Evansville-based Escalade, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESCA) has announced net income of $366,000 for the second quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss of $704,000 for the same quarter last year. The company says net sales of sporting goods fell 19.8 percent compared to last year, while net sales of office products declined 26.3 percent.

Evansville, Ind. -- Escalade, Incorporated (NASDAQ: ESCA) announced that net income for the second quarter of 2009 increased to $366 thousand or $0.03 per share compared to a net loss of $(704) thousand or $(0.06) loss per share for the same quarter last year. Net sales for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 declined 22.2% and 19.2%, respectively, compared to same periods last year. For the first half of 2009, the Company has improved gross margins by 330 basis points and reduced selling, administrative and general expenses by 22%, mainly due to facility consolidation in the Sporting Goods segment and Company-wide cost cutting measures implemented last year, resulting in improved Company profitability.

Sporting Goods net sales declined 19.8% and 16.6% in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 respectively, compared to the same periods last year. Based on the first half year results and product placement information, the Company expects Sporting Goods sales to be approximately 20% lower in 2009 compared to 2008. The Company is continuing to identify and implement cost saving initiatives and product design enhancements to expand market share and improve Company profits.

Compared to last year, Office Products sales declined 26.3% and 23.4% for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009, respectively. Sales declined 21.8% in the United States and 24.8% in Europe for the first half of 2009. The Company expects sales declines for the remainder of 2009 to be relatively unchanged from the decline experienced in the first half of fiscal 2009.

"Although we continue to experience challenging conditions in the retail market, we are pleased to deliver improved earnings and cash flow during the second quarter," said Robert J. Keller, President and Chief Executive Office of Escalade, Inc. "Our aggressive cost savings initiatives, including facility consolidation and operational streamlining, have resulted in improved gross margins and lower SG&A expenses. Our focus on working capital management has generated significant improvements in cash flow through the first half of 2009. In addition to streamlining our operation and reducing inventory levels, we are diligently focused on building our core brands through strategic marketing investments, innovative new products, and increased product distribution."

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

Source: Escalade Inc. http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=37134