1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 26, 1998 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-6966 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED ---------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Indiana 13-2739290 ---------- ------------ (State of incorporation) (IRS EIN) 817 Maxwell Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47717 --------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive office) (812) 467-1200 -------------- (Registrant's telephone number) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act NONE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act Common Stock, No Par Value -------------------------- (Title of class) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. X --- Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. --- Aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of February 26, 1999: $37,447,614 The number of shares of Registrant's common stock (no par value) outstanding as of February 26, 1999: 3,119,825 Documents Incorporated by Reference Certain portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 24, 1999 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. Index to Exhibits is found on page 15. 2 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES TABLE OF CONTENTS Page - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part I Item 1 Business 1 Item 2 Properties 6 Item 3 Legal Proceedings 6 Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 6 Part II Item 5 Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 7 Item 6 Selected Financial Data 8 Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 9 Item 7. A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 13 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 13 Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 13 Part III Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 14 Item 11 Executive Compensation 14 Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 14 Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 14 Part IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K 15 3 PART I ITEM 1--BUSINESS GENERAL Escalade, Incorporated (Escalade or Company) is a diversified company engaged in the manufacture and sale of sporting goods products and office and graphic arts products. Escalade and its predecessors have produced sporting goods products for over 70 years and have produced office and graphic arts products for over 40 years. Escalade is the successor to The Williams Manufacturing Company, an Ohio-based manufacturer and retailer of women's and children's footwear formed in 1922. Through a series of acquisitions commencing in the 1970's, the Company has diversified its business. The Company currently manufactures sporting goods products in Evansville, Indiana and Tijuana, Mexico and manufactures office and graphic arts products in Wabash, Indiana, Los Angeles, California and Tijuana, Mexico. In 1972, the Company merged with Martin Yale Industries, Inc. (Martin Yale), an Illinois manufacturer of office and graphic arts products and leisure time items such as toys and hobby and craft items. In 1973, the Company acquired both Indian Industries, Inc. (Indian), an Indiana manufacturer of archery equipment and table tennis tables, and Harvard Table Tennis, Inc., a Massachusetts manufacturer of table tennis accessories. Escalade discontinued the Williams Manufacturing footwear operations in 1976 and sold Martin Yale's leisure time product line to an unaffiliated party in 1979. In 1980, the Company purchased Harvard Sports, Inc. (formerly Crown Recreation (West), Inc.), a California manufacturer of table tennis tables and home pool tables. In 1983, the Company closed Harvard Table Tennis, Inc. and consolidated it with Harvard Sports, Inc. (Harvard). Escalade has diversified within both the sporting goods products and office and graphic arts products industries, principally through the introduction of new product lines and acquisitions of related assets and businesses. Escalade expanded its sporting goods business in 1982 with the introduction of basketball backboards, goals and poles. In 1988, the Company acquired the business machine division assets of Swingline, Inc., further expanding the range of products offered within the office machine and equipment product lines. In 1989, the Company started limited manufacturing in Tijuana, Mexico under a shelter program known as "maquiladora". In 1990, the Company built a new manufacturing and office facility in Wabash, Indiana and consolidated the manufacturing of office and graphic arts products into the new facility. In 1992, the Company established a European distribution office and warehouse based in the United Kingdom under the name of Escalade International, Limited which was discontinued in 1998. In 1994, the Company purchased certain assets of Data-Link Corporation which manufactured products to apply postage and other stamps. In 1997, the Company purchased Master Products Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Master Products), a manufacturer of paper punches and catalog rack systems. Escalade's sporting goods products are produced by Indian and Harvard and are sold through a single consolidated sales and marketing group, Escalade Sports. Escalade's office and graphic arts products are produced by Martin Yale and Master Products and are sold through a single consolidated sales and marketing group, Martin Yale. 4 The following table presents the percentages contributed to Escalade's net sales by each of its business segments: Fiscal Year 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sporting goods 66% 72% 79% Office and graphic arts products 34 28 21 ----------------------------------------------------- Total net sales 100% 100% 100% ===================================================== For additional segment information, see the notes to consolidated financial statements. SPORTING GOODS Escalade manufactures and sells a variety of sporting goods such as table tennis tables and accessories, archery equipment, home pool tables and accessories, combination bumper pool and card tables, game tables, basketball backboards, goals, poles and portables, darts, and dart cabinets. Some of Escalade's domestic sporting goods shipments are made from National City, California, which primarily services the Company's U. S. Western marketing region, but most of such shipments are made from Evansville, Indiana, which primarily serves the rest of the United States. The majority of foreign shipments are made through Escalade FSC Inc., a foreign sales corporation established by the Company in 1994. Escalade produces and sells sporting goods under the Indian, Harvard, Xi, Ping Pong and Stiga brand names. Escalade also manufactures various sporting goods under private label for Sears Roebuck & Co. (Sears) and various other customers. Many of Escalade's products are sold to Sears, Escalade's largest customer, which accounted for approximately 38% of Escalade's sporting goods item net sales in 1998. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of Escalade's sporting goods net sales in 1998. Certain of the Company's sporting goods products are subject to the regulation of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Company believes that it is in compliance with such regulations. In October 1997, the Company retained CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. (CIBC) to assist in exploring potential opportunities to enhance stockholder value through transactions involving the Company's sporting goods operations, including a possible sale. No transaction was completed in 1998 and the Company has abandoned plans to sell its sporting goods operations. In December 1998, the Company adopted a plan to discontinue its distribution operations. Those operations were performed by Escalade International, Limited a foreign subsidiary located in the United Kingdom. The Company's other subsidiaries are all manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Escalade International, Limited is reported as a discontinued operation for the years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996. Net assets of the discontinued operation at December 26, 1998 consist primarily of accounts receivable, inventory and property, plant and equipment. The estimated loss on the disposal of Escalade International, Limited is $1,222,279 including a provision of $250,000 for operating losses during phaseout. The divestiture period is expected to run into the fourth quarter of 1999. (2) 5 OFFICE AND GRAPHIC ARTS PRODUCTS Escalade's office and graphic arts products include paper trimmers, paper folding machines, paper drills, collators, decollators, bursting machines, letter openers, paper joggers, checksigners, stamp affixers, paper shredders, paper punches, paper cutters, catalog rack systems, bindery carts, business card slitters, thermography machines and related accessories. Escalade's office and graphic arts products business is conducted through Martin Yale and Master Products. In 1986, the Company introduced a combination checksigner and bursting machine, which automatically imprints facsimile signatures on payroll checks and then separates each check for distribution. The Company also further diversified its office equipment product lines by its August 1988 purchase of the business machine division assets of Swingline, Inc. consisting primarily of a line of forms handling equipment including decollators, bursters and checksigners and a line of shredders and other products, by its 1994 purchase of certain assets of Data-Link Corporation consisting primarily of products which apply postage and other stamps, by its 1997 purchase of Master Products, a manufacturer of paper punches and catalog rack systems and by its 1998 purchase of certain assets of Steele Industries consisting primarily of its line of business card slitters and thermography machines. Escalade produces and sells office and graphic arts products under the Martin Yale brand name, the Premier(R) trademark, the Master Products brand name and the Steele/Hurricane brand name. The Company also manufactures various office and graphic arts products under private label for original equipment manufacturers. RELATIONSHIP WITH SEARS The Company has supplied sporting goods to Sears for over 30 years beginning with sales of archery equipment by Indian to Sears. Sears currently purchases for resale a wide variety of Escalade's sporting goods. Sales to Sears accounted for approximately 25% in 1998 and 24% in both 1997 and 1996 of Escalade's consolidated sales. Even though the Company has no long-term contracts with Sears, the Company believes that sales to Sears will continue and that relations with Sears are good. Escalade has been recognized by Sears for its outstanding service in ten of the last 13 years and in 20 of the last 26 years. Sears has awarded Escalade the Sears "Partners in Progress Award" during those years based upon quality, service and product innovation. Sears makes this award to less than 80 suppliers each year. During this period, Sears had more than 10,000 suppliers. In 1987, Sears further recognized the Company by awarding Escalade the Sears 1986 "Source of the Year Award" in the recreation-automotive group. (3) 6 MARKETING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Escalade has developed its existing product lines to adapt to changing conditions. Escalade believes that it is prepared to react to changing market and economic developments primarily by continuing the quality/price structure of the Company's product lines and by conducting ongoing research and development of new products. Escalade is committed to being customer focused. For many of its sporting goods products, Escalade offers its customers a choice, based on quality and price, of its line of "good, better and best" items. Such products are priced in relation to their quality which enables the Company to sell its goods through a variety of department stores, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, catalog showrooms, discount houses, general sporting goods stores, specialty sporting goods stores and hardware chains. As a result of such quality/price structure, Escalade is able to meet the quality/price objectives of the consumers served by such retail channels. Escalade sells its office and graphic arts products through office machine dealers, office supply houses and office product catalogs. Certain of Escalade's office products, such as paper trimmers and paper folders, are marketed in a quality/price range designed to accommodate customer needs. Lower cost items are generally intended for light duty office applications, whereas higher cost items are more rugged or more sophisticated, and are intended for use in heavy duty or commercial applications. Escalade conducts much of its marketing efforts through a network of independent sales representatives in the office and graphic arts industries. Marketing efforts in the sporting goods business are coordinated through a marketing department as well as through a network of Company and independent sales representatives. The Company engaged in ongoing research and development activities for new products in each of its business segments. Escalade spent approximately $1,500,000 in 1998, $1,400,000 in 1997, and $2,300,000 in 1996 for research and development activities. COMPETITION Escalade is subject to competition with various manufacturers of each product line produced or sold by Escalade. The Company is not aware of any other single company that is engaged in both the same industries as Escalade or that produces the same range of products as Escalade within such industries. Nonetheless, competition exists for many Escalade products within both the sporting goods and office and graphic arts industries and some competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company. Escalade believes that its long-term success depends on its ability to strengthen its relationship with existing customers, to attract new customers and to develop new products that satisfy the quality and price requirements of sporting goods and office and graphic arts customers. (4) 7 LICENSES, TRADEMARKS AND BRAND NAMES Escalade Sports has an agreement and contract with Sweden Table Tennis AB for the exclusive right and license to distribute and produce table tennis equipment under the brand name STIGA for the United States and Canada. Escalade is the owner of several registered trademarks and brand names. For its sporting goods, the Company holds the Ping-Pong(R), and Harvard(R) registered trademarks and utilizes the Indian, Indian Archery and Indian Xi brand names. The Company permits limited uses of the Ping-Pong(R) trademark by other manufacturers pursuant to various licensing agreements. The Company also owns the Premier(R) registered trademark for its office and graphic arts products, in addition to manufacturing such products under the Martin Yale, Master Products and Steele/Hurricane brand names. SEASONALITY The backlog of unshipped orders by industry segment is shown below at the Company's 1998, 1997, and 1996 fiscal year end. All orders in backlog at year end are generally shipped during the following year. The backlog includes all orders received but not shipped. Escalade's sporting goods business is seasonal and, therefore, the backlog is subject to fluctuations. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 26, DECEMBER 27 and DECEMBER 28 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Orders received but not shipped Sporting goods $1,266,400 $4,375,600 $2,592,800 Office and graphic arts products 438,000 570,100 419,300 EMPLOYEES The Company employs between 550 and 725 employees, consisting of between 200 and 325 people at Indian's Evansville, Indiana facilities, between 100 and 150 at Harvard's National City, California and Tijuana, Mexico facilities, approximately 125 employees at Martin Yale's Wabash, Indiana facilities and approximately 125 at Master Products' Los Angeles, California and Tijuana, Mexico facilities. All hourly rated employees at Evansville are represented by the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers AFL-CIO, whose contract expires April 30, 2000. Escalade believes that its employee relations are satisfactory. SOURCES OF SUPPLIES Raw materials for Escalade's various product lines consist of wood, particle board, slate, standard grades of steel, steel tubing, plastic vinyl, steel cables, fiberglass and packaging. Escalade relies upon European suppliers for its requirement of billiard balls and slate utilized in the production of home pool tables and upon various Asian manufacturers for certain of its table tennis needs and other items. The Company believes that these sources will continue to provide adequate supplies as needed. All other materials needed for the Company's various operations are available in adequate quantities from a variety of domestic and foreign sources. (5) 8 ITEM 2--PROPERTIES The Company operates the following facilities: LOCATION SIZE LEASED OR OWNED - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Evansville, Indiana (1) 346,000 sq. ft. Owned National City, California (1) 34,039 sq. ft. Leased Tijuana, Mexico (1) 50,000 sq. ft. Owned Swansea, United Kingdom (1) 13,500 sq. ft. Owned Wabash, Indiana (2) 141,000 sq. ft. Owned Los Angeles, California (2) 72,312 sq. ft. Owned Tijuana, Mexico (2) 15,000 sq. ft. Leased (1) Sporting goods facilities (2) Office products facilities The Company leases its National City, California facilities at a rate of $11,573 per month. The Company has a five-year option to extend the lease. The lease rate ranges from $11,920 per month in year one to $13,025 per month in year five of the extension period. The Company also shares in common area expenses not to exceed 8(cent) per sq. ft. per month. The lease expires March 31, 2003. The Company's Wabash facilities are held subject to a mortgage financed by Economic Development Revenue Bonds. The 141,000 square foot facility is a pre-engineered metal building supported by structured steel and concrete block consisting of 21,000 square feet warehousing, 6,000 square feet office and 114,000 square feet manufacturing. The Company leases space in Tijuana, Mexico for its office products operations for $61,000 per year. The Company rents additional space in Tijuana, Mexico for its sporting goods operations for $2,010 per month. The Company believes that its facilities are in excellent condition and suitable for their respective operations. The Evansville, Wabash and Tijuana sites also contain several undeveloped acres which could be utilized for expansion. The Company believes that all of its facilities are in compliance with applicable environment regulations and is not subject to any proceeding by any federal, state or local authorities regarding such matter. The Company provides regular maintenance and service on its plants and machinery as required. ITEM 3--LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of its business. The Company does not believe that the disposition or ultimate resolution of such claims or lawsuits will have a material adverse affect on the business or financial condition of the Company. ITEM 4--SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None. (6) 9 Part II ITEM 5--MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's common stock is traded under the symbol "ESCA" on the Nasdaq National Market System. The following table sets forth, for the calendar periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market System: PRICES HIGH LOW - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 First quarter ended March 21, 1998 $19.88 $14.00 Second quarter ended July 11, 1998 25.25 19.38 Third quarter ended October 3, 1998 25.50 18.50 Fourth quarter ended December 26, 1998 22.13 16.00 1997 First quarter ended March 22, 1997 $12.63 $ 8.25 Second quarter ended July 12, 1997 10.88 9.38 Third quarter ended October 4, 1997 12.25 9.50 Fourth quarter ended December 27, 1997 14.75 10.88 The closing market price on February 26, 1999 was $18.00 per share. In the fourth quarter of 1998, on December 21, 1998, the Company announced that Escalade's Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share to shareholders of record January 8, 1999, payable January 22, 1999. The dividend was declared at Escalade's Regular Board Meeting, December 19, 1998. In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company announced its offer to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $11 to $14 per share. Pursuant to such offer, the Company purchased 117,766 shares of its common stock at $14 per share in December 1997. There were approximately 325 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at February 26, 1999. The approximate number of stockholders, including those held by depository companies for certain beneficial owners, was 850. (7) 10 ITEM 6--SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (In thousands, except per share data) December 26, December 27, December 28, December 30, December 31, AT AND FOR YEARS ENDED 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME STATEMENT DATA (2) Net sales Sporting goods $60,184 $63,699 $70,651 $71,219 $83,221 Office and graphic arts products 30,486 24,836 19,132 17,321 17,276 Total net sales 90,670 88,535 89,783 88,540 100,497 Income from continuing operations 7,778 7,449 5,736 856 (2,178) Net income (loss) 6,136 6,361 5,247 448 (2,403) Weighted average shares 3,095 3,110 3,850 4,134 4,129 PER SHARE DATA (1) Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $2.51 $2.40 $1.49 $.21 $(.53) Basic earnings per share 1.98 2.05 1.36 .11 (.58) Cash dividends 1.00 0 0 0 0 BALANCE SHEET DATA Working capital 15,763 15,478 13,309 17,069 16,837 Total assets 63,489 66,145 54,430 57,767 75,883 Short-term debt 10,100 14,075 13,675 16,732 31,215 Long-term debt 6,400 10,700 5,500 6,266 9,148 Total stockholders' equity 26,702 23,501 19,305 23,338 22,889 (1) Basic earnings per common share are based on average shares outstanding adjusted to reflect the Company's 15% stock dividend declared on February 19, 1994. (2) Restated for discontinued operations. (8) 11 ITEM 7--MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1998 COMPARED to 1997 In 1998, net sales increased 2.4%, or $2,135,000 to $90,670,000 from $88,535,000 in 1997. Sporting goods net sales decreased by $3,515,000 from $63,699,000 to $60,184,000. This decrease was mainly in game parlor which includes table tennis, pool and game tables and accessories and was due to a decrease in units sold. Office and graphic arts machines and equipment net sales increased by $5,650,000 or 22.7%, to $30,486,000 from $24,836,000. Most of this increase was due to the acquisition of Master Products. Cost of sales of $60,526,000 as a percentage of net sales was 66.8% in 1998 as compared to $59,168,000, or 66.9% in 1997. Selling, administrative and general expenses in 1998 were $15,834,000, or 17.5%, of net sales as compared to $16,103,000, or 18.2%, in 1997. This decrease as a percentage of net sales was mainly in the office and graphic arts machines and equipment segment. Consolidation of some sales, marketing and administrative functions was the reason for the decrease in these expenses as a percentage of net sales. Interest expense in 1998 was $1,118,000 as compared to $1,065,000 in 1997, an increase of $53,000, or 5.0%. This increase in interest expense was due to slightly higher borrowing levels in 1998. The Company incurred expenses totaling $427,315 relating to the potential sale of Escalade Sports. The Company terminated its plans to sell Escalade Sports. The income tax provision for 1998 was $4,791,000 for an effective rate of 38.1%. In December 1998, the Company adopted a plan to discontinue its distribution operations. Those operations were performed by Escalade International, Limited, a foreign subsidiary located in the United Kingdom. The Company's other subsidiaries are all manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Escalade International, Limited is reported as a discontinued operation for the years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996. Net assets of the discontinued operation at December 26, 1998 consist primarily of accounts receivable, inventory and property, plant and equipment. The estimated loss on the disposal of Escalade International, Limited is $1,222,279 including a provision of $250,000 for operating losses during phaseout. The divestiture period is expected to run into the fourth quarter of 1999. The income for the year was $6,136,000 as compared to $6,361,000 in 1997. This decrease in net income was primarily due to the loss on disposal of Escalade International, Limited of $1,222,279. (9) 12 ITEM 7--MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 1997 COMPARED to 1996 In 1997, net sales decreased 1.4%, or $1,248,000 to $88,535,000 from $89,783,000 in 1996. Sporting goods net sales decreased by $6,952,000 from $70,651,000 to $63,699,000. Of this decrease, 36% was due to discontinued product or product lines and the remaining 64% was due to a decrease in units sold. The decrease in units sold was mainly caused by excess inventory carryover from the prior year by several large customers. Office and graphic arts machines and equipment net sales increased by $5,704,000, or 29.8%, to $24,836,000 from $19,132,000. Of this increase, 95% was due to the acquisition of Master Products and the other 5% was mainly due to increased export sales. Cost of sales of $59,168,000 as a percentage of net sales was 66.9% in 1997 as compared to $64,089,000, or 71.4%, in 1996. This decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was in the sporting goods segment. This decrease in cost of goods sold was in factory expense, primarily in depreciation, product development, salaries and management services. Selling, administrative and general expenses in 1997 were $16,103,000, or 18.2%, of net sales as compared to $15,496,000, or 17.3%, in 1996. This increase as a percentage of net sales was in the office and graphic arts machines and equipment segment. Professional services, travel, customer allowances and bad debts increased. Also, this segment's selling, general and administrative expenses are higher than sporting goods as a percentage of net sales and this segment's sales are increasing as a percentage of total sales. Interest expense in 1997 was $1,065,000 as compared to $1,239,000 in 1996, a decrease of $174,000, or 14.0%. This decrease in interest expense was due to lower average borrowing levels in 1997 than in 1996. The income tax provision for 1997 was $4,689,000 for an effective rate of 38.6%. Net income for the year was $6,361,000 as compared to $5,247,000 in 1996. This increase in net income was from sporting goods and was primarily due to increased margins as a result of lower factory expenses. (10) 13 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES OPERATING ACTIVITIES The Company's net cash provided by operating activities was $8,605,551, $8,784,231, and $15,266,154 in 1998, 1997 and 1996. Inventory management provided (used) cash of $(10,009), $272,909 and $3,699,263 in 1998, 1997 and 1996. Accounts receivable used cash of $561,035, $2,113,236 and $2,439,220 in 1998, 1997 and 1996. INVESTING ACTIVITIES The Company's net cash used by investing activities was $1,429,546, $10,651,115 and $1,891,594 in 1998, 1997 and 1996. The Company used $1,067,546, $1,597,055 and $1,902,127 in 1998, 1997 and 1996 to purchase property and equipment. In 1997, the Company used $8,958,745 for the purchase of certain assets of Master Products, net of cash acquired. FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash provided (used) by financing activities in 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $(8,082,003), $1,793,961 and $(13,301,909). In 1998, the Company paid $7,800,000 on long-term debt. At year end, the short-term debt had decreased $475,000 from last year. The Company's working capital requirements are funded by cash flow from operations and a domestic short-term line of credit. The maximum amount that could be drawn under its domestic line of credit at year end was $12,000,000, of which $7,800,000 was used. The domestic line of credit has been paid down to zero as of February 4, 1999. The Company paid no cash dividends during the two fiscal years ended 1997. In the fourth quarter of 1998, on December 21, 1998, the Company announced that Escalade's Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share to shareholders of record January 8, 1999, payable January 22, 1999. The dividend was declared at Escalade's Regular Board Meeting, December 19, 1998. EFFECT OF INFLATION The Company cannot accurately determine the precise effects of inflation; however, there were some increases in sales and costs due to inflation in 1998. The Company attempts to pass on increased costs and expenses through price increases when necessary. The Company is working on reducing expense levels, improving manufacturing technologies and redesigning products to keep these costs under control. YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE The Company's sporting goods division, Escalade Sports, has completed the evaluation, conversion and testing of its critical business systems to determine whether such systems will be able to properly process data for the year 2000. Escalade Sports employees first reviewed the underlying software codes for year 2000 compatibility, and then converted the codes where necessary to allow years to be read using four digits rather than two digits. Escalade Sports employees then tested the converted code to determine whether the affected business system would operate without interruption when data using the year 2000 was input. Based on these processes, the Company believes that Escalade Sports' internal software systems are currently year 2000 compliant and have so notified the customers of Escalade Sports where appropriate. (11) 14 Escalade Sports has also substantially completed the evaluation, conversion and testing of its business and manufacturing equipment to prepare for the year 2000. The Company believes that such process will be completed in its entirety by the end of the first quarter of 1999. Escalade Sports has also requested year 2000 compliance assurances from its customers, vendors and other third parties such as utility companies. Responses from these third parties have been slow to date. Escalade is uncertain whether it will receive responses from all such parties and whether all such responses will be satisfactory. Martin Yale completed the evaluation phase for year 2000 compatibility on January 18, 1999 and conversion of software codes commenced on January 25, 1999. Martin Yale expects that all necessary conversion and testing should be completed in the fourth quarter of 1999. Outside third parties are anticipated to work with Martin Yale employees in preparing for the year 2000. Martin Yale will also seek year 2000 compliance assurances from its customers, vendors and other third parties, such as utility companies. As of the end of its fourth quarter of 1998, the Company had incurred approximately $100,000 in connection with preparing for the year 2000. The Company expects to incur approximately another $150,000 of year 2000 expenses by the end of 1999. The Company estimates that its actual and future expenditures in this area are 75% attributable to internal costs and external fees for conversion of systems. The remaining 25% of year 2000 expenses are attributable to new software and equipment. The Company is funding these expenses from working capital. To the extent that the Company has utilized internal resources to remedy potential year 2000 problems, the Company has foregone evaluating and upgrading its systems that it otherwise would have undertaken in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that such reallocation of its internal resources has had or will have a material adverse effect on it. The Company believes that all of its operations, including those of Escalade Sports and Martin Yale, will timely meet all requirements necessary to be year 2000 compliant. As indicated above, the Company's subsidiaries are continuing to implement their year 2000 plans but have not yet completed those actions. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries will continue to request compliance assurances from its major customers, vendors and other third parties. At this time, the Company cannot provide any assurances that it will be fully year 2000 compliant, although the Company does not believe it will be materially adversely affected by year 2000 issues. The most likely year 2000 problems that the Company may face appear to arise from the possible noncompliance of third parties. Possible difficulties could arise in interfacing with major customers and/or in receiving raw materials from suppliers. The Company is continuing to work with its customers to ensure that no material data transmission problems will arise. The Company also has, and is continuing to develop, back up sources for material vendors. Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate that any such third party problems should have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, in the event that the year 2000 would cause the widespread loss of power, telecommunications and other utilities in the areas where the Company operates, the disruption to the Company's business may be material depending upon the length of time it would take such suppliers to restore service to normal levels. At this time, the Company has not developed specific contingency plans in preparation for the year 2000 other than for identifying back up sources for its material vendors. As the Company continues to complete its evaluation, conversion and testing, the Company will assess whether there are any specific areas where a contingency plan could help alleviate possible adverse effects from the year 2000. If so, the Company will develop contingency plans in those areas prior to the end of 1999. (12) 15 ITEM 7.A.--QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK None. ITEM 8--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The financial statements and supplementary data required by Item 8 are set forth in Part IV, Item 14. ITEM 9--CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. (13) 16 PART III ITEM 10--DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Information required under this item with respect to Directors and Executive Officers is contained in the registrant's Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 24, 1999 under the captions "Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Election of Directors" and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11--EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information required under this item is contained in the registrant's Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 24, 1999 under the caption "Executive Compensation" and is incorporated herein by reference, except that the information required by Items 402(k) and (l) of Regulation S-K which appear within such caption under the sub-headings "Compensation and Stock Option Committees" and "Financial Performance" are specifically not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K or into any other filing by the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. ITEM 12--SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT Information required under this item is contained in the Registrant's Proxy Statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 24, 1999 under the caption "Certain Beneficial Owners" and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13--CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS None. (14) 17 Part IV ITEM 14--EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (A) Documents filed as a part of this report: (1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent Auditor's Report Consolidated financial statements of Escalade, Incorporated and subsidiaries: Consolidated balance sheet--December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997 Consolidated statement of income--fiscal years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 Consolidated statement of stockholders' equity--fiscal years ended December 26,1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 Consolidated statement of cash flows--fiscal years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996 Notes to consolidated financial statements (2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Independent Auditor's Report on financial statement schedule For the three-year period ended December 26, 1998: Schedule II--Valuation and qualifying accounts All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. (3) Exhibits 3.1 Articles of incorporation of Escalade, Incorporated (a) 3.2 By-Laws of Escalade, Incorporated (a) 4.1 Form of Escalade, Incorporated's common stock certificate (a) 10.3 Licensing agreement between Sweden Table Tennis AB and Indian Industries, Inc. dated January 1, 1995 (d) 10.8 Federal trademark registration 283,766 for Ping-Pong(R)bats and rackets (a) 10.9 Federal trademark registration 283,767 for Ping-Pong(R)balls (a) 10.10 Federal trademark registration 294,408 for Ping-Pong(R) tables and parts (a) 10.11 Federal trademark registration 520,270 for Ping-Pong(R) game (a) 10.12 Federal trademark registration 1,003,289 for Mr. Table Tennis(R) table tennis equipment (a) 10.13 Federal trademark registration 1,187,832 for Harvard(R)table tennis equipment (a) 10.14 Federal trademark registration 1,442,274 for Mini Court(R)(a) 10.15 Federal trademark registration 1,292,167 for Premier(R)table tennis tables and accessories (a) 10.16 Federal trademark registration 1,456,647 for Mini Pool(R) (a) (15) 18 (3) Exhibits (continued) 10.17 Trademark Assignment--Federal trademark registration 1,348,890 for Sandmar(R) office machines(b) 10.18 Agreement dated April 28, 1997 between Indian Industries, Inc. and International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers, AFL-CIO Local No. 848(e) 10.21 Amendment to credit agreement dated May 31, 1996 between Escalade, Incorporated and Bank One, Indianapolis, National Association dated September 30, 1998(g) 10.32 Loan agreement dated September 1, 1998 between Martin Yale Industries, Inc. and City of Wabash, Indiana(g) 10.33 Trust Indenture between the City of Wabash, Indiana and Bank One Trust Company, NA as Trustee dated September 1, 1998 relating to the Adjustable Rate Economic Development Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1998 (Martin Yale Industries, Inc. Project)(g) 10.34 Real Estate Sales Contract dated September 17, 1990 between Martin Yale Industries, Inc. and Fritkin-Jones Design Group, Inc.(c) 10.36 Stock purchase agreement dated June 17, 1997 between Martin Yale Industries, Inc. and James Crean International, G.V. regarding the purchase of Master Products Manufacturing Company, Inc.(e) 10.37 Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 26, 1998 by and among Jen Sports, Inc., Sportcraft, Ltd. and Escalade, Incorporated to sell substantially all of the assets of Escalade Sports.(h) 10.38 Termination Agreement dated November 25, 1998 by and among Jen Sports, Inc., Sportcraft, Ltd. and Escalade, Incorporated to sell substantially all of the assets of Escalade Sports. (i) 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant 23 Consent of Olive LLP 27 Financial Data Schedule EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS 10.24 The Harvard Sports/Indian Industries, Inc. 401(k) Plan as amended and merged in 1993 (d) 10.26 Martin Yale Industries, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan as amended in 1993 (d) 10.27 Incentive Compensation Plan for Escalade, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (a) 10.28 Escalade, Incorporated 1984 Incentive Stock Option Plan (a) 10.29 Example of contributory deferred compensation agreement between Escalade, Incorporated and certain management employees allowing for deferral of compensation (a) 10.30 1997 Director Stock Compensation and Option Plan (f) 10.31 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan (f) (16) 19 (a) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Form S-2 Registration Statement, File No. 33-16279, as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, 1987 (b) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1988 Annual Report on Form 10-K (c) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1990 Annual Report on Form 10-K (d) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K (e) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1997 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q (f) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1997 Proxy Statement (g) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1998 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q (h) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1998 Form 8-K filed July 8, 1998 (i) Incorporated by reference from the Company's 1998 Amended Form 8-K filed December 1, 1998 (B) Reports on Form 8-K--There was a report on Form 8-K filed on July 8, 1998 reporting that on June 26, 1998 Escalade announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for the Sporting Goods Asset Sale. This Form 8-K has subsequently been amended on August 25, 1998, September 23, 1998, October 2, 1998, November 4, 1998, and December 1, 1998 to reflect ongoing developments pending to the termination of the Asset Sale and the cancellation of the special meeting of stockholders relating thereto. (17) 20 OLIVE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Escalade, Incorporated Evansville, Indiana We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Escalade, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Escalade, Incorporated and subsidiaries at December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. OLIVE LLP Evansville, Indiana January 29, 1999 (F-1) 21 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 26 AND DECEMBER 27 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets Cash $ 340,398 $ 1,246,396 Receivables, less allowances of $581,830 and $893,434 30,791,608 30,602,245 Inventories 12,647,354 12,637,345 Prepaid expenses 129,735 236,500 Deferred income tax benefit 1,002,064 1,205,196 ---------------------------------------- Total current assets 44,911,159 45,927,682 Property, plant and equipment 10,103,690 11,638,686 Other assets 2,844,111 2,422,066 Goodwill 5,630,066 6,157,350 ---------------------------------------- $63,489,026 $66,145,784 ======================================== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Notes payable--bank $ 7,800,000 $ 8,275,000 Current portion of long-term debt 2,300,000 5,800,000 Trade accounts payable 2,959,282 2,696,478 Accrued liabilities 11,642,828 12,128,256 Federal income tax payable 1,324,416 1,550,000 Dividends payable 3,121,718 ---------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 29,148,244 30,449,734 ---------------------------------------- Other liabilities Long-term debt 6,400,000 10,700,000 Deferred compensation 1,165,969 1,065,973 Deferred income tax liability 72,647 429,412 ---------------------------------------- 7,638,616 12,195,385 ---------------------------------------- Stockholders' equity Preferred stock Authorized--1,000,000 shares, no par value, none issued Common stock Authorized--10,000,000 shares, no par value Issued and outstanding--3,097,357 and 3,050,691 shares 6,072,824 5,879,827 Retained earnings 20,387,917 17,373,846 Accumulated other comprehensive income 241,425 246,992 ---------------------------------------- 26,702,166 23,500,665 ---------------------------------------- $63,489,026 $66,145,784 ======================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. (F-2) 22 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 26, DECEMBER 27 AND DECEMBER 28 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net Sales $90,670,040 $88,535,483 $89,783,574 ---------------------------------------------------- Costs, Expenses and Other Income Cost of products sold 60,525,642 59,168,410 64,089,276 Selling, administrative and general expenses 15,834,259 16,103,281 15,495,934 Loss on terminated sporting goods sale 427,315 Amortization of goodwill 398,286 217,223 Interest 1,117,851 1,064,721 1,239,162 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets 207,687 319,066 (60,146) Other income (410,252) (475,580) (230,520) --------------------------------------------------------- 78,100,788 76,397,121 80,533,706 Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes 12,569,252 12,138,362 9,249,868 Provision for Income Taxes 4,791,463 4,689,487 3,513,334 --------------------------------------------------------- INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 7,777,789 7,448,875 5,736,534 Loss from discontinued operations (419,721) (1,088,224) (489,417) Loss from disposal of Escalade International, Limited including provision of $250,000 for operating losses during phaseout (1,222,279) --------------------------------------------------------- NET INCOME $ 6,135,789 $ 6,360,651 $ 5,247,117 ========================================================= Per Share Data Basic earnings per share from continuing operations $2.51 $2.40 $1.49 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $2.50 $2.37 $1.48 Basic earnings per share $1.98 $2.05 $1.36 Diluted earnings per share $1.97 $2.02 $1.35 See notes to consolidated financial statements. (F-3) 23 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY COMMON STOCK ACCUMULATED -------------------------- OTHER COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED COMPREHENSIVE SHARES AMOUNT INCOME EARNINGS INCOME TOTAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCES AT JANUARY 1, 1996 4,133,954 $17,572,397 $ 5,766,078 $23,338,475 Comprehensive income Net income $5,247,117 5,247,117 5,247,117 ------------------- Comprehensive income $5,247,117 =================== Exercise of stock options 11,786 38,766 38,766 Purchase of stock (1,061,291) (9,319,647) (9,319,647) -------------------------- --------------------------------------------- BALANCES AT DECEMBER 28, 1996 3,084,449 8,291,516 11,013,195 19,304,711 Comprehensive income Net income $6,360,651 6,360,651 6,360,651 Unrealized gains on securities, net of tax 246,992 $246,992 246,992 =================== Comprehensive income $6,607,643 =================== Exercise of stock options 84,808 433,808 433,808 Purchase of stock (118,566) (1,656,368) (1,656,368) Put option to retire warrants (1,189,129) (1,189,129) -------------------------- --------------------------------------------- BALANCES AT DECEMBER 27, 1997 3,050,691 5,879,827 17,373,846 246,992 23,500,665 Comprehensive income Net income $6,135,789 6,135,789 6,135,789 Unrealized losses on (5,567) (5,567) (5,567) securities, net of tax =================== Comprehensive income $6,130,222 =================== Stock issued under the Director Stock Option Plan 6,638 65,550 65,550 Exercise of stock options 51,279 341,216 341,216 Purchase of stock (11,251) (213,769) (213,769) Payment of dividend (3,121,718) (3,121,718) -------------------------- --------------------------------------------- BALANCES AT DECEMBER 26, 1998 3,097,357 $ 6,072,824 $20,387,917 $241,425 $26,702,166 ========================== ============================================= See notes to consolidated financial statements. (F-4) 24 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 26, DECEMBER 27 AND DECEMBER 28 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $6,135,789 $ 6,360,651 $ 5,247,117 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization 2,796,004 2,381,201 3,026,541 Provision for doubtful accounts 371,672 474,050 427,650 Deferred income taxes (153,633) 1,303,683 411,348 Provision for deferred compensation 99,996 98,183 101,955 (Gain) loss on disposals of assets 207,637 319,066 (60,146) Change in cash surrender value, net of loans and premiums (36,000) (47,734) Changes in Accounts receivable (561,035) (2,113,236) (2,439,220) Income tax refundable 275,000 Inventories (10,009) 272,909 3,699,263 Prepaids 106,765 96,969 44,920 Other assets 33,362 (89,397) 81,149 Income tax payable (225,584) 450,928 770,000 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (225,923) (734,776) 3,728,311 --------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 8,575,041 8,784,231 15,266,154 --------------------------------------------------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES Premiums paid for life insurance (266,490) (65,800) Purchase of property and equipment (1,067,546) (1,597,055) (1,902,127) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 76,333 Purchase of long-term investments (65,000) (95,315) Purchase of certain Master Products assets, net of cash acquired (8,958,745) ----------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by investing activities (1,399,036) (10,651,115) (1,891,594) ----------------------------------------------------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net increase (decrease) in notes payable--bank (475,000) 3,120,650 (10,475,000) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 406,766 433,808 38,766 Reduction of long-term debt (7,800,000) (10,300,000) (7,248,000) Purchase of stock and warrants (213,769) (2,845,497) (9,319,647) Proceeds from long-term debt 11,500,000 13,900,000 Deferred compensation paid (115,000) (198,028) ----------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (8,082,003) 1,793,961 (13,301,909) ----------------------------------------------------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (905,998) (72,923) 72,651 CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,246,396 1,319,319 1,246,668 ----------------------------------------------------- CASH, END OF YEAR $ 340,398 $ 1,246,396 $ 1,319,319 ===================================================== SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION Interest paid $1,120,229 $ 1,302,577 $ 1,379,847 Income taxes paid, net 4,775,283 3,819,632 2,286,986 Fixed assets in accounts payable 31,954 35,253 126,884 Dividends payable 3,121,718 See notes to consolidated financial statements. (F-5) 25 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES NATURE OF OPERATIONS Escalade, Incorporated (Company) is primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of sporting goods and office and graphic arts products. The Company is located in Evansville, Indiana and has five manufacturing facilities, one in Evansville, Indiana; Wabash, Indiana and Los Angeles, California and two in Tijuana, Mexico. The Company sells products to customers throughout the United States and provides foreign shipments of sporting goods through a foreign sales corporation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all significant subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. INVENTORIES Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is based on the first-in, first-out method. INVESTMENTS The Company has long-term marketable equity securities, which are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line and double declining balance methods. The estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation are as follows: YEARS - ----------------------------------------- Buildings 20-30 Leasehold improvements 4-8 Machinery and equipment 5-15 Tooling, dies and molds 2-4 The cost of maintenance and repairs are charged to income as incurred; significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the resulting gains or losses are recognized in income for the period. (F-6) 26 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying values of all of the Company's financial instruments approximate their fair values. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per common share information is based on average shares outstanding during each year. FISCAL YEAR END The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31, within the calendar year. BAD DEBTS The Company uses the reserve method of accounting for bad debts on receivables. PRODUCT WARRANTY The Company provides for the estimated cost of its warranty obligations at the time of the sale. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS The Company has an employee profit sharing salary reduction plan, pursuant to the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for non-union employees. It is the Company's policy to fund costs accrued on a current basis. INCOME TAXES Income tax in the consolidated statement of income includes deferred income tax provisions or benefits for all significant temporary differences in recognizing income and expenses for financial reporting and income tax purposes. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Research and development costs are charged to income as incurred. The research and development costs incurred during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were approximately $1,500,000, $1,400,000 and $2,300,000. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue from the sale of the Company's products is recognized as products are shipped to customers. SELF INSURANCE The Company has elected to act as a self-insurer for certain costs related to employee health and accident benefit programs. Costs resulting from non-insured losses are charged to income when incurred. The Company has purchased insurance which limits its exposure for individual claims and which limits its aggregate exposure to $1,100,000. (F-7) 27 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 2--INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following: DECEMBER 26 AND DECEMBER 27 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finished products $ 5,717,096 $ 5,665,390 Work in process 3,442,410 3,412,443 Raw materials and supplies 3,487,848 3,559,512 --------------------------------------- $12,647,354 $12,637,345 ======================================= NOTE 3--PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following: DECEMBER 26 AND DECEMBER 27 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Land $ 757,210 $ 757,210 Buildings and leasehold improvements 10,733,231 10,649,336 Machinery and equipment 23,952,194 23,588,382 --------------------------------------- Total cost 35,442,635 34,994,928 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (25,338,945) (23,356,242) --------------------------------------- $10,103,690 $11,638,686 ======================================= NOTE 4--LINE OF CREDIT The Company has an unsecured line of credit for short-term borrowings. The line-of-credit arrangement is based upon a written agreement and can be withdrawn at the banks' option. At December 26, 1998, the line of credit for short-term borrowings aggregated $12,000,000, of which $7,800,000 was borrowed. The interest rate on the line of credit is at the Bank One Indianapolis, N.A. prime rate. A LIBOR option is also available to use for the interest rate. At December 31, 1998, $1,300,000 of this line of credit was at a prime rate of 7.75% and $6,500,000 was at a LIBOR option rate of 6.28%. This line of credit is subject to the same restrictive covenants as the long-term debt as discussed in Note 5. (F-8) 28 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 5--LONG-TERM DEBT DECEMBER 26 AND DECEMBER 27 1998 1997 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgage payable, due in annual installments varying from $300,000 in 1998 to $500,000 in 2005, interest currently is 5.64%, due 2005, secured by plant facility, machinery and equipment, and letter of credit $2,700,000 $ 3,000,000 Term loan, due in quarterly installments of $500,000, interest varies from prime to London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.75%, secured by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, general intangibles and securities 6,000,000 13,500,000 ------------------------------------ 8,700,000 16,500,000 Portion classified as current (2,300,000) (5,800,000) ------------------------------------ $6,400,000 $10,700,000 ==================================== Maturities of long-term indebtedness for the ensuing five years are: 1999, $2,300,000; 2000, $2,300,000; 2001, $2,400,000; 2002, $400,000; 2003, $400,000 and thereafter, $900,000. The mortgages payable and term loan agreements contain certain restrictive covenants, of which the more significant include maintenance of specified net worth, restrictions on capital expenditures and dividends, and maintenance of specified ranges of debt service and leverage ratios. NOTE 6--INVESTMENTS GROSS APPROXIMATE AMORTIZED UNREALIZED MARKET COST GAINS VALUE ----------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 26, 1998 Available for sale Marketable equity securities (included in other assets) $755,486 $402,375 $1,157,861 =============================================== DECEMBER 27, 1997 Available for sale Marketable equity securities (included in other assets) $730,196 $411,653 $1,141,849 =============================================== (F-9) 29 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 7--STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS A total of 24,707 options were outstanding at year end from the 1984 Stock Option Plan (Plan). The date for granting options under this Plan expired on October 26,1994 and the date for exercising options expires on September 26, 1999. At the Company's 1997 annual meeting, the stockholders approved two new Stock Option Plans reserving 300,000 common shares for issuance under an Incentive Stock Option Plan (ISO) and 100,000 common shares for issuance under a Director Stock Option Plan (DSO). During 1998, there were 19,250 options granted under the ISO and there were 42,424 options outstanding at year end under this plan. During 1998, there were 3,319 options granted and outstanding under the DSO. Under the Company's ISO, which is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES, and related interpretations, the Company grants selected executives and other key employees stock option awards which vest over four years of continued employment. During 1998, the Company authorized the grant of options for up to 22,569 shares of the Company's common stock. The exercise price of each option, which has a five-year life, was equal to the market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant; therefore, no compensation expense was recognized. Options are exercisable commencing one year from the date of issuance to the extent vested. Although the Company has elected to follow APB Opinion No. 25, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 requires pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under that statement. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the grant date using an option pricing model with the following assumptions: 1998 1997 ------------------------ Risk-free interest rates 4.75% 6% Dividend yields 0% 0% Volatility factors of expected market price of common stock 51% 49% Weighted average expected life of the options 5 YEARS 5 years Under SFAS No. 123, compensation cost is recognized in the amount of the estimated fair value of the options and amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share of this statement is as follows: 1998 1997 ------------ ----------- Net income As reported $6,135,789 $6,360,651 Pro forma 6,076,755 6,363,257 Basic earnings per share As reported 1.98 2.05 Pro forma 1.96 2.04 Diluted earnings per share As reported 1.97 2.02 Pro forma 1.95 2.02 (F-10) 30 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Stock option transactions are summarized as follows: 1998 1997 1996 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPTION Option Option SHARES PRICE Shares Price Shares Price -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at beginning $6.30 TO $3.26 to $3.26 to of year 101,821 9.88 168,311 7.25 196,581 7.25 Issued during year $9.88 TO 22,569 18.75 25,000 9.88 Canceled or expired (2,661) (6,682) (16,485) $3.26 TO $3.26 to Exercised during year (51,279) 9.88 (84,808) 7.25 (11,785) $3.26 ---------------- -------------------------------------------------------- $5.50 TO $6.30 to $3.26 to Outstanding at end of year 70,450 18.75 101,821 9.88 168,311 7.25 ================ ================ ================ Exercisable at end of year 30,297 63,113 120,699 ================ ================ ================ Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year $9.83 $4.99 ================ ================ The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at December 26, 1998: OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RANGE OF NUMBER WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING REMAINING WEIGHTED-AVERAGE EXERCISABLE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE AT 12/26/98 CONTRACTUAL LIFE EXERCISE PRICE AT 12/26/98 EXERCISE PRICE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $5.50 1,000 1.0 years $5.50 1,000 $5.50 7.25 23,707 1.0 7.25 23,707 7.25 9.88 26,493 3.4 9.88 5,590 9.88 18.75 19,250 4.2 18.75 18.75 ------------------ -------------------- $5.50 to 18.75 70,450 2.8 11.36 30,297 7.68 ================== ==================== The incentive stock options granted in 1998 and 1997 are exercisable at the rate of 25% over each of the four years beginning in 1999 and 1998. 3,319 Director Stock Options were issued during the year 1998 at an option price of $9.88 and can be exercised after July 1, 1999 with an expiration date of June 30, 2002. To acquire all of the common stock of Marcy Fitness Products, Inc., the Company exchanged 272,112 Escalade warrants with an exercise price of $9.13 per share. The warrants were exercisable until August 19, 1999. During 1997, these warrants were put to the Company and retired at $13.50 per share for a total cost of $1,189,129. (F-11) 31 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 8--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY TRANSACTIONS During 1997, the Company conducted a Dutch Auction self-tender offer whereby it purchased 117,766 shares of its common stock at $14.00 per share. The Company also conducted a Dutch Auction self-tender offer in 1996 whereby it purchased approximately 1,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $8.875 per share. The Company paid no cash dividends during the two fiscal years ended 1997. In the fourth quarter of 1998, on December 21, 1998, the Company announced that Escalade's Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share to shareholders of record January 8, 1999, payable January 22, 1999. The dividend was declared at Escalade's Regular Board Meeting, December 19, 1998. NOTE 9--EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share (EPS) were computed as follows: WEIGHTED PER AVERAGE SHARE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 26, 1998 INCOME SHARES AMOUNT - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $6,135,789 ------------- Basic Earnings per Share Income available to common stockholders 6,135,789 3,094,638 $1.98 Effect of Dilutive Securities Stock options 18,741 ============== Diluted Earnings Per Share ----------------------------- Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions $6,135,789 3,113,379 $1.97 ================================================ YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 1997 Net Income $6,360,651 Basic Earnings per Share ------------- Income available to common stockholders 6,360,651 3,109,514 $2.05 Effect of Dilutive Securities ================ Stock options Diluted Earnings Per Share 35,328 Income available to common stockholders and ---------------------------- assumed conversions $6,360,651 3,144,842 $2.02 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996 ------------- Net Income $5,247,117 Basic Earnings per Share ------------- Income available to common stockholders 5,247,117 3,849,783 $1.36 Effect of Dilutive Securities ==================== Stock options 43,822 Diluted Earnings Per Share ----------------------------- Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions $5,247,117 3,893,605 $1.35 ================================================= (F-12) 32 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Warrants to purchase 272,112 shares of common stock at $9.13 per share were outstanding at December 28, 1996 and during a portion of the year ended December 27, 1997 but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the warrants' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. Net loss per share from discontinuing operations: 1998 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------- Basic $.53 $.35 $.13 Diluted $.53 $.35 $.13 NOTE 10--OPERATING LEASES The Company leases warehousing and office space at its National City, California facilities for $11,573 per month through March 31, 1999. The Company has a five-year option to extend the lease. The lease rate ranges from $11,920 per month in year one to $13,025 per month in year five of the extension period. The Company also shares in common area expenses not to exceed 8(cent) per sq. ft. per month. The lease expires March 31, 2003. The Company also leases warehousing space next to its Evansville facility for $17,317 per month. The original lease expired on October 31, 1998. The Company has four two-year renewal options followed by two five-year renewal options. At December 26, 1998, the minimum rental payments under noncancelable leases with terms of more than one year are as follows: YEARS ENDING AMOUNT - ------------------------------------- 1999 $212,989 2000 146,264 2001 150,652 2002 155,171 2003 39,077 --------------- $704,153 =============== The following schedule shows the composition of total rental expense for operating leases except those with terms of a month or less: 1998 1997 1996 -------------------------------------------------- Rentals $469,650 $611,405 $656,082 ================================================== (F-13) 33 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 11--INCOME TAXES Provision for income taxes consists of the following: YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 26, DECEMBER 27 AND DECEMBER 28 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------- Current Federal $3,888,985 $3,435,532 $2,670,000 State 1,056,111 803,547 431,986 --------------------------------------------- 4,945,096 4,239,079 3,101,986 --------------------------------------------- Deferred Federal (121,668) 365,830 401,443 State (31,965) 84,578 9,905 --------------------------------------------- (153,633) 450,408 411,348 --------------------------------------------- $4,791,463 $4,689,487 $3,513,334 ============================================= The provision for income taxes was computed based on financial statement income. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed using the statutory rate follows: YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 26, DECEMBER 27 AND DECEMBER 28 1998 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax at statutory rate $4,273,546 $4,127,043 $3,144,955 Increase (decrease) in income tax resulting from Recurring permanent differences (goodwill amortization, dividend exclusion, and non- deductible officers' life insurance expense) (76,770) 25,893 (24,279 State tax expense, net of federal effect 675,936 586,163 291,648 Other (81,249) (49,612) 101,010 ------------------------------------- Provision for income taxes recorded $4,791,463 $4,689,487 $3,513,334 ===================================== At December 26, 1998, a cumulative deferred tax asset of $929,417 is included in current assets and other liabilities. At December 27, 1997, a cumulative deferred tax asset of $775,784 is included in current and other assets. (F-14) 34 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows: DECEMBER 26 AND DECEMBER 27 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Employee benefits $ 429,186 $ 413,588 Valuation reserves 527,677 724,095 Goodwill 94,869 115,320 Deferred compensation 395,800 399,593 Lease expense 67,513 ------------------------------ Total assets 1,447,532 1,720,109 ------------------------------ LIABILITIES Depreciation (357,165) (779,664) Unrealized gain on securities available for sale (160,950) (164,661) ------------------------------- Total liabilities (518,115) (944,325) ------------------------------- $ 929,417 $ 775,784 =============================== NOTE 12--EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company has an employee profit sharing salary reduction plan, pursuant to the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for non-union employees. The Company's contribution is a matching percentage of the employee contribution as determined by the Board of Directors annually. The Company's expense for the plan was $316,155, $339,931 and $311,701 for 1998, 1997 and 1996. NOTE 13--VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ASSOCIATION TRUST (VEBA) The Company established a VEBA as a tax-exempt organization to provide life, medical, disability and other similar welfare benefits permitted pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(9) for its employees. (F-15) 35 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 14--SEGMENT INFORMATION AND CONCENTRATIONS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 26, DECEMBER 27 AND DECEMBER 28 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands) Sales to unaffiliated customers Sporting goods $ 60,184 $ 63,699 $70,651 Office and graphic arts products 30,486 24,836 19,132 --------------------------------------------- Total consolidated $ 90,670 $ 88,535 $89,783 ============================================= Operating profit Sporting goods $ 7,295 $ 8,311 $ 6,476 Office and graphic arts products 7,442 5,244 4,103 Corporate (427) (291) (381) --------------------------------------------- Total consolidated 14,310 13,264 10,198 Consolidated other income 410 475 231 --------------------------------------------- 14,720 13,739 10,429 Consolidated interest expense 1,118 1,065 1,239 Consolidated (gain) loss on disposal of assets 208 319 (60) Consolidated amortization of goodwill 398 217 Consolidated loss on terminated sporting goods sale 427 --------------------------------------------- Consolidated income from operations before income taxes $ 12,569 $ 12,138 $ 9,250 ============================================= Identifiable assets Sporting goods $ 39,819 $ 40,904 $40,543 Office and graphic arts products 20,770 21,815 10,199 Corporate 2,900 3,427 3,688 --------------------------------------------- Total assets $63,489 $ 66,146 $54,430 ============================================= Depreciation and amortization charged to operations Sporting goods $ 1,207 $ 1,214 $ 2,123 Office and graphic arts products 1,589 1,167 904 --------------------------------------------- Total consolidated $ 2,796 $ 2,381 $ 3,027 ============================================= Capital expenditures Sporting goods $ 699 $ 582 $ 1,262 Office and graphic arts products 372 923 757 --------------------------------------------- $ 1,071 $ 1,505 $ 2,019 ============================================= (F-16) 36 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company operates principally in two industries, sporting goods and office and graphic arts products. The Company sells its products primarily to retailers located throughout the United States. Operations in the sporting goods industry consist of production and sale of table tennis tables and accessories, archery equipment, home pool tables and accessories, combination bumper pool and card tables, game tables, basketball backboards, goals, poles and portables, darts and dart cabinets. Operations in the office and graphic arts products industry consist of production and sale of paper trimmers, paper folding machines, paper drills, collators, decollators, bursting machines, letter openers, paper joggers, checksigners, stamp affixers, paper shredders, paper punches, paper cutters, catalog rack systems, bindery carts, business card slitters, thermography machines and related accessories. Operating profit is total revenue less operating expenses. In computing operating profit neither interest expense nor income taxes have been deducted. Identifiable assets are principally those assets used in each industry. Corporate assets are principally deferred taxes, marketable equity securities and the cash surrender value of life insurance. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, approximately 38% (25% of consolidated sales), 33% (24% of consolidated sales) and 31% (24% of consolidated sales) of the sporting goods were sold to Sears, Roebuck & Co. At December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997, accounts receivable included $16,328,252 and $12,609,120 due from Sears, Roebuck & Co. Approximately 31% of the Company's labor force is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Management acknowledges that there usually will be differences between Company offers and union demands during negotiations. However, management has no reason to expect such differences to result in protracted conflict. The current contract expires in 2000. Consolidated assets include approximately $4.0 million of assets located in the United Kingdom and Mexico. (F-17) 37 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 15--CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES Management's estimates that influence the financial statements are normally based on knowledge and experience about past and current events and assumptions about future events. The following estimates affecting the financial statements are particularly sensitive because of their significance, and it is at least reasonably possible that a change in these estimates will occur in the near term: Product warranty reserves--based on an analysis of customers' product return histories, current status, sales volume and management's expectations from new products introduced into the market. Customer allowance reserves--based on agreements for customer purchase rebates and shared advertising, and prior year's shipments. Inventory valuation reserves--based on estimates of costs of inventory amounts overstocked or obsolete in excess of realizable value. NOTE 16--ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DECEMBER 26 AND DECEMBER 27 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued Liabilities Employees' compensation $ 3,758,290 $ 4,217,671 Payroll taxes and taxes withheld from employees' compensation 257,331 298,214 Taxes other than taxes on income 646,692 378,805 Accrued interest 111,484 130,714 Customer volume discounts payable 4,059,848 3,914,060 Other accrued items 2,809,183 3,188,792 -------------------------------------------- $11,642,828 $12,128,256 ============================================ NOTE 17--DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN In October 1985, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Contributory Deferred Compensation Plan pursuant to which some recipients of incentive compensation could elect to defer receipt thereof. For each dollar of deferred compensation, the Company provided a 75% matching amount. Amounts deferred earn interest at the rate of 9%. Such amounts are not intended to be recognized for tax purposes until receipt. All deferrals allowed under this plan have been made. Participants have no vested rights in deferred amounts credited to their accounts and are general creditors of the Company until such amounts are actually paid. (F-18) 38 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 18--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES At December 26, 1998, standby letters of credit aggregated $189,800 of which the Company was obligated in the amount of $39,800 relating to the purchase of certain raw materials and finished goods from suppliers. Additionally, the Company has obtained a letter of credit for the benefit of the mortgage holders. At December 26, 1998, the balance of the letter of credit was $2,733,750. It is to be used in the event of a default in either interest or principal payments. The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of its business. The Company does not believe that the disposition or ultimate resolution of existing claims or lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Company. NOTE 19--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In December 1998, the Company adopted a plan to discontinue its distribution operations. Those operations were performed by Escalade International, Limited, a foreign subsidiary located in the United Kingdom. The Company's other subsidiaries are all manufacturing operations. Accordingly, Escalade International, Limited is reported as a discontinued operation for the years ended December 26, 1998, December 27, 1997 and December 28, 1996. Net assets of the discontinued operation at December 26, 1998 consist primarily of accounts receivable, inventory and property, plant and equipment. The estimated loss on the disposal of Escalade International, Limited is $1,222,279 including a provision of $250,000 for operating losses during phaseout. The divestiture period is expected to run into the fourth quarter of 1999. Summarized results of Escalade International, Limited are as follows (dollars in thousands): 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $ 2,888 $ 2,966 $3,426 ----------------------------------------------------- Loss from operations (420) (1,088) (489) Loss from disposal (1,222) ----------------------------------------------------- Total loss on discontinued operations $(1,642) $(1,088) $ (489) ===================================================== The loss from discontinued operations was not tax effected because the foreign losses were not tax deductible. (F-19) 39 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 20--SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) MARCH 21 JULY 11 OCTOBER 3 DECEMBER 26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 Net sales $15,266 $18,334 $21,452 $35,618 Gross profit 4,751 5,066 7,534 12,793 Net income 585 338 2,072 3,141 Basic earnings per share .19 .11 .67 1.01 1997 Net sales $11,887 $17,050 $21,983 $37,615 Gross profit 3,395 4,755 7,755 13,462 Net income 151 104 1,793 4,313 Basic earnings per share .05 .03 .57 1.38 In December 1997, the Company completed a Dutch Auction self-tender offer and purchased 117,766 shares. Since this transaction occurred late in the fourth quarter, it caused the fourth quarter earnings per share to be less than the first three quarters proportionately. Consequently, if the four quarters earnings per share are added together, they are less than the actual earnings per weighted average share for the year. In 1996, a reduction in outstanding shares of approximately 1,000,000 shares, as a result of the completion of a Dutch Auction self-tender offer in September, caused the fourth quarter earnings per share to be greater than the first three quarters proportionately. Consequently, if the four quarters earnings per share are added together, they are greater than the actual earnings per weighted average share for the year. NOTE 21--ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITION OF MASTER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. On June 17, 1997, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Martin Yale Industries, Inc., acquired 100% of the stock of Master Products, a California corporation, for a net cost of $9,951,813, which includes assumed liabilities of $833,813. Master Products manufactures paper punches and catalog rack systems. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired was $6,374,573, which is being amortized over 15 years on the straight-line method. The Company's consolidated results of operations include Master Products from June 17, 1997. (F-20) 40 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following unaudited pro forma information shows the results of the Company's operations as though the purchase of Master Products had been made at January 1, 1996. The pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the purchase actually been made at January 1, 1996, or the results which may occur in the future. DECEMBER 27 AND DECEMBER 28 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands, Except per Share Data) Net Sales $92,919 $100,013 Net Income 6,535 5,956 Basic Earnings per Share $2.10 $1.55 NOTE 22--YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE The Company's sporting goods division, Escalade Sports, has completed the evaluation, conversion and testing of its critical business systems to determine whether such systems will be able to properly process data for the year 2000. Escalade Sports employees first reviewed the underlying software codes for year 2000 compatibility, and then converted the codes where necessary to allow years to be read using four digits rather than two digits. Escalade Sports employees then tested the converted code to determine whether the affected business system would operate without interruption when data using the year 2000 was input. Based on these processes, the Company believes that Escalade Sports' internal software systems are currently year 2000 compliant and have so notified the customers of Escalade Sports where appropriate. Escalade Sports has also substantially completed the evaluation, conversion and testing of its business and manufacturing equipment to prepare for the year 2000. The Company believes that such process will be completed in its entirety by the end of the first quarter of 1999. Escalade Sports has also requested year 2000 compliance assurances from its customers, vendors and other third parties such as utility companies. Responses from these third parties have been slow to date. Escalade is uncertain whether it will receive responses from all such parties and whether all such responses will be satisfactory. Martin Yale completed the evaluation phase for year 2000 compatibility on January 18, 1999 and conversion of software codes commenced on January 25, 1999. Martin Yale expects that all necessary conversion and testing should be completed in the fourth quarter of 1999. Outside third parties are anticipated to work with Martin Yale employees in preparing for the year 2000. Martin Yale will also seek year 2000 compliance assurances from its customers, vendors and other third parties, such as utility companies. As of the end of its fourth quarter of 1998, the Company had incurred approximately $100,000 in connection with preparing for the year 2000. The Company expects to incur approximately another $150,000 of year 2000 expenses by the end of 1999. The Company estimates that its actual and future expenditures in this area are 75% attributable to internal costs and external fees for conversion of systems. The remaining 25% of year 2000 expenses are attributable to new software and equipment. The Company is funding these expenses from working capital. To the extent that the Company has utilized internal resources to remedy potential year 2000 problems, the Company has foregone evaluating and upgrading its systems that it otherwise would have undertaken in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that such reallocation of its internal resources has had or will have a material adverse effect on it. (F-21) 41 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company believes that all of its operations, including those of Escalade Sports and Martin Yale, will timely meet all requirements necessary to be year 2000 compliant. As indicated above, the Company's subsidiaries are continuing to implement their year 2000 plans but have not yet completed those actions. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries will continue to request compliance assurances from its major customers, vendors and other third parties. At this time, the Company cannot provide any assurances that it will be fully year 2000 compliant, although the Company does not believe it will be materially adversely affected by year 2000 issues. The most likely year 2000 problems that the Company may face appear to arise from the possible noncompliance of third parties. Possible difficulties could arise in interfacing with major customers and/or in receiving raw materials from suppliers. The Company is continuing to work with its customers to ensure that no material data transmission problems will arise. The Company also has, and is continuing to develop, back up sources for material vendors. Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate that any such third party problems should have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, in the event that the year 2000 would cause the widespread loss of power, telecommunications and other utilities in the areas where the Company operates, the disruption to the Company's business may be material depending upon the length of time it would take such suppliers to restore service to normal levels. At this time, the Company has not developed specific contingency plans in preparation for the year 2000 other than for identifying back up sources for its material vendors. As the Company continues to complete its evaluation, conversion and testing, the Company will assess whether there are any specific areas where a contingency plan could help alleviate possible adverse effects from the year 2000. If so, the Company will develop contingency plans in those areas prior to the end of 1999. NOTE 23--OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 1998 ----------------------------------------------------- BEFORE-TAX TAX NET-OF-TAX YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 AMOUNT BENEFIT AMOUNT - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized holding losses arising during the year $(9,278) $3,711 $(5,567) ===================================================== 1997 ----------------------------------------------------- BEFORE-TAX TAX NET-OF-TAX YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 AMOUNT EXPENSE AMOUNT - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized holding gains arising during the year $411,653 $(164,661) $246,992 ===================================================== (F-22) 42 [OLIVE LOGO] INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT Stockholders and Board of Directors Escalade, Incorporated Evansville, Indiana We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Escalade, Incorporated as of December 26, 1998 and December 27, 1997 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 26, 1998 and have issued our report thereon dated January 29, 1999; such consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules of Escalade, Incorporated listed in Item 14. These consolidated financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. OLIVE LLP Evansville, Indiana January 29, 1999 (S-1) 43 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONS ---------------------------------- CHARGED TO BALANCE AT CHARGED TO OTHER ACCOUNTS-- BALANCE BEGINNING COSTS AND DESCRIBE DEDUCTIONS-- AT END DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES DESCRIBE (2) OF PERIOD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts and discounts (1) Fiscal year ended December 26, 1998 $893,434 $371,672 $683,276 $581,830 Fiscal year ended December 27, 1997 681,606 474,050 262,222 893,434 Fiscal year ended December 28, 1996 726,352 427,650 472,396 681,606 (1) Deducted from related assets (2) Accounts charged off, less recoveries (S-2) 44 Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. ESCALADE, INCORPORATED By: /s/ C. W. "Bill" Reed March 15, 1999 ------------------------------------ C. W. "Bill" Reed President and Chief Operating Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director /s/ Robert E. Griffin (Principal Executive Officer) March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- Robert E. Griffin Secretary and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting /s/ John R. Wilson Officer) March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- John R. Wilson /s/ Blaine E. Matthews, Jr. Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- Blaine E. Matthews, Jr. /s/ A. Graves Williams, Jr. Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- A. Graves Williams, Jr. /s/ Gerald J. Fox Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- Gerald J. Fox /s/ Keith P. Williams Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- Keith P. Williams /s/ Yale Blanc Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- Yale Blanc /s/ Robert D. Orr Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- Robert D. Orr /s/ C. W. Reed Director March 15, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- C. W. Reed (S-3)