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Clarus Reports Record Second Quarter 2018 Results and Raises Full-Year Outlook

– Sales up 50% to a Q2 Record $45.9 Million With Gross Margin up 510 Basis Points to 34.6% –

– 2018 Sales to Now Grow 20%-23% to $205-$210 Million with Adjusted EBITDA Margin of Approximately 8.5% –

– Initiation of Quarterly Dividend of $0.025 per Share –

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clarus Corporation (NASDAQ: CLAR) (“Clarus” and/or the “Company”), a company focused on the outdoor and consumer industries, seeking opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate attractive shareholder returns, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2018.

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

  • Sales up 50% to a Q2 record of $45.9 million.
  • Gross margin up 510 basis points to 34.6%.
  • Net loss improved to $0.8 million or $(0.03) per share, compared to a net loss of $3.7 million or $(0.12) per share.
  • Adjusted net income before non-cash items increased significantly to $2.6 million or $0.09 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $3.4 million or $(0.11) per share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly to a Q2 record of $2.8 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million.
  • Repurchased 417,237 shares for approximately $3.3 million, excluding fees and expenses, in connection with the Company’s modified Dutch auction tender offer.   

Management Commentary

“The strong results of our second quarter signal the momentum in our brands and reinforce that our strategy is working,” said John Walbrecht, president of Clarus. “Important metrics that confirm this performance include 14% sales growth from Black Diamond, including an 89% increase in apparel, and 32% pro forma growth in Sierra Bullets.

“We continued to translate these top-line results into significantly improved gross margin, profitability and cash generation. During the second quarter, gross margin improved by 510 basis points and we increased year-over-year adjusted EBITDA by $5.5 million.

“Given our strong performance in the first half of the year, we are increasing our 2018 outlook. We expect our financial momentum to continue for the remainder of the year based upon key product innovations across all of Black Diamond’s primary product categories, particularly within climb and apparel, and improved demand at Sierra as we continue to increase the exposure of the brand within existing channels.”

Commenting on the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend, Clarus Executive Chairman Warren Kanders said: “We believe this decision demonstrates our confidence in the financial management and strength of our company, our settling into a more natural and consistent rhythm in our business, and provides a platform for a broader investor base. Our high levels of growth, operating leverage and attendant cash flows also make us well-positioned to seek opportunistic acquisitions while returning capital to shareholders. We believe this reinforces our commitment to delivering optimal shareholder value.”

Second Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Sales in the second quarter of 2018 increased 50% to $45.9 million compared to $30.7 million in the same year-ago quarter. The increase was driven by $10.9 million in sales generated by Sierra, and continued strong growth across the Black Diamond Equipment brand. On a constant currency basis, total sales were up 47%.

On a pro forma basis, as if Clarus owned Sierra during the second quarter of 2017, consolidated sales in the second quarter of 2018 increased 18%, comprised of 14% growth from Black Diamond and 32% growth from Sierra Bullets.

Gross margin increased 510 basis points to 34.6% compared to 29.5% in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to a favorable mix of higher margin products and distribution channels, the stabilization of the Company’s sourcing strategy, and more normalized levels of discontinued merchandise.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter increased to $15.8 million compared to $12.9 million in the year-ago quarter. The anticipated increase was due to strategic investments that seek to drive innovation and growth in both Sierra and Black Diamond.

Net loss in the second quarter improved to $0.8 million or $(0.03) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.7 million or $(0.12) per diluted share in the year-ago quarter. Net loss in the second quarter of 2018 included $3.2 million of non-cash items, $0.2 million in transaction costs, and minimal restructuring costs, compared to $0.2 million of non-cash items and minimal restructuring costs in the second quarter of 2017.

Adjusted net income, which excludes the non-cash items, as well as transaction and restructuring costs, increased significantly to $2.6 million or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net loss of $3.4 million or $(0.11) per diluted share in the second quarter of 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA also increased significantly to $2.8 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2017.

At June 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.6 million compared to $1.9 million at December 31, 2017. Free cash flow during the first six months of 2018 was $6.4 million compared to $(8.8) million in the same period in 2017. The Company’s debt balance at June 30, 2018, was $16.1 million compared to $20.8 million at December 31, 2017.

New $150 Million Revolving Credit Facility

On June 28, 2018, Clarus entered into a new $75 million credit facility agreement, plus an uncommitted accordion feature providing for an additional $75 million, for a total of up to $150 million with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. The upsized agreement replaces the Company’s $40 million revolving credit line at more favorable rates and provides greater international capabilities. The facility bears interest at a LIBOR or an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin generally ranging from 1.5% to 2.2% and matures in 2022. The use of proceeds will be to fully pay down the Company’s previously existing revolving credit facility, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Capital Allocation

Today, August 6th, Clarus implemented a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend will be paid on September 4, 2018, to shareholders of record on the close of business on August 20, 2018.

After multiple extensions and increasing the maximum price from $7.20 to $8.00, on July 12th, Clarus announced the results of its $7.5 million modified Dutch auction tender offer. Clarus accepted for purchase 417,237 shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $3.3 million, excluding fees and expenses. The shares accepted for purchase represented approximately 1% of Clarus’ total outstanding shares as of June 30, 2018.

The Company maintains a $30 million share repurchase program, which still has approximately $14.4 million available. 

These various capital allocation measures reflect the Company’s confidence in its future and commitment to finding ways to enhance value for all shareholders.

Increased 2018 Outlook

Clarus now anticipates fiscal year 2018 sales to grow 20%-23% to approximately $205-$210 million (from $200-$205 million prior) compared to $170.7 million in 2017. On a constant currency basis, that translates to an expected sales range between $202-$207 million, or up 18%-21% compared to 2017.

The Company also now expects adjusted EBITDA margin to be approximately 8.5% (from 8% prior), which includes $5 million of cash corporate overhead expenditures, compared to 3.6% in 2017.

Net Operating Loss (NOL)

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

Conference Call

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

Date: Monday, August 6, 2018
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (3:00 p.m. Mountain time)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-800-263-0877
International dial-in number: 1-646-828-8143
Conference ID: 6059765

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

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

A replay of the conference call will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through August 20, 2018.

Toll-free replay number: 1-844-512-2921
International replay number: 1-412-317-6671
Replay ID: 6059765

About Clarus Corporation

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

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Company Contact:

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

Investor Relations:

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


             
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  (Unaudited)
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
         
    June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017
  Assets          
  Current assets          
  Cash $   2,571     $   1,856  
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful          
  accounts of $451 and $382, respectively     32,461         35,817  
  Inventories     61,157         58,138  
  Prepaid and other current assets     4,676         3,633  
  Income tax receivable     43         -   
  Total current assets     100,908         99,444  
             
  Property and equipment, net     23,703         24,345  
  Other intangible assets, net     21,232         23,238  
  Indefinite lived intangible assets     41,751         41,843  
  Goodwill     18,090         17,745  
  Other long-term assets     1,572         834  
  Total assets $   207,256     $   207,449  
             
  Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
  Current liabilities          
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $   22,908     $   19,456  
  Income tax payable     164         328  
  Current portion of long-term debt      40         -   
  Total current liabilities     23,112         19,784  
             
  Long-term debt     16,064         20,842  
  Deferred income taxes     4,011         3,666  
  Other long-term liabilities     101         175  
  Total liabilities     43,288         44,467  
             
  Stockholders' Equity          
  Preferred stock, $.0001 par value; 5,000          
  shares authorized; none issued     -          -   
  Common stock, $.0001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized;          
  32,917 and 32,917 issued and 30,041 and 30,041 outstanding, respectively   3         3  
  Additional paid in capital     486,440         485,285  
  Accumulated deficit     (310,764 )       (310,390 )
  Treasury stock, at cost     (12,632 )       (12,415 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive income     921         499  
  Total stockholders' equity     163,968         162,982  
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $   207,256     $   207,449  
             

 

   
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
  (Unaudited)
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
             
     Three Months Ended 
    June 30, 2018   June 30, 2017
             
  Sales          
  Domestic sales $   27,845     $   16,996  
  International sales     18,036         13,684  
  Total sales     45,881         30,680  
             
  Cost of goods sold     30,021         21,642  
  Gross profit     15,860         9,038  
             
  Operating expenses          
  Selling, general and administrative     15,791         12,860  
  Restructuring charge     24         42  
  Transaction costs     168         -   
             
  Total operating expenses     15,983         12,902  
             
  Operating loss     (123 )       (3,864 )
             
  Other (expense) income          
  Interest (expense) income, net     (463 )       106  
  Other, net     (192 )       208  
             
  Total other (expense) income, net     (655 )       314  
             
  Loss before income tax     (778 )       (3,550 )
  Income tax (benefit) expense     (1 )       104  
  Net loss $   (777 )   $   (3,654 )
             
  Net loss per share:          
  Basic $   (0.03 )   $   (0.12 )
  Diluted     (0.03 )       (0.12 )
             
  Weighted average shares outstanding:          
  Basic   30,041       30,013  
  Diluted   30,041       30,013  
             

 

             
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
  (Unaudited)
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
             
     Six Months Ended 
    June 30, 2018   June 30, 2017
             
  Sales          
  Domestic sales $   53,499     $   38,333  
  International sales     45,649         33,903  
  Total sales     99,148         72,236  
             
  Cost of goods sold     65,461         50,898  
  Gross profit     33,687         21,338  
             
  Operating expenses          
  Selling, general and administrative     32,919         25,395  
  Restructuring charge     64         83  
  Transaction costs     333         -   
             
  Total operating expenses     33,316         25,478  
             
  Operating income (loss)     371         (4,140 )
             
  Other (expense) income          
  Interest expense, net     (717 )       (877 )
  Other, net     (71 )       222  
             
  Total other expense, net     (788 )       (655 )
             
  Loss before income tax     (417 )       (4,795 )
  Income tax (benefit) expense     (43 )       314  
  Net loss $   (374 )   $   (5,109 )
             
  Net loss per share:          
  Basic $   (0.01 )   $   (0.17 )
  Diluted     (0.01 )       (0.17 )
             
  Weighted average shares outstanding:          
  Basic   30,041       30,014  
  Diluted   30,041       30,014  
             

 

   
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  RECONCILIATION FROM GROSS PROFIT TO ADJUSTED GROSS PROFIT
  AND ADJUSTED GROSS MARGIN
   
  THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
    June 30, 2018     June 30, 2017
               
  Gross profit as reported $   15,860        
  Plus impact of inventory fair value adjustment     -         
  Adjusted gross profit $   15,860   Gross profit as reported $   9,038
               
  Gross margin as reported   34.6%        
               
  Adjusted gross margin   34.6%   Gross margin as reported   29.5%
               
  SIX MONTHS ENDED
               
    June 30, 2018     June 30, 2017
               
  Gross profit as reported $   33,687        
  Plus impact of inventory fair value adjustment     1,049        
  Adjusted gross profit $   34,736   Gross profit as reported $   21,338
               
  Gross margin as reported   34.0%        
               
  Adjusted gross margin   35.0%   Gross margin as reported   29.5%
               

 

   
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS TO NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS, ADJUSTED
  NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
   
     Three Months Ended 
           Per Diluted           Per Diluted 
    June 30, 2018   Share   June 30, 2017   Share
                         
                         
  Net loss $   (777 )   $   (0.03 )   $   (3,654 )   $   (0.12 )
                         
  Amortization of intangibles     968         0.03         269         0.01  
  Depreciation      1,135         0.04         547         0.02  
  Amortization of debt issuance costs     290         0.01         -          -   
  Stock-based compensation     656         0.02         309         0.01  
  Loss (gain) from removal of accumulated translation adjustment     172         0.01         (61 )       (0.00 )
  Income tax (benefit) expense     (1 )       (0.00 )       104         0.00  
  Cash paid for income taxes     (9 )       (0.00 )       (943 )       (0.03 )
                         
  Net income (loss) before non-cash items $   2,434     $   0.08     $   (3,429 )   $   (0.11 )
                         
  Restructuring charge     24         0.00         42         0.00  
  Transaction costs     168         0.01         -          -   
  State cash taxes on adjustments     (6 )       (0.00 )       (2 )       (0.00 )
  AMT cash taxes on adjustments     (4 )       (0.00 )       (1 )       (0.00 )
                         
  Adjusted net income (loss) before non-cash items $   2,616     $   0.09     $   (3,390 )   $   (0.11 )
                         

 

   
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS TO NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS, ADJUSTED
  NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CASH ITEMS AND RELATED EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
   
   
     Three Months Ended 
           Per Diluted           Per Diluted 
    June 30, 2018   Share   June 30, 2017   Share
                         
                         
  Net loss $   (374 )   $   (0.01 )   $   (5,109 )   $   (0.17 )
                         
  Amortization of intangibles     1,937         0.06         535         0.02  
  Depreciation      2,208         0.07         1,105         0.04  
  Accretion of note discount     -          -          833         0.03  
  Amortization of debt issuance costs     307         0.01         -          -   
  Stock-based compensation     1,155         0.04         342         0.01  
  Loss (gain) from removal of accumulated translation adjustment     41         0.00         (81 )       (0.00 )
  Inventory fair value of purchase accounting     1,049         0.03         -          -   
  Income tax (benefit) expense     (43 )       (0.00 )       314         0.01  
  Cash paid for income taxes     (246 )       (0.01 )       (890 )       (0.03 )
                         
  Net income (loss) before non-cash items $   6,034     $   0.20     $   (2,951 )   $   (0.10 )
                         
  Restructuring charge     64         0.00         83         0.00  
  Transaction costs     333         0.01         -          -   
  State cash taxes on adjustments     (11 )       (0.00 )       (3 )       (0.00 )
  AMT cash taxes on adjustments     (8 )       (0.00 )       (2 )       (0.00 )
                         
  Adjusted net income (loss) before non-cash items $   6,412     $   0.21     $   (2,873 )   $   (0.10 )
                         

 

   
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS TO EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, AND 
   AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
  (In thousands)
             
     Three Months Ended 
    June 30, 2018   June 30, 2017
             
             
  Net loss $   (777 )   $   (3,654 )
             
  Income tax (benefit) expense     (1 )       104  
  Other, net     192         (208 )
  Interest expense, net     463         (106 )
             
  Operating loss     (123 )       (3,864 )
             
  Depreciation      1,135         547  
  Amortization of intangibles     968         269  
             
  EBITDA $   1,980     $   (3,048 )
             
  Restructuring charge     24         42  
  Transaction costs     168         -   
  Stock-based compensation     656         309  
             
  Adjusted EBITDA $   2,828     $   (2,697 )
             

 

   
  CLARUS CORPORATION
  RECONCILIATION FROM NET LOSS TO EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, AND 
  AMORTIZATION (EBITDA), AND ADJUSTED EBITDA
  (In thousands)
   
     Six Months Ended 
    June 30, 2018   June 30, 2017
             
             
  Net loss $   (374 )   $   (5,109 )
             
  Income tax (benefit) expense     (43 )       314  
  Other, net     71         (222 )
  Interest expense, net     717         877  
             
  Operating income (loss)     371         (4,140 )
             
  Depreciation      2,208         1,105  
  Amortization of intangibles     1,937         535  
             
  EBITDA $   4,516     $   (2,500 )
             
  Restructuring charge     64         83  
  Transaction costs     333         -   
  Inventory fair value of purchase accounting     1,049         -   
  Stock-based compensation     1,155         342  
             
  Adjusted EBITDA $   7,117     $   (2,075 )
             

 

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