Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. reported net sales of $201.6 million for the second quarter ended June 29, a decrease of 5.8 percent as compared to $214.1 million of net sales for the second quarter of 2012. The sales decrease was attributed primarily to the exit of the non-core fitness products category and lower hockey sales. Gross margin increased by 70 basis points (“bps”) to 35.7 percent from 35.0 percent.

 
 
Adjusted EBITDA exclusive of one-time severance expenses related to management changes and costs related to the exit of the lacrosse product category was $23.5 million, a decrease of $2.2 million or 8.7 percent from $25.7 million during the second quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA inclusive of the one-time expenses was $19.5 million and decreased by $6.2 million or 24.3 percent for the quarter.
 
“We are pleased with our progress to date in re-organizing our company as we prioritize strategies and resources, streamline operations and rationalize spending,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Terry Lee. “To accomplish this, we have incurred substantial one-time costs. Our financial performance when normalized for such costs reflects the strength throughout many of our businesses that is mitigated by the exit of the low-margin non-core fitness products category and challenges in our hockey business.”

Team Sports net sales decreased $11.6 million or 9.4 percent for the quarter from lower sales of Easton hockey products related to the timing of new stick launches and inflated retail inventories. This decline was dampened by single-digit growth in the football and baseball/softball businesses as Riddell continues to take market share and mitigate last year’s difficult comp related to the industry’s new ten-year helmet life policy and Easton bats continue to gain share and lead the category.
 
Action Sports net sales were relatively flat for the quarter. Bell powersports helmet sales increased 49 percent from market share gains and sales of Bell mass and Giro specialty cycling products benefited from improved weather conditions, offset by the timing of pre-season Giro snow product shipments, lower sales of Easton cycling products and the exit from the non-core fitness products category.
 
The gross margin improvement in the quarter reflects increased sales of high-margin Easton bats and Bell powersports helmets and cost savings from the transition of reconditioning operations to Mexico, partially mitigated by lower sales of higher-margin hockey sticks and football helmets.
 
Operating expenses increased $8.4 million or 15.2 percent and 578 bps as a percentage of net sales during the quarter. The increase was primarily due to the one-time severance expenses and lacrosse exit costs, and non-cash equity compensation expense for new grants. Operating expenses were flat and increased 155 bps as a percentage of net sales when excluding the one-time expenses and non-cash equity compensation expense.
 
Balance Sheet Items
Net debt totaled $370.4 million (total debt of $402.5 million less cash of $32.1 million) as of June 29, 2013, consistent with the net debt amount as of June 30, 2012. Working capital as of June 29, 2013 was $256.4 million (current assets of $442.5 million less current liabilities of $186.1 million) as compared to $277.0 million as of June 30, 2012.
 
The company continues to have substantial borrowing capacity and liquidity as of June 29, 2013, with $158.9 million of additional borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility and liquidity of $191.0 million when including $32.1 million of cash.
 
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has thirty-five facilities worldwide.

EASTON-BELL SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(Unaudited and amounts in thousands)

Fiscal Quarter Ended Two Fiscal Quarters Ended
June 29, June 30, June 29, June 30,
2013 2012 2013 2012
Net sales $ 201,581 $ 214,067 $ 409,193 $ 430,348
Cost of sales 129,709 139,232 263,823 282,339
Gross profit 71,872 74,835 145,370 148,009
Selling, general and administrative expenses 63,735 55,304 127,916 112,444
Amortization of intangibles 1,815 2,597 4,286 5,194
Income from operations 6,322 16,934 13,168 30,371
Interest expense, net 10,534 10,500 21,245 21,123
(Loss) income before income taxes (4,212 ) 6,434 (8,077 ) 9,248
Income tax (benefit) expense (4,297 ) 2,726 (6,099 ) 4,190
Net income (loss) 85 3,708 (1,978 ) 5,058
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment (2,025 ) (1,323 ) (3,548 ) (1,528 )
Comprehensive (loss) income $ (1,940 ) $ 2,385 $ (5,526 ) $ 3,530