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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
                                        ================= =================


Tags: ,Lifestyle and Leisure:HomeandGarden, LifestyleandLeisure:PersonalCare/Fitness, LifestyleandLeisure:Recreation, LifestyleandLeisure:ToysandHobbies, Sports:EquipmentandAccessories, ,NASDAQ01,NASDAQ01,IN,EVANSVILLE, IN
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