Published:
Escalade Reports Increased Earnings for 2007

Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ: ESCA)
announced that net income for the year ended December 2007 increased 9%
compared to last year, resulting in earnings per share of $0.72 per common
share compared to $0.65 last year. Net sales for the quarter and year ended
December 2007 declined 7% and 3%, respectively, compared to the same
periods last year due to lower sales in the Sporting Goods business.
Operating income for the year ended December 2007, increased 10% over last
year due to increased profitability in both business segments. Net income
and earnings per common share for the quarter ended December 2007, were
unchanged from the same quarter last year.
Sporting Goods revenues for the quarter and year ended December 2007
declined 12% and 5%, respectively, compared to the same periods last year
due to lower sales to mass market retail customers. Industry-wide erosion
in consumer demand for soccer and hockey game tables is the primary reason
for the decline and this trend is expected to continue into next year.
Partially offsetting this decline is an increase in sales to sporting goods
specialty retailers and dealers. Sales to these channels increased 14%
during fiscal 2007 compared to the prior year and represent the core of the
Company's strategy to diversify both product offerings and distribution
channels. Sales to the specialty/dealer channel now make up 38% of total
sporting goods sales compared to 31% last year. Management anticipates this
trend to continue with growth from the specialty/dealer channel offsetting
the decline expected in the mass market retail channel.
Office Products revenues for the quarter and year ended December 2007
increased 5% and 2%, respectively, compared to the same periods last year
primarily due to increased sales of shredder equipment in Europe and
changes in the foreign exchange rate. Excluding the impact of foreign
currency fluctuations, revenues for fiscal 2007 were unchanged from the
prior year. While sales to traditional office products retailers declined
due to economic factors, growth was realized in specialty, industrial and
government high security shredders. New product introductions led to growth
in the printing and graphic arts markets. The slowdown in the U.S. office
products market is being offset by higher demand for professional and heavy
duty paper shredders in Europe. Management anticipates growth will come
from office machine specialty dealers and the government high
security/industrial shredder markets.
Robert Keller, President and CEO of Escalade, Inc. stated that "This past
year marked an important transition to a 'consumer innovation' centered
future for Escalade. We experienced short-term challenges in the mass
retail and office products channels, and yet we achieved steady gains in
the dealer and specialty channels consistent with our strategy. Several
important acquisitions, including Trophy Ridge and Carolina Archery, were
successfully integrated. Brand building and product innovation are now
taking center stage in our passion to 'fulfill the pursuit of life, work,
and play.' The introduction of our new Intimus line of premium shredders
demonstrated our ability to meet the emerging needs of our consumers
supported through a global dealer network. We also began a multi-year
transition to a new, integrated management information system to ensure
that our infrastructure can support future growth. These changes will take
time, but we believe our consumer-focused strategy, organization and
businesses processes will position Escalade for long term growth and
increased shareholder value."
Escalade is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods and
office/graphic arts products sold worldwide. To obtain more information on
the Company and its products, visit our website at: www.EscaladeInc.com or
contact Terry Frandsen Vice President and CFO at 812/467-1334.
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, Escalade's
ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired assets and
businesses, new product development, the continuation and development of
key customer and supplier relationships, Escalade's ability to control
costs, general economic conditions, fluctuations in operating results,
changes in the securities markets 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 update these forward-looking statements after the date of
this report.
ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited, In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
---------------------- ----------------------
29 Dec 30 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec
2007 2006 2007 2006
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET SALES $ 40,892 $ 44,133 $ 185,576 $ 191,465
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of goods sold 30,392 33,138 131,389 137,821
Selling and
administrative 8,472 8,055 38,462 39,466
Amortization costs 398 370 2,657 2,343
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 1,630 2,570 13,068 11,835
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense (654) (711) (2,837) (2,637)
Other income (expense) 2,262 878 3,991 2,263
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 3,238 2,737 14,222 11,461
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR
INCOME TAXES 646 146 4,967 2,966
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 2,592 $ 2,591 $ 9,255 $ 8,495
========== ========== ========== ==========
PER SHARE DATA
Basic earnings per share $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.72 $ 0.65
========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted earnings per
share $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.72 $ 0.65
========== ========== ========== ==========
Average shares
outstanding 12,672 13,036 12,899 13,012
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited, In Thousands)
29 December 2007 30 December 2006
----------------- -----------------
ASSETS
Current assets $ 70,798 $ 74,470
Property, Plant & Equipment - net 20,391 20,657
Other assets 35,024 30,561
Goodwill 25,803 25,027
----------------- -----------------
Total $ 152,016 $ 150,715
================= =================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities $ 39,356 $ 41,345
Other liabilities 20,918 23,655
Stockholders' equity 91,742 85,715
----------------- -----------------
Total $ 152,016 $ 150,715
================= =================
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