UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT Pursuant

to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) September 3, 2019

  

ESCALADE, INCORPORATED

 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Indiana

 

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

0-6966 13-2739290
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

817 Maxwell Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47711
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code)

 

(812) 467-1358

 

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

  

Not Applicable

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of Exchange on which registered
Common Stock, No Par Value ESCA The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

On September 3, 2019, Escalade, Incorporated (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Indian Industries, Inc. (“Indian”), entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2019 among the Company, Indian, each of their domestic subsidiaries, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The sole purpose of the First Amendment was to permit the increase in authorized stock repurchases described in Item 8.01 below and in Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On September 3, 2019, the Company issued a press release announcing authorization to increase its expenditures for the Company’s stock repurchase program, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Description
   
10.1 First Amendment dated as of September 3, 2019 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 21, 2019 among Escalade, Incorporated, Indian Industries, Inc., each of their domestic subsidiaries, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
99.1 Press release dated September 3, 2019

 

 

 

  

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Escalade, Incorporated has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date:  September 3, 2019 ESCALADE, INCORPORATED  
     
  By: /s/ STEPHEN R. WAWRIN  
    

Stephen R. Wawrin, Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

First Amendment To Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

 

 

 

By And Among

 

 

Escalade, Incorporated

 

And

 

Indian Industries, Inc.

 

And

 

The Other Loan Parties Hereto

 

And

 

The Lenders Party Hereto

 

And

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
As Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

Dated As Of SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Amendment To Amended and Restated

Credit Agreement

 

 

This First Amendment To Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (this “First Amendment”) is made as of the 3rd day of September, 2019, by and among Escalade, Incorporated, Indian Industries, Inc., the Other Loan Parties hereto, the Lenders party hereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). The parties hereto agree as follows:

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

Whereas, as of January 21, 2019, the parties hereto entered into a certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”); and

 

Whereas, the parties desire to amend the Agreement to increase the permitted amount of share repurchases, subject to and as provided in this First Amendment;

 

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the premises, and the mutual promises herein contained, the parties agree that the Agreement shall be, and it hereby is, amended as provided herein and the parties further agree as follows:

 

 

Article VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

SECTION 6.08. Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness. Section 6.08(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended by substituting the following new Section 6.08(a) in lieu of the existing Section 6.08(a):

 

(a) No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or enter into any transaction that has a substantially similar effect or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except (i) the Borrowers may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, and, with respect to its preferred stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred stock or in shares of its common stock, (ii) so long as there exists no Event of Default, the Borrowers may, to the extent required by law, repurchase fractional shares of Borrowers’ Equity Interests up to an aggregate repurchase total for all fractional shares repurchased of $500,000, (iii) the Borrowers may issue its common stock pursuant to the Borrowers’ stock option plan existing on the Effective Date, (iv) so long as there exists no Event of Default, during the period beginning on the Effective Date and continuing to and including the Maturity Date, the Borrowers may purchase shares of Borrowers’ Equity Interests up to an aggregate purchase total for all shares repurchased of $5,000,000; and (v) the Borrowers may declare and pay dividends so long as there exists no Event of Default.

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Page 1 

 

  

Part II. Continuing Effect

 

Except as expressly modified herein:

 

(a)       All terms, conditions, representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Agreement shall remain the same and shall continue in full force and effect, interpreted, wherever possible, in a manner consistent with this First Amendment; provided, however, in the event of any irreconcilable inconsistency, this First Amendment shall control;

 

(b)       The representations and warranties contained in the Agreement shall survive this First Amendment in their original form as continuing representations and warranties of Borrowers; and

 

(c)       Capitalized terms used in this First Amendment, and not specifically herein defined, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

 

In consideration hereof, each Borrower represents, warrants, covenants and agrees that:

 

(aa) Each representation and warranty set forth in the Agreement, as hereby amended, remains true and correct as of the date hereof in all material respects, except to the extent that such representation and warranty is expressly intended to apply solely to an earlier date and except changes reflecting transactions permitted by the Agreement;

 

(bb) There currently exist no offsets, counterclaims or defenses to the performance of the Obligations (such offsets, counterclaims or defenses, if any, being hereby expressly waived);

 

(cc) Except as expressly waived in this First Amendment, there does not exist any Default or Event of Default; and

 

(dd) After giving effect to this First Amendment and any transactions contemplated hereby, no Default or Event of Default is or will be occasioned hereby or thereby.

 

 

Part III. Independent Credit Decision

 

Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this First Amendment.

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Page 2 

 

 

Part IV. Conditions Precedent

 

Notwithstanding anything contained in this First Amendment to the contrary, this First Amendment shall not become effective until each of the following conditions precedent have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent:

 

(a)       The Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of this First Amendment, duly executed by the Administrative Agent, Borrowers, the Loan Guarantors and the Lenders;

 

(b)       The Administrative Agent shall have received a duly executed certificate of the Secretary of each Borrower (A) certifying as to the authorizing resolutions of such Borrower, and (B) certifying as complete and correct as to attached copies of its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws or certifying that such Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws have not been amended (except as shown) since the previous delivery thereof to the Administrative Agent;

 

(c)       The Administrative Agent shall have received such documentation and other information requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act; and

 

(d)       All legal matters incident to this First Amendment shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 

 

Part V. Expenses

 

The Borrowers agree to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable expenses of the Administrative Agent (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with this First Amendment.

 

 

Part VI. Counterparts

 

This First Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this First Amendment by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall have the same force and delivery of an original executed counterpart of this First Amendment. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this First Amendment by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall also deliver an original executed counterpart of this First Amendment, but the failure to do so shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this First Amendment.

 

In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have caused this First Amendment to be executed by their respective officers duly authorized as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

[This Space Intentionally Left Blank]

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Page 3 

 

 

Signature Page Of

Escalade, Incorporated

To First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

 

 

  Escalade, Incorporated  
       
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

 

Signature Page Of

Indian Industries, Inc.

To First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

 

 

  Indian Industries, Inc.  
       
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

 

CONSENT AND REAFFIRMATION

 

Each of the undersigned Loan Guarantors hereby consents to the foregoing First Amendment, and further agrees that the execution and delivery of such First Amendment shall in no way affect, impair, discharge, relieve or release the obligations of the undersigned under its Loan Guaranty, which obligations are hereby ratified, confirmed and reaffirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect, until all obligations of the Borrowers to the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent are fully, finally and irrevocably paid and performed. Each Loan Guarantor further acknowledges that the failure to consent to any subsequent amendment shall not affect the liability of such Loan Guarantor under its Loan Guaranty. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.

 

  BEAR ARCHERY, INC.  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  EIM COMPANY, INC.  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  ESCALADE INSURANCE, INC.  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  ESCALADE SPORTS PLAYGROUND, INC.
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
  HARVARD SPORTS, INC.  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       

 

 

 

  

  SOP SERVICES, INC.  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  U.S. WEIGHT, INC.  
       
   By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  WEDCOR HOLDINGS, INC.
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  GOALSETTER SYSTEMS, INC.
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  LIFELINE PRODUCTS, LLC
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  VICTORY MADE, LLC  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  VICTORY TAILGATE, LLC  
       
  By: /s/ Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Name: Stephen R. Wawrin  
  Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page Of

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

To First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

 

 

  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank  
         
         
  By /s/ Thomas W. Harrison  
    Name: Thomas W. Harrison  
    Title: Executive Director  

 

 

Exhibit 99.1
 

Escalade Announces Increase to Authorized Stock Repurchase Program

EVANSVILLE, Ind., Sept. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Escalade, Incorporated ("Escalade") (NASDAQ: ESCA) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase to the Company's stock repurchase program, increasing the limit from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000.

The stock repurchase plan will be effected in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which contains restrictions on the number of shares that may be purchased on a single day, subject to certain exceptions for block purchases, based on the average daily trading volumes ("ADTV") of Escalade's shares on NASDAQ. Purchases shall be limited to daily purchases in an amount up to 25% of the ADTV in its shares, or one "Block" purchase per week in lieu of the 25% of ADTV limitation for compliance with Rule 10b-18(b)(4). A "block" as defined under Rule 10b-18(a)(5) means a quantity of stock that, among other things, is at least 5,000 shares and has a purchase price of at least $50,000.

Repurchases will be made by transactions conducted through the NASDAQ Stock Market ("NASDAQ"), or through privately negotiated transactions.

Escalade is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods products sold worldwide. To obtain more information on the Company and its products, visit our website at: www.EscaladeInc.com or contact Patrick Griffin, Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations at 812/467-1358.

ABOUT ESCALADE SPORTS

Headquartered in Evansville, IN, Escalade Sports is a global manufacturer and distributor of sports and outdoor recreational equipment. Leaders in their respective categories, Escalade Sports' brands include Bear® Archery, Bear X™, Trophy Ridge®, Rocket®, SIK™ and Cajun Bowfishing™ archery equipment; STIGA® and Ping-Pong® table tennis; Accudart® and Unicorn® darting; Atomic®, Victory Tailgate®, Triumph™ Sports, Viva Sol®, Zume Games® recreational games; Onix® pickleball equipment; Goalrilla™, Goalsetter® residential in-ground basketball systems, Goaliath® and Silverback® residential in-ground and portable basketball goals; Lifeline® and the STEP® fitness products; Woodplay® premium playsets; Vuly™ trampolines; and Cue&Case® - a leader in specialty billiard accessories. Escalade Sports' products are available at sporting goods dealers and independent retailers nationwide. For more information on Escalade Sports, its brands, instruction manuals, retailers, warranty, replacement parts or customer service, please call 1-888-784-4288 or visit www.escaladesports.com.

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, new product development, Escalade's ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which it has chosen to focus, Escalade's ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and of divestitures or discontinuances of certain operations, assets, brands, and products, the continuation and development of key customer, supplier, licensing and other business relationships, the ability to successfully negotiate the shifting retail environment and changes in consumer buying habits, the financial health of our customers, disruptions or delays in our supply chain, 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, the availability, integration and effective operation of information systems and other technology, and the potential interruption of such systems or technology, risks related to data security of privacy breaches, and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade's future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.