ESCALADE INC (ESCA)

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; and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains statements that we believe are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, capital actions or business. They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “will likely result,” “may,” “are expected to,” “is anticipated,” “potential,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “projected,” “intends to,” or may include other similar words or phrases such as “believes,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain,” or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” or similar verbs. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to: Escalade’s ability to achieve its business objectives; Escalade’s ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships; Escalade’s plans and expectations surrounding the transition to its new Chief Executive Officer and all potential related effects and consequences; Escalade’s ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and market acceptance; new product development; Escalade’s ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; the evaluation and implementation of remediation efforts designed and implemented to enhance the Company’s control environment; the potential identification of one or more additional material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control of which the Company is not currently aware or that have not yet been detected; Escalade’s ability to control costs, including managing inventory levels; Escalade’s ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; our international operations, including any related to political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions; general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures; fluctuation in operating results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the securities markets; continued listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market; the Company’s inclusion or exclusion from certain market indices; Escalade’s ability to obtain financing, to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing and to manage debt levels; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; the potential impact of actual or perceived defects in, or safety of, our products, including any impact of product recalls or legal or regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; the potential impact of regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

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Overview

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

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

To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has focused on promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In addition, the Company has embarked on a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company's existing product lines or provide expansion into new or emerging categories in sporting goods. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry 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 seeks acquisitions that strengthen the Company’s leadership in various product categories or provide entry into attractive new product categories. The Company also sometimes divests or discontinues certain operations, assets, and products that do not perform to the Company's expectations or no longer fit with the Company's strategic objectives. Consistent with that philosophy, the Company completed the discontinuance of its Mexico operations and sale of its Mexican facilities in 2024.

Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of these strategies are revenue growth, earnings growth, new product introductions, and the expansion of channels of distribution. The following table sets forth the annual percentage change in revenues and net income over the past two years:

General economic conditions, inflation, recessionary fears, rising interest rates, changes in the housing market and declining consumer confidence may impact the Company adversely. Management cannot predict the full impact of these factors on the Company. Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Form 10-K, the Company’s results of operations for the 2024 fiscal year are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for fiscal year 2025.

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Results of Operations

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

Revenue and Gross Margin

Net sales decreased 4.6% in 2024 compared to 2023. The Company recognized declines in sales across multiple categories due to softer consumer demand, partially offset by improved demand in the archery, table tennis, and fitness categories.

The overall gross margin increased to 24.7% in 2024 compared with 23.4% in 2023. Gross margins were favorably impacted by lower manufacturing and logistics costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $43.3 million in 2024 compared to $41.5 million in 2023, an increase of $1.8 million or 4.4%. The increase in SG&A was primarily related to increased professional service costs during 2024. SG&A as a percent of sales is 17.2% in 2024 compared with 15.7% in 2023.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2024 and 2023 was 26.9% and 21.3%, respectively. The 2024 effective tax rate is higher than the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income tax expense, nondeductible expenses, and the sale of Harvard Sports, partially offset by federal income tax credits. The 2023 effective tax rate was slightly higher than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of state taxes partially offset by captive insurance premiums being tax exempt and federal income tax credits.

Sporting Goods

Net sales, operating income, and net income for the Sporting Goods segment for the two years ended December 31, 2024 were as follows:

Net sales decreased 4.6% in 2024 compared to 2023.

Gross margin in 2024 was 24.7% compared to 23.4% in 2023. Operating income, as a percentage of net sales, increased to 9.2% in 2024 compared to 6.6% in 2023.

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Financial Condition and Liquidity

The current ratio, a basic measure of liquidity (current assets divided by current liabilities), for 2024 was 3.9, compared to 4.4 in 2023. Receivable levels decreased to $48.8 million in 2024 compared with $50.0 million in 2023 as a result of lower sales. Net inventory decreased $16.5 million to $76.0 million in 2024 from $92.5 million in 2023, due to continued efforts to right size our on hand inventory. Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $1.8 million to $26.9 million from $25.1 million in 2023.

The Company’s working capital requirements are primarily funded through cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements with its bank. During 2024, the Company’s maximum borrowings under its primary revolving credit lines and overdraft facility totaled $58.7 million compared to $100.6 million in 2023. The overall effective interest rate in 2024 was 5.4% compared to the effective rate of 6.3% in 2023. Total debt at the end of the Company’s 2024 fiscal year was $25.6 million.

On January 21, 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Industries, Inc. (“Indian”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2022 Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in the Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lenders”). Pursuant to the October 11, 2024 amendments to the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement, the Lenders have now made available to Escalade and Indian a senior revolving credit facility with maximum availability of $60.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), which includes a $7.5 million swingline commitment by Chase, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $85.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility is January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date. The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the Company’s existing $50.0 million term loan facility to January 21, 2027.

The October 11, 2024 amendments also eliminated the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and related provisions. The fixed charge ratio covenant was replaced by a new minimum interest coverage ratio covenant of 3.50 to 1:00 effective September 30, 2024. The amendments further revised the restricted payments covenant to provide that if at any time the Company’s Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio would exceed 1.75 to 1.0, then the aggregate combined total of cash dividends and Company share repurchases may not exceed $12.0 million in any trailing twelve month period.

The Company was in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Restated Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $25.6 million and total amount drawn under the Revolving Facility was zero.

Cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements were used to pay shareholder dividends and to fund stock repurchases.

The Company believes cash generated from its projected 2025 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 economic conditions deteriorate, this could have adverse effects on the Company’s ability to operate profitably during fiscal year 2025. To the extent that occurs, management will pursue cost reduction initiatives and consider realignment of 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”.

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Contractual Obligations

The following schedule summarizes the Company’s material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024:

Note:

(1) Assumes that the Company will not increase borrowings under its long-term credit agreements, the fixed term loan rate of 2.97% was used to calculate future interest payments.

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.

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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A qualitative assessment is first performed to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is "more likely than not" less than the carrying value. If so, we proceed to a quantitative assessment, in which the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge to current operations is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the fair value.

If a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment testing is required, 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.

The Company has one reporting unit that is identical to our operating segment, Sporting Goods. Of the total recorded goodwill of $42.3 million at December 31, 2024, the entire amount was allocated to the Escalade Sports reporting unit. The results of the quantitative impairment assessment of the Escalade Sports reporting unit indicated that the fair value of the reporting unit was greater than the carrying value as of November 1, 2024.

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Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. In 2025, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $2.5 million.

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; and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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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: Escalade’s ability to achieve its business objectives; Escalade’s ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships; Escalade’s ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and market acceptance; new product development; Escalade’s ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; the impact of management’s conclusion, in consultation with the Audit Committee, that material weaknesses existed in the Company’s internal control procedures over financial reporting; the evaluation and implementation of remediation efforts designed and implemented to enhance the Company’s control environment; the potential identification of one or more additional material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control of which the Company is not currently aware or that have not yet been detected; Escalade’s ability to control costs, including managing inventory levels; Escalade’s ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures; fluctuation in operating results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the securities markets; continued listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market; the Company’s inclusion or exclusion from certain market indices; Escalade’s ability to obtain financing, to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing and to manage debt levels; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; the potential impact of actual or perceived defects in, or safety of, our products, including any impact of product recalls or legal or regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; the potential impact of regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations involving our products; potential residual impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Escalade’s financial condition and results of operations; and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

Overview

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

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

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To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has focused on promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In addition, the Company has embarked on a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company's existing product lines or provide expansion into new or emerging categories in sporting goods. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry the Company can take to market through its established distribution channels or through new market channels. Significant synergies are achieved through assimilation of acquired product lines into the existing Company structure.

In January 2022, the Company acquired the assets of the Brunswick Billiards® business, complementing its existing portfolio of billiards brands and other offerings in the Company’s indoor recreation market. Management seeks acquisitions that strengthen the Company’s leadership in various product categories or provide entry into attractive new product categories. The Company also sometimes divests or discontinues certain operations, assets, and products that do not perform to the Company's expectations or no longer fit with the Company's strategic objectives.

Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of these strategies are revenue growth, earnings growth, new product introductions, and the expansion of channels of distribution. The following table sets forth the annual percentage change in revenues and net income over the past three years:

As the most significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have waned, consumer demand for the Company’s products has slowed but remains above pre-COVID-19 demand. General economic conditions, inflation, recessionary fears, rising interest rates, changes in the housing market and declining consumer confidence also may impact the Company adversely. Management cannot predict the full impact of these factors on the Company. Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Form 10-K, the Company’s results of operations for the 2023 fiscal year are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for fiscal year 2024.

Results of Operations

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

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Revenue and Gross Margin

Net sales decreased 16.0% in 2023 compared to 2022. The Company recognized declines in sales across multiple categories. Many of our outdoor categories, including archery, playground and basketball, continue to slide back down from COVID-19 peak, but remain higher than pre-COVID-19 levels.

The overall gross margin decreased to 23.4% in 2023 compared with 23.5% in 2022. Gross margins were unfavorably impacted by less absorption due to large reductions in inventory levels as well as ongoing inventory handling and storage costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $41.5 million in 2023 compared to $44.8 million in 2022, a decrease of $3.3 million or 7.3%. SG&A as a percent of sales is 15.7% in 2023 compared with 14.3% in 2022.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2023 and 2022 was 21.3% and 20.5%, respectively. The 2023 effective tax rate is slightly higher than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of state taxes partially offset by captive insurance premiums being tax exempt and federal income tax credits. The 2022 effective tax rate is slightly lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the captive insurance premiums being tax exempt, with federal income tax credits helping to offset the impact of the state taxes and lower the statutory rate.

Sporting Goods

Net sales, operating income, and net income for the Sporting Goods segment for the three years ended December 31, 2023 were as follows:

Net sales decreased 16.0% in 2023 compared to 2022.

Gross margin in 2023 was 23.4% compared to 23.5% in 2022. Operating income, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 6.6% in 2023 compared to 8.3% in 2022.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The current ratio, a basic measure of liquidity (current assets divided by current liabilities), for 2023 was 4.4, compared to 4.8 in 2022. Receivable levels decreased to $50.0 million in 2023 compared with $57.4 million in 2022 and net inventory decreased $29.4 million to $92.5 million in 2023 from $121.9 million in 2022, due to company-wide objectives to right size our on hand inventory. Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $5.6 million to $25.1 million from $30.7 million in 2022.

The Company’s working capital requirements are primarily funded through cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements with its bank. During 2023, the Company’s maximum borrowings under its primary revolving credit lines and overdraft facility totaled $100.6 million compared to $113.8 million in 2022. The overall effective interest rate in 2023 was 6.3% compared to the effective rate of 3.8% in 2022. Total debt at the end of the Company’s 2023 fiscal year was $50.9 million.

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On January 21, 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Industries, Inc. (“Indian”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2022 Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in the Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lenders”). The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2019, as amended, in its entirety, and continues the existing Company’s credit facilities which have been in place since April 30, 2009. The Company’s indebtedness under the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement continues to be collateralized by liens on all of the present and future equity of each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and substantially all of the assets of the Company (excluding real estate). Under the terms of the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement, Old National Bank was added as a Lender. The Lenders have now made available to Escalade and Indian a senior revolving credit facility with increased maximum availability of $65.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), up from $50.0 million, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $90.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date. The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the existing $50.0 million term loan facility to January 21, 2027.

In addition to the increased borrowing amount and extended maturity date, the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement provided a $7.5 million swingline commitment by Chase, replaced LIBOR with the replacement benchmark secured overnight financing rate, and adjusted certain financial covenants relating to the fixed charge coverage ratio.

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

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

On May 8, 2023, the Company entered into the Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Restated Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment adjusted the funded debt to EBITDA ratio financial covenant to 4:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s second fiscal quarter of 2023, 3:00 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s third fiscal quarter of 2023, and 2:75 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 and thereafter. The Third Amendment adjusted the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant to 1:10 to 1:00 commencing as of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2023 and 1:25 to 1:00 as of the end of the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2024 and thereafter. For the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters in 2023, the Third Amendment suspended the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant and added a minimum EBITDA covenant of $22.5 million as of the end of each such fiscal quarter. Under the terms of the Third Amendment, the Company and the Lender also agreed to decrease the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $90.0 million to $75.0 million, upon the consummation of the sale of the Company’s Mexican subsidiary and the dissolution of Escalade Insurance, Inc. The proceeds from such sale and dissolution, respectively, will be used to partially prepay the amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As reflected in the Fourth Amendment to the Restated Credit Agreement effective September 1, 2023, the maximum availability of the senior revolving credit facility was reduced to $85.0 million following the dissolution of Escalade Insurance, Inc.

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As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $32.7 million and total amount drawn under the Revolving Facility was $18.2 million.

Cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements were used to fund acquisitions, to pay shareholder dividends, and to fund stock repurchases.

In 2024, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $4.0 million.

The Company believes cash generated from its projected 2024 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 economic conditions deteriorate, this could have adverse effects on the Company’s ability to operate profitably during fiscal year 2024. To the extent that occurs, management will pursue cost reduction initiatives and consider realignment of 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”.

Contractual Obligations

The following schedule summarizes the Company’s material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023:

Note:

(1) Assumes that the Company will not increase borrowings under its long-term credit agreements and that the effective interest rate experienced in 2023 of 6.3% 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.

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Product Warranty

The Company provides limited warranties on certain of its products for varying periods. Generally, the warranty periods range from 30 days to one year. However, some products carry extended warranties of three-year, five-year, seven-year, ten-year, fifteen-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. 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 Credit Losses

The Company provides an allowance for credit losses 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A qualitative assessment is first performed to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is "more likely than not" less than the carrying value. If so, we proceed to a quantitative assessment, in which the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge to current operations is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the fair value.

If a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment testing is required, 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.

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The Company has one reporting unit that is identical to our operating segment, Sporting Goods. Of the total recorded goodwill of $42.3 million at December 31, 2023, the entire amount was allocated to the Escalade Sports reporting unit. The results of the qualitative impairment assessment of the Escalade Sports reporting unit indicated that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value as of December 31, 2023.

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.

Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. In 2024, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $4.0 million.

ITEM 7—MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIALCONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following section should be read in conjunction with Item 1: Business; Item 1A: Risk Factors; and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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Forward-Looking Statements

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

Overview

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

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

To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has focused on promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In addition, the Company has embarked on a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company's existing product lines or provide expansion into new or emerging categories in sporting goods. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry that the Company can take to market through its established distribution channels or through new market channels. Significant synergies are achieved through assimilation of acquired product lines into the existing Company structure.

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In October 2020, the Company acquired the assets of the billiard table, game room, and recreational product lines of American Heritage Billiards, including the related intellectual property. In December 2020, the Company acquired substantially all of the business and assets of Revel Match LLC, dba RAVE Sports, a brand known for its innovative and high-quality water recreation products. In January 2022, the Company acquired the assets of the Brunswick Billiards® business, complementing its existing portfolio of billiards brands and other offerings in the Company’s indoor recreation market. These and other acquisitions strengthen the Company’s leadership in various product categories, while providing exciting new opportunities within the growing water sports market. The Company also sometimes divests or discontinues certain operations, assets, and products that do not perform to the Company's expectations or no longer fit with the Company's strategic objectives.

Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of these strategies are revenue growth, earnings growth, new product introductions, and the expansion of channels of distribution. The following table sets forth the annual percentage change in revenues and net income over the past three years:

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and may be waning, the Company continues to respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic. Even though the pandemic may not have had a material adverse direct effect on the Company, the pandemic’s effects on the global supply chain, higher freight and materials costs, supplier product delays, workforce availability and labor costs have caused operational challenges for the Company. The ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, and such effects could exist for an extended period of time. Consumer demand for the Company’s products may be slowing due to additional factors such as general economic conditions, inflation, recessionary fears, rising interest rates, changes in the housing market and declining consumer confidence. Management cannot predict the full impact of these factors on the Company. Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Form 10-K, the Company’s results of operations for the 2022 fiscal year are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for fiscal year 2023.

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Results of Operations

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

Revenue and Gross Margin

Net revenue increased 0.1% in 2022 compared to 2021. The Company recognized increased sales due to the Brunswick Billiards acquisition completed in January 2022 and increases in pickleball and indoor games categories due to category growth and market share gains. These increases were partially offset with lower sales in our outdoor categories including archery, basketball, games, water sports and playground.

The overall gross margin decreased to 23.5% in 2022 compared with 24.6% in 2021. Gross margins were unfavorably impacted by increased logistics expenses associated with ongoing inventory handling and storage costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $44.8 million in 2022 compared to $43.4 million in 2021, an increase of $1.4 million or 3.2%. The increase in SG&A is attributable to the Brunswick Billiards acquisition completed in 2022. SG&A as a percent of sales is 14.3% in 2022 compared with 13.8% in 2021.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2022 and 2021 was 20.5% and 20.1%, respectively. The 2022 effective tax rate is slightly lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the captive insurance premiums being tax exempt, with federal income tax credits helping to offset the impact of the state taxes and lower the statutory rate. The 2021 effective tax rate is slightly lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the captive insurance premiums being tax exempt, with federal income tax credits helping to offset the impact of the state taxes and lower the statutory rate.

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Sporting Goods

Net revenues, operating income, and net income for the Sporting Goods segment for the three years ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

Net revenue increased 0.1% in 2022 compared to 2021.

Gross margin in 2022 was 23.5% compared to 24.6% in 2021. Gross margins were unfavorably impacted by increased logistics expenses associated with ongoing inventory handling and storage costs. Operating income, as a percentage of net revenue, decreased to 8.3% in 2022 compared to 10.1% in 2021.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The current ratio, a basic measure of liquidity (current assets divided by current liabilities), for 2022 was 4.8, compared to 3.5 in 2021. Receivable levels decreased to $57.4 million in 2022 compared with $66.0 million in 2021 and net inventory increased $29.5 million to $121.9 million in 2022 from $92.4 million in 2021, due partially to the acquisition of Brunswick Billiards. Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $9.5 million to $30.7 million from $40.2 million in 2021.

The Company’s working capital requirements are primarily funded through cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements with its bank. During 2022, the Company’s maximum borrowings under its primary revolving credit lines and overdraft facility totaled $113.8 million compared to $69.2 million in 2021. The overall effective interest rate in 2022 was 3.8% compared to the effective rate of 2.9% in 2021. Total debt at the end of the Company’s 2022 fiscal year was $94.9 million.

On January 21, 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Industries, Inc. (“Indian”), entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2022 Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in the Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lenders”). The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2019, as amended, in its entirety, and continues the existing Company’s credit facilities which have been in place since April 30, 2009. The Company’s indebtedness under the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement continues to be collateralized by liens on all of the present and future equity of each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and substantially all of the assets of the Company (excluding real estate). Under the terms of the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement, Old National Bank was added as a Lender. The Lenders have now made available to Escalade and Indian a senior revolving credit facility with increased maximum availability of $65.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), up from $50.0 million, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $90.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date. The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the existing $50.0 million term loan facility to January 21, 2027.

In addition to the increased borrowing amount and extended maturity date, the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement provided a $7.5 million swingline commitment by Chase, replaced LIBOR with the replacement benchmark secured overnight financing rate, and adjusted certain financial covenants relating to the fixed charge coverage ratio.

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

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

As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $39.9 million and total amount drawn under the Revolving Facility was $55.0 million.

Cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements were used to fund acquisitions, to pay shareholder dividends, and to fund stock repurchases.

In 2023, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $3.7 million.

The Company believes that cash generated from its projected 2023 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 economic conditions deteriorate, this could have adverse effects on the Company’s ability to operate profitably during fiscal year 2023. To the extent that occurs, management will pursue cost reduction initiatives and consider realignment of 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”.

Contractual Obligations

The following schedule summarizes the Company’s material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022:

Note:

(1) Assumes that the Company will not increase borrowings under its long-term credit agreements and that the effective interest rate experienced in 2022 of 3.8% will continue for the life of the agreements.

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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 30 days to one year. However, some products carry extended warranties of three-year, five-year, seven-year, ten-year, fifteen-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. 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A qualitative assessment is first performed to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is "more likely than not" less than the carrying value. If so, we proceed to a quantitative assessment, in which the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge to current operations is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the fair value.

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If a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment testing is required, 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.

The Company has one reporting unit that is identical to our operating segment, Sporting Goods. Of the total recorded goodwill of $42.3 million at December 31, 2022, the entire amount was allocated to the Escalade Sports reporting unit. The results of the qualitative impairment assessment of the Escalade Sports reporting unit indicated that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value as of December 31, 2022.

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.

Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. In 2023, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $3.7 million.

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; and Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to: specific and overall impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on Escalade’s financial condition and results of operations; Escalade’s plans and expectations surrounding the transition to its new Chief Executive Officer and all potential related effects and consequences; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product demand and market acceptance; new product development; Escalade’s ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which it has chosen to focus; Escalade’s ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products; the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships; Escalade’s ability to develop and implement our own direct to consumer e-commerce distribution channel; Escalade’s ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits; the financial health of our customers; disruptions or delays in our business operations, including without limitation disruptions or delays in our supply chain, arising from political unrest, war, labor strikes, natural disasters, public health crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, and other events and circumstances beyond our control; Escalade’s ability to control costs; Escalade’s ability to successfully implement actions to lessen the potential impacts of tariffs and other trade restrictions applicable to our products and raw materials, including impacts on the costs of producing our goods, importing products and materials into our markets for sale, and on the pricing of our products; general economic conditions; fluctuation in operating results; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in the securities markets; continued listing of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market and/or inclusion in market indices such as the Russell 2000; Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing; the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology; risks related to data security of privacy breaches; and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

Overview

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

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

To enhance growth opportunities, the Company has focused on promoting new product innovation and development and brand marketing. In addition, the Company has embarked on a strategy of acquiring companies or product lines that complement or expand the Company's existing product lines or provide expansion into new or emerging categories in sporting goods. A key objective is the acquisition of product lines with barriers to entry that the Company can take to market through its established distribution channels or through new market channels. Significant synergies are achieved through assimilation of acquired product lines into the existing Company structure.

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In October 2020, the Company acquired the assets of the billiard table, game room, and recreational product lines of American Heritage Billiards, including the related intellectual property. In December 2020, the Company acquired substantially all of the business and assets of Revel Match LLC, dba RAVE Sports, a brand known for its innovative and high-quality water recreation products. In January 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of the Brunswick Billiards® business, complementing its existing portfolio of billiards brands and other offerings in the Company’s indoor recreation market. These and other acquisitions strengthen the Company’s leadership in various product categories, while providing exciting new opportunities within the growing water sports market. The Company also sometimes divests or discontinues certain operations, assets, and products that do not perform to the Company's expectations or no longer fit with the Company's strategic objectives.

Management believes that key indicators in measuring the success of these strategies are revenue growth, earnings growth, new product introductions, and the expansion of channels of distribution. The following table sets forth the annual percentage change in revenues and net income over the past three years:

COVID-19 Pandemic

The emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world, and particularly in the United States and China, continues to present significant risks to the Company, not all of which the Company is able to fully evaluate or even to foresee at the current time. Economic and health conditions in the United States and across most of the globe have changed rapidly during 2020 and 2021. Demand for the Company’s products increased substantially in fiscal year 2020 and remained strong in fiscal year 2021, most notably in our fitness products, basketball, playground, and indoor/outdoor games. Some of the increase in demand is likely due to consumers being required or encouraged by governmental authorities to stay at home, schools closures, and employers requiring or allowing employees to work remotely and/or implementing furloughs and layoffs, and consumers deciding to spend more time at home due to health and other considerations. Such increased demand may not continue and/or demand may decrease from historical levels depending on the uncertain duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length of time it takes for normal economic and operating conditions to resume or permanent changes if such conditions result from the pandemic, additional governmental actions that may be taken and/or extensions of time for restrictions that have been imposed or proposed to date, and numerous other uncertainties. Our revenue growth in prior quarterly or annual periods should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.

In addition, increased customer demand for certain products presents challenges for the Company to anticipate and adjust inventory levels to meet such demand. So far, the Company has been able to obtain products from its suppliers on a timely basis. To alleviate the risks of incurring product outages, the Company has accelerated orders of certain products with a resulting increase in inventories. While the Company believes it is currently in strong financial condition, a substantial decrease in customer demand and/or slower payments by the Company’s mass merchants, specialty dealers and other customers could adversely affect the Company’s liquidity.

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The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect the Company’s operations through the fourth quarter of 2021 and may continue to do so indefinitely thereafter. All of these factors may have far reaching impacts on the Company’s business, operations, and financial results and conditions, directly and indirectly, including without limitation impacts on the health of the Company’s management and employees, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sales operations, customer and consumer behaviors, and on the overall economy. The scope and nature of these impacts, most of which are beyond the Company’s control, continue to evolve and the outcomes are uncertain.

Due to the above circumstances and as described generally in this Form 10-K, the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for fiscal year 2022. Management cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s sales channels, supply chain, manufacturing and distribution nor to economic conditions generally, including the effects on consumer spending. The ultimate extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments, and such effects could exist for an extended period of time even after the pandemic might end.

Results of Operations

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

Revenue and Gross Margin

Net revenue increased 14.6% in 2021 compared to 2020. The Company recognized increased sales primarily in their outdoor product categories, including archery and pickleball, due to category growth and market share gains.

The overall gross margin decreased to 24.6% in 2021 compared with 27.3% in 2020. Gross margins were unfavorably impacted by currency exchange rates and higher supply chain, raw material, and inventory carrying costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $43.4 million in 2021 compared to $40.3 million in 2020, an increase of $3.1 million or 7.6%. The increase in SG&A is in line with the growth of the business. SG&A as a percent of sales is 13.8% in 2021 compared with 14.7% in 2020.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for 2021 and 2020 was 20.1% and 21.2%, respectively. The 2021 effective tax rate is slightly lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the captive insurance premiums being tax exempt. With federal income tax credits helping to offset the impact of the state taxes and lower the statutory rate. The 2020 effective tax rate is slightly higher than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of state taxes, with federal income tax credits helping to offset the impact of the state taxes and lower the statutory rate.

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Sporting Goods

Net revenues, operating income, and net income for the Sporting Goods segment for the three years ended December 25, 2021 were as follows:

Net revenue increased 14.6% in 2021 compared to 2020.

Gross margin in 2021 was 24.6% compared to 27.3% in 2020. Gross margins were unfavorably impacted by currency exchange rates and higher supply chain, raw material, and inventory carrying costs. Operating income, as a percentage of net revenue, decreased to 10.1% in 2021 compared to 11.9% in 2020.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The current ratio, a basic measure of liquidity (current assets divided by current liabilities), for 2021 was 3.5, compared to 3.1 in 2020. Receivable levels increased to $66.0 million in 2021 compared with $65.3 million in 2020 and net inventory increased $19.9 million to $92.4 million in 2021 from $72.5 million in 2020. Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased $5.0 million to $40.2 million from $45.2 million in 2020.

The Company’s working capital requirements are primarily funded through cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements with its bank. During 2021, the Company’s maximum borrowings under its primary revolving credit lines and overdraft facility totaled $69.2 million compared to $33.6 million in 2020. The overall effective interest rate in 2021 was 2.9% compared to the effective rate of 2.4% in 2020. Total debt at the end of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year was $57.5 million.

On July 7, 2021, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Industries, Inc. (“Indian”) entered into the Fourth Amendment dated as of July 7, 2021 (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2019 (the “2019 Restated Credit Agreement”) among the Company, Indian, each of their domestic subsidiaries, and Chase, as Administrative Agent and as Lender (the “Lender”). Under the terms of the Fourth Amendment, the Lender extended a $50.0 million term loan to the Company and reduced the maximum availability under the senior revolving credit facility from $75.0 million to $50.0 million. The Company may prepay the revolving credit facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date.

On January 21, 2022, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “2022 Restated Credit Agreement”) with its issuing bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), and the other lenders identified in the Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Lenders”). The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the 2019 Credit Agreement, as amended, in its entirety, and continues the existing Company’s credit facilities which have been in place since April 30, 2009. The Company’s indebtedness under the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement continues to be collateralized by liens on all of the present and future equity of each of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and substantially all of the assets of the Company (excluding real estate). Under the terms of the 2022 Restated Credit Agreement, Old National Bank has been added as a Lender. The Lenders have now made available to Escalade and Indian a senior revolving credit facility with increased maximum availability of $65.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), up from $50.0 million, plus an accordion feature that would allow borrowings up to $90.0 million under the Revolving Facility subject to certain terms and conditions. The maturity date of the revolving credit facility was extended to January 21, 2027. The Company may prepay the Revolving Facility, in whole or in part, and reborrow prior to the revolving loan maturity date. The 2022 Restated Credit Agreement further extended the maturity date for the term loan facility to January 21, 2027. As of January 21, 2022, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan was $46.4 million.

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Cash flows from operations and revolving credit agreements were used to fund acquisitions, to pay shareholder dividends, and to fund stock repurchases.

In 2022, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $4.5 million.

The Company believes that cash generated from its projected 2022 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 economic conditions deteriorate, this could have adverse effects on the Company’s ability to operate profitably during fiscal year 2022. To the extent that occurs, management will pursue cost reduction initiatives and consider realignment of 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”.

Contractual Obligations

The following schedule summarizes the Company’s material contractual obligations as of December 25, 2021:

Note:

(1) Assumes that the Company will not increase borrowings under its long-term credit agreements and that the effective interest rate experienced in 2021 of 2.9% will continue for the life of the agreements.

The contractual obligations table does not reflect the Restated Credit Agreement entered into by the Company on January 21, 2022. The impact of the Restated Credit Agreement is to increase future interest payments by $0.6 million and extending the debt maturity date from 2026 to 2027. Amounts in the table above also exclude legally binding minimum lease payments for a lease agreement that was signed, but had not yet commenced as of December 25, 2021, in the amount of $9.9 million.

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.

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Product Warranty

The Company provides limited warranties on certain of its products for varying periods. Generally, the warranty periods range from 30 days to one year. However, some products carry extended warranties of three-year, five-year, seven-year, ten-year, fifteen-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. 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. A qualitative assessment is first performed to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is "more likely than not" less than the carrying value. If so, we proceed to a quantitative assessment, in which the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied estimated fair value calculated, an impairment charge to current operations is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the implied estimated fair value.

If a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment testing is required, 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.

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The Company has one reporting unit that is identical to our operating segment, Sporting Goods. Of the total recorded goodwill of $32.7 million at December 25, 2021, the entire amount was allocated to the Escalade Sports reporting unit. The results of the qualitative impairment assessment of the Escalade Sports reporting unit indicated that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value as of December 25, 2021.

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.

Capital Expenditures

As of December 25, 2021, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. In 2022, the Company estimates capital expenditures to be approximately $4.5 million.