Callaway Golf Co quarterly report, Q2 FY2015

Callaway Golf Company — Q2 2015 Form 10-Q

Reporting period: Three and six months ended June 30, 2015. Financial statements are unaudited. Callaway designs and sells golf clubs, balls, bags and related products; its reportable segments are golf clubs and golf balls. The business is seasonal, with most sales and profitability generally occurring in the first half.

Financial performance

MetricQ2 2015Six months 2015
Net sales$230.5 million, down 0.6% from $231.9 million$514.7 million, down 11.8% from $583.8 million
Gross profit / margin$101.7 million / 44.1%, versus $90.8 million / 39.2%$229.0 million / 44.5%, versus $255.7 million / 43.8%
Operating income$18.6 million, versus $10.8 million$55.5 million, versus $72.5 million
Net income$12.8 million, versus $3.4 million$48.6 million, versus $58.7 million
Diluted EPS$0.15, versus $0.04$0.54, versus $0.66
Operating cash flowUsed $32.7 million in the first half, versus $31.3 million used in the prior-year period

Q2 sales were nearly flat on a reported basis, while management estimated 7% growth on a constant-currency basis. First-half reported sales fell 12%; on a constant-currency basis they fell 6%. These are non-GAAP comparisons, not substitutes for reported results. Q2 gross margin improved substantially; the first-half increase was more modest. Higher gross margins reflected pricing and product mix, plus manufacturing efficiencies, partly offset by foreign exchange and higher component costs.

First-half cash and cash equivalents declined to $26.7 million from $37.6 million at year-end. Capital expenditures were $5.9 million; operating cash use plus capital expenditures totaled approximately $38.6 million. Receivables rose seasonally to $220.4 million, while inventory declined to $171.4 million. Total assets were $682.6 million and shareholders’ equity was $343.3 million at June 30.

Debt, liquidity and capital resources

At June 30, the company had $29.1 million outstanding under its primary asset-based revolving credit facility and $13.5 million under its Japan facility. Convertible notes had a $109.0 million carrying value and $112.5 million principal, mature in August 2019 and carry a 3.75% coupon. Total borrowings across these facilities and notes were approximately $151.6 million by carrying value. The primary facility had approximately $116.5 million of additional borrowing availability; reported total liquidity, including cash, was $143.2 million. The company reported compliance with applicable debt covenants.

Management said current cash, expected operating cash flows and credit-facility availability should fund planned operations and obligations for at least 12 months. About 81% of cash was held outside the United States; the company did not intend to repatriate it for ordinary domestic liquidity needs because of potential incremental U.S. taxes.

Changes, outlook and risks

  • Drivers and mix: Q2 golf-club sales declined 2% reported but rose 6% on a constant-currency basis; golf-ball sales rose 5% reported and 11% constant currency. XR irons, Big Bertha and XR hybrids, and Chrome Soft balls were cited as successful launches. First-half sales weakness reflected unfavorable exchange rates, shifted product-launch timing that affected Q1, and softer international demand, particularly in Asia.
  • Expenses and unusual effects: First-half operating expenses decreased $9.8 million, primarily due to the timing of advertising and promotional spending and favorable currency effects. Management expected much of the marketing-spend reduction to shift into the second half, alongside increased tour expense. Q2 G&A rose by $3.0 million, mainly from higher stock-compensation expense. Foreign-currency contract valuation changes significantly affected other income or expense; first-half other income was $0.5 million versus $5.2 million of other expense in 2014.
  • Guidance: The filing gives no full-year revenue or earnings guidance. Expected 2015 capital expenditures were $15–18 million. Management said brand momentum and market share were improving, the product pipeline remained robust, and the turnaround was on track, while noting no assurance of future cash generation.
  • Principal risks: Foreign exchange—especially a stronger U.S. dollar—international market weakness, consumer demand, retailer inventory and promotional activity, seasonality and weather, execution of the turnaround, product-launch timing, supplier and manufacturing constraints, and continued access to credit. A 10% adverse foreign-currency movement implied an estimated $12.9 million maximum one-day loss on forward contracts under the company’s sensitivity model; management said underlying exposures could partly offset that hypothetical effect.
  • Contingencies: Minimum unconditional purchase obligations were $82.0 million over the next three years, including $74.4 million for the remainder of 2015. Routine legal matters were not expected by management to materially affect financial position, though outcomes were described as unpredictable. A U.S. deferred-tax valuation allowance remains; sustained U.S. profitability could support a future reversal. The company reported no material changes to previously disclosed risk factors.

Most important facts for investors to verify

  • Whether sales and demand recover after the first-half decline, particularly in Asia, and whether product-launch timing supports second-half results.
  • Whether gross-margin improvements persist despite currency movements and higher product-component costs.
  • Whether operating cash flow turns positive and seasonal receivables convert to cash as expected; reported first-half operating cash flow was negative despite net income.
  • Remaining borrowing-base availability, covenant compliance, and the location and practical availability of the company’s cash.
  • How much planned second-half marketing and tour spending affects operating expenses, and whether 2015 capital expenditures remain within the $15–18 million estimate.