Black Diamond, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 Results

SALT LAKE CITY, March 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond, Inc. (NASDAQ:BDE) (the “Company”), a global leader of innovative active outdoor performance equipment and apparel, under the brand name Black Diamond®, reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2016.

Reported results for all periods presented are from continuing operations, excluding the results of POC Sweden AB and POC USA, LLC, which the Company sold on October 7, 2015.

Fourth Quarter 2016 Financial Summary vs. Same Year-Ago Quarter

  • Sales of $41.4 million, down 6%.
  • Gross margin of 29.1% vs. 33.5%.
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses down 16% to $12.6 million.
  • Net loss from continuing operations was $1.4 million or $(0.05) per share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $31.7 million or $(0.99) per share.
  • Adjusted net income before non-cash items was $0.4 million or $0.01 per share, compared to $0.6 million or $0.02 per share.

Fourth Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 were $41.4 million compared to $44.1 million in the same year-ago quarter. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales were down 2%. This was due to unseasonably dry European winter conditions impacting ski product sales and the Company’s measured approach to scaling back its apparel line, partially offset by continued strong climb and mountain equipment product growth.    

Gross margin in the fourth quarter was 29.1% compared to 33.5% in the year-ago quarter. Foreign currency headwinds accounted for 290 basis points of this decline. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, gross margin was 32.0%. Gross margin was also impacted by a combination of an unfavorable mix of lower margin products and costs associated with Black Diamond’s recently repatriated manufacturing activities from Asia to the U.S.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter decreased 16% to $12.6 million compared to $15.0 million in the year-ago quarter. The decline was due to the Company’s continued realization of savings from its restructuring plan implemented in 2015 to realign resources within the organization.

Net loss from continuing operations in the fourth quarter was $1.4 million or $(0.05) per diluted share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $31.7 million or $(0.99) per diluted share in the year-ago quarter. Net loss from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 included $1.7 million of non-cash items and $0.1 million in restructuring and transaction costs. In addition, the year-ago quarter included a $29.5 million goodwill impairment charge, which was required due to the decline in the Company’s market capitalization in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Adjusted net income from continuing operations, which excludes the non-cash items and restructuring and transaction costs, was $0.4 million or $0.01 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to an adjusted net income from continuing operations before non-cash items of $0.6 million or $0.02 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Adjusted EBITDA was $0.3 million compared to $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, primarily due to the aforementioned factors impacting sales and gross margin.

At December 31, 2016, cash totaled $94.7 million compared to cash and marketable securities of $98.2 million at December 31, 2015. During the year, the Company repurchased a total of 1.2 million shares of its common stock for $5.1 million, or approximately $4.26 per share. Total debt was $21.9 million compared to $20.1 million at December 31, 2015. Stockholders’ equity was $160.8 million or approximately $5.36 per share based on approximately 30.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

Subsequent to year end, on February 13, 2017, the Company paid in full its 5% senior subordinated notes for $22.6 million. As such, the Company has pro forma cash of approximately $72.1 million and $0.1 million in debt.

Full Year 2016 Financial Results

Sales in 2016 were $148.2 million compared to $155.3 million in 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales were essentially unchanged.

Gross margin in 2016 was 29.5% compared to 34.9% in 2015. Foreign currency headwinds accounted for 330 basis points of this decline. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, gross margin was 32.8%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2016 decreased 15% to $49.9 million compared to $58.5 million in 2015.

Net loss from continuing operations in 2016 was $9.0 million or $(0.30) per diluted share, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $88.1 million or $(2.70) per diluted share in 2015. Net loss in 2016 included $6.8 million of non-cash items, $1.4 million in restructuring costs and $0.3 million in transaction costs, partially offset by a $2.0 million arbitral award related to certain claims against the former owner of the Company’s PIEPS™ brand associated with the voluntary recall of the PIEPS VECTOR transceiver in 2013.

Adjusted net loss from continuing operations, which excludes these non-cash items as well as restructuring and transaction costs and the arbitral award, was $2.6 million or $(0.09) per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss from continuing operations of $0.8 million or $(0.02) per diluted share in 2015.

Adjusted EBITDA in 2016 was $(2.7) million compared to $1.1 million in 2015.

Management Commentary

“The fourth quarter was highlighted by growing retailer confidence in the core products that define the Black Diamond Equipment brand,” said John Walbrecht, Black Diamond Equipment’s brand president. “While we still faced foreign exchange headwinds and margin constraints due to our manufacturing repatriation, demand for climbing and mountain products remained strong. We also continued to experience growing momentum in our direct-to-consumer and independent global distributor businesses, as both channels continue to grow in the strong double-digits.

“After more than a year of restructuring, we believe we are poised to scale the brand in 2017 through the implementation of a clear growth plan. This entails an unwavering focus on the roots of our brand and the continued investment in the products that has made Black Diamond synonymous with the sports we’ve served for the past 28 years. We are also focused on enhancing our brand equity through innovation in adjacent product categories and targeted media impressions centered around the consumer’s experience with our products. We believe this strategy optimally positions us to achieve sales and margin expansion, along with improved levels of customer service and more efficient working capital management.”

2017 Outlook

The Company anticipates its fiscal year 2017 sales to grow between 3%-7% to approximately $153 to $158 million compared to $148.2 million in 2016. On a constant currency basis, the Company expects sales to range between $154 to $159 million, or up 4%-7% compared to 2016. The Company expects gross margin in fiscal 2017 to increase approximately 300 to 400 basis points and range between 32.5%-33.5% compared to 29.5% in 2016, with foreign currency representing an approximate 50 basis point negative impact on gross margin in 2017.

The Company also expects selling, general and administrative costs, including approximately $4.5 million of cash corporate overhead expenditures, to be approximately $50.5 million compared to $49.9 million in 2016. The Company expects approximately $2.5 million in capital expenditures in 2017.

Redeployment and Diversification Strategy

On November 9, 2015, the Company announced that it is seeking to redeploy its significant cash balances. The Company expects to invest in high-quality, durable, cash flow-producing assets potentially unrelated to the outdoor industry in order to diversify its business and potentially monetize its substantial net operating losses. The Company intends to focus its search primarily in the United States, while also evaluating international investment opportunities should it find such opportunities attractive.

Net Operating Loss (NOL)

The Company estimates that it has available NOL carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $172 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 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 fourth quarter and full year 2016 results.

Date: Monday, March 6, 2017
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (3:00 p.m. Mountain time)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-888-256-1027
International dial-in number: 1-913-312-0956
Conference ID: 7270403

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 at http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=123023 and via the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.blackdiamond-inc.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through March 20, 2017.

Toll-free replay number: 1-844-512-2921
International replay number: 1-412-317-6671
Replay ID: 7270403

About Black Diamond, Inc.

The Company is a publicly-traded (NASDAQ:BDE) holding company which seeks opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate durable free cash flows and attractive returns. The Company has substantial cash balances and net operating tax loss carryforwards which will be redeployed to maximize shareholder value in a diverse array of businesses. Currently, Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is its only operating subsidiary. Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is a manufacturer of active outdoor equipment and clothing for the climbing, skiing and mountain sports markets. For additional information, please visit our corporate website at www.blackdiamond-inc.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) net income (loss) from continuing operations before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, and adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, and (ii) earnings before interest, taxes, other income or expense, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and adjusted EBITDA. The Company also believes that the presentation of certain non-GAAP measures, i.e.: (i) net income (loss) from continuing operations before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, and adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations before non-cash items and related income (loss) per diluted share, and (ii) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, 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 spending on our products; general economic conditions and other factors affecting consumer confidence; disruption and volatility in the global capital and credit markets; the financial strength of the Company's customers; the Company's ability to implement its reformation and growth strategy, including its ability to organically grow each of its historical product lines, the ability of the Company to identify potential acquisition or investment opportunities as part of its redeployment and diversification strategy; the Company’s ability to successfully redeploy its capital into diversifying assets or that any such redeployment will result in the Company’s future profitability; the Company’s exposure to product liability or product warranty claims and other loss contingencies; stability of the Company's manufacturing facilities and foreign suppliers; the Company's ability to protect patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights; 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; and legal, regulatory, political and economic risks in international markets. 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.

             
BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
         
     December 31, 
    2016   2015
Assets            
Current assets            
Cash   $   94,738     $   88,401  
Marketable securities       -          9,824  
Accounts receivable       23,232         26,774  
Inventories       45,410         51,496  
Prepaid and other current assets       3,480         3,337  
Income tax receivable       85         749  
Total current assets       166,945         180,581  
             
Property and equipment, net       11,055         10,790  
Other intangible assets, net       9,769         10,934  
Indefinite lived intangible assets       22,541         22,644  
Other long-term assets       147         1,843  
Total assets   $   210,457     $   226,792  
             
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity            
Current liabilities            
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $   17,740     $   21,446  
Income tax payable       969         -   
Current portion of long-term debt       21,898         -   
Total current liabilities       40,607         21,446  
             
Long-term debt, net       -          20,133  
Deferred income taxes       8,966         8,969  
Other long-term liabilities       76         1,812  
Total liabilities       49,649         52,360  
             
Stockholders' Equity            
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 5,000            
shares authorized; none issued       -          -   
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized;            
32,888 and 32,884 issued and 30,016 and 31,203 outstanding, respectively       3         3  
Additional paid in capital       483,925         483,698  
Accumulated deficit       (309,717 )       (300,739 )
Treasury stock, at cost       (12,398 )       (7,320 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss       (1,005 )       (1,210 )
Total stockholders' equity       160,808         174,432  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $   210,457     $   226,792  

 

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
             
     Three Months Ended 
    December 31, 2016   December 31, 2015
             
Sales            
Domestic sales   $   21,889     $   22,399  
International sales       19,510         21,677  
Total sales       41,399         44,076  
             
Cost of goods sold       29,350         29,309  
Gross profit       12,049         14,767  
             
Operating expenses            
Selling, general and administrative       12,625         15,029  
Restructuring charge       120         803  
Transaction costs       21         500  
Impairment of goodwill       -          29,507  
             
Total operating expenses       12,766         45,839  
             
Operating loss       (717 )       (31,072 )
             
Other (expense) income            
Interest expense, net       (734 )       (694 )
Other, net       (293 )       88  
             
Total other expense, net       (1,027 )       (606 )
             
Loss from continuing operations before income tax       (1,744 )       (31,678 )
Income tax (benefit) expense       (355 )       41  
Loss from continuing operations       (1,389 )       (31,719 )
             
Discontinued operations, net of tax       -          10,994  
             
Net loss   $   (1,389 )   $   (20,725 )
             
Loss from continuing operations per share:            
Basic   $   (0.05 )   $   (0.99 )
Diluted       (0.05 )       (0.99 )
             
Net loss per share:            
Basic   $   (0.05 )   $   (0.64 )
Diluted       (0.05 )       (0.64 )
             
Weighted average shares outstanding:            
Basic     30,016       32,201  
Diluted     30,016       32,201  

 

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
             
     Year Ended December 31, 
    2016   2015
             
Sales            
Domestic sales   $   76,079     $   74,391  
International sales       72,110         80,875  
Total sales       148,189         155,266  
             
Cost of goods sold       104,505         101,020  
Gross profit       43,684         54,246  
             
Operating expenses            
Selling, general and administrative       49,936         58,499  
Restructuring charge       1,395         3,375  
Transaction costs       290         946  
Arbitration award       (1,967 )       -   
Impairment of goodwill       -          29,507  
             
Total operating expenses       49,654         92,327  
             
Operating loss       (5,970 )       (38,081 )
             
Other (expense) income            
Interest expense, net       (2,876 )       (2,767 )
Other, net       533         434  
             
Total other expense, net       (2,343 )       (2,333 )
             
Loss from continuing operations before income tax       (8,313 )       (40,414 )
Income tax expense       665         47,692  
Loss from continuing operations       (8,978 )       (88,106 )
             
Discontinued operations, net of tax       -          10,564  
             
Net loss   $   (8,978 )   $   (77,542 )
             
Loss from continuing operations per share:            
Basic   $   (0.30 )   $   (2.70 )
Diluted       (0.30 )       (2.70 )
             
Loss income per share:            
Basic   $   (0.30 )   $   (2.38 )
Diluted       (0.30 )       (2.38 )
             
Weighted average shares outstanding:            
Basic     30,397       32,600  
Diluted     30,397       32,600  

 

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE NON-CASH
ITEMS, ADJUSTED NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
                         
     Three Months Ended 
           Per Diluted           Per Diluted 
    December 31, 2016   Share   December 31, 2015   Share
                         
                         
Net loss from continuing operations   $   (1,389 )   $   (0.05 )   $   (31,719 )   $   (0.99 )
                         
Amortization of intangibles       267         0.01         268         0.01  
Depreciation        559         0.02         723         0.02  
Accretion of note discount       484         0.02         404         0.01  
Stock-based compensation       34         0.00         66         0.00  
Gain from removal of accumulated translation adjustment       137         0.00         106         0.00  
Impairment of goodwill       -          -          29,507         0.92  
Income tax (benefit) expense       (355 )       (0.01 )       41         0.00  
Cash received (paid) for income taxes       550         0.02         (2 )       (0.00 )
                         
Net income (loss) from continuing operations before non-cash items   $   287     $   0.01     $   (606 )   $   (0.02 )
                         
Restructuring charge       120         0.00         803         0.02  
Transaction costs       21         0.00         500         0.02  
State cash taxes on adjustments       (6 )       (0.00 )       (37 )       (0.00 )
AMT cash taxes on adjustments       (3 )       (0.00 )       (25 )       (0.00 )
                         
Adjusted net income from continuing operations before non-cash items   $   419     $   0.01     $   635     $   0.02  

 

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE NON-CASH
ITEMS, ADJUSTED NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
                         
     Twelve Months Ended 
           Per Diluted           Per Diluted 
    December 31, 2016   Share   December 31, 2015   Share
                         
                         
Net loss from continuing operations   $   (8,978 )   $   (0.30 )   $   (88,106 )   $   (2.70 )
                         
Amortization of intangibles       1,075         0.04         1,245         0.04  
Depreciation        2,264         0.07         3,039         0.09  
Accretion of note discount       1,842         0.06         1,537         0.05  
Stock-based compensation       227         0.01         1,094         0.03  
Gain from removal of accumulated translation adjustment       263         0.01         (500 )       (0.02 )
Impairment of goodwill       -          -          29,507         0.91  
Income tax expense       665         0.02         47,692         1.46  
Cash received (paid) for income taxes       426         0.01         (386 )       (0.01 )
                         
Net loss from continuing operations before non-cash items   $   (2,216 )   $   (0.07 )   $   (4,878 )   $   (0.15 )
                         
Restructuring charge       1,395         0.05         3,375         0.10  
Transaction costs       290         0.01         946         0.03  
Arbitration award       (1,967 )       (0.06 )       -          -   
State cash taxes on adjustments       (70 )       (0.00 )       (122 )       (0.00 )
AMT cash taxes on adjustments       (32 )       (0.00 )       (84 )       (0.00 )
                         
Adjusted net loss from continuing operations before non-cash items   $   (2,600 )   $   (0.09 )   $   (763 )   $   (0.02 )

 

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO EARNINGS BEFORE
INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
(In thousands)
             
     Three Months Ended 
    December 31, 2016   December 31, 2015
             
             
Net loss from continuing operations   $   (1,389 )   $   (31,719 )
             
Income tax (benefit) expense       (355 )       41  
Other, net       293         (88 )
Interest expense, net       734         694  
             
Operating loss       (717 )       (31,072 )
             
Depreciation        559         723  
Amortization of intangibles       267         268  
             
EBITDA   $   109     $   (30,081 )
             
Restructuring charge       120         803  
Transaction costs       21         500  
Impairment of goodwill       -          29,507  
Stock-based compensation       34         66  
             
Adjusted EBITDA   $   284     $   795  

 

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO EARNINGS BEFORE
INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
(In thousands)
             
     Year Ended December 31, 
    2016   2015
             
             
Net loss from continuing operations   $ (8,978 )   $ (88,106 )
             
Income tax expense       665       47,692  
Other, net       (533 )     (434 )
Interest expense, net     2,876       2,767  
             
Operating loss     (5,970 )     (38,081 )
             
Depreciation        2,264       3,039  
Amortization of intangibles       1,075       1,245  
             
EBITDA   $ (2,631 )   $ (33,797 )
             
Restructuring charge     1,395       3,375  
Transaction costs       290         946  
Arbitration award     (1,967 )       -   
Impairment of goodwill       -        29,507  
Stock-based compensation       227       1,094  
             
Adjusted EBITDA   $ (2,686 )   $ 1,125  
Company Contact:

Warren B. Kanders
Executive Chairman
Tel 1-203-428-2000
warren.kanders@bdel.com
or
Aaron Kuehne
Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
Tel 1-801-993-1364
aaron.kuehne@bdel.com
or
Radhika Ray
VP of Strategy & Investor Relations
Tel 1-646-290-0805
radhika.ray@bdel.com

Investor Relations:

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

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Source: Black Diamond, Inc.