BGG-4.1.2012
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 April 1, 2012
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)
____________________________________________ 
Yes  x     No  o
 
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    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
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
Yes  o     No  x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
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 May 4, 2012
COMMON STOCK, par value $0.01 per share
 
48,651,027  Shares


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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
 
 
 
Page No.
 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
July 3,
2011
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
16,445

 
$
209,639

Accounts Receivable, Net
 
485,811

 
249,358

Inventories -
 
 
 
 
Finished Products and Parts
 
336,056

 
292,527

Work in Process
 
133,718

 
127,358

Raw Materials
 
10,428

 
7,206

Total Inventories
 
480,202

 
427,091

Deferred Income Tax Asset
 
42,924

 
42,163

Assets Held for Sale
 
10,846

 
14,075

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
 
24,551

 
36,413

Total Current Assets
 
1,060,779

 
978,739

OTHER ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
205,354

 
202,940

Investments
 
21,583

 
21,017

Debt Issuance Costs, Net
 
5,975

 
4,919

Other Intangible Assets, Net
 
87,677

 
89,275

Long-Term Deferred Income Tax Asset
 
21,827

 
31,001

Other Long-Term Assets, Net
 
9,162

 
9,102

Total Other Assets
 
351,578

 
358,254

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
 
 
 
 
Cost
 
1,033,202

 
1,015,554

Less - Accumulated Depreciation
 
724,709

 
686,329

Total Plant and Equipment, Net
 
308,493

 
329,225

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,720,850

 
$
1,666,218

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

3

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
July 3,
2011
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
$
224,045

 
$
183,733

Short-Term Debt
 
3,000

 
3,000

Accrued Liabilities
 
155,459

 
157,650

Total Current Liabilities
 
382,504

 
344,383

OTHER LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
Accrued Pension Cost
 
160,804

 
191,417

Accrued Employee Benefits
 
24,321

 
24,100

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation
 
108,054

 
116,092

Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
30,520

 
27,283

Long-Term Debt
 
271,000

 
225,000

Total Other Liabilities
 
594,699

 
583,892

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:
 
 
 
 
Common Stock - Authorized 120,000 shares, $.01 par value, issued 57,854 shares
 
579

 
579

Additional Paid-In Capital
 
80,907

 
79,354

Retained Earnings
 
1,113,665

 
1,092,864

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
(240,658
)
 
(243,498
)
Treasury Stock at cost, 8,710 and 7,373 shares, respectively
 
(210,846
)
 
(191,356
)
Total Shareholders’ Investment
 
743,647

 
737,943

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
$
1,720,850

 
$
1,666,218

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
NET SALES
 
$
720,097

 
$
720,333

 
$
1,565,341

 
$
1,504,773

COST OF GOODS SOLD
 
573,221

 
570,784

 
1,278,531

 
1,214,910

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
 
19,764

 

 
19,764

 

Gross Profit
 
127,112

 
149,549

 
267,046

 
289,863

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
73,668

 
70,997

 
214,638

 
212,475

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
 

 

 

 
3,537

Income from Operations
 
53,444

 
78,552

 
52,408

 
73,851

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
(4,811
)
 
(4,513
)
 
(13,945
)
 
(18,679
)
OTHER INCOME, Net
 
1,566

 
2,207

 
4,749

 
5,280

Income Before Income Taxes
 
50,199

 
76,246

 
43,212

 
60,452

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
10,262

 
24,725

 
5,798

 
18,298

NET INCOME
 
$
39,937

 
$
51,521

 
$
37,414

 
$
42,154

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
48,882

 
49,726

 
49,323

 
49,672

Basic Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.82

 
$
1.03

 
$
0.75

 
$
0.85

Diluted Average Shares Outstanding
 
49,857

 
50,465

 
50,264

 
50,243

Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.80

 
$
1.02

 
$
0.74

 
$
0.84

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.33

 
$
0.33

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
37,414

 
$
42,154

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
47,590

 
46,550

Stock Compensation Expense
 
4,497

 
8,773

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment
 
81

 
1,353

Provision (Benefit) for Deferred Income Taxes
 
2,820

 
(690
)
Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
(3,519
)
 
(3,879
)
Dividends Received from Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
4,029

 
6,980

Pension Cash Contributions
 
(24,134
)
 

Non-Cash Restructuring Charges
 
14,263

 

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Increase in Accounts Receivable
 
(237,800
)
 
(187,030
)
Increase in Inventories
 
(56,411
)
 
(63,030
)
Decrease in Other Current Assets
 
18,349

 
12,970

Increase in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
 
33,605

 
43,165

Other, Net
 
(7,471
)
 
(7,659
)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
 
(166,687
)
 
(100,343
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Additions to Plant and Equipment
 
(31,815
)
 
(32,507
)
Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment
 
175

 
82

Payments for Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired
 
(2,673
)
 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(34,313
)
 
(32,425
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net Borrowings on Revolver
 
46,000

 
55,000

Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Financing
 

 
225,000

Debt Issuance Costs
 
(2,007
)
 
(4,994
)
Repayments on Long-Term Debt
 

 
(203,698
)
Treasury Stock Purchases
 
(22,689
)
 

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits
 
235

 
790

Cash Dividends Paid
 
(11,041
)
 
(11,074
)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
 
10,498

 
61,024

EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(2,692
)
 
(1,994
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(193,194
)
 
(73,738
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning
 
209,639

 
116,554

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Ending
 
$
16,445

 
$
42,816

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. 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 statement 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.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in 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.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value before applying the two-step goodwill impairment model that is currently in place. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. This update is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. Management does not expect adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” which amends current comprehensive income guidance. This ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, it requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. Under the two-statement approach, the first statement would include components of net income, which is consistent with the income statement format used today, and the second statement would include components of other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The ASU does not change the items that must be reported in OCI. ASU 2011-05 will be effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. Management does not expect adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04 “Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” The ASU is the result of joint efforts by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to develop a single, converged fair value framework. While the ASU is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles in U.S. GAAP, it expands existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and makes other amendments. Key additional disclosures include quantitative disclosures about unobservable inputs in Level 3 measures, qualitative information about sensitivity of Level 3 measures and valuation process, and classification within the fair value hierarchy for instruments where fair value is only disclosed in the footnotes but carrying amount is on some other basis. For public companies, the ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

3. Assets Held for Sale
 
At April 1, 2012 and at July 3, 2011, the Company had $10.8 million and $14.1 million, respectively, included in Assets Held for Sale in its Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, consisting of certain assets related to the Ostrava, Czech Republic and Jefferson, WI production facilities. Prior to the closure of the Ostrava, Czech Republic facility, small engines were manufactured by the Company within its Engines Segment for the outdoor power equipment industry. Prior to the closure of the Jefferson facility, portable generator and pressure washer products were manufactured, marketed and sold by the Company within its Power Products Segment.

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

4. Restructuring Actions
    
On January 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized moving existing manufacturing from the Company's Newbern, Tennessee facility to its McDonough, Georgia facility, the closure of its Ostrava, Czech Republic plant, shifting production to the Company's Murray, Kentucky facility and idling certain assets at its Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility. This decision was made after a comprehensive evaluation of the Company's manufacturing operations following significant and prolonged market declines.
  
The closing of the Company's facility in Newbern, Tennessee will affect approximately 240 regular employees and 450 temporary employees. Additionally, the closing of the Ostrava, Czech Republic facility will affect approximately 77 regular employees. The Company does not anticipate significant employment changes at its Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility as a result of the idling of certain assets. Operations in Ostrava ceased in March 2012 and the Newbern facility is expected to wind down in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

The Company recorded pre-tax charges of $19.8 million ($9.6 million after tax or $0.19 per diluted share) during the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012 related to the restructuring actions. The Engines Segment and Products Segment recorded $9.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively, of pre-tax restructuring charges within gross profit during the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012.

The following is a rollforward of the restructuring reserve (included in Accrued Liabilities within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets) attributable to all Engines Segment restructuring activities for the nine month period ended April 1, 2012 (in thousands):
 
 
Termination Benefits
 
Other Costs
 
Total
Reserve Balance at July 3, 2011
 
$

 
$

 
$

Provisions
 
337

 
9,606

 
9,943

Cash Expenditures
 

 
(131
)
 
(131
)
Other Adjustments (1)
 

 
(5,379
)
 
(5,379
)
Reserve Balance at April 1, 2012
 
$
337

 
$
4,096

 
$
4,433

(1) Other adjustments includes $2.2 million of property, plant and equipment impairments, $2.8 million of accelerated depreciation and $0.4 million of inventory write-downs.
    
The following is a rollforward of the restructuring reserve (included in Accrued Liabilities within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets) attributable to all Products Segment restructuring activities for the nine month period ended April 1, 2012 (in thousands):
 
 
Termination Benefits
 
Other Costs
 
Total
Reserve Balance at July 3, 2011
 
$

 
$

 
$

Provisions
 
390

 
9,431

 
9,821

Cash Expenditures
 

 
(766
)
 
(766
)
Other Adjustments (2)
 

 
(8,665
)
 
(8,665
)
Reserve Balance at April 1, 2012
 
$
390

 
$

 
$
390

(2) Other adjustments includes $5.4 million of accelerated depreciation and $3.2 million of inventory write-downs.
    
In fiscal 2011, the Company made organization changes that involved a reduction of salaried employees during the quarter ended December 26, 2010. For the nine months ended March 27, 2011, these organization changes resulted in restructuring charges of $3.5 million, consisting of $1.3 million due to the modification of certain vesting conditions for the Company’s stock incentive awards and approximately $2.2 million for severance and other related employee separation costs associated with the reduction.

On April 25, 2012, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized several actions being taken to execute the Company's strategy. Beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company will no longer pursue placement of lawn and garden products at national mass retailers. The Engines segment will continue to support

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lawn and garden equipment OEMs who provide lawn and garden equipment to these retailers. The Products segment will continue to focus on innovative, higher margin products that are sold through our network of Simplicity, Snapper and Ferris dealers and regional retailers. The Company will also continue to sell pressure washers and portable and standby generators through the U.S. mass retail channel.

Further, production of horizontal shaft engines currently made in the Auburn, Alabama plant will move to the Company's existing production facility in Chongqing, China or be sourced from third parties in Southeast Asia. The Company previously moved smaller horizontal shaft engines to the Chongqing, China plant in 2007 where these types of engines can be made more competitively. The Company will continue to manufacture portable generators in Auburn through calendar 2012 and is evaluating alternatives with respect to manufacturing, assembling or sourcing cost effective portable generators beyond 2012. The Auburn plant will continue to produce V-Twin engines used in riding mowers and other outdoor power applications.

In addition, the Company intends to reduce its salaried headcount by approximately 10% during fiscal 2012.

The Company anticipates approximately 250 regular employees will be affected by the Auburn, Alabama facility consolidation. A 10% reduction of the Company's salaried workforce would affect approximately 210 employees globally.

The pre-tax expense related to all of the restructuring activities announced in fiscal 2012 is estimated to be $60 million to $70 million, of which, $45 million to $50 million is expected to be realized in fiscal 2012. Included in these charges are estimated pre-tax charges of approximately $37 million to $41 million for non-cash asset impairments and approximately $23 million to $29 million of other cash expenditures. The Company anticipates annualized pre-tax savings of $30 million to $35 million in fiscal 2013 and $40 million to $45 million in fiscal 2014.

5. Earnings Per Share
    
The Company computes earnings per share using the two-class method, an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s unvested grants of restricted stock and deferred stock awards contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends (whether paid or unpaid), which are required to be treated as participating securities and included in the computation of basic earnings per share.

Information on earnings per share is as follows (in thousands except per share data):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
Net Income
 
$
39,937

 
$
51,521

 
$
37,414

 
$
42,154

 
Less: Dividends Attributable to Unvested Shares
 
(48
)
 
(69
)
 
(254
)
 
(181
)
 
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
 
$
39,889

 
$
51,452

 
$
37,160

 
$
41,973

 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
48,882

 
49,726

 
49,323

 
49,672

 
Diluted Average Shares Outstanding
 
49,857

 
50,465

 
50,264

 
50,243

 
Basic Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.82

 
$
1.03

 
$
0.75

 
$
0.85

 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.80

 
$
1.02

 
$
0.74

 
$
0.84

 
    
The dilutive effect of the potential exercise of outstanding stock-based awards to acquire common shares is calculated using the treasury stock method. The following options to purchase shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (in thousands)
 
3,575

 
2,637

 
4,041

 
3,960

 
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Excluded
 
$
27.94

 
$
32.64

 
$
26.59

 
28.65

 



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On August 10, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2013. The common share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants. Through the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased 1,459,243 shares on the open market at an average price $15.55 per share. There were no shares repurchased in fiscal 2011.

6. Comprehensive Income
 
Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting method that includes certain financial information that has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. Comprehensive income is defined as net income and other changes in shareholders’ investment from transactions and events other than with shareholders. Total comprehensive income is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
Net Income
 
$
39,937

 
$
51,521

 
$
37,414

 
$
42,154

Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
2,844

 
6,331

 
(6,442
)
 
16,839

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax
 
149

 
(1,757
)
 
(2,953
)
 
(10,069
)
Unrecognized Pension & Postretirement Obligation, Net of Tax
 
4,078

 
4,221

 
12,235

 
12,637

Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
47,008

 
$
60,316

 
$
40,254

 
$
61,561

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
July 3,
2011
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
$
19,547

 
$
25,989

Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments
 
(5,196
)
 
(2,243
)
Unrecognized Pension & Postretirement Obligation
 
(255,009
)
 
(267,244
)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
$
(240,658
)
 
$
(243,498
)

7. Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company 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
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
Components of Net Periodic Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
3,443

 
$
3,367

 
$
102

 
$
121

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation
 
14,317

 
14,172

 
1,687

 
1,787

Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(19,174
)
 
(19,244
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transition Obligation
 
2

 
2

 

 

Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
725

 
765

 
(959
)
 
(872
)
Actuarial Loss
 
4,623

 
4,443

 
2,295

 
2,566

Net Periodic Expense
 
$
3,936

 
$
3,505

 
$
3,125

 
$
3,602




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Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
Components of Net Periodic Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
10,328

 
$
10,143

 
$
307

 
$
364

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation
 
42,952

 
42,517

 
5,062

 
5,333

Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(57,522
)
 
(57,731
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transition Obligation
 
6

 
6

 

 

Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
2,174

 
2,294

 
(2,877
)
 
(2,611
)
Actuarial Loss
 
13,870

 
13,328

 
6,884

 
7,707

Net Periodic Expense
 
$
11,808

 
$
10,557

 
$
9,376

 
$
10,793

    
The Company expects to make benefit payments of approximately $2.9 million attributable to its non-qualified pension plans during fiscal 2012. During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company made payments of approximately $2.2 million for its non-qualified pension plans. The Company anticipates making benefit payments of approximately $22.2 million for its other postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2012. During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company made payments of $13.8 million for its other postretirement benefit plans.
 
The Company is required to make minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan of approximately $28.8 million during fiscal 2012. During the first nine months of fiscal 2012, the Company made cash contributions of $24.1 million to the qualified pension plan. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending upon the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods.

8. Stock Incentives
 
Stock based compensation expense 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 $0.9 million and $4.5 million for the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012, respectively. For the three and nine months ended March 27, 2011, stock based compensation expense was $0.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively. Included in stock based compensation expense for the nine months ended March 27, 2011 was an expense of $1.3 million due to the modification of certain vesting conditions for the Company’s stock incentive awards. The modification of the awards was made in connection with the organization changes announced in fiscal 2011 that involved a planned reduction of salaried employees during the quarter ended December 26, 2010. The Company also recorded expenses of approximately $2.2 million for severance and other related employee separation costs associated with the reduction.

9. Derivative Instruments & Hedging Activities

The Company enters into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges to manage certain interest rate, foreign currency and commodity exposures. Company policy allows derivatives to be used only for identifiable exposures and, therefore, the Company does not enter into hedges for trading purposes where the sole objective is to generate profits.
    
The Company formally designates the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure and documents both the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge. The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in the forecasted cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the forecasted cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The effective portion of gains or losses on the derivative designated as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.
    


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The Company enters into interest rate swaps to manage a portion of its interest rate risk from financing certain dealer and distributor inventories through a third party financing source. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and are used to effectively fix the interest payments to a third party financing source, exclusive of lender spreads, ranging from 1.36% to 1.60% for a notional principal amount of $60 million through July 2017.

The Company enters into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted third party and intercompany sales or payments denominated in foreign currencies. These obligations generally require the Company to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, Euros, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollars, Swedish Kronor or Canadian Dollars. These contracts generally do not have a maturity of more than twenty-four months.
    
The Company uses raw materials that are subject to price volatility. The Company hedges a portion of its exposure to the variability of cash flows associated with commodities used in the manufacturing process by entering into forward purchase contracts or commodity swaps. Derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges are used by the Company to reduce exposure to variability in cash flows associated with future purchases of natural gas, aluminum and steel. These contracts generally do not have a maturity of more than twenty-four months.
    
The Company has considered the counterparty credit risk related to all its interest rate, foreign currency and commodity derivative contracts and does not deem any counterparty credit risk material at this time.
    
The notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding at the end of the period is indicative of the level of the Company’s derivative activity during the period. As of April 1, 2012 and July 3, 2011, the Company had the following outstanding derivative contracts (in thousands):
Contract
 
Notional Amount
 
 
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
July 3,
2011
Interest Rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIBOR Interest Rate (U.S. Dollars)
 
Fixed
 
60,000

 

Foreign Currency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Dollar
 
Sell
 
34,673

 
34,295

Canadian Dollar
 
Sell
 
2,000

 
10,700

Euro
 
Sell
 
45,500

 
41,500

Japanese Yen
 
Buy
 
425,000

 

Swedish Krona
 
Buy
 
6,500

 

Commodity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (Therms)
 
Buy
 
4,966

 
11,187

Aluminum (Metric Tons)
 
Buy
 
26

 
8

Steel (Metric Tons)
 
Buy
 

 
1


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The location and fair value of derivative instruments reported in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Location
 
Asset (Liability) Fair Value
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
July 3,
2011
Interest rate contract
 
 
 
 
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
(796
)
 

Foreign currency contracts
 
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
1,865

 
108

Accrued Liabilities
 
(1,226
)
 
(3,550
)
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 

 
(280
)
Commodity contracts
 
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 

 
26

Accrued Liabilities
 
(5,523
)
 
(1,937
)
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
(117
)
 
(91
)
 
 
$
(5,797
)
 
$
(5,724
)

The effect of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended April 1, 2012
 
 
Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contract
 
$
28

 
Net Sales
 
$

 
$

Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
(1,830
)
 
Net Sales
 
1,364

 

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
26

 

Commodity contracts
 
1,951

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(3,400
)
 
4

 
 
$
149

 
 
 
$
(2,010
)
 
$
4

 
 
Three months ended March 27, 2011
 
 
Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
$
(2,574
)
 
Net Sales
 
$
1,162

 
$

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 
(13
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
48

 

Commodity contracts
 
830

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(1,088
)
 
(34
)
 
 
$
(1,757
)
 
 
 
$
122

 
$
(34
)

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Nine months ended April 1, 2012
 
 
Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contract
 
$
(485
)
 
Net Sales
 
$

 
$

Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
922

 
Net Sales
 
1,302

 

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(31
)
 

Commodity contracts
 
(3,390
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(4,641
)
 
(18
)
 
 
$
(2,953
)
 
 
 
$
(3,370
)
 
$
(18
)
 
 
Nine months ended March 27, 2011
 
 
Recognized in Earnings
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
$
(10,273
)
 
Net Sales
 
$
2,923

 
$

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 
(11
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(404
)
 

Commodity contracts
 
215

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(2,217
)
 
47

 
 
$
(10,069
)
 
 
 
$
302

 
$
47

During the next twelve months, the amount of the April 1, 2012 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss balance that is expected to be reclassified into earnings is expected to be $5.3 million.

10. Fair Value Measurements

The following guidance establishes 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.
The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 1, 2012 and July 3, 2011 (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using
 
 
April 1, 2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
1,865

 
$

 
$
1,865

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
7,662

 
$

 
$
7,662

 
$

 
 
July 3, 2011
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
134

 
$

 
$
134

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
5,858

 
$

 
$
5,858

 
$


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The estimated fair value of the Company's Senior Notes at April 1, 2012 and July 3, 2011 was $245.3 million and $233.7 million respectively, compared to the carrying value of $225.0 million. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and is, therefore, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and accounts payable are reasonable estimates of their fair values at April 1, 2012 and July 3, 2011 due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying value of the Revolver and Short-Term Debt approximates the fair value since the underlying rate of interest is variable based upon LIBOR rates.  
11. Warranty

The Company recognizes the cost associated with its standard warranty on Engines and Products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on historical failure rates and current claim cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs for the reporting period (in thousands):
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
Beginning Balance
 
$
45,995

 
$
41,945

Payments
 
(19,994
)
 
(21,860
)
Provision for Current Year Warranties
 
23,377

 
25,977

Changes in Estimates
 
(3,847
)
 
724

Ending Balance
 
$
45,531

 
$
46,786

 
12. Income Taxes

As of July 3, 2011, the Company had $12.0 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this amount, $9.9 million represents the portion that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. As of July 3, 2011, the Company had $5.7 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties. For the nine months ended April 1, 2012, the Company recorded a decrease to the tax reserve of $5.7 million, of which $1.1 million related to interest, as a result of the settlement of audits and the lapse in the statute of limitations in certain foreign jurisdictions.

The effective tax rate for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012 was 20.4% and 13.4%, respectively, compared to 32.4% and 30.3% for the same respective periods last year. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by a net benefit of $3.3 million related to Ostrava plant restructuring charges incurred during the recent quarter. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was primarily due to the aforementioned restructuring charges and a net benefit of $5.0 million due to the settlement of U.S. audits and the expiration of a non-U.S. statute of limitation period during fiscal 2012.

The Company's annual effective tax rate reflects its best estimate of financial operating results and the estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the mix of pretax income from all tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates will have an impact on the Company's effective tax rate. The fiscal 2012 estimated annual tax rate is based on the latest tax law changes.

Income tax returns are filed in the U.S., state, and foreign jurisdictions and related audits occur on a regular basis. In the U.S., the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations before fiscal 2009 and is currently under audit by various state and foreign jurisdictions. With respect to the Company's major foreign jurisdictions, it is no longer subject to tax examinations before fiscal 2002.

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13. Commitments and Contingencies

Briggs & Stratton 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.

Starting with the first complaint in June 2004, various plaintiff groups filed complaints in state and federal courts across the country against the Company and other engine and lawnmower manufacturers alleging that the horsepower labels on the products they purchased were inaccurate and that the Company conspired with other engine and lawnmower manufacturers to conceal the true horsepower of these engines ("Horsepower Class Actions"). On February 24, 2010, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement ("Settlement") that resolves all of the Horsepower Class Actions including all horsepower-labeling claims brought by all persons or entities in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1994 through the date notice of the Settlement is first given, purchased, for use and not for resale, a lawn mower containing a gas combustible engine up to 30 horsepower provided that either the lawn mower or the engine of the lawn mower was manufactured or sold by a defendant.
The Settlement received final court approval on August 16, 2010. The settling defendants as a group agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $51.0 million. However, the monetary contribution of the amount of each of the settling defendants is confidential. In addition, the Company, along with the other settling defendants, agreed to injunctive relief regarding their future horsepower labeling, as well as procedures that will allow purchasers of lawnmower engines to seek a one-year extended warranty free of charge beginning March 1, 2011 for most class members. As part of the Settlement, the Company denies any and all liability and seeks resolution to avoid further protracted and expensive litigation. As a result of the Settlement, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $30.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

On March 19, 2010, new plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada (Robert Foster et al. v. Sears Canada, Inc. et al., Docket No. 766-2010). On May 3, 2010, other plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Montreal Superior Court in Canada (Eric Liverman, et al. v. Deere & Company, et al., Docket No. 500-06-000507-109). Both Canadian complaints contain allegations and seek relief under Canadian law that are similar to the Horsepower Class Actions. The Company is evaluating the complaints and has not yet filed an answer or other responsive pleading to either one.

On May 14, 2010, the Company notified retirees and certain retirement eligible employees of various changes to the Company-sponsored retiree medical plans. The purpose of the amendments was to better align the plans offered to both hourly and salaried retirees. On August 16, 2010, a putative class of retirees who retired prior to August 1, 2006 and the United Steel Workers filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Merrill, Weber, Carpenter, et al; United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO/CLC v. Briggs & Stratton Corporation; Group Insurance Plan of Briggs & Stratton Corporation; and Does 1 through 20, Docket No. 10-C-0700), contesting the Company's right to make these changes. In addition to a request for class certification, the complaint seeks an injunction preventing the alleged unilateral termination or reduction in insurance coverage to the class of retirees, a permanent injunction preventing defendants from ever making changes to the retirees' insurance coverage, restitution with interest (if applicable) and attorneys' fees and costs. The Company moved to dismiss the complaint and believes the changes are within its rights. On April 21, 2011, the district court issued an order granting the Company's motion to dismiss the complaint. The plaintiffs filed a motion with the court to reconsider its order on May 17, 2011, and on August 24, 2011 the court granted the motion and vacated the dismissal of the case. The Company then filed a motion with the court to appeal its decision directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, but the court denied this motion on February 29, 2012. Discovery is now proceeding in the case.

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 adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

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14. 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
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
NET SALES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
498,009

 
$
503,809

 
$
987,486

 
$
1,007,250

 
Products
 
281,271

 
267,535

 
731,969

 
621,484

 
Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
(59,183
)
 
(51,011
)
 
(154,114
)
 
(123,961
)
 
Total *
 
$
720,097

 
$
720,333

 
$
1,565,341

 
$
1,504,773

 
* International sales included in net sales based on product shipment destination
 
$
203,276

 
$
217,228

 
$
529,709

 
$
543,687

 
GROSS PROFIT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
100,320

 
$
124,362

 
$
186,555

 
$
235,567

 
Products
 
27,246

 
25,828

 
81,675

 
55,219

 
Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
(454
)
 
(641
)
 
(1,184
)
 
(923
)
 
Total
 
$
127,112

 
$
149,549

 
$
267,046

 
$
289,863

 
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
55,051

 
$
77,463

 
$
51,875

 
$
92,312

 
Products
 
(1,153
)
 
1,730

 
1,717

 
(17,538
)
 
Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
(454
)
 
(641
)
 
(1,184
)
 
(923
)
 
Total
 
$
53,444

 
$
78,552

 
$
52,408

 
$
73,851

 

Pre-tax restructuring charges impact on gross profit is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
PRE-TAX RESTRUCTURING CHARGES INCLUDED IN GROSS PROFIT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
9,943

 
$

 
$
9,943

 
$

 
Products
 
9,821

 

 
9,821

 

 
Total
 
$
19,764

 
$

 
$
19,764

 
$

 
    
Pre-tax restructuring charges impact on income (loss) from operations is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
PRE-TAX RESTRUCTURING CHARGES INCLUDED IN INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
9,943

 
$

 
$
9,943

 
$
559

 
Products
 
9,821

 

 
9,821

 
2,978

 
Total
 
$
19,764

 
$

 
$
19,764

 
$
3,537

 
    

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15. Debt

The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
July 3,
2011
Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
46,000

 
$

Senior Notes
 
225,000

 
225,000

 
 
$
271,000

 
$
225,000

 
On December 15, 2010, the Company issued $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes ("Senior Notes") due December 15, 2020.  The net proceeds of the offering were primarily used to redeem the outstanding principal of the 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011 ("Old Senior Notes"). In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company incurred approximately $5.0 million in new debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes using the effective interest method. In addition, at the time of the refinancing the Company expensed approximately $3.7 million associated with the make-whole terms of the Old Senior Notes, $0.1 million in remaining debt issuance costs and $0.1 million of original issue discount. These refinancing charges are included in interest expense in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the nine months ended March 27, 2011.

On October 13, 2011, the Company entered into a $500 million multicurrency credit agreement (the “Revolver”). The Revolver replaced the amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement dated as of July 12, 2007. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver are due and payable on October 13, 2016. The initial maximum availability under the revolving credit facility is $500 million. Availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. The Company may from time to time increase the maximum availability under the revolving credit facility by up to $250 million if certain conditions are satisfied. In connection with the refinancing and the issuance of the Revolver, the Company incurred approximately $2.0 million in new debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the life of the Revolver using the straight-line method.

The Senior Notes and Revolver contain restrictive covenants. These covenants include restrictions on the Company’s ability to: pay dividends; repurchase shares; incur indebtedness; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate or merge with other entities; sell or lease all or substantially all of its assets; and dispose of assets or the proceeds of sales of its assets. The Revolver contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose a maximum average leverage ratio. As of April 1, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
16. Separate Financial Information of Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness

Under the terms of the Company’s Senior Notes and the Revolver (collectively, the “Domestic Indebtedness”), Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, is the joint and several guarantor of the Domestic Indebtedness (the “Guarantor”). The guarantees are full and unconditional guarantees, except for certain customary limitations. 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):
 
 
April 1, 2012 Carrying Amount
 
Maximum
Guarantee
Senior Notes
 
$
225,000

 
$
225,000

Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
46,000

 
$
500,000


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The following condensed supplemental consolidating financial information reflects the summarized financial information of the Company, its Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (in thousands):
 
BALANCE SHEET
As of April 1, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Current Assets
 
$
525,821

 
$
457,378

 
$
256,305

 
$
(178,725
)
 
$
1,060,779

Investment in Subsidiaries
 
620,378

 

 

 
(620,378
)
 

Non-Current Assets
 
435,027

 
216,310

 
43,446

 
(34,712
)
 
660,071

 
 
$
1,581,226

 
$
673,688

 
$
299,751

 
$
(833,815
)
 
$
1,720,850

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
$
328,340

 
$
125,258

 
$
107,631

 
$
(178,725
)
 
$
382,504

Other Long-Term Obligations
 
509,239

 
84,101

 
36,071

 
(34,712
)
 
594,699

Shareholders’ Investment
 
743,647

 
464,329

 
156,049

 
(620,378
)
 
743,647

 
 
$
1,581,226

 
$
673,688

 
$
299,751

 
$
(833,815
)
 
$
1,720,850



BALANCE SHEET
As of July 3, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Current Assets
 
$
519,783

 
$
343,266

 
$
254,548

 
$
(138,858
)
 
$
978,739

Investment in Subsidiaries
 
617,553

 

 

 
(617,553
)
 

Non-Current Assets
 
455,876

 
229,054

 
40,617

 
(38,068
)
 
687,479

 
 
$
1,593,212

 
$
572,320

 
$
295,165

 
$
(794,479
)
 
$
1,666,218

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
$
292,908

 
$
88,888

 
$
101,445

 
$
(138,858
)
 
$
344,383

Other Long-Term Obligations
 
562,361

 
20,988

 
38,611

 
(38,068
)
 
583,892

Shareholders’ Investment
 
737,943

 
462,444

 
155,109

 
(617,553
)
 
737,943

 
 
$
1,593,212

 
$
572,320

 
$
295,165

 
$
(794,479
)
 
$
1,666,218



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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended April 1, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net Sales
 
$
463,323

 
$
247,241

 
$
95,522

 
$
(85,989
)
 
$
720,097

Cost of Goods Sold
 
365,386

 
219,150

 
74,674

 
(85,989
)
 
573,221

Restructuring Charges
 
267

 
8,189

 
11,308

 

 
19,764

Gross Profit
 
97,670

 
19,902

 
9,540

 

 
127,112

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
44,262

 
20,963

 
8,443

 

 
73,668

Equity in Income from Subsidiaries
 
156

 

 

 
(156
)
 

Income (Loss) from Operations
 
53,252

 
(1,061
)
 
1,097

 
156

 
53,444

Interest Expense
 
(4,760
)
 
(7
)
 
(44
)
 

 
(4,811
)
Other Income, Net
 
871

 
(5
)
 
700

 

 
1,566

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
49,363

 
(1,073
)
 
1,753

 
156

 
50,199

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes
 
9,426

 
(474
)
 
1,310

 

 
10,262

Net Income (Loss)
 
$
39,937

 
$
(599
)
 
$
443

 
$
156

 
$
39,937

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 27, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net Sales
 
$
475,609

 
$
230,744

 
$
96,985

 
$
(83,005
)
 
$
720,333

Cost of Goods Sold
 
364,609

 
216,465

 
72,715

 
(83,005
)
 
570,784

Gross Profit
 
111,000

 
14,279

 
24,270

 

 
149,549

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
39,225

 
18,466

 
13,306

 

 
70,997

Equity in Income from Subsidiaries
 
(7,840
)
 

 

 
7,840

 

Income (Loss) from Operations
 
79,615

 
(4,187
)
 
10,964

 
(7,840
)
 
78,552

Interest Expense
 
(4,452
)
 
(16
)
 
(45
)
 

 
(4,513
)
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
1,294

 
(15
)
 
928

 

 
2,207

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
76,457

 
(4,218
)
 
11,847

 
(7,840
)
 
76,246

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes
 
24,936

 
(2,273
)
 
2,062

 

 
24,725

Net Income (Loss)
 
$
51,521

 
$
(1,945
)
 
$
9,785

 
$
(7,840
)
 
$
51,521



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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended April 1, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net Sales
 
$
928,028

 
$
637,814

 
$
250,532

 
$
(251,033
)
 
$
1,565,341

Cost of Goods Sold
 
757,396

 
569,435

 
202,733

 
(251,033
)
 
1,278,531

Restructuring Charges
 
267

 
8,189

 
11,308

 

 
19,764

Gross Profit
 
170,365

 
60,190

 
36,491

 

 
267,046

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
125,802

 
57,845

 
30,991

 

 
214,638

Equity in Income from Subsidiaries
 
(3,484
)
 

 

 
3,484

 

Income from Operations
 
48,047

 
2,345

 
5,500

 
(3,484
)
 
52,408

Interest Expense
 
(13,801
)
 
(28
)
 
(116
)
 

 
(13,945
)
Other Income, Net
 
3,280

 
160

 
1,309

 

 
4,749

Income before Income Taxes
 
37,526

 
2,477

 
6,693

 
(3,484
)
 
43,212

Provision for Income Taxes
 
112

 
1,067

 
4,619

 

 
5,798

Net Income
 
$
37,414

 
$
1,410

 
$
2,074

 
$
(3,484
)
 
$
37,414

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended March 27, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net Sales
 
$
953,379

 
$
526,106

 
$
257,130

 
$
(231,842
)
 
$
1,504,773

Cost of Goods Sold
 
749,351

 
497,147

 
200,254

 
(231,842
)
 
1,214,910

Gross Profit
 
204,028

 
28,959

 
56,876

 

 
289,863

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
123,622

 
52,064

 
36,789

 

 
212,475

Restructuring Charges
 
559

 
2,978

 

 

 
3,537

Equity in Income from Subsidiaries
 
(1,351
)
 

 

 
1,351

 

Income (Loss) from Operations
 
81,198

 
(26,083
)
 
20,087

 
(1,351
)
 
73,851

Interest Expense
 
(18,510
)
 
(53
)
 
(116
)
 

 
(18,679
)
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
3,112

 
298

 
1,870

 

 
5,280

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
 
65,800

 
(25,838
)
 
21,841

 
(1,351
)
 
60,452

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes
 
23,646

 
(9,917
)
 
4,569

 

 
18,298

Net Income (Loss)
 
$
42,154

 
$
(15,921
)
 
$
17,272

 
$
(1,351
)
 
$
42,154



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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended April 1, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
 
$
(93,275
)
 
$
(54,687
)
 
$
(31,062
)
 
$
12,337

 
$
(166,687
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to Plant and Equipment
 
(26,152
)
 
(3,996
)
 
(1,667
)
 

 
(31,815
)
Proceeds Received from Disposition of Plant and Equipment
 
121

 
50

 
4

 

 
175

Cash Investment in Subsidiary
 
2,141

 

 
(6,939
)
 
4,798

 

Payments for Acquisitions, Net of Cash Acquired
 

 

 
(2,673
)
 

 
(2,673
)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(23,890
)
 
(3,946
)
 
(11,275
)
 
4,798

 
(34,313
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Borrowings (Repayments) on Loans, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
 
(5,014
)
 
57,621

 
5,730

 
(12,337
)
 
46,000

Capital Contributions
 

 

 
4,798

 
(4,798
)
 

Debt Issuance Costs
 
(2,007
)
 

 

 

 
(2,007
)
Treasury Stock Purchases
 
(22,689
)
 

 

 

 
(22,689
)
Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits
 
235

 

 

 

 
235

Cash Dividends Paid
 
(11,041
)
 

 

 

 
(11,041
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
(40,516
)
 
57,621

 
10,528

 
(17,135
)
 
10,498

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
 

 

 
(2,692
)
 

 
(2,692
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
(157,681
)
 
(1,012
)
 
(34,501
)
 

 
(193,194
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning
 
158,672

 
1,372

 
49,595

 

 
209,639

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending
 
$
991

 
$
360

 
$
15,094

 
$

 
$
16,445


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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended March 27, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Briggs &
Stratton
Corporation
 
Guarantor
Subsidiary
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
 
$
(44,952
)
 
$
(57,984
)
 
$
16,138

 
$
(13,545
)
 
$
(100,343
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to Plant and Equipment
 
(24,479
)
 
(6,293
)
 
(1,735
)
 

 
(32,507
)
Proceeds Received from Disposition of Plant and Equipment
 
17

 
39

 
26

 

 
82

Cash Investment in Subsidiary
 
2,708

 

 
(2,800
)
 
92

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(21,754
)
 
(6,254
)
 
(4,509
)
 
92

 
(32,425
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Borrowings on Loans, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
 
(6,445
)
 
63,256

 
5,946

 
13,545

 
76,302

Capital Contributions
 

 

 
92

 
(92
)
 

Debt Issuance Costs
 
(4,994
)
 

 

 

 
(4,994
)
Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits
 
790

 

 

 

 
790

Cash Dividends Paid
 
(11,074
)
 

 

 

 
(11,074
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
(21,723
)
 
63,256

 
6,038

 
13,453

 
61,024

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
 

 

 
(1,994
)
 

 
(1,994
)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
(88,429
)
 
(982
)
 
15,673

 

 
(73,738
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning
 
100,880

 
3,675

 
11,999

 

 
116,554

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending
 
$
12,451

 
$
2,693

 
$
27,672

 
$

 
$
42,816

 

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

17. Subsequent Events

Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for information regarding restructuring actions announced subsequent to the third quarter of fiscal 2012.



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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the periods included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements:

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET SALES

Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 were $720.1 million, a decrease of $0.2 million or comparable to the same period a year ago.
    
Engines Segment fiscal 2012 third quarter net sales were $498.0 million, which was $5.8 million or 1.1% lower than the same period a year ago. This decrease in net sales was primarily driven by lower shipment volumes of engines due to reduced shipments to lawn and garden OEMs in the North American and European markets, and unfavorable foreign exchange of $1.6 million, partially offset by improved pricing.
    
Products Segment fiscal 2012 third quarter net sales were $281.3 million, an increase of $13.7 million or 5.1% from the same period a year ago. The increase in net sales was primarily due to increased sales of standby generators, pressure washers and lawn and garden equipment. This increase was partially offset by lower shipments of snow throwers and related service parts and portable generators due to limited snowfall and a lack of ice storms in fiscal 2012.
 
Consolidated net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 were $1.6 billion, an increase of $60.6 million or 4.0% when compared to the same period a year ago.

Engines Segment net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 were $987.5 million, which was lower by $19.8 million or 2.0% compared to the same period a year ago. This decrease in net sales was primarily driven by lower shipment volumes of engines to OEMs for lawn and garden products in the North American and European markets, and unfavorable foreign exchange of $3.4 million primarily related to the Euro, partially offset by increased pricing, a favorable mix of product shipped that reflected proportionally larger volumes of units used on riding lawn mowers, snow throwers and portable and standby generators.

Products Segment net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 were $732.0 million, an increase of $110.5 million or 17.8% from the same period a year ago. The increase in net sales was primarily due to increased sales of portable and standby generators due to widespread power outages in the U.S. as a result of a landed hurricane and subsequent snow storm on the United States East Coast earlier in the fiscal year, increased shipments of snow equipment after channel inventories were depleted from the prior selling season, improved pricing and favorable foreign exchange of $5.1 million. There were no landed hurricanes in fiscal 2011. 

GROSS PROFIT PERCENTAGE

Included in consolidated gross profit were pre-tax charges of $19.8 million ($9.6 million after tax or $0.19 per diluted share) during the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012 related to previously announced restructuring actions to close the Ostrava, Czech Republic and Newbern, Tennesee manufacturing facilities and reconfigure operations of the engine plant in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The Engines Segment and Products Segment recorded $9.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively, of pre-tax restructuring charges within gross profit during the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012.

The following table is a reconciliation of gross profit by segment, as reported, to adjusted gross profit by segment, excluding restructuring charges.


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Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
 
April 1,
2012
 
March 27,
2011
Engines
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines Net Sales
 
$
489,009

 
$
503,809

 
$
987,486

 
$
1,007,250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Profit
 
$
100,320

 
$
124,362

 
$
186,555

 
$
235,567

Restructuring Charges
 
9,943

 

 
9,943

 

Adjusted Engines Gross Profit (1)
 
$
110,263

 
$
124,362

 
$
196,498

 
$
235,567

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines Gross Profit % as Reported
 
20.1
%
 
24.7
%
 
18.9
%
 
23.4
%
Adjusted Engines Gross Profit % (1)
 
22.1
%
 
24.7
%
 
19.9
%
 
23.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Products
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Products Net Sales
 
$
281,271

 
$
267,535

 
$
731,969

 
$
621,484

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Profit
 
$
27,246

 
$
25,828

 
$
81,675

 
$
55,219

Restructuring Charges
 
9,821

 

 
9,821

 

Adjusted Products Gross Profit (1)
 
$
37,067

 
$
25,828

 
$
91,496

 
$
55,219

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Products Gross Profit % as Reported
 
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
 
11.2
%
 
8.9
%
Adjusted Products Gross Profit % (1)
 
13.2
%
 
9.7
%
 
12.5
%
 
8.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
(454
)
 
(641
)
 
(1,184
)
 
(923
)
Adjusted Gross Profit (1)
 
$
146,876

 
$
149,549

 
$
286,810

 
$
289,863

(1)
Adjusted gross profit is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes this information is meaningful to investors as it isolates the impact that restructuring charges have on gross profit and facilitates comparisons between peer companies. While the Company believes that adjusted gross profit is useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace our Generally Accepted Accounting Principles’ (“GAAP”) financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.

The consolidated gross profit percentage was 17.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, down from 20.8% in the same period last year.

The Engines Segment gross profit percentage was 20.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, lower from 24.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Excluding restructuring charges of $9.9 million, adjusted Engines Segment gross profit percentage in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was 22.1%, a decrease of 260 bps compared to Engines Segment gross profit percentage in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The decrease over prior year was primarily due to unfavorable absorption on lower production volumes, unfavorable foreign exchange of $2.4 million, and higher manufacturing spending. Higher manufacturing spending is attributed to start-up costs of $1.9 million associated with launching our Phase III emissions compliant engines. Increased pricing offset increased commodity costs.
    
The Products Segment gross profit percentage was 9.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2012, or comparable to the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Excluding restructuring charges of $9.8 million, adjusted Products Segment gross profit percentage in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was 13.2%, an increase of 350 bps compared to Products Segment gross profit percentage in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The increase over prior year was primarily due to a favorable mix of lawn and garden sales through the dealer channel, improved pricing, production operational improvements of $1.8 million, and favorable absorption benefit on higher production levels, partially offset by increased commodity costs.

The consolidated gross profit percentage for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 decreased to 17.1% from 19.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 2011.


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The Engines Segment gross profit percentage decreased to 18.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 from 23.4% in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. Excluding restructuring charges of $9.9 million, adjusted Engines Segment gross profit percentage in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was 19.9%, a decrease of 350 bps compared to Engines Segment gross profit percentage in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. The decrease was primarily due to reduced absorption on lower production volumes of $5.4 million, unfavorable foreign exchange of $7.2 million, and higher manufacturing spending associated with rising commodity costs and start-up costs of $8.0 million associated with launching our Phase III emissions compliant engines, partially offset by improved engine pricing.

The Products Segment gross profit percentage increased to 11.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 from 8.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. Excluding restructuring charges of $9.8 million, adjusted Products Segment gross profit percentage in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was 12.5%, an increase of 360 bps compared to Products Segment gross profit percentage in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. The increase over the prior year was primarily attributable to favorable mix of lawn and garden sales through the dealer channel, improved pricing, favorable foreign exchange of $1.0 million, production operational improvements of $13.7 million and manufacturing absorption benefits of $8.7 million, partially offset by increased commodity costs.
    
ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $73.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012, an increase of $2.7 million or 3.8% from the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The increase in the current year was primarily attributable to greater selling expense to support international growth and $0.9 million of bad debt expense recorded in fiscal 2012 attributable to distributors in the European market.

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $214.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2012, an increase of $2.2 million or 1.0% from the first nine months of fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to greater selling expense to support international growth and higher marketing expense domestically, partially offset by lower stock based compensation expense.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $0.3 million higher compared to the same period a year ago due to higher average interest rates, partially offset by lower average borrowings. For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, interest expense was $4.7 million lower compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2011 due to $3.9 million of pre-tax charges associated with the refinancing of Senior Notes during the second quarter of fiscal 2011, which did not recur in the current fiscal year, as well as lower average outstanding borrowings at lower interest rates.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012 was 20.4% and 13.4%, respectively, compared to 32.4% and 30.3% for the same respective periods last year. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by a net benefit of $3.3 million related to Ostrava plant restructuring charges incurred during the recent quarter. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was primarily due to the aforementioned restructuring charges and a net benefit of $5.0 million due to the settlement of U.S. audits and the expiration of a non-U.S. statute of limitation period during fiscal 2012.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIONS
    
On January 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized moving existing manufacturing from the Company's Newbern, Tennessee facility to its McDonough, Georgia facility, the closure of its Ostrava, Czech Republic plant, shifting production to the Company's Murray, Kentucky facility and idling certain assets at its Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility. This decision was made after a comprehensive evaluation of the Company's manufacturing operations following significant and prolonged market declines.
 
The Newbern, Tennessee facility currently manufactures walk behind lawn mowers and snow throwers for the U.S. domestic market. The Ostrava, Czech Republic facility manufactured small engines for the outdoor power equipment industry.
    
The closing of the Company's facility in Newbern, Tennessee will affect approximately 240 regular employees and 450

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

temporary employees. Additionally, the closing of the Ostrava, Czech Republic facility will affect approximately 77 regular employees. The Company does not anticipate significant employment changes at its Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility as a result of the idling certain assets. Operations in Ostrava ceased in March 2012 and the Newbern facility is expected to wind down in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

The Company recorded pre-tax charges of $19.8 million ($9.6 million after tax or $0.19 per diluted share) during the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012 related to the restructuring actions. The Engines Segment and Products Segment recorded $9.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively, of pre-tax restructuring charges during the three and nine months ended April 1, 2012.

In fiscal 2011, the Company made organization changes that involved a reduction of salaried employees during the quarter ended December 26, 2010. For the nine months ended March 27, 2011, these organization changes resulted in restructuring charges of $3.5 million, consisting of $1.3 million due to the modification of certain vesting conditions for the Company’s stock incentive awards and approximately $2.2 million for severance and other related employee separation costs associated with the reduction.

On April 25, 2012, subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized several actions being taken to execute the Company's strategy. Beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company will no longer pursue placement of lawn and garden products at national mass retailers. The Engines segment will continue to support lawn and garden equipment OEMs who provide lawn and garden equipment to these retailers. The Products segment will continue to focus on innovative, higher margin products that are sold through our network of Simplicity, Snapper and Ferris dealers and regional retailers. The Company will also continue to sell pressure washers and portable and standby generators through the U.S. mass retail channel.

Further, production of horizontal shaft engines currently made in the Auburn, Alabama plant will move to the Company's existing production facility in Chongqing, China or be sourced from third parties in Southeast Asia. The Company previously moved smaller horizontal shaft engines to the Chongqing, China plant in 2007 where these types of engines can be made more competitively. The Company will continue to manufacture portable generators in Auburn through calendar 2012 and is evaluating alternatives with respect to manufacturing, assembling or sourcing cost effective portable generators beyond 2012. The Auburn plant will continue to produce V-Twin engines used in riding mowers and other outdoor power applications.

In addition, the Company intends to reduce its salaried headcount by approximately 10% during fiscal 2012.

The Company anticipates approximately 250 regular employees will be affected by the Auburn, Alabama facility consolidation. A 10% reduction of the Company's salaried workforce would affect approximately 210 employees globally.

The pre-tax expense related to all of the restructuring activities announced in fiscal 2012 is estimated to be $60 million to $70 million, of which, $45 million to $50 million is expected to be realized in fiscal 2012. Included in these charges are estimated pre-tax charges of approximately $37 million to $41 million for non-cash asset impairments and approximately $23 million to $29 million of other cash expenditures. The Company anticipates annualized pre-tax savings of $30 million to $35 million in fiscal 2013 and $40 million to $45 million in fiscal 2014.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    
Cash flows used in operating activities for the fiscal 2012 first nine months were $166.7 million compared to $100.3 million in the fiscal 2011 first nine months. Cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was primarily related to seasonal build of inventory levels and an increase of accounts receivable during the period. Approximately $40 million of the increase in accounts receivable is due to delayed funding under the Company's new dealer inventory financing facility with GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance. The delayed funding to the Company reduces the overall cost of funds.

Cash flows used in investing activities was $34.3 million and $32.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. The $1.9 million increase was primarily the result of $2.7 million of payments made for an acquisition during fiscal 2012, partially offset by lower purchases of plant and equipment compared to the first nine months of last year.

Cash flows provided by financing activities was $10.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012, due to $46.0 million of net borrowings during the period, partially offset by treasury stock repurchases at a total cost of $22.7 million, $11.0 million of dividends paid and $2.0 million of debt issuance costs during the period. Cash flows provided by financing activities

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was $61.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, which was primarily attributable to the issuance of $225 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due December 15, 2020 during the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the net proceeds of which were primarily used to redeem the $203.7 million outstanding principal amount of the 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011. The Company also incurred $5.0 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 6.875% Senior Notes, made dividend payments of $11.1 million and made $55.0 million of net borrowings on the revolving line of credit during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

FUTURE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On December 15, 2010, the Company issued $225 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due December 15, 2020. Net proceeds were primarily used to redeem the remaining outstanding principal of the 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011.

On October 13, 2011, the Company entered into a $500 million multicurrency credit agreement (the “Revolver”). The Revolver replaced the amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement dated as of July 12, 2007. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver are due and payable on October 13, 2016. The initial maximum availability under the revolving credit facility is $500 million. Availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. The Company may from time to time increase the maximum availability under the revolving credit facility by up to $250 million if certain conditions are satisfied.

On August 10, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2013. The common share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased 1,459,243 shares on the open market at an average price $15.55 per share. There were no shares repurchased in fiscal 2011. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased an additional 526,392 shares at an average price of $17.78 per share.

Briggs & Stratton expects capital expenditures to be approximately $50 million to $55 million in fiscal 2012. These anticipated expenditures reflect our plans to continue to reinvest in efficient equipment and innovative new products.

The Company is required to make contributions to the qualified pension plan of approximately $28.8 million during fiscal 2012. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending upon the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods. As of July 3, 2011, the Company estimates it will be required to make contributions to the qualified pension plan of $54 million in fiscal 2013.

Management believes that available cash, cash generated from operations, existing lines of credit and access to debt markets will be adequate to fund Briggs & Stratton’s operating and capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

The Revolver and the 6.875% Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants. These covenants include restrictions on the Company’s ability to: pay dividends; repurchase shares; incur indebtedness; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate or merge with other entities; sell or lease all or substantially all of its assets; and dispose of assets or the proceeds of sales of its assets. The Revolver contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose a maximum leverage ratio. As of April 1, 2012, the Company was in compliance with these covenants, and expects to be in compliance with all covenants during the remainder of fiscal 2012.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

There have been no material changes since the September 1, 2011 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes since the September 1, 2011 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, except that on October 13, 2011 the Company entered into a 5-year $500 million multicurrency credit agreement, replacing the amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement dated as of July 12, 2007 that was scheduled to expire on July 12, 2012.
 


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies since the September 1, 2011 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 realizability of accounts receivable and inventory assets, 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. The Company re-evaluates these significant factors as facts and circumstances change.

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 “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, 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; changes in interest rates and foreign exchange 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; changes in laws and regulations; changes in customer and OEM demand; changes in prices of raw materials and parts that we purchase; changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions; the ability to bring new productive capacity on line efficiently and with good quality; outcomes of legal proceedings and claims; and other factors 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.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes since the September 1, 2011 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’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, the Company’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 the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There has not been any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the third fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’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
There have been no material changes since the September 1, 2011 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
    
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or behalf of the Company of its common stock during the quarterly period ended April 1, 2012.
2012 Fiscal Month
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program (1)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under  the Program (1)
January 2, 2012 to January 29, 2012
 

 
$

 

 
$
38,614,620

January 30, 2012 to February 26, 2012
 
206,500

 
16.92

 
206,500

 
35,120,640

February 27, 2012 to April 1, 2012
 
450,900

 
17.32

 
450,900

 
27,311,052

Total Third Quarter
 
657,400

 
$
17.20

 
657,400

 
$
27,311,052


(1)
On August 10, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2013.


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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
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 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
101
  
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) related Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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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:
May 9, 2012
 
/s/ David J. Rodgers
 
 
 
 
David J. Rodgers
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Duly Authorized Officer
 
 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
 
 
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
10.2
 
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
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 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
32.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
101
  
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) related Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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