Clarus Reports Record Third Quarter 2018 Results and Increases Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA Margin Outlook

Sales up 22% to a Q3 Record $55.7 Million With Gross Margin up 230 Basis Points to 35.7%

Fiscal 2018 Sales Now Expected at Upper End of $205-210 Million Range, Adjusted EBITDA Margin Revised Upward to 9.5%

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clarus Corporation (NASDAQ: CLAR) (“Clarus” and/or the “Company”), a company focused on the outdoor and consumer industries, seeking opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate attractive shareholder returns, reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Highlights vs. Same Year-Ago Quarter

  • Sales up 22% to a record $55.7 million.
  • Gross margin up 230 basis points to 35.7%.
  • Net income improved significantly to $4.1 million or $0.14 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million or $(0.05) per share.
  • Adjusted net income before non-cash items increased significantly to a record $7.0 million or $0.23 per share, compared to $2.9 million or $0.10 per share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly to a record of $7.1 million compared to $3.0 million.
  • Repurchased 417,237 shares of the Company’s common stock for approximately $3.3 million, excluding fees and expenses, in connection with Clarus’ modified Dutch auction tender offer.
  • Continued quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share ($0.10 per share on an annualized basis).             

Management Commentary

“The record results of our third quarter continued to prove the momentum in our brands and reinforce that our strategy is gaining strength,” said John Walbrecht, president of Clarus. “We realized 12% growth from Black Diamond, driven by 17% growth in mountain, 14% growth in climb and a 40% increase in apparel, as well as 35% pro forma growth in Sierra. These results were due to our continued focus on product innovation and an accelerated go-to-market strategy, supported by strong order fulfillment.

“We leveraged these strong top-line results into even higher profitability growth and increased adjusted EBITDA by more than two-fold. In addition, we improved free cash flow for the nine months ended September 2018 by $24 million compared to the same period in 2017.

“We expect the momentum of our business to continue through 2018, supported by key product innovations across all of Black Diamond’s primary product categories, particularly within climb and apparel, and executing a go-to-market strategy at Sierra focused on new product introductions and consumer engagement.”

Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Sales in the third quarter of 2018 increased 22% to $55.7 million compared to $45.8 million in the same year-ago quarter. The increase was driven by an incremental $4.9 million in sales generated by Sierra, which was acquired on August 21, 2017, and continued strong growth across the Black Diamond® brand. On a constant currency basis, total sales were up 21%.

On a pro forma basis, as if Clarus owned Sierra during the entire third quarter of 2017, consolidated sales in the third quarter of 2018 increased 15%, comprised of 12% growth from Black Diamond and 35% growth from Sierra.

Gross margin increased 230 basis points to 35.7% compared to 33.4% in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to a favorable mix of higher margin products and distribution channels, the continued optimization of the Company’s sourcing strategy, and more normalized levels of discontinued merchandise.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter increased to $15.8 million compared to $14.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was due to strategic investments that seek to drive innovation and growth, as well as higher stock-based compensation and purchase accounting amortization expense associated with Sierra. Overall, the Company continued to prudently manage expenses given its revenue growth.

Net income in the third quarter improved significantly to $4.1 million or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million or $(0.05) per diluted share in the year-ago quarter. Net income in the third quarter of 2018 included $2.8 million of non-cash items and minimal transaction and restructuring costs, compared to $2.7 million of non-cash items, $1.9 million in transaction costs and minimal restructuring costs in the third quarter of 2017.

Adjusted net income, which excludes the non-cash items, as well as transaction and restructuring costs, increased significantly to a record $7.0 million or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to $2.9 million or $0.10 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA also increased significantly to a record $7.1 million compared to $3.0 million in the third quarter of 2017. As a percentage of sales, adjusted EBITDA increased approximately 500 basis points to 13% compared to 7% in the year-ago period.

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the nine months ending September 30, 2018, and 2017 were $7.6 million and $(16.6) million, respectively. Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2018 was $1.8 million compared to $1.9 million in the same period in 2017. Free cash flow, defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, during the first nine months of 2018 was $5.8 million compared to $(18.5) million in the same period in 2017.

At September 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $3.0 million compared to $1.9 million at December 31, 2017. After multiple extensions and increasing the maximum price from $7.20 to $8.00, on July 12th, Clarus announced the results of its $7.5 million modified Dutch auction tender offer. Clarus accepted for purchase 417,237 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $3.3 million, excluding fees and expenses.

On August 6, 2018, the Company announced that its board of directors approved the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend program of $0.025 per share, or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. On October 26, 2018, Clarus announced its quarterly dividend will be paid on November 16, 2018, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 2, 2018.

The Company’s debt balance at September 30, 2018, was $22.7 million compared to $20.8 million at December 31, 2017.

Increased 2018 Outlook

Clarus now expects fiscal year 2018 sales to come in at the upper end of its previously stated $205-$210 million range ($202-$207 million on a constant currency basis) compared to $170.7 million in 2017.

The Company also now expects adjusted EBITDA margin to be approximately 9.5% (8.5% in prior outlook), which includes $5 million of cash corporate overhead expenditures, compared to 3.6% in 2017.

Net Operating Loss (NOL)

The Company estimates that it has available NOL carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $157 million. The Company’s common stock is subject to a rights agreement dated February 7, 2008 that is intended to limit the number of 5% or more owners and therefore reduce the risk of a possible change of ownership under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any such change of ownership under these rules would limit or eliminate the ability of the Company to use its existing NOLs for federal income tax purposes. However, there is no guaranty that the rights agreement will achieve the objective of preserving the value of the NOLs.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its third quarter 2018 results.

Date: Monday, November 5, 2018
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (3:00 p.m. Mountain time)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-877-511-3707
International dial-in number: 1-786-815-8672
Conference ID: 2286038

Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Liolios at 1-949-574-3860.

The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay here and via the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.claruscorp.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through November 19, 2018.

Toll-free replay number: 1-855-859-2056
International replay number: 1-404-537-3406
Replay ID: 2286038

About Clarus Corporation

Clarus Corporation is focused on the outdoor and consumer industries, seeking opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate attractive shareholder returns. The Company has substantial net operating tax loss carryforwards which it is seeking to redeploy to maximize shareholder value. Clarus’ primary business is as a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of outdoor equipment and lifestyle products focused on the climb, ski, mountain, and sport categories. The Company’s products are principally sold under the Black Diamond®, Sierra® and PIEPS® brand names through specialty and online retailers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers throughout the U.S. and internationally. For additional information, please visit www.claruscorp.com or the brand websites at www.blackdiamondequipment.com, www.sierrabullets.com or www.pieps.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This press release contains the non-GAAP measures: (i) adjusted gross margin and adjusted gross profit, (ii) net income (loss) before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, and adjusted net income (loss) before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, other income or expense, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and adjusted EBITDA, and (iv) free cash flow. The Company believes that the presentation of certain non-GAAP measures, i.e.: (i) adjusted gross margin and adjusted gross profit, (ii) net income (loss) before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, and adjusted net income (loss) before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, (iii) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, and (iv) free cash flow, provide useful information for the understanding of its ongoing operations and enables investors to focus on period-over-period operating performance, and thereby enhances the user's overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance relative to past performance and provides, along with the nearest GAAP measures, a baseline for modeling future earnings expectations. Non-GAAP measures are reconciled to comparable GAAP financial measures in the financial tables within this press release. The Company cautions that non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Company's reported GAAP results. Additionally, the Company notes that there can be no assurance that the above referenced non-GAAP financial measures are comparable to similarly titled financial measures used by other publicly traded companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

Please note that in this press release we may use words such as “appears,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “future,” and similar expressions which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, the overall level of consumer demand on our products; general economic conditions and other factors affecting consumer confidence, preferences, and behavior; disruption and volatility in the global currency, capital, and credit markets; the financial strength of the Company's customers; the Company's ability to implement its business strategy, the ability of the Company to execute and integrate acquisitions; changes in governmental regulation, legislation or public opinion relating to the manufacture and sale of bullets by our Sierra segment, and the possession and use of firearms and ammunition by our customers; the Company’s exposure to product liability or product warranty claims and other loss contingencies; stability of the Company's manufacturing facilities and suppliers; the Company's ability to protect patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights; any breaches of, or interruptions in, our information systems; fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials and contracted products as well as foreign currency fluctuations; our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards; changes in tax laws and liabilities, tariffs, legal, regulatory, political and economic risks; and the Company’s ability to declare a dividend. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results is included from time to time in the Company's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this press release, and speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Company Contact:

Warren B. Kanders
Executive Chairman
Tel 1-203-552-9600
warren.kanders@claruscorp.com
or
John C. Walbrecht
President
Tel 1-801-993-1344
john.walbrecht@claruscorp.com
or
Aaron J. Kuehne
Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
Tel 1-801-993-1364
aaron.kuehne@claruscorp.com

Investor Relations:

Liolios
Cody Slach
Tel 1-949-574-3860
CLAR@liolios.com

           
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
       
  September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash $ 3,005     $ 1,856  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful          
accounts of $495 and $382, respectively   39,295       35,817  
Inventories   60,840       58,138  
Prepaid and other current assets   4,362       3,633  
Income tax receivable   43       -  
Total current assets   107,545       99,444  
           
Property and equipment, net   22,971       24,345  
Other intangible assets, net   20,259       23,238  
Indefinite lived intangible assets   41,742       41,843  
Goodwill   18,090       17,745  
Other long-term assets   1,489       834  
Total assets $ 212,096     $ 207,449  
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 21,504     $ 19,456  
Income tax payable   248       328  
Current portion of long-term debt   41       -  
Total current liabilities   21,793       19,784  
           
Long-term debt   22,655       20,842  
Deferred income taxes   3,553       3,666  
Other long-term liabilities   101       175  
Total liabilities   48,102       44,467  
           
Stockholders' Equity          
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 5,000          
shares authorized; none issued   -       -  
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized;          
33,244 and 32,917 issued and 29,850 and 30,041 outstanding, respectively 3       3  
Additional paid in capital   487,819       485,285  
Accumulated deficit   (307,378 )     (310,390 )
Treasury stock, at cost   (17,124 )     (12,415 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income   674       499  
Total stockholders' equity   163,994       162,982  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 212,096     $ 207,449  
           
 

 

           
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
           
   Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017
           
Sales          
Domestic sales $ 26,168     $ 21,141  
International sales   29,518       24,633  
Total sales   55,686       45,774  
           
Cost of goods sold   35,829       30,490  
Gross profit   19,857       15,284  
           
Operating expenses          
Selling, general and administrative   15,773       14,431  
Restructuring charge   22       33  
Transaction costs   50       1,869  
           
Total operating expenses   15,845       16,333  
           
Operating income (loss)   4,012       (1,049 )
           
Other (expense) income          
Interest expense, net   (303 )     (71 )
Other, net   102       213  
           
Total other (expense) income, net   (201 )     142  
           
Income (loss) before income tax   3,811       (907 )
Income tax (benefit) expense   (316 )     676  
Net income (loss) $ 4,127     $ (1,583 )
           
Net income (loss) per share:          
Basic $ 0.14     $ (0.05 )
Diluted   0.14       (0.05 )
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   29,739       30,017  
Diluted   30,166       30,017  
           
           

 

           
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
           
   Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017
           
Sales          
Domestic sales $ 79,667     $ 59,474  
International sales   75,167       58,536  
Total sales   154,834       118,010  
           
Cost of goods sold   101,290       81,388  
Gross profit   53,544       36,622  
           
Operating expenses          
Selling, general and administrative   48,692       39,826  
Restructuring charge   86       116  
Transaction costs   383       1,869  
           
Total operating expenses   49,161       41,811  
           
Operating income (loss)   4,383       (5,189 )
           
Other (expense) income          
Interest expense, net   (1,020 )     (948 )
Other, net   31       435  
           
Total other expense, net   (989 )     (513 )
           
Income (loss) before income tax   3,394       (5,702 )
Income tax (benefit) expense   (359 )     990  
Net income (loss) $ 3,753     $ (6,692 )
           
Net income (loss) per share:          
Basic $ 0.13     $ (0.22 )
Diluted   0.12       (0.22 )
           
Weighted average shares outstanding:          
Basic   29,939       30,015  
Diluted   30,162       30,015  
           
           
           
           

 

             
CLARUS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION FROM GROSS PROFIT TO ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT
AND ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN
             
THREE MONTHS ENDED
     
  September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017
             
Gross profit as reported $ 19,857     Gross profit as reported $ 15,284  
Plus impact of inventory fair value adjustment   -     Plus impact of inventory fair value adjustment   420  
Adjusted gross profit $ 19,857     Adjusted gross profit $ 15,704  
             
Gross margin as reported   35.7 %   Gross margin as reported   33.4 %
             
Adjusted gross margin   35.7 %   Adjusted gross margin   34.3 %
             
NINE MONTHS ENDED
             
  September 30, 2018     September 30, 2017
             
Gross profit as reported $ 53,544     Gross profit as reported $ 36,622  
Plus impact of inventory fair value adjustment   1,049     Plus impact of inventory fair value adjustment   420  
Adjusted gross profit $ 54,593     Adjusted gross profit $ 37,042  
             
Gross margin as reported   34.6 %   Gross margin as reported   31.0 %
             
Adjusted gross margin   35.3 %   Adjusted gross margin   31.4 %
             
             
             

 

                       
CLARUS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION FROM NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS, ADJUSTED
NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                       
                       
   Three Months Ended 
         Per Diluted           Per Diluted 
  September 30, 2018   Share   September 30, 2017   Share
                       
                       
Net income (loss) $ 4,127     $ 0.14     $ (1,583 )   $ (0.05 )
                       
Amortization of intangibles   965       0.03       648       0.02  
Depreciation   1,106       0.04       725       0.02  
Amortization of debt issuance costs   64       0.00       11       0.00  
Stock-based compensation   912       0.03       387       0.01  
Loss (gain) from removal of accumulated translation adjustment   131       0.00       (68 )     (0.00 )
Inventory fair value of purchase accounting   -       -       420       0.01  
Income tax (benefit) expense   (316 )     (0.01 )     676       0.02  
Cash paid for income taxes   (50 )     (0.00 )     (56 )     (0.00 )
                       
Net income before non-cash items $ 6,939     $ 0.23     $ 1,160     $ 0.04  
                       
Restructuring charge   22       0.00       33       0.00  
Transaction costs   50       0.00       1,869       0.06  
State cash taxes on adjustments   (2 )     (0.00 )     (79 )     (0.00 )
AMT cash taxes on adjustments   (1 )     (0.00 )     (36 )     (0.00 )
                       
Adjusted net income before non-cash items $ 7,008     $ 0.23     $ 2,947     $ 0.10  
                       
                       

 

                       
CLARUS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION FROM NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS, ADJUSTED
NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                       
                       
   Nine Months Ended 
         Per Diluted           Per Diluted 
  September 30, 2018   Share   September 30, 2017   Share
                       
                       
Net income (loss) $ 3,753     $ 0.12     $ (6,692 )   $ (0.22 )
                       
Amortization of intangibles   2,902       0.10       1,183       0.04  
Depreciation   3,314       0.11       1,830       0.06  
Accretion of note discount   -       -       833       0.03  
Amortization of debt issuance costs   371       0.01       11       0.00  
Stock-based compensation   2,067       0.07       729       0.02  
Loss (gain) from removal of accumulated translation adjustment   172       0.01       (149 )     (0.00 )
Inventory fair value of purchase accounting   1,049       0.03       420       0.01  
Income tax (benefit) expense   (359 )     (0.01 )     990       0.03  
Cash paid for income taxes   (296 )     (0.01 )     (946 )     (0.03 )
                       
Net income (loss) before non-cash items $ 12,973     $ 0.43     $ (1,791 )   $ (0.06 )
                       
Restructuring charge   86       0.00       116       0.00  
Transaction costs   383       0.01       1,869       0.06  
State cash taxes on adjustments   (14 )     (0.00 )     (83 )     (0.00 )
AMT cash taxes on adjustments   (9 )     (0.00 )     (38 )     (0.00 )
                       
Adjusted net income before non-cash items $ 13,419     $ 0.44     $ 73     $ 0.00  
                       

 

               
               
CLARUS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION FROM NET INCOME (LOSS) TO EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
               
(In thousands)
           
   Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017
           
           
Net income (loss) $   4,127     $   (1,583 )
           
Income tax (benefit) expense     (316 )       676  
Other, net     (102 )       (213 )
Interest expense, net     303         71  
           
Operating income (loss)     4,012         (1,049 )
           
Depreciation      1,106         725  
Amortization of intangibles     965         648  
           
EBITDA $   6,083     $   324  
           
Restructuring charge     22         33  
Transaction costs     50         1,869  
Inventory fair value of purchase accounting     -          420  
Stock-based compensation     912         387  
           
Adjusted EBITDA $   7,067     $   3,033  
           

 

 
 
CLARUS CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION FROM NET INCOME (LOSS) TO EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
(In thousands)
 
   Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017
           
           
Net income (loss) $ 3,753     $ (6,692 )
           
Income tax (benefit) expense   (359 )     990  
Other, net   (31 )     (435 )
Interest expense, net   1,020       948  
           
Operating income (loss)   4,383       (5,189 )
           
Depreciation   3,314       1,830  
Amortization of intangibles   2,902       1,183  
           
EBITDA $ 10,599     $ (2,176 )
           
Restructuring charge   86       116  
Transaction costs   383       1,869  
Inventory fair value of purchase accounting   1,049       420  
Stock-based compensation   2,067       729  
           
Adjusted EBITDA $ 14,184     $ 958  
           

 

 

Clarus_Final.jpg

Source: Clarus Corporation