ESCA

It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story even if these companies are loss-making. Sometimes these stories can cloud the minds of investors, leading them to invest with their emotions rather than on the merit of good company fundamentals. Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad. If this kind of company isn't your style, you like companies that generate revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in Escalade (NASDAQ:ESCA). Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. If a company can keep growing earnings per share (EPS) long enough, its share price should eventually follow. That means EPS growth is considered a real positive by most successful long-term investors. Escalade managed to grow EPS by 14% per year, over three years. That's a pretty good rate, if the company can sustain it. Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. We note that while EBIT margins have improved from 6.7% to 8.7%, the company has actually reported a fall in revenue by 3.7%. That's not a good look. You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers. View our latest analysis for Escalade Escalade isn't a huge company, given its market capitalisation of US$256m. That makes it extra important to check on its balance sheet strength. It should give investors a sense of security owning shares in a company if insiders also own shares, creating a close alignment their interests. Shareholders will be pleased by the fact that insiders own Escalade shares worth a considerable sum. Given insiders own a significant chunk of shares, currently valued at US$65m, they have plenty of motivation to push the business to succeed. That holding amounts to 25% of the stock on issue, thus making insiders influential owners of the business and aligned with the interests of shareholders. It means a...

Escalade delivered a profitability beat: gross margin expanded about 400 basis points to 30.7%, EBITDA rose to $7.1 million and net income was $4.4 million ($0.32/share), while operating cash flow improved to $6.1 million and inventory declined $3.4 million, leaving net leverage at 0.1x with $13.1 million in cash. Net sales were up slightly, led by the Gold Tip acquisition and strength in billiards and safety, offset by softer demand in outdoor and indoor games and a non-repeat mass merchant order (notably at Target) that shifted channel mix. Management plans higher capital spending in 2026 and continued product launches, is focused on strategic accretive M&A, and expects an uneven consumer backdrop but sees potential "staycation" tailwinds for at-home recreation categories while monitoring tariff risks. Interested in Escalade, Incorporated? Here are five stocks we like better. Escalade (NASDAQ:ESCA) reported first-quarter 2026 results that management described as a “solid start” to the year, pointing to improved operating leverage, margin expansion, and stronger cash flow despite what it called an uneven consumer backdrop. President and CEO Patrick Griffin said the company is seeing benefits from a “leaner foundation and improved operating model” built over the past several years, which he said has helped create a more resilient business with healthier margins and better operating leverage. → Palantir Is Down 30%: Noise? Or a Signal to Accumulate? Griffin said net sales increased slightly year over year in the quarter, driven by the contribution from Gold Tip, which the company acquired in the third quarter of 2025, and continued strength in its billiards and safety categories. Those gains were partially offset by softer demand in outdoor and indoor games categories, he said. On the call’s lone analyst question, Aegis Capital Head of Research Rommel Dionisio asked about a dip in mass merchant revenue and a rise in specialty dealer revenue shown in the company’s 10-Q channel data. Griffin attributed the shift to Gold Tip and customer-specific dynamics in mass merchants. → Corning Beats Q1 Estimates but Drops 9% on Guidance Miss “The specialty dealer growth was driven by the Gold Tip acquisition,” Griffin said, adding that Gold Tip is distributed through “a lot of specialty archery dealers.” He also said Escalade had some sales in the prior year that did not...

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Escalade Inc. (ESCA) on Thursday reported profit of $4.4 million in its first quarter. The Evansville, Indiana-based company said it had net income of 32 cents per share. The maker of sporting goods products posted revenue of $55.8 million in the period. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ESCA at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ESCA

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Escalade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESCA, or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods and indoor/outdoor recreational equipment, today announced results for the first quarter 2026. FIRST QUARTER 2026 HIGHLIGHTS (As compared to the first quarter 2025) Net sales increased 0.6% to $55.8 million Gross margin improved 408 basis points, to 30.7% Operating income increased 59.8% to $5.8 million Net income of $4.4 million, or $0.32 earnings per diluted share, compared to $2.6 million, or $0.19 earnings per diluted share, an increase in earnings per diluted share of 67.2% EBITDA totaled $7.1 million, an increase of 44.1% Cash provided by operations of $6.1 million vs $3.8 million in 2025 For the three months ended March 31, 2026, Escalade posted net sales of $55.8 million, net income of $4.4 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.32. Total net sales increased 0.6% on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter, primarily due to increases in our archery categories resulting from the recent Gold Tip acquisition. Net sales also benefitted from increased demand in the billiards and safety categories. These increases were partially offset by a decline in sales in the outdoor and indoor game categories. Escalade reported first quarter gross margin of 30.7%, an increase of 408 basis points versus the prior-year period, primarily driven by lower fixed costs and favorable sales mix. Net income for the first quarter of 2026 was $4.4 million, or $0.32 diluted earnings per share, compared to net income of $2.6 million, or $0.19 diluted earnings per share, for the same quarter in 2025. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") increased $2.2 million to $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, versus $4.9 million in the prior-year period. During the first quarter of 2026, the Company generated $6.1 million in cash flow from operations, an increase of $2.4 million relative to the first quarter of last year. The improvement in cash flow from operations was primarily attributable to an increase in profitability and a reduction in cash flow used for working capital purposes. Total debt at the end of the quarter was $16.7 million, down from $23.8 million at the end of the first quarter last year, and $18.5 million at the end of 2025. Total cash and equivalents as of March 31, 2...

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Escalade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESCA, or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods and indoor/outdoor recreational equipment, today announced that it will issue its first quarter 2026 results before the market opens on Thursday, April 30, 2026. A conference call will be held that day at 11:00 a.m. ET to review the Company's financial results and conduct a question-and-answer session. A webcast of the conference call will be available in the Investor Relations section of Escalade's website at www.escaladeinc.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. To participate in the live teleconference: To listen to a replay of the teleconference, which subsequently will be available through May 14, 2026: ABOUT ESCALADE Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, safety, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Our mission is to connect family and friends, create lasting memories, and play life to the fullest. Leaders in our respective categories, Escalade's distinct and acclaimed brands include Goalrilla™ in-ground basketball hoops; STIGA® tennis tables and accessories; Bear® Archery and archery equipment; Brunswick Billiards® tables and accessories; Accudart® darting; ONIX® pickleball; Lifeline® fitness products; and RAVE Sports® water recreation products. Escalade's products are available online and through leading retailers nationwide. For more information about Escalade's diverse and prominent brand portfolio, history, financials, and governance, please visit www.escaladeinc.com. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT Wesley Smith Vice President, Financial Reporting & Investor Relations 812-467-1334 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/escalade-announces-first-quarter-2026-results-conference-call-date-302752262.html

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Net Sales: $62.6 million, a decline of 2.2% year over year. Net Income: $3.7 million or $0.27 per diluted share. Gross Margin: Improved to 27.7%, up 280 basis points from the prior year. SG&A Expenses: Increased by 6.8% to $11.6 million, including $0.5 million in non-recurrent executive transition expenses. EBITDA: Increased to $6.5 million from $5.9 million in the prior year period. Operating Cash Flow: $14.9 million, up from $12.3 million in the prior year. Inventory: Declined by 10% year over year. Total Cash Equivalent: $11.9 million as of December 31, 2025. Total Debt: $18.5 million as of December 31, 2025. Net Leverage: 0.3 times as of December 31, 2025. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with ESCA. Is ESCA fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Release Date: February 27, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Escalade Inc (NASDAQ:ESCA) improved its gross margin by 280 basis points year over year to 27.7% of net sales, reflecting successful operational improvements. The company achieved a 10% year-over-year reduction in inventory, enhancing working capital management and supporting improved free cash flow. Escalade Inc (NASDAQ:ESCA) completed strategic acquisitions, including Gold Tip Archery and All Cornhole, which contributed to growth and expanded its product portfolio. The company launched several new products, such as the Alaskan Pro Bow and Trophy Ridge accessories, which have been well-received in the market. Escalade Inc (NASDAQ:ESCA) repaid nearly $2 million of long-term debt while increasing cash levels, demonstrating strong financial management and cash flow generation. Net sales declined by 2.2% in the fourth quarter, driven by softer consumer demand in categories like basketball and outdoor games. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 6.8% or $0.7 million, partly due to non-recurrent executive transition expenses. The consumer environment remains mixed, with less affluent consumers being more price-sensitive, impacting overall sales performance. Escalade Inc (NASDAQ:ESCA) faces potential challenges from emerging tariff policy changes, which could affect future pricing strategies. Despite operational improvements, the company still anticipates mixed consumer conditions in 2026,...

Management is pivoting the corporate strategy from cost optimization toward profitable market share-driven growth, supported by a leaner cost structure established in 2025. The 280 basis point gross margin expansion was driven by structural cost actions, including facility consolidation, lower storage and handling costs, and the integration of higher-margin acquisitions. Performance was bifurcated by consumer segment, with resilient demand for premium brands like Bear Archery and Brunswick contrasting with softer demand for opening price point products. The 2.2% decline in net sales was attributed to broader discretionary spending trends, specifically impacting basketball, outdoor games, and e-commerce channels. Operational discipline resulted in a 10% year-over-year inventory reduction, reflecting a strategic effort to sharpen working capital management and improve free cash flow. The recent Gold Tip archery acquisition was confirmed as accretive in the fourth quarter, validating the company's strategy of targeting niche categories with high brand equity. Management expects mixed consumer conditions in 2026, characterized by a contrast between moderating interest rates and persistent inflation impacting price-sensitive consumers. Capital expenditures are expected to increase in 2026 to support capacity expansion, efficiency improvements, and long-term growth initiatives. The company is targeting a long-term goal of 3x inventory turns as a key element of its broader balance sheet management strategy. M&A remains a primary capital allocation priority, with a focus on accretive acquisitions that complement existing categories or strengthen market leadership. Management is monitoring emerging tariff policy changes but does not anticipate immediate impacts, maintaining an agile playbook to adjust as market conditions clarify. The company incurred $0.5 million in nonrecurring executive transition expenses during the fourth quarter, which partially offset gross profit gains in SG&A. A 110,000 square foot facility was purchased in Illinois to support future growth in the safety and fitness categories and provide potential for further manufacturing consolidation. Management identified a potential $4 million to $5 million refund opportunity related to Supreme Court decisions on specific tariffs, though the timing of implementation remains uncertain. The acquisition o...

Sales dipped about 2.2%, but profitability improved materially with gross margin up 280 basis points to 27.7%, net income of $3.7 million ($0.27/share) on $62.6 million of sales, and quarterly EBITDA of $6.5 million. Working-capital and cash generation strengthened as total inventory fell 10%, operating cash flow rose to $14.9 million, cash was $11.9 million and net leverage was only 0.3x while the company repaid nearly $2 million of debt and purchased a 110,000‑sq‑ft facility in Olney, IL. Management is shifting toward profitable growth—planning higher capex and pursuing accretive M&A after buying Gold Tip and AllCornhole—and notes a potential tariff refund in the roughly $4–5 million range. Interested in Escalade, Incorporated? Here are five stocks we like better. Escalade (NASDAQ:ESCA) reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that management said reflected the benefits of recent cost actions and portfolio moves, even as discretionary consumer demand remained uneven. On the earnings call, Interim President and CEO Patrick Griffin said the company ended 2025 “on solid footing,” citing a healthier margin profile, improved operating leverage, and stronger free cash flow as Escalade shifts its focus from cost optimization toward profitable growth. Griffin said fourth-quarter net sales declined 2.2%, in line with broader discretionary leisure spending trends. The company attributed the decline to softer consumer demand in categories such as basketball and outdoor games within its e-commerce channel. Management said those declines were partially offset by “healthy growth” in archery and billiards, driven by a recent acquisition and new product introductions. → SoundHound’s New Sales Assist Agent Put Voice AI Back in the Spotlight Despite lower sales, Escalade posted a notable improvement in profitability. Griffin said gross margin increased 280 basis points year-over-year to 27.7% of net sales, which he attributed to structural cost actions and operational discipline. Chief Financial Officer Stephen Wawrin provided the detailed quarterly figures, reporting net income of $3.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, on net sales of $62.6 million for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2025. Gross margin was 27.7% versus 24.9% in the prior-year period. → Diamondback Sees Resilient Demand Despite Cautious Guidance Wawrin said the year-over-year gross margin improvement primari...

Image source: The Motley Fool. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at 11 a.m. ET President & CEO — Patrick J. Griffin VP & CFO — Stephen Wawrin Chairman — Wes Smith Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected] Patrick J. Griffin: Thank you, Wes, and welcome to everyone joining us on today's call. We ended 2025 on solid footing. While the consumer environment remains mixed, our focus on operational excellence and on reshaping our cost structure is paying off. Over the past years, we have built a durable foundation for the business. This foundation gives us a healthier margin profile, the ability to maintain operating leverage in a dynamic environment, and a strong platform from which we can pivot toward profitable growth. Consistent with broader consumer spending for discretionary leisure products, and as expected, net sales declined 2.2% in the quarter, driven by softer consumer demand in categories such as basketball and outdoor games in our e-commerce sales channel. At the same time, we partially offset these declines through healthy growth in archery and billiards, driven by a recent acquisition and new product introductions. These trends reaffirm that we are positioned in the right niche categories where consumers remain engaged and where our brands have equity. The impact of our operational improvements was also reflected in our fourth quarter results. Gross margin improved 280 basis points year over year to 27.7% of net sales, despite a 2.2% decline in net sales. This improvement reflects the structural cost actions we have executed and the discipline embedded across our operations. We also made meaningful inventory efficiency improvements in the quarter. Total inventory declined 10% year over year, reflecting our ongoing effort to sharpen working capital management to support improved free cash flow. We expect to further reduce inventory levels in 2026 as we work toward our longer-term target of 3x inventory turns. This objective is a key element of our broader balance sheet management strategy. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect consumer conditions to remain mixed, shaped by the contrast between moderating interest rates and persistent inflation. Less affluent consumers will likely continue to be more price sensitive, while more affluent consumers will likely continue to be less price sensitive. Against this backdrop, our focus is shifting from cost op...

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Escalade Inc. (ESCA) on Friday reported net income of $3.7 million in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Evansville, Indiana-based company said it had net income of 27 cents. The maker of sporting goods products posted revenue of $62.6 million in the period. For the year, the company reported profit of $13.7 million, or 99 cents per share. Revenue was reported as $240.2 million. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ESCA at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ESCA

EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Escalade, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESCA, or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods and indoor/outdoor recreational equipment, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. FOURTH QUARTER 2025 RESULTS (As compared to the fourth quarter 2024) Net sales decreased 2.2% to $62.6 million Gross margin improved 280 basis points, to 27.7% Net income of $3.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share vs. $2.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share for 2024 EBITDA totaled $6.5 million, an increase of 9.3% Cash provided by operations of $14.9 million vs $12.3 million in 2024 Total debt decreased 27.9% and net leverage was 0.3x Increased quarterly dividend to $0.1525 per share FULL YEAR 2025 RESULTS (As compared to full year 2024) Net sales decreased 4.5% to $240.2 million Gross margin improved 219 basis points, to 26.9% Net income of $13.7 million, or $0.99 per diluted share vs. $13.0 million, or $0.93 per diluted share for 2024 EBITDA totaled $23.9 million, a decrease of 8.4% Cash provided by operations of $31.0 million vs. $36.0 million in 2024 For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, Escalade reported net income of $3.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, versus net income of $2.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share for the fourth quarter in 2024. Total net sales declined 2.2% on a year-over-year basis in the fourth quarter, primarily due to uneven consumer demand across the majority of the Company's product categories, partially offset by improved demand in the archery, billiards, and games categories. Escalade reported fourth quarter gross margin of 27.7%, an increase of 280 basis points versus the prior-year quarter, driven by improved operational efficiencies from lower fixed costs and decreased inventory storage and handling costs. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") increased 9.3% to $6.5 million in the fourth quarter 2025, versus $5.9 million in the prior-year period. The increase in EBITDA compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily reflects improved gross margins and the impact of the Gold Tip acquisition, partly offset by $0.5 million in non-recurring executive transition expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company generated $14.9 million of cash flow from operations, compared to $12.3 million in the prior-year p...