Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-1370

 

 

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Wisconsin   39-0182330

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

12301 West Wirth Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

414/259-5333

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at October 31, 2008

COMMON STOCK, par value $0.01 per share   49,811,729 Shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

             Page No.
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
  Item 1.   Financial Statements   
   

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets – September 28, 2008 and June 29, 2008

   3
   

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income – Three Months Ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007

   5
   

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Three Months Ended September 28, 2008 and September  30, 2007

   6
   

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

   7
  Item 2.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   20
  Item 3.  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   23
  Item 4.  

Controls and Procedures

   23

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

  
  Item 1.  

Legal Proceedings

   23
  Item 1A.  

Risk Factors

   23
  Item 4.  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   24
  Item 6.  

Exhibits

   24
 

Signatures

   25
 

Exhibit Index

   26

 

2


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

 

     September 28,
2008
   June 29,
2008

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 32,607    $ 32,468

Accounts receivable, net

     305,359      320,568

Inventories -

     

Finished products and parts

     379,505      339,186

Work in process

     170,227      177,280

Raw materials

     14,441      13,738
             

Total inventories

     564,173      530,204
             

Deferred income tax asset

     53,345      53,496

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     44,974      41,801
             

Total current assets

     1,000,458      978,537
             

OTHER ASSETS:

     

Goodwill

     248,571      248,328

Prepaid pension

     93,298      90,020

Investments

     19,688      21,956

Deferred loan costs, net

     2,785      3,106

Other intangible assets, net

     100,847      90,687

Other long-term assets, net

     8,654      8,827
             

Total other assets

     473,843      462,924
             

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

     

Cost

     1,020,992      1,012,987

Less - accumulated depreciation

     632,959      621,154
             

Total plant and equipment, net

     388,033      391,833
             

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 1,862,334    $ 1,833,294
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

     September 28,
2008
    June 29,
2008
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 182,611     $ 170,476  

Accrued liabilities

     162,688       160,126  

Short-term debt

     141,348       3,000  
                

Total current liabilities

     486,647       333,602  
                

OTHER LIABILITIES:

    

Long-term debt

     266,617       365,555  

Deferred income tax liability

     46,913       47,266  

Accrued pension cost

     36,445       36,173  

Accrued employee benefits

     18,541       18,521  

Accrued postretirement health care obligation

     160,223       161,684  

Other long-term liabilities

     33,893       32,970  
                

Total other liabilities

     562,632       662,169  
                

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

    

Common stock -

    

Authorized 120,000 shares, $.01 par value, issued 57,854 shares

     579       579  

Additional paid-in capital

     75,563       76,667  

Retained earnings

     1,069,691       1,082,553  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (123,709 )     (110,234 )

Treasury shares at cost, 8,042 and 8,154 shares, respectively

     (209,069 )     (212,042 )
                

Total shareholders’ investment

     813,055       837,523  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

   $ 1,862,334     $ 1,833,294  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

NET SALES

   $ 458,151     $ 367,069  

COST OF GOODS SOLD

     393,432       324,225  
                

Gross profit on sales

     64,719       42,844  

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     64,851       64,140  
                

Loss from operations

     (132 )     (21,296 )

INTEREST EXPENSE

     (7,897 )     (8,973 )

OTHER INCOME, net

     1,199       22  
                

Loss before credit for income taxes

     (6,830 )     (30,247 )

CREDIT FOR INCOME TAXES

     (4,874 )     (9,436 )
                

NET LOSS

   $ (1,956 )   $ (20,811 )
                

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA -

    

Average shares outstanding

     49,563       49,536  
                

Basic loss per share

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.42 )
                

Diluted average shares outstanding

     49,563       49,536  
                

Diluted loss per share

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.42 )
                

CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

   $ 0.22     $ 0.22  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net loss

   $ (1,956 )   $ (20,811 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     17,574       16,612  

Stock compensation expense

     1,986       2,673  

Earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

     1,282       866  

Loss on disposition of plant and equipment

     408       467  

Provision for deferred income taxes

     (1,223 )     (4,111 )

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Decrease in accounts receivable

     15,829       93,940  

Increase in inventories

     (24,497 )     (75,139 )

(Increase) Decrease in other current assets

     (1,715 )     7,276  

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (6,610 )     (45,807 )

Change in accrued/prepaid pension

     (1,897 )     53  

Other, net

     (1,291 )     (2,280 )
                

Net cash used by operating activities

     (2,110 )     (26,261 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Additions to plant and equipment

     (11,291 )     (18,246 )

Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired

     (24,757 )     —    

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

     1,694       150  
                

Net cash used by investing activities

     (34,354 )     (18,096 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net borrowings on loans, notes payable, & other long-term debt

     38,104       51,041  

Issuance cost of amended revolver

     —         (1,286 )

Stock option proceeds and tax benefits

     —         991  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     38,104       50,746  
                

EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (1,501 )     1,092  
                

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     139       7,481  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning

     32,468       29,469  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ending

   $ 32,607     $ 36,950  
                

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

    

Interest paid

   $ 12,986     $ 17,151  
                

Income taxes paid

   $ 1,327     $ 1,950  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

General Information

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but also does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, in the opinion of Briggs & Stratton Corporation (the Company), adequate disclosures have been presented to prevent the information from being misleading, and all adjustments necessary to present fair statements of the results of operations and financial position have been included. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto which were included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share, for each period presented, is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share, for each period presented, is computed reflecting the potential dilution that would occur if options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock at the beginning of the period.

Shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 28, 2008 excluded approximately 163,000 shares for restricted and deferred stock and outstanding options to purchase approximately 3,900,000 shares of common stock as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 excluded approximately 171,000 shares for restricted and deferred stock and outstanding options to purchase approximately 3,600,000 shares of common stock as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Information on earnings per share is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Net loss

   $ (1,956 )   $ (20,811 )
                

Average shares of common stock outstanding

     49,563       49,536  

Diluted average shares of common stock outstanding

     49,563       49,536  

 

7


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is a more inclusive financial reporting method that includes disclosure of certain financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as net income and other changes in shareholders’ investment from transactions and events other than with shareholders. Total comprehensive income (loss) is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Net loss

   $ (1,956 )   $ (20,811 )

Cumulative translation adjustments

     (10,392 )     1,775  

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments

     (5,317 )     (1,504 )

Unrecognized pension and postretirement obligation

     2,234       1,518  
                

Total comprehensive loss

   $ (15,431 )   $ (19,022 )
                

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are as follows (in thousands):

 

     September 28,
2008
    June 29,
2008
 

Cumulative translation adjustments

   $ 12,253     $ 22,645  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

     (868 )     4,449  

Unrecognized pension and postretirement obligation

     (135,094 )     (137,328 )
                

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (123,709 )   $ (110,234 )
                

Derivatives

Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The Company enters into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges to manage currency and certain material exposures. These instruments generally do not have a maturity of more than twelve months.

Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges to manage its foreign currency exposure are recorded on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income or as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The amounts included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are reclassified into the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income when the forecasted transactions occur. These forecasted transactions represent the exporting of products for which the Company will receive foreign currency and the importing of products for which it will be required to pay in a foreign currency. Changes in the fair value of all derivatives deemed to be ineffective would be recorded as either income or expense in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuation in the cost of natural gas used by its operating facilities through participation in a third party managed dollar cost averaging program linked to NYMEX futures. As a participant in the program, the Company hedges up to 100% of its anticipated monthly natural gas usage along with a pool of other companies. The Company does not hold any actual futures contracts, and actual delivery of natural gas is not required of the participants in the program. Cash settlements occur on a monthly basis based on the difference between the average dollar price of the underlying NYMEX futures held by the third

 

8


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

party and the actual price of natural gas paid by the Company in the period. The fair value of the underlying NYMEX futures is reflected as an asset or liability on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets. Changes in fair value are reflected as a Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, which are reclassified into the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income as the monthly cash settlements occur and actual natural gas is consumed.

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in the cost of copper to be used in manufacturing by entering into forward purchase contracts designated as cash flow hedges. The Company hedges approximately 50-60% of its anticipated copper usage, and the fair value of outstanding future contracts is reflected as an asset or liability on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet based on NYMEX prices. Changes in fair value are reflected as a Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss if the forward purchase contracts are deemed to be effective and are reclassified into the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income when sales of inventory are made. Changes in the fair value of any derivative deemed to be ineffective would be immediately recorded as either income or expense in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

Segment Information

The Company operates two reportable business segments that are managed separately based on fundamental differences in their operations. Summarized segment data is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

NET SALES:

    

Engines

   $ 258,621     $ 208,416  

Power Products

     255,531       187,391  

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     (56,001 )     (28,738 )
                

Total *

   $ 458,151     $ 367,069  
                

*       Includes international sales based on product shipment destination of

   $ 110,961     $ 103,418  

GROSS PROFIT ON SALES:

    

Engines

   $ 40,427     $ 34,254  

Power Products

     21,531       8,425  

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     2,761       165  
                

Total

   $ 64,719     $ 42,844  
                

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

    

Engines

   $ (5,511 )   $ (11,228 )

Power Products

     2,618       (10,233 )

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     2,761       165  
                

Total

   $ (132 )   $ (21,296 )
                

Warranty

The Company recognizes the cost associated with its standard warranty on Engines and Power Products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on historical failure rates and current claim cost experience. In the three months ended September 30, 2007 the Company incurred $2.1 million of expenses to accrue for current and future warranty claims related to a snow thrower engine recall. An additional $17.7 million was accrued in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and no additional expenses were accrued thereafter. The snow thrower engines were recalled due to a potential risk of fire. The amounts accrued were to repair the units to reduce or eliminate the potential fire hazard. As of September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the balance sheet included $3.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of reserves for this specific engine warranty matter. During fiscal 2008, product liability

 

9


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

reserves totaling less than $50,000 were accrued for product liability matters related to this recall as the Company has had minimal product liability claims asserted for nominal amounts related to the snow engine recall. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs, including the snow thrower engine recall, for the reporting period (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Beginning balance

   $ 49,548     $ 54,566  

Payments

     (9,206 )     (15,935 )

Provision for current year warranties

     8,529       7,099  

Adjustment to prior years’ warranties

     (817 )     (900 )
                

Ending balance

   $ 48,054     $ 44,830  
                

Stock Incentives

Stock based compensation is calculated by estimating the fair value of incentive stock awards granted and amortizing the estimated value over the awards’ vesting period. Stock based compensation expense was $2.0 million and $2.7 million for the quarters ended September 28, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

Briggs & Stratton has noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement plans covering certain employees. The following tables summarize the plans’ income and expense for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

     Pension Benefits
Three Months Ended
    Other Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended
 
     September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 28,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Components of net periodic expense:

        

Service cost-benefits earned

   $ 3,136     $ 3,623     $ 318     $ 471  

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

     15,342       15,114       3,101       3,475  

Expected return on plan assets

     (20,869 )     (20,379 )     —         —    

Amortization of:

        

Transition obligation

     2       2       —         11  

Prior service cost

     822       822       (219 )     (213 )

Actuarial loss

     133       1,141       2,603       2,682  
                                

Net periodic (income) expense

   $ (1,434 )   $ 323     $ 5,803     $ 6,426  
                                

The Company is not required to, nor has or intends to, make any contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2009. The Company was not required to, nor did it make any contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2008.

The Company expects to make benefit payments of approximately $1.8 million attributable to its non-qualified pension plans during fiscal 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Briggs & Stratton made payments of approximately $0.5 million for its non-qualified pension plans. Briggs & Stratton anticipates making benefit payments of approximately $30.2 million for its other postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2009. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Briggs & Stratton had made payments of $6.6 million for its other postretirement benefit plans.

 

10


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Income Taxes

As of June 29, 2008, the Company had $27.8 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this amount, $19.2 million represents the portion that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of June 29, 2008, the Company had $6.8 million accrued for interest and penalties. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a reduction in the tax reserve of $2.9 million. This decrease relates to the resolution of a favorable tax treatment of foreign dividends and the impact of foreign exchange and interest rate adjustments.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the U.S., the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities before 2004 and is currently under examination by the IRS for taxable years ending in 2004 and 2005. With respect to the Company’s major foreign jurisdictions, it is no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities before 1997.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 is intended to help investors better understand how derivative instruments and hedging activities affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows through enhanced disclosure requirements. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 161 on the Company’s consolidated financial position is being assessed.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R). SFAS 141R states that all business combinations (whether full, partial or step acquisitions) will result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at their fair values. Certain forms of contingent consideration and certain acquired contingencies will be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. SFAS 141R also states acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred and restructuring costs will be expensed in periods after the acquisition date. This statement is effective prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The impact of the adoption of SFAS 141R will depend on the nature and significance of business combinations the Company enters into subsequent to adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (SFAS 159). This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option permits a company to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A company will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings after adoption. SFAS No. 159 was effective for the Company on June 30, 2008. Refer to “Fair Value Measurements” in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (SFAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted SFAS 157 on June 30, 2008. For more information, see “Fair Value Measurements” in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

11


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Acquisitions

On June 30, 2008 Briggs & Stratton, through its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs & Stratton Australia, Pty Limited, acquired Victa Lawncare Pty. Ltd. (“Victa”) of Sydney, Australia from GUD Holdings Limited for total consideration of $24.8 million in net cash. Victa is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of outdoor power equipment used in consumer lawn and garden applications in Australia and New Zealand. Victa’s products are sold at large retail stores and independent dealers. Victa had net sales of approximately $57 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2008. The Company financed the transaction from cash on hand and its existing credit facilities. Victa is included in the Power Products Segment.

The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price was allocated to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. This goodwill is recorded within the Engines Segment. Final adjustments to the purchase price allocation, resulting from finalizing a third party valuation of certain assets’ fair values, are not expected to be material to the consolidated financial statements. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

Assets Acquired:

  

Current assets

   $ 12,928

Property, plant and equipment

     6,092

Goodwill

     243

Other intangible assets

     12,282
      

Total assets acquired

     31,545

Liabilities Assumed:

  

Current liabilities

   $ 6,788
      

Total liabilities assumed

     6,788
      

Net assets acquired

   $ 24,757
      

Fair Value Measurements

Effective June 30, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which establishes a new framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosures. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, SFAS 157 established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:

Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-driven valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3: Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

 

12


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 28, 2008 (in thousands):

 

     September 28,    Fair Value Measurement Using
     2008    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Assets:

           

Derivatives

   $ 1,937    $ 1,502    $ 435    $ —  

Liabilities:

           

Derivatives

   $ 1,819    $ 1,817    $ 2    $ —  

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 159, which provides entities the option to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Entities that choose the fair value option will recognize unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option was elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The Company has currently chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to various unresolved legal actions that arise in the normal course of its business. These actions typically relate to product liability (including asbestos-related liability), patent and trademark matters, and disputes with customers, suppliers, distributors and dealers, competitors and employees.

On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit (Ronnie Phillips et al. v. Sears Roebuck Corporation et al., No. 04-L-334 (20th Judicial Circuit, St. Clair County, IL)) against Briggs & Stratton and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products they purchased were inaccurate. The plaintiffs sought an injunction, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees under various federal and state laws including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) on behalf of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1994 through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline combustion engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured by the defendants.

On May 31, 2006, the defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (No. 06-412-DRH). The defendants subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, and two defendants (MTD Products, Inc. and American Honda Motor Company) notified the Court that they reached a settlement with the putative plaintiff class. On March 30, 2007, the Court issued an order granting defendants’ motion to dismiss, and on May 8, 2008 the Court issued an opinion that (i) dismissed all the RICO claims with prejudice, (ii) dismissed all claims of the 93 non-Illinois plaintiffs with leave to refile amended claims in individual state courts, (iii) ordered that any amended complaint for the three Illinois plaintiffs be refiled by May 30, 2008, and (iv) rejected the proposed class-wide settlement with MTD.

Plaintiffs subsequently filed new complaints in federal court in New Jersey, California and refiled an amended complaint in federal court in the Southern District of Illinois. On June 2, 2008, plaintiffs in the New Jersey action, the California action, and the Illinois action filed a motion with the Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation seeking to transfer the three actions to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey for coordinated pretrial proceedings. On August 12, 2008, the Multidistrict Litigation Panel denied plaintiffs’ request for centralization of these various state proceedings. Since that denial, plaintiffs have filed over 30 additional complaints that are now pending in over 20 different states and over 25 Federal Districts. Each of these complaints

 

13


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

alleges, among other things, breach of each state’s consumer fraud laws and seeks certification of a statewide class. Plaintiffs’ counsel have represented that they will be filing similar complaints in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Defendants have yet to answer or otherwise plead in response to the complaints.

On September 25, 2008, Briggs & Stratton along with several other defendants filed a new motion with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation seeking to transfer the 30-plus actions to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Plaintiffs have not contested that transfer is appropriate, but different groups of plaintiffs have argued that the cases should be transferred to the District of New Jersey, the Northern District of Ohio and the Eastern District of Texas. The Multidistrict Litigation Panel has scheduled an oral argument on this matter on November 20, 2008.

Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, the Company believes the unresolved legal actions will not have a material effect on its financial position.

Impairment and Disposal Charges

Impairment charges were recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income for $43.1 million pretax ($26.2 million after tax) during fiscal 2007, of which $33.9 and $9.2 were recognized in the Engines and Power Products Segments, respectively. The Engines Segment $33.9 million charge was primarily for the write-down of assets of the Rolla, MO (Rolla) engine manufacturing facility that closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. A decision was made to close the Rolla facility as a result of the Company’s analysis to reduce its fixed manufacturing costs by consolidating production into its other existing engine plants in Poplar Bluff, MO and Chongqing, China. The related impaired machinery and equipment no longer used in production was sold in an auction or scrapped during the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The $9.2 million recognized in the Power Products Segment primarily relates to the closure of the Port Washington, WI (Port Washington) production facility expected to be completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Management of the Company conducted an analysis of the Company’s manufacturing facilities that had been acquired through acquisitions over the past several years. Management concluded to consolidate the lawn and garden manufacturing facilities into three focused factories. A new factory in Newbern, TN, located near the Company’s high volume lawnmower engine plants, will build walk behind lawnmowers for the consumer market. An existing factory in McDonough, GA (McDonough) will build riding lawnmowers for the consumer market. A third factory in Munnsville, NY will build commercial riding lawnmowers and zero turn lawnmowers. The production from Port Washington will primarily move to the McDonough facility. For each Segment, it was determined that the carrying value of the assets exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows. The impairment was computed as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Fair value was determined based on market prices for comparable assets.

An expense was recorded within cost of goods sold to accrue for severance payments to be paid to the employees of the Rolla facility. Accrued severance at July 1, 2007 was approximately $1.1 million. Another $1.3 million was accrued in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and approximately $0.4 million was paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Another $0.1 million was accrued in the remainder of fiscal 2008 and another $2.1 million was paid in the remainder of fiscal 2008, resulting in no remaining accrued severance as of June 29, 2008.

Additionally, an expense was also recorded within cost of goods sold to accrue for severance payments to be paid to employees of the Port Washington facility upon its close. A total of approximately $1.8 million of severance expense is expected to be incurred related to the closure of this facility, of which approximately $1.1 million was incurred in fiscal 2008 and an additional $0.6 million has been incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Severance payments are contingent upon an employee working through scheduled end dates, and will continue to accrue until the plant closes.

 

14


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Financial Information of Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness

In June 1997, the Company issued $100 million of 7.25% senior notes, in May 2001, the Company issued $275 million of 8.875% senior notes and in February 2005, the Company issued $125 million of variable rate term notes. In addition, the Company had a $350 million revolving credit facility used to finance seasonal working capital needs that was to expire in May 2009.

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement (“Revolver”) provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The Company used the proceeds of the Revolver to, among other things, pay off the remaining amount outstanding under the Company’s variable rate term notes issued in February 2005 and retire the 7.25% senior notes that were due in September 2007. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver are due and payable on July 12, 2012. The Revolver contains covenants that the Company considers usual and customary for an agreement of this type, including a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio and Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are required to be guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Revolver.

Under the terms of the Company’s 8.875% senior notes and the Revolver (collectively, the “Domestic Indebtedness”), Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC is the joint and several guarantor of the Domestic Indebtedness (the “Guarantor”). The guarantees are full and unconditional guarantees. Additionally, if at any time a domestic subsidiary of the Company constitutes a significant domestic subsidiary, then such domestic subsidiary will also become a guarantor of the Domestic Indebtedness. Currently, all of the Domestic Indebtedness is unsecured. If the Company were to fail to make a payment of interest or principal on its due date, the Guarantor is obligated to pay the outstanding Domestic Indebtedness. The Company had the following outstanding amounts related to the guaranteed debt (in thousands):

 

     September 28, 2008
Carrying Amount
   Maximum
Guarantee

8.875% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2011

   $ 266,616    $ 268,000

Revolving Credit Facility, expiring July 12, 2012

   $ 135,870    $ 500,000

 

15


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

The following condensed supplemental consolidating financial information reflects the summarized financial information of Briggs & Stratton, its Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (in thousands):

BALANCE SHEET

As of September 28, 2008

 

     Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
   Guarantor
Subsidiary
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Current assets

   $ 542,591    $ 455,338    $ 260,171    $ (257,642 )   $ 1,000,458

Investment in subsidiaries

     715,776      —        —        (715,776 )     —  

Non-current assets

     544,725      311,804      51,377      (46,030 )     861,876
                                   
   $ 1,803,092    $ 767,142    $ 311,548    $ (1,019,448 )   $ 1,862,334
                                   

Current liabilities

   $ 498,802    $ 111,014    $ 134,473    $ (257,642 )   $ 486,647

Long-term debt

     266,617      —        —        —         266,617

Other long-term obligations

     224,617      70,467      46,960      (46,029 )     296,015

Shareholders’ investment

     813,056      585,661      130,115      (715,777 )     813,055
                                   
   $ 1,803,092    $ 767,142    $ 311,548    $ (1,019,448 )   $ 1,862,334
                                   

BALANCE SHEET

As of June 29, 2008

 

     Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
   Guarantor
Subsidiary
   Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Consolidated

Current assets

   $ 543,349    $ 1,071,298    $ 234,889    $ (870,999 )   $ 978,537

Investment in subsidiaries

     1,065,613      —        —        (1,065,613 )     —  

Non-current assets

     371,781      445,777      37,199      —         854,757
                                   
   $ 1,980,743    $ 1,517,075    $ 272,088    $ (1,936,612 )   $ 1,833,294
                                   

Current liabilities

   $ 574,795    $ 462,968    $ 166,838    $ (870,999 )   $ 333,602

Long-term debt

     365,555      —        —        —         365,555

Other long-term obligations

     202,870      93,218      526      —         296,614

Shareholders’ investment

     837,523      960,889      104,724      (1,065,613 )     837,523
                                   
   $ 1,980,743    $ 1,517,075    $ 272,088    $ (1,936,612 )   $ 1,833,294
                                   

 

16


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 28, 2008

 

     Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
    Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 238,459     $ 234,032     $ 77,386     $ (91,726 )   $ 458,151  

Cost of goods sold

     205,346       218,442       67,033       (97,389 )     393,432  
                                        

Gross profit

     33,113       15,590       10,353       5,663       64,719  

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

     37,290       16,768       10,793       —         64,851  

Equity in loss from subsidiaries

     2,012       —         —         (2,012 )     —    
                                        

Loss from operations

     (6,189 )     (1,178 )     (440 )     7,675       (132 )

Interest expense

     (7,782 )     (41 )     (74 )     —         (7,897 )

Other income (expense), net

     1,976       (69 )     5       (713 )     1,199  
                                        

Loss before income taxes

     (11,995 )     (1,288 )     (509 )     6,962       (6,830 )

Provision (credit) for income taxes

     (5,089 )     (475 )     690       —         (4,874 )
                                        

Net loss

   $ (6,906 )   $ (813 )   $ (1,199 )   $ 6,962     $ (1,956 )
                                        

STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

     Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
    Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 196,867     $ 178,054     $ 45,845     $ (53,697 )   $ 367,069  

Cost of goods sold

     170,404       172,161       36,895       (55,235 )     324,225  
                                        

Gross profit

     26,463       5,893       8,950       1,538       42,844  

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

     37,213       18,432       8,495       —         64,140  

Equity in loss from subsidiaries

     8,421       —         —         (8,421 )     —    
                                        

Income (loss) from operations

     (19,171 )     (12,539 )     455       9,959       (21,296 )

Interest expense

     (8,843 )     (72 )     (58 )     —         (8,973 )

Other income (expense), net

     (865 )     905       (613 )     595       22  
                                        

Loss before income taxes

     (28,879 )     (11,706 )     (216 )     10,554       (30,247 )

Provision (credit) for income taxes

     (5,935 )     (3,860 )     359       —         (9,436 )
                                        

Net loss

   $ (22,944 )   $ (7,846 )   $ (575 )   $ 10,554     $ (20,811 )
                                        

 

17


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended September 28, 2008

 

     Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
    Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

   $ (42,071 )   $ 24,964     $ 1,044     $ 13,953     $ (2,110 )
                                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

          

Additions to plant and equipment

     (8,273 )     (2,297 )     (721 )     —         (11,291 )

Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash received

     —         —         (24,757 )     —         (24,757 )

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

     —         1,688       6       —         1,694  

Cash investment in subsidiary

     (6,405 )     —         (200 )     6,605       —    
                                        

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (14,678 )     (609 )     (25,672 )     6,605       (34,354 )
                                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

          

Net borrowings (repayments) on loans, notes payable and long-term debt

     59,418       (22,622 )     15,261       (13,953 )     38,104  

Capital contributions received

     —         —         6,605       (6,605 )     —    
                                        

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     59,418       (22,622 )     21,866       (20,558 )     38,104  
                                        

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

     —         —         (1,501 )     —         (1,501 )
                                        

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     2,669       1,733       (4,263 )     —         139  

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning

     2,560       1,087       28,821       —         32,468  
                                        

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending

   $ 5,229     $ 2,820     $ 24,558     $ —       $ 32,607  
                                        

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

     Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
    Guarantor
Subsidiary
    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

   $ (44,299 )   $ 11,627     $ 5,712     $ 699     $ (26,261 )
                                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

          

Additions to plant and equipment

     (6,807 )     (10,537 )     (902 )     —         (18,246 )

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

     40       82       28       —         150  

Cash investment in subsidiary

     (383 )     —         —         383       —    
                                        

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (7,150 )     (10,455 )     (874 )     383       (18,096 )
                                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

          

Net borrowings on loans, notes payable and long-term debt

     47,852       2,228       1,660       (699 )     51,041  

Issuance cost of amended Revolver

     (1,286 )     —         —         —         (1,286 )

Stock option exercise proceeds and tax benefits

     991       —         —         —         991  

Capital contributions received

       383         (383 )     —    
                                        

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

     47,557       2,611       1,660       (1,082 )     50,746  
                                        

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

     —         —         1,092       —         1,092  
                                        

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (3,892 )     3,783       7,590       —         7,481  

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning

     8,785       (1,402 )     22,086       —         29,469  
                                        

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending

   $ 4,893     $ 2,381     $ 29,676     $ —       $ 36,950  
                                        

 

18


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Subsequent Event

On October 2, 2008, the Company repurchased $20 million of Briggs & Stratton Corporation 8.875% Notes due March 15, 2011 at a discount, after receiving an unsolicited offer from a bondholder, which resulted in an immaterial gain.

 

19


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of Briggs & Stratton’s financial condition and results of operations for the periods included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 totaled $458 million, an increase of $91 million or 25% when compared to fiscal 2008.

First quarter net sales for the Engines Segment were $259 million versus $208 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $51 million or 25%. This increase reflects 27% greater engine unit shipments compared to the same period a year ago. The increase was partially attributable to low channel inventories of lawn and garden equipment that needed to be replenished due to ongoing demand throughout the summer. Additionally, weather events caused strong demand for portable generator engines and demand increased for snow thrower engines in anticipation of the upcoming snow season.

First quarter Power Products Segment net sales were $256 million versus $187 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $69 million or 37%. This increase was primarily the result of several hurricanes making landfall in the United States in the first quarter, causing increased sales of portable generators. There was no storm activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Additionally, $13.2 million of sales were included for the first time from the June 30, 2008 acquisition of Victa Lawncare Pty. Ltd.

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN

The consolidated gross profit margin in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 increased to 14.1% from 11.7% in the same period last year.

Engines Segment gross profit margin decreased to 15.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 from 16.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. This decline in margin is primarily due to the mix of engines sold with lower profit margins. In addition, manufacturing costs increased due to higher commodity costs and increases in transportation costs and certain other overhead expense categories. These unfavorable items were offset in part due to cost savings of approximately $4.0 million from no longer operating the Rolla, MO plant and improved absorption due to higher production volumes.

The Power Products Segment gross profit margin increased to 8.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 from 4.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. This margin improvement is primarily the result of higher sales of portable generators combined with improved absorption of fixed costs due to higher production volumes. In addition, initial startup costs for the Newbern, Tennessee plant incurred in the prior year were not recurring.

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $65 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, an increase of $1 million or 2% from the first quarter of fiscal 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to higher salaries and fringe benefits, offset by reduced marketing and travel expenses.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $7.9 million, down $1.1 million from the $9.0 million in the first quarter of 2008, due to lower borrowings for working capital and lower average interest rates.

 

20


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The first quarter fiscal 2009 effective tax rate is 71.4% versus the 31.2% used in the same period last year. The increase is a result of a tax reserve decrease related to the favorable tax treatment of foreign dividends and the impact of foreign exchange and interest rate adjustments. These are discrete items for which the tax effects are required to be recognized in the quarter in which they occur rather than in the overall expected annual tax rate.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash used by operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $2 million as compared to the $26 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, a $24 million improvement. This improvement is primarily attributable to increased operating earnings resulting from improved sales volumes, combined with $3 million less of working capital requirements compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, $34 million was used for investing activities as compared to $18 million in fiscal 2008. This $16 million increase is primarily the result of $25 million net cash used for the acquisition of Victa, offset by $7 million less of additions to plant and equipment. The decrease in additions to plant and equipment primarily relates to the absence of capital expenditures incurred in the first quarter of the prior year related to the new lawn equipment plant located in Newbern, Tennessee and projects in McDonough, Georgia, both of which are taking on additional capacity due to the future closure of our Port Washington, Wisconsin facility. Additionally, capital projects occurred in our Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility in the first quarter of the prior year as it prepared for additional capacity from the closure of our Rolla, Missouri facility.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $38 million in fiscal 2009, a $13 million decrease from the $51 million provided in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. This decrease is primarily attributable to decreased net borrowings for working capital purposes.

FUTURE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement (“Revolver”) provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver are due and payable on July 12, 2012. As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the unused availability of the revolving credit facility was approximately $362 million. This credit facility and Briggs and Stratton’s other indebtedness contain restrictive covenants as described in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. As of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Briggs & Stratton was in compliance with these covenants.

Management expects cash outflows for capital expenditures to be approximately $50 million in fiscal 2009. These anticipated expenditures provide for continued investment in equipment, new products and capacity enhancements. These expenditures will be funded using available cash.

Management believes that available cash, the credit facility, cash generated from operations and existing lines of credit will be adequate to fund capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

OTHER MATTERS

A discussion of an acquisition and impairment and disposal charges are included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q under the headings Acquisitions and Impairment and Disposal Charges, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

21


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

There have been no material changes since the August 28, 2008, filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes since the August 28, 2008, filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no material changes in Briggs & Stratton’s critical accounting policies since the August 28, 2008 filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in our annual report, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include a goodwill assessment, estimates as to the recovery of accounts receivable and inventory reserves, as well as estimates used in the determination of liabilities related to customer rebates, pension obligations, postretirement benefits, warranty, product liability, group health insurance, litigation and taxation. Various assumptions and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and, in some instances, actuarial techniques. Briggs & Stratton re-evaluates these significant factors as facts and circumstances change.

The pension benefit obligation and related pension expense or income is impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and expected rate of return on plan assets. These rates are evaluated considering such factors as market interest rates and historical assets performance, which is essential in the current volatile market.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

A discussion of new accounting pronouncements is included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q under the heading New Accounting Pronouncements and incorporated herein by reference.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “may”, “objective”, “plan”, “project”, “seek”, “think”, “will”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that include, among other things, the ability to successfully forecast demand for our products and appropriately adjust our manufacturing and inventory levels; changes in our operating expenses; changes in interest rates; the effects of weather on the purchasing patterns of consumers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); actions of engine manufacturers and OEMs with whom we compete; the seasonal nature of our business; changes in laws and regulations, including environmental, tax, pension funding and accounting standards; work stoppages or other consequences of any deterioration in our employee relations; work stoppages by other unions that affect the ability of suppliers or customers to manufacture; acts of war or terrorism that may disrupt

 

22


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

our business operations or those of our customers and suppliers; changes in customer and OEM demand; changes in prices of raw materials and parts that we purchase; changes in domestic economic conditions, including housing starts and changes in consumer confidence; changes in the market value of the assets in our defined benefit pension plan and any related funding requirements; changes in foreign economic conditions, including currency rate fluctuations; the actions of customers of our OEM customers; the ability to bring new productive capacity on line efficiently and with good quality; the ability to successfully realize the maximum market value of assets that may require disposal if products or production methods change; new facts that come to light in the future course of litigation proceedings which could affect our assessment of those matters; and other factors that may be disclosed from time to time in our SEC filings or otherwise, including the factors discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its periodic reports on Form 10-Q. Some or all of the factors may be beyond our control. We caution you that any forward-looking statement reflects only our belief at the time the statement is made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes since the August 28, 2008, filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Briggs & Stratton’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Briggs & Stratton’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, Briggs & Stratton’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by Briggs & Stratton in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There has not been any change in Briggs & Stratton’s internal control over financial reporting during the first fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Briggs  & Stratton’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

A discussion of legal proceedings is included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q under the heading Commitments and Contingencies and incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risk factors outlined in the August 28, 2008 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company faces risks related to the current credit crisis. Current uncertainty in global economic conditions resulting from the recent disruption in credit markets poses a risk to the overall economy that could impact consumer and customer demand for our products, as well as our ability to manage relationships with our customers, suppliers and creditors. If the current situation deteriorates significantly, our business could be negatively impacted, including such areas as reduced demand for our products from a slow-down in the general economy, or supplier or customer disruptions resulting from tighter credit markets.

 

23


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on October 15, 2008, director nominees named below were elected to a three-year term expiring in 2011 by the indicated votes cast for and withheld with respect to each nominee.

 

Name of Nominee

   For    Withheld

Michael E. Batten

   42,235,216    1,204,930

Keith R. McLoughlin

   42,406,508    1,033,638

Brian C. Walker

   31,628,413    11,811,733

Directors whose terms of office continue past the Annual Meeting of Shareholders are William F. Achtmeyer, David L. Burner, Mary K. Bush, Robert J. O’Toole, John S. Shiely and Charles I. Story.

Shareholders ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The vote was 43,052,048 for the proposal, 268,265 against, with 119,833 abstentions.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)

31.2

  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)

 

24


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
                            (Registrant)
Date: November 5, 2008    

/s/ James E. Brenn

    James E. Brenn
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer

 

25


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)

 

26