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EXHIBIT 99.1

PRESS RELEASE

ESCALADE REPORTS RESULTS FOR THIRD QUARTER

Evansville, IN (October 31, 2011) Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ: ESCA) announced that revenues for the third quarter of 2011 were relatively flat with the same period in 2010. Concern over economic volatility has resulted in retailers cautiously managing inventory levels, which has slowed sales growth in certain of the Sporting Goods product lines. Year to date, consolidated revenue was up 9.1% over the same period last year.

The Company recorded an operating loss in the third quarter of 2011 driven largely by accelerated depreciation expense related to the anticipated replacement of its Oracle ERP system. Net operating loss for the quarter was $0.9 million and net operating income for the first nine months of 2011 was $3.9 million compared to operating income of $2.4 million and $7.2 million for the three and nine month periods last year, respectively. Without the accelerated depreciation expense of $2.2 million, the Company would have recorded operating income of $1.4 million and $6.1 million for the three and nine month periods of 2011.

Revenues from the Sporting Goods business were down 2.6% for the third quarter and up 9.3% for the first nine months of 2011, compared with the same periods last year. The Company expects sales in the fourth quarter to exceed fourth quarter last year.

Compared to last year, revenues from the Information Security and Print Finishing business were up 9.1% and 8.6% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively. Excluding the effects of changes in currency exchange rates, revenues in this segment were up 5.4% and 5.4% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively. The Company is experiencing a softening in the government and commercial channels for Information Security and Print Finishing products and expects growth in the fourth quarter to be less than that experienced in the first nine months of the year.

The overall gross margin ratios for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 were 28.9% and 32.0%, respectively, compared to 32.2% and 33.1%, respectively, for same periods last year. Additional sales promotions in the Sporting Goods segment resulted in a lower gross margin percentage in the third quarter this year as compared with the third quarter last year. The Information Security and Printing Finishing segment incurred warranty cost related to replacement of an electronic component on a single product sold to a limited commercial customer base. Warranty cost related to this product for the quarter and first nine months of 2011 was $400 thousand and $455 thousand, respectively. Of this expense, $300 thousand is recorded as an accrued liability.

Compared to the same periods last year, consolidated selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) costs increased 34.9% in the third quarter and 21.8% in the first three quarters of 2011. The Company continues to reinvest in product development and marketing efforts. In addition, the Company recorded $2.2 million of accelerated depreciation in the third quarter of 2011 and will record a similar expense in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Other income for the quarter and first nine months of 2011 was $0.8 million and $1.1 million higher than same periods last year, respectively. The increase is largely the result of growth in one of the Company’s joint ventures.

“Sales thus far in 2011 are up 9% over last year, driven by expanded product distribution and strong acceptance of new products,” stated Robert J. Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Escalade, Inc. “However, we experienced flat sales in the third quarter, as retailers lowered inventory levels in response to current economic uncertainty. We anticipate steady sales growth in the upcoming quarters, based on strong customer acceptance of recently launched products.”
 
 
 

 
 
Escalade is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods and information security and print finishing products sold worldwide. To obtain more information on the Company and its products, visit our website at: www.EscaladeInc.com or contact Deborah Meinert, Vice President and CFO at 812/467-4449.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, Escalade’s ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired assets and businesses, new product development, the continuation and development of key customer and supplier relationships, Escalade’s ability to control costs, general economic conditions, fluctuation in operating results, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the securities market, Escalade’s ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing, and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade’s future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

 
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ESCALADE, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
   
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
01 October
2011
   
02 October
2010
   
01 October
2011
   
02 October
2010
   
01 October
2011
   
02 October
2010
 
                                     
NET SALES
  $ 28,734     $ 28,565     $ 97,582     $ 89,471     $ 128,767     $ 118,514  
                                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                                               
Cost of goods sold
    20,428       19,369       66,344       59,813       90,005       81,830  
Selling and administrative
    8,725       6,469       26,064       21,398       32,370       27,541  
Amortization
    436       368       1,245       1,042       1,492       1,283  
                                                 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (855 )     2,359       3,929       7,218       4,900       7,860  
                                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                                               
Interest expense
    (117 )     (223 )     (529 )     (1,005 )     (687 )     (1,140 )
Other income
    1,065       275       1,700       586       3,164       1,659  
                                                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    93       2,411       5,100       6,799       7,377       8,379  
                                                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
    473       1,239       2,792       2,963       2,847       3,431  
                                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ (380 )   $ 1,172     $ 2,308     $ 3,836     $ 4,530     $ 4,948  
                                                 
PER SHARE DATA
                                               
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ (0.03 )   $ 0.09     $ 0.18     $ 0.30     $ 0.35     $ 0.39  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ (0.03 )   $ 0.09     $ 0.17     $ 0.29     $ 0.34     $ 0.37  
Cash dividends paid
  $ 0.25           $ 0.25           $ 0.35        
                                                 
Average shares outstanding
    12,871       12,740       12,838       12,712       12,824       12,698  

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited, In Thousands)

   
01 October 2011
   
25 December 2010
   
02 October 2010
 
ASSETS
                 
Current assets
  $ 68,090     $ 55,010     $ 55,309  
Property, plant & equipment – net
    13,879       19,844       19,929  
Other assets
    27,471       27,302       26,511  
Goodwill
    25,646       25,397       25,788  
Total
  $ 135,086     $ 127,553     $ 127,537  
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities
  $ 40,456     $ 30,878     $ 32,973  
Other liabilities
    7,708       9,645       7,500  
Stockholders’ equity
    86,922       87,030       87,064  
Total
  $ 135,086     $ 127,553     $ 127,537  

 
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