ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Clarus Corporation (which may be referred to as the “Company,” “Clarus,” “we,” “our” or “us”), a company focused on the outdoor and consumer industries, is 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, sport and skincare markets. The Company’s products are principally sold under the Black Diamond®, Sierra®, PIEPS® and SKINourishment® brand names through specialty and online retailers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Through our Black Diamond, PIEPS, and SKINourishment brands, we offer a broad range of products including: high performance activity-based apparel (such as shells, insulation, midlayers, pants and logowear); rock-climbing footwear and equipment (such as carabiners, protection devices, harnesses, belay devices, helmets, and ice-climbing gear); technical backpacks and high-end day packs; trekking poles; headlamps and lanterns; gloves and mittens; and skincare and other sport-enhancing products. We also offer advanced skis, ski poles, ski skins, and snow safety products, including avalanche airbag systems, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes. Through our Sierra brand, we manufacture a wide range of high-performance bullets and ammunition for both rifles and pistols that are used for precision target shooting, hunting and military and law enforcement purposes.
Clarus Corporation, incorporated in Delaware in 1991, acquired Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. (which may be referred to as “Black Diamond Equipment”) and Gregory Mountain Products, LLC (which may be referred to as “Gregory Mountain Products” or “Gregory”) in May 2010 and changed its name to Black Diamond, Inc. in January 2011. In July 2012, we acquired POC Sweden AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, “POC”) and in October 2012, we acquired PIEPS Holding GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively, “PIEPS”).
On July 23, 2014, the Company completed the sale of certain assets to Samsonite LLC comprising Gregory Mountain Product’s business. On October 7, 2015, the Company sold its equity interests in POC.
On August 14, 2017, the Company changed its name from Black Diamond, Inc. to Clarus Corporation and its stock ticker symbol from “BDE” to “CLAR” on the NASDAQ stock exchange. On August 21, 2017, the Company acquired Sierra Bullets, L.L.C. (“Sierra” or “Sierra Bullets”). On November 6, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of SKINourishment, Inc. (“SKINourishment”).
On May 7, 2018, the Company announced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for Clarus’ common stock, as well as the preferred share purchase rights associated with such shares (collectively, the “Shares”). On July 11, 2018, the tender offer expired, following which the Company announced it would accept 417,237 Shares for purchase at a price of $8.00 per Share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $3,338,000, 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 of the Company’s common stock (the “Quarterly Cash Dividend”) or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. In 2018, our total Quarterly Cash Dividends were $1,488,000. On January 18, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the payment on February 8, 2019 of the Quarterly Cash Dividend to the record holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on January 29, 2019.
Market Overview
Our primary target customers are outdoor-oriented consumers who enjoy active, outdoor-focused lifestyles. The users of our products are made up of a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, including climbers, mountaineers, trail runners, skiers, backpackers and campers, competitive shooters, hunters and other outdoor-inspired consumers. We believe we have a strong reputation for style, quality, design, and durability in each of our core product lines.
As the variety of outdoor sports activities continue to grow and proliferate, and existing outdoor sports evolve and become ever more specialized, we believe other outdoor companies are failing to address the unique technical and performance needs of enthusiasts involved in such specialized activities. We believe we have been able to help address this void in the marketplace by seeking to leverage our user intimacy and improving on our existing product lines, by expanding our product offerings into new niche categories and products, and by incorporating innovative industrial design and engineering and performance tolerances into our products. We believe the credibility and authenticity of our brands expands our potential market beyond committed outdoor athletes to those outdoor generalist consumers who desire to lead active, outdoor-focused lifestyles.
Growth Strategies
Our growth strategies are to achieve sustainable, profitable growth organically while seeking to expand our business through targeted, strategic acquisitions. We intend to create innovative new products, increase consumer and retailer awareness and demand for our products, and build stronger emotional brand connections with consumers over time across a growing number of geographic markets.
Continue to Service and Grow Existing Accounts. We continue to seek to develop strong relationships with our key retail, distributor and original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) partners through a mutual respect and admiration for the sports we serve. Through our various corporate initiatives, a focus on being easy to do business with, the extension of our existing product portfolios, and an emphasis on quality, on-time deliveries, brand awareness and marketing, we plan to grow our existing accounts as well as foster new relationships.
Broaden Distribution Footprint. We believe there is a significant opportunity to expand the presence and penetration of each of our brands outside of the U.S. market. The European alpine market is currently significantly larger than the U.S. market and is highly fragmented by country, with no clear leader across Europe. We have been able to gain market share by emphasizing our Black Diamond brand, positioning it as a global brand with American roots and PIEPS as a global brand with European roots. We believe there is also a significant opportunity to expand our Sierra brand more extensively outside the U.S. market through additional sales and marketing investments.
New Product Development and Innovation. To drive organic growth within our existing businesses, we intend to leverage our strong brand names, customer relationships, proven capacity to develop new innovative products and product extensions in each of our existing product categories, and to expand into new product categories. Our new technologies are generally inspired by our continuing commitment to maximize the enjoyment and efficacy of the products for the outdoor sports for which we design.
Acquisition of Complementary Businesses. We expect to target acquisitions as a viable opportunity to gain access to new product groups, customer channels, and increase penetration of existing markets. We may also pursue acquisitions that diversify the Company within the outdoor and consumer markets. To the extent we pursue future acquisitions, we intend to focus on “super-fan” businesses with leading brands, recurring revenue, sustainable margins and strong cash flow. We anticipate financing future acquisitions prudently through a combination of cash on hand, operating cash flow, bank financings and new capital markets offerings.
Competitive Strengths
Authentic Portfolio of Iconic Brands. We believe that our brands are iconic among devoted, active-outdoor enthusiasts with a strong reputation for innovation, style, quality, design, safety and durability. Our Black Diamond brand traces its roots to 1957 and has continuously been synonymous with the sports it serves. Our PIEPS brand traces its history to 1967 and has come to represent premium alpine performance in emergency situations. Our Sierra brand was founded in 1947 and we believe represents the most precise and accurate bullets available for the shooting enthusiast. Our SKINourishment brand was founded in 2012, providing purpose-driven synthetic-free skincare products. Our brands also appeal to everyday customers seeking high quality products for outdoor or urban and suburban living. Our focus on innovation, safety and style differentiates us from our competitors.
Black Diamond Equipment: Black Diamond Equipment is a global innovator in climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment. The brand is synonymous with innovation, performance, safety and durability. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond products are created and tested locally on its alpine peaks, slopes, crags and trails. Black Diamond's products are sold in approximately 50 countries around the world.
In 2018, Black Diamond Equipment received over 75 editorial product awards. Its MomentumTM climbing shoe featuring engineered knit technology earned Best in Gear from Rock and Ice Magazine. Also from its climbing category, Black Diamond’s Camalot® UltralightTM belay stoppers, Offset Stoppers, SolutionTM harness, ATC® PilotTM belay and Half DomeTM helmet earned editorial awards from North America climbing media. For Fall 2018, Black Diamond Equipment’s ski category was recognized with over twenty editorial awards including its new Boundary® Pro 107, Boundary® Pro 115, HelioTM 116 and HelioTM 105 skis. Notably, Black Diamond was recognized by ISPO with two ISPO Gold awards for its JetForce® Pro Pack and Solano Glove. Black Diamond’s JetForce® Pro Pack also won an Innovation Award at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2018 in Denver, Colorado.
PIEPS: Headquartered in Lebring, Steiermark, Austria, PIEPS is widely recognized as an innovator and technology leader in beacon technology (having created the modern avalanche transceiver) and avalanche safety equipment. PIEPS offers a focused range of premium avalanche safety products, including transceivers and probes, shovels, related equipment, and packs. PIEPS is the official safety partner of the Association of Austrian Mountain and Ski Guides. PIEPS played a key partnership role with Black Diamond Equipment in development of the new JetForce® avalanche airbag and Bluetooth beacon technology platforms. Most recently in Fall 2018, PIEPS, along with Black Diamond Equipment, earned Gear of the Year honors for its newest avalanche beacon, the ReconTM BT, from SKI Magazine.
Sierra: Sierra is an iconic American manufacturer of bullets. Based in Sedalia, Missouri since 1990, Sierra manufactures a wide range of high-performance bullets and ammunition for both rifles and pistols. Sierra bullets are used for precision target shooting, hunting and military and law enforcement purposes.
SKINourishment: SKINourishment offers organic, 100% food-grade, plant-based skin products that are safe, effective, cruelty-free, non-GMO, vegetarian, vegan and some are gluten free. Its synthetic-free skincare products are made with food grade ingredients and effective for adults, children and animals, and uses renewable resources. Its products are sold under four brands-climbOn®, crossFIXE®, POLYN® and POLYN® Baby.
Strong Base of Business. Our outdoor products business benefits from a strong reputation for paradigm changing, high quality, innovative products that make us a leader in the outdoor industry with particular strength in product categories such as climbing, skiing, mountaineering and shooting. Underlying our innovative product lines is a strong stable of intellectual property, with multiple patents and patent applications, as well as valuable brands and trademarks. In addition, our user intimacy, strong retailer partnerships, operations and execution acumen and leadership as a champion in the access, education, and stewardship issues that affect our customers contribute to the robustness of our business.
Product Innovation and Development Capabilities. We have a long history of technical innovation and product development, with over 100 patents and patents pending worldwide. Our employees’ passion and intimacy with our core outdoor activities fosters new and innovative ideas and products, which we believe provides a significant advantage that will drive our Company to new levels. We seek to design products that enhance our customers’ personal performance as they participate in the activities we serve. We integrate quality assurance and quality control teams throughout the entire design process to maintain the quality and integrity that our brands are known for. We believe that our vertically integrated design, development process and enthusiastic employee base provide us with a unique competitive advantage to continue to drive future innovation for our Company and the markets we serve.
Diversified Portfolio by Product, Geography and Channel. Our business is highly diversified across products, geographies, and channels. We operate a multi-brand business with Black Diamond, Sierra, PIEPS, and SKINourishment branded products spanning 30 single product categories addressing four primary categories of climbing, skiing, mountain, and sport. Our bullet product line is the only single product category that accounts for more than 15% of annual sales for the year ended December 31, 2018. This provides seasonal diversification with a balance of sales across both the fall/winter and spring/summer sports seasons. Our brands are truly global with approximately 47% of our sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 generated outside the United States in over 50 countries. We believe that our product, geographic, and distribution channel diversity allows us to maximize the reach of our brand portfolio while reducing the risk associated with any single product category or point of distribution.
Experienced and Incentivized Senior Management Team. The members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers, including Mr. Warren Kanders, are substantial stockholders of the Company, and beneficially own approximately 27% of our outstanding common stock as of February 27, 2019, which we believe aligns the interests of our Board of Directors and our executive officers with that of our stockholders.
Growth-oriented Capital Structure. Our capital structure provides us with the capacity to fund future growth and our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards are expected to offset our net taxable income, which is expected to allow us to retain cash flow for future growth.
Operating Segments
As a result of our August 21, 2017 acquisition of Sierra, we now operate our business structure within two segments. These segments are defined based on the internal financial reporting used by management. Certain significant selling and general and administrative expenses are not allocated to the segments. Each segment is described below:
·Black Diamond segment, which includes Black Diamond Equipment, PIEPS, and SKINourishment is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative outdoor engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, mountaineering, trail running, backpacking, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor recreation activities. Black Diamond segment offers a broad range of products including: high performance activity-based apparel (such as shells, insulation, midlayers, pants and logowear); rock-climbing footwear and equipment (such as carabiners, protection devices, harnesses, belay devices, helmets, and ice-climbing gear); technical backpacks and high-end day packs; trekking poles; headlamps and lanterns; gloves and mittens; and skincare and other sport-enhancing products. We also offer advanced skis, ski poles, ski skins, and snow safety products, including avalanche airbag systems, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes.
·Sierra segment, which includes Sierra, is an iconic American manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance bullets and ammunition for both rifles and pistols. These bullets are used for precision target shooting, hunting and military and law enforcement purposes.
See Note 16 to our consolidated and combined financial statements for financial information regarding our segments.
Products
Our products span 30 single product categories and include a wide variety of technical outdoor equipment and lifestyle products for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, including climbers, mountaineers, trail runners, skiers, backpackers and campers, competitive shooters, hunters and other outdoor-inspired consumers. We design many of our products for extreme applications, such as high-altitude mountaineering, ice and rock climbing, as well as backcountry skiing and alpine touring. We also manufacturer high quality bullets and ammunition with the tightest tolerances in the industry that enhance the performance of competitive shooters and hunters. Generally, we divide our product offerings into the following four primary categories:
·Climb: Our climb line consists of apparel, footwear, and equipment such as belay/rappel devices, bouldering products, carabiners, climbing packs, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, protection devices, a bouldering line of technical apparel, and various other climbing accessories and skincare products. Our climb line represented approximately 30% of our sales during the year ended December 31, 2018.
·Mountain: Our mountain line consists of apparel, gloves, packs, headlamps, lights, tents, trekking poles, and various other hiking and mountaineering accessories. Our mountain line represented approximately 34% of our sales during the year ended December 31, 2018.
·Ski: Our ski line consists of technical apparel, avalanche airbags, packs, bindings, poles, skis, snow gloves, avalanche safety devices, and other skiing accessories. Our ski line represented approximately 19% of our sales during the year ended December 31, 2018.
·Sport: Our sport line consists of premium quality high-precision bullets and ammunition used in competitive shooting, hunting and other applications and environments. Our sport line represented approximately 17% of our sales during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Product Design and Development
We conduct our product research and design activities at our locations in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sedalia, Missouri, Lebring, Austria, and Wimberly, Texas, and conduct product evaluations at our offices located in Innsbruck, Austria.
We typically bring new products from concept to market in approximately 18 to 36 months depending upon the technology integration and complexity of the product. We work simultaneously on product lines for the four subsequent selling seasons.
We expense research and development costs as incurred in selling, general, and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2018, we had 71 employees dedicated to research and development.
Customers
We market and distribute our products in over 50 countries, primarily through independent specialty stores and specialty chains, premium sporting goods and outdoor recreation stores, distributors and OEMs in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and South America. Outside of North America and Europe, we sell our products through independent global distributors into specialty retail stores. We also sell our products directly to customers through our various websites.
Our end users include a broad range of consumers, including mountain, rock, ice, and gym climbers, winter-outdoor enthusiasts, trail runners, backpackers, competitive shooters, hunters, and outdoor-inspired consumers. Such consumers demand high-quality, reliable, and high-precision products to enhance their performance and, in some cases, safety in a multitude of outdoor activities. We expect to leverage our user intimacy, engineering prowess, and design ability to expand into related technical product categories that target the same demographic group and distribution channels.
During 2018, REI accounted for approximately 12% of our sales. The loss of this customer could have a material adverse effect on us.
Sales and Marketing
Our sales force is generally deployed by geographic region: Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the United States. Our focus is on providing our products to a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts. Within each of our brands, we strive to create a unique look for our products and to communicate those differences to the consumer. In addition, we are continuously exploring uses for brand and market research. We also regularly utilize various promotions and public relations campaigns.
We have consistently established relationships with professional athletes and influencers to help evaluate, promote and establish product performance and authenticity with customers. Such brand endorsers are one of many elements in our array of marketing materials, including instore displays, brochures and on our websites.
Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality Assurance and Distribution
Manufacturing
Our objective is to deliver high quality products on-time, in the most cost-efficient manner, and to support innovation to market. To achieve this, everyone in the organization is involved to continuously improve how we operate.
The Black Diamond Equipment and PIEPS manufacturing and distribution operations are ISO 9001-2015 certified and are audited annually by an independent certifying agency to ensure Black Diamond Equipment’s and PIEPS’ quality management systems meet the requirements of ISO 9001-2015, and to ensure that Black Diamond Equipment’s and PIEPS’ certified products meet all necessary performance certification requirements. Sierra employs a best-in-class proprietary manufacturing process with respect to each one of its products. This process is performed in house and includes control of bullet jacket wall concentricity utilizing strict quality control standards overseen by experienced employees, yielding what we believe to be the tightest tolerances in the industry.
We manufacture approximately 25% to 30% of our products, including nearly all climbing hard goods and bullets, in our facilities in the United States. The remaining approximately 70% to 75% of our products are also manufactured to our specifications in third-party, independently-owned facilities. We keep employees and agents on-site or via regular visits at these third-party, independently owned facilities to ensure that our products are manufactured to meet our specifications. While we do not maintain a long-term manufacturing contract with those facilities, we believe that our long-term relationships with them will help to ensure that a sufficient supply of goods built to our specification are available in a timely manner and on satisfactory economic terms in the future.
Sourcing
We source raw materials and components from a variety of suppliers. Our primary raw materials include copper, lead, aluminum, steel, nylon, corrugated cardboard for packaging, metal, plastic and electrical components, and various textiles, foams, and fabrics. The raw materials and components used to manufacture our products are generally available from numerous suppliers in quantities sufficient to meet normal requirements.
We source packaging materials both domestically as well as from sources in Asia and Europe. We believe that all of our purchased products and materials could be readily obtained from alternative sources at comparable costs.
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance at the Company has two primary functions:
·The first is to ensure that the products that we design and develop are manufactured to meet or exceed the Company’s own standards and international regulatory standards. This involves creating inspection documentation, reviewing manufacturing processes with our various vendor-partners, and inspecting finished product to assure it meets the rigorous standards required by our customers. These activities take place globally, wherever our products are manufactured.
·The second function is to provide real and meaningful input to the new product development process. Quality assurance professionals interact closely with the design and engineering teams and bring knowledge and expertise to the design process, ensuring that the products we bring to market truly meet the criteria established when a new product is envisioned.
The engineering prowess of the quality assurance group is a core competency that the Company seeks to leverage across all product lines and brands.
Global Distribution
Our distribution model allows us to ship a broad cross-section of our product line in smaller quantities to our own global distribution centers and to those of our Independent Global Distributors (IGD) more frequently and at lower transportation and logistics costs.
Competition
Because of the diversity of our product offerings, we compete by niche with a variety of companies. Our products must stand up to the high standards set by the end users in each category where quality, durability and performance are paramount. We believe our products compete favorably on the basis of product innovation, product performance, marketing support, and price.
The popularity of various outdoor activities and changing design trends affect the desirability of our products. Therefore, we seek to anticipate and respond to trends and shifts in consumer preferences by adjusting the mix of available product offerings by developing new products with innovative performance features and designs, and by marketing our products in a persuasive and memorable fashion to drive consumer awareness and demand. Failure to anticipate or respond to consumer needs and preferences in a timely and adequate manner could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability.
We compete with niche, privately-owned companies as well as a number of brands owned by large multinational companies, such as those set forth below.
·Climb: Our climbing products and accessories, such as apparel, footwear, protection, carabiners, helmets, and harnesses, compete with products from companies such as La Sportiva, Prana, Patagonia, Petzl, CAMP, EDELRID, and Mammut.
·Mountain: Our mountaineering products and accessories, such as backpacks, trekking poles, headlamps, and tents, compete with products from companies such as Petzl, Deuter, Leki, Komperdell, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Osprey, Sierra Designs, and The North Face.
·Ski: Our skiing products and accessories, such as technical apparel, skis, poles, avalanche airbags and transceivers, compete with products from competitors such as Arc’Teryx, Backcountry Access, Dynafit (Salewa), Atomic, Mammut, Marker, Ortovox, Salomon, Scarpa, Scott, and Volkl.
·Sport: We sell both bullets and ammunition to both retailers and distributors for sale to consumers but also supply bullets to OEMs who also sometimes manufacture bullets as well. Such companies include Vista, Nammo, Hornady, Fiocchi, Olin, and Remington.
In addition, in certain categories we compete with certain of our large wholesale customers who focus on the outdoor market, such as REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op and Decathlon, which manufacture, market and distribute their own climbing, mountaineering, and skiing products under their own private labels.
Intellectual Property
We believe our registered and pending word and icon trademarks worldwide, including the Black Diamond and Diamond “C” logos, Black Diamond®, ATC ®, Camalot®, AvaLung ®, FlickLock®, Ascension™, Time is Life®, Hexentric®, Stopper®, Dawn Patrol®, Bibler®, “Use.Design.Build.Engineer.Repeat”™, Sierra®, Sierra® MatchKing®, Sierra® GameKing®, Sierra® BlitzKing® and PIEPS®, create international brand recognition for our products.
Solely for convenience, our trademarks and tradenames referred to in this report may appear without the ® and ™ symbols, but those references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights, or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and tradenames.
We believe our brands have an established reputation for high quality, design, performance, reliability, and value, and accordingly, we actively monitor and police our brands against infringement to ensure their viability and enforceability.
In addition to trademarks, we hold over 100 patents and patents pending worldwide for a wide variety of technologies across our product lines.
Our success with our proprietary products is generally derived from our “first mover” advantage in the market as well as our commitment to protecting our current and future proprietary technologies and products, which acts as a deterrent to infringement of our intellectual property rights. While we believe our patent and trademark protection policies are robust and effective, if we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market products similar to ours. Our principal intellectual property rights include our patents and trademarks but also include products containing proprietary trade secrets and manufacturing know-how.
We cannot be sure that we will receive patents for any of our patent applications or that any existing or future patents that we receive or license will provide competitive advantages for our products. While we actively monitor our competitors to ensure that we do not compromise the intellectual property of others, we cannot be sure that competitors will not challenge, invalidate or void the application of any existing or future patents that we receive or license. In addition, patent rights may not prevent our competitors from developing, using or selling products that are in similar product niches as ours.
Seasonality
The Company’s products are outdoor activity-based, which results in seasonal variations in sales and profitability. On a calendar year basis, we generally experience our greatest sales in the first and second quarters for certain of our products including rock climbing gear, packs and tents, and in the third and fourth quarters for our ski, glove and ice climbing products. Sales of these products may be negatively affected by unfavorable weather conditions and other market trends. The fall/winter season represents approximately 53% of our sales while spring/summer represents approximately 47% of our sales. Sales of other products such as headlamps, lanterns, trekking poles and bullets are generally balanced throughout the year.
Working capital requirements vary throughout the year. Working capital increases during the second and fourth quarters of the year as inventory builds to support peak shipping periods and then decreases during the first and third quarters of the year as those inventories are sold and accounts receivable are collected.
Environmental Matters
Our operations are subject to federal, state, and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those that impose workplace standards and regulate the discharge of pollutants into the environment and establish standards for the handling, generation, emission, release, discharge, treatment, storage, and disposal of materials and substances including solid and hazardous wastes. We believe that we are in material compliance with such laws and regulations. Further, the cost of maintaining compliance has not, and we believe in the future, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition. Due to the nature of our operations and the frequently changing nature of environmental compliance standards and technology, we cannot predict with any certainty that future material capital or operating expenditures will not be required in order to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018, we had over 500 employees worldwide. We have not experienced any work stoppages or employee-related slowdowns and believe that our relationship with employees is satisfactory.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The executive officers of our Company as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:
Warren B. Kanders, 61, our Executive Chairman, has served as one of our directors since June 2002 and as Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors since December 2002. Since 1990, Mr. Kanders has served as the President of Kanders & Company, Inc., a private investment firm principally owned and controlled by Mr. Kanders, which makes investments in and provides consulting services to public and private entities. From January 1996 until its sale to BAE Systems plc on July 31, 2007, Mr. Kanders served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and from April 2003 as the Chief Executive Officer, of Armor Holdings, Inc., formerly a New York Stock Exchange-listed company and a manufacturer and supplier of military vehicles, armored vehicles, and safety and survivability products and systems to the aerospace and defense, public safety, homeland security, and commercial markets. Mr. Kanders received an A.B. degree in Economics from Brown University.
John C. Walbrecht, 51, has served as the President of the Company since October 2017, and President of BDEL since October 2016. Before joining the Company, Mr. Walbrecht served as the President of Mountain Hardwear from March 2016 to October 2016. Prior to Mountain Hardwear, Mr. Walbrecht served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Fenix Outdoors NA from January 2012 until March 2016. Mr. Walbrecht has also served in various senior roles with Brandbase, Spyder, Dr. Martens/Airwair, and Timberland. Mr. Walbrecht holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Brigham Young University, a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Maryland and understudies in International Trade and Finance at Cambridge University - Trinity College.
Aaron J. Kuehne, 40, has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, since 2013 and as our Chief Administrative Officer since May 2016. Mr. Kuehne previously served as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer, in addition to serving as its Vice President of Finance, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Before joining the Company in September 2010, Mr. Kuehne served as the Corporate Controller of Certiport from August 2009 to September 2010. From July 2004 to August 2009, Mr. Kuehne served in various capacities with KPMG LLP, most recently as Audit Manager. Mr. Kuehne graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business in 2002 and with an M.B.A. degree from University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business in 2004.
Available Information
Our Internet address is www.claruscorp.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, and the proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with respect to our equity securities under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are also available on our website. All of the foregoing materials are located at the ‘‘SEC Filings’’ tab under the section titled “Investor Relations.” The information found on our website shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this report into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. In addition, you may request a copy of any such materials, without charge, by submitting a written request to: Clarus Corporation, c/o the Secretary, 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. The contents of the websites identified above are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our business, because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. As a result of the risk factors set forth below, actual results could differ materially from those mentioned in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. If any of the following risks occur, our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition, and the price of our common stock, could be materially adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Industry
Many of the products we sell are used for inherently risky outdoor pursuits and could give rise to product liability or product warranty claims and other loss contingencies, which could affect our earnings and financial condition.
Many of our products are used in applications and situations that involve high levels of risk of personal injury and death. As a result, we maintain a staff who focus on the appropriate disclaimers and markings and testing and seek to assure the quality and safety of our products. We stay current with the law to seek to provide thorough and protective disclaimers and instructions on all of our products and packaging. Furthermore, our technical climbing and avalanche safety equipment and our related operations meet and are certified to International Personal Protective Equipment (PP) standards set by the EEC or ISO 9001 quality system standards. Failure to use our products for their intended purposes, failure to use or care for them properly, or their malfunction, or, in some limited circumstances, even correct use of our products, could result in serious bodily injury or death.
We remain exposed to product liability claims by the nature of the products we produce. Exposure occurs if one of our products is alleged to have resulted in property damage, bodily injury or other adverse effects. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product or activities associated with the product, negligence, strict liability, and a breach of warranties. Although we maintain product liability insurance in amounts that we believe are reasonable, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain such insurance on acceptable terms, if at all, in the future or that product liability claims will not exceed the amount of insurance coverage. Additionally, we do not maintain product recall insurance. As a result, product recalls or product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As a manufacturer and distributor of consumer products, we are subject to the Consumer Products Safety Act, which empowers the Consumer Products Safety Commission to exclude from the market products that are found to be unsafe or hazardous. Under certain circumstances, the Consumer Products Safety Commission could require us to repurchase or recall one or more of our products. Additionally, laws regulating certain consumer products exist in some cities and states, as well as in other countries in which we sell our products, and more restrictive laws and regulations may be adopted in the future. Any repurchase or recall of our products could be costly to us and could damage our reputation. If we were required to remove, or we voluntarily removed, our products from the market, our reputation could be tarnished and we might have large quantities of finished products that we could not sell.
We spend substantial resources ensuring compliance with governmental and other applicable standards. However, compliance with these standards does not necessarily prevent individual or class action lawsuits, which can entail significant cost and risk. We do not maintain insurance against many types of claims involving alleged defects in our products that do not involve personal injury or property damage. As a result, these types of claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Our product liability insurance program is an occurrence-based program based on our current and historical claims experience and the availability and cost of insurance. We carry both general and umbrella liability policies that insure us for product liability claims. The policy has a small retention, which enables us to manage and control our product liability claims. Historically, product liability awards have not exceeded our individual per occurrence self-insured retention. We cannot assure you, however, that our future product liability experience will be consistent with our past experience.
A substantial portion of our sales and gross profit is derived from a small number of large customers, none of whom are contractually obligated to continue buying our products. The loss of any of these customers could substantially reduce our profits.
A customer accounts for a significant portion of revenues. In the year ended December 31, 2018, REI accounted for approximately 12% of sales. Sales are generally on a purchase order basis, and we do not have long-term agreements with any of our customers. A decision by any of our major customers to decrease significantly the number of products purchased from us could substantially reduce sales and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, in recent years, the retail industry has experienced consolidation and other ownership changes. In the future, retailers may further consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, realign their affiliations or reposition their stores’ target market. These developments could result in a reduction in the number of stores that carry our products, increased ownership concentration within the retail industry, increased credit exposure, and increased retailer leverage over their suppliers. These changes could impact our opportunities in the market and increase our reliance on a smaller number of large customers.
We are subject to risks related to our dependence on the strength of retail economies in various parts of the world and our performance may be affected by general economic conditions.
Our business depends on the strength of the retail economies in various parts of the world, primarily in North America, Europe and to a lesser extent, Asia, Central and South America. These retail economies are affected primarily by factors such as consumer demand and the condition of the retail industry, which, in turn, are affected by general economic conditions and specific events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and political unrest. The impact of these external factors is difficult to predict, and one or more of the factors could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Purchases of many consumer products are discretionary and tend to be highly correlated with the cycles of the levels of disposable income of consumers. As a result, any substantial deterioration in general economic conditions could adversely affect consumer discretionary spending patterns, our sales, and our results of operations. In particular, decreased consumer confidence or a reduction in discretionary income as a result of unfavorable macroeconomic conditions may negatively affect our business. If the macroeconomic environment worsens, consumers may reduce or delay their purchases of our products. Any such reduction in purchases could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Changes in the retail industry and markets for consumer products affecting our customers or retailing practices could negatively impact existing customer relationships and our results of operations.
We sell our products to retailers, including sporting goods and specialty retailers, as well as direct to consumers. A significant deterioration in the financial condition of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. We regularly monitor and evaluate the credit status of our customers and attempt to adjust sales terms as appropriate. Despite these efforts, a bankruptcy filing by a key customer could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In addition, as a result of the desire of retailers to more closely manage inventory levels, there is a growing trend among retailers to make purchases on a “just-in-time” basis. This requires us to shorten our lead time for production in certain cases and more closely anticipate demand, which could in the future require us to carry additional inventories.
We may be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our retailer customers, such as inventory destocking, limitations on access to and time on shelf space, use of private label brands, price demands, payment terms, and other conditions, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
There is a growing trend among retailers in the U.S. and in foreign markets to undergo changes that could decrease the number of stores that carry our products or increase the concentration of ownership within the retail industry, including:
·consolidating their operations;
·undergoing restructurings or store closings;
·undergoing reorganizations; or
·realigning their affiliations.
These consolidations could result in a shift of bargaining power to the retail industry and in fewer outlets for our products. Further consolidations could result in price and other competition that could reduce our margins and our net sales.
Seasonality and weather conditions may cause our operating results to vary from quarter to quarter.
Sales of certain of our products are seasonal. Sales of our outdoor recreation products such as carabineers, harnesses, and related climbing equipment products increase during warm weather months and decrease during winter, while sales of our apparel line and winter sports equipment such as our skis and related ski equipment increase during the cold weather months and decrease during summer. Weather conditions may also negatively impact sales. For instance, milder temperatures could prevent the formation of ice, which may negatively affect demand for our ice climbing products, and mild winter weather with less snowfall may negatively impact sales of our winter sports products. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Our results of operations could be materially harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast demand for our products.
We often schedule internal production and place orders for products with independent manufacturers before our customers’ orders are firm. Therefore, if we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of product to deliver to our customers. Factors that could affect our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products include:
·an increase or decrease in consumer demand for our products or for products of our competitors;
·our failure to accurately forecast customer acceptance of new products;
·new product introductions by competitors;
·unanticipated changes in general market conditions or other factors, which may result in cancellations of orders or a reduction or increase in the rate of reorders placed by retailers;
·weak economic conditions or consumer confidence, which could reduce demand for discretionary items such as our products; and
·terrorism or acts of war, or the threat of terrorism or acts of war, which could adversely affect consumer confidence and spending or interrupt production and distribution of product and raw materials.
Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. On the other hand, if we underestimate demand for our products, our manufacturing facilities or third party manufacturers may not be able to produce products to meet customer requirements, and this could result in delays in the shipment of products and lost revenues, as well as damage to our reputation and customer relationships. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage inventory levels to exactly meet future order and reorder requirements.
Competition in our industries may hinder our ability to execute our business strategy, achieve profitability, or maintain relationships with existing customers.
We operate in a highly competitive industry. In this industry, we compete against numerous other domestic and foreign companies. Competition in the markets in which we operate is based primarily on product quality, product innovation, price, and customer service and support, although the degree and nature of such competition vary by location and product line. Some of our competitors are more established in their industries and have substantially greater revenue or resources than we do. Our competitors may take actions to match new product introductions and other initiatives. Since many of our competitors also source their products from third parties, our ability to obtain a cost advantage through sourcing is reduced. Certain of our competitors may be willing to reduce prices and accept lower profit margins to compete with us. Further, retailers often demand that suppliers reduce their prices on existing products. Competition could cause price reductions, reduced profits or losses or loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
To compete effectively in the future in the consumer products industry, among other things, we must:
·maintain strict quality standards;
·develop new and innovative products that appeal to consumers;
·deliver products on a reliable basis at competitive prices;
·anticipate and respond to changing consumer trends in a timely manner;
·maintain favorable brand recognition; and
·provide effective marketing support.
Our inability to do any of these things could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to expand existing or develop new customer relationships, our ability to grow our business will be impaired.
Our growth depends to a significant degree upon our ability to expand existing relationships with current customers or develop new customer relationships. We cannot guarantee that new customers will be found, that any such new relationships will be successful when we do get them, or that business with current customers will increase. Failure to develop and expand such relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market products similar to ours, which could adversely affect our market share and results of operations.
Our success with our proprietary products depends, in part, on our ability to protect our current and future technologies and products and to defend our intellectual property rights. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market products similar to ours. Our principal intellectual property rights include our trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.
We hold numerous patents for the invention of new or improved technologies, which are known as utility patents, and pending patent applications covering a wide variety of products. We cannot be sure that we will receive patents for any of our patent applications or that any existing or future patents that we receive or license will provide competitive advantages for our products. We also cannot be sure that competitors will not challenge, invalidate or avoid the application of any existing or future patents that we receive or license. In addition, patent rights may not prevent our competitors from developing, using or selling products that are similar or functionally equivalent to our products.
Third parties may have patents, or may be awarded new patents, that may materially adversely affect our ability to market, distribute and sell our products. Accordingly, our products, including, but not limited to, our technical climbing and backpack products, may become subject to patent infringement claims or litigation, any adverse determination of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Changes in foreign, cultural, political, and financial market conditions could impair our international operations and financial performance.
Some of our operations are conducted or products are sold in countries where economic growth has slowed, such as Japan, or where economies have suffered economic, social and/or political instability or hyperinflation, including, for example, the uncertainty related to the United Kingdom’s June 2016 vote to leave the European Union (commonly known as “Brexit”). Negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union regarding Brexit are ongoing and set to expire in 2019, unless otherwise extended, and may have an impact on our business, particularly in the United Kingdom and in Europe. Furthermore, events such as Brexit and political uncertainty around the effects of current or future ‘trade wars’ may create global economic uncertainty, which may cause consumers to reduce their spending.
Additionally, some of our operations are conducted or products are sold in countries where the ability to repatriate funds has been delayed or impaired in recent years. Current government economic and fiscal policies, including stimulus measures and currency exchange rates and controls in these economies may not be sustainable and, as a result, our sales or profits related to those countries may decline.
The economies of other foreign countries important to our operations, including other countries in Asia and Europe, could also suffer slower economic growth or economic, social and/or political instability or hyperinflation in the future. International operations, including manufacturing and sourcing operations (and the international operations of our customers), are subject to inherent risks which could adversely affect us, including, among other things:
·protectionist policies restricting or impairing the manufacturing, sales or import and export of our products;
·new restrictions on access to markets;
·lack of developed infrastructure;
·inflation or recession;
·devaluations or fluctuations in the value of currencies;
·changes in and the burdens and costs of compliance with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including tax laws, accounting standards, environmental laws and occupational health and safety laws;
·social, political or economic instability;
·acts of war and terrorism;
·natural disasters or other crises;
·reduced protection of intellectual property rights in some countries;
·increases in duties and taxation; and
·restrictions on transfer of funds and/or exchange of currencies; expropriation of assets; and other adverse changes in policies, including monetary, tax and/or lending policies, relating to foreign investment or foreign trade by our host countries.
Should any of these risks occur, our ability to sell or export our products or repatriate profits could be impaired and we could experience a loss of sales and profitability from our international operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
If we cannot continue to develop new products in a timely manner, and at favorable margins, we may not be able to compete effectively.
We believe that our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to continue to introduce innovative design extensions for our existing products and to develop, manufacture, and market new products. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in the introduction, manufacturing, and marketing of any new products or product innovations, or develop and introduce, in a timely manner, innovations to our existing products that satisfy customer needs or achieve market acceptance. Our failure to develop new products and introduce them successfully and in a timely manner, and at favorable margins, would harm our ability to successfully grow our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Our operating results can be adversely affected by changes in the cost or availability of raw materials.
Pricing and availability of raw materials for use in our businesses can be volatile due to numerous factors beyond our control, including general, domestic, and international economic conditions, labor costs, production levels, competition, consumer demand, import duties, and tariffs and currency exchange rates. This volatility can significantly affect the availability and cost of raw materials for us, and may therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
During periods of rising prices of raw materials, there can be no assurance that we will be able to pass any portion of such increases on to customers. Conversely, when raw material prices decline, customer demands for lower prices could result in lower sale prices and, to the extent we have existing inventory, lower margins. We currently do not hedge against our exposure to changing raw material prices. As a result, fluctuations in raw material prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Supply shortages or changes in availability for any particular type of raw material can delay production or cause increases in the cost of manufacturing our products. We may be negatively affected by changes in availability and pricing of raw materials, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
Our operations in international markets, and earnings in those markets, may be affected by legal, regulatory, political, and economic risks.
Our ability to maintain the current level of operations in our existing international markets and to capitalize on growth in existing and new international markets is subject to risks associated with international operations. These include the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, new tariffs or other barriers to some international markets. For example, any future withdrawal or renegotiation of trade agreements, and the prosecution of trade disputes or the imposition of tariffs, duties, taxes and other charges on imports or exports between the United States and countries like China may adversely affect our ability to operate our business and execute our growth strategy. In addition, it may be more difficult for us to enforce agreements, collect receivables, receive dividends and repatriate earnings through foreign legal systems.
We cannot predict whether quotas, duties, taxes, exchange controls or other restrictions will be imposed by the United States, China, or other countries upon the import or export of our products and the commodities and components used to manufacture our products, or what effect any of these actions would have on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot predict whether there might be changes in our ability to repatriate earnings or capital from international jurisdictions. Changes in regulatory and geopolitical policies and other factors may adversely affect our business or may require us to modify our current business practices.
Approximately 47% of our sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 were earned in international markets. We are exposed to risks of changes in U.S. policy for companies having business operations outside the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We use foreign suppliers and manufacturing facilities for a significant portion of our raw materials and finished products, and disruptions to international trade, such as potential ‘trade wars,’ pose a risk to our business operations.
A majority of our products sold were produced by and purchased from independent manufacturers primarily located in Asia and Eastern Europe, with substantially all of the remainder produced by our manufacturing facility located in Utah. Although no single supplier and no one country controls a majority of our production needs, any of the following could materially and adversely affect our ability to produce or deliver our products and, as a result, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations:
·political or labor instability in countries where our facilities, contractors, and suppliers are located;
·political or military conflict, which could cause a delay in the transportation of raw materials and products to us and an increase in transportation costs;
·heightened terrorism security concerns, which could subject imported or exported goods to additional, more frequent or more lengthy inspections, leading to delays in deliveries or impoundment of goods for extended periods or could result in decreased scrutiny by customs officials for counterfeit goods, leading to lost sales, increased costs for our anti-counterfeiting measures and damage to the reputation of our brands;
·disease epidemics and health-related concerns, such as the H1N1 virus, bird flu, SARS, mad cow, and hoof-and-mouth disease outbreaks in recent years, which could result in closed factories, reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials, and scrutiny or embargo of our goods produced in infected areas;
·imposition of regulations and quotas relating to imports and our ability to adjust timely to changes in trade regulations, which, among other things, could limit our ability to produce products in cost-effective countries that have the labor and expertise needed;
·imposition of tariffs, duties, taxes and other charges on imports and/or exports; and
·imposition or the repeal of laws that affect intellectual property rights.
In addition, the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States on certain imported products, and the retaliatory imposition by certain other countries of tariffs on certain U.S. products imported into such countries, could result in the escalation of tariffs or other restrictions on trade between such countries. Any ‘trade war’ that arises, including one arising from the events discussed above, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to foreign, national, state, and local laws and regulations for environmental, employment, safety, and other matters. The costs of compliance with, or the violation of, such laws and regulations by us or by independent suppliers who manufacture products for us could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Numerous governmental agencies in the United States and in other countries in which we have operations, enforce comprehensive national, state, and local laws and regulations on a wide range of environmental, employment, health, safety, and other matters. We could be adversely affected by costs of compliance or violations of those laws and regulations. In addition, the costs of products purchased by us from independent contractors could increase due to the costs of compliance by those contractors. Further, violations of such laws and regulations could affect the availability of inventory, thereby affecting our net sales.
Changes in governmental regulation, legislation or public opinion regarding the manufacture and sale of bullets, or the possession and use of firearms and ammunition, could adversely affect our Sierra segment and overall financial results.
The manufacture and sale of bullets by our Sierra segment, and the possession and use of firearms and ammunition by our customers, is subject to significant governmental regulation. We hold all licenses necessary for the legal manufacture and sale of our bullets. However, federal, state or local legislatures may enact further legislation regarding the manufacture and sale of bullets, and the possession and use of firearms and ammunition by our customers, such as point-of-sale background checks, age and other restrictions on ammunition purchases or further licensing of ammunition dealers. Such legislation, if enacted, could materially and adversely affect the sale of bullets that we manufacture.
The manufacture and sale of bullets, and the possession and use of firearms and ammunition, is also the subject of significant public interest and debate. If public opinion should worsen, it may lead to boycotts of certain of our products and decreased demand for the bullets and other products we manufacture by consumers and the other constituencies with which we deal, including suppliers, distributors and retailers, all of which could be a catalyst for potentially adverse reactions from our shareholders.
We cannot assure you that governmental regulation, legislation or public opinion regarding the manufacture and sale of bullets, or the possession and use of firearms and ammunition, will not become more restrictive or worsen in the future. We also cannot assure you that any such negative public opinion relating to our Sierra segment would not affect our Black Diamond segment, nor can we assure you that any such changes in governmental regulation, legislation or public opinion will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Our SKINourishment business is subject to substantial government regulation relating to personal care products that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Government regulation in the United States and other countries is a significant factor affecting the research, development, formulation, manufacture and marketing of our SKINourishment skincare products. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration’s (the “FDA”) has broad authority to regulate the design, manufacture, formulation, marketing and sale of our SKINourishment skincare products. FDA’s regulation of personal care products includes ingredient, quality, and labeling requirements. Also in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) has broad authority over all product advertising to ensure statements are truthful and non-misleading. Overseas, these activities are subject to foreign governmental regulation, which is in many respects similar to regulation in the United States but which vary from country to country. United States and foreign regulation continues to evolve, which could result in additional burdens on our SKINourishment business. If we fail to comply with applicable regulations we may be subject to, among other things, fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution. Additionally, the cost of maintaining personnel and systems necessary to comply with applicable regulations is substantial and increasing.
If the FDA or FTC disagrees with our characterization of our SKINourishment skincare products or product claims and determines that they are drug products, this could result in a variety of enforcement actions which could require the reformulation or relabeling of any such products, the submission of information in support of the products’ claims or the safety and effectiveness of any such products, or more punitive action, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may incur significant costs in order to comply with environmental remediation obligations.
Environmental laws also impose obligations on various entities to clean up contaminated properties or to pay for the cost of such remediation, often upon parties that did not actually cause the contamination. Accordingly, we may be liable, either contractually or by operation of law, for remediation costs even if the contaminated property is not presently owned or operated by us, is a landfill or other location where we have disposed wastes, or if the contamination was caused by third parties during or prior to our ownership or operation of the property. Given the nature of the past industrial operations conducted by us and others at these properties, there can be no assurance that all potential instances of soil or groundwater contamination have been identified, even for those properties where an environmental site assessment has been conducted. Future events, such as changes in existing laws or policies or their enforcement, or the discovery of currently unknown contamination, may give rise to additional remediation liabilities that may have a material adverse effect upon our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Risks Related to our Business
There are significant risks associated with acquiring and integrating businesses.
An element of our general growth strategy is the acquisition of or investment in businesses and assets that will diversify our current business, increase size, expand our geographic scope of operations and otherwise offer growth opportunities. We may not be able to successfully identify attractive acquisition or investment opportunities, obtain financing for acquisitions, make acquisitions on satisfactory terms, or successfully acquire and/or integrate identified targets. In identifying, evaluating and selecting a target business or assets for a potential acquisition or investment, we expect to encounter intense competition from other entities, including blank check companies, private equity groups, venture capital funds, leveraged buyout funds, and operating businesses seeking strategic acquisitions. Many of these entities are well-established and have extensive experience identifying and effecting business combinations directly or through affiliates. Moreover, many of these competitors possess greater financial, technical, human and other resources than us which will give them a competitive advantage in pursuing the acquisition of certain target businesses.
Our ability to implement our acquisition strategy is also subject to other risks and costs, including:
·loss of key employees, customers or suppliers of acquired businesses;
·diversion of management’s time and attention from our core businesses;
·adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers;
·our ability to secure necessary financing;
·our ability to realize operating efficiencies, synergies, or other benefits expected from an acquisition;
·risks associated with entering markets in which we have limited or no experience;
·risks associated with our ability to execute successful due diligence; and
·assumption of contingent or undisclosed liabilities of acquisition targets.
Any of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our previously announced growth strategy may negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company announced that it is seeking to invest in high-quality, durable, cash flow-producing assets in order to diversify our business within the outdoor and consumer markets and potentially monetize our substantial net operating losses as part of our previously announced growth strategy. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of the growth strategy, that any particular acquisition or investment opportunities will be consummated, that any transaction will occur, or that our net operating losses will be monetized. In addition, our growth strategy may create perceived uncertainties as to our future direction and may result in the loss of employees, customers or business partners.
Turmoil across various sectors of the financial markets may negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or operating results as well as our ability to effectively execute our growth strategy.
Various sectors of the credit markets and the financial services industry have experienced a period of unprecedented turmoil and upheaval characterized by disruption in the credit markets and availability of credit and other financing, the failure, bankruptcy, collapse or sale of various financial institutions and an unprecedented level of intervention from the United States federal government. While the future recurrence of these events cannot be predicted, they may have a material adverse effect on our ability to obtain financing necessary to effectively execute acquisitions, the ability of our customers and suppliers to continue to operate their businesses or the demand for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may not be able to adequately manage our growth.
We have expanded, and are seeking to continue to expand, our business. This growth has placed significant demands on our management, administrative, operating, and financial resources as well as our manufacturing capacity capabilities. The continued growth of our customer base, the types of products offered and the geographic markets served can be expected to continue to place a significant strain on our resources. Personnel qualified in the production and marketing of our products are difficult to find and hire, and enhancements of information technology systems to support growth are difficult to implement. Our future performance and profitability will depend in large part on our ability to attract and retain additional management and other key personnel, as well as our ability to increase and maintain our manufacturing capacity capabilities to meet the needs of our current and future customers. Any failure to adequately manage our growth could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our credit agreement contains financial and restrictive covenants that may limit our ability to operate our business.
The asset-based revolving credit agreement that we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. on June 27, 2018 (the “Credit Agreement”) contains, and any of our other future debt agreements may contain, covenant restrictions that limit our ability to operate our business, including, without limitation, restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:
·incur additional debt or create liens;
·engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions other than in certain permitted instances described in the Credit Agreement;
·substantially change the business conducted by us or our subsidiaries; and
·pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments if certain conditions in the Credit Agreement are not fulfilled.
In addition, the Credit Agreement contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on our and our subsidiaries’ ability to perform the following, subject to certain customary exceptions, qualifications and “baskets”: make certain investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions other than in certain permitted instances as described in the Credit Agreement; sell assets; prepay other indebtedness; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries or the ability of subsidiaries to grant liens upon their assets; amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated indebtedness; and sell, assign, transfer, encumber or license certain intellectual property without the prior written consent of the administrative agent.
As a result of these covenants, our ability to respond to changes in business and economic conditions and to obtain additional financing, if needed, may be significantly restricted, and we may be prevented from engaging in transactions or making acquisitions of a business that might otherwise be beneficial to us.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Our borrowings under our credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows would decrease.
Currency devaluations or fluctuations may significantly increase our expenses and affect our results of operations as well as the carrying value of international assets on our balance sheet, especially where the currency is subject to intense political and other outside pressures, such as in the case of the Euro, Canadian Dollar and Great British Pound.
While we transact business predominantly in U.S. dollars and most of our revenues are collected in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of our assets, revenues, costs, and earnings are denominated in other currencies, such as the Euro, Canadian dollar, and Great British pound. Changes in the relation of these and other currencies to the U.S. dollar will affect the carrying value of our international assets as well as our sales and profitability and could result in exchange losses. For example, a devaluation of the Euro would negatively impact the carrying value of our assets in Europe and our results of operations because the earnings and assets in Europe would be reduced when translated into U.S. dollars.
Additionally, as the Company has substantial operations and assets located outside the United States, foreign operations expose us to foreign currency devaluations or fluctuations that could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition based on the movements of the applicable foreign currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar, both for purposes of actual conversion and financial reporting purposes. The impact of future exchange rate devaluations or fluctuations on our results of operations cannot be accurately predicted. There can be no assurance that the U.S. dollar foreign exchange rates will be stable in the future or that fluctuations in financial or foreign markets will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Compliance with changing laws, regulations and standards of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes Oxley Act”), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, new Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and NASDAQ rules, are creating uncertainty for companies such as ours. These new or changed laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity. As a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies, which could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. As a result, our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.
We could face particular challenges in maintaining and reporting on our internal control over financial reporting.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we evaluate and report on our system of internal control over financial reporting and requires that we have our internal control over financial reporting audited. If we fail to maintain adequate internal controls, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties and/or stockholder litigation. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports could harm our business and the trading price of our common stock. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act also requires that our independent registered public accounting firm report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. In addition, acquisition targets may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding adequacy of their internal controls. The development of the internal controls of any such entity to achieve compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may increase the time and costs necessary to complete any such acquisition.
If we identify any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, we may need to take costly steps to implement improved controls and may be subject to sanctions for failure to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Such remedial costs or sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Further, we would be required to disclose any material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, and we would receive an adverse opinion on our internal control over financial reporting from our independent auditors. These factors could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.
Breaches of our information systems could adversely affect our reputation, disrupt our operations, and result in increased costs and loss of revenue.
There have been an increasing number of global cyber security incidents affecting companies, which have caused operational failures or compromised sensitive or confidential corporate and personal data. Because we are interconnected with and dependent on third-party vendors, we could be adversely affected if any of them are subject to a successful cyber attack or other information security event. Although we do not believe our, or our vendors’, systems are at a greater risk of cyber security incidents than other comparable companies, such cyber security incidents may result in the loss or compromise of customer, financial, or operational data; disruption of billing, collections, or normal operating activities; disruption of electronic monitoring and control of operational systems; and delays in financial reporting and other management functions, and our acquisition activities could increase such risk. Possible impacts associated with a cyber security incident may include, among other things, remediation costs related to lost, stolen, or compromised data; repairs to data processing systems; increased cyber security protection costs; reputational damage; and adverse effects on our compliance with privacy and other laws and regulations that are applicable to us. We have obtained insurance coverage that protects us against losses from certain cyber security incidents, including liability for third-party vendors who mishandle our information. However, there can be no guarantee that every potential loss due to cyber-attack or theft of information has been insured against, nor that the limits of the insurance we have acquired will be sufficient to cover all such losses.
Interruptions in the proper functioning of our information systems or other issues with our enterprise resource planning systems could cause disruption to our operations.
We heavily rely on our information systems to manage our various business operations, including our ordering, pricing, billing, inventory management, supply chain, accounting and other processes. Our systems may be subject to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber security breaches, vandalism, severe weather conditions, catastrophic events, terrorism, and human error. Although we do maintain disaster recovery measures in place which we believe to be adequate, we cannot assure you that our disaster recovery measures can account for all eventualities. If our systems are damaged, fail to function properly, or otherwise become compromised or unavailable, we may incur substantial costs to repair or replace them, and we may experience loss of critical data and interruptions or delays in our ability to perform critical functions, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our information technology systems require periodic modifications, upgrades, and replacement that subject us to costs and risks, including potential disruption to our internal control structure, substantial capital expenditures, additional administration and operating expenses, retention of sufficiently skilled personnel or outside firms to implement and operate existing or new systems, and other risks and costs of delays or difficulties in transitioning to new or modified systems or of integrating new or modified systems into our current systems. In addition, challenges implementing new or modified technology systems may cause disruptions in our business operations and have an adverse effect on our business operations if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated.
Our Board of Directors and executive officers have significant influence over our affairs.
The members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers, which includes Mr. Warren B. Kanders, beneficially own approximately 27% of our outstanding common stock as of February 27, 2019. As a result, our Board of Directors and executive officer, to the extent they vote their shares in a similar manner, have influence over our affairs and could exercise such influence in a manner that is not in the best interests of our other stockholders, including by attempting to delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
We may be unable to realize the benefits of our net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.
Net operating losses (“NOLs”) may be carried forward to offset federal and state taxable income in future years and eliminate income taxes otherwise payable on such taxable income, subject to certain adjustments. Based on current federal corporate income tax rates, our NOL and other carryforwards could provide a benefit to us, if fully utilized, of significant future tax savings. However, our ability to use these tax benefits in future years will depend upon the amount of our otherwise taxable income. If we do not have sufficient taxable income in future years to use the tax benefits before they expire, we will lose the benefit of these NOL carryforwards permanently.
Additionally, if we underwent an ownership change, the NOL carryforward limitations would impose an annual limit on the amount of the taxable income that may be offset by our NOL generated prior to the ownership change. If an ownership change were to occur, we may be unable to use a significant portion of our NOL to offset taxable income. In general, an ownership change occurs when, as of any testing date, the aggregate of the increase in percentage points of the total amount of a corporation’s stock owned by one or more “5-percent shareholders” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) whose percentage ownership of the stock has increased as of such date over the aggregate of the lowest percentage of the stock owned by such 5-percent shareholder at any time during the three-year period preceding such date is more than 50 percentage points. In general, persons who own 5% or more of a corporation’s stock are 5-percent shareholders, and all stock owned by persons who are not 5-percent shareholders is treated as owned by one 5-percent shareholder. The issuance of a large number of shares of common stock in connection with any acquisitions could result in a limitation of the use of our NOLs.
Further, our certificate of incorporation provides for blank check preferred stock, which allows the Board to issue preferred stock at any time with rights and designations set forth by the Board. Section 382 of the Code generally excludes preferred stock when calculating ownership percentages as they relate to our NOLs if the preferred stock satisfies all of the following criteria: it is not entitled to vote, it is limited and preferred as to dividends and does not participate in corporate growth to any significant extent, it has redemption and liquidation rights which do not exceed the issue price of such stock (except for a reasonable redemption or liquidation premium), and it is not convertible into another class of stock. Our Board may authorize and issue preferred stock that does not meet these criteria, and such preferred stock would count towards determining ownership change under Section 382 of the Code. Therefore the issuance of any preferred stock could increase the likelihood of a limitation of the use of our NOLs.
Moreover, if a corporation experiences an ownership change and does not satisfy the continuity of business enterprise, or COBE, requirement (which generally requires that the corporation continue its historic business or use a significant portion of its historic business assets in a business for the two-year period beginning on the date of the ownership change), it cannot, subject to certain exceptions, use any NOL from a pre-change period to offset taxable income in post-change years.
The actual ability to utilize the tax benefit of any existing NOLs will be subject to future facts and circumstances with respect to meeting the above described COBE requirements at the time NOLs are being utilized on a tax return. The realization of NOLs and the recognition of asset and valuation allowances for deferred taxes require management to make estimates and judgments about the Company’s future profitability which are inherently uncertain. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If, in the opinion of management, it becomes more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, deferred tax assets would be reduced by a valuation allowance and any such reduction could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.
The amount of NOL and tax credit carryforwards that we have claimed has not been audited or otherwise validated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). The IRS could challenge our calculation of the amount of our NOL or our determinations as to when a prior change in ownership occurred, and other provisions of the Code may limit our ability to carry forward our NOL to offset taxable income in future years. If the IRS were successful with respect to any such challenge, the potential tax benefit of the NOL carryforwards to us could be substantially reduced.
Certain protective measures implemented by us to preserve our NOL may not be effective or may have some unintended negative effects.
On July 24, 2003, at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders approved an amendment (the “Amendment”) to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to restrict certain acquisitions of our securities in order to help assure the preservation of our NOL. The Amendment generally restricts direct and indirect acquisitions of our equity securities if such acquisition will affect the percentage of the Company’s capital stock that is treated as owned by a “5% stockholder.” Additionally, on February 7, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a rights agreement which is 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 Code.
Although the transfer restrictions imposed on our capital stock and the rights agreement are intended to reduce the likelihood of an impermissible ownership change, there is no guarantee that such protective measures would prevent all transfers that would result in an impermissible ownership change. These protective measures also will require any person attempting to acquire a significant interest in us to seek the approval of our Board of Directors. This may have an “anti-takeover” effect because our Board of Directors may be able to prevent any future takeover. Similarly, any limits on the amount of capital stock that a stockholder may own could have the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to replace current management. Additionally, because protective measures implemented by us to preserve our NOL will have the effect of restricting a stockholder’s ability to acquire our common stock, the liquidity and market value of our common stock might suffer.
The loss of any member of our senior management or certain other key executives could significantly harm our business.
Our ability to maintain our competitive position is dependent to a large degree on the efforts and skills of our senior management team, including Warren B. Kanders. If we were to lose the services of any member of our senior management, our business may be significantly impaired. In addition, many of our senior executives have strong industry reputations, which aid us in identifying acquisition and borrowing opportunities, and having such opportunities brought to us. The loss of the services of these key personnel could materially and adversely affect our operations because of diminished relationships with lenders, existing and prospective tenants, property sellers and industry personnel.
Our Board of Directors may change significant corporate policies without stockholder approval.
Our investment, financing, borrowing and dividend policies and our policies with respect to all other activities, including growth, debt, capitalization and operations, will be determined by our Board of Directors. These policies may be amended or revised at any time and from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors without a vote of our stockholders. In addition, the Board of Directors may change our policies with respect to conflicts of interest provided that such changes are consistent with applicable legal requirements. A change in these policies could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, per share trading price of our common stock and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay dividends to our stockholders.
Compensation awards to our management may not be tied to or correspond with our improved financial results or share price.
The compensation committee of our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our compensation and employee benefit plans and practices, including our executive compensation plans and our incentive compensation and equity-based compensation plans. Our compensation committee has significant discretion in structuring compensation packages and may make compensation decisions based on any number of factors. As a result, compensation awards may not be tied to or correspond with improved financial results for the Company or the share price of our common stock.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of shares of preferred stock.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that our Board of Directors will be authorized to issue from time to time, without further stockholder approval, up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix or alter the designations, preferences, rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of each series, including the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, including sinking fund provisions, redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designations of any series. Such shares of preferred stock could have preferences over our common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights. We may issue additional preferred stock in ways which may delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Company without further action by our stockholders. Such shares of preferred stock may be issued with voting rights that may adversely affect the voting power of the holders of our common stock by increasing the number of outstanding shares having voting rights, and by the creation of class or series voting rights.
Our payment of future quarterly dividends on our common stock is subject to the discretion and approval of our Board of Directors.
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 of the Company’s common stock (the “Quarterly Cash Dividend”) or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. While we intend to pay regular Quarterly Cash Dividends for the foreseeable future, all subsequent dividends will be reviewed quarterly and declared at the discretion and approval of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions, contractual restrictions under our credit facility on the payment of dividends, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant. Therefore, you should not purchase our common stock if you need immediate or future income by way of dividends from your investment. In addition, upon an event of default under our credit facility, we are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends on our common stock or generally making other distributions to our stockholders.
Shares of our common stock have been, and may continue to be, thinly traded, which may contribute to volatility in our stock price and less liquidity for investors.
The trading volume of our common stock has varied, and at times may be characterized as thinly traded. As a result of this thin trading market or “float” for our common stock, our common stock has been, and may continue to be, less liquid than the common stock of companies with broader public ownership. If our common stock is thinly traded, the trading of a relatively small volume of our common stock may have a greater impact on the trading price of our common stock than would be the case if our float were larger. As a result, the trading prices of our common stock may be more volatile than the common stock of companies with broader public ownership, and an investor to be unable to liquidate an investment in our common stock at attractive prices.
We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade in the future. Variations in financial results, announcements of material events, changes in our dividend policy, technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors, our quarterly operating results, changes in general conditions in the economy or the outdoor and consumer industries, other developments affecting us or our competitors or general price and volume fluctuations in the market are among the many factors that could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.
The sale of a substantial amount of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock.
We have outstanding an aggregate of 29,748,356 shares of our common stock as of February 27, 2019. This includes 6,683,945 shares of common stock that are beneficially owned by Mr. Kanders, our Chairman of the Board, of which he has 5,103,378 hypothecated and/or pledged as security for loans from financial institutions, which hypothecation has been in place for over ten years, and that may be sold by such financial institutions in the event of a foreclosure of these loans. The sale of a significant amount of shares at any given time, or the perception that such sales could occur, including sales of the shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kanders, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock.
We may issue a substantial amount of our common stock in the future, which could cause dilution to current investors and otherwise adversely affect our stock price.
We may issue additional shares of common stock as consideration for such acquisition. These issuances could be significant. To the extent that we make acquisitions and issue our shares of common stock as consideration, your equity interest in us will be diluted. Any such issuance will also increase the number of outstanding shares of common stock that will be eligible for sale in the future. Persons receiving shares of our common stock in connection with these acquisitions may be more likely to sell off their common stock, which may influence the price of our common stock. In addition, the potential issuance of additional shares in connection with anticipated acquisitions could lessen demand for our common stock and result in a lower price than might otherwise be obtained. We may issue common stock in the future for other purposes as well, including in connection with financings, for compensation purposes, in connection with strategic transactions or for other purposes. The issuance of a large number of shares of common stock in connection with an acquisition could also have a negative effect on our ability to use our NOLs.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters, as well as our primary research and manufacturing facility, is located in a facility owned by the Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, at December 31, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries lease or own facilities throughout the U.S. and Europe. In general, our properties are well maintained, considered adequate and being utilized for their intended purposes.
The following table identifies and provides certain information regarding our principal facilities:
Activity
Location
Owned/Leased
Black Diamond Segment
Corporate Headquarters:
Salt Lake City, Utah
Owned
Black Diamond U.S. Distribution and Manufacturing Facilities:
Salt Lake City, Utah
Leased/Owned
Black Diamond European Sales and Marketing Office:
Innsbruck, Austria
Leased
PIEPS Sales and Marketing Office:
Lebring, Austria
Leased
Sierra Segment
Sierra U.S. Distribution and Manufacturing Facilities:
Sedalia, Missouri
Owned
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in various legal disputes and other legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that the disposition of any of the legal disputes the Company or its subsidiaries is currently involved in will have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. It is possible that, as additional information becomes available, the impact on the Company of an adverse determination could have a different effect.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various lawsuits arising from time to time that the Company considers ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business. Amounts accrued for litigation matters represent the anticipated costs (damages and/or settlement amounts) in connection with pending litigation and claims and related anticipated legal fees for defending such actions, which legal fees are expensed as incurred. The costs are accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The accruals are based upon the Company’s assessment, after consultation with counsel (if deemed appropriate), of probable loss based on the facts and circumstances of each case, the legal issues involved, the nature of the claim made, the nature of the damages sought and any relevant information about the plaintiffs and other significant factors that vary by case. When it is not possible to estimate a specific expected cost to be incurred, the Company evaluates the range of probable loss and records the minimum end of the range. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the disposition of any of the legal disputes the Company or its subsidiaries is currently involved in will have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There is a reasonable possibility of loss from contingencies in excess of the amounts accrued by the Company in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets; however, the actual amounts of such possible losses cannot currently be reasonably estimated by the Company at this time. It is possible that, as additional information becomes available, the impact on the Company could have a different effect.
Product Liability
As a consumer goods manufacturer and distributor, the Company faces the risk of product liability and related lawsuits involving claims for substantial money damages, product recall actions and higher than anticipated rates of warranty returns or other returns of goods. The Company is therefore vulnerable to various personal injury and property damage lawsuits relating to its products and incidental to its business.
Based on current information, there are no pending product liability claims and lawsuits of the Company, which the Company believes in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed for trading on NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CLAR”.
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock to the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Global Select Market Composite and the Russell 2000 Index for the period commencing on December 31, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2018 (the “Measuring Period”). The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and the indexes was $100 on December 31, 2013. The yearly change in cumulative total return is measured by dividing (1) the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends for the Measuring Period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (ii) the change in share price between the beginning and end of the Measuring Period, by (2) the share price at the beginning of the Measuring Period.
Historical stock price performance should not be relied on as indicative of future stock price performance.
Total Return Analysis
Stockholders
On February 27, 2019, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $12.03 per share. As of February 27, 2019, there were 83 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
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 of the Company’s common stock (the “Quarterly Cash Dividend”) or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. In 2018, our total Quarterly Cash Dividends were $1,488. On January 18, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the payment on February 8, 2019 of the Quarterly Cash Dividend to the record holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on January 29, 2019. The payment of any future Quarterly Cash Dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions, contractual restrictions on payment of dividends, if any, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Recent Purchases of our Registered Equity Securities
On November 9, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program that allows the repurchase of up to $30,000,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company purchased 101,833 shares of the Company’s common stock for $977,861 under the Company’s authorized stock repurchase program.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our equity plans as of December 31, 2018:
(1) Consists of stock options and restricted stock awards issued and issuable under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan.
(2) Includes stock options granted to the Company’s Executive Chairman Warren B. Kanders on December 23, 2002 to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock, having an exercise price of $7.50 per share.
(3) Includes stock options granted to the Company’s Executive Chairman Warren B. Kanders on December 23, 2002 to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock, having an exercise price of $10.00 per share.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Our selected financial information set forth below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Item 7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
Please note that in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 and ammunition 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 maintain a quarterly dividend. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results can be found under Item 1A.-Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and speak only as the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Clarus Corporation (which may be referred to as the “Company,” “Clarus,” “we,” “our” or “us”), a company focused on the outdoor and consumer industries, is 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, sport and skincare markets. The Company’s products are principally sold under the Black Diamond®, Sierra®, PIEPS® and SKINourishment® brand names through specialty and online retailers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Through our Black Diamond, PIEPS, and SKINourishment brands, we offer a broad range of products including: high performance activity-based apparel (such as shells, insulation, midlayers, pants and logowear); rock-climbing footwear and equipment (such as carabiners, protection devices, harnesses, belay devices, helmets, and ice-climbing gear); technical backpacks and high-end day packs; trekking poles; headlamps and lanterns; gloves and mittens; and skincare and other sport-enhancing products. We also offer advanced skis, ski poles, ski skins, and snow safety products, including avalanche airbag systems, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes. Through our Sierra brand, we manufacture a wide range of high-performance bullets and ammunition for both rifles and pistols that are used for precision target shooting, hunting and military and law enforcement purposes.
Clarus Corporation, incorporated in Delaware in 1991, acquired Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. (which may be referred to as “Black Diamond Equipment”) and Gregory Mountain Products, LLC (which may be referred to as “Gregory Mountain Products” or “Gregory”) in May 2010 and changed its name to Black Diamond, Inc., in January 2011. In July 2012, we acquired POC Sweden AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, “POC”) and in October 2012, we acquired PIEPS Holding GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively, “PIEPS”).
On July 23, 2014, the Company completed the sale of certain assets to Samsonite LLC comprising Gregory Mountain Product’s business. On October 7, 2015, the Company sold its equity interests in POC.
On August 14, 2017, the Company changed its name from Black Diamond, Inc. to Clarus Corporation and its stock ticker symbol from “BDE” to “CLAR” on the NASDAQ stock exchange. On August 21, 2017, the Company acquired Sierra Bullets, L.L.C. (“Sierra”). On November 6, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of SKINourishment, Inc. (“SKINourishment”).
On May 7, 2018, the Company announced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for Clarus’ common stock, as well as the preferred share purchase rights associated with such shares (collectively, the “Shares”). On July 11, 2018, the tender offer expired, following which the Company announced it would accept 417,237 Shares for purchase at a price of $8.00 per Share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $3,338,000, 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 of the Company’s common stock (the “Quarterly Cash Dividend”) or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. In 2018, our total Quarterly Cash Dividends were $1,488,000. On January 18, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the payment on February 8, 2019 of the Quarterly Cash Dividend to the record holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on January 29, 2019.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Management’s discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based on the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We continually evaluate our estimates and assumptions including those related to derivatives, revenue recognition, income taxes and valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
We believe the following critical accounting policies include the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements.
·We allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over these fair values is recorded as goodwill. We engage independent third-party valuation specialists to assist us in determining the fair values of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include but are not limited to the projected financial information related to each individual asset, particularly forecasted revenue. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and thus, actual results may differ from estimates.
·We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We may make assumptions, judgments and estimates in order to determine the future taxable income available to support the recoverability of deferred tax assets at a more-likely-than-not threshold. The sources of future taxable income include 1) future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, 2) taxable income in carryback years if carryback is permitted, 3) future taxable income from future operations, and 4) tax planning strategies. The degree and subjectivity and judgment increases as the source of future taxable income becomes more inherently subjective. Our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to the realizability of a deferred tax asset take into account predictions of the amount and category of expected future taxable income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and category of income in future years could cause our current assumptions, judgments and estimates of recoverable net deferred taxes to be inaccurate. Changes in any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above related to the realizability of deferred tax assets, could materially affect our financial position and results of operations.
·We make ongoing estimates of potential excess, close-out or slow-moving inventory. We evaluate our inventory on hand considering our sales forecasts and historical experience to identify excess, close-out or slow-moving inventory and make provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory value at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
·We assess the recoverability of our one reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill by making a qualitative or quantitative assessment. If we begin with a qualitative assessment and are able to support the conclusion that it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the Company is less than its carrying value, we are not required to perform the two-step impairment test. Otherwise, using the two-step approach is required. In the first step of the goodwill impairment test, we compare an estimate of the fair value of the applicable reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the Company exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill is not impaired and no further review is required. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of the impairment charge, if any. The second step involves a hypothetical allocation of the fair value of the Company to its net tangible and intangible assets (excluding goodwill) as if the business unit were newly acquired, which results in an implied fair value of goodwill. The amount of the impairment charge is the excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. The annual impairment tests are based on an evaluation of estimated future discounted cash flows. The estimated discounted cash flows are based on the best information available to us at the time, including supportable assumptions and projections we believe are reasonable. Our discounted cash flow estimates use discount rates that correspond to a weighted-average cost of capital consistent with a market-participant view. The discount rates are consistent with those used for investment decisions and take into account our operating plans and strategies. Certain other key assumptions utilized, including revenue projections, costs of goods sold, operating expenses and effective tax rates, are based on estimates consistent with those utilized in our annual budgeting and planning process that we believe are reasonable. However, if we do not achieve the results reflected in the assumptions and estimates, our goodwill impairment evaluations could be adversely affected, and we may impair a portion of our goodwill, which would adversely affect our operating results in the period of impairment. No impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. During the first quarter of 2019, we early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes the requirement to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test. Under the standard, if the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value as determined in step one, we compare the implied fair value of the applicable goodwill to its carrying value to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any.
We also test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually. If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived asset is higher than its fair value, then the asset is deemed to be impaired and the impairment charge is estimated as the difference. The Company calculated the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets using the income approach, specifically the relief-from-royalty method. The relief-from-royalty method is used to estimate the cost savings that accrue to the owner of an intangible asset who would otherwise have to pay royalties or license fees on revenues earned through the use of the asset. Internally forecasted revenues, which the Company believes reasonably approximate market participant assumptions, are multiplied by a royalty rate to arrive at the estimated net after tax cost savings. The royalty rate used in the analysis is based on an analysis of empirical, market-derived royalty rates for comparable intangible assets. The net after tax cost savings are discounted using the discount rate developed for purposes of the Company's goodwill impairment test. The key uncertainties in these calculations are the assumptions used in determining the revenue associated with each indefinite-lived intangible asset and the royalty rate.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1 to the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations (In Thousands)
Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2017
The following presents a discussion of consolidated operations for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with the consolidated year ended December 31, 2017:
Sales
Consolidated sales increased $41,454, or 24.3%, to $212,141 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated sales of $170,687 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in sales was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $35,395 in total sales and $25,039 in incremental sales during the year ended December 31, 2018. The remaining increase was attributable to the increase in the quantity of new and existing climb and mountain products sold during the period and an increase in sales of $2,799 due to the strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior period.
Consolidated domestic sales increased $23,934, or 27.0%, to $112,537 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated domestic sales of $88,603 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in sales was attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $26,105 in total sales and $18,668 in incremental sales during the year ended December 31, 2018. The remaining increase was attributable to the increase in the quantity of new and existing climb and mountain products sold during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Consolidated international sales increased $17,520, or 21.3%, to $99,604 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated international sales of $82,084 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in sales was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $9,290 in total sales and $6,371 in incremental sales during the year ended December 31, 2018. The remaining increase in international sales was attributable to the increase in the quantity of new and existing climb and mountain products sold during the period and an increase in sales of $2,799 due to the strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior period.
Cost of Goods Sold
Consolidated cost of goods sold increased $21,302, or 18.2%, to $138,179 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated cost of goods sold of $116,877 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in cost of goods sold was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $14,382 in incremental cost of goods sold, which included $1,049 related to the sale of inventory that was recorded at fair value in purchase accounting. The remaining increase was attributable to an increase in the number of units sold and the mix of higher cost products sold.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit increased $20,152 or 37.5%, to $73,962 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated gross profit of $53,810 during the year ended December 31, 2017. Consolidated gross margin was 34.9% during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to a consolidated gross margin of 31.5% during the year ended December 31, 2017. Consolidated gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2018, increased compared to the prior year due to a favorable product mix in higher margin products and channel distribution. Gross margin also benefited from the inclusion of Sierra; however, this benefit was partially offset by a decrease in gross margin of 0.5% due to the sale of inventory that was recorded at its fair value in purchase accounting. Consolidated gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2017 was also negatively impacted by 1.2% due to the sale of inventory that was recorded at its preliminary fair value in purchase accounting.
Selling, General and Administrative
Consolidated selling, general, and administrative expenses increased $8,856, or 15.7%, to $65,151 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses of $56,295 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra of $4,504 in incremental selling, general, and administrative expenses. The remaining increase being attributable to the Company’s investment in the brand related activities of sales, marketing, research and development, and fulfillment in supporting its strategic initiatives around new product introduction and increasing brand equity. Stock compensation also increased $1,471 during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the prior year.
Restructuring Charges
Consolidated restructuring expense decreased $23, or 14.4%, to $137 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated restructuring expense of $160 during the year ended December 31, 2017. Restructuring expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018, related to costs associated with the formal closure and liquidation of the Company’s Black Diamond Equipment manufacturing operations in Zhuhai, China.
Merger and Integration Costs
Consolidated merger and integration expense decreased to $0 during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to consolidated merger and integration expense of $82 during the year ended December 31, 2017, which consisted of expenses related to the integration of Sierra.
Transaction Costs
Consolidated transaction expense decreased to $503 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated transaction costs of $2,088 during the year ended December 31, 2017, which consisted of expenses related to the Company’s acquisition of Sierra.
Interest Expense, net
Consolidated interest expense, net increased $51, or 4.0%, to $1,339 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated interest expense, net, of $1,288 during the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to the write-off of previously capitalized origination costs of $279 associated with our previous credit facility, which was replaced with the new Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and interest expense associated with the average outstanding debt amounts during the year ended December 31, 2018. Interest expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to the Company’s 5% Senior Subordinated Notes which were repaid during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Other, net
Consolidated other, net, decreased $702, or 204.7%, to expense of $359 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated other, net income of $343 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in other, net, was primarily attributable to a decrease in remeasurement gains recognized on the Company’s foreign denominated accounts receivable and accounts payable and losses related to recognition of cumulative translation adjustments due to the substantial liquidation of a foreign entity. This decrease was partially offset by gains on mark-to-market adjustments on non-hedged foreign currency contracts.
Income Taxes
Consolidated income tax benefit decreased $4,259, or 83.7%, to a benefit of $828 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to a consolidated income tax benefit of $5,087 during the same period in 2017. Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) enacted in December 2017, the profit before tax benefit recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018 was expensed at the federal statutory rate of 21% compared to 35% in 2017.
Our effective income tax rate was a benefit of 12.8% for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 88.3% for the same period in 2017. The primary reasons for the effective income tax rate changes are due to differing levels of income (loss) before income tax and discrete charges recorded during the respective periods. The tax benefit recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018 included charges associated to the usage of previous net operating losses (“NOL”) as well as charges for discrete items associated with a tax windfall deduction from the vesting of restricted stock units and the exercises of stock options. Factors that could cause our annual effective tax rate to differ materially from our quarterly effective tax rates include changes in the geographic mix of taxable income and discrete events that may occur.
Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2016
The following presents a discussion of consolidated operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with the consolidated year ended December 31, 2016:
Sales
Consolidated sales increased $22,498, or 15.2%, to $170,687 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated sales of $148,189 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in sales was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $10,356 in sales during the year ended December 31, 2017. The remaining increase in sales was attributable to an increase in the quantity of new and existing climb, mountain and ski products sold during the period and an increase in sales of $1,701 due to the strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior period.
Consolidated domestic sales increased $12,524, or 16.5%, to $88,603 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated domestic sales of $76,079 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in sales was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $7,437 in sales during the year ended December 31, 2017. The remaining increase in domestic sales was attributable to an increase in the quantity of new and existing climb and ski products sold during the period.
Consolidated international sales increased $9,974, or 13.8%, to $82,084 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated international sales of $72,110 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in sales was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which contributed $2,919 in sales during the year ended December 31, 2017. The remaining increase in international sales was attributable to an increase in the quantity of new and existing climb, mountain and ski products sold during the period and an increase in sales of $1,701 due to the strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior period.
Cost of Goods Sold
Consolidated cost of goods sold increased $12,372, or 11.8%, to $116,877 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated cost of goods sold of $104,505 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in cost of goods sold was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra, which accounted for $8,331 of such cost of goods sold, and included $2,098 related to the sale of inventory that was recorded at fair value in purchase accounting. The remaining amount of inventory that was recorded at fair value in purchase accounting, which totals $1,049, is expected to be sold during the first quarter of 2018. The remaining increase in cost of goods sold was attributable to an increase in the number of units sold and the mix of higher cost products sold.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit increased $10,126, or 23.2%, to $53,810 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated gross profit of $43,684 during the year ended December 31, 2016. Consolidated gross margin was 31.5% during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to a consolidated gross margin of 29.5% during the year ended December 31, 2016. Consolidated gross margin during the year ended December 31, 2017, increased compared to the prior year due to a favorable product mix in higher margin products and channel distribution, as well as lower costs related to the Company’s manufacturing activities that were transferred from China to the United States. Gross margin also benefited from the inclusion of Sierra; however, this benefit was offset by a decrease in gross margin of 1.2% due to the sale of inventory that was recorded at its preliminary fair value in purchase accounting during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Selling, General and Administrative
Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6,359, or 12.7%, to $56,295 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses of $49,936 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was partially attributable to the inclusion of Sierra of $2,370, with the remaining increase being attributable to the Company’s investment in the brand related activities of sales, marketing and research and development in supporting its strategic initiatives around new product introduction and increasing brand equity. Stock compensation also increased $954 during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year.
Restructuring Charges
Consolidated restructuring expense decreased $1,235, or 88.5%, to $160 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated restructuring expense of $1,395 during the year ended December 31, 2016. Restructuring expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017, related to costs associated with the formal closure and liquidation of the Company’s Black Diamond Equipment manufacturing operations in Zhuhai, China. Restructuring expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily related to benefits provided to employees who were terminated due to the Company’s reduction-in-force as part of its continued realignment of resources within the organization, costs associated with the move of the Company’s Black Diamond Equipment European office from Basel, Switzerland to Innsbruck, Austria, and costs associated with the formal closure and liquidation of the Company’s Black Diamond Equipment manufacturing operations in Zhuhai, China.
Merger and Integration Costs
Consolidated merger and integration expense increased to $82 during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to consolidated merger and integration expense of $0 during the year ended December 31, 2016, which consisted of expenses related to the integration of Sierra.
Transaction Costs
Consolidated transaction expense increased $1,798, or 620.0%, to $2,088 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated transaction costs of $290 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The expenses during the year ended December 31, 2017 consisted of expenses related to the Company’s acquisition of Sierra. Upon the Company’s acquisition of Sierra, on August 21, 2017, the Company paid a fee in the amount of $1,000 to Kanders & Company, Inc. (“Kanders & Company”) in consideration of the significant support received by the Company from Kanders & Company in sourcing, structuring, performing due diligence and negotiating the acquisition. Mr. Warren B. Kanders, the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and a member of its Board of Directors, is the sole stockholder of Kanders & Company. The expenses during the year ended December 31, 2016 consisted of expenses related to the Company’s redeployment and diversification strategy.
Arbitration Award
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company received an arbitral award on agreed terms of $1,967, related to certain claims against the former owner of PIEPS associated with the voluntary recall of all the PIEPS VECTOR avalanche transceivers during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Interest Expense, net
Consolidated interest expense, net, decreased $1,588, or 55.2%, to $1,288 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated interest expense, net, of $2,876 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in interest expense, net, was primarily attributable to the repayment of the Company’s 5% Senior Subordinated Notes during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Other, net
Consolidated other, net, decreased $190, or 35.6%, to income of $343 during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to consolidated other, net income of $533 during the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in other, net, was primarily attributable to a decrease in remeasurement gains recognized on the Company’s foreign denominated accounts receivable and accounts payable, losses on mark-to-market adjustments on non-hedged foreign currency contracts and the absence of gains related to the sale of marketable securities during the year ended December 31, 2017. These losses were partially offset by gains related to recognition of cumulative translation adjustments due to the substantial liquidation of a foreign entity.
Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company. Most notably, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, net operating losses generated will have an indefinite carry forward period but will only be available to offset 80% of taxable income each year. Lastly, as a result of the Tax Act, the corporate alternative minimum tax ("AMT") was repealed. Taxpayers with AMT credit carryovers in excess of their regular tax liability may have the credits refunded over multiple years from 2018 to 2022.
The Company recognized the income tax effects of the Tax Act in its 2017 financial statements in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance for the application of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which the Tax Act was signed into law. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. The Company finalized all tax positions associated with SAB 118 by filing the 2017 tax return during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Our effective income tax rate was 88.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 8.0% for the same period in 2016.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Consolidated Year ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Consolidated Year ended December 31, 2017
The following presents a discussion of cash flows for the consolidated year ended December 31, 2018 compared with the consolidated year ended December 31, 2017. Our primary ongoing funding requirements are for working capital, expansion of our operations (both organically and through acquisitions) and general corporate needs, as well as investing activities associated with the expansion into new product categories. We plan to fund these activities through a combination of our future operating cash flows and revolving credit facility. We believe that our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months will be adequately covered by cash provided by operations and our existing revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2018, we had total cash of $2,486 compared to a cash balance of $1,856 at December 31, 2017, which was substantially controlled by the Company’s U.S. entities. At December 31, 2018, the Company had $1,616 of the $2,486 in cash held by foreign entities, of which $554 is considered permanently reinvested.
Net Cash From Operating Activities
Consolidated net cash provided by operating activities was $11,393 during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to consolidated net cash used in operating activities of $8,920 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 2018 is primarily due to an increase in net income and a decrease in net operating assets, net of assets acquired or non-cash working capital of $3,048 compared to the same period in 2017.
Free cash flow, defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, was free cash flows generated of $8,028 during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to free cash flows used of $11,767 during the same period in 2017. The Company believes that the non-GAAP measure, free cash flow, provides an understanding of the capital required by the Company to expand its asset base. A reconciliation of free cash flows to comparable GAAP financial measures is set forth below:
Net Cash From Investing Activities
Consolidated net cash used in investing activities was $4,079 during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to consolidated net cash used in investing activities of $82,032 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in cash used during the year ended December 31, 2018 is primarily due to the $79,238 used for the purchase of Sierra, net of cash acquired during year ended December 31, 2017.
Net Cash From Financing Activities
Consolidated net cash used in financing activities was $6,559 during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to consolidated net cash used in financing activities of $2,057 during the year ended December 31, 2017. The cash used during the year ended December 31, 2018 relates primarily to the purchase of treasury stock, cash dividends paid, and the payment of debt issuance costs partially offset by net proceeds from the revolving credit facility. The cash used during the year ended December 31, 2017 relates primarily to proceeds from the revolving credit facility offset by repayments of long-term debt.
Net Operating Loss
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had net operating loss and research and experimentation credit for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $141,067 and $3,791, respectively. The Company believes its U.S. Federal NOL will offset some of its future U.S. Federal income taxes. The majority of the Company’s pre-tax income is currently earned and expected to be earned in the U.S., or taxed in the U.S. as Subpart F income and will be offset with the NOL. $141,067 of net operating losses available to offset taxable income does not expire until 2021 or later, subject to compliance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s gross deferred tax asset was $47,922. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $42,122, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $5,800, before deferred tax liabilities of $8,719. The Company has provided a valuation allowance against a portion of the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018, because the ultimate realization of those assets does not meet the more likely than not criteria. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax assets consist of net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes. If a change in control were to occur, these could be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended.
Revolving Credit Facility
On June 27, 2018, the Company, Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd., Black Diamond Retail, Inc., Sierra Bullets, L.L.C. (collectively with the Company, the “Borrowers”) and the other loan parties party thereto (together with the Borrowers, the “Loan Parties”) entered into an asset based revolving credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). Each of the Loan Parties, other than the Company, is a direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company.
The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving commitment of $75,000 (including up to $5,000 for letters of credit) and matures on June 27, 2022. The Credit Agreement also permits the Borrowers, subject to certain requirements, to arrange with lenders for up to $75,000 of additional revolving commitments (which are currently uncommitted), for a potential aggregate revolving commitment of up to $150,000. The amount of the revolving commitment available for borrowing at any given time is subject to a borrowing base formula that is based upon the Company’s accounts receivable, inventory and intellectual property.
The obligations of each Loan Party under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by each other Loan Party. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the guarantees of those obligations (as well as banking services obligations and certain swap agreements), are secured by the accounts receivable, inventory, intellectual property and certain other assets of the Loan Parties pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement, dated June 27, 2018, by and among the Loan Parties and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
The Borrowers may elect to have the revolving loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either (a) in the case of “CBFR” borrowings, a rate generally equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for an interest period of one month, subject to a 0.00% floor, or (b) in the case of “Eurodollar” borrowings, a rate generally equal to an adjusted LIBOR for the interest period relevant to such borrowing, subject to a 0.00% floor, plus, in each such case, an applicable rate generally ranging from 1.50% to 2.20% per annum. The applicable rate was initially 1.50% per annum, however, it may be adjusted from time to time primarily based upon the achievement of a specified fixed charge coverage ratio, and also based upon the type of assets that generate availability under the borrowing base formula. The Credit Agreement also requires the Borrowers to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving commitment. Such commitment fee will range between 0.25% and 0.375% per annum, based upon the average percentage of the revolving commitment that is used in each month of the fiscal year.
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to perform the following, subject to certain customary exceptions, qualifications and “baskets”: (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens; (iii) engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions other than in certain permitted instances as described in the Credit Agreement; (iv) substantially change the business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries (v) make certain investments, loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions other than in certain permitted instances as described in the Credit Agreement; (vi) sell assets; (vii) pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments if certain conditions in the Credit Agreement are not fulfilled; (viii) prepay other indebtedness; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (x) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries or the ability of subsidiaries to grant liens upon their assets; (xi) amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated indebtedness; and (xii) sell, assign, transfer, encumber or license certain intellectual property without the prior written consent of the administrative agent. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had drawn $22,062 on the approximately $48,000 of the revolving commitment that was available for borrowing.
5% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 28, 2017
As part of the consideration payable to the stockholders of a formerly acquired entity, the Company issued 5% Unsecured Subordinated Notes due May 28, 2017 (the “Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes”) to members of the Board of Directors and five former employees. Given the below market interest rate for comparably secured notes and the relative illiquidity of the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes, we discounted the notes at the date of acquisition. We were accreting the discount on the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes. In February 2017, the Board of Directors approved the repayment of the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes. On February 13, 2017, the entire principal amounts and all accrued interest amounts were paid in full, at which time, the note discount of $814 was expensed and recognized as interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not engage in any transactions or have relationships or other arrangements with unconsolidated entities. These include special purpose and similar entities or other off-balance sheet arrangements. We also do not engage in energy, weather or other commodity-based contracts.
Contractual Obligations
The following summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at December 31, 2018 with initial or remaining terms of one or more years, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods:
(1)Debt consists of required principal payments on debt.
(2)Revolving credit facility represents required principal payments under the Credit Agreement.
(3)Other long-term liabilities represent payments due for other noncurrent liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
(4)Interest payment obligations represent required interest payments on the revolving credit facility. Amounts exclude bank fees that would be included in interest expense in the consolidated financial statements.
(5)Operating leases represent required minimum lease payments.
(6)Purchase obligations represent an agreement to purchase goods or services.
The Company has uncertain tax positions of $545 as of December 31, 2018, however the specific timing of the settlement is uncertain and has been excluded from the table above.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In general, we can be exposed to market risks including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and certain commodity prices, and that can affect the cost of operating, investing, and financing under those conditions. The Company believes it has moderate exposure to these risks. We assess market risk based on changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates, and commodity prices utilizing a sensitivity analysis that measures the potential loss in earnings, fair values, and cash flows based on a hypothetical change in these rates and prices.
Interest Rate Risks
Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our credit facility, since the interest is indexed to LIBOR. We entered into our current credit facility on June 27, 2018, and simultaneously terminated our previous credit facility. The applicable interest rate for the outstanding borrowings under our applicable credit facility as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 3.8493% and 4.3607%, respectively. Amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $22,062 and $20,842, respectively. An increase of 100-basis points in market interest rates would not cause a material effect on interest expense.
Foreign Currency Risks
While we transact business predominantly in U.S. dollars and most of our revenues are collected in U.S. dollars, a portion of our revenues and operating costs are denominated in other currencies. Given the current political uncertainty surrounding the European Union and other economic uncertainties worldwide, changes in the relation of these and other currencies to the U.S. dollar will affect our sales and profitability and could result in exchange losses. For the year ending December 31, 2018, approximately 33% of our sales were denominated in foreign currencies (compared to 34% in the prior year), the most significant of which were the Euro, Canadian Dollar, Norwegian Kroner, and Swiss Franc. The primary purpose of our foreign currency hedging activities is to mitigate the foreign currency exchange rate exposure on the cash flows related to forecasted inventory purchases and sales. A hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency rates would not have a material effect on foreign currency gains and losses related to the foreign currency derivatives or the net fair value of the Company’s foreign currency derivatives. We have not held a material amount of foreign assets during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, and do not believe our foreign assets expose us to a material foreign currency risk.
Derivative Instruments
We employ a variety of practices to manage these market risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading. Derivatives are such that a specific debt instrument, contract, or anticipated purchase determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge. If a derivative contract is entered into, we either determine that it is an economic hedge or we designate the derivative as a cash flow or fair value hedge. We do not hold derivative financial investments, derivative commodity investments, engage in foreign currency hedging or other transactions that expose us to material market risks.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CLARUS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
of Clarus Corporation:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Clarus Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 4, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 4, 2019
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2018.
Independent Auditors’ Report
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
of Clarus Corporation:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Clarus Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2000 to 2018.
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 12, 2018
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CLARUS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements of Clarus Corporation and subsidiaries (which may be referred to as the “Company,” “Clarus,” “we,” “our” or “us”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Nature of Business
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Clarus, a company focused on the outdoor and consumer industries, is 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, sport and skincare markets. The Company’s products are principally sold under the Black Diamond®, Sierra®, PIEPS® and SKINourishment® brand names through specialty and online retailers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Through our Black Diamond, PIEPS, and SKINourishment brands, we offer a broad range of products including: high performance activity-based apparel (such as shells, insulation, midlayers, pants and logowear); rock-climbing footwear and equipment (such as carabiners, protection devices, harnesses, belay devices, helmets, and ice-climbing gear); technical backpacks and high-end day packs; trekking poles; headlamps and lanterns; gloves and mittens; and skincare and other sport-enhancing products. We also offer advanced skis, ski poles, ski skins, and snow safety products, including avalanche airbag systems, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes. Through our Sierra brand, we manufacture a wide range of high-performance bullets and ammunition for both rifles and pistols that are used for precision target shooting, hunting and military and law enforcement purposes.
Clarus Corporation, incorporated in Delaware in 1991, acquired Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. (which may be referred to as “Black Diamond Equipment”) and Gregory Mountain Products, LLC (which may be referred to as “Gregory Mountain Products” or “Gregory”) in May 2010 and changed its name to Black Diamond, Inc., in January 2011. In July 2012, we acquired POC Sweden AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, “POC”) and in October 2012, we acquired PIEPS Holding GmbH and its subsidiaries (collectively, “PIEPS”).
On July 23, 2014, the Company completed the sale of certain assets to Samsonite LLC comprising Gregory Mountain Product’s business. On October 7, 2015, the Company sold its equity interests in POC.
On August 14, 2017, the Company changed its name from Black Diamond, Inc. to Clarus Corporation and its stock ticker symbol from “BDE” to “CLAR” on the NASDAQ stock exchange. On August 21, 2017, the Company acquired Sierra Bullets, L.L.C. (“Sierra” or “Sierra Bullets”). On November 6, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of SKINourishment, Inc. (“SKINourishment”).
On May 7, 2018, the Company announced a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer for Clarus’ common stock, as well as the preferred share purchase rights associated with such shares (collectively, the “Shares”). On July 11, 2018, the tender offer expired, following which the Company announced it would accept 417,237 Shares for purchase at a price of $8.00 per Share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $3,338, excluding fees and expenses. Additionally, the Company purchased shares of the Company’s common stock for $2,349 under the Company’s authorized stock repurchase program during the year ended December 31, 2018.
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 of the Company’s common stock (the “Quarterly Cash Dividend”) or $0.10 per share on an annualized basis. In 2018, our total Quarterly Cash Dividends were $1,488. On January 18, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the payment on February 8, 2019 of the Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.025 to the record holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of the close of business on January 29, 2019.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates relate to purchase price allocation, excess or obsolete inventory, and valuation of deferred tax assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Clarus Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation
The accounts of the Company’s international subsidiaries’ financial statements which have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet dates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates for the periods for revenues, expenses, gains and losses. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other (expense) income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not hold any amounts that were considered to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company records its trade receivables at sales value and establishes a non-specific allowance for estimated doubtful accounts based on historical experience of collectability. In addition, specific allowances are established for customer accounts as known collection problems occur due to insolvency, disputes or other collection issues. The amounts of these specific allowances are estimated by management based on the customer’s financial position, the age of the customer’s receivables and the reasons for any disputes. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reduced by subsequent collections of the specific allowances or by any write-off of customer accounts that are deemed uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $392 and $382 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There were no significant write-offs of the Company’s accounts receivable during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method “FIFO”) or net realizable value. Elements of cost in the Company’s manufactured inventories generally include raw materials, direct labor, manufacturing overhead and freight in. The Company reviews its inventories for excess, close-out, or slow-moving items and makes provisions as necessary to properly reflect inventory values.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. The principal estimated useful lives are: buildings, 30 years; building improvements, 20 years; computer hardware and software and machinery and equipment, 3-10 years; furniture and fixtures, 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the life of the lease. Equipment under capital leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments. Major replacements, which extend the useful lives of equipment, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life. Normal maintenance and repair items are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets located outside of the United States are not considered material.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of identifiable net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested at the reporting unit level at least annually for impairment or more frequently if triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment. Initially, qualitative factors are considered to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Some of these qualitative factors may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, a change in financial performance, entity-specific events, a sustained decrease in share price, and consideration of the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of a reporting unit as determined in the most recent quantitative assessment. If, through this qualitative assessment, the conclusion is made that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount, a two-step quantitative impairment analysis is performed. The first step involves estimating the fair value of the reporting unit based upon an acceptable valuation method under ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss. In the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is estimated as the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in step one, less fair values of all other net tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit determined in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. No impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets represent other intangible assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired. Other intangible assets are amortized over their related useful lives. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances exist that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized; however, they are tested at least annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances exist that may indicate impairment. Initially, qualitative factors are considered to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If, through this qualitative assessment, the conclusion is made that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset's fair value is less than its carrying amount, or the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment, a quantitative impairment analysis is performed by comparing the indefinite-lived intangible asset's book value to its estimated fair value. The fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets is determined through an income approach using the relief-from-royalty method. The amount of any impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the impaired asset. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, no impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets was recorded.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge currency rate movements on foreign currency denominated sales. The Company enters into forward contracts, option contracts and non-deliverable forwards to manage the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on a portion of its forecasted foreign currency exposure. These derivatives are carried at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in prepaid and other current assets, other long-term assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and other long-term liabilities. Changes in fair value of the derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are included in the determination of net income. For derivative contracts designated as hedge instruments, the effective portion of gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of the instruments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified to sales in the period the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings.
For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. The Company uses operating budgets and cash flow forecasts to estimate future foreign currency cash flow exposures and to determine the level and timing of derivative transactions intended to mitigate such exposures in accordance with its risk management policies. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the cash flow hedge is dedesignated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company records compensation expense for all share-based awards granted based on the fair value of the award at the time of the grant. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are reasonable. Stock-based compensation costs for stock awards and restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. For restricted stock awards subject to market conditions, the fair value of each restricted stock award has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Monte-Carlo pricing model. The Company recognizes the cost of the share-based awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award and recognizes forfeitures in the period they occur. Stock options granted have contractual terms of up to ten years. Upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock awards, the Company issues shares from those authorized and reserved for issuance.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new guidance on revenue from customers using the modified retrospective method applied to revenues that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition.
There was no cumulative effect adjustment recorded to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, upon adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. However, the new revenue standard provides new guidance that resulted in immaterial reclassifications between Prepaid and other current assets, Sales, Cost of goods sold, and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with accounting for revenue with a right of return. The impact of the reclassifications to revenues and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018, was also immaterial as a result of applying ASC Topic 606. We do not expect an impact to our net income on an ongoing basis as a result of the adoption of the new standard.
The Company recognizes revenue when a contract exists with a customer that specifies the goods and services to be provided at an agreed upon sales price and when the performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the goods or service to the customer. The performance obligation is considered complete when control transfers, which is determined when products are shipped or delivered to the customer depending on the terms of the contract. Sales are made on normal and customary short- term credit terms or upon delivery of point of sale transactions.
The Company enters into contractual arrangement with customers in the form of individual customer orders which specify the goods, quantity, pricing, and associated order terms. The Company does not have long-term contracts that are satisfied over time. Due to the nature of the contracts, no significant judgment exists in relation to the identification of the customer contract, satisfaction of the performance obligation, or transaction price. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract due to the short-term nature of the contracts.
The Company’s contract terms or historical business practices can give rise to variable consideration such as term discounts and customer cooperative payments. We estimate the expected term discounts based on an analysis of historical experience and record cash discounts as a reduction to revenue. Through cooperative advertising programs, the Company reimburses its wholesale customers for some of their costs of advertising the Company’s products. The Company records such costs as a reduction of revenue, where the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated or where costs exceed the fair value of the services.
At the time of revenue recognition, we also provide for estimated sales returns and miscellaneous claims from customers as reductions to revenues. The estimates are based on historical rates of product returns and claims. The Company accrues for such estimated returns and claims with an estimated accrual and associated reduction of revenue. Additionally, the Company records inventory that it expects to be returned as an other current asset, with a corresponding reduction of cost of goods sold. Such balances as of December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018 are immaterial. The Company also offers assurance-type warranties relating to its products sold to end customers that are accounted for under ASC Topic 460, Guarantees.
Charges for shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales and the corresponding shipping and handling expenses are included in Cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Sales commissions are expensed as incurred as they are paid within a year. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to government authorities are reported on the net basis and are excluded from sales.
The Company has a wide variety of technical outdoor equipment and lifestyle products focused on the climb, ski, mountain, and sport categories that are sold to a variety of customers in multiple end markets. While there are multiple products sold, the nature of products are similar in terms of the nature of the revenue recognition policies. See Note 16. Segment Information to the notes to consolidated financial statements, for disaggregated revenue by segment.
Contract liabilities are recorded as a component of accounts payable and accrued liabilities when customers remit contractual cash payments in advance of us satisfying performance obligations which are satisfied at a future point of time. Contract liabilities totaled $90 and $360 at December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively. Contract liabilities are derecognized when the performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue recognized from satisfaction of performance obligations relating to the advanced payments during the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $554.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Cost of Sales
The expenses that are included in cost of sales include all direct product costs and costs related to shipping, certain warehousing, or handling, duties and importation fees. Product warranty costs and specific provisions for excess, close-out, or slow-moving inventory are also included in cost of sales. Certain warehousing, or handling costs which are not associated with the manufacturing of goods for sale are excluded from cost of sales.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense includes personnel-related costs, product development, selling, advertising, visual merchandise, depreciation and amortization, and other general operating expenses. Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. Total advertising expense, including cooperative advertising costs, were $4,016, $3,951, and $2,605 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.
Through cooperative advertising programs, the Company reimburses its wholesale customers for some of their costs of advertising the Company’s products based on various criteria, including the value of purchases from the Company and various advertising specifications. Cooperative advertising costs were $338, $537, and $741 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, and were included in selling, general, and administrative expense because the Company receives an identifiable benefit in exchange for the cost, the advertising may be obtained from a party other than the customer, and the fair value of the advertising benefit can be reasonably estimated.
Product Warranty
Some of the Company’s products carry warranty provisions for defects in quality and workmanship. Warranty repairs and replacements are recorded in cost of sales and a warranty liability is established at the time of sale to cover estimated costs based on the Company’s history of warranty repairs and replacements. The Company recorded a liability for product warranties totaling $1,032 and $987 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company experienced warranty claims on its products of $999, $949, and $1,051, respectively.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Total research and development costs were $9,471, $7,984, and $6,598 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are based on amounts of taxes payable or refundable in the current year and on expected future tax consequences of events that are recognized in the financial statements in different periods than they are recognized in tax returns. As a result of timing of recognition and measurement differences between financial accounting standards and income tax laws, temporary differences arise between amounts of pre-tax financial statement income and taxable income and between reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheets reflect estimated future tax effects attributable to these temporary differences and to net operating loss and net capital loss carryforwards, based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for years in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable income in specific jurisdictions. Valuation allowances are used to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. U.S. deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed income of foreign subsidiaries where such earnings are considered to be permanently invested.
The Company recognizes interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax (benefit) expense.
The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax (benefit) expense. Unrecognized tax benefits that reduce a net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, are presented as a reduction to deferred income taxes.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Concentration of Credit Risk and Sales
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, and aggregate unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts. Risks associated with cash within the United States are mitigated by banking with federally insured, creditworthy institutions; however, there are balances with these institutions that are greater than the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for possible losses as considered necessary by management.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (“REI”) accounted for approximately 12%, 14% and 16%, respectively, of the Company’s sales. As of December 31, 2018, REI accounted for approximately 15% of the Company’s accounts receivable.
Fair Value Measurements
The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their respective fair values due to the short-term nature and liquidity of these financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value based on current market pricing models. The Company estimates that, due to the variable interest rates reflecting current market rates, the fair value of its long-term debt obligations under its revolving credit facility approximates the carrying value at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Segment Information
As a result of our August 21, 2017 acquisition of Sierra, we operate our business structure within two segments. These segments are defined based on the internal financial reporting used by management. Certain significant selling and general and administrative expenses are not allocated to the segments. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described above.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements adopted During
In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Restricted Cash, which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update are required to be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. Accordingly, the Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018 and determined that the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which clarifies the treatment of several cash flow categories. In addition, ASU 2016-15 clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. Accordingly, the Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018 and determined that the adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Scope of Modification Accounting, which clarifies that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting terms and classification as liability or equity of the modified and original awards do not change on the modification date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update are applied using a prospective transition method. Accordingly, the Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018 and determined that the adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-5 Income Tax (Topic 740) Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 which adds various paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”). This guidance provides for the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law and establishes a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date (December 22, 2017) to obtain the appropriate documentation and complete the accounting under ASC Topic 740 for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act which were incomplete at December 31, 2017. This ASU became effective when issued in March 2018. The Company believes that all material adjustments have been identified and recorded relating to the Tax Act in 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which revises the accounting related to lessor and lessee accounting. In July 2018, the FASB also issued ASU 2018-10 Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases and ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The provisions of ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and may be applied through a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements with certain practical expedients available. An entity may apply the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. Since the effective date will not be until January 1, 2019, there is no immediate impact on the financial statements. Leases previously defined as capital leases will continue to be defined as a capital lease with no material changes to the accounting methodology. The Company currently maintains two capital leases. The Company has substantially completed an assessment of its leases and has prepared for implementation and recognition of a cumulative-effective adjustment to the Janaury 1, 2019 balances on a prospective basis. Under the new guidance, leases previously defined as operating leases will generally be defined as financing leases and capitalized if the term is greater than one year. As a result, financing leases will be recorded as an asset and a corresponding liability at the present value of the total lease payments. The asset will be decremented over the life of the lease on a pro-rata basis resulting in lease expense while the liability will be decremented using the interest method (i.e. principal and interest). As such, the Company expects the new guidance will materially impact the asset and liability balances of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures at the time of adoption. The majority of our current operating leases have been negotiated to expire after the adoption date. Consequently, for the leases with terms that go beyond the adoption date, the amounts we expect to recognize as additional liabilities and corresponding ROU assets based upon the present value of the remaining rental payments should range from approximately $1,000 to $1,500.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by requiring a goodwill impairment to be measured using a single step impairment model, whereby the impairment equals the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the specified reporting units in their entirety. This eliminates the second step of the current impairment model that requires companies to first estimate the fair value of all assets in a reporting unit and measure impairments based on those fair values and a residual measurement approach. It also specifies that any loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We adopted this standard during the first quarter of 2019 on a prospective basis and the initial adoption of the amendment in this ASU did not have a significant impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This standard enables entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements and enhances the transparency and understandability of hedge results through improved disclosures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted, and we intend to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of 2019. The Company is still evaluating the impact of the adoption and implementation of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income which allows for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. This ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We intend to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of 2019. The Company does not believe the adoption and implementation of this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidation financial statements.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
NOTE 2. ACQUISITION
On August 21, 2017, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding membership interests of Sierra Bullets, L.L.C., a manufacturer of a wide range of bullets primarily for both rifles and pistols, pursuant to the terms of the purchase and sale agreement dated August 21, 2017 (the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired Sierra for an aggregate purchase price of $79,000, plus or minus a working capital adjustment, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. During the measurement period, the Company finalized the working capital adjustment and adjusted the recorded purchase consideration and goodwill by $345.
The Company believes the acquisition of Sierra is expected to provide the Company with the following benefits:
·greater combined global revenue base;
·increased diversification and seasonal balance;
·increased gross margins, profitability and free cash flows;
·advance the development, marketing and distribution of products; and
·access to increased liquidity to further acquire and grow businesses.
The following table is a reconciliation to the fair value of the purchase consideration and how the purchase consideration is allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed which have been estimated at their fair values. The excess of purchase consideration over the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.
The gross amount of accounts receivable is $2,732 of which $46 is deemed to be not collectible. The estimated fair value of inventory was recorded at expected sales price less cost to sell plus a reasonable profit margin for selling efforts.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired exclusive rights to Sierra’s trade names and trademarks, customer relationships, and product technologies. The amounts assigned to each class of intangible asset, other than goodwill acquired, and the related weighted average useful lives are as follows:
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
The weighted-average period before the next renewal of trade names and trademarks not subject to amortization is approximately 4.8 years. The fair value of Sierra’s assembled workforce and buyer-specific synergies has been included in goodwill. According to Revenue Ruling 99-6, the acquisition of a limited liability company is treated as a purchase of assets for tax purposes. As such, the basis in the assets of Sierra is equal for both book and tax, which results in no initial recognition of deferred tax assets or liabilities. Furthermore, the full amount of goodwill recorded of $17,745 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. No pre-existing relationships existed between Clarus and the Sellers prior to the acquisition.
On November 6, 2018, the Company purchased the assets of SKINourishment and was accounted for as a business combination. The assets purchased were not significant to the consolidated financial statements. Pro forma results of SKINourishment have not been presented as the results are insignificant to our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, revenues and earnings of SKINourishment, since the acquisition date, are insignificant to our consolidated financial statements.
Pro Forma Results (Unaudited)
The following pro forma results are based on the individual historical results of the Company and Sierra, with adjustments to give effect as if the acquisition and borrowings used to finance the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016, after giving effect to certain adjustments including the amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of fixed assets, the Sellers’ management fees, interest expense and taxes and assumes the purchase price was allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based on their fair market values at the date of purchase.
The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the transaction been consummated as of January 1, 2016. Furthermore, such pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future operating results of the combined companies and should not be construed as representative of the operating results of the combined companies for any future dates or periods.
Material nonrecurring adjustments excluded from the pro forma financial information above consists of $2,170 transaction and merger and integration costs and the $3,147 step up of Sierra inventory to its preliminary fair value, which was recorded as an unfavorable adjustment to cost of goods sold during the six months following the acquisition date.
NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As discussed above in Note 1, on October 7, 2015, the Company sold POC. As of December 31, 2015, there was an unsettled working capital adjustment of $921 owed which was paid during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company performed certain transition services related to the POC Disposition and received $0, $0, and $324 during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, which was recorded as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated financial statements for such periods.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
NOTE 4. INVENTORIES
Inventories, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
NOTE 5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
Depreciation expense was $4,423, $2,883, and $2,264 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.
NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
Based on the results of the Company’s annual impairment tests completed during the fourth quarter, the Company determined that goodwill was not impaired. The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by segment:
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
The Company’s indefinite lived intangible assets consists of certain tradenames and trademarks that provide Black Diamond Equipment, PIEPS and Sierra with the exclusive and perpetual rights to manufacture and sell their respective products. Tradenames and trademarks are not amortized, but reviewed annually for impairment or upon the existence of a triggering event. Based on the results of the Company’s annual impairment tests, the Company determined that indefinite lived intangible assets were not impaired. The following table summarizes the changes in indefinite lived intangible assets:
Other Intangible Assets, net
The Company’s other intangible assets, such as certain customer lists and relationships, product technologies, tradenames, trademarks and core technologies are amortizable over their estimated useful lives. The following table summarizes the changes in gross other intangible assets:
Other intangible assets, net of amortization as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, was $3,873, $2,376, and $1,075, respectively. Future amortization expense for other intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:
NOTE 7. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:
(a)As of December 31, 2018, the Company had drawn $22,062 on the approximately $48,000 of the revolving commitment that was available under the Credit Agreement (as defined below) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., with a maturity date of June 27, 2022. Approximately $26,000 was still available to borrow at December 31, 2018. The Company pays interest monthly on any borrowings on the Credit Agreement at London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.5% (3.8493% as of December 31, 2018), and an annual commitment fee of .25% on the unused portion of the commitment. The Company previously paid interest on the Terminated Credit Agreement (as defined below) at LIBOR plus 3.0% (4.3607% at December 31, 2017).
On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into an asset based revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Concurrent with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Company terminated and satisfied in full its revolving credit agreement (the “Terminated Credit Agreement”) with ZB, N.A. dba Zions First National Bank.
All obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by the accounts receivable, inventory, intellectual property and certain other assets of the Company. The Credit Agreement contains restrictions on the Company’s ability to pay dividends based on the amount the Company has available to borrow. The Credit Agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants relating to the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with the debt covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2018.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
The aggregate maturities of the revolving credit facility for the years subsequent to December 31, 2018 are as follows:
NOTE 8. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company’s primary exchange rate risk management objective is to mitigate the uncertainty of anticipated cash flows attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company primarily focuses on mitigating changes in cash flows resulting from sales denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company manages this risk primarily by using currency forward and option contracts. If the anticipated transactions are deemed probable, the resulting relationships are formally designated as cash flow hedges. The Company accounts for these contracts as cash flow hedges and tests effectiveness by determining whether changes in the expected cash flow of the derivative offset, within a range, changes in the expected cash flow of the hedged item.
At December 31, 2018, the Company’s derivative contracts had remaining maturities of less than one and one-half years. The counterparty to these transactions had both long-term and short-term investment grade credit ratings. The maximum net exposure of the Company’s credit risk to the counterparty is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized loss of all contracts with that counterparty. At December 31, 2018, there was no such exposure to the counterparty. The Company’s exposure of counterparty credit risk is limited to the aggregate unrealized gain of $724 on all contracts at December 31, 2018. The Company’s derivative counterparty has strong credit ratings and as a result, the Company does not require collateral to facilitate transactions.
The Company held the following contracts designated as hedged instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
For contracts that qualify as effective hedge instruments, the effective portion of gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value of the instruments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to sales in the period the underlying hedged transaction is recognized. Gains (losses) of $256 and $(450) were reclassified to sales during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table presents the balance sheet classification and fair value of derivative instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) primarily consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in our forward foreign exchange contracts. The components of AOCI, net of tax, were as follows:
The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges for foreign exchange contracts and foreign currency translation adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:
The Company’s policy is to classify reclassifications of cumulative foreign currency translation from AOCI to Other, net.
NOTE 10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, under a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Level 1- inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2- inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are
observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3- inputs to the valuation methodology are based on prices or valuation techniques that are unobservable.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value based on current market pricing models. No nonrecurring fair value measurements existed at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
NOTE 11. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing earnings (loss) by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period, plus the effect of dilutive outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock grants. Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive to the loss from continuing operations.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted shares of common stock outstanding used in the calculation of earnings per share:
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, equity awards of 1,164, 3,009, and 2,467, respectively, were outstanding and anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of income (loss) per share for these periods.
NOTE 12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
Under the Company’s current 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) has flexibility to determine the type and amount of awards to be granted to eligible participants, who must be employees, directors, officers or consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries. The 2015 Plan allows for grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and restricted units. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be granted through awards under the 2015 Plan to any employee in any calendar year may not exceed 500 shares. The 2015 Plan will continue in effect until December 2025 unless terminated sooner. As of December 31, 2018, the number of shares authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan is 5,743, subject to automatic annual increase equal to 5% of the total number of shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
Options Granted:
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued stock options for an aggregate of 1,938 shares under the 2015 Plan to directors and employees of the Company. Of the 1,938 options issued, 38 options vest in four equal consecutive quarterly tranches from the date of grant. The remaining 1,900 options issued vest in five equal tranches on December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
For computing the fair value of the stock-based awards, the fair value of each option grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
(a)Expected volatility is based upon the Company’s historical volatility.
(b)Because the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term for these grants, the Company utilized the simplified method in developing an estimate of the expected term of these options.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Using these assumptions, the fair value of the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $6,059, $1,020, and $299, respectively, which will be amortized over the vesting period of the options.
Market Condition Restricted Shares Granted:
On June 1, 2017, the Company issued and granted to an employee a restricted stock award of 500 restricted shares under the 2015 Plan, of which (i) 250 restricted shares will vest if, on or before June 1, 2022, the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of the Company’s common stock shall have equaled or exceeded $10.00 per share for twenty consecutive trading days; and (ii) 250 restricted shares will vest if, on or before June 1, 2022, the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of the Company’s common stock shall have equaled or exceeded $12.00 per share for twenty consecutive trading days. For computing the fair value of the 500 restricted shares with a market condition, the fair value of each restricted stock award grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Monte-Carlo pricing model with the assumptions below.
On July 1, 2016, the Company issued and granted to an employee a restricted stock award of 100 restricted shares under the 2015 Plan, which will vest if, on or before July 1, 2020, the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of the Company’s common stock shall have equaled or exceeded $15.00 per share for twenty consecutive trading days. For computing the fair value of the 100 restricted shares subject to a market condition, the fair value of each restricted stock award grant has been estimated as of the date of grant using the Monte-Carlo pricing model with the assumptions below.
Using these assumptions, the fair value of the market condition restricted stock awards granted on June 1, 2017 was approximately $1,995 and July 1, 2016 was approximately $105.
The total non-cash stock compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards recorded by the Company was as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the majority of stock-based compensation costs were classified as selling, general and administrative expense. A summary of changes in outstanding options and restricted stock awards during the year ended December 31, 2018 is as follows:
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table summarizes the exercise price range, weighted average exercise price, and remaining contractual lives by significant ranges for options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2018:
The intrinsic value of options exercised and restricted stock awards vested was $3,035, $28, and $18 during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $2,833, $1,123, and $938, respectively.
The fair value of unvested restricted stock awards is determined based on the market price of our shares of common stock on the grant date or using the Monte-Carlo pricing model. As of December 31, 2018, there were 1,688 unvested stock options and unrecognized compensation cost of $5,467 related to unvested stock options, as well as 350 unvested restricted stock awards and unrecognized compensation cost of $233 related to unvested restricted stock awards. Unrecognized compensation cost of unvested stock options and restricted stock awards are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 3.6 years.
NOTE 13. RESTRUCTURING
The Company initiated a restructuring plan in 2014 (the “2014 Restructuring Plan”) to realign resources within the organization and completed the plan during the year ended December 31, 2016. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $0, $0, and $30, respectively, of restructuring charges related to the 2014 Restructuring Plan. We have incurred $5,969 of cumulative restructuring charges since the commencement of the 2014 Restructuring Plan.
As part of the conclusion of the Company’s review of strategic alternatives, the Company initiated restructuring activities in efforts to further realign resources within the organization (the “2015 Restructuring Plan”) and completed the plan in 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $137, $160 and $1,365, respectively, of restructuring charges related to the 2015 Restructuring Plan. We have incurred $2,681 of cumulative restructuring charges since the commencement of the 2015 Restructuring Plan.
NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in various legal disputes and other legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the disposition of any of the legal disputes the Company or its subsidiaries is currently involved in will have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There is a reasonable possibility of loss from contingencies in excess of the amounts accrued by the Company in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets; however, the actual amounts of such possible losses cannot currently be reasonably estimated by the Company at this time. It is possible that, as additional information becomes available, the impact on the Company could have a different effect.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company received an arbitral award on agreed terms of $1,967, related to certain claims against the former owner of PIEPS associated with the voluntary recall of all of the PIEPS VECTOR avalanche transceivers during the year ended December 31, 2013. This concludes the arbitration in its entirety.
The Company leases office, warehouse and distribution space under non-cancelable operating leases. As leases expire, it can be expected that, in the normal course of business, certain leases will be renewed or replaced. Certain lease agreements include escalating rents over the lease terms. The Company expenses rent on a straight-line basis over the lease term which commences on the date the Company has the right to control the property. The cumulative expense recognized on a straight-line basis in excess of the cumulative payments is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Total rent expense of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $838, $865, and $1,033, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments required under noncancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease term in excess of one year at December 31, 2018 are as follows:
NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company is subject to income taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions which creates deferred tax assets and liabilities in these jurisdictions. The Company has netted these deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities by jurisdiction. Deferred income tax assets are reviewed for recoverability and valuation allowances are provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset is not realizable in the future.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). As a result of the Tax Act, the U.S. federal corporate tax rate was reduced to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018. In addition, the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) was repealed and taxpayers with AMT credit carryovers in excess of their regular tax liability may have credits refunded over multiple years from 2018 to 2022.
The Company recognized the income tax effects of the Tax Act in its 2017 financial statements in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance for the application of ASC 740, Income Taxes, in the reporting period in which the Tax Act was signed into law. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. The Company finalized all tax positions associated with SAB 118 by filing the 2017 tax return during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company’s foreign operations that are considered to be permanently reinvested have statutory tax rates of approximately 25%.
The Company releases residual tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) through continuing operations as the underlying asset matures or expires.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following:
The components of the (benefit) provision for income taxes consist of the following:
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective rate reported in the Company’s financial statements:
The deferred tax asset write-off represents a write-off of a historical investment that is fully offset by a release in the valuation allowance.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting carrying amounts and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Significant components of the Company’s existing deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:
The Company has provided a valuation allowance against a portion of the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018, because the ultimate realization of those assets does not meet the more likely than not criteria. The majority of the Company’s deferred tax assets consist of net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes. If a change in control were to occur, these could be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended.
In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and net operating loss and credit carryforwards expire. The estimates and judgments associated with the Company’s valuation allowance on deferred tax assets are considered critical due to the amount of deferred tax assets recorded by the Company on its consolidated balance sheet and the judgment required in determining the Company’s potential for future taxable income. The need for a valuation allowance is reassessed at each reporting period.
For tax years beginning January 1, 2018, net operating losses generated will be carried forward indefinitely, thus creating an indefinite-lived deferred tax asset. However, only 80% of the net operating losses generated after January 1, 2018 may be used to offset future taxable income. Due to these changes in the tax law, management has scheduled out the reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities to determine the generation of future net operating loss carryforwards with an indefinite reversal period. The resultant indefinite lived net operating loss can only offset 80% of future taxable income generated by indefinite lived deferred tax liabilities.
The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets was ($3,689), ($21,851), and $3,176 during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. A roll forward of our valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 is as follows:
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(a)During the year ended December 31, 2017, the decrease in valuation allowance is due to the Tax Act.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had net operating loss and research and experimentation credit for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $141,067 and $3,791, respectively. The Company believes its U.S. Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) will substantially offset its future U.S. Federal income taxes until expiration. The majority of the Company’s pre-tax income is currently earned and expected to be earned in the U.S., or taxed in the U.S. as Subpart F. income and will be offset with the NOL.
NOLs available to offset taxable income, subject to compliance with Section 382 of the Code, begin to expire based upon the following schedule:
Net Operating Loss Carryforward Expiration Dates
December 31, 2018
Tax positions are recognized in the financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. The Company conducts its business globally. As a result, the Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions, and are subject to examination for the open tax years in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions of 2014-2018 and in the foreign jurisdictions of 2006-2018. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of total unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are follows:
Included in the balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are potential benefits of $545 and $476, respectively, that if recognized, would affect the effective rate, subject to impact of valuation allowance, on income from continuing operations. Unrecognized tax benefits that reduce a net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward are presented as a reduction to deferred income taxes. As a result, the Company classified $384 and $356 of its unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Interest and penalty expense recognized related to uncertain tax positions amounted to $0, $13, and $183 during the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Total accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $9 and $6, respectively, and were included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
NOTE 16. SEGMENT INFORMATION
As a result of our August 21, 2017 acquisition of Sierra, we operate our business structure within two segments. These segments are defined based on the internal financial reporting used by management. Certain significant selling and general and administrative expenses are not allocated to the segments including non-cash stock compensation expense. Each segment is described below:
·Black Diamond segment, which includes Black Diamond Equipment, PIEPS, and SKINourishment, is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative outdoor engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, mountaineering, trail running, backpacking, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor recreation activities. Black Diamond segment offers a broad range of products including: high performance activity-based apparel (such as shells, insulation, midlayers, pants and logowear); rock-climbing footwear and equipment (such as carabiners, protection devices, harnesses, belay devices, helmets, and ice-climbing gear); technical backpacks and high-end day packs; trekking poles; headlamps and lanterns; gloves and mittens; and skincare and other sport-enhancing products. We also offer advanced skis, ski poles, ski skins, and snow safety products, including avalanche airbag systems, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes.
·Sierra segment, which includes Sierra, is an iconic American manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance bullets and ammunition for both rifles and pistols. These bullets are used for precision target shooting, hunting and military and law enforcement purposes.
REI accounted for approximately 12%, 14% and 16% of our total sales from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, and is included in the Black Diamond segment. No other single customer contributed more than 10% of our sales during those periods. We divide our product offerings into four primary categories of climb, mountain, ski and sport. During the year ended December 31, 2018, revenue for the categories of climb, mountain, ski and sport was 30%, 34%, 19% and 17%, respectively.
Financial information for our segments is as follows:
There were no intercompany sales between the Black Diamond and Sierra segments for the periods presented. Restructuring charges for the periods presented relate to the Black Diamond segment.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Total assets by segment, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
On August 21, 2017, the Company purchased Sierra. Total assets of Sierra as of August 21, 2017 were $80,566. Capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization by segment is as follows.
NOTE 17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
5% Unsecured Subordinated Notes due May 28, 2017
As part of the consideration payable to the stockholders of a formerly acquired entity, the Company issued 5% Unsecured Subordinated Notes due May 28, 2017 (the “Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes”) to members of the Board of Directors and five former employees. Given the below market interest rate for comparably secured notes and the relative illiquidity of the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes, we discounted the notes at the date of acquisition. We were accreting the discount on the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes. In February 2017, the Board of Directors approved the repayment of the Merger Consideration Subordinated Notes. On February 13, 2017, the entire principal amount and all accrued interest were paid in full. The note discount of $814 was expensed and recognized as interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Upon the Company’s acquisition of Sierra, on August 21, 2017, the Company paid a fee in the amount of $1,000 to Kanders & Company, Inc. (“Kanders & Company”), which is included in transaction costs, in consideration of the significant support received by the Company from Kanders & Company in sourcing, structuring, performing due diligence and negotiating the acquisition. Mr. Warren B. Kanders, the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and a member of its Board of Directors, is the sole stockholder of Kanders & Company.
CLARUS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth selected quarterly data for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The operating results are not indicative of results for any future period.
CLARUS CORPORATION
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2018, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to the appropriate management on a basis that permits timely decisions regarding disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2018, were effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
·pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
·provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
·provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
Based on our assessment and those criteria, management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2018, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
CLARUS CORPORATION
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors
of Clarus Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Clarus Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, of the Company and our report dated March 4, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 4, 2019
CLARUS CORPORATION
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and to all of its other officers, directors and employees. The code of business conduct and ethics may be accessed at www.claruscorp.com, our Internet website, at the tab “Governance” under the section called “Governance Documents.” The Company intends to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of its code of business conduct and ethics, if any, on the above website within five business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Other information required by Item 10, including information regarding directors, membership and function of the audit committee, including the financial expertise of its members, and Section 16(a) compliance, appearing under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Information Regarding Board of Directors and Committees” and “Other Matters” in our Proxy Statement used in connection with our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference. The Company intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2018.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement used in connection with our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference. The Company intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2018.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in our Proxy Statement used in connection with our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference. The Company intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2018.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence” in our Proxy Statement used in connection with our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference. The Company intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2018.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information set forth under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in our Proxy Statement used in connection with our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated herein by reference. The Company intends to file its Proxy Statement with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2018.
CLARUS CORPORATION
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits
(a)(1) The Financial Statements. The Financial Statements of the Company are included in Item 8 above.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules. No schedules are included because the required information is inapplicable, not required or are presented in the financial statements or the related notes thereto.
(a)(3) The following Exhibits are hereby filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 7, 2010 by and among the Company, Everest/Sapphire Acquisition, LLC, Sapphire Merger Corp., Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. and Ed McCall, as Stockholders’ Representative (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 10, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 7, 2010 by and among the Company, Everest/Sapphire Acquisition LLC, Everest Merger I Corp., Everest Merger II, LLC, Gregory Mountain Products, Inc. and Kanders GMP Holdings, LLC, Schiller Gregory Investment Company, LLC (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 10, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.3
Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Samsonite LLC, the Company and Gregory Mountain Products, LLC, dated as of June 18, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 23, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.4
Purchase Agreement by and Among Dainese S.P.A., Dainese USA, Inc., the Company and Ember Scandinavia AB, dated as of October 7, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 14, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.5
Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Everest/Sapphire Acquisition, LLC Sierra Bullets L.L.C., BHH Management, Inc. and Lumber Management, Inc., dated as of August 21, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 25, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Appendix C to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Commission on November 6, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on January 24, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.4
Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on August 14, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.5
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (filed as Appendix D to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Commission on November 6, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
CLARUS CORPORATION
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
3.6
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003).
3.7
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 4, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.8
Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on August 9, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.9
Amendment No. 4 to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 9, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10
Amendment No. 5 to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on August 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.11
Form of Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 13, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1
See Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10 and 3.11 for provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company defining rights of the holders of Common Stock of the Company.
4.2
Company’s Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
4.3
Rights Agreement, dated as of February 12, 2008, by and between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 13, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4
Form of Rights Certificate (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 13, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers of the Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 23, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2
Employment Agreement between the Company and Warren B. Kanders, dated as of June 1, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 6, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.3
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2016, between the Company and Aaron Kuehne (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on May 20, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.4
Employment Agreement between the Company and John Walbrecht, dated as of September 23, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on March 15, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.5
Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix A of the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Commission on May 2, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.6
Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on September 7, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.7
Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement, filed with the Commission on November 9, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). +
CLARUS CORPORATION
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
10.8
Form of Stock Option Agreement for the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 17, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.9
Form of Stock Award Agreement for the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 17, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). +
10.10
Form of 5% Unsecured Subordinated Note due May 28, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on June 4, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11
Credit Agreement, effective as of June 27, 2018, by and among the Loan Parties, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 3, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.12
Pledge and Security Agreement, effective as of June 27, 2018, by and among the Loan Parties and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 3, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13
Letter to Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. dated September 18, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 22, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.14
Letter to Wynnefield Capital, Inc. dated September 22, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 22, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15
Letter to Greenhouse Funds LLLP dated November 7, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.16
Letter to Brown Advisory Incorporated dated May 4, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 7, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17
Letter to ArrowMark Colorado Holdings, LLC dated January 25, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 31, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Company.**
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. **
23.2
Independent Auditors’ Consent. **
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer, as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley of 2002.***
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley of 2002.***
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document. **
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. **
CLARUS CORPORATION
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. **
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. **
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. **
+
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Filed herewith
***
Furnished herewith
CLARUS CORPORATION
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CLARUS CORPORATION
Date: March 4, 2019
By: /s/ Aaron J. Kuehne
Aaron J. Kuehne,
Chief Administrative Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Name
Title
/s/ Warren B. Kanders
Executive Chairman and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Warren B. Kanders
/s/ Aaron J. Kuehne
Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Aaron J. Kuehne
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Donald L. House
Director
Donald L. House
/s/ Nicholas Sokolow
Director
Nicholas Sokolow
/s/ Michael A. Henning
Director
Michael A. Henning