of dividends at any time. Any failure to pay dividends after we have announced our intention to do so may negatively impact our reputation, investor confidence in us and negatively impact our stock price.

 

12
 

 

Information security may be compromised.

 

Through sales and marketing activities, the Company collects and stores certain information that customers provide to purchase products or services or otherwise communicate and interact with the Company. Despite instituted safeguards for the protection of such information, the Company cannot be certain that all of its systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack. Computer hackers may attempt to penetrate the Company’s network security and, if successful, misappropriate confidential customer or business information. In addition, an employee, a contractor or other third party with whom the Company does business may attempt to circumvent the Company’s security measures in order to obtain such information or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information. Loss of customer or business information could disrupt operations, damage the Company’s reputation, and expose the Company to claims from customers, financial institutions, payment card associations and other persons, any of which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, compliance with tougher privacy and information security laws and standards may result in significant expense due to increased investment in technology and the development of new operational processes.

 

Terrorist attacks or acts of war may seriously harm the Company’s business.

 

Among the chief uncertainties facing the nation and the world and, as a result, the business is the instability and conflict in the Middle East. Obviously, no one can predict with certainty what the overall economic impact will be as a result of these circumstances. Terrorist attacks may cause damage or disruption to the Company, employees, facilities and customers, which could significantly impact net sales, costs and expenses and financial condition. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and other acts of war and hostility may cause greater uncertainty and cause business to suffer in ways the Company currently cannot predict.

 

These risks are not exhaustive.

 

Other sections of this Form 10-K may include additional factors which could adversely impact the Company’s business and financial performance. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on 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.

 

ITEM 2—PROPERTIES

 

At December 29, 2012, the Company operated from the following locations:

 

 

Location

   Square
Footage		   Owned or
Leased		  

 

Use

             
Sporting Goods            
Evansville, Indiana, USA   359,000   Owned   Distribution; sales and marketing; administration
Olney, Illinois, USA   108,500   Leased   Manufacturing and distribution
Gainesville, Florida, USA   154,200   Owned   Manufacturing and distribution
Rosarito, Mexico   66,500   Owned   Manufacturing and distribution
Rosarito, Mexico   108,200   Leased   Manufacturing
Raleigh, N. Carolina, USA   69,800   Leased   Manufacturing and distribution
Jacksonville, Florida, USA   2,500   Leased   Sales and marketing
Shanghai, China   1,130   Leased  

Sales and sourcing 

             
Information Security and Print Finishing    
Wabash, Indiana, USA   141,000   Owned   Manufacturing and distribution; sales and marketing; administration
Markdorf, Germany   70,300   Owned   Manufacturing and distribution; sales and marketing; administration
Paris, France   1,335   Leased   Distribution; sales and marketing
Crawley, UK   8,300   Leased   Sales and marketing

Barcelona, Spain

Johannesburg, South Africa

  

1,750

3,435

  

Leased

Leased

  

Distribution; sales and marketing

Distribution; sales and marketing

Sollentuna, Sweden   400   Leased   Sales and marketing
Beijing, China   9,300   Leased   Sales and marketing

 

13
 

 

The Company believes that its facilities are in satisfactory and suitable condition for their respective operations. The Company also believes that it is in material 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—MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

Part II 

 

ITEM 5—MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

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:

 

Prices  High   Low 
         
2012          
Fourth quarter ended December 29, 2012  $5.54   $4.67 
Third quarter ended October 6, 2012   6.09    5.05 
Second quarter ended July 14, 2012   6.10    5.15 
First quarter ended March 24, 2012   6.06    4.31 
           
2011          
Fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011  $5.60   $4.26 
Third quarter ended October 1, 2011   6.22    4.30 
Second quarter ended July 9, 2011   6.43    5.00 
First quarter ended March 19, 2011   7.10    5.30 
           
2010          
Fourth quarter ended December 25, 2010  $6.65   $4.27 
Third quarter ended October 2, 2010   5.80    4.14 
Second quarter ended July 10, 2010   5.52    2.46 
First quarter ended March 20, 2010   3.00    2.21 

 

The closing market price on February 12, 2013 was $5.85 per share.

 

14
 

 

During 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy under which the Company intends to pay quarterly cash dividends on its common stock. At the April 2012 meeting of the Board of Directors, the Company established the annual rate to be $0.32 per share for 2012, or $0.08 per share quarterly. Prior to April 2012, dividends were determined and issued by the Board of Directors based on profitability and cash flows from operations. Dividends issued/declared intermittently during 2011 and 2012 are as follows:

 

Record Date  Payment Date  Amount per Common Share 
August 25, 2011  September 2, 2011  $0.25 
December 22, 2011  January 5, 2012  $0.07 
April 6, 2012  April 16, 2012  $0.07 
July 2, 2012  July 9, 2012  $0.08 
October 1, 2012  October 8, 2012  $0.08 
December 13, 2012  December 20, 2012  $0.08 

 

There were approximately 168 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at February 12, 2013. The approximate number of stockholders, including those held by depository companies for certain beneficial owners, was 1,288.

 

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 31, 2012. The following information is based on an investment of $100, on December 31, 2007, 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

 

15
 

 

   2007   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012 
                         
Escalade Common Stock   100    8    27    70    49    57 
NASDAQ US Stock Index   100    61    88    104    105    124 
NASDAQ Non-Financial Stock Index   100    59    89    105    105    123 
                               

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.

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period  (a) Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchased		   (b) Average
Price Paid per
Share (or Unit)		   (c) Total
Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs		   (d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
Share purchases prior to 10/6/2012 under the current repurchase program.   982,916   $8.84    982,916   $ 2,273,939
                     
Fourth quarter purchases:                    
10/7/2012 – 11/3/2012   None    None    None     No Change
11/4/2012 – 12/1/2012   None    None    None     No Change
12/2/2012 – 12/29/2012   None    None    None     No Change
                     
Total share purchases under the current program   982,916   $8.84    982,916   $ 2,273,939

 

The Company has one stock repurchase program which was established in February 2003 by the Board of Directors and which 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.

 

16
 

 

ITEM 6—SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

At and For Years Ended  December 29,
2012		   December 31,
2011		   December 25,
2010		   December 26,
2009		   December 27,
2008		 
Income Statement Data                         
Net revenue                         
Sporting Goods  $112,599   $96,971   $85,815   $76,807   $98,039 
Information Security and Print Finishing   34,990    37,279    34,841    39,192    50,647 
Total net sales   147,589    134,250    120,656    115,999    148,686 
Net income (loss)   (4,930)   4,441    6,059    1,657    (7,496)
Weighted-average shares   13,244    12,849    12,726    12,632    12,684 
                          
Per Share Data                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $(0.37)  $0.35   $0.48   $0.13   $(0.59)
Cash dividends  $0.31   $0.32   $0.10   $—   $0.25 
                          
Balance Sheet Data                         
Working capital   32,656    29,496    24,132    9,688    4,842 
Total assets   125,740    130,115    127,553    127,238    147,701 
Short-term bank debt   19,070    16,947    11,407    27,644    46,525 
Long-term bank debt   3,500    5,000    7,500    —    — 
Total stockholders' equity   80,457    87,565    87,030    82,764    78,790 

 

Fiscal year 2012 was positively impacted by increased sales in the Sporting Goods segment. Net income was negatively impacted by goodwill and intangible asset impairment in Martin Yale Group, which reduced net income by $13.4 million.

 

Fiscal year 2011 was positively impacted by increased sales in the Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing segments. Net income was negatively impacted by the accelerated write-off of the Oracle ERP system, which reduced net income by $2.7 million.

 

Fiscal year 2010 was positively impacted by increased sales in the Sporting Goods segment, as well as continued efforts at cost reduction, and improved margins resulting from higher sales volumes.

 

Fiscal year 2009 was positively impacted by significant cost reductions and consolidation of certain manufacturing and distributions facilities.

 

Fiscal year 2008 was negatively impacted by loss of sales to Sears, a major sporting goods retailer, impairment of certain long-lived assets and a general economic downturn.

 

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, Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

 

17
 

 

Overview

 

Escalade, Incorporated (“Escalade” or “Company”) manufactures and distributes products for two industries: Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing. Sporting Goods has expanded its product offerings to include team training products. Information Security and Print Finishing has increasingly focused its strategy on expanding the security segment of its business to assist businesses and governments with their high security needs for handling sensitive customer, employee and business documents and information, in addition to Martin Yale’s traditional product offerings.

 

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 market in a cost effective manner while maintaining a diversified product line and wide customer base. In addition to strategic customer relations, the Company has substantial manufacturing and import experience that enable it to be a low cost supplier.

 

A majority of the Company’s products are in markets that are currently experiencing low growth rates. Where the Company enjoys a commanding market position, such as table tennis tables in the Sporting Goods segment and paper folding machines in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment, revenue growth is expected to be roughly equal to general growth/decline in the economy. However, in markets that are fragmented and where the Company is not the dominant leader, such as archery in the Sporting Goods segment and data security shredders in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment, the Company anticipates growth. To enhance internal growth, the Company has a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company’s existing product lines. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry that the Company can take to market through its established distribution channels or through new market channels. Significant synergies are achieved through assimilation of acquired product lines into the existing company structure. Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of this strategy are revenue growth, earnings growth and the expansion of channels of distribution. The following table sets forth the annual percentage change in revenues and net income (loss) over the past three years:

 

   2012   2011   2010 
             
Net revenue               
Sporting Goods   16.1%   13.0%   11.7%
Information Security and Print Finishing   (6.1%)   7.0%   (11.1%)
Total   9.9%   11.3%   4.0%
                
Net income (loss)   (211.0%)   (26.7%)   265.6%

 

Excluding the impact of goodwill and intangible asset impairment in 2012 and accelerated depreciation in 2011, the annual percentage of change in net income would have been an increase of 23.6% in 2012 and 18.0% in 2011.

 

Results of Operations

 

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

 

   2012   2011   2010 
Net revenue   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of products sold   69.9%   68.9%   69.2%
Gross margin   30.1%   31.1%   30.8%
Selling, administrative and general expenses   21.3%   26.8%   22.9%
Amortization   1.5%   1.2%   1.1%
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges   9.1%   .0%   .0%
Operating income (loss)   (1.8%)   3.1%   6.8%

 

18
 

 

In 2012, without the goodwill and intangible asset impairment, operating income would have been 7.3%. In 2011, without the accelerated depreciation expense on the replaced ERP system, selling, administrative and general expenses would have been 23.5% and operating income would have been 6.4%.

 

Consolidated Revenue and Gross Margin

 

Sales growth across most sales channels of the Sporting Goods segment resulted in an overall increase of 16.1% in Sporting Goods net revenues for 2012 compared to 2011. Revenues from the Information Security and Print Finishing business decreased 6.1% in 2012 compared to 2011. Approximately 2.7% of the decrease in Information Security and Print Finishing revenue is due to changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

The overall gross margin percentage in 2012 was slightly lower than 2011. The gross margin percentage was up approximately 0.9% in the Sporting Goods segment and down approximately 5.1% in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment. Decreases in gross margin in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment were due mainly to legacy quality problems in certain product lines and increased competition and lower market demand in the certain categories.

 

Consolidated Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $31.4 million in 2012 compared to $35.9 million in 2011, a decrease of $4.5 million or 12.5%. SGA in 2011 included $4.4 million of accelerated depreciation expense related to the replacement of the Company’s Oracle ERP system. Excluding accelerated depreciation in 2011, SGA for 2012 was $0.1 million less than prior year. SG&A as a percent of sales is 21.3% in 2012 compared with 26.8% in 2011. Without the effects of the accelerated depreciation, SG&A as a percent of sales would have been 23.5% in 2011.

 

Other Income

 

Other income decreased slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, from $3.4 million to $3.0 million, a decrease of 10.8%. Income from the non-marketable equity investments was $3.0 million in 2012 compared with $3.3 million in 2011.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective income tax rate in 2012 was impacted by the goodwill and intangible asset impairment write-down which is not deductible for income tax purposes. Excluding the effect of the goodwill and intangible asset impairment, the effective tax rate for 2012 would be 33.2% compared with 35.4% for 2011 and 33.2% for 2010. The effective tax rate for 2011 was higher relative to 2010 due to valuation allowances on net operating losses generated in the European subsidiaries.

 

Sporting Goods

 

Net revenues, operating income, and net income for the Sporting Goods business segment for the three years ended December 29, 2012 were as follows:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
Net revenue  $112,599   $96,971   $85,815 
Operating income   13,758    10,802    9,171 
Net income   8,189    5,817    4,601 

 

19
 

 

Net revenue increased 16.1% in 2012 compared to 2011 with growth coming from most sales channels in the Sporting Goods segment. The Company continues to aggressively pursue opportunities to increase revenue through introduction of new products, expansion of product distribution, acquisitions, and increased investment in consumer marketing. Sales channels are predominately mass market retail customers, specialty retailers, and dealers. During the year, the Company expanded its product offerings with the acquisition of the assets of Cajun Archery and the patent rights for rigid air technology from BDZ Holdings.

 

Gross margin and profitability increased in 2012 compared with 2011. The gross margin ratio in 2012 improved to 29.0% compared to 28.2% in the prior year. The improvement is due to product mix, continued focus on production efficiencies and better factory absorption resulting from increased sales volume. As a result, operating income as a percentage of net revenue increased to 12.2% in 2012 compared to 11.1% in 2011. Management anticipates that with additional sales growth in 2013, improvements in operating income will continue. Net income for 2012 increased from 2011 due primarily to increased revenue.

 

Information Security and Print Finishing

 

Net revenue, operating income (loss) and net loss for the Information Security and Print Finishing business segment for the three years ended December 29, 2012 were as follows:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
Net revenue  $34,990   $37,279   $34,841 
Operating income (loss)   (14,628)   71    926 
Net loss   (15,683)   (921)   (187)

 

Sales in the Information Security and Print Finishing business decreased 6.1% in 2012 compared to 2011 due to significant declines in certain export and Asian countries. The Company continues to evaluate product offerings and markets to stabilize sales and increase profitability. Excluding the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates, 2012 sales were down 3.4% from 2011. Sales are direct to end users, including government agencies, as well as through office products retailers, wholesalers, specialty dealers, and business partners.

 

Operating income in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment was impacted by goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges of $13.4 million. Without this impact, the operating income for this segment was a loss of $1.2 million, or (3.6%) of revenue in 2012 compared to 0.2% of revenue in 2011. High organizational costs and legacy quality issues contributed to losses during the year. The Company is focusing on cost saving initiatives and quality improvements to bring profitability to this segment.

 

Financial Condition and Liquidity

 

The current ratio, a basic measure of liquidity (current assets divided by current liabilities), held steady at 1.9 in 2012 compared to 1.9 in 2011. Inventory levels increased to $30.9 million in 2012 compared with $29.0 million in 2011 to support sales growth in certain expanded Sporting Goods categories. Total current and long-term debt increased to $22.6 million up from $21.9 million in 2011.

 

The Company’s decrease of cash was principally a result of increased profits in the Sporting Goods segment offset by increases in accounts receivable and inventory levels, payments for capital purchases and acquisitions, and the distribution of shareholder dividends. The Company paid $5.1 million in dividends in 2012. Total bank debt for the year increased by $0.6 million. Total bank debt as a percentage of stockholders equity increased to 28.1% in 2012, up from 25.1% in 2011.

 

In 2013, the Company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $5.5 million which includes $0.6 million to continue the implementation of its integrated information system at its Sporting Goods locations and $2.4 million to acquire currently leased property in Rosarito, Mexico. The Company fully depreciated the remaining book value of its Oracle ERP system in 2011. This acceleration of depreciation resulted in additional pre-tax expense of $4.4 million, ($2.7 million net of tax) in 2011.

 

20
 

 

The Company’s working capital requirements are primarily funded through cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements with its bank. During 2012, the Company’s maximum borrowings under its primary revolving credit lines totaled $22.1 million compared to $26.4 million in 2011. Total notes payable as of the end of fiscal 2012 was $22.6 million compared with $21.9 million at the end of fiscal 2011. The overall effective interest rate in 2012 was 3.2% which was up slightly from the effective rate of 2.9% in 2011. The Company’s Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. matures as of July 31, 2013 and the Company has begun preliminary discussion regarding renewal of this agreement. The Company also maintains a multicurrency overdraft facility with its bank. The total amount outstanding under the overdraft facility at the end of fiscal 2012 was $2.5 million compared with $2.2 million at the end of fiscal 2011.

 

The Company has a long standing relationship with its lender and has met all financial covenants under the new agreement which was last amended as of May 4, 2012. The amended terms of the agreement modified the loan covenants relating to capital expenditures, stock repurchases, and issuance of common stock. As mentioned above, the Company increased its bank debt in 2012 by approximately 3.1% to $22.6 million.

 

The Company expects improvements in its overall sales levels for fiscal year 2013 compared with 2012 as a result of new product offerings and expanded customer base. The Company believes that cash generated from its projected 2013 operations and the commitment of borrowings from its primary lender will provide it with sufficient cash flows for its operations.

 

It is possible that if the economic conditions deteriorate, this could have adverse effects on the Company’s ability to operate profitably during fiscal year 2013. To the extent that occurs, management intends to pursue cost reductions and to continue realigning its infrastructure in an effort to match the Company’s overhead and cost structure with the sales level dictated by current market conditions.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements under the sub-heading “New Accounting Pronouncements”.

 

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, 2012:

 

Amounts in thousands  Payments Due by Period 
Contractual Obligations  Total   Less than 1
year		   1 –3 years   3 – 5 years   More than 5
years		 
                     
Debt  $20,118   $16,618   $3,500   $—   $— 
Overdraft facility   2,452    2,452    —    —    — 
Future interest payments (1)   855    695    160    —    — 
Operating leases   2,425    915    1,188    322    — 
Minimum payments under royalty and license agreements   2,225    350    750    750    375 
Total  $28,075   $21,030   $5,598   $1,072   $375 

 

21
 

 

Notes:

(1) Assumes that the Company will not increase borrowings under its long-term credit agreements and that the effective interest rate experienced in 2012 of 3.2% will continue for the life of the agreements.

 

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.

 

Inventory Valuation Reserves

The Company evaluates inventory for obsolescence and excess quantities based on demand forecasts over 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 potentially 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.

 

Customer Allowances

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

 

Impairment of Goodwill

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, in accordance with guidance in FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Management determined the assumptions and inputs utilized in the evaluation of the fair value of the Company’s two separate reporting units, discussed below. The first phase of the goodwill impairment test requires that the fair value of the applicable reporting unit be compared with its recorded value. The Company establishes fair value by using an income approach or a combination of a market approach and an income approach. The market approach uses the guideline-companies method to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit based on reported sales of publicly-held entities engaged in the same or a similar business as the reporting unit. The income approach uses the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit by calculating the present value of the expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on a weighted average cost of capital determined using publicly-available interest rate information on the valuation date and data regarding equity, size and country-specific risk premiums/decrements compiled and published by a commercial source. The Company uses assumptions about expected future operating performance in determining estimates of those cash flows, which may differ from actual cash flows.

 

22
 

 

If the implied fair value of a reporting unit is less than the recorded value of net assets, management performs a phase-two analysis that allocates the fair value of the reporting unit calculated in phase one to the specific tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the reporting unit and results in an implied fair value of goodwill. Goodwill is reduced by any shortfall of implied goodwill to its current carrying value.

 

Beginning in late 2009, and continuing going forward, two of the Company’s reporting units; Martin Yale North America and Martin Yale Europe, which comprise the Information Security and Print Finishing segment, have migrated to one reporting unit as a result of consolidation of management and internal reporting. During 2012, the Company had two reporting units that required separate goodwill impairment analysis. Those reporting units are Escalade Sports and Martin Yale Group. These reporting units are identical to the operating segments; Sporting Goods and Information Security and Print Finishing, respectively. Significant assumptions and inputs used in each of the reporting units goodwill impairment testing are as follows:

 

Escalade Sports – The Company appraised the fair value of the invested capital of the Escalade Sports reporting unit using an income approach. The discount rate used in the 2012 discounted cash flow calculation was 11.2% compared to 12.5% for 2011. The decrease in the discount rate is a result of decreases in the cost of debt capital and the size risk premium in 2012 compared with 2011. Projected revenues and costs for 2013 and beyond reflected the Company’s best estimate of the current global economic situation, demand for existing products, the status of new products and product improvements, and the projected cost of raw materials and manufacturing that are deemed material in projecting future outcomes.

 

Martin Yale Group – During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for the Martin Yale Group reporting unit. These indicators included lower than expected operating profits and cash flows for the first nine months of 2012, coupled with continued economic weakness in the European and Asian markets.

 

The Company appraised the fair value of the combined total invested capital of Martin Yale North America and Martin Yale Europe, as a combined reporting unit. The appraisal study utilized a combination income and market approach. The market approach was weighted 50% and the income approach was weighted 50% to arrive at the final fair value determination. The discount rate used in the 2012 discounted cash flow calculation was 11.2% compared to 12.0% for 2011. The discount rate was developed in accordance with the riskiness of the future revenues and expenses of Martin Yale and also reflects market participant rates of return. The methodology used in 2012 is consistent with that used previously. Projected revenues and costs for 2013 and beyond reflect the Company’s best estimate of the current global economic situation, demand for existing products, the status of new products and product improvements, and the projected cost of raw materials and manufacturing that are deemed material in projecting future outcomes.

 

The Company’s testing determined that goodwill of the Escalade Sports reporting unit was not impaired. The testing of the Martin Yale Group reporting unit resulted in a goodwill impairment loss of $13.2 million in the third quarter of 2012. In addition, the Company recorded an intangible asset impairment for this segment related to other intangibles for Martin Yale Group of $0.2 million. The goodwill impairment loss reduces to zero the carrying value of goodwill recorded as part of various acquisitions in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment for purchases from 2003 through 2008.

 

Of the total recorded goodwill of $12.0 million at December 29, 2012, the entire amount was allocated to the Escalade Sports reporting unit. The results of the impairment test for the Escalade Sports reporting unit indicated that the fair value of invested capital exceeded the carrying value of invested capital by a significant margin as of December 29, 2012.

 

23
 

 

Long Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of certain long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Estimates of future cash flows used to test recoverability of long-lived assets include separately identifiable undiscounted cash flows expected to arise from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Where estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, impairment losses are recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

The Company consolidated its Mexico operations into its Rosarito, Mexico facility during 2008 and ceased operations at its Reynosa, Mexico facility in February 2009. During 2008, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $2.6 million related to the Reynosa facility and since 2009 this facility had been listed as idle. During 2011, the Company sold the Reynosa facility and recorded a pre-tax gain of $380 thousand and a combined Mexico and U.S. tax liability of $474 thousand for a net loss of $94 thousand.

 

Non-Marketable Equity Method 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 statements of operations. The proportionate share of net income was $3.0 million, $3.3 million and $2.0 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total cash dividends received from these equity investments amounted to $444 thousand, $323 thousand, and $0 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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 considers 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.

 

During 2012 one equity method investment, Escalade International, Ltd. performed below expectations, and this entity encountered unexpected attrition of certain significant customers as of the end of the third quarter 2012. Due to these events, the Company evaluated the economic and strategic benefits of continuing to hold this investment. Based on the review performed as of October 6, 2012, the Company determined that the fair value of this investment was less than its carrying value and that this impairment was other than temporary. As a result, the Company recognized other than temporary impairment of $0.4 million ($0.2 million, net of taxes). There was no impairment loss recognized on equity method investments in 2011 or 2010.

 

Effect of Inflation

 

The Company cannot accurately determine the precise effects of inflation. 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, 2012, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. However, the Company expects to continue the roll-out of the Epicor ERP system which is expected to cost $0.6 million in 2013. During 2011, the Company implemented a replacement of the Oracle ERP system at its remaining Sporting Goods facility. This new system went live as of January 1, 2012 at an approximate cost of $0.5 million. In addition, during 2011 the Company began an implementation of Epicor at its Martin Yale Germany facility. The system went live at the beginning of the third quarter of 2012 at a total cost of $0.5 million. The Company has developed a roll-out strategy for its remaining Sporting Goods locations and is currently evaluating the approach for its remaining Martin Yale European locations.

 

24
 

 

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 2012, there were no derivatives in use. The Company does not purchase, hold or sell derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

 

Interest Rates

The Company’s exposure to market-rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its revolving variable rate bank debt which is based on both LIBOR and EURIBOR interest rates. A hypothetical 1% or 100 basis point change in interest rates would not have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

 

Foreign Currency

The Company conducts business in various countries around the world and is therefore subject to risks associated with fluctuating foreign exchange rates. Approximately 16% 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, South Africa Rand, Swedish Krona, 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 2012 resulted in a $0.8 million gain that was recorded in stockholders’ equity as an increase of other comprehensive income, compared to a $0.6 million loss that was recorded in stockholders’ equity as a decrease in other comprehensive income in 2011, and a $0.8 million loss in 2010. At December 29, 2012, a hypothetical change of 10% in foreign currency exchange rates would cause a $2.1 million change to stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet and a $909 thousand change to net income in our consolidated statement of operations.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries conduct substantially all their business in their respective functional currencies to avoid the effects of cross-border transactions. To protect against reductions in value and the volatility of future cash flows caused by changes in currency exchange rates, the Company carefully considers the use of transaction and balance sheet hedging programs such as matching assets and liabilities in the same currency. Such programs reduce, but do not entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate changes. The Company has evaluated the use of currency exchange hedging financial instruments but has determined that it would not use such instruments under the current circumstances. 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 a decline of 2.3% in net revenues and a 37% decrease in net income in 2012.

 

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.

 

25
 

 

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, 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.

 

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;

 

(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.

 

26
 

 

The management of Escalade assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2012. 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, 2012, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

 

This annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report regarding internal control over financial reporting is not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report on Form 10-K. In addition, this report by management regarding internal control over financial reporting is specifically not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K or into any other filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

/s/ Robert J. Keller, Chief Executive Officer /s/ Deborah J. Meinert, 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 2012. 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 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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 26, 2013 under the captions “Certain Beneficial Owners,” “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” “Board of Directors, Its Committees, Meetings and Functions,” and “Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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 26, 2013 under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Report of Compensation Committee” and “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference, except that the information required by Item 407(e)(5) of Regulation S-K which appears under the caption “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.

 

27
 

 

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 26, 2013 under the captions “Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Election of Directors” 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)   692,875   $4.49    1,401,516 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   —    —    — 
Total   692,875         1,401,516 

 

(1) These plans include the Company’s 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Director Stock Option Plan, the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan, an additional 1,500,000 shares added under an amendment to the Escalade 2007 Incentive Plan which was approved at Escalade’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and a special grant of 10,000 options to Directors approved at the 2006 annual shareholders meeting.

 

ITEM 13—CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

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 26, 2013 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 contained in the registrant’s proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 26, 2013 under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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 26, 2013 under the caption “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

28
 

 

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, 2012 and December 31, 2011

Consolidated statements of operations—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010

Consolidated statements of cash flows—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010

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
3.1Articles of Incorporation of Escalade, Incorporated (b)
3.2Amended By-Laws of Escalade, Incorporated (n)
4.1Form of Escalade, Incorporated's common stock certificate (a)
10.1Licensing agreement between Sweden Table Tennis AB and Indian Industries, Inc. dated January 1, 1995 (c)
10.2Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2009 among Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (without exhibits and schedules, which Escalade has determined are not material) (h)
10.3Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of April 30, 2009 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (without exhibits and schedules, which Escalade has determined are not material) (h)
10.4Form of Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of April 30, 2009 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (g) (i)
10.5Form of Unlimited Continuing Guaranty dated as of April 30, 2009 in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (h) (i)
10.6First Amendment dated as of July 29, 2009 to Credit Agreement by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (j)
10.7Second Amendment dated as of September 30, 2009 to Credit Agreement by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (k)
10.8Third Amendment dated as of October 30, 2009 to Credit Agreement by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (l)
10.9Loan Agreement dated September 1, 1998 between Martin Yale Industries, Inc. and City of Wabash, Indiana (e)
10.10Trust 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) (e)
10.11Fourth Amendment dated as of March 1, 2010 to Credit Agreement by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (m)
10.12Fifth Amendment dated as of April 15, 2010 to Credit Agreement by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (o)
10.13Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 31, 2010 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (p)
10.14Overdraft Facility by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London Branch (p)
10.15Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of April 14, 2011 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (r)
10.16Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 4, 2012 by and between Escalade, Incorporated and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (s)

 

(4)Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements
10.17Incentive Compensation Plan for Escalade, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (a)
10.181997 Director Stock Compensation and Option Plan (d)
10.191997 Incentive Stock Option Plan (d)
10.201997 Director Stock Compensation and Option Plan Certificate (f)

 

29
 

 

10.211997 Incentive Stock Option Plan Certificate (f)
10.22Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement utilized in Restricted Stock Unit grants pursuant to the Escalade Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan (g)
10.23Escalade, Incorporated schedule of Directors Compensation
10.24Escalade, Incorporated schedule of Executive Officers Compensation
10.25Form of Stock Option Award Agreement utilized in Stock Option grants to employees pursuant to the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan (q)
10.26Form of Stock Option Award Agreement utilized in Stock Option grants to Directors pursuant to the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan (q)
10.27Escalade Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference herein from Annex 1 and 2 to the Registrant’s 2012 Definitive Proxy Statement (t)
10.28Executive Severance agreement, dated September 14, 2012 between Robert Keller and Escalade, Inc. (u)

 

21Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1Consent of BKD, LLP
23.2Consent of FALK GmbH & Co KG
31.1Chief Executive Officer Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
31.2Chief Financial Officer Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
32.1Chief Executive Officer Section 1350 Certification
32.2Chief Financial Officer Section 1350 Certification

 

(a)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form S-2 Registration Statement, File No. 33-16279, as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, 1987
(b)Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2007 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q
(c)Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K
(d)Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1997 Proxy Statement
(e)Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1998 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q
(f)Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K
(g)Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2008
(h)Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2009
(i)Each of Escalade’s eleven domestic subsidiaries has entered into the identical form of Pledge and Security Agreement and form of Unlimited Continuing Guaranty. Those eleven domestic subsidiaries are: Indian Industries, Inc.; Harvard Sports, Inc.; Martin Yale Industries, Inc.; U.S. Weight, Inc.; Bear Archery, Inc.; Escalade Sports Playground, Inc.; Schleicher & Co. America, Inc.; Olympia Business Systems, Inc.; EIM Company, Inc.; SOP Services, Inc.; and Escalade Insurance, Inc.
(j)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 30, 2009
(k)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2009
(l)Incorporated by reference from the Company's 2009 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q
(m)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2010
(n)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2010 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 2, 2010
(o)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2010 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q filed on April 16, 2010
(p)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2010
(q)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2010
(r)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 20, 2011
(s)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012
(t)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s 2012 Proxy Statement
(u)Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2012

 

30
 

 

Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

 

Index to Financial Statements

 

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

 

  Page
   
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms 32
   
Consolidated financial statements of Escalade, Incorporated and subsidiaries:  
   
Consolidated balance sheets—December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 34
   
Consolidated statements of operations—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 25, 2010 35
   
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss)—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 25, 2010 35
   
Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 25, 2010 36
   
Consolidated statements of cash flows—fiscal years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 25, 2010 37
   
Notes to consolidated financial statements 38

 

31
 

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

 

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, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. 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 2012, 2011 and 2010 financial statements (consisting of the balance sheet and related statement of operations) of Martin Yale International, GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary, which statements were presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in Germany and reflect total assets of $13,194, $16,146 and $14,913 and net sales of $15,226, $20,366 and $16,880 (dollars in thousands) for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, included in the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010. Those balance sheets and statements of operations for Martin Yale International, GmbH, are based solely on the reports of the other accountants.

 

Our audits also included auditing the adjustments to convert the balance sheets and statements of operations of Martin Yale International, GmbH into accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for purposes of consolidation. Our audits also included auditing the amounts reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders’ equity for Martin Yale International, GmbH.

 

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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing auditing procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits also 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ BKD, LLP  
Evansville, Indiana  
February 26, 2013  

 

32
 

 

FALK & Co

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of

Martin Yale International GmbH,

Markdorf/Germany

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Martin Yale International GmbH, Markdorf/Germany (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the related statement of income for each of the three years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. The financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

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 the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the result of its operations for each of the three years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Germany.

 

/s/ FALK GmbH & Co KG  
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft  
Steuerberatungsgesellschaft  

 

Heidelberg/Germany,

February 26, 2013

 

33
 

 

Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

All Amounts in Thousands Except Share Information  December 29,
2012		   December 31,
2011		 
         
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,544   $3,821 
Time deposits   1,200    950 
Receivables, less allowances of $1,096 and $938   33,496    26,914 
Inventories   30,864    29,035 
Prepaid expenses   1,308    1,102 
Deferred income tax benefit   1,553    1,478 
Prepaid income tax   —    846 
Total current assets   70,965    64,146 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net   12,281    11,915 
Intangible assets   12,919    14,064 
Goodwill   12,017    25,285 
Investments   17,487    14,397 
Other assets   71    308 
Total assets  $125,740   $130,115 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Current liabilities          
Notes payable—bank  $17,070   $14,947 
Current portion of long-term debt   2,000    2,000 
Trade accounts payable   3,946    3,293 
Accrued liabilities   15,274    14,410 
Income tax payable   19    — 
Total current liabilities   38,309    34,650 
           
Long-term debt   3,500    5,000 
Deferred income tax liability   3,474    2,900 
Total liabilities   45,283    42,550 
           
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: 2012 —13,427,339 shares, 2011—12,883,948 shares   13,427    12,884 
Retained earnings   62,937    71,348 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   4,093    3,333 
Total stockholders’ equity   80,457    87,565 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $125,740   $130,115 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

34
 

 

Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   Years Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data  December 29,
2012		   December 31,
2011		   December 25,
2010		 
             
Net Sales  $147,589   $134,250   $120,656 
                
Costs, Expenses and Other Income               
Cost of products sold   103,174    92,541    83,475 
Selling, administrative and general expenses   31,370    35,942    27,704 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges   13,384    —    — 
Amortization   2,246    1,596    1,288 
                
Operating Income (Loss)   (2,585)   4,171    8,189 
                
Interest expense   (602)   (693)   (1,163)
Other income   3,031    3,397    2,050 
Equity method investment impairment   (382)   —    — 
                
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes   (538)   6,875    9,076 
                
Provision for Income Taxes   4,392    2,434    3,017 
                
Net Income (Loss)  $(4,930)  $4,441   $6,059 
                
Earnings Per Share Data               
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $(0.37)  $0.35   $0.48 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share  $(0.37)  $0.33   $0.46 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

   Years Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data  December 29,
2012		   December 31,
2011		   December 25,
2010		 
             
Net Income (Loss)  $(4,930)  $4,441   $6,059 
                
Foreign currency translation adjustment   760    (588)   (845)
                
Comprehensive Income (Loss)   (4,170)   3,853    5,214 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

35
 

 

Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

           Accumulated     
           Other     
   Common Stock   Retained   Comprehensive     
All Amounts in Thousands  Shares   Amount   Earnings   Income   Total 
                     
Balances at December 26, 2009   12,657   $12,657   $65,341   $4,766   $82,764 
                          
Comprehensive loss                  (845)   (845)
Net income             6,059         6,059 
Expense of stock options             177         177 
Exercise of stock options   75    75    (17)        58 
Settlement of restricted stock units   12    12    (12)        — 
Stock option forfeiture             (32)        (32)
Dividends declared             (1,285)        (1,285)
Stock issued to directors as compensation   36    36    98         134 
                          
Balances at December 25, 2010   12,780   $12,780   $70,329   $3,921   $87,030 
                          
Comprehensive loss                  (588)   (588)
Net income             4,441         4,441 
Expense of stock options             548         548 
Exercise of stock options   57    57    69         126 
Settlement of restricted stock units   20    20    (20)        — 
Dividends declared             (4,138)        (4,138)
Stock issued to directors as compensation   27    27    119         146 
                          
Balances at December 31, 2011   12,884   $12,884   $71,348   $3,333   $87,565 
                          
Comprehensive income                  760    760 
Net loss             (4,930)        (4,930)
Expense of stock options             574         574 
Exercise of stock options   504    504    (63)        441 
Settlement of restricted stock units   3    3    (3)        — 
Dividends declared             (4,150)        (4,150)
Stock issued to directors as compensation   36    36    161         197 
                          
Balances at December 29, 2012   13,427   $13,427   $62,937   $4,093   $80,457 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

36
 

 

Escalade, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Years Ended 
All Amounts in Thousands  December 29,
2012		   December 31,
2011		   December 25,
2010		 
Operating Activities               
Net income (loss)  $(4,930)  $4,441   $6,059 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities		               
Depreciation and amortization   4,322    8,772    4,330 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges   13,384    —    — 
Equity method investment impairment charges   382    —    — 
Provision for doubtful accounts   151    (271)   (247)
Stock option expense   574    548    177 
Equity in net income of joint venture investments   (2,998)   (3,328)   (1,963)
Deferred income taxes   503    863    1,401 
Loss (gain) on disposals of assets   66    (355)   (1

)

                
Changes in               
Accounts receivable   (6,691)   (1,148)   (1,752)
Inventories   (1,731)   (6,302)   (2,411)
Prepaids   42    (249)   435 
Other assets    278    405    (16)
Income tax payable   863    288    (55)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   2,343    (1,083)   2,895 
Net cash provided by operating activities   6,558    2,581    8,852 
                
Investing Activities               
Purchase of property and equipment   (2,423)   (2,375)   (1,778)
Acquisitions   (1,250)   —    — 
(Purchase) sale of short-term time deposits   (250)   300    (500)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   16    3,428    13 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (3,907)   1,353    (2,265)
                
Financing Activities               
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable—bank   1,920    3,293    (8,237)
Net increase in overdraft facility   203    662    1,406 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   441    126    58 
Stock option forfeiture   —    —    (32)
Reduction of long-term debt   (1,500)   (2,500)   (500)
Cash dividends paid   (5,076)   (3,212)   (1,285)
Directors compensation   197    146    134 
Net cash used in financing activities   (3,815)   (1,485)   (8,456)
                
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents   (113)   (164)   366 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents   (1,277)   2,285    (1,503)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year   3,821    1,536    3,039 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year  $2,544   $3,821   $1,536 
Supplemental Cash Flows Information               
Interest paid  $640   $683   $1,161 
Income taxes paid  $3,364   $1,316   $1,832 
Dividends payable   -   $926    - 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

37
 

 

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 information security and print finishing 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 (GAAP). 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 year 2012 was 52 weeks long, ending on December 29, 2012. Fiscal year 2011 was 53 weeks long, ending on December 31, 2011. Fiscal year 2010 was 52 weeks long, ending on December 25, 2010.

 

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.

 

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 provides an allowance for doubtful accounts which is described in Note 2 – Certain Significant Estimates.

 

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 $2.1 million and $1.6 million at fiscal year-end 2012 and 2011, respectively. Inventories, net of the valuation reserve, at fiscal year-ends were as follows:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Raw materials  $8,330   $7,865 
Work in process   4,247    3,751 
Finished goods   18,287    17,419 
   $30,864   $29,035 

 

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:

 

38
 

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Land  $1,805   $1,783 
Buildings and leasehold improvements   17,719    17,542 
Machinery and equipment   24,267    22,890 
Total cost   43,791    42,215 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (31,510)   (30,300)
   $12,281   $11,915 

 

The Company evaluates the recoverability of certain long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Estimates of future cash flows used to test recoverability of long-lived assets include separately identifiable undiscounted cash flows expected to arise from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Where estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, impairment losses are recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets. No asset impairment was recognized during the years ended 2012, 2011, or 2010.

 

Investments

Investments are composed of the following:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)  $17,487   $14,397 

 

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 operations. The proportionate share of net income was $3.0 million, $3.3 million and $2.0 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total cash dividends received from these equity investments amounted to $444 thousand, $323 thousand, and $0 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company considers whether the fair value 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.

 

During 2012 one equity method investment, Escalade International, Ltd. performed below expectations, and this entity encountered unexpected attrition of certain significant customers as of the end of the third quarter 2012. Due to these events, the Company evaluated the economic and strategic benefits of continuing to hold this investment. Based on the review performed as of October 6, 2012, the Company determined that the fair value of this investment was less than its carrying value and that this impairment was other than temporary. As a result, the Company recognized other than temporary impairment of $0.4 million ($0.2 million, net of taxes). There was no impairment loss recognized on equity method investments in 2011 or 2010.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses. Intangible assets consist of patents, consulting agreements, non-compete agreements, customer lists, and trademarks. Goodwill and trademarks are deemed to have indefinite lives and are not amortized, but are subject to impairment testing annually in accordance with guidance included in FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Other intangible assets are amortized 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 9 years.

 

39
 

 

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the Company must perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for the Martin Yale Group reporting unit, which comprises the Information Security and Print Finishing operating segment. These indicators included lower than expected operating profits and cash flows for the first nine months of 2012, coupled with continued economic weakness in the European and Asian markets.

 

Based on this continuing trend, the earnings forecast for the next five years was revised resulting in a goodwill impairment loss of $13.2 million in the third quarter. In addition, the Company recorded an intangible asset impairment for this segment related to other intangibles of $0.2 million. The goodwill impairment loss reduces to zero the carrying value of goodwill recorded as part of various acquisitions in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment for purchases from 2003 through 2008. No impairment was recognized on goodwill or intangible assets in 2011 or 2010.

 

Employee Incentive Plan 

During 2007, the Company replaced two stock-based compensation plans with a new incentive plan more fully explained in Note 10. The Company accounts for this plan under the recognition and measurement principles of FASB ASC 505, Equity Based Payments.

 

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 in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and are excluded from net income (loss). Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and were insignificant in fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold is 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  2012   2011   2010 
             
Income from non-marketable equity investments accounted for on the equity method  $2,998   $3,328   $1,963 
Royalty income from patents   29    66    79 
Other   4    3    8 
   $3,031   $3,397   $2,050 

 

Provision for Income Taxes

Income tax in the consolidated statement of operations 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.

 

40
 

 

Research and Development

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development costs incurred during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were approximately $1.6 million, $1.4 million, and $1.9 million, 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 2012, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, to reduce the cost and complexity of performing impairment testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets by simplifying how an entity tests those assets for impairment and improving the consistency in impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories. An organization electing to perform a qualitative assessment is no longer required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the organization determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is “more likely than not” that the asset is impaired. The guidance is effective for impairment testing for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2013, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The standard requires that companies present information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in the financial statements in a single note or on the face of the financial statements. The guidance is effective for public entities for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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:

 

Goodwill

In evaluating the recoverability of goodwill, it is necessary to estimate the fair values of the reporting units. In making this assessment, the Company estimates the fair market values of the reporting units using a discounted cash flow model and comparable market value data for similar entities. Key assumptions and estimates used in the cash flow model include discount rate, internal sales growth, margins, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital requirements. Recent performance of the reporting units is an important factor, but not the only factor, in the assessment. There are inherent assumptions and judgments required in the analysis of goodwill impairment.

 

41
 

 

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  2012   2011   2010 
             
Beginning balance  $869   $656   $737 
Additions   1,524    1,087    357 
Deductions   (1,085)   (874)   (438)
Ending balance  $1,308   $869   $656 

 

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  2012   2011   2010 
             
Beginning balance  $1,556   $1,839   $3,152 
Additions   929    458    189 
Deductions   (385)   (741)   (1,502)
Ending balance  $2,100   $1,556   $1,839 

 

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  2012   2011   2010 
             
Beginning balance  $938   $1,204   $1,485 
Additions   450    1,125    654 
Deductions   (292)   (1,391)   (935)
Ending balance  $1,096   $938   $1,204 

 

Customer Allowances

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
Beginning balance  $2,605   $2,398   $2,749 
Additions   6,712    5,762    5,046 
Deductions   (6,636)   (5,555)   (5,397)
Ending balance  $2,681   $2,605   $2,398 

 

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Note 3 — Accrued Liabilities

 

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Employee compensation  $5,972   $4,737 
Customer related allowances and accruals   4,695    4,551 
Other accrued items   4,607    5,122 
   $15,274   $14,410 

 

Note 4 — Operating Leases

 

The Company leases warehouse and office space under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2017. 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 $1.5 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010.

 

At December 29, 2012, minimum rental payments under non-cancelable leases with terms of more than one year were as follows:

 

In Thousands  Amount 
     
2013  $915 
2014   664 
2015   524 
2016   317 
2017   5 
   $2,425 

 

Note 5 — Acquired Intangible Assets and Goodwill

 

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

 

   2012   2011 
In Thousands  Gross
Carrying
Amount		   Accumulated
Amortization		   Gross
Carrying
Amount		   Accumulated
Amortization		 
                 
Patents  $23,306   $15,487   $22,369   $13,372 
Consulting agreements   976    976    976    976 
Non-compete agreements   2,347    2,174    2,197    2,121 
Customer list   1,989    1,820    1,801    1,710 
Trademarks   4,880    122    5,022    122 
   $33,498   $20,579   $32,365   $18,301 

 

Amortization expense was $2.2 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

43
 

 

 

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

 

In Thousands  2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   Thereafter 
                         
Sporting Goods  $2,276   $2,140   $2,134   $943   $180   $320 
Information Security and Print Finishing   18    —    —    —    —    — 
                               
   $2,294   $2,140   $2,134   $943   $180   $320 

 

All goodwill is allocated to the operating segments of the business. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were:

 

       Information Security     
In Thousands  Sporting Goods   and Print Finishing   Total 
             
Balance at December 25, 2010  $12,017   $13,380   $25,397 
Foreign currency translation adjustment   —    (112)   (112)
Balance at December 31, 2011   12,017    13,268    25,285 
Impairment losses   —    (13,187)   (13,187)
Foreign currency translation adjustment   —    (81)   (81)
Balance at December 29, 2012  $12,017   $—   $12,017 

 

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the Company must perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the second step, the reporting unit’s fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for the Martin Yale Group reporting unit, which comprises the Information Security and Print Finishing operating segment. These indicators included lower than expected operating profits and cash flows for the first nine months of 2012, coupled with continued economic weakness in the European and Asian markets.

 

Based on this continuing trend, the earnings forecast for the next five years was revised resulting in a goodwill impairment loss of $13.2 million in the quarter. In addition, the Company recorded an intangible asset impairment for this segment related to other intangibles of $0.2 million.

 

The goodwill impairment loss reduces to zero the carrying value of goodwill recorded as part of various international acquisitions in the Information Security and Print Finishing segment for purchases from 2003 through 2008.

 

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Note 6 — Equity Interest Investments

 

The Company has a 50% interest in a joint venture, Stiga Sports AB (Stiga). The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Stiga, located in Sweden, is a global sporting goods company producing table tennis equipment and game products. Financial information for Stiga reflected in the table below has been translated from local currency to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the respective year-end for balance sheet amounts and using average exchange rates for income statement amounts. Certain differences exist between U.S. GAAP and local GAAP in Sweden, and the impact of these differences is not reflected in the summarized information reflected in the table below. The most significant difference relates to the accounting for goodwill for Stiga which is amortized over eight years in Sweden but is not amortized for U.S. GAAP reporting purposes. The effect on Stiga’s net assets resulting from the amortization of goodwill for the years ended 2012 and 2011 are addbacks of $11.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively. These net differences are comprised of cumulative goodwill adjustments of $16.0 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $4.6 million as of December 29, 2012 and cumulative goodwill adjustments of $13.0 million offset by the related cumulative tax effect of $3.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The income statement impact of these goodwill and tax adjustments and other individually insignificant U.S. GAAP adjustments for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010 are to increase total Stiga net income by approximately $1.7 million, $1.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively.

 

In addition, the Company has a 50% interest in two joint ventures, Escalade International, Ltd. in the United Kingdom and Neoteric Industries Inc. in Taiwan. The income and assets of Neoteric have no material impact on the Company’s financial reporting. Escalade International Ltd. is a sporting goods wholesaler, specializing in fitness equipment. The Company’s 50% portion of net income (loss) for Escalade International for the years ended December 29, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 25, 2010 was ($137) thousand, ($103) thousand, and $87 thousand respectively, and is included in other income on the Company’s statements of operations. Additional information regarding these entities is considered immaterial and has not been included in the combined totals listed below.

 

During 2012, Escalade International, Ltd. performed below expectations, and the entity encountered unexpected attrition of certain significant customers through the end of the third quarter 2012. Due to these events, the Company evaluated the economic and strategic benefits of continuing to hold this investment. Based on the review as of October 6, 2012, the Company determined that the fair value of this investment was less than its carrying value and that this impairment was other than temporary. As a result, the Company recognized other than temporary impairment of $0.4 million ($0.2 million, net of taxes).

 

In accordance with Rule 8-03(b)(3) of Regulation S-X, summarized financial information for Stiga Sports AB balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Current assets  $28,538   $23,451 
Non-current assets   8,065    9,460 
Total assets   36,603    32,911 
           
Current liabilities   10,850    10,033 
Non-current liabilities   4,487    6,334 
Total liabilities   15,337    16,367 
           
Net assets  $21,266   $16,544 

 

   2012   2011   2010 
             
Net sales  $41,957   $45,588   $30,826 
Gross profit   20,756    21,746    13,953 
Net income   4,534    5,223    2,044 

 

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Note 7 — Borrowings

 

On May 4, 2012 the Company entered into the Eighth Amendment to its Credit Agreement with its issuing bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Chase). The Eighth Amendment amends the Credit Agreement originally dated as of April 30, 2009. The Eighth Amendment now makes available to the Company a senior revolving credit facility in the maximum principal amount of up to $22 million with a maturity date of July 31, 2013 and a term loan in the principal amount of $8.5 million with a maturity date of May 31, 2015. The term loan agreement requires the Company to make repayment of the principal balance in equal installments of $0.5 million per quarter beginning in September 2010. A portion of the credit facility not in excess of $5 million is available for the issuance of commercial or standby letters of credit to be issued by Chase. The Credit Agreement Amendment also provides a Euro 2.0 million (approximately $2.6 million) overdraft facility. As of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the total amount outstanding on the overdraft facility was $2.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

 

The Eighth Amendment modified the loan covenants relating to capital expenditures, stock repurchases, and issuance of common stock. The Company now may incur capital expenditures of up to $7,500,000 for fiscal year 2012, and up to $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; repurchase shares of Escalade common stock for an aggregate amount of up to $1,000,000; and issue up to 2,500,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to the Escalade 2007 Incentive Plan, as amended at Escalade’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to increase the total number of shares available for grant thereunder from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 shares.

 

Short-Term Debt

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Senior secured revolving credit facility of $22.0 million with a maturity of July 31, 2013. The loan bears an interest rate of the Alternative Base Rate plus or minus the applicable ABR spread, or LIBOR plus the applicable LIBOR Spread, determined quarterly and based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Secured by substantially all assets of the Company. The interest rates at December 29, 2012 ranged between 2.2% and 3.0%.  $11,918   $10,000 
Euro overdraft facility of approximately $2.6 million payable on demand. The facility bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%.   2,452    2,247 
Short-term debt   4,700    4,700 
   $19,070   $16,947 

 

The weighted average interest rate on short-term debt outstanding at December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was 2.14% and 2.03%, respectively.

 

Long-Term Debt

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
         
Revolving term loan of $10.0 million, executed on May 31, 2010 with a term of 5 years, with payments of $0.5 million quarterly beginning with the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2010. The loan bears an interest rate of Alternative Base Rate plus or minus the applicable ABR Spread, or LIBOR plus the applicable LIBOR Spread, determined quarterly. The interest rate at December 29, 2012, was 2.4617%.  $5,500   $7,000 
           
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, 2012 is 0.40%, due September 2028, secured by plant facility, machinery and equipment, and a stand-by letter of credit   2,700    2,700 
           
    8,200    9,700 
Portion classified as short-term debt   (4,700)   (4,700)
   $3,500   $5,000 

 

46
 

 

Maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 29, 2012 are as follows: $4.7 million in 2013, $2.0 million in 2014, and $1.5 million in 2015.

 

Note 8 — 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  2012   2011   2010 
             
Weighted average common shares outstanding   13,244    12,849    12,726 
Dilutive effect of stock options   160    562    515 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution   13,404    13,411    13,241 
                
Number of anti-dilutive stock options   451    —    — 

 

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

 

Note 9 — 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 $0.48 million, $0.33 million and $0.18 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Note 10 — Stock Compensation Plans

 

In April 2007, Shareholders approved the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan (“2007 Incentive 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.

 

47
 

 

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. Under the original terms of the plan and 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 1,481,491 shares. In 2012, the stockholders approved an amendment to the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan to provide an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock. Bank approval of this amendment was obtained as part of the Eighth Amendment to the Credit Agreement.

 

Restricted Stock Units

In 2009, 2008, and 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 are dependent on certain market criteria. The restricted stock units granted to directors vest immediately or within two years. All restricted stock units are payable in shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting, subject to the deferral election arrangement, 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.

 

The Company issued no restricted stock units to employees or directors in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The following table presents a summary of non-vested restricted stock units granted to directors as of December 29, 2012:

 

   Number of
Shares		 
     
Vested but unsettled   50,397 
      
Outstanding restricted stock units as of December 29, 2012   50,397 

 

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 2012, 2011, and 2010 the Company recognized $0, $35 thousand, and $(47) thousand respectively in compensation expense related to restricted stock units and as of December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was $0 and $0 respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock units.

 

Stock Options

 

Total compensation expense recorded in the statements of operations for 2012, 2011 and 2010 relating to stock options was $574 thousand, $513 thousand and $224 thousand, respectively. As of December 29, 2012, there were $1.0 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years.

 

At the March 1, 2012 meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board voted to approve director stock options of 37,500, and employee incentive stock options of 200,000. The director and employee options have a one year vesting and four year-tiered vesting, respectively, and all options expire in five years. The 2012 employee awards were conditioned upon stockholder approval of the amendment to the Escalade, Incorporated 2007 Incentive Plan, which was obtained at the April 2012 Shareholder Meeting, and bank approval, which was obtained with the Eighth Amendment to the credit agreement.

The following table summarizes option activity for each of the three years ended 2012:

 

   Incentive Stock Options   Director Stock Options 
   Granted   Outstanding   Granted   Outstanding 
                 
2012   200,000    607,875    37,500    85,000 
2011   200,000    915,625    37,500    69,024 
2010   299,000    877,500    30,000    51,524 

 

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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:

 

   2012  2011  2010
          
Risk-free interest rates  0.84%  1.51%  1.36%
Dividend yields  5.50%  1.84%  0%
Volatility factors of expected market price of common stock  95.56% to 110.39%  109.71% to 122.17%  97.64% to 116.63%
Weighted average expected life of the options  1-4 years  1-4 years  1-4 years

 

The following table summarizes stock option transactions for the three years ended 2012:

 

   2012  2011  2010
       Option      Option      Option
   Shares   Price  Shares   Price  Shares   Price
                      
Outstanding at beginning of year   984,649   $0.64 to $9.35   929,024   $0.64 to $11.26   842,600   $0.64 to $13.40
                         
Issued during year   237,500   $5.28 to $5.66   237,500   $6.07   329,000   $2.56
                         
Canceled or expired   (25,024)      (125,625)      (167,576)   
                         
Exercised during year   (504,250)  $0.64 to $2.56   (56,250)  $0.64 to $2.56   (75,000)  $0.64 to $0.89
                         
Outstanding at end of year   692,875   $0.64 to $6.07   984,649   $0.64 to $9.35   929,024   $0.64 to $11.26
                         
Exercisable at end of year   192,625       69,399       87,524    
                         
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year  $3.12      $4.03      $1.80    

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $2.4 million, $185 thousand, and $267 thousand for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 29, 2012:

 

    Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable 
        Weighted-Average            
Range of   Number of   Remaining  Weighted-Average   Number of   Weighted-Average 
Exercise Prices   Shares   Contractual Life  Exercise Price   Shares   Exercise Price 
                     
$ 0.64    33,000   1.3 years  $0.64    33,000   $0.64 
$ 2.56    208,875   2.2 years  $2.56    76,625   $2.56 
$5.28 - $5.66    231,500   4.2 years  $5.29    —    — 
$ 6.07    219,500   3.2 years  $6.07    83,000   $6.07 
      692,875            192,625      

 

During the year ended December 29, 2012, the following activity occurred under the Company’s stock option plan:

 

49
 

 

   Number of
Options		   Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value		 
         
Nonvested balance, beginning of year   915,250   $1.63 
Granted   237,500   $3.12 
Vested   (634,000)  $1.04 
Forfeited   (18,500)  $3.55 
           
Nonvested balance, end of year   500,250   $3.02 

 

Note 11 — Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment  $760   $(588)  $(845)

 

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
Foreign currency translation adjustment  $4,093   $3,333   $3,921 

 

Note 12 — Provision for Taxes

 

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
Income (loss) before taxes:               
United States of America (USA)  $11,104   $8,481   $10,919 
Non USA   (11,642)   (1,605)   (1,843)
   $(538)  $6,875   $9,076 
Provision for taxes:               
Current               
Federal  $3,671   $965   $118 
State   303    38    180 
International   83    568    (194)
    4,057    1,571    104 
Deferred               
Federal   397    163    2,802 
State   15    621    59 
International   (77)   79    52 
    335    863    2,913 
   $4,392   $2,434   $3,017 

 

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:

 

50
 

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
Income tax at statutory rate  $(188)  $2,338   $3,086 
Increase (decrease) in income tax resulting from               
State tax expense, net of federal effect   509    394    375 
Federal true-ups   (113)   113    112 
Federal tax credits   (247)   (159)   — 
Effect of foreign tax rates   (94)   (370)   (195)
Tax audit settlement   —    —    (135)
Valuation allowances (state and foreign)   39    448    (77)
Goodwill impairment (worldwide)   4,684    —    — 
Captive insurance earnings   (379)   (301)   (334)
Incentive stock options   152    115    59 
Uncertain tax positions   —    (174)   82 
Other   29    30    44 
Recorded provision for income taxes  $4,392   $2,434   $3,017 

 

The provision for income taxes was computed based on financial statement income. In accordance with FASB ASC 740, the Company has recorded the following changes in uncertain tax positions:

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
Balance, beginning of year  $46   $220 
Additions for current year tax positions   —    — 
Additions for prior year tax positions   —    — 
Settlements   —    — 
Reductions settlements   —    — 
Reductions for prior year tax positions   (46)   (174)
Balance, end of year  $—   $46 

 

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. The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to future examinations by federal, state and other tax authorities for all years after 2008.

 

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
Assets          
Employee benefits  $59   $55 
Valuation reserves   1,728    1,584 
Property and equipment   233    356 
Stock based compensation   178    132 
Federal and state credits   865    1,046 
Net operating loss carry forward   7,606    7,132 
Total assets   10,669    10,305 
           
Liabilities          
Unrealized equity investment income   (2,555)   (2,027)
Goodwill and intangible assets   (2,668)   (2,535)
Prepaid insurance   (103)   (90)
Total liabilities   (5,326)   (4,652)
           
Valuation Allowance          
Beginning balance   (7,075)   (6,626)
Increase during period   (189)   (449)
Ending balance   (7,264)   (7,075)
   $(1,921)  $(1,422)

 

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

 

In Thousands  2012   2011 
Deferred income tax asset - current  $1,553   $1,478 
Deferred income tax asset (liability) – long-term   (3,474)   (2,900)
   $(1,921)  $(1,422)

 

The Company has state unused net operating losses of approximately $2.2 million. All operating loss carry-forwards expire in various amounts through 2029. In addition, the Company has foreign unused net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $24.4 million of which an estimated $22.9 million has been reserved as the Company does not expect to be able to utilize these carryforwards.

 

Note 13 — Operating Segment and Geographic Information

 

The following table presents certain operating segment information.

 

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
Sporting Goods               
Net revenue  $112,599   $96,971   $85,815 
Operating income   13,758    10,802    9,171 
Interest expense   273    686    1,655 
Provision for taxes   5,324    4,365    2,993 
Net income   8,189    5,817    4,601 
Identifiable assets   77,902    69,324    68,047 
Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)   —    —    — 
Depreciation & amortization   3,398    2,623    2,461 
Capital expenditures   2,065    1,595    517 
                
Information Security and Print Finishing               
Net revenue   34,990    37,279    34,841 
Operating income (loss)   (14,628)   71    926 
Interest expense   515    445    203 
Provision for taxes   543    551    913 
Net loss   (15,683)   (921)   (187)
Identifiable assets   25,578    40,396    37,713 
Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)   323    318    321 
Depreciation & amortization   924    974    1,114 
Capital expenditures   358    780    1,261 
                
All Other               
Net revenue   —    —    — 
Operating loss   (1,715)   (6,702)   (1,908)
Interest expense   (186)   (438)   (695)
Benefit for taxes   (1,475)   (2,482)   (889)
Net income (loss)   2,564    (455)   1,645 
Identifiable assets   22,260    20,395    21,793 
Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)   17,164    14,079    11,303 
Depreciation & amortization   —    5,175    755 
Capital expenditures   —    —    — 
                
Total               
Net revenue   147,589    134,250    120,656 
Operating income (loss)   (2,585)   4,171    8,189 
Interest expense   602    693    1,163 
Provision for taxes   4,392    2,434    3,017 
Net income (loss)   (4,930)   4,441    6,059 
Identifiable assets   125,740    130,115    127,553 
Non-marketable equity investments (equity method)   17,487    14,397    11,624 
Depreciation & amortization   4,322    8,772    4,330 
Capital expenditures   2,423    2,375    1,778 

 

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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 2012. 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 table tennis tables and accessories; basketball goals; pool tables and accessories; outdoor playsets; soccer and hockey tables; archery equipment and accessories; and fitness, arcade and darting products. Customers include retailers, dealers and wholesalers located throughout the United States and Europe.

 

The Information Security and Print Finishing segment consists of products such as high-security data shredders, disintegrators and deguassers, and office machinery used in the office and graphic arts environment. Office environment products include folding machines; and paper trimmers and cutters. Customers include end-users, as well as, retailers, wholesalers, catalogs, specialty dealers and business partners.

 

All other segments consist 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 39.4% 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; and investments.

 

The Company has one customer in 2012 in the Sporting Goods segment who accounted for 18% of consolidated total revenues and one customer in 2011 and 2010 who accounted for 16% and 15% of consolidated total revenues, respectively. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues. Within the Sporting Goods segment, this customer accounted for 23%, 22% and 21% of total revenues in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

As of December 29, 2012, approximately 16 employees of the Company's labor force were covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires April 30, 2013.

 

Raw materials for Escalade’s various product lines consist of wood, tempered glass, particle board, standard grades of steel and steel tubing, engineering plastics, fiberglass and packaging materials. Escalade relies upon domestic, Mexico, and Asian suppliers for these materials and upon various Asian manufacturers for certain of its game room product needs and other items.

 

Revenues by geographic region/country were as follows:

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
North America  $127,013   $112,907   $100,921 
Europe   13,220    12,240    11,486 
Other   7,356    9,103    8,249 
   $147,589   $134,250   $120,656 

 

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

 

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Identified assets by geographic region/country were as follows:

In Thousands  2012   2011   2010 
             
North America  $110,977   $105,717   $103,277 
Europe   14,763    24,398    24,276 
   $125,740   $130,115   $127,553 

 

Note 14 — Summary of Quarterly Results

 

In thousands, except per share data (unaudited)  March 24   July 14   October 6   December 29 
                 
2012                    
Net sales  $30,565   $42,029   $34,206   $40,789 
Operating income (loss)   2,742    2,689    (10,387)   2,371 
Net income (loss)   1,576    1,087    (11,503)   3,910 
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $0.12   $0.08   $(0.86)  $0.29 

 

In thousands, except per share data (unaudited)  March 19   July 9   October 1   December 31 
                 
2011                    
Net sales  $27,998   $40,850   $28,734   $36,668 
Operating income (loss)   2,067    2,717    (855)   242 
Net income (loss)   1,203    1,485    (380)   2,133 
Basic earnings (loss) per share  $0.09   $0.12   $(0.03)  $0.17 

 

Note 15 — Acquisitions

 

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

 

2012

In November 2012, the Company acquired the bowfishing assets of Cajun Archery, which is an archery company located in Utah. The total price of $600 thousand was paid in cash and was composed of customer lists, unpatented technology, fixed assets and other assets.

 

In December 2012, the Company acquired the North American patent rights for rigid air technology from BDZ Holdings, which is a holding company located in United Kingdom. The total price of $650 thousand was allocated to intangible assets.

 

Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company has obtained a letter of credit for the benefit of a certain mortgage holder. At December 29, 2012, the balance of the letter of credit was $2.7 million. 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.

 

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The Company has entered into various agreements whereby it is required to make royalty and license payments. At December 29, 2012, the Company had future estimated minimum non-cancelable royalty and license payments as follows:

 

In Thousands  Amount 
     
2013  $350 
2014   375 
2015   375 
2016   375 
2017   375 
Thereafter   375 
   $2,225 

 

Note 17 -– Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

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

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Time Deposits

 

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

 

Notes Payable and Long-term Debt

 

The Company believes the carrying value of short-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt, and long-term debt adequately reflects the fair value of these instruments.

 

The following table presents estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC 825 at December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using 
           Significant     
       Quoted Prices in   Other     
       Active Markets   Observable   Significant 
2012      for Identical   Inputs (Level   Unobservable 
In Thousands  Fair Value   Assets (Level 1)   2)   Inputs (Level 3) 
Financial assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,544   $2,544   $—   $— 
Time deposits  $1,200   $1,200   $—   $— 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Note payable and Short-term debt  $17,070   $—   $17,070   $— 
Current portion of Long-term debt  $2,000   $—   $2,000   $— 
Long-term debt  $3,500   $—   $3,500   $— 

 

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   Fair Value Measurements Using 
           Significant     
       Quoted Prices in   Other     
       Active Markets   Observable   Significant 
2011      for Identical   Inputs (Level   Unobservable 
In Thousands  Fair Value   Assets (Level 1)   2)   Inputs (Level 3) 
Financial assets                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $3,821   $3,821   $—   $— 
Time deposits  $950   $950   $—   $— 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Note payable and Short-term debt  $14,947   $—   $14,947   $— 
Current portion of Long-term debt  $2,000   $—   $2,000   $— 
Long-term debt  $5,000   $—   $5,000   $— 

 

The outstanding balance of the euro overdraft facility is included in Notes payable and Short-term debt. For the periods ended December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the balance of the euro overdraft facility was $2.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

For purposes of the interim impairment test, the fair value of the Martin Yale Group reporting unit was determined using a combination of two methods; one based on market earnings multiples of peer companies identified for the business unit (the market approach), and a discounted cash flow model with estimates of cash flows based on internal forecasts of revenues and expenses over a five year period plus a terminal value period (the income approach). The market approach estimates fair value by applying earnings and revenue market multiples to the reporting unit’s operating performance for the trailing twelve-month period. The market multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to those of the Martin Yale Group reporting unit. The income approach estimates fair value by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions and the risk profile of the business unit.

 

To arrive at the Martin Yale Group reporting unit’s future cash flows, the Company used estimates of economic and market information, including growth rates in revenues, costs, and estimates of future expected changes in operating margins, tax rates, and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures, and changes in future working capital requirements. Under the income approach, the Company applied a risk-adjusted discount rate of 11.2% to the future cash flows from the Martin Yale Group reporting unit. In addition to the earnings multiples and the discount rates disclosed above, certain other judgments and estimates were used to prepare the goodwill impairment test.

 

The fair values of the intangible assets for the Martin Yale Group reporting unit were estimated considering estimated royalty savings, discounted cash flows and average attrition rates associated with these assets.

 

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As a result of the impairment tests performed, the goodwill of the Martin Yale Group reporting unit was written down to the implied fair value of zero from its carrying value of $13.2 million as of October 6, 2012. The intangible assets of this reporting unit were written down to their estimated fair value of $1.7 million from their carrying value of $1.9 million as of October 6, 2012.

 

Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs and management judgment used in the goodwill and intangible asset impairment analyses, these measurements were classified in level three of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Equity Method Investments

 

For purposes of the impairment analysis of the equity method investment in Escalade International, Ltd, the Company considered the impact of attrition of certain significant customers on future cash flows of this entity as well as expectations regarding future divestiture of the investment. Based on consideration of cash flows related to the potential divestiture, the Company has determined that other than temporary impairment in the amount of $0.4 million ($0.2 million, net of tax) is appropriate. Consequently, the investment was written down to its estimated fair value of $0.5 million from its carrying value of $0.9 million as of October 6, 2012. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs and management judgment used in the equity method impairment analysis, this measurement was classified in level three of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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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 J. Keller February 26, 2013
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 February 26, 2013
Robert E. Griffin      
       
/s/ Edward E. Williams   Director February 26, 2013
Edward E. Williams      
       
/s/ Richard D. White   Director February 26, 2013
Richard D. White      
       
/s/ George Savitsky   Director February 26, 2013
George Savitsky      
       
/s/ Richard Baalmann, Jr.   Director February 26, 2013
Richard Baalmann, Jr.      
       
/s/ Patrick Griffin   Director February 26, 2013
Patrick Griffin      
       
/s/ Robert J. Keller   Director and President and Chief February 26, 2013
Robert J. Keller   Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)  
       
/s/ Deborah J. Meinert   Vice President and Chief Financial February 26, 2013
Deborah J. Meinert   Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  

 

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