Black Diamond Reports First Quarter 2011 Results

Sales Up 18% to $39.1 Million with Global Growth in All Categories

SALT LAKE CITY, May 9, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond, Inc. (Nasdaq:BDE) (the "Company"), a leading provider of outdoor recreation equipment and active lifestyle products, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.

First Quarter 2011 Highlights

 
  Sales of $39.1 million, an increase of 18% from pro forma prior year quarter.
 
  Net income totaled $1.2 million or $0.05 per diluted share.
 
  Adjusted net income before non-cash items totaled $4.4 million or $0.20 per diluted share.
 
  Adjusted EBITDA totaled $4.6 million.
 
  Successfully completed the integration of Black Diamond Equipment and Gregory Mountain Products.

First Quarter 2011 Financial Results

Total sales in the first quarter of 2011 increased 18% to $39.1 million, compared to pro forma sales of $33.1 million in the first quarter of 2010. The pro forma prior year sales include the results of Black Diamond Equipment and Gregory Mountain Products prior to their acquisitions by the Company in May 2010. The growth was attributable to increased sales of the Company's highly recognized products globally.

Gross margin in the first quarter was 38.6%, compared to pro forma gross margin of 39.6% in the prior year quarter. The decline in gross margin was primarily attributed to unfavorable foreign exchange rates related to the Company's European sales, despite sales growth on a constant currency basis.

Net income in the first quarter was $1.2 million or $0.05 per diluted share. The Company noted this income included $2.5 million of non-cash items as well as $0.8 million in restructuring charges related to the relocation of Gregory Mountain Products' office and warehouse, and the Company's U.S. distribution facilities to a new location in Salt Lake City. Excluding these items, the Company had adjusted net income before non-cash items of $4.4 million or $0.20 per diluted share. 

Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, other income, depreciation, amortization, non-cash equity compensation and restructuring charges) in the first quarter of 2011 was $4.6 million, which excludes $0.9 million of non-cash equity compensation and $0.8 million of restructuring charges (as described above) from EBITDA.   

At March 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.2 million, compared to $2.8 million at December 31, 2010. The increase is primarily due to net borrowings on the Company's line of credit.  Total long-term debt including the current portion of long-term debt was $33.5 million at March 31, 2011, which included $18.3 million outstanding on the Company's $35.0 million line of credit, and a discounted value of $14.3 million on the Company's 5% subordinated notes, as well as $0.9 million in other debt. The face value of the 5% subordinated notes is $22.6 million.

Stockholders' equity was $165.2 million or approximately $7.60 per share based on 21.7 million shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2011.

Management Commentary

Peter Metcalf, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Though we are pleased to have begun 2011 with such a robust first quarter of growth, we are most proud of the style in which we achieved these results, which was through a combination of truly innovative and award winning products, further cultivating our strong relationships with key retailers, and our nationally-recognized leadership with public policy issues of great importance to our customers. Together these actions are resulting in the continued rise of our brands as the quintessence of the sports themselves.  Our sales growth is affirmation that our strategy is on track. For that matter, within the online core summer categories at REI and Eastern Mountains Sports, our Gregory and Black Diamond brands were the top performing brands in six and seven of 13 categories, respectively."   

"With the integration of Gregory Mountain Products and Black Diamond Equipment now complete," continued Metcalf, "our new 77,000 square-foot Salt Lake City, UT Distribution Center is now fully operational and meeting the demands of accelerating sales at retail and on-line. In addition, over half a dozen director-level management and designer positions were created and have been filled, and we have made solid progress on interviewing for another handful of new manager and director level positions. We are enthusiastically moving forward on our compelling strategy to leverage our global operational platform, and grow our business both organically and acquisitively into one of the world's most respected and leading active outdoor equipment and lifestyle corporations.  This past quarter's results exceeded our internal expectations and positions us strongly for what we believe to be continued solid growth through continued innovative product launches, sport intimacy, insightful marketing and retail partnering."

Net Operating Loss

The Company estimates that it has available net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $225.8 million, after application of the limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company's common stock is subject to a Rights Agreement dated February 7, 2008, designed to assist in limiting the number of 5% or more owners and thus reduce the risk of a possible "change of ownership" under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 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. There is no guaranty, however, that the Rights Agreement will achieve the objective of preserving the value of the NOLs.

Conference Call

Black Diamond will host a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss its first quarter 2011 results. Black Diamond's President and CEO Peter Metcalf and CFO Robert Peay will host the conference call, followed by a question and answer period.

To participate on the call, investors should dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time.

Date: Monday, May 9, 2011 Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) Dial-In Number: 1-877-407-0789 International: 1-201-689-8562 Conference ID#: 371520

The conference call will be also broadcast live and available for replay here and on the Company's website at www.blackdiamond-inc.com.

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

A replay of the call will be available after 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the same day and until May 23, 2011.

Toll-free replay number: 1-877-870-5176 International replay number: 1-858-384-5517 Replay pin number: 371520

About Black Diamond, Inc.

Black Diamond, Inc. is a leading provider of outdoor recreation equipment and active lifestyle products under the principal brands of Black Diamond® and Gregory®. The company develops, manufactures and globally distributes a broad range of products including: rock-climbing equipment (such as carabiners, protection devices, harnesses, belay and devices, helmets and ice-climbing gear), technical backpacks and high-end day packs, tents, trekking poles, headlamps and lanterns, gloves and mittens, skis, ski bindings, ski boots, ski skins and avalanche safety equipment.  Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company has more than 475 employees worldwide, with ISO 9001 manufacturing facilities both in Salt Lake City and Southeast China as well as a sewing plant in Calexico, California; distribution centers in Utah and Southeast China; a marketing office in Yokohama, Japan; and a fully owned sales, marketing and distribution operation for Europe, located near Basel, Switzerland. For more information about the company, visit www.blackdiamond-inc.com, www.blackdiamondequipment.com, or www.gregorypacks.com.

Statement Regarding the Presentation of Results

The Company, formerly named Clarus Corporation, closed its acquisitions of Black Diamond Equipment and Gregory Mountain Products on May 28, 2010 (the "Acquisitions").  Black Diamond Equipment is considered the Predecessor Company for financial reporting purposes.  The prior year combined financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 represent the results of the Company and the Predecessor but exclude the results of Gregory Mountain Products. We believe prior year pro forma results, which include the Company, Black Diamond Equipment and Gregory Mountain Products for the full three-month period ending March 31, 2010 are the most useful and instructive comparison, particularly pro forma sales and pro forma gross margin.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The earnings press release contains the non-GAAP measures, combined and pro forma sales and gross profit, net income before non-cash items and adjusted net income before non-cash items and related earnings per share, and earnings before interest, taxes, other income, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and adjusted EBITDA. The Company also believes that presentation of certain non-GAAP measures, i.e., combined and pro forma sales and gross profit, net income before non-cash items, and EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, provides 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, to the nearest GAAP measures, a better 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 by other publicly traded companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. 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 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 growth strategy; the Company's ability to successfully integrate and grow acquisitions; the Company's ability to maintain the strength and security of its information technology systems; stability of the Company's manufacturing facilities and foreign suppliers; the Company's ability to protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights; fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials and contracted products; 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.

 
                                                                                                                                         BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
                                                                                                                       CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                       March 31, 2011     December 31, 2010
                                                                                                                          (Unaudited)                     
                                                                                                             Assets                                       
                                                                                                     Current Assets                                       
                                                                                          Cash and cash equivalents          $ 5,232             $ 2,767
                           Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $453 and $353, respectively             24,534               20,293
                                                                                                        Inventories             32,862               34,942
                                                                                   Prepaid and other current assets              1,581                2,527
                                                                                              Income tax receivable               265                  376
                                                                                              Deferred income taxes             1,698                1,698
                                                                                               Total Current Assets             66,172               62,603
                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                        Property and equipment, net             15,393               14,740
                                                                              Definite lived intangible assets, net             17,107               17,439
                                                                                 Indefinite lived intangible assets             32,650               32,650
                                                                                                           Goodwill             40,601               40,601
                                                                                              Deferred income taxes             43,558               43,582
                                                                                             Other long-term assets              1,075                1,064
                                                                                                       TOTAL ASSETS        $ 216,556           $ 212,679
                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                               Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                                       
                                                                                                Current Liabilities                                       
                                                                           Accounts payable and accrued liabilities         $ 17,009            $ 19,208
                                                                                Current portion of long-term debt                 302                  308
                                                                                          Total Current Liabilities             17,311               19,516
                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                   Long-term debt             33,227               29,456
                                                                                        Other long-term liabilities               810                  785
                                                                                                  TOTAL LIABILITIES             51,348               49,757
                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                               Stockholders' Equity                                       
                                            Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued                --                   --
     Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 21,814 shares issued and 21,739 outstanding in 2011                  2                    2
                                                                                         Additional paid in capital            400,374              399,475
                                                                                                Accumulated deficit         (237,010)            (238,178)
                                                                                            Treasury stock, at cost               (2)                  (2)
                                                                             Accumulated other comprehensive income             1,844                1,625
                                                                                         TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            165,208              162,922
                                                                                       TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY        $ 216,556           $ 212,679
 
                                                                                                                                                                 BLACK DIAMOND, INC.
                                                                                                                            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                                                                                                                                         (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                                                            (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                  THREE MONTHS 
    ENDED                                                                             THREE MONTHS 
    ENDED 
                                             Consolidated 
    March 31, 2011     March 31, 2010     Predecessor 
    Company 
    March 31, 2010     Combined 
    March 31, 2010
                                                                                                                                                                               
                                    Sales                                                                                                                                       
                           Domestic sales                           $ 15,830             $ --                                         $ 9,819                        $ 9,819
                      International sales                              23,228                --                                           13,838                          13,838
                              Total sales                              39,058                --                                           23,657                          23,657
                                                                                                                                                                               
                       Cost of goods sold                              23,987                --                                           14,537                          14,537
                            Gross profit                              15,071                --                                            9,120                           9,120
                                                                                                                                                                               
                       Operating expenses                                                                                                                                       
      Selling, general and administrative                              12,329               868                                            7,315                           8,183
                     Restructuring charge                                 774                --                                               --                              --
                        Transaction costs                                  --             1,509                                               --                           1,509
                                                                                                                                                                               
                Total operating expenses                              13,103             2,377                                            7,315                           9,692
                                                                                                                                                                               
                  Operating income (loss)                               1,968           (2,377)                                            1,805                           (572)
                                                                                                                                                                               
                   Other (expense) income                                                                                                                                       
                         Interest expense                               (728)                --                                            (106)                           (106)
                          Interest income                                  10                22                                              (7)                              15
                               Other, net                                 418                --                                              292                             292
                                                                                                                                                                               
        Total other (expense) income, net                               (300)                22                                              179                             201
                                                                                                                                                                               
          Income (loss) before income tax                               1,668           (2,355)                                            1,984                           (371)
                     Income tax provision                                 500                --                                              584                             584
                        Net income (loss)                            $ 1,168        $ (2,355)                                         $ 1,400                        $ (955)
                                                                                                                                                                               
               Earnings (loss) per share:                                                                                                                                       
                                   Basic                             $ 0.05         $ (0.14)                                                                                 
                                 Diluted                                0.05            (0.14)                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                               
     Weighted average shares outstanding:                                                                                                                                       
                                   Basic                               21,831             16,867                                                                                 
                                 Diluted                               21,951             16,867                                                                                 
 
                                                                                    RECONCILIATION FROM SALES AND GROSS PROFIT TO PRO FORMA SALES
                                                                                            AND PRO FORMA GROSS PROFIT AND PRO FORMA GROSS MARGIN
                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                                                               
                                 March 31, 2011                                                                                  March 31, 2010
                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                           Sales as reported             $ --
                                                               Sales for Predecessor Company 
    three months ended 3/31/10            23,657
                                                                                                              Combined sales            23,657
                                                                           Sales for Gregory three months 
    ended 3/31/10             9,456
            Sales as reported         $ 39,058                                                               Pro forma sales         $ 33,113
                                                                                                                                             
                 Sales growth              18.0%                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                             
                                 March 31, 2011                                                                                  March 31, 2010
                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                    Gross profit as reported             $ --
                                                   Gross profit for Predecessor 
    Company three months ended 
    3/31/10             9,120
                                                                                                       Combined gross profit             9,120
                                                                    Gross profit for Gregory three 
    months ended 3/31/10             3,991
     Gross profit as reported         $ 15,071                                                        Pro forma gross profit         $ 13,111
                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                       Combined gross margin              38.6%
                                                                                                                                             
     Gross margin as reported              38.6%                                                        Pro forma gross margin              39.6%
 
                                                                                                                      RECONCILIATION FROM NET INCOME TO EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, 
                                                                                                                OTHER INCOME, DEPRECIATION, AND AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
                                                                                                                                                                            (in thousands)
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED                                                                                                THREE MONTHS ENDED 
                                     Consolidated 
    March 31, 2011     March 31, 
    2010     Predecessor 
    Company 
    March 31, 
    2010     Combined 
    March 31, 
    2010
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                Net income (loss)                            $ 1,168             $ (2,355)                                             $ 1,400                             $ (955)
                                                                                                                                                                                     
             Income tax provision                                 500                     --                                                  584                                  584
                       Other, net                               (418)                     --                                                (292)                                (292)
                  Interest income                                (10)                   (22)                                                    7                                 (15)
                 Interest expense                                 728                     --                                                  106                                  106
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                 Operating income                               1,968                (2,377)                                                1,805                                (572)
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                   Depreciation                                  607                     79                                                  495                                  574
      Amortization of intangibles                                 332                     --                                                    1                                    1
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                           EBITDA                            $ 2,907             $ (2,298)                                             $ 2,301                                 $ 3
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                Transaction costs                                  --                  1,509                                                   --                                1,509
             Restructuring charge                                 774                     --                                                   --                                   --
     Non-cash equity compensation                                 899                    118                                                  270                                  388
                                                                                                                                                                                     
                  Adjusted EBITDA                            $ 4,580               $ (671)                                             $ 2,571                             $ 1,900
 
                                                                                                                                                                      RECONCILIATION FROM NET INCOME TO NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS, 
                                                                                                                                                                   ADJUSTED NET INCOME BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER SHARE
                                                                                                                                                                                                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED                                                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED 
                                                         Consolidated March 31, 
    2011     Per Diluted Share     March 31, 2010     Predecessor 
    Company 
    March 31, 2010     Combined 
    March 31, 2010     Per Diluted Share
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                    Net income (loss)                            $ 1,168              $ 0.05        $ (2,355)                                        $ 1,400                        $ (955)            $ (0.06)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                          Amortization of intangibles                                 332                 0.02                --                                               1                               1                 0.00
                                       Depreciation                                  607                 0.03                79                                             495                             574                 0.03
                           Accretion of note discount                                 267                 0.01                --                                              10                              10                 0.00
               Amortization of discount on securities                                  --                   --              (11)                                              --                            (11)               (0.00)
                         Non-cash equity compensation                                 899                 0.04               118                                             270                             388                 0.02
                                 Income tax provision                                 500                 0.02                --                                             584                             584                 0.03
                        Cash paid for income taxes                                 (96)               (0.00)                --                                           (562)                           (562)               (0.03)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
              Net income (loss) before non-cash items                            $ 3,677              $ 0.17        $ (2,169)                                        $ 2,198                           $ 29              $ 0.00
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                    Transaction costs                                  --                   --             1,509                                              --                           1,509                 0.09
                                 Restructuring charge                                 774                 0.04                --                                              --                              --                   --
                      State cash taxes on adjustments                                (39)               (0.00)              (75)                                              --                            (75)               (0.00)
                        AMT cash taxes on adjustments                                (15)               (0.00)              (29)                                              --                            (29)               (0.00)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
     Adjusted net income (loss) before non-cash items                            $ 4,397              $ 0.20          $ (764)                                        $ 2,198                        $ 1,434              $ 0.09
CONTACT: Company Contact:
         Warren B. Kanders
         Executive Chairman
         Tel 203-428-2000
         warren.kanders@bdel.com
         or
         Peter Metcalf
         Chief Executive Officer
         Tel 801-278-5552
         peter.metcalf@bdel.com
         
         Investor Relations:
         Liolios Group, Inc.
         Scott Liolios or Cody Slach
         Tel 949-574-3860
         BDE@liolios.com

Image: Black Diamond, Inc. Logo

Source: Black Diamond, Inc.