adidas Group First Quarter 2015 Results

Group sales increase 9% on a currency-neutral basis +++ Revenues in euro terms grow 17% to a first quarter record of € 4.1 billion +++ Group confirms full year guidance

adidas Group with strong start into 2015

• Group sales increase 9% on a currency-neutral basis[1]
• Revenues in euro terms grow 17% to a first quarter record of € 4.1 billion
• Strong momentum at adidas and Reebok with currency-neutral sales up 11% and 9%, respectively
• Double-digit growth in Western Europe, Greater China and MEAA
• Gross margin stable at 49.2%
• Operating margin excluding goodwill impairment increases 0.1pp to 8.9%
• Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment up 22%
• Group confirms full year guidance

adidas Group currency-neutral sales increase 9% in the first quarter of 2015

In the first quarter of 2015, Group revenues increased 9% on a currency-neutral basis, driven by a double-digit increase at adidas as well as high-single-digit growth at Reebok. Currency translation effects had a positive impact on sales in euro terms. Group revenues grew 17% to € 4.083 billion in the first quarter of 2015 from € 3.480 billion in 2014. Currency-neutral adidas revenues increased 11%. This development was driven by double-digit sales increases in running, at adidas Originals and adidas NEO as well as a high-single-digit increase in training. Currency-neutral Reebok sales were up 9% versus the prior year as a result of double-digit sales increases in the training and studio categories as well as mid-single-digit sales growth in Classics. Revenues at TaylorMade-adidas Golf decreased 9% currency-neutral, mainly due to sales declines in the metalwoods and irons categories, which more than offset a double-digit increase in golf apparel.

“We got off to a successful start to the year with our adidas and Reebok brands enjoying great momentum. With our innovative performance products, fashion-driven styles and highly engaging marketing campaigns, we have excited our consumers around the world.”

Herbert Hainer, adidas Group CEO

Currency-neutral sales grow in nearly all market segments

In the first quarter of 2015, on a currency-neutral basis the combined sales of the adidas and Reebok brands grew in all market segments except Russia/CIS. Revenues in Western Europe increased 11% on a currency-neutral basis, due to double-digit sales growth at both the adidas and Reebok brand. Currency-neutral sales in North America increased 7%, as a result of high-single-digit sales growth at adidas. Revenues in Greater China were up 21% on a currency-neutral basis reflecting double-digit top-line growth at adidas and Reebok. Currency-neutral sales in Russia/CIS declined 3% as mid-single-digit growth at Reebok was more than offset by sales declines at adidas. In Latin America, revenues grew 6% on a currency-neutral basis with a double-digit improvement at Reebok and a mid-single-digit increase at adidas. In Japan, sales were up 7% on a currency-neutral basis due to strong double-digit sales increases at Reebok as well as low-single-digit sales growth at adidas. Sales in MEAA grew 10% on a currency-neutral basis, reflecting a double-digit top-line improvement at adidas.

Revenues in Other Businesses were down 1% on a currency-neutral basis. Double-digit sales increases in Other centrally managed businesses as well as high-single-digit growth at Reebok-CCM Hockey were more than offset by the sales decline at TaylorMade-adidas Golf.

With the exception of Russia/CIS, currency translation effects had a positive impact on segmental sales in euro terms.

	First quarter 2015	First quarter 2014	Change y-o-y in euro terms	Change y-o-y currency-neutral
	€ in millions	€ in millions	in %	in %
Western Europe	1,143	1,011	13	11
North America	591	462	28	7
Greater China	597	414	44	21
Russia/CIS	162	245	(34)	(3)
Latin America	423	374	13	6
Japan	155	139	12	7
MEAA1)	635	503	26	10
Other Businesses	377	333	13	(1)
Total2)	4,083	3,480	17	9

First quarter net sales development by segment
1) MEAA includes Middle East, Africa and other Asian markets.
2) Rounding differences may arise in totals.

Group sales development supported by double-digit growth in retail

In the first quarter of 2015, retail revenues increased 14% on a currency-neutral basis as a result of double-digit sales growth at adidas and high-single-digit revenue increases at Reebok. Concept stores, factory outlets and concession corners were all up versus the prior year. eCommerce grew 56% on a currency-neutral basis. Currency translation effects negatively impacted retail revenues in euro terms. Sales grew 13% to € 895 million from € 794 million in the prior year. Currency-neutral comparable store sales increased 4% versus the prior year, due to sales growth across all store formats and most markets.

Group gross margin remains stable

In the first quarter of 2015, gross profit for the adidas Group increased 17% to € 2.008 billion versus € 1.712 billion in the prior year. The gross margin of the adidas Group remained unchanged at 49.2% (2014: 49.2%). A more favourable product and pricing mix was offset by higher input costs as well as negative currency effects.

Goodwill impairment in an amount of € 18 million

As a result of the change in the composition of the Group’s reportable segments and associated cash-generating units, respectively, the Group recorded goodwill impairment losses of € 18 million during the first three months ending March 31, 2015. This charge was related to the Latin America (€ 15 million) and Russia/CIS (€ 3 million) operating segments. Goodwill for these groups of cash-generating units is now completely impaired. The impairment losses were non-cash in nature and do not affect the adidas Group’s liquidity.

Operating margin excluding goodwill impairment increases to 8.9%

Group operating profit increased 12% to € 345 million in the first quarter of 2015 versus € 307 million in 2014. The operating margin of the adidas Group decreased 0.4 percentage points to 8.4% (2014: 8.8%). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, operating profit grew 18% to € 363 million from € 307 billion last year, representing an operating margin of 8.9%, up 0.1 percentage points from the prior year level (2014: 8.8%). This development was primarily due to the positive effect from lower other operating expenses as a percentage of sales. First quarter other operating expenses increased 15% to € 1.700 billion (2014: € 1.478 billion), reflecting a significant increase in marketing working budget expenditure as well as higher operating overhead costs. As a percentage of sales, however, other operating expenses decreased 0.8 percentage points to 41.6% from 42.5% in 2014. Sales and marketing working budget expenditure amounted to € 554 million, which represents an increase of 26% versus the prior year level (2014: € 442 million).

Financial income increases

Financial income increased to € 16 million in the first quarter of 2015 from € 7 million in the prior year, as a result of positive exchange rate effects.

Financial expenses down 22%

Financial expenses decreased 22% to € 16 million in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: € 20 million). This development was mainly due to the non-recurrence of negative exchange rate effects compared to the prior year period.

Income before taxes excluding goodwill impairment up 24%

Income before taxes (IBT) for the adidas Group increased 17% to € 345 million from € 294 million in 2014. IBT as a percentage of sales remained stable at 8.4% in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: 8.4%). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, IBT was up 24% to € 363 million from € 294 million in 2014 and, as a percentage of sales, increased 0.4 percentage points to 8.9% from 8.4% in the prior year.

Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment increases 22%

The Group’s net income from continuing operations increased 13% to € 237 million in the first quarter of 2015 from € 209 million in 2014. Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, net income from continuing operations was up 22% to € 255 million (2014: € 209 million). The Group’s tax rate increased 2.5 percentage points to 31.4% in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: 28.9%). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, the effective tax rate grew 0.9 percentage points to 29.8% from 28.9% in 2014, mainly due to a less favourable earnings mix.

Losses from discontinued operations total € 14 million

In the first quarter of 2015, the Group incurred losses from discontinued operations of € 14 million, net of tax, related to the Rockport operating segment, which is planned to be divested during the course of 2015 (2014: losses of € 3 million). Losses from discontinued operations were due to a loss recognised on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell, net of tax, in the amount of € 10 million, which was mainly caused by currency movements, as well as a loss from Rockport’s operating activities of € 4 million.

Net income attributable to shareholders excluding goodwill impairment up 17%

The Group’s net income attributable to shareholders, which in addition to net income from continuing operations includes the losses from discontinued operations, increased 8% to € 221 million in the first quarter of 2015 from € 204 million in 2014. Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, net income attributable to shareholders was up 17% to € 239 million (2014: € 204 million).

Basic EPS from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment up 25%

Basic EPS from continuing operations increased 16% to € 1.15 in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: € 0.99). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, basic EPS from continuing operations increased 25% to € 1.24 from € 0.99 in 2014. Basic EPS from continuing and discontinued operations increased 11% to € 1.08 in the first quarter of 2015 (2014: € 0.98). Excluding the goodwill impairment losses, basic EPS from continuing and discontinued operations increased 20% to € 1.17 from € 0.98 in 2014.

Group inventories from continuing operations stable currency-neutral

Group inventories increased 1% to € 2.539 billion at the end of March 2015 versus € 2.505 billion in 2014. On a currency-neutral basis, inventories decreased 4%, mainly as a result of the transfer of Rockport inventories to assets classified as held for sale. Inventories from continuing operations increased 5% (0% currency-neutral), reflecting the Group’s strict inventory management.

Accounts receivable from continuing operations up 2% currency-neutral

The Group’s accounts receivable increased 13% to € 2.456 billion at the end of March 2015 (2014: € 2.176 billion). On a currency-neutral basis, receivables remained virtually unchanged. Receivables from continuing operations rose 15% (+2% currency-neutral).

Net borrowings increase by € 288 million

Net borrowings at March 31, 2015 amounted to € 542 million, compared to net borrowings of € 254 million in 2014, representing an increase of € 288 million. This development is mainly a result of the utilisation of cash for the share buyback programme in an amount of € 381 million. Currency translation had a positive effect of € 137 million on net borrowings. The Group’s ratio of net borrowings over EBITDA amounted to 0.4 at the end of March 2015 (2014: 0.2).

adidas Group confirms guidance for the full year 2015

adidas Group sales are forecasted to increase at a mid-single-digit rate on a currency-neutral basis in 2015. Despite a high degree of uncertainty regarding the economic outlook and consumer spending in Russia/CIS, the positive sales development will be supported by rising consumer confidence in most geographical areas. In particular, Group sales development will be favourably impacted by a significantly improved top-line development at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as well as ongoing robust momentum at both adidas and Reebok. This, as well as the further expansion and improvement of the Group’s controlled space initiatives, will more than offset the non-recurrence of sales related to the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Currency translation is expected to positively impact top-line development in reported terms, given the strengthening of major currencies such as the US dollar and the Chinese renminbi versus the euro.

The adidas Group gross margin is forecasted to be at a level between 47.5% and 48.5% in 2015 (2014: 47.6%). Higher product margins at TaylorMade-adidas Golf as a result of lower levels of clearance activity as well as a more favourable pricing and product mix at both adidas and Reebok are expected to positively influence the Group’s gross margin development. However, adverse currency movements in emerging markets, in particular in Russia/CIS, are expected to negatively impact the Group’s gross margin development. The wider than usual target corridor reflects the currently persisting high degree of uncertainty regarding future currency movements.

In 2015, the Group’s other operating expenses as a percentage of sales are expected to be around the prior year level (2014: 42.7%). Sales and marketing working budget as a percentage of sales is projected to increase versus the prior year. Given the robust momentum at adidas and Reebok, the company will step up marketing and point-of-sale investments in 2015 to secure and drive faster growth rates and market share gains, particularly in developed markets such as North America and Western Europe. As part of these marketing efforts, both adidas and Reebok launched major brand campaigns at the beginning of the year. Operating overhead expenditure as a percentage of sales is forecasted to be around the level recorded in 2014.

The operating margin excluding goodwill impairment for the adidas Group is forecasted to be at a level between 6.5% and 7.0% in 2015 (2014 excluding goodwill impairment losses: 6.6%). This development will be strongly influenced by currency movements. The Group’s tax rate is expected to be at a level of around 29.5% and thus more favourable compared to the 2014 effective tax rate excluding goodwill impairment losses of 29.7%. Net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment is projected to increase at a rate of 7% to 10%, thus outpacing the Group’s expected top-line development (2014: net income from continuing operations excluding goodwill impairment losses of € 642 million).

“I am proud how fast we rebounded after a challenging 2014. Now, after getting off the starting block well this year, we are optimistic about our prospects for the full year. But we will not stop there. Our new strategy, 'Creating the New', will enable us to accelerate the adidas Group's growth until 2020 and create sustainable value.”

Herbert Hainer, adidas Group CEO

Press release Download · pdf · 197.2 KB

Source adidas ©

BMW Motorrad announce exclusive cooperation to incorporate Alpinestars Airbag technology in BMW Motorrad riding jackets to maximize rider safety.

Munich/Asolo. BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars announce that they are starting an exclusive cooperation in innovative motorcycle safety clothing systems. The first product to be launched under this cooperation will be a BMW Motorrad jacket jointly developed by BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars, combined with an airbag waistcoat developed using Alpinestars technology. The new BMW Motorrad jacket, being branded by both makers, will be available in both male and female versions and the public presentation of this newly developed airbag jacket will be held later this year.

The airbag waistcoat is based on Alpinestars’ Tech-Air™ airbag system, the world’s first self-contained street airbag system that independently functions without the need for sensors to be installed on the bike and the subsequent need to link a specific motorcycle to the airbag system used by the rider.

This means that the airbag waistcoat offers the freedom to ride any bike on any surface at any time and can be used with any type of BMW Motorrad motorcycle or scooter, allowing the rider to easily switch between bikes without reconfiguring or reinitializing the bike-to-rider set-up.

Therefore, the system is immediately ready for use and no time is wasted in setting up electronic pairing between rider and/or passenger and motorcycle. This BMW Motorrad/Alpinestars jacket and airbag waistcoat offers comprehensive upper body protection including shoulders, back and frontal torso. By incorporating its sensors close to the rider’s body the airbag system activates without the need for a triggering wireless signal to be sent from the bike.

BMW Motorrad is the only motorcycle manufacturer to have developed the complete range of rider equipment ever since the 1970s - from motorcycle helmets to rider suits, boots and gloves. In doing so, high priority is attached to maximum comfort for the rider and passenger as well as minimizing the potential consequences of accidents.

BMW Motorrad has always regarded motorcycling and safety as being inseparably linked and anchored in the "Safety 360°" principle. "Safety 360°" breaks down the overall concept of safe motorcycling into three facets: safety technology in the vehicle, safety deriving from rider equipment and safety through rider training

Alpinestars has been innovating motorcycle riding technology for rider protection, performance and comfort for over 50 years. The Tech-Air™ airbag system, which forms the basis of their active safety cooperation with BMW Motorrad, is the result of Alpinestars’ intensive research and development which commenced in 2001.

For decades, both companies have maintained a leading role in active and passive motorcycling safety. This new cooperation, between BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars, is now extending their position further through this joint development agreement.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Alpinestars

Established in 1963, Alpinestars is the world-leading manufacturer of high-performance motorcycling and motorsports apparel, clothing and safety gear. Alpinestars’ goal has always been to give racers the competitive edge by continuously innovating and developing new technologies and materials to improve performance. In the fast and competitive arena of motorsport, even the smallest improvement can translate into significant gain.  The same approach to continued technical development is applied to road apparel safety, function and comfort.

The leading athletes in every conceivable motorsport discipline provide direct feedback to aid the development of Alpinestars’ technical products, from Formula 1 to NASCAR, U.S. Supercross and Motocross to MotoGP. With this input and expertise, combined with highly specialist research and development departments and laboratory testing facilities in the US and Europe, Alpinestars ensure that they are constantly pushing the limits of technology with each new product they launch, benefiting customers on both two and four wheels.

Wherever there’s a devotion to racing and performance, Alpinestars is there.
Alpinestars Website: www.alpinestars.com

Alpinestars Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/Alpinestars
https://twitter.com/alpinestars
http://instagram.com/alpinestars
https://www.youtube.com/user/AlpinestarsVideos


Source BMW ©

Documents for downloading:

• BMW Motorrad announce exclusive cooperation to incorporate Alpinestars... (PDF, EN , 82.33 KB)  

Eddie Bauer Appoints Industry Veteran as New Creative Director

BELLEVUE, Wash. – April 30, 2015 - Eddie Bauer today announced the appointment of José Cabaço as Vice President and Brand Creative Director of the premium outdoor retailer. Mr Cabaço is a renowned creative director and respected leader in the advertising and active outdoor industries, most recently holding the position of Global Concept Creative Director of C.O.D.E. (Center of Design Excellency) at Nike, Inc.


“We are very excited to welcome José to Eddie Bauer,” says Mike Egeck, Chief Executive Officer for Eddie Bauer. “José has a proven track record of being able to develop emotionally compelling brand stories that inspire consumers. His talents will be vital as we continue to amplify our voice within the active outdoor community.” 

Cabaço brings more than 20 years of brand-building experience, having held positions in top agencies, including Young & Rubicam, Leo Burnett, and Saatchi & Saatchi, before co-founding his own advertising agency, Home, in Lisbon in 2001. The following year, his agency merged with Grey Worldwide where he served as Executive Creative Director, working with clients such as Procter & Gamble, Honda, and Skoda, among others. In 2003, he became Creative Director for Nike Europe at Wieden+Kennedy in Amsterdam before moving to its headquarters in Portland, Oregon in 2006, where he led the creative strategy for Nike Latin America and Electronic Arts. After a stint as Chief Creative Officer at Euro RSCG in 2008, he returned to Nike, Inc. in 2010 as Global Brand Creative Director and continued to create award-winning creative campaigns for the brand.

Born in Mozambique, Cabaço graduated with a degree in industrial design from the Institute of Art & Design in Lisbon. His incomparable creative talent and expertise has earned him numerous awards including Cannes Lions and London International Advertising Awards, while his affinity for mentoring talent led him to become co-founder of Portugal’s Art Directors Club and serve as a judge in the 50^th Cannes Advertising Festival. When he’s not submersed in pop culture, photography, art and design, Cabaço can be found outdoors pursuing adventures in car racing, mountain biking and surfing.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this talented team at Eddie Bauer,” says Cabaço. “I want to push the limits of how people connect with the brand. Inspiring a new generation of adventurers is my ultimate goal. Inspiration is an essential part of living and at the heart of everything I do.”

About Eddie Bauer 

Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells premium-quality outerwear, apparel, footwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. Eddie Bauer is an internationally recognized brand known for its innovative product designs and exceptional customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available through catalog sales, online at www.eddiebauer.com, and at approximately 400 stores in the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Source Eddie Bauer by press release ©

Thule Group (publ) Interim Report for the First Quarter, January – March 2015

STAFFANSTORP, Sweden-- Regulatory News:Thule Group: (STO:THULE)/ Q1, 2015 in Summary

· Net sales for the quarter amounted to SEK 1,366m (1,075) corresponding to an increase of 27.1 percent. Adjusted for exchange-rate fluctuations, sales rose 11.5 percent.
· Underlying EBIT amounted to SEK 210m (156), corresponding to an underlying EBIT margin of 15.4 percent (14.5), up 34.8 percent. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, underlying EBIT rose 35.4 percent.
· Net income for the period was SEK 142m (77).
· Cash flow from operating activities (see 1 below) was a negative SEK 151m (neg: 125).
· Earnings per share before dilution amounted to SEK 1.42 (0.92).

The full report is available at www.thulegroup.com

Conference call

A combined press- and analyst call with Magnus Welander, CEO and President, and Lennart Mauritzson, CFO, is scheduled for today, April 29, at 1:30 p.m. (CET). For participation please dial:
Sweden +46 8 566 426 91
UK +44 20 34281400
USA +1 855 7532236

A replay of the call we be available at www.thulegroup.com/en/reports later during the day.
This information is disclosed in accordance with the Securities Markets Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on 29 April, 2015 at 01.00 p.m. CET.

[1] (http://connect.ne.cision.com#_ftnref1) The comparative figures are based on the total operations, meaning both continuing operations and operations discontinued in 2014.


About Thule Group

Thule Group is a world leader in products that make it easy to bring the things you care for – easily, securely and in style, when living an active life. Under the motto Active Life, Simplified, we offer products within two segments: Outdoor&Bags (e.g. equipment for cycling, water and winter sports, roof boxes, bike trailers, baby joggers, laptop and camera bags, backpacks and cases for mobile handheld devices) and Specialty (snow chains and pick-up truck tool boxes). Our products are sold in 136 markets globally. There are more than 2,200 of us working for Thule Group at 10 production facilities and more than 35 sales locations all over the world. Net sales for 2014 amounted to 4.7 billion SEK. Thule Group is a public company listed at Nasdaq Stockholm.

For more information, please visit www.thulegroup.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

Thule Group / Fredrik Erlandsson / SVP Communications and Investor Relations
Tel: +46 70 309 00 21 / E-mail: fredrik.erlandsson@thule.com



Source Thule Group through BUSINESS WIRE by press release ©

Nielsen-Kellerman Develops First SUP-Specific Energy Expenditure Equation to Provide Paddlers with Accurate Calorie Burn

Stand up paddlers are now able to view performance improving feedback, including a paddling-specific calorie burn, on the SpeedCoach SUP 2 -- the only performance monitor designed for SUP.

BOOTHWYN, Pa., May 1, 2015 -- In partnership with researchers from the University of Montana, Nielsen-Kellerman (NK) has developed the first SUP-specific calorie equation to calculate energy expenditure for all experience levels of stand up paddlers. More than 100 participants contributed to the study performed on a SUP ergometer, where researchers collected metrics including heart rate, metabolic cost and oxygen consumption to build the predictive equation.

Participants of the study were tracked over nine minutes of paddling at three different intensities to collect data on 11 different metabolic variables and five ergometric variables. The scope of data gathered allowed researchers to devise a precise algorithm that estimates kilocalories within a range of ±1.11 kcal/min 95% of the time.

This exclusive algorithm is available in the SpeedCoach SUP 2 from NK. In addition to stroke rate, speed, glide and other performance measures, the SpeedCoach SUP 2 displays real-time measurement of energy expenditure as both total calories burned and calories burned per hour. Pairing a heart rate belt with the SpeedCoach SUP 2 with Training Pack provides an even more accurate energy expenditure reading and enables heart rate monitoring and logging.

Whether you're a SUP racer or a fitness paddler, NK has the performance monitoring tools you need on the water. For more information about the SpeedCoach SUP 2 or to make a purchase, visit www.speedcoachsup.com. For more information on NK's SUP-specific calorie equation, check out https://youtu.be/V7KFI7-t_Bc and subscribe to NK Rowing and Sports TV.

NK has been building tough, waterproof instruments for athletes, professionals and enthusiasts in the USA for over 35 years: NK Sports Performance Products, Kestrel® Weather & Environmental Meters and Blue Ocean® Rugged Megaphones.

For more information, contact Andrew Ensminger at aensminger@nkhome.com, 610-447-1555 x306, or visit www.nkhome.com.



SOURCE Nielsen-Kellerman through PRNewswire by press release ©
http://www.speedcoachsup.com

Personalization Becomes Accessible Reality for All Golfers with Unique Kickstarter Campaign

Everyday golfers now able to get customization previously only available to PGA/LPGA Tour Professionals

TEMECULA, Calif.-- Custom Steel Shafts (CSS) is sprucing up the game of golf by customizing steel golf shafts with colors, logos and more. “We’re bringing a great concept to the industry by creating endless possibilities,” says Jeffrey Neal, CEO of CSS. Neal has perfected the art of painting steel golf shafts that are durable and only add about two grams to the overall weight of the club. Forget trying to do this at home, the CSS process is superior and engineered to last. 

In addition to eleven standard and eight premium colors, CSS has the ability to etch logos and words into the shafts. “If you can type it, we can etch it”, Neal explains. “College and professional sports logos are coming soon as well as the four main branches of military.”

Previously only available to tour players like the winner of the 2013 US Open, CSS has started a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise capital to bring the product to the public market with perks like a thank you and your own design on a shaft. They have a touching, family-centered video that highlights their process and work with a major charity. Everyday golfers will be able to get the same, high-quality process that was only previously available to Tour professionals or manufacturers once the campaign is successful.

You can see the Kickstarter campaign here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1047039839/customized-painted-steel-golf-shafts-with-laser-en
 
About Custom Steel Shafts

Spawned from an idea by avid golf fan Jeffrey Neal had in 2012, Custom Steel Shafts has worked with major golf manufacturers, professional golfers, and charities. Located in Temecula, CA the company has developed a novel process to apply and keep paint on to the steel golf shafts used in irons, wedges and putters. There are eleven standard and eight premium color options to paint the clubs as well as the ability to etch in logos and text. You can see their shafts used by players on the PGA and LPGA Tour. The cost of customizing your own golf club starts at just under $40 USD.

Media Inquiries: Social Age Media / Matt DeLancey, 424-254-9629 /matt@socialagemedia.com

Source CSS through BUSINESS WIRE by press release © 

Escalade Announces Quarterly Dividend Increase To $0.11 Per Share

EVANSVILLE, Ind., April 28, 2015-- Escalade, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESCA) The Board of Directors of Escalade, Inc. announced an increase to the quarterly dividend on the Company's common stock from $0.10 per share to $0.11 per share, to be paid to all shareholders of record on June 12, 2015 and disbursed on June 19, 2015. Escalade's Board of Directors will evaluate its dividend policy on an ongoing basis, giving careful consideration to the Company's financial condition, outlook, and potential cash flow requirements.

Escalade has executed on its strategy to grow its profitability and operating income as well as maintaining a strong financial position. As such, Escalade's Board of Directors has adopted a dividend policy under which the Company intends to pay quarterly cash dividends on its common stock.

"We are pleased to increase our quarterly dividend payment based on the Company's strong financial performance," stated Robert J. Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Escalade, Inc. "While we anticipate favorable retail sell-through trends through the remainder of 2015, it is expected that our strategic investments in product line expansion and new category entry may result in lower earnings for the next two quarters in 2015."

Escalade is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods products sold worldwide. To obtain more information on the Company and its products, visit our website at: www.EscaladeInc.com or contact Patrick Griffin, Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations at 812/467-4449.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, new product development, Escalade's ability to achieve its business objectives, especially with respect to its Sporting Goods business on which it has chosen to focus, Escalade's ability to successfully achieve the anticipated results of strategic transactions, including the integration of the operations of acquired assets and businesses and the divestiture of its Information Security and Print Finishing segment, the continuation and development of key customer and supplier relationships, disruptions or delays in our supply chain, Escalade's ability to control costs, general economic conditions, fluctuation in operating results, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the securities market, Escalade's ability to obtain financing and to maintain compliance with the terms of such financing and other risks detailed from time to time in Escalade's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Escalade's future financial performance could differ materially from the expectations of management contained herein. Escalade undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements after the date of this report.



SOURCE Escalade, Inc. thrpough PRNewswire by press release ©
http://www.escaladeinc.com

ASICS America Corporation Debuts Newly Designed Headquarters by LPA Inc.

The project consists of approximately 121,000 square feet of office, retail, warehouse and exercise facilities for ASICS. 

Irvine, CA April 30, 2015-- At a celebratory grand opening event held recently, ASICS America Corp., a sport performance brand, unveiled their new North American headquarters by sustainable design firm LPA Inc.

After a successful completion of tenant improvements at the previous ASICS headquarters in 2008, LPA was awarded the company’s new corporate headquarters project. The buildings are leased from The Irvine Company and the new location comprises of two existing buildings in Irvine, California. Consisting of approximately 121,000 square feet of space, the new design allows athletes and employees to train and test their fitness levels in its new Sports Training Center.

The building on Barranca Parkway houses an employee retail store and Sports Training Center that includes a basketball and volleyball court, fitness center, batting cage, showers and locker rooms. The two-story second building on Technology Drive includes the majority of workstations, conferences rooms, private offices, open and enclosed collaborative and meeting spaces and its 10K Café. Conduit connectivity was implemented between the two buildings for easy access for ASICS employees.

David Robbins, Project Management Officer Director of ASICS America Corporation said, “The new campus is exciting for us on several levels and we are thrilled to see it completed. The employees, partners and athletes are thrilled about the new campus.”

The LPA design team focused on the energy of the brand as inspiration from ASICS when it came to conception. “We were really trying to express a very sort of athletic edge to the interiors. A lot of the accent colors that you see are actually based on their product so that we really tried to infuse what they do into the space and how they work,” explained Senior Designer and Principal at LPA, Rick D’Amato.

The design was dedicated to providing employees with health, fitness and wellness advantages. Accordingly to D’Amato, the workstations in the offices are custom-designed around the various departments that they are being used by at ASICS. For instance, the apparel, footwear and accessories departments each have modifications so that the workstations actually respond to how they work.

“We tried to go in and create a certain office standard for them which they never really had before,” said D’Amato. “So it was about integrating [the employees] into the process and understanding how they worked and being able to implement that into the design at the facility.”

Additionally, LPA continued with the graphic branding, as was in the first ASICS project, to envelope the visitor and express the athletic nature of the company. “We worked from the very beginning with The Irvine Company, with the contractor, with the environmental graphics firm—so it was really all of us coming together integrally and designing this facility,” said D'Amato.

While the workstations and conference areas respond to the needs of the employees, the amenities offer an active environment for which ASICS is known. “The fitness component of the project is really the heart and soul of what ASICS is all about,” said D’Amato. “It’s something new for ASICS America that truly embodies their sound mind, sound body philosophy. They will have state-of-the-art training facilities from which athletes of all levels can benefit.”

LPA took two existing structures and created an empowering environment for ASICS employees, partners, buyers and athletes. D’Amato said, “It’s one of those opportunities for LPA where everything just comes together and it just really works. It was a really wonderful process, a fun team and a great client.”

ASICS America Corp.
80 Technology Drive and 15350 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618




About LPA, Inc.

Founded in 1965, LPA has more than 250 employees with offices in Irvine, Roseville, San Diego and San Jose, California and San Antonio, Texas. The firm provides services in architecture, sustainability, planning, interior design, landscape architecture, engineering and graphics. There is no “Sustainability Director,” at LPA. Instead, more than 80 percent of the professionals are LEED accredited, including the Human Resources Director, CFO, and several other support staff. With extensive experience in public and private architecture, LPA designs a diversity of facilities that span from K-12 Schools, colleges and universities to corporate and civic establishments. More than 600 major design awards attest to LPA’s commitment to design excellence.

For more information, visit http://www.LPAinc.com.


Source Asics America (PRWEB by press release ©

GAIAM Sets First Quarter Conference Call for Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. ET

BOULDER, CO--( May 1, 2015) - GAIAM, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA), a leading lifestyle company for yoga, fitness and wellness products and content, will conduct a conference call on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (2:30 p.m. Mountain time) to discuss its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015. The company will report its financial results in a press release prior to the conference call.

GAIAM management will host the conference call, followed by a question and answer period.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015
Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (2:30 p.m. Mountain time)
Toll-free dial-in number: 1-888-576-4382
International dial-in number: 1-719-325-2288
Conference ID: 5322738

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 Group at 1-949-574-3860.

A replay of the conference call will be available after 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through May 21, 2015.

Toll-free replay number: 1-877-870-5176
International replay number: 1-858-384-5517
Replay ID: 5322738

About GAIAM

GAIAM, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA) is a leading lifestyle company for yoga, fitness and wellness products and content. With a wide distribution network that consists of approximately 38,000 retail doors, 18,000 store within stores, 5,000 category management locations, and e-commerce, GAIAM is dedicated to making yoga, fitness and wellness accessible to all. GAIAM TV is a global digital subscription service with approximately 7,000 exclusive videos available for streaming and download. The company dominates the health and wellness category and owns the largest library of conscious media.

For more information about GAIAM, please visit www.GAIAM.com or call 1-800-869-3603.



SOURCE: Gaiam through Marketwired©

Polartec Sponsors Red Fox Adventure Race

May 4, 2015 – (Lawrence, Mass.) – Polartec, the premium provider of innovative textile solutions, announces its sponsorship of partner brand Red Fox’s 14^th annual Red Fox Adventure Race to be held June 11-14, 2015 in Russia.

Polartec will sponsor the first-ever all female team, the first American team in five years, outfitted in Red Fox apparel made of Polartec fabrics, comprised of Jimi Alida, Shawnie Mulligan, Kathleen Wickam, and Amy Caldwell.


The race will be held in the scenic Karelian region of Russia, on the shores of Onega Lake, consisting of three loops requiring racers to run, bike, hike, kayak, rock climb, swim, wade through mud, woods, brush and water. Depending on how teams choose to complete the course, they will mountain bike 190 km, paddle 100 km, trek 55 km, and do 100m of spelunking.

The race will have a short course, which must be completed within 48 hours, and a long course, which must be completed within 72 hours, requiring willpower, stamina, and technical proficiency in each of the core disciplines.

-       Jimi Alida-Klopson, America’s team leader, is the manager of the first Red Fox store in America, in Lyons, Colorado, and a mother of three
-       Kathleen Wickem is a former professional mountain biker, and a current competitive Nordic skier and trail runner from Longmont, Colorado
-       Shawnie Mulligan is an endurance runner, mountain biker, and all around adventure seeker from Vail, Colorado
-       Amy Caldwell is a former professional triathlete and All-American cross country skier from Putney, Vermont

About Polartec

Polartec, LLC is the premium provider of innovative textile solutions. Since inventing modern synthetic fleece in 1981, the engineers at Polartec continue to push the limits of fabric technology. Today, Polartec supplies the world with the most advanced fabric innovations. Polartec products range from advanced lightweight wicking fabric, to insulation and weather protection textiles and are utilized by leading apparel brands, the U.S. military and other global militaries, flame resistance, work wear, and contract upholstery markets.

For more info, visit polartec.com.

Source Polartec ©