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EX-12 - COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex12.htm
EX-21 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex21.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex322.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex312.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex311.htm
EX-23.1 - CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex231.htm
EX-10.2 - AMENDED AND RESTATED ECONOMIC VALUE ADDED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex102.htm
EX-10.11 - AMENDED AND RESTATED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR DIRECTORS - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex1011.htm
EX-10.13 - SUMMARY OF DIRECTOR COMPENSATION - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex1013.htm
EX-10.4.(B) - AMENDMENT TO TRUST AGREEMENT WITH AN INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE TO PROVIDE PAYMENTS - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex104b.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPdex321.htm
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

   

(Mark One)

         
   

[  ü  ]

     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE   
        

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  
         For the fiscal year ended                       JULY 3, 2011                       
         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

LOGO

        BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION        

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

    A Wisconsin Corporation             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)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:       414-259-5333

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock (par value $0.01 per share)   New York Stock Exchange

Common Share Purchase Rights

  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:      None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.        Yes   ü     No           

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.        Yes             No   ü  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   ü    No         

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   ü    No         

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [            ]

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.

Large accelerated filer   ü  

  Accelerated filer              Smaller reporting company             

Non-accelerated filer           (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes             No   ü  

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was approximately $959.7 million based on the reported last sale price of such securities as of December 23, 2010, the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding at August 22, 2011: 50,588,796.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Document  

Part of Form 10-K Into Which Portions

        of Document are Incorporated        

The Exhibit Index is located on page 69.

  Part III


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

FISCAL 2011 FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I    Page  

Item 1.

   Business      1   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      4   

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      9   

Item 2.

   Properties      9   

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      10   

Item 4.

   (Removed and Reserved)      11   
   Executive Officers of the Registrant      12   

PART II

  

Item 5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     14   

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      15   

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      16   

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      25   

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      26   

Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     65   

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      65   

Item 9B.

   Other Information      65   

PART III

  

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      65   

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      66   

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     66   

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      66   

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      66   

PART IV

  

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      66   
   Signatures      68   

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.


Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Briggs & Stratton (the “Company”) is the world’s largest producer of air cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Briggs & Stratton designs, manufactures, markets and services these products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. In addition, the Company markets and sells related service parts and accessories for its engines.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, Briggs & Stratton is also a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of generators, pressure washers, snow throwers, lawn and garden powered equipment (primarily riding and walk behind mowers) and related service parts and accessories.

Briggs & Stratton conducts its operations in two reportable segments: Engines and Power Products. Further information about Briggs & Stratton’s business segments is contained in Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s Internet address is www.briggsandstratton.com. The Company makes available free of charge (other than an investor’s own Internet access charges) through its Internet website the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Charters of the Audit, Compensation, Finance, Nominating and Governance Committees; Corporate Governance Guidelines, Stock Ownership Guidelines and code of business conduct and ethics contained in the Briggs & Stratton Business Integrity Manual are available on the Company’s website and are available in print to any shareholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary.

Engines

General

Briggs & Stratton manufactures four-cycle aluminum alloy gasoline engines with displacements ranging from 127 to 993 cubic centimeters. The Company’s engines are used primarily by the lawn and garden equipment industry, which accounted for 86% of the segment’s fiscal 2011 engine sales to OEMs. Major lawn and garden equipment applications include walk-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, garden tillers and snow throwers. The remaining 14% of engine sales to OEMs in fiscal 2011 were for use on products for industrial, construction, agricultural and other consumer applications, that include generators, pumps and pressure washers. Many retailers specify Briggs & Stratton’s engines on the power equipment they sell, and the Briggs & Stratton name is often featured prominently on a product despite the fact that the engine is a component.

In fiscal 2011, approximately 37% of Briggs & Stratton’s Engines segment net sales were derived from sales in international markets, primarily to customers in Europe. Briggs & Stratton serves its key international markets through its European regional office in Switzerland, its distribution center in the Netherlands and sales and service subsidiaries and offices in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Briggs & Stratton is a leading supplier of gasoline engines in developed countries where there is an established lawn and garden equipment market. Briggs & Stratton also exports engines to developing nations where its engines are used in agricultural, marine, construction and other applications. More detailed information about our foreign operations is in Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Briggs & Stratton engines are sold primarily by its worldwide sales force through direct calls on customers. Briggs & Stratton’s marketing staff and engineers in the United States provide support and technical assistance to its sales force.

Briggs & Stratton also manufactures replacement engines and service parts and sells them to sales and service distributors. Briggs & Stratton owns its principal international distributors. In the United States the distributors are independently owned and operated. These distributors supply service parts and replacement

 

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engines directly to independently owned, authorized service dealers throughout the world. These distributors and service dealers incorporate Briggs & Stratton’s commitment to reliability and service.

Customers

Briggs & Stratton’s engine sales are made primarily to OEMs. Briggs & Stratton’s three largest external engine customers in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 were Husqvarna Outdoor Products Group (HOP), MTD Products Inc. (MTD) and Deere & Company. Engines segment sales to the top three customers combined were 54%, 48% and 41% of Engines segment sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Under purchasing plans available to all of its gasoline engine customers, Briggs & Stratton typically enters into annual engine supply arrangements.

Briggs & Stratton believes that in fiscal 2011 more than 80% of all lawn and garden powered equipment sold in the United States was sold through mass merchandisers such as The Home Depot, Inc. (The Home Depot), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (Lowe’s), Sears Holdings Corporation (Sears) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart). Given the buying power of the mass merchandisers, Briggs & Stratton, through its customers, has continued to experience pricing pressure; however, the Company attempts to recover increases in commodity costs through increased pricing.

Competition

Briggs & Stratton’s major domestic competitors in engine manufacturing are Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda), Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Kawasaki) and Kohler Co. (Kohler). Several Japanese and Chinese small engine manufacturers, of which Honda and Kawasaki are the largest, compete directly with Briggs & Stratton in world markets in the sale of engines to other OEMs and indirectly through their sale of end products.

Briggs & Stratton believes it has a significant share of the worldwide market for engines that power outdoor equipment.

Briggs & Stratton believes the major areas of competition from all engine manufacturers include product quality, brand strength, price, timely delivery and service. Other factors affecting competition are short-term market share objectives, short-term profit objectives, exchange rate fluctuations, technology, product support and distribution strength. Briggs & Stratton believes its product value and service reputation have given it strong brand name recognition and enhanced its competitive position.

Seasonality of Demand

Sales of engines to lawn and garden OEMs are highly seasonal because of consumer buying patterns. The majority of lawn and garden equipment is sold during the spring and summer months when most lawn care and gardening activities are performed. Sales of lawn and garden equipment are also influenced by consumer sentiment, employment levels, housing starts and weather conditions. Engine sales in Briggs & Stratton’s fiscal third quarter have historically been the highest, while sales in the first fiscal quarter have historically been the lowest.

In order to efficiently use its capital investments and meet seasonal demand for engines, Briggs & Stratton pursues a relatively balanced production schedule throughout the year. The schedule is adjusted to reflect changes in estimated demand, customer inventory levels and other matters outside the control of Briggs & Stratton. Accordingly, inventory levels generally increase during the first and second fiscal quarters in anticipation of customer demand. Inventory levels begin to decrease as sales increase in the third fiscal quarter. This seasonal pattern results in high inventories and low cash flow for Briggs & Stratton in the first, second and the beginning of the third fiscal quarters. The pattern results in higher cash flow in the latter portion of the third fiscal quarter and in the fourth fiscal quarter as inventories are liquidated and receivables are collected.

Manufacturing

Briggs & Stratton manufactures engines and parts at the following locations: Auburn, Alabama; Statesboro, Georgia; Murray, Kentucky; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Chongqing, China; and Ostrava, Czech Republic. Briggs & Stratton has a parts distribution center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Briggs & Stratton manufactures a majority of the structural components used in its engines, including aluminum die castings, carburetors and ignition systems. Briggs & Stratton purchases certain parts such as piston rings, spark plugs, valves, ductile and grey iron castings, plastic components, some stampings and

 

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screw machine parts and smaller quantities of other components. Raw material purchases consist primarily of aluminum and steel. Briggs & Stratton believes its sources of supply are adequate.

Briggs & Stratton has joint ventures with Daihatsu Motor Company for the manufacture of engines in Japan, and with Starting Industrial of Japan for the production of rewind starters and punch press components in the United States. Until its dissolution effective May 31, 2011, the Company’s joint venture with The Toro Company manufactured two-cycle engines in China.

Briggs & Stratton has a strategic relationship with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the global distribution of air cooled gasoline engines manufactured by MHI in Japan under Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard brand.

Power Products

General

Power Products segment’s (Power Products) principal product lines include portable and standby generators, pressure washers, snow throwers and lawn and garden powered equipment. Power Products sells its products through multiple channels of retail distribution, including consumer home centers, warehouse clubs, mass merchants and independent dealers. Power Products product lines are marketed under various brands including Briggs & Stratton, Brute, Craftsman, Ferris, John Deere, GE, Murray, Simplicity, Snapper, Troy-Bilt and Victa.

Power Products has a network of independent dealers worldwide for the sale and service of snow throwers, standby generators and lawn and garden powered equipment. To support its international business, Power Products has leveraged the existing Briggs & Stratton worldwide distribution network.

Customers

Historically, Power Products’ major customers have been Lowe’s, The Home Depot and Sears. Sales to these three customers combined were 28%, 33% and 35% of Power Products segment net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Other U.S. customers include Wal-Mart, Deere & Company, Tractor Supply Inc., and a network of independent dealers.

Competition

The principal competitive factors in the power products industry include price, service, product performance, technical innovation and delivery. Power Products has various competitors, depending on the type of equipment. Primary competitors include: Honda (portable generators, pressure washers and lawn and garden equipment), Generac Power Systems, Inc. (portable generators, standby generators and pressure washers), Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. (pressure washers), Techtronic Industries (pressure washers and portable generators), Deere & Company (commercial and consumer lawn mowers), MTD (commercial and consumer lawn mowers), The Toro Company (commercial and consumer lawn mowers), Scag Power Equipment, a Division of Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc. (commercial lawn mowers), and HOP (commercial and consumer lawn mowers).

Power Products believes it has a significant share of the North American market for portable generators and consumer pressure washers.

Seasonality of Demand

Power Products’ sales are subject to seasonal patterns. Due to seasonal and regional weather factors, sales of pressure washers and lawn and garden powered equipment are typically higher during the fiscal third and fourth quarters than at other times of the year. Sales of portable generators and snow throwers are typically higher during the first and second fiscal quarters.

Manufacturing

Power Products’ manufacturing facilities are located in Auburn, Alabama; McDonough, Georgia; Munnsville, New York; Newbern, Tennessee; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and Sydney, Australia. Power Products also purchases certain powered equipment under contract manufacturing agreements.

As previously disclosed, Power Products ceased operations at the Port Washington, Wisconsin facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and moved production to the McDonough, Georgia; Newbern, Tennessee and Munnsville, New York facilities.

 

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In July 2009, the Company announced plans to close its Jefferson and Watertown, Wisconsin facilities. This production was consolidated during fiscal 2010 into the existing Auburn, Alabama; McDonough, Georgia and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin facilities.

Power Products manufactures core components for its products, where such integration improves operating profitability by providing lower costs.

Power Products purchases engines from its parent, Briggs & Stratton, as well as from Honda, Kawasaki and Kohler. Power Products has not experienced any difficulty obtaining necessary engines or other purchased components.

Power Products assembles products for the international markets at its U.S. and Australian locations and through contract manufacturing agreements with other OEMs and suppliers.

Consolidated

General Information

Briggs & Stratton holds patents on features incorporated in its products; however, the success of Briggs & Stratton’s business is not considered to be primarily dependent upon patent protection. The Company owns several trademarks which it believes significantly affect a consumer’s choice of outdoor powered equipment and therefore create value. Licenses, franchises and concessions are not a material factor in Briggs & Stratton’s business.

For the fiscal years ended July 3, 2011, June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009, Briggs & Stratton spent approximately $19.5 million, $22.3 million and $23.0 million, respectively, on research activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products.

The average number of persons employed by Briggs & Stratton during fiscal 2011 was 6,539. Employment ranged from a low of 6,335 in July 2010 to a high of 6,716 in June 2011.

Export Sales

Export sales for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $428.0 million (20% of net sales), $344.1 million (17% of net sales), and $357.4 million (17% of net sales), respectively. These sales were principally to customers in European countries. Refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information about geographic areas. Also, refer to Item 7A of this Form 10-K and Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about Briggs & Stratton’s foreign exchange risk management.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risks referred to elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risks, among others, may have affected, and in the future could affect, the Company and its subsidiaries’ business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks not discussed or not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems insignificant may also impact its business and stock price.

Demand for products fluctuates significantly due to seasonality. In addition, changes in the weather and consumer confidence impact demand.

Sales of our products are subject to seasonal and consumer buying patterns. Consumer demand in our markets can be reduced by unfavorable weather and weak consumer confidence. Although we manufacture throughout the year, our sales are concentrated in the second half of our fiscal year. This operating method requires us to anticipate demand of our customers many months in advance. If we overestimate or underestimate demand during a given year, we may not be able to adjust our production quickly enough to avoid excess or insufficient inventories, and that may in turn limit our ability to maximize our potential sales or maintain optimum working capital levels.

We have only a limited ability to pass through cost increases in our raw materials to our customers during the year.

We generally enter into annual purchasing plans with our largest customers, so our ability to raise our prices during a particular year to reflect increased raw materials costs is limited.

 

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A significant portion of our net sales comes from major customers and the loss of any of these customers would negatively impact our financial results.

In fiscal 2011, our three largest customers accounted for 34% of our consolidated net sales. The loss of a significant portion of the business of one or more of these key customers would significantly impact our net sales and profitability.

Changes in environmental or other laws could require extensive changes in our operations or to our products.

Our operations and products are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharges to water, noise, the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials and health and safety matters. Additional engine emission regulations were phased in through 2008 by the State of California, and will be phased in between 2009 and 2012 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We do not expect these changes to have a material adverse effect on us, but we cannot be certain that these or other proposed changes in applicable laws or regulations will not adversely affect our business or financial condition in the future.

Foreign economic conditions and currency rate fluctuations can reduce our sales.

In fiscal 2011, we derived approximately 33% of our consolidated net sales from international markets, primarily Europe. Weak economic conditions in Europe could reduce our sales and currency fluctuations could adversely affect our sales or profit levels in U.S. dollar terms.

Actions of our competitors could reduce our sales or profits.

Our markets are highly competitive and we have a number of significant competitors in each market. Competitors may reduce their costs, lower their prices or introduce innovative products that could adversely affect our sales or profits. In addition, our competitors may focus on reducing our market share to improve their results.

Disruptions caused by labor disputes or organized labor activities could harm our business.

Currently, 10% of our workforce is represented by labor unions. In addition, we may from time to time experience union organizing activities in our non-union facilities. Disputes with the current labor union or new union organizing activities could lead to work slowdowns or stoppages and make it difficult or impossible for us to meet scheduled delivery times for product shipments to our customers, which could result in loss of business. In addition, union activity could result in higher labor costs, which could harm our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position.

Our level of debt and our ability to obtain debt financing could adversely affect our operating flexibility and put us at a competitive disadvantage.

Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by the indenture for the notes and our other credit agreements could have important consequences, including the following:

 

 

we will have to use a portion of our cash flow from operations for debt service rather than for our operations;

 

 

we may not be able to obtain additional debt financing for future working capital, capital expenditures or other corporate purposes or may have to pay more for such financing;

 

 

some or all of the debt under our current or future revolving credit facilities will be at a variable interest rate, making us more vulnerable to increases in interest rates;

 

 

we could be less able to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities, and to react to changes in market or industry conditions;

 

 

we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

 

 

we may be disadvantaged compared to competitors with less leverage.

The terms of the indenture for the senior notes do not fully prohibit us from incurring substantial additional debt in the future and our revolving credit facilities permit additional borrowings, subject to certain conditions. As incremental debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks we now face could intensify.

We expect to obtain the money to pay our expenses and to pay the principal and interest on the outstanding 6.875% senior notes that are due in December 2020, the credit facilities and other debt primarily from our

 

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operations or by refinancing part of our existing debt. Our ability to meet our expenses thus depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. We will not be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets where we operate and pressure from competitors. We cannot be certain that the money we earn will be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations. If we do not have enough money, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets or borrow more money. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so on terms acceptable to us. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements, including the revolving credit facilities and our indentures, may restrict us from adopting certain of these alternatives. Our current revolving credit facilities expire in July 2012.

We are restricted by the terms of the outstanding senior notes and our other debt, which could adversely affect us.

The indenture relating to the senior notes and our revolving credit agreement include a number of financial and operating restrictions, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities and taking some corporate actions. These covenants could adversely affect us by limiting our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs. These covenants include, among other things, restrictions on our ability to:

 

 

incur more debt;

 

 

pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions;

 

 

make certain investments;

 

 

create liens;

 

 

transfer or sell assets;

 

 

merge or consolidate; and

 

 

enter into transactions with our affiliates.

In addition, our revolving credit facility contains financial covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose a maximum leverage ratio.

Our failure to comply with the restrictive covenants described above could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could result in us being required to repay these borrowings before their due date. Non-cash charges, including further goodwill impairments, could impact our convenant compliance. If we are forced to refinance these borrowings on less favorable terms, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by increased costs and rates.

Current worldwide economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.

General worldwide economic conditions have experienced a downturn due to the sequential effects of the subprime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, increased energy costs, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns. These conditions make it difficult for our customers, our vendors and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and they may cause U.S. and foreign OEMs and consumers to slow spending on our products. We cannot predict the timing or duration of any economic slowdown or the timing or strength of a subsequent economic recovery, worldwide or in the specific end markets we serve. If the consumer and commercial lawn and garden markets significantly deteriorate due to these economic effects, our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, our stock price could decrease if investors have concerns that our business, financial condition and results of operations will be negatively impacted by a worldwide economic downturn.

We have a material amount of goodwill, which was written-down. If we determine that goodwill and other intangible assets have become further impaired in the future, net income in such years may be adversely affected.

At July 3, 2011, goodwill and other intangible assets represented approximately 17.5% of our total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. We are required to evaluate whether our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets have been impaired on an annual basis, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. As discussed in

 

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Note 5 of the Company’s financial statements included in Item 8 of this report, the Company recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $49.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. The impairment was determined as part of the fair value assessment of goodwill. Reductions in our net income caused by any additional write-down of our goodwill or intangible assets could materially adversely affect our results of operations and our compliance with covenants under our revolving credit agreement and indenture relating to the senior notes.

We are subject to litigation, including product liability and warranty claims, that may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We are a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations, including product warranty and liability (strict liability and negligence) claims, patent and trademark matters, contract disputes and environmental, asbestos, employment and other litigation matters. We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage. While we currently maintain general liability and product liability insurance coverage in amounts that we believe are adequate, we cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain this insurance on acceptable terms or that this insurance will provide sufficient coverage against potential liabilities that may arise. Any claims brought against us, with or without merit, may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations as a result of potential adverse outcomes, the expenses associated with defending such claims, the diversion of our management’s resources and time and the potential adverse effect to our business reputation.

Our pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations are currently underfunded, and we may have to make significant cash payments to some or all of these plans, which would reduce the cash available for our businesses.

We have unfunded obligations under our domestic and foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans. As of July 3, 2011, our pension plans were underfunded by approximately $194 million. The funded status of our pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets, the level of certain market interest rates and the discount rate used to determine pension obligations. Unfavorable returns on the plan assets or unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations could materially change the timing and amount of required plan funding, which would reduce the cash available for our businesses. In addition, a decrease in the discount rate used to determine pension obligations could result in an increase in the valuation of pension obligations, which could affect the reported funding status of our pension plans and future contributions, as well as the periodic pension cost in subsequent fiscal years.

Our dependence on, and the price of, raw materials may adversely affect our profits.

The principal raw materials used to produce our products are aluminum, copper and steel. We source raw materials on a global or regional basis, and the prices of those raw materials are susceptible to significant price fluctuations due to supply/demand trends, transportation costs, government regulations and tariffs, changes in currency exchange rates, price controls, the economic climate and other unforeseen circumstances. If we are unable to pass on raw material price increases to our customers, our future profitability may be adversely affected.

We may be adversely affected by health and safety laws and regulations.

We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety and have incurred and will continue to incur capital and other expenditures to comply with these regulations. Failure to comply with regulations could subject us to future liabilities, fines or penalties or the suspension of production.

The operations and success of our Company can be impacted by natural disasters, terrorism, acts of war, international conflict and political and governmental actions, which could harm our business.

Natural disasters, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international conflicts and the actions taken by the United States and other governments in response to such events could cause damage or disrupt our business operations, our suppliers or our customers, and could create political or economic instability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Although it is not possible to predict such events or their consequences, these events could decrease demand for our products, could make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver products or could disrupt our supply chain. We may also be impacted by actions by foreign governments, including currency devaluation, tariffs and nationalization, where our facilities are

 

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located, which could disrupt manufacturing and commercial operations. In addition, our foreign operations make us subject to certain U.S. laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. A violation of these laws and regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to tax laws and regulations in many jurisdictions, and the inability to successfully defend claims from taxing authorities could adversely affect our operating results and financial position.

We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to interpret the income tax laws and rulings in each of those taxing jurisdictions. Due to the subjectivity of tax laws between those jurisdictions as well as the subjectivity of factual interpretations, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments. Claims from taxing authorities related to these differences could have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial position.

If we fail to remain current with changes in gasoline engine technology or if the technology becomes less important to customers in our markets due to the impact of alternative fuels, our results would be negatively affected.

Our ability to remain current with changes in gasoline engine technology may significantly affect our business. Any advances in gasoline engine technology, including the impact of alternative fuels, may inhibit our ability to compete with other manufacturers. Our competitors may also be more effective and efficient at integrating new technologies. In addition, developing new manufacturing technologies and capabilities requires a significant investment of capital. There can be no assurance that our products will remain competitive in the future or that we will continue to be able to timely implement innovative manufacturing technologies.

Through our Power Products segment, we compete with certain customers of our Engines segment, thereby creating inherent channel conflict that may impact the actions of engine manufacturers and OEMs with whom we compete.

Through our Power Products segment, we compete with certain customers of our Engines segment. Any further forward integration of our products may strain relationships with OEMs that are significant customers of our Engines segment.

The financial stability of our suppliers and the ability of our suppliers to produce quality materials could adversely affect our ability to obtain timely and cost-effective raw materials.

The loss of certain of our suppliers or interruption of production at certain suppliers from adverse financial conditions, work stoppages, equipment failures or other unfavorable events would adversely affect our ability to obtain raw materials and other inputs used in the manufacturing process. Our cost of purchasing raw materials and other inputs used in the manufacturing process could be higher and could temporarily affect our ability to produce sufficient quantities of its products, which could harm our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position.

We have implemented, and Wisconsin law contains, anti-takeover provisions that may adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock.

Our articles of incorporation contain provisions that could have the effect of discouraging or making it more difficult for someone to acquire us through a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, even though such an acquisition might be economically beneficial to our shareholders. These provisions include a board of directors divided into three classes of directors serving staggered terms of three years each and the removal of directors only for cause and only with the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast in an election of directors.

Each currently outstanding share of our common stock includes, and each newly issued share of our common stock will include, a common share purchase right. The rights are attached to and trade with the shares of common stock and are exercisable only under limited circumstances. The rights will become exercisable if a person or group acquires, or announces an intention to acquire, 20% or more of our outstanding common stock, subject to certain exceptions. The rights have some anti-takeover effects and generally will cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire control of us without

 

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conditioning the offer on either redemption of the rights or amendment of the rights to prevent this dilution. The rights could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control.

We are subject to the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, which contains several provisions that could have the effect of discouraging non-negotiated takeover proposals or impeding a business combination. These provisions include:

 

 

requiring a supermajority vote of shareholders, in addition to any vote otherwise required, to approve business combinations not meeting adequacy of price standards;

 

 

prohibiting some business combinations between an interested shareholder and us for a period of three years, unless the combination was approved by our board of directors prior to the time the shareholder became a 10% or greater beneficial owner of our shares or under some other circumstances;

 

 

limiting actions that we can take while a takeover offer for us is being made or after a takeover offer has been publicly announced; and

 

 

limiting the voting power of shareholders who own more than 20% of our stock.

Our common stock is subject to substantial price and volume fluctuations.

The market price of shares of our common stock may be volatile. Among the factors that could affect our common stock price are those previously discussed, as well as:

 

 

quarterly fluctuation in our operating income and earnings per share results;

 

 

decline in demand for our products;

 

 

significant strategic actions by our competitors, including new product introductions or technological advances;

 

 

fluctuations in interest rates;

 

 

cost increases in energy, raw materials or labor;

 

 

changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports by analysts; and

 

 

domestic and international economic and political factors unrelated to our performance.

In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Briggs & Stratton maintains leased and owned manufacturing, office, warehouse, distribution and testing facilities throughout the world. The Company believes that its owned and leased facilities are adequate to perform its operations in a reasonable manner. As Briggs & Stratton’s business is seasonal, additional warehouse space may be leased when inventory levels are at their peak. Facilities in the United States occupy approximately 7.0 million square feet, of which 56% is owned. Facilities outside of the United States occupy approximately 855 thousand square feet, of which 42% is owned. Certain of the Company’s facilities are leased through operating and capital lease agreements. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Company’s operating and capital leases.

 

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The following table provides information about each of the Company’s facilities (exceeding 25,000 square feet) as of July 3, 2011:

 

Location

  

Type of Property

   Owned/Leased   

Segment

U.S. Locations:

        

Auburn, Alabama

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned and Leased    Engines, Power Products

McDonough, Georgia

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned and Leased    Power Products

Statesboro, Georgia

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned and Leased    Engines

Murray, Kentucky

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned and Leased    Engines

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned and Leased    Engines

Reno, Nevada

   Warehouse    Leased    Power Products

Munnsville, New York

   Manufacturing and office    Owned    Power Products

Sherrill, New York

   Warehouse    Leased    Power Products

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

   Warehouse    Leased    Power Products

Dyersburg, Tennessee

   Warehouse    Leased    Power Products

Newbern, Tennessee

   Manufacturing and office    Leased    Power Products

Grand Prairie, Texas

   Warehouse    Leased    Power Products

Brookfield, Wisconsin

   Office    Leased    Power Products

Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

   Distribution and office    Leased    Engines

Jefferson, Wisconsin

   Manufacturing and office (held for sale)    Owned    Power Products

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned    Engines, Power Products, Corporate

Non-U.S. Locations:

        

Melbourne, Australia

   Office    Leased    Engines

Sydney, Australia

   Manufacturing and office    Leased    Power Products

Mississauga, Canada

   Office and warehouse    Leased    Power Products

Chongqing, China

   Manufacturing, office and warehouse    Owned    Engines

Shanghai, China

   Office    Leased    Engines

Ostrava, Czech Republic

   Manufacturing and office    Owned    Engines

Nijmegen, Netherlands

   Distribution and office    Leased    Engines

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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 December 5, 2008, the Multidistrict Litigation Panel coordinated and transferred the cases to Judge Adelman of the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (In Re: Lawnmower Engine Horsepower Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No. 2:08-md-01999).

On February 24, 2010, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement (“Settlement”) that resolves all of the Horsepower Class Actions. The Settlement resolves 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. On August 16, 2010, Judge Adelman issued a final order approving the Settlement as well as the settlements of all other defendants. In August and September 2010, several class members filed a Notice of Appeal of Judge Adelman’s final approval order to the U. S. Court of

 

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Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. All of those appeals were settled as of February 16, 2011 with no additional contribution from Briggs & Stratton.

As part of the Settlement, the Company denies any and all liability and seeks resolution to avoid further protracted and expensive litigation. The settling defendants as a group agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $51 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. Under the terms of the Settlement, the balance of settlement funds were paid, and the one-year warranty extension program began to run, on March 1, 2011. As a result of the Settlement, the Company recorded a total charge of $30.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 representing the total of the Company’s monetary portion of the Settlement and the estimated costs of extending the warranty period for one year. 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. On August 24, 2011, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion and vacated the dismissal of the case, and discovery will therefore proceed in the matter.

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.

 

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

Not applicable.

 

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Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Name, Age, Position

  

Business Experience for Past Five Years

TODD J. TESKE, 46

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (1)(2)

   Mr. Teske was elected to his current position effective October 2010. He previously was President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2010. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2008. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2005. He previously served as Senior Vice President and President – Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC from September 2003 to August 2005. Mr. Teske also serves as a director of Badger Meter, Inc. and Lennox International, Inc.

RANDALL R. CARPENTER, 54

Vice President – Marketing

   Mr. Carpenter was elected to his current position effective September 2009. He served as Vice President – Marketing since May 2007. He was previously Vice President Marketing and Product Development for Royal Appliance Manufacturing from 2005 to 2007. He was an Independent Marketing Consultant from 2004 to 2005.
  
  
  
  
  

DAVID G. DEBAETS, 48

Vice President – North American Operations

(Engines Group)

   Mr. DeBaets was elected to his current position effective September 2007. He has served as Vice President and General Manager – Large Engine Division since April 2000.
  
  

ROBERT F. HEATH, 63

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

   Mr. Heath was elected to his current position effective February 2010. He previously was elected as Secretary January 2002. He has served as Vice President and General Counsel since January 2001.
  
  
  

HAROLD L. REDMAN, 46

Senior Vice President and President –

Products Group

   Mr. Redman was elected to his current position in October 2010. He previously served as Senior Vice President and President – Home Power Products Group since September 2009 after serving as Vice President and President – Home Power Products Group since May 2006. He also served as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing – Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. since July 1995.
  
  
  
  
  
  

WILLIAM H. REITMAN, 55

Senior Vice President –

Business Development & Customer Support

   Mr. Reitman was elected to his current position effective October 2010 after previously serving as Senior Vice President – Sales & Customer Support since September 2007. He previously served as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing since May 2006, and Vice President – Sales & Marketing since October 2004. He also served as Vice President – Marketing since November 1995.
  
  
  
  
  
  

DAVID J. RODGERS, 40

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   Mr. Rodgers was elected as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 28, 2010 after serving as Vice President – Finance since February 2010. He was elected an executive officer in September 2007 and served as Controller from December 2006 to February 2010. He was previously employed by Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. as Vice President – Corporate Controller from September 2005 to November 2006 and Vice President – Retail Controller from May 2003 to August 2005.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

THOMAS R. SAVAGE, 63

Senior Vice President – Corporate Development

   Mr. Savage was elected to his current position effective September 1, 2011. He previously served as Senior Vice President – Administration since 1997.
  
  

 

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JOSEPH C. WRIGHT, 52

Senior Vice President and President –

Engines Group

   Mr. Wright was elected to his current position in October 2010. He previously served as Senior Vice President and President – Engine Power Products Group since May 2006 after serving as Vice President and President – Yard Power Products Group since September 2005. He also served as Vice President and General Manager – Lawn and Garden Division from September 2004 to September 2005. He was elected an executive officer effective September 2002.

EDWARD J. WAJDA, 51

Vice President and General Manager –

International

   Mr. Wajda was elected to his current position effective January 2011. He previously served as Vice President and General Manager – International since July 2008. Prior to joining Briggs & Stratton, he held the position of Senior Vice President – Global Medical Vehicle Group for Oshkosh Corporation since June 2006.
  
  
  
  
  

(1) Officer is also a Director of Briggs & Stratton.

(2) Member of the Board of Directors Executive Committee.

Officers are elected annually and serve until they resign, die, are removed, or a different person is appointed to the office.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Briggs & Stratton common stock and its common share purchase rights are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “BGG”. Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the “Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information” (unaudited), included in Item 8 of this report.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Briggs & Stratton did not make any purchases of equity securities registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

On August 10, 2011, the Board of Directors of Briggs & Stratton authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2013. Briggs & Stratton will repurchase shares of common stock, using available cash, on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants.

Five-year Stock Performance Graph

The chart below is a comparison of the cumulative return over the last five fiscal years had $100 been invested at the close of business on June 30, 2006 in each of Briggs & Stratton common stock, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Smallcap 600 Index and the S&P Machinery Index.

LOGO

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Fiscal Year

     2011         2010         2009         2008         2007   

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

              

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (1)

              

NET SALES

   $ 2,109,998       $ 2,027,872       $ 2,092,189       $ 2,151,393       $ 2,156,833   

GROSS PROFIT

     398,316         379,935         333,679         307,316         295,198   

PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

     7,699         12,458         8,437         7,009         (3,399

NET INCOME

     24,355         36,615         31,972         22,600         6,701   

EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

              

Basic Earnings

     0.49         0.73         0.64         0.46         0.13   

Diluted Earnings

     0.48         0.73         0.64         0.46         0.13   

PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

              

Cash Dividends

     .44         .44         .77         .88         .88   

Shareholders’ Investment

   $ 14.85       $ 13.10       $ 14.01       $ 16.90       $ 16.94   

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING (in 000’s)

     49,677         49,668         49,572         49,549         49,715   

DILUTED NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING (in 000’s)

     50,409         50,064         49,725         49,652         49,827   

OTHER DATA (1)

              

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

   $ 737,943       $ 650,577       $ 694,684       $ 837,523       $ 838,454   

LONG-TERM DEBT

     225,000         -             281,104         365,555         384,048   

CAPITAL LEASES

     571         1,041         1,807         1,677         2,379   

TOTAL ASSETS

     1,666,218         1,690,057         1,619,023         1,833,294         1,884,468   

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     1,026,967         979,898         991,682         1,012,987         1,006,402   

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET OF ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

     339,300         337,763         360,175         391,833         388,318   

PROVISION FOR DEPRECIATION

     59,920         62,999         63,981         65,133         70,379   

EXPENDITURES FOR PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     59,919         44,443         43,027         65,513         68,000   

WORKING CAPITAL (2)

   $ 624,281       $ 342,132       $ 561,431       $ 644,935       $ 519,023   

Current Ratio

     2.8 to 1         1.6 to 1         2.9 to 1         2.9 to 1         2.1 to 1   

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT YEAR-END

     6,716         6,362         6,847         7,145         7,260   

NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS AT YEAR-END

     3,289         3,453         3,509         3,545         3,693   

QUOTED MARKET PRICE:

              

High

   $ 24.18       $ 24.26       $ 21.51       $ 33.40       $ 33.07   

Low

   $ 16.50       $ 12.89       $ 11.13       $ 12.80       $ 24.29   

 

(1) The amounts include the acquisition of Victa Lawncare Pty. Limited since June 30, 2008.
(2) Included in working capital as of June 27, 2010 is a Current Maturity of Long-Term Debt of $203,460.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

FISCAL 2011 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2010

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011 were $2.1 billion, an increase of $82.1 million or 4.0% when compared to the same period a year ago.

Engines segment net sales for fiscal 2011 were approximately $1.4 billion, which was $39.1 million or 2.9% higher than the same period a year ago despite a 2.1% decline in total unit shipment volumes. This increase from the same period last year is primarily due to higher international engine unit shipments, a favorable mix of product shipped that reflected proportionately larger volumes of units used on commercial applications, improved engine pricing and a $4.7 million foreign currency benefit, partially offset by reduced engine shipments primarily to customers in North America.

Power Products segment net sales for fiscal 2011 were $879.0 million, which was $35.3 million or 4.2% higher than the same period a year ago. This improvement was primarily due to increased sales in our Australia and Europe markets, partially offset by reduced unit shipment volumes of lawn and garden equipment, pressure washers and portable generators in the domestic market.

Gross Profit

The consolidated gross profit percentage was 18.9% in fiscal 2011, up from 18.7% in the same period last year.

The Engines segment gross profit percentage was 22.8% for fiscal 2011, an improvement from 22.1% in fiscal 2010. This improvement was due to a favorable mix of products shipped, improved engine pricing, increased manufacturing efficiencies, a $5.4 million foreign currency benefit and increased absorption on 4.0% higher production volumes, partially offset by higher commodity costs and increased manufacturing wages and benefits, including a $9.6 million increase in pension benefits expense.

The Power Products segment gross profit percentage decreased to 8.8% for fiscal 2011 from 10.2% in fiscal 2010. The decline between years resulted from higher manufacturing spending and budget conscious customers purchasing lower margin units, partially offset by increased sales of premium dealer lawn and garden products, increased unit pricing, and a $7.2 million foreign currency benefit. The increase in manufacturing spending relates to higher commodity costs, manufacturing inefficiencies in the first half of the fiscal year in launching new products and increased warranty, and increased freight expenses, partially offset by $8.0 million in incremental cost savings associated with the closure of our Jefferson, Wisconsin manufacturing facility in fiscal 2010.

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $300.7 million in fiscal 2011, an increase of $20.4 million or 7.3% from fiscal 2010.

The Engines segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $199.2 million in fiscal 2011, an increase of $13.1 million from fiscal 2010. The increase was due to higher international selling expenses and increased salaries and benefits, which include a $7.2 million increase in pension benefits expense.

The Power Products segment fiscal 2011 engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses of $101.5 million increased by $7.3 million in fiscal 2011 primarily related to increased international selling expenses, $1.7 million of unfavorable foreign currency and previously announced organization change costs of $3.0 million.

Goodwill Impairment

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment testing. Based on a combination of factors, including the influence of prolonged macro-economic conditions on the lawn and garden market in the U.S. and the operating results of the Power Products segment which lacked the benefit of certain weather related events that are favorable to the business during the past two years, the Company’s forecasted cash flow estimates used in the goodwill assessment were adversely impacted. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the Power Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was $49.5 million, which was

 

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determined by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. This impairment charge is a non-cash expense that did not adversely affect the Company’s debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants under its credit facilities. No impairment charges were recorded within the Engines segment.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $3.2 million lower for fiscal 2011 due to lower average outstanding borrowings and the reduced interest rate associated with the 6.875% Senior Notes due 2020 that were issued in December 2010, partially offset by $3.9 million of pre-tax charges related to the redemption premium on the 8.875% Senior Notes and the write-off of related deferred financing costs.

Other Income

Other income increased $0.7 million in fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. This increase is primarily due to a $1.0 million increase in equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 24.0% and 25.4% for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The current year income tax provision includes $15.1 million of income tax benefit related to the $49.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Approximately $10.6 million of the goodwill impairment was related to non-deductible goodwill associated with past stock acquisitions for which a tax benefit was not recorded. The remaining goodwill impairment generated the $15.1 million of tax benefit. Due to the significant impact the impairment charge had on the effective tax rate, the Company believes the tax benefit and the effective tax rate excluding the $49.5 million impairment charge are more meaningful comparisons to last year’s comparable period. Excluding the non-cash goodwill impairment charge, the effective tax rate was 28.0% and 25.4% for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The annual fluctuations reflect the impact of changes in foreign earnings at different tax rates, the taxation of dividends from foreign operations as well as the resolution of certain tax matters.

FISCAL 2010 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2009

Net Sales

Fiscal 2010 consolidated net sales were approximately $2.03 billion, a decrease of $64.3 million compared to the previous year. This decrease is primarily attributable to reduced generator shipment volumes due to the absence of landed hurricanes as well as lower average prices for engines.

Engines segment net sales in fiscal 2010 were $1.36 billion compared to $1.37 billion in fiscal 2009, a decrease of $10.0 million or 0.7%. Total engine volumes for the year were essentially flat as an increase in engines used in lawn and garden applications was offset by reduced demand for engines for portable generators due to no landed hurricane activity. Lower average prices during the year were effectively offset by a favorable mix of higher priced engines shipped for use on riding equipment and a slightly favorable foreign currency impact.

Power Products segment net sales in fiscal 2010 were $843.6 million compared to $920.4 million in fiscal 2009, a $76.8 million decrease or 8.3%. The net sales decrease for the year was the result of decreased portable generator sales volume due to the absence of any landed hurricanes in fiscal 2010 partially offset by higher volumes of other power products.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit was $379.9 million in fiscal 2010 compared to $333.7 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $46.3 million or 13.9%. In fiscal 2009 a $5.8 million pretax ($3.5 million after tax) expense was recorded associated with the closing of the Jefferson and Watertown, WI manufacturing facilities. After considering the impact of the closure of the Jefferson and Watertown, WI facilities, consolidated gross profit increased due to reduced manufacturing costs, lower commodity costs and planned manufacturing cost savings.

Engines segment gross profit increased to $300.2 million in fiscal 2010 from $262.8 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $37.4 million. Engines segment gross profit margins increased to 22.1% in fiscal 2010 from 19.2% in fiscal 2009. The gross profit increase year over year was the result of lower manufacturing costs, lower commodity costs, a favorable mix of product shipped that reflected higher priced units and improved productivity, offset by lower average sales prices.

The Power Products segment gross profit increased to $86.4 million in fiscal 2010 from $69.9 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $16.5 million. The Power Products segment gross profit margins increased to 10.2% in

 

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fiscal 2010 from 7.6% in fiscal 2009. Included in the Power Products segment gross profit was a $4.6 million impairment expense recorded in fiscal 2009 associated with the closing of the Jefferson, WI manufacturing facility. In addition to the Jefferson closure, the gross profit increase primarily resulted from lower manufacturing costs, primarily related to lower commodity costs and planned cost savings initiatives. The improvements were partially offset by lower sales and production volumes primarily related to the significantly lower portable generator production and shipments in fiscal 2010.

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Engineering, selling, general and administrative costs increased to $280.2 million in fiscal 2010 from $265.3 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $14.9 million. Engineering, selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of sales increased to 13.8% in fiscal 2010 from 12.7% in fiscal 2009.

The increase in engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased salaries and fringes of $20.7 million. Offsetting these increases were reduced marketing expenses of $6.5 million.

Litigation Settlement

On February 24, 2010, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement (“Settlement”) that resolves over 65 class-action lawsuits that have been filed against Briggs & Stratton and other engine and lawnmower manufacturers alleging, among other things, misleading power labeling on its lawnmower engines. Other parties to the Settlement are Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Holdings Corporation, Kmart Holdings Corporation, Deere & Company, Tecumseh Products Company, The Toro Company, Electrolux Home Products, Inc. and Husqvarna Outdoor Products, Inc. (now known as Husqvarna Consumer Outdoor Products, N.A., Inc.) (Collectively with the Company referred to below as the “Settling Defendants”). All other defendants settled all claims separately. The Settlement resolves 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. On August 16, 2010, Judge Adelman issued a final order approving the Settlement as well as the settlements of all other defendants. In August and September 2010, several class members filed a Notice of Appeal of Judge Adelman’s final approval order to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. All of those appeals were settled as of February 16, 2011 with no additional contribution from Briggs & Stratton.

As part of the Settlement, the Company denies any and all liability and seeks resolution to avoid further protracted and expensive litigation. The Settling Defendants as a group agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $51 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. Under the terms of the Settlement, the balance of settlement funds were paid, and the one-year warranty extension program began to run, on March 1, 2011. As a result of the Settlement, the Company recorded a total charge of $30.6 million in fiscal 2010 representing the total of the Company’s monetary portion of the Settlement and the estimated costs of extending the warranty period for one year.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $4.7 million in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009. The decrease is attributable to lower average borrowings between years for working capital requirements, offset by premiums paid on repurchases of outstanding senior notes.

Other Income

Other income increased $3.2 million in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009. This increase is primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 25.4% for fiscal year 2010 and 20.9% for fiscal year 2009. The fiscal 2010 effective tax rate is less than the statutory 35% rate primarily due to the Company’s ability to exclude from taxable income a portion of the distributions received from investments and from the resolution of prior period tax matters. The fiscal 2009 effective tax rate was reduced due to the Company’s ability to exclude from taxable income a portion

 

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of the distributions received from investments, from the resolution of prior period tax matters and increased foreign tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

FISCAL YEARS 2011, 2010 AND 2009

Net cash provided by operating activities were $157 million, $244 million and $172 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The fiscal 2011 net cash provided by operating activities were $87 million lower than fiscal 2010. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to working capital requirements to replenish inventory from lower levels at the end of fiscal 2010 and due to timing of payments associated with accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The fiscal 2010 net cash provided by operating activities were $71 million greater than fiscal 2009. The increase is due to higher cash operating earnings and $58 million less of working capital requirements between years.

Net cash used by investing activities were $60 million, $44 million and $64 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These cash flows include capital expenditures of $60 million, $44 million and $43 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The capital expenditures relate primarily to reinvestment in equipment, capacity additions and new products. In fiscal 2009, net cash of $25 million was used for the Victa Lawncare Pty. Ltd. acquisition.

Net cash used by financing activities were $4 million, $99 million and $123 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As more fully disclosed in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company issued $225 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due December 15, 2020 during fiscal 2011, the net proceeds of which were primarily used to redeem the $201 million outstanding principal amount of the 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011. The Company incurred $5 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 6.875% Senior Notes. The Company reduced its outstanding debt by $78 million and $85 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company paid cash dividends on the common stock of $22 million, $22 million and $38 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The quarterly dividend was reduced during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 by 50% to $0.11 per share from the $0.22 per share paid previously in order to preserve cash in light of the continuing uncertainty in the credit markets.

Future Liquidity and Capital Resources

In December 2010, the Company issued $225 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due December 2020. Net proceeds were primarily used to redeem the remaining outstanding principal of the 8.875% Senior Notes due March 2011. The 8.875% Senior Notes due March 2011 were classified as Current Maturity on Long-Term Debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 27, 2010.

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement (“Revolver”) provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The Company used proceeds from the Revolver to pay off the remaining amounts outstanding under the Company’s variable rate term notes issued in February 2005 with various financial institutions, retire the 7.25% senior notes that were due in September 2007 and fund seasonal working capital requirements and other financing needs. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver are due and payable on July 12, 2012. As of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, there were no borrowings on the Revolver.

In April 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share on the common stock of the Company, which was payable June 26, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business June 1, 2009. This quarterly dividend was reduced 50% from the prior quarter’s level. The reduced dividend is more comparable with the Company’s historical payout ratio of 50% of net income and dividend yield of 3.5%. In addition, a reduced dividend preserves cash in light of the continuing uncertainty in the credit markets. This action, along with other cash preserving initiatives, should reduce the Company’s need for additional borrowings for working capital in the near to medium term future.

On August 10, 2011, the Board of Directors of Briggs & Stratton authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2013. Briggs & Stratton will repurchase shares of common stock, using available cash, on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants.

 

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Briggs & Stratton expects capital expenditures to be approximately $60 to $65 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 of approximately $30 million to the qualified pension plan 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.

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 capital requirements and operational needs 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 July 3, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants, and expects to be in compliance with all covenants during fiscal 2012.

Financial Strategy

Management believes that the value of Briggs & Stratton is enhanced if the capital invested in operations yields a cash return that is greater than the cost of capital. Consequently, management’s first priority is to reinvest capital into physical assets and products that maintain or grow the global cost leadership and market positions that Briggs & Stratton has achieved, and drive the economic value of the Company. Management’s next financial objective is to identify strategic acquisitions or alliances that enhance revenues and provide a superior economic return. Finally, management believes that when capital cannot be invested for returns greater than the cost of capital, we should return capital to the capital providers through dividends and/or share repurchases.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Briggs & Stratton has no off-balance sheet arrangements or significant guarantees to third parties not fully recorded in our Balance Sheets or fully disclosed in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Briggs & Stratton’s significant contractual obligations include our debt agreements and certain employee benefit plans.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of the Company’s expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of July 3, 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Total

    

Fiscal
2012

    

Fiscal
2013-2014

    

Fiscal
2015-2016

    

Thereafter

 

Long-Term Debt

   $ 225,000       $ -           $ -           $ -           $ 225,000   

Interest on Long-Term Debt

     130,840         15,468         30,938         30,938         53,496   

Capital Leases

     607         474         133         -             -       

Operating Leases

     47,556         16,197         22,987         6,755         1,617   

Purchase Obligations

     61,474         60,211         1,263         -             -       

Consulting and Employment Agreements

     487         487         -             -             -       

Other Liabilities (a)

     84,200         30,200         54,000         -             -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 550,164       $ 123,037       $ 109,321       $ 37,693       $ 280,113   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes an estimate of future expected funding requirements related to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Any further funding requirements for pension and other postretirement benefit plans beyond fiscal 2013 cannot be estimated at this time. Because their future cash outflows are uncertain, liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and other sundry items are excluded from the table above.

Critical Accounting Policies

Briggs & Stratton’s critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 and Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and

 

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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 Company believes the following critical accounting policies represent the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements. There have been no material changes made to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates during the periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over tangible and intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed arising from business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized. The Company evaluates goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of the end of the fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired, by applying a fair value based test and, if impairment occurs, the amount of impaired goodwill is written off immediately.

Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to identify a potential impairment by comparing the carrying values of each of the Company’s reporting units to their estimated fair values as of the test dates. The Company has determined that its reporting units are the same as its reportable segments. The estimates of fair value of the reporting units are computed using a combination of an income and market approach. The income approach utilizes a multi-year forecast of estimated cash flows and a terminal value at the end of the cash flow period. The forecast period assumptions consist of internal projections that are based on the Company’s budget and long-range strategic plan. The discount rate used at the test date is the weighted-average cost of capital which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. Under the market approach, the fair value of reporting unit is estimated based on market multiples of cash flow for comparable companies and similar transactions. The sum of the fair values of the reporting units is reconciled to the Company’s current market capitalization (based upon the Company’s trailing 20-day average stock price) plus an estimated control premium.

If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is not deemed impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not performed. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of its existing tangible assets and liabilities as well as existing identified intangible assets and previously unrecognized intangible assets in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The unallocated portion of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company performed the annual impairment test on its Engines and Power Products reporting units as of July 3, 2011. The fair value assessment of the Engines reporting unit indicated its goodwill balance was not impaired as the reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value. However, the impairment analysis determined that the Power Products reporting units had goodwill balances that were impaired. Therefore, the Company recognized a $49.5 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2011. The assumptions included in the impairment test require judgment; and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculation. Other than management’s internal projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the impairment test were the weighted-average cost of capital, long-term growth rates and the control premium.

Trademarks are not amortized. If impairment occurs, the impaired amount of the trademark is written off immediately. For purposes of the trademark impairment analysis, the Company performs its assessment of fair value based on an income approach using the relief-from-royalty method. This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these types of assets. The Company determines the fair value of each trademark by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net sales discounted using a risk adjusted cost of capital. The Company believes the relief-from-royalty method to be an acceptable methodology due to its common use by valuation specialists in determining the fair value of intangible assets. Sales growth rates are determined after considering current and

 

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future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches and many other variables. Each royalty rate is based on profitability of the business to which it relates and observed market royalty rates.

The methods of assessing fair value for goodwill and trademark impairment purposes require significant judgments to be made by management. Although the Company’s cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are considered reasonable by management and consistent with the plans and estimates management is using to operate the underlying businesses, there is significant judgment in determining the expected future cash flows attributable to these businesses.

The growth rates and gross profit margins used for the terminal value calculations and the discount rates of the respective reporting units as of July 3, 2011 were as follows:

 

      Terminal
Growth Rate
  Terminal Gross
Profit Margin
  Discount
Rate

Engines

   2.5%   23.8%   10.3%

Power Products

   3.5%   17.7%   12.2%

Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results. Assuming no other change in assumptions, a decrease of 1.0% in the Company’s terminal sales growth rate would increase the Power Products segment goodwill impairment charge by approximately $7.8 million; a decrease of 1.0% in the Company’s terminal gross profit margin would increase the Power Products segment goodwill impairment charge by approximately $35.0 million; and an increase of 1.0% in the Company’s discount rate would increase the Power Products segment goodwill impairment charge by approximately $44.9 million.

Definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships and patents. These definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to impairment testing if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired.

Income Taxes

The Company’s estimate of income taxes payable, deferred income taxes, tax contingencies and the effective tax rate is based on a complex analysis of many factors including interpretations of federal, state and foreign income tax laws, the difference between tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities, estimates of amounts currently due or owed in various jurisdictions, and current accounting standards. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. We review and update our estimates on a quarterly basis as facts and circumstances change and actual results are known. In addition, federal, state and foreign taxing authorities periodically review the Company’s estimates and interpretation of income tax laws. Adjustments to the effective income tax rate and recorded tax related assets and liabilities may occur in future periods if actual results differ significantly from original estimates and interpretations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

The pension benefit obligation and related pension expense or income are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. These rates are evaluated on an annual basis considering such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance, which is essential in the current volatile market. Actuarial valuations at July 3, 2011 used a discount rate of 5.35% and an expected rate of return on plan assets of 8.50%. Our discount rate was selected using a methodology that matches plan cash flows with a selection of Moody’s Aa or higher rated bonds, resulting in a discount rate that better matches a bond yield curve with comparable cash flows. A 0.25% decrease in the discount rate would decrease annual pension expense by approximately $0.4 million. A 0.25% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase our annual pension expense by approximately $2.3 million. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward looking considerations, including inflation assumptions and active management of the plan’s invested assets, knowing that our investment performance has been in the top decile compared to other plans. Changes in the discount rate and return on assets can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans, stockholders’ equity and related expense. We cannot predict these changes in discount rates or investment returns and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate whether the impact in subsequent years will be significant.

The funded status of the Company’s pension plan is the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets. The projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of all benefits

 

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expected to be earned by the employees’ service adjusted for future potential wage increases. At July 3, 2011 the fair value of plan assets was less than the projected benefit obligation by approximately $194 million.

The Company is required to make minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan of $30.2 million in fiscal 2012. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending on the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods.

The other postretirement benefits obligation and related expense or income are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the health care trend rate. An increase of one percentage point in health care costs would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $3.0 million and would increase the service and interest cost by $0.1 million. A corresponding decrease of one percentage point, would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit by $3.5 million and decrease the service and interest cost by $0.1 million.

For pension and postretirement benefits, actuarial gains and losses are accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

Other Reserves

The reserves for customer rebates, warranty, product liability, inventory and doubtful accounts are fact specific and take into account such factors as specific customer situations, historical experience, and current and expected economic conditions.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. 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 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the approach to determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (VIE) and requires companies to more frequently assess whether they must consolidate VIEs. This standard was effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2011. As of June 28, 2010 and subsequently, the Company evaluated all entities that fall within the scope of this new guidance, including the Company’s investments in joint ventures, to determine whether consolidation of these entities was required. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Other Matters

Labor Agreement

Briggs & Stratton has collective bargaining agreements with its unions. These agreements expire at various times ranging from calendar years 2011-2013.

 

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Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed multiple phases of national emission standards for small air cooled engines. Briggs & Stratton currently has a complete product offering that complies with the EPA’s Phase II engine emission standards.

The EPA issued proposed Phase III standards in 2008 to further reduce engine exhaust emissions and to control evaporative emissions from small off-road engines and equipment in which they are used. The Phase III standards are similar to those adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Phase III program requires evaporative controls in 2009 and go into full effect in 2011 for Class II engines (225 cubic centimeter displacement and larger) and 2012 for Class I engines (less than 225 cubic centimeter displacement). While Briggs & Stratton believes the cost of the regulation may increase engine and equipment costs per unit, Briggs & Stratton does not believe the cost of compliance with the new standards will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

CARB’s Tier 3 regulation requires additional reductions to engine exhaust emissions and new controls on evaporative emissions from small engines. The Tier 3 regulation was fully phased in during fiscal year 2008. While Briggs & Stratton believes the cost of the regulation may increase engine and equipment costs per unit, Briggs & Stratton does not believe the regulation will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations. This assessment is based on a number of factors, including revisions the CARB made to its adopted regulation from the proposal published in September 2003 in response to recommendations from Briggs & Stratton and others in the regulated category and intention to pass increased costs associated with the regulation on to consumers.

The European Commission adopted an engine emission Directive regulating exhaust emissions from small air cooled engines. The Directive parallels the Phase I and II regulations adopted by the U.S. EPA. Stage 1 was effective in February 2004 and Stage 2 was phased in between calendar years 2005 and 2007, with some limited extensions available for specific size and type engines until 2010. Briggs & Stratton has a full product line compliant with Stage 2. Briggs & Stratton does not believe the cost of compliance with the Directive will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

The Republic of China has implemented emissions standards for small engines with a compliance date of March 2012. The regulations are based on the EU Stage 2 regulations, so Briggs & Stratton expects to have engines available for sale in China as needed when the regulations are in effect.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Briggs & Stratton is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. To reduce the risk from changes in certain foreign exchange rates and commodity prices, Briggs & Stratton uses financial instruments. Briggs & Stratton does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Foreign Currency

Briggs & Stratton’s earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar against various currencies. Briggs & Stratton purchases components in Euros from third parties and receives Euros for certain products sold to European customers and receives Canadian dollars for certain products sold to Canadian customers. The Yen is used to purchase engines from Briggs & Stratton’s joint venture. Briggs & Stratton’s foreign subsidiaries’ earnings are also influenced by fluctuations of local currencies, including the Australian dollar, against the U.S. dollar as these subsidiaries purchase components and inventory from vendors and the parent in U.S. dollars. Forward foreign exchange contracts are used to partially hedge against the earnings effects of such fluctuations. At July 3, 2011, Briggs & Stratton had the following forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding with the fair value (gains) losses shown (in thousands):

 

Hedge

Currency

      
 
Notional
Value
  
  
      
 
Fair Market
Value
  
  
     Conversion
Currency
      
 
(Gain) Loss
at Fair Value
  
  

Australian Dollar

       34,295         $ 35,924         U.S.      $ 2,290   

Canadian Dollar

       10,700         $ 11,119         U.S.      $ 274   

Euro

       41,500         $ 59,935         U.S.      $ 1,268   

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may also impact the shareholders’ investment in Briggs & Stratton. Amounts invested in Briggs & Stratton’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at fiscal year-end. The resulting cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in Shareholders’ Investment as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The cumulative translation adjustments component of Shareholders’ Investment increased $22.0 million during the year. Using the year-end exchange rates, the total amount invested in non-U.S. subsidiaries on July 3, 2011 was approximately $153.4 million.

Commodity Prices

Briggs & Stratton is exposed to fluctuating market prices for commodities, including natural gas, copper and aluminum. The Company has established programs to manage commodity price fluctuations through contracts that fix the price of certain commodities, some of which are financial derivative instruments. The maturities of these contracts coincide with the expected usage of the commodities for periods up to the next twenty-four months.

Interest Rates

Briggs & Stratton is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings, depending on general economic conditions.

On July 3, 2011, Briggs & Stratton had the following short-term loan outstanding (in thousands):

 

Currency

  

Amount

    

Weighted Average

Interest Rate

U.S. Dollars

   $   3,000       3.61%

This loan has a variable interest rate. Assuming borrowings are outstanding for an entire year, an increase (decrease) of one percentage point in the weighted average interest rate would increase (decrease) interest expense by $30 thousand.

On July 3, 2011, long-term loans consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

Description

  

Amount

    

Maturity

    

Weighted Average

Interest Rate

6.875% Senior Notes

   $ 225,000         December 2020       6.875%

The Senior Notes carry fixed rates of interest and are therefore not subject to market fluctuation.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

AS OF JULY 3, 2011 AND JUNE 27, 2010

(in thousands)

 

ASSETS   

2011

    

2010

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 209,639       $ 116,554   

Receivables, Less Reserves of $4,971 and $11,317, Respectively

     249,358         286,426   

Inventories:

     

Finished Products and Parts

     292,527         278,922   

Work in Process

     127,358         114,483   

Raw Materials

     7,206         6,941   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Inventories

     427,091         400,346   

Deferred Income Tax Asset

     42,163         41,138   

Assets Held for Sale

     4,000         4,000   

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     36,413         57,179   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     968,664         905,643   

GOODWILL

     202,940         252,975   

INVESTMENTS

     21,017         19,706   

DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, Net

     4,919         525   

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Net

     89,275         90,345   

LONG-TERM DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSET

     31,001         72,492   

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS, Net

     9,102         10,608   

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

     

Land and Land Improvements

     18,047         17,303   

Buildings

     141,840         136,725   

Machinery and Equipment

     833,495         804,362   

Construction in Progress

     33,585         21,508   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,026,967         979,898   

Less - Accumulated Depreciation

     687,667         642,135   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Plant and Equipment, Net

     339,300         337,763   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,666,218       $ 1,690,057   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

AS OF JULY 3, 2011 AND JUNE 27, 2010

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT   

2011

   

2010

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts Payable

   $ 183,733      $ 171,495   

Short-term Debt

     3,000        3,000   

Current Maturity on Long-term Debt

     -            203,460   

Accrued Liabilities:

    

Wages and Salaries

     54,745        74,837   

Warranty

     31,668        29,578   

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

     22,576        22,847   

Other

     48,661        58,294   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Accrued Liabilities

     157,650        185,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     344,383        563,511   

ACCRUED PENSION COST

     191,417        274,737   

ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

     24,100        23,006   

ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE OBLIGATION

     116,092        135,978   

ACCRUED WARRANTY

     14,327        12,367   

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     12,956        29,881   

LONG-TERM DEBT

     225,000        -       

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

    

Common Stock -

    Authorized 120,000 Shares $.01 Par Value,

        Issued 57,854 Shares

     579        579   

Additional Paid-In Capital

     79,354        80,353   

Retained Earnings

     1,092,864        1,090,843   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

     (243,498     (318,709

Treasury Stock at Cost, 7,373 Shares in 2011 and 7,793 Shares in 2010

     (191,356     (202,489
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Investment

     737,943        650,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,666,218      $ 1,690,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 3, 2011, JUNE 27, 2010 AND JUNE 28, 2009

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

2011

   

2010

   

2009

 

NET SALES

   $ 2,109,998      $ 2,027,872      $ 2,092,189   

COST OF GOODS SOLD

     1,711,682        1,647,937        1,753,935   

IMPAIRMENT OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     –            –            4,575   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     398,316        379,935        333,679   

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     300,650        280,248        265,338   

GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT

     49,450        –            –       

LITIGATION SETTLEMENT

     –            30,600        –       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from Operations

     48,216        69,087        68,341   

INTEREST EXPENSE

     (23,318     (26,469     (31,147

OTHER INCOME, Net

     7,156        6,455        3,215   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

     32,054        49,073        40,409   

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     7,699        12,458        8,437   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   $ 24,355      $ 36,615      $ 31,972   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

      

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

     49,677        49,668        49,572   

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.49      $ 0.73      $ 0.64   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Average Shares Outstanding

     50,409        50,064        49,725   

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.48      $ 0.73      $ 0.64   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 3, 2011, JUNE 27, 2010 AND JUNE 28, 2009

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     Retained
Earnings
     Accumulated
Other Com-
prehensive
Income (Loss)
     Treasury
Stock
     Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

BALANCES, JUNE 29,
2008

   $ 579       $ 76,667       $ 1,082,553       $ (110,234)       $ (212,042)      

Comprehensive Income:

                 

Net Income

     -             -             31,972         -             -           $ 31,972   

Foreign Currency Translation
Adjustments

     -             -             -             (13,684)         -             (13,684)   

Unrealized Loss on
Derivatives, net of tax

     -             -             -             (7,576)         -             (7,576)   

Change in Pension and
Postretirement Plans, net of
tax of $75,953

     -             -             -             (118,779)         -             (118,779)   
                 

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Loss

     -             -             -             -             -           $ (108,067)   
                 

 

 

 

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.77 per
share)

     -             -             (38,171)         -             -          

Stock Option Activity, net of tax

     -             1,760         -             -             -          

Restricted Stock

     -             (3,075)         -             -             2,880      

Amortization of Unearned
Compensation

     -             1,097         -             -             -          

Deferred Stock

     -             1,142         -             -             160      

Shares Issued to Directors

     -             (69)         -             -             20      

Adoption of EITF 06-4 and 06-10

     -             -             (516)         -             -          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

BALANCES, JUNE 28,
2009

   $ 579       $ 77,522       $ 1,075,838       $ (250,273)       $ (208,982)      

Comprehensive Income:

                 

Net Income

     -             -             36,615         -             -           $ 36,615   

Foreign Currency Translation
Adjustments

     -             -             -             (4,989)         -             (4,989)   

Unrealized Gain on
Derivatives, net of tax

     -             -             -             11,626         -             11,626   

Change in Pension and
Postretirement Plans, net of
tax of $41,348

     -             -             -             (75,073)         -             (75,073)   
                 

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Loss

     -             -             -             -             -           $ (31,821)   
                 

 

 

 

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.44 per
share)

     -             -             (22,125)         -             -          

Stock Option Activity, net of tax

     -             2,959         -             -             1,514      

Restricted Stock

     -             (5,023)         -             -             4,928      

Amortization of Unearned
Compensation

     -             2,055         -             -             -          

Deferred Stock

     -             2,877         -             -             31      

Shares Issued to Directors

     -             (37)         -             -             20      

Reclassification of EITF 06-4 and
06-10

     -             -             516         -             -          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

BALANCES, JUNE 27, 2010

   $ 579       $ 80,353       $ 1,090,843       $ (318,709)       $ (202,489)      

Comprehensive Income:

                 

Net Income

     -             -             24,355         -             -           $ 24,355   

Foreign Currency Translation
Adjustments

     -             -             -             22,017         -             22,017   

Unrealized Loss on
Derivatives, net of tax

     -             -             -             (10,742)         -             (10,742)   

Change in Pension and
Postretirement Plans, net
of tax of $40,878

     -             -             -             63,936         -             63,936   
                 

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income

     -             -             -             -             -           $ 99,566   
                 

 

 

 

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.44
per share)

     -             -             (22,334)         -             -          

Stock Option Activity, net of tax

     -             725         -             -             2,681      

Restricted Stock

     -             (7,870)         -             -             6,394      

Amortization of Unearned
Compensation

     -             2,602         -             -             -          

Deferred Stock

     -             2,686         -             -             942      

Shares Issued to Directors

     -             (157)         -             -             1,116      

Modification of Stock-Based
Compensation Awards

     -             1,015         -             -             -          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

BALANCES, JULY 3, 2011

   $ 579       $ 79,354       $ 1,092,864       $ (243,498)       $ (191,356)      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 3, 2011, JUNE 27, 2010 AND JUNE 28, 2009

(in thousands)

 

    

2011

   

2010

   

2009

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net Income

   $ 24,355      $ 36,615      $ 31,972   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

      

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

      

Depreciation and Amortization

     61,828        66,232        67,803   

Stock Compensation Expense

     9,595        6,975        3,999   

Impairment Charge

     49,450        -            4,575   

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates

     (5,082     (4,071     (1,526

Dividends Received from Unconsolidated Affiliates

     6,979        4,005        5,211   

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     1,651        2,125        2,514   

Loss on Curtailment of Employee Benefits

     -            -            1,190   

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes

     6,117        3,755        7,368   

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

      

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

     37,775        (24,430     59,809   

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

     (20,547     76,389        61,810   

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     1,843        1,032        (13,152

Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes

     (14,081     67,947        (45,318

Other, Net

     (2,952     7,167        (13,835
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     156,931        243,741        172,420   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (59,919     (44,443     (43,027

Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired

     -            -            (24,757

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     148        276        3,659   

Other, Net

     -            (144     (348
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (59,771     (44,311     (64,473
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net Repayments on Revolver

     -            (34,000     (65,077

Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Financing

     225,000        -            -       

Repayments on Long-Term Debt

     (203,698     (44,236     (20,000

Debt Issuance Costs

     (4,994     -            -       

Cash Dividends Paid

     (22,334     (22,125     (38,171

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

     1,532        864        -       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

     (4,494     (99,497     (123,248
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     419        629        (1,175
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     93,085        100,562        (16,476

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

      

Beginning of Year

     116,554        15,992        32,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Year

   $ 209,639      $ 116,554      $ 15,992   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

      

Interest Paid

   $ 26,691      $ 26,693      $ 31,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Taxes Paid (Refunded)

   $ 4,340      $ (6   $ 4,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 3, 2011, JUNE 27, 2010 AND JUNE 28, 2009

(1) Nature of Operations:

Briggs & Stratton (the “Company”) is a U.S. based producer of air cooled gasoline engines and engine powered outdoor equipment. The Company’s Engines segment sells engines worldwide, primarily to original equipment manufacturers of lawn and garden equipment and other gasoline engine powered equipment. The Company’s Power Products segment designs, manufacturers and markets a wide range of outdoor power equipment and related accessories.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Sunday nearest the last day of June in each year. Therefore, the 2011 fiscal year was 53 weeks long and the 2010 and 2009 fiscal years were 52 weeks long. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Investments in companies that are owned 20% to 50% or are less than 20% owned and for which we have significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.

Accounting Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: This caption includes cash, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Receivables: Receivables are recorded at their original carrying value less reserves for estimated uncollectible accounts.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at cost, which does not exceed market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method was used for determining the cost of approximately 41% of total inventories at each of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010. The cost for the remaining inventories was determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. If the FIFO inventory valuation method had been used exclusively, inventories would have been $64.5 million and $57.6 million higher in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. The LIFO inventory adjustment was determined on an overall basis, and accordingly, each class of inventory reflects an allocation based on the FIFO amounts. During 2010 and 2009, liquidation of LIFO layers generated income of $1.7 million and $9.3 million, respectively. There were no liquidations of LIFO layers in 2011.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill reflects the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. The reporting units are Engines and Power Products. Other Intangible Assets reflect identifiable intangible assets that arose from purchase acquisitions. Other Intangible Assets are comprised of trademarks, patents and customer relationships. Goodwill and trademarks, which are considered to have indefinite lives are not amortized; however, both must be tested for impairment annually. Amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis for other intangible assets with finite lives. Patents have been assigned an estimated weighted average useful life of thirteen years. The customer relationships have been assigned an estimated useful life of twenty-five years. The Company is subject to financial statement risk in the event that goodwill and intangible assets become impaired. The Company performed the required impairment tests in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009. Refer to Note 5 for discussion of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2011.

Investments: This caption represents the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies consisting of its 30% and 50% owned joint ventures. Combined financial information of the unconsolidated

 

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Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method, generally on a lag of 3 months or less, was as follows (in thousands):

Results of operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies for the fiscal year:

 

     2011      2010      2009  

Results of Operations:

        

Sales

   $ 120,614       $ 104,140       $ 110,688   

Cost of Goods Sold

     95,048         86,959         93,465   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Profit

   $ 25,566       $ 17,181       $ 17,223   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 11,412       $ 7,113       $ 5,492   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance sheets of unconsolidated affiliated companies as of fiscal year-end:

 

    

2011

    

2010

 

Financial Position:

     

Assets:

     

Current Assets

   $ 51,838       $ 58,950   

Noncurrent Assets

     18,292         17,573   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     70,130         76,523   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Current Liabilities

   $ 15,809       $ 20,829   

Noncurrent Liabilities

     5,749         6,925   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     21,558         27,754   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity

   $ 48,572       $ 48,769   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net sales to equity method investees were approximately $4.7 million, $10.4 million and $11.3 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Purchases of finished products from equity method investees were approximately $115.7 million, $93.2 million and $102.5 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Debt Issuance Costs: Direct and incremental costs incurred in obtaining loans or in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related credit agreements. Debt discounts incurred in connection with the issuance of the 8.875% Senior Notes were capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method until the redemption during fiscal 2011. Approximately $1.2 million, $1.5 million and $1.6 million of debt issuance costs and original issue discounts were amortized to interest expense during the fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Plant and Equipment and Depreciation: Plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciation is computed using the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

 

     Useful Life Range (In Years)

Software

   3 - 10

Land Improvements

   20 - 40

Buildings

   20 - 50

Machinery & Equipment

   3 - 20

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which significantly extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition of plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in cost of goods sold.

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of

 

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Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

assets. There were no adjustments to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2011 and 2010. Refer to Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an impairment charge recognized in fiscal 2009.

Warranty: The Company recognizes the cost associated with its standard warranty on engines and power products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on historical failure rates and current claim cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs for the reporting period (in thousands):

 

    

2011

   

2010

 

Balance, Beginning of Period

   $ 41,945      $ 42,044   

Payments

     (28,599     (31,015

Provision for Current Year Warranties

     35,273        32,089   

Changes in Estimates

     (2,624     (1,173
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

   $ 45,995      $ 41,945   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue Recognition: Net sales include sales of engines, power products, and related service parts and accessories, net of allowances for cash discounts, customer volume rebates and discounts, floor plan interest and advertising allowances. The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. This is generally upon shipment, except for certain international shipments, where revenue is recognized when the customer receives the product.

Included in net sales are costs associated with programs under which the Company shares the expense of financing certain dealer and distributor inventories, referred to as floor plan expense. This represents interest for a pre-established length of time based on a variable rate from a contract with a third party financing source for dealer and distributor inventory purchases. Sharing the cost of these financing arrangements is used by Briggs & Stratton as a marketing incentive for customers to buy inventory. The financing costs included in net sales in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $6.6 million, $6.4 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

The Company also offers a variety of customer rebates and sales incentives. The Company records estimates for rebates and incentives at the time of sale, as a reduction in net sales.

Income Taxes: The Provision for Income Taxes includes federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Deferred Income Tax Asset represents temporary differences relating to current assets and current liabilities, and the Long-Term Deferred Income Tax Asset represents temporary differences related to noncurrent assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

Retirement Plans: The Company has noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement benefit plans covering certain employees. Retirement benefits represent a form of deferred compensation, which are subject to change due to changes in assumptions. Management reviews underlying assumptions on an annual basis. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Research and Development Costs: Expenditures relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements and refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred. The amounts charged against income were $19.5 million in fiscal 2011, $22.3 million in fiscal 2010 and $23.0 million in fiscal 2009.

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs, included in Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings, are expensed as incurred. These expenses totaled $24.3 million in fiscal 2011, $25.1 million in fiscal 2010 and $19.2 million in fiscal 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

The Company reports co-op advertising expense as a reduction in net sales. Co-op advertising expense reported as a reduction in net sales totaled $0.2 million in fiscal 2011, $0.3 million in fiscal 2010 and $1.4 million in fiscal 2009.

Shipping and Handling Fees: Revenue received from shipping and handling fees is reflected in net sales and related shipping costs are recorded in cost of goods sold. Shipping fee revenue for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $5.3 million, $4.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation: Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at fiscal year-end. Income and expenses incurred in a foreign currency are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of Shareholders’ Investment.

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):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     July 3, 2011     June 27, 2010     June 28, 2009  

Net Income

   $ 24,355      $ 36,615      $ 31,972   

Less: Dividends Attributable to Unvested Shares

     (181     (296     (300
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income available to Common Shareholders

   $ 24,174      $ 36,319      $ 31,672   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

     49,677        49,668        49,572   

Incremental Common Shares Applicable to Common Stock Options Based on the Common Stock Average Market Price During the Period

     -            -            -       

Incremental Common Shares Applicable to Deferred and Restricted Common Stock Based on the Common Stock Average Market Price During the Period

     732        396        153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

     50,409        50,064        49,725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.49      $ 0.73      $ 0.64   

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.48      $ 0.73      $ 0.64   

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, and their inclusion in the computation would be antidilutive:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     July 3, 2011      June 27, 2010      June 28, 2009  

Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (in thousands)

     4,049         3,796         4,306   

Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Excluded

   $ 28.17       $ 30.68       $ 29.53   

Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss) is a more inclusive financial reporting method that includes disclosure of financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. The Company has chosen to report Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) which encompasses net income, cumulative translation adjustments, unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives and unrecognized pension and postretirement obligations in the

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment. Information on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Cumulative
Translation
Adjustments
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Derivatives
    Unrecognized
Pension and
Postretirement
Obligation
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance at June 29, 2008

   $ 22,645      $ 4,449      $ (137,328   $ (110,234

Fiscal Year Change

     (13,684     (7,576     (118,779     (140,039
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 28, 2009

     8,961        (3,127     (256,107     (250,273

Fiscal Year Change

     (4,989     11,626        (75,073     (68,436
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 27, 2010

     3,972        8,499        (331,180     (318,709

Fiscal Year Change

     22,017        (10,742     63,936        75,211   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at July 3, 2011

   $ 25,989      $ (2,243   $ (267,244   $ (243,498
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments & Hedging Activity: The Company enters into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges to manage certain 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 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.

The Company periodically 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, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Japanese Yen. 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, steel and copper. 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 foreign currency and commodity derivative contracts and does not deem any counterparty credit risk material at this time.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

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 July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding derivative contracts (in thousands):

 

Contract

       

Notional Amount

    
              

July 3, 2011

  

June 27, 2010

    

Foreign Currency:

              

Australian Dollar

   Sell                   34,295            19,636           

Australian Dollar

   Buy       -                4,500           

Canadian Dollar

   Sell       10,700            12,100           

Euro

   Sell       41,500            91,609           

Japanese Yen

   Buy       -                650,000           

Commodity:

              

Copper (Pounds)

   Buy       -                350           

Natural Gas (Therms)

   Buy       11,187            16,547           

Aluminum (Metric Tons)

   Buy       8            -               

Steel (Metric Tons)

   Buy       1            -               

The location and fair value of derivative instruments reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance Sheet Location

        Asset (Liability) Fair Value      
          July 3, 2011     June 27, 2010      

Foreign currency contracts:

        

Other Current Assets

     $ 108      $ 16,440     

Other Long-Term Assets, Net

       -            1,478     

Accrued Liabilities

       (3,550     (296  

Other Long-Term Liabilities

       (280     -         

Commodity contracts:

        

Other Current Assets

       26        34     

Other Long-Term Assets, Net

       -            -         

Accrued Liabilities

       (1,937     (1,377  

Other Long-Term Liabilities

       (91     (728  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   
     $ (5,724   $ 15,551     
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

The effect of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows:

 

     Twelve months ended July 3, 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 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss into Income
(Effective Portion)
    Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
 

Foreign currency contracts – sell

   $ (10,760   Net Sales    $ 972      $ -       

Foreign currency contracts – buy

     (29   Cost of Goods Sold      (286     -       

Commodity contracts

     47      Cost of Goods Sold      (2,564     (2
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (10,742      $ (1,878   $ (2
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

 

     Twelve months ended June 27, 2010  
     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 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss into Income
(Effective Portion)
    Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
 

Foreign currency contracts – sell

   $ 10,873      Net Sales    $ (750   $ -       

Foreign currency contracts – buy

     (120   Cost of Goods Sold      187        -       

Commodity contracts

     873      Cost of Goods Sold      2,978        2   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 11,626         $ 2,415      $ 2   
  

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the next twelve months, the amount of the July 3, 2011 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss balance that is expected to be reclassified into earnings is $2.2 million.

New Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. 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 2009, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the approach to determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (VIE) and requires companies to more frequently assess whether they must consolidate VIEs. This standard was effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2011. As of June 28, 2010 and subsequently, the Company evaluated all entities that fall within the scope of this new guidance, including the Company’s investments in joint ventures, to determine whether consolidation of these entities was required. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification: Certain amounts in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

(3) Acquisitions:

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

The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price was allocated to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill, none of which is tax deductible. This goodwill is recorded within the Engines segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands):

 

Assets Acquired:

  

Current Assets

   $ 14,057   

Property, Plant & Equipment

     5,357   

Goodwill

     8,063   

Other Intangible Assets

     4,068   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets Acquired

     31,545   

Liabilities Assumed:

  

Current Liabilities

     6,788   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities Assumed

     6,788   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Acquired

   $ 24,757   
  

 

 

 

(4) Fair Value Measurements:

FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosures. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, ASC Topic 820 established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:

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

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

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

The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010 (in thousands):

 

             

Fair Value Measurement Using

      

July 3, 2011

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

Assets:

                   

Derivatives

     $          134      $          108      $            26      $            -

Liabilities:

                   

Derivatives

             5,858              3,830                2,028                    -

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

 

             

Fair Value Measurement Using

      

June 27, 2010

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

Assets:

                   

Derivatives

     $    17,952      $    17,918      $            34      $            -  

Liabilities:

                   

Derivatives

             2,401                  296              2,105                    -  

The Company has currently chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill reflects the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. The reporting units are Engines and Power Products. The Engines reporting unit had goodwill of $138.0 million and $136.9 million at July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, respectively. The Power Products reporting unit had goodwill of $64.9 million and $116.1 million at July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, respectively.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

2011

   

2010

 

Beginning Goodwill Balance

   $ 252,975      $ 253,854   

Impairment Loss

     (49,450     -       

Tax Benefit on Amortization

     (1,779     (1,779

Reversal of Tax Valuation Allowance

     (700     -       

Reclassification

     -            263   

Effect of Translation

     1,894        637   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Goodwill Balance

   $ 202,940      $ 252,975   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually as of the fiscal year-end or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. Based on a combination of factors, including the influence of prolonged macro-economic conditions on the lawn and garden market in the U.S. and the operating results of the Power Products segment during the past two years which lacked the benefit of certain weather related events that would have been favorable to the business, the Company’s forecasted cash flow estimates used in the goodwill assessment were adversely impacted. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying value amounts of the Power Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of July 3, 2011. The Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 of $49.5 million, which was determined by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. This impairment charge is a non-cash expense that did not adversely affect the Company’s debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants under its revolving credit facility. No impairment charges were recorded within the Engines segment. The Company previously evaluated its goodwill at June 27, 2010, and determined that there were no impairments of goodwill.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

The Company’s other intangible assets as of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2011      2010  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
   

Net

     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
   

Net

 

Amortized Intangible Assets:

               

Patents

   $ 13,601       $ (8,247   $ 5,354       $ 13,601       $ (7,049   $ 6,552   

Customer Relationships

     17,910         (5,015     12,895         17,910         (4,298     13,612   

Effect of Translation

     52         (16     36         22         -            22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Amortized Intangible Assets

     31,563         (13,278     18,285         31,533         (11,347     20,186   

Unamortized Intangible Assets:

               

Trademarks/Brand Names

     69,841         -            69,841         69,841         -            69,841   

Effect of Translation

     1,149         -            1,149         318         -            318   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Unamortized Intangible Assets

     70,990         -            70,990         70,159         -            70,159   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Intangible Assets

   $ 102,553       $ (13,278   $ 89,275       $ 101,692       $ (11,347   $ 90,345   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company also performs an impairment test of its intangible assets as of the fiscal year-end. As of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, the Company concluded that no evidence of impairment of intangible assets existed.

Amortization expense of other intangible assets amounted to approximately $1.9 million in each of 2011, 2010, and 2009.

The estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets for the next five years is (in thousands):

 

2012

     1,911   

2013

     1,911   

2014

     1,911   

2015

     1,860   

2016

     1,860   
  

 

 

 
   $     9,453   
  

 

 

 

(6) Income Taxes:

The provision (credit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

    

2011

   

2010

    

2009

 

Current

       

Federal

   $ (2,908   $ 4,740       $ (1,152

State

     (177     305         (336

Foreign

     4,667        3,658         2,557   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,582        8,703         1,069   

Deferred

     6,117        3,755         7,368   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 7,699      $ 12,458       $ 8,437   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory tax rates to the effective tax rates on income follows:

 

    

2011

    

2010

    

2009

 

U.S. Statutory Rate

     35.0%         35.0%         35.0%   

State Taxes, Net of Federal Tax Benefit

     0.9%         0.9%         0.8%   

Foreign Taxes

     (16.2%)         1.9%         (4.3%)   

Benefit on Dividends Received

     (2.7%)         (1.6%)         (1.5%)   

Changes to Unrecognized Tax Benefits

     1.5%         (10.9%)         (7.5%)   

*Other

     5.5%         0.1%         (1.6%)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Effective Tax Rate

     24.0%         25.4%         20.9%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

* “Other” in fiscal 2011 includes 11.5% for the impact of goodwill impairment and -6% for the impact of current and prior year R&D tax credits.

The components of deferred income taxes were as follows (in thousands):

 

Current Asset (Liability):   

2011

   

2010

 

Difference Between Book and Tax Related to:

    

Inventory

   $ 15,940      $ 13,626   

Payroll Related Accruals

     4,798        4,725   

Warranty Reserves

     11,927        11,464   

Workers Compensation Accruals

     2,194        2,035   

Other Accrued Liabilities

     13,150        17,655   

Pension Cost

     927        1,032   

Miscellaneous

     (6,773     (9,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability)

   $ 42,163      $ 41,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Asset (Liability):

  

2011

   

2010

 

Difference Between Book and Tax Related to:

    

Pension Cost

   $ 52,404      $ 95,375   

Accumulated Depreciation

     (52,749     (45,075

Intangibles

     (63,356     (75,090

Accrued Employee Benefits

     36,386        33,676   

Postretirement Health Care Obligation

     44,408        52,711   

Warranty

     5,588        4,823   

Valuation Allowance

     (7,259     (9,130

Net Operating Loss/State Credit Carryforwards

     9,370        10,475   

Miscellaneous

     6,209        4,728   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability)

   $ 31,001      $ 72,493   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The deferred tax assets that were generated as a result of foreign income tax loss carryforwards and tax incentives in the amount of $4.9 million are potentially not useable by certain foreign subsidiaries. If not utilized against taxable income, $4.5 million will expire from 2012 through 2022. The remaining $0.4 million has no expiration date. In addition, a deferred tax asset of $4.5 million was generated as a result of state income tax loss and state incentive tax credit carryforwards. If not utilized against future taxable income, this amount will expire from 2012 through 2026. Realization of the deferred tax assets are contingent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of these carryforwards. Management believes that realization of the foreign deferred tax assets is unlikely, therefore valuation allowances were established in the amount of $4.9 million. In addition, state tax credits in the amount of $2.4 million are potentially not useable against future state income taxes.

The Company has not recorded deferred income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because the Company intends to reinvest such earnings indefinitely outside of the U.S. The undistributed earnings amounted to approximately $49.5 million at July 3, 2011. If the Company were to distribute these earnings, foreign tax credits may become available under current law to reduce the resulting

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

U.S. income tax. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.

The change to the gross unrecognized tax benefits of the Company during the fiscal year ended July 3, 2011 is reconciled as follows:

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in thousands):

 

Beginning Balance at June 27, 2010

   $     12,302   

Changes based on tax positions related to prior year

     193   

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

     1,520   

Settlements with taxing authorities

     (1,072

Lapse of statute of limitations

     (903
  

 

 

 

Balance at July 3, 2011

   $ 12,040   
  

 

 

 

The presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits was modified in fiscal 2011 to show the gross impact of uncertain tax positions in the rollforward schedule. The net unrecognized tax benefit as of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010 is $9.9 million and $10.8 million, respectively.

As of July 3, 2011, $9.9 million represents the portion of gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. As of June 27, 2010, $11.1 million represents the portion of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, the Company had $5.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively, accrued for the payment of interest and penalties.

There is a reasonable possibility that approximately $4.7 million of the current remaining unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized by the end of fiscal year 2012 as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations in certain foreign jurisdictions.

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 2001.

(7) Segment and Geographic Information and Significant Customers:

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

 

     2011        2010 1         2009 1    

NET SALES:

      

Engines

   $ 1,399,532      $ 1,360,475      $ 1,370,468   

Power Products

     878,998        843,609        920,367   

Eliminations

     (168,532     (176,212     (198,646
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 2,109,998      $ 2,027,872      $ 2,092,189   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT ON SALES:

      

Engines

   $ 319,584      $ 300,246      $ 262,833   

Power Products

     77,406        86,416        69,947   

Eliminations

     1,326        (6,727     899   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 398,316      $ 379,935      $ 333,679   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

     2011        2010 1         2009 1    

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

      

Engines

   $ 120,402      $ 83,521      $ 87,328   

Power Products

     (73,512     (7,707     (19,886

Eliminations

     1,326        (6,727     899   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 48,216      $ 69,087      $ 68,341   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

ASSETS:

      

Engines

   $ 1,196,627      $ 1,161,775      $ 1,099,653   

Power Products

     692,971        678,594        700,651   

Eliminations

     (223,380     (150,312     (181,281
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,666,218      $ 1,690,057      $ 1,619,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:

      

Engines

   $ 50,050      $ 32,635      $ 32,032   

Power Products

     9,869        11,808        10,995   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 59,919      $ 44,443      $ 43,027   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION:

      

Engines

   $ 44,060      $ 47,760      $ 49,045   

Power Products

     17,768        18,472        18,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 61,828      $ 66,232      $ 67,803   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1 Prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. These adjustments relate to the sale of certain products through our foreign subsidiaries that had been reported within the Engines segment, but are now reported in the Power Products segment. These adjustments align our segment reporting with current management responsibilities.

Information regarding the Company’s geographic sales based on product shipment destination (in thousands):

 

     2011         2010         2009   

United States

   $ 1,421,994       $ 1,471,708       $ 1,589,223   

All Other Countries

     688,004         556,164         502,966   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,109,998       $ 2,027,872       $ 2,092,189   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Information regarding the Company’s property, plant and equipment based on geographic location (in thousands):

 

     2011         2010         2009   

United States

   $ 304,136       $ 303,192       $ 322,381   

All Other Countries

     35,164         34,571         37,794   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 339,300       $ 337,763       $ 360,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales to the following customers in the Company’s Engines segment amount to greater than or equal to 10% of consolidated net sales, respectively:

 

     2011             2010             2009         

Customer:

     Net Sales         %         Net Sales         %         Net Sales         %   

HOP

   $ 295,286         14    $ 296,066         15    $ 316,021         15

MTD

     273,132         13      295,148         14      203,254         10
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 568,418         27    $ 591,214         29    $ 519,275         25
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(8) Leases:

The Company leases certain facilities, vehicles, and equipment under both capital and operating leases. Assets held under capital leases are included in Plant and Equipment and are charged to depreciation and interest over the life of the lease. Related liabilities are included in Other Accrued Liabilities and Other

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

Long-Term Liabilities. Operating leases are not capitalized and lease payments are expensed over the life of the lease. Terms of the leases, including purchase options, renewals, and maintenance costs, vary by lease. Rental expense for fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $24.8 million, $25.2 million and $24.7 million, respectively. Future minimum lease commitments for all non-cancelable leases as of July 3, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

     Operating         Capital   

2012

     16,197         474   

2013

     13,431         133   

2014

     9,556         -       

2015

     5,334         -       

2016

     1,421         -       

Thereafter

     1,617         -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total future minimum lease commitments

   $ 47,556         607   
  

 

 

    

Less: Interest

        36   
     

 

 

 

Present value of minimum capital lease payments

      $ 571   
     

 

 

 

(9) Indebtedness:

Long-Term Debt

The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):

 

    

2011

    

2010

 

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ -           $ -       

6.875% Senior Notes

     225,000         -       

8.875% Senior Notes

     -             203,460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Debt

   $   225,000       $   203,460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In December 2010, the Company issued $225 million of 6.875% 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. In connection with the refinancing and the issuance of the 6.875% Senior Notes, the Company incurred approximately $5.0 million in new deferred financing costs, which are being amortized over the life of the 6.875% 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 8.875% Senior Notes, $0.1 million in remaining deferred financing costs and $0.1 million of original issue discount. These amounts are included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The 8.875% Senior Notes were classified as Current Maturity on Long-Term Debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the end of fiscal 2010.

Additionally, under the terms of the indentures and credit agreements governing the 6.875% Senior Notes, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC became a joint and several guarantor of amounts outstanding under the 6.875% Senior Notes. Refer to Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for subsidiary guarantor financial information.

Credit Agreement

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”). See further discussion in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. There were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010.

The Credit Agreement provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The Credit Agreement has a term of five years and all outstanding

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

borrowings on the Credit Agreement are due and payable on July 12, 2012. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement by the Company bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at its option, either:

(1) a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month LIBOR rate plus a margin varying from 0.50% to 1.00%, depending upon the rating of the Company’s long-term debt by Standard & Poor’s Rating group, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or the Company’s average leverage ratio; or

(2) the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (b) the bank’s prime rate. In addition, the Company is subject to a 0.10% to 0.20% commitment fee and a 0.50% to 1.00% letter of credit fee, depending on the Company’s long-term credit ratings or the Company’s average leverage ratio.

The Credit Agreement contains covenants that the Company considers usual and customary for an agreement of this type, including a maximum total leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are required to be guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement 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 July 3, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Foreign Lines of Credit

The lines of credit available to the Company in foreign countries are in connection with short-term borrowings and bank overdrafts used in the normal course of business. These amounts totaled $10.8 million at July 3, 2011, expire at various times throughout fiscal 2012 and beyond and are renewable. None of these arrangements had material commitment fees or compensating balance requirements. Borrowings using these lines of credit are included in short-term debt. Outstanding balances are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

2011

    

2010

 

Balance at Fiscal Year-End

   $ 3,000       $ 3,000   

Weighted Average Interest Rate at Fiscal Year-End

     3.61      3.77

(10) Other Income, Net:

The components of Other Income, Net are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

2011

    

2010

    

2009

 

Interest Income

   $ 369       $ 1,172         $1,081   

Equity in Earnings from Unconsolidated Affiliates

     5,082         4,071         1,526   

Other Items

     1,705         1,212         608   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $     7,156       $     6,455         $    3,215   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(11) 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 December 5, 2008, the Multidistrict Litigation Panel coordinated and transferred the cases to Judge Adelman of the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (In Re: Lawnmower Engine Horsepower Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Case No. 2:08-md-01999).

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

On February 24, 2010, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement (“Settlement”) that resolves all of the Horsepower Class Actions. The Settlement resolves 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. On August 16, 2010, Judge Adelman issued a final order approving the Settlement as well as the settlements of all other defendants. In August and September 2010, several class members filed a Notice of Appeal of Judge Adelman’s final approval order to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. All of those appeals were settled as of February 16, 2011 with no additional contribution from Briggs & Stratton.

As part of the Settlement, the Company denies any and all liability and seeks resolution to avoid further protracted and expensive litigation. The settling defendants as a group agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $51 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. Under the terms of the Settlement, the balance of settlement funds were paid, and the one-year warranty extension program began to run, on March 1, 2011. As a result of the Settlement, the Company recorded a total charge of $30.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2010 representing the total of the Company’s monetary portion of the Settlement and the estimated costs of extending the warranty period for one year. 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. On August 24, 2011, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion and vacated the dismissal of the case, and discovery will therefore proceed in the matter.

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.

(12) Stock Incentives:

Effective July 2, 2007, the Company adopted the Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program. The Company previously adopted an Incentive Compensation Plan, effective October 20, 2004, under which 4,000,000 shares of common stock (8,000,000 shares as a result of the 2-for-1 stock split) were reserved for future issuance. An amendment to the Incentive Compensation Plan approved by shareholders on October 21, 2009, added 2,481,494 shares to the shares available for grant under the plan. Prior to October 20, 2004, the Company had a Stock Incentive Plan under which 5,361,935 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The adoption of the Incentive Compensation Plan reduced the number of shares

 

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Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

available for future issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan to zero. However, as of July 3, 2011, there were 1,590,120 outstanding option and restricted stock awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan that are or may become exercisable in the future. No additional shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance under the Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program. In accordance with the three plans, the Company can issue eligible employees stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock and cash bonus awards subject to certain annual limitations. The plans also allow the Company to issue directors non-qualified stock options and directors’ fees in stock.

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 periods. During fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of approximately $9.6 million, $7.0 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. Included in stock based compensation expense for fiscal 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 Company’s previously announced organization changes that involved a planned reduction of salaried employees during the second quarter of fiscal 2011. The Company also recorded expenses of approximately $2.2 million for severance and other related employee separation costs associated with the reduction.

On the grant date, the exercise price of each stock option issued exceeds the market value of the stock by 10%. The fair value of each option is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the assumptions are based on historical data and standard industry valuation practices and methodology. The assumptions used to determine fair value are as follows:

 

Options Granted During   

2011

    

2010

    

2009

 

Grant Date Fair Value

   $ 5.24       $ 5.07       $ 1.93   

(Since options are only granted once per year, the grant date fair value equals the weighted average grant date fair value.)

        

Assumptions:

        

Risk-free Interest Rate

     1.5%         2.5%         3.1%   

Expected Volatility

     43.2%         40.4%         32.7%   

Expected Dividend Yield

     2.4%         2.5%         6.5%   

Expected Term (In Years)

     5.0         5.0         5.0   

Information on the options outstanding is as follows:

 

    

Shares

   

Wtd. Avg.
Ex. Price

    

 Wtd. Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
     Term

    

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)

 

Balance, June 29, 2008

     3,885,321      $ 31.96         

Granted During the Year

     729,990        14.83         

Exercised During the Year

     -            -             

Expired During the Year

     (309,630     25.35         
  

 

 

         

Balance, June 28, 2009

     4,305,681      $ 29.53         

Granted During the Year

     730,000        19.73         

Exercised During the Year

     (58,250     14.83         

Expired During the Year

     (509,554     27.99         
  

 

 

         

Balance, June 27, 2010

     4,467,877      $ 28.29         

Granted During the Year

     785,250        19.88         

Exercised During the Year

     (103,290     14.83         

Expired During the Year

     (428,647     37.22         
  

 

 

         

Balance, July 3, 2011

     4,721,190      $ 26.38         2.51       $ 4,108   
  

 

 

         

Exercisable, July 3, 2011

     2,637,490      $ 32.64         1.91       $ -   

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal year ended 2011 was $0.7 million. The exercise of options resulted in cash receipts of $1.8 million in fiscal 2011. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal year ended 2010 was $0.5 million. The exercise of options resulted in cash receipts of $1.1 million in fiscal 2010. No options were exercised in fiscal 2009.

 

Options Outstanding

 

Fiscal
Year

  

Grant

Date

    

Date
Exercisable

    

Expiration
Date

    

Exercise
Price

    

Options
Outstanding

 

2004

     8-15-03         8-15-06         8-15-13         30.44         650,280   

2005

     8-13-04         8-13-07         8-13-14         36.68         939,840   

2006

     8-16-05         8-16-08         8-16-10         38.83         -       

2007

     8-15-06         8-15-09         8-15-11         29.87         474,240   

2008

     8-14-07         8-14-10         8-31-12         30.81         573,130   

2009

     8-19-08         8-19-11         8-31-13         14.83         568,450   

2010

     8-18-09         8-18-12         8-31-14         19.73         730,000   

2011

     8-17-10         8-17-13         8-31-15         19.88         785,250   

Below is a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of July 3, 2011, and changes during the year then ended:

 

     Deferred Stock         Restricted Stock         Stock Options   
     Shares       
 
 
Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value
  
  
  
     Shares       
 
 
Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value
  
  
  
     Shares       
 
 
Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value
  
  
  

Nonvested shares, June 27, 2010

     337,581        $ 18.20         400,012        $ 19.80         1,994,330        $ 4.08   

Granted

     184,330          18.19         269,290          18.09         785,250          5.24   

Cancelled

     -            -             (4,500     21.44         -            -       

Exercised

     -            -             -            -             (103,290     1.93   

Vested

     (33,127     33.78         (40,802     35.00         (592,590     5.31   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Nonvested shares, July 3, 2011

     488,784        $ 17.14         624,000        $ 18.06         2,083,700        $ 4.28   

As of July 3, 2011, there was $6.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2011 and 2010 was $4.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

Under the plans, the Company has issued restricted stock to certain employees. During fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company has issued 269,290, 194,480 and 118,975 shares, respectively. The restricted stock vests on the fifth anniversary date of the issue provided the recipient is still employed by the Company. The aggregate market value on the date of issue is approximately $4.9 million, $3.5 million and $1.6 million in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and has been recorded within the Shareholders’ Investment section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and is being amortized over the five-year vesting period.

Under the plans, the Company may also issue deferred stock to its directors in lieu of directors fees. The Company has issued 28,727, 31,026 and 47,744 shares in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, under this provision of the plans.

Under the plans, the Company may also issue deferred stock to its officers and key employees. The Company has issued 155,603, 149,650 and 77,135 shares in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, under this provision. The aggregate market value on the date of issue was approximately $2.8 million, $2.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Expense is recognized ratably over the five-year vesting period.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s stock-based compensation programs recorded as expense:

 

    

2011

    

2010

    

2009

 

Stock Options:

        

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 3,397        $ 4,028        $ 1,760    

Tax benefit

     (1,325      (1,571      (686
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock option expense, net of tax

   $ 2,072        $ 2,457        $ 1,074    

Restricted Stock:

        

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 3,512        $ 1,754        $ 1,097    

Tax benefit

     (1,370      (684      (428
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Restricted stock expense, net of tax

   $ 2,142        $ 1,070        $ 669    

Deferred Stock:

        

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 2,686        $ 1,193        $ 1,142    

Tax benefit

     (1,048      (465      (445
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred stock expense, net of tax

   $ 1,638        $ 728        $ 697    

Total Stock-Based Compensation:

        

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 9,595        $ 6,975        $ 3,999    

Tax benefit

     (3,743      (2,720      (1,559 )  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation, net of tax

   $ 5,852        $ 4,255        $ 2,440    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(13) Shareholder Rights Agreement:

On August 6, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one common stock purchase right (a right) for each share of the Company’s common stock outstanding on August 19, 1996. Each right would entitle shareowners to buy one-half of one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $160.00 per full common share ($80.00 per full common share after taking into consideration the effect of a 2-for-1 stock split effective October 29, 2004), subject to adjustment. The agreement relating to the rights was amended by the Board of Directors on August 9, 2006 to extend the term of the rights by three years to October 18, 2009, to increase from 15 percent to 20 percent or more the percentage of outstanding shares that a person or group must acquire or attempt to acquire in order for the rights to become exercisable, and to add a qualifying offer clause that permits shareholders to vote to redeem the rights in certain circumstances. Shareholders ratified the amended rights agreement at their annual meeting on October 18, 2006. On August 12, 2009, the Board of Directors amended the rights agreement to: (i) modify the definition of “Beneficial Owner” and “beneficial ownership” of common shares of the Company to include, among other things, certain derivative security interests in common shares of the Company; (ii) reduce the redemption price for the rights to $.001 per right; and (iii) extend the term of the rights agreement by changing the scheduled expiration date from October 18, 2009 to October 17, 2012. Shareholders ratified the rights agreement at the annual meeting on October 21, 2009.

(14) Foreign Exchange Risk Management:

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge purchases and sales that are denominated in foreign currencies. The terms of these currency derivatives do not exceed twenty-four months, and the purpose is to protect the Company from the risk that the eventual dollars being transferred will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.

The Company has forward foreign exchange contracts to sell foreign currency, with the Euro as the most significant. These contracts are used to hedge foreign currency collections on sales of inventory. The Company also has forward contracts to purchase foreign currencies. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are carried at fair value based on current exchange rates.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

The Company had the following forward currency contracts outstanding at the end of fiscal 2011:

 

     

 

In Millions

  

     

Hedge

  

 

 

Notional

Value

  

  

    

 

Contract

Value

  

  

    

 

Fair Market

Value

  

  

    

 

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

  

  

   Conversion

Currency

   Latest

Expiration Date

Currency

   Contract                  

Australian Dollar

   Sell      34.3             33.6             35.9             2.3           U.S.    June 2012

Canadian Dollar

   Sell      10.7             10.8             11.1             0.3           U.S.    February 2012

Euro

   Sell      41.5             58.7             60.1             1.3           U.S.    April 2012

The Company had the following forward currency contracts outstanding at the end of fiscal 2010:

 

     

 

In Millions

  

     

Hedge

  

 

 

Notional

Value

  

  

    

 

Contract

Value

  

  

    

 

Fair Market

Value

  

  

    

 

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

  

  

   Conversion

Currency

   Latest

Expiration Date

Currency

   Contract                  

Australian Dollar

   Sell      15.1             12.9             12.9             .1           U.S.    March 2011

Canadian Dollar

   Sell      12.1             11.7             11.7             -                U.S.    February 2011

Euro

   Sell      91.6             131.0             113.5             (17.5)           U.S.    June 2011

Japanese Yen

   Buy      650.0             7.2             7.3             (.1)           U.S.    November 2010

The Company continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its hedging program by evaluating its foreign exchange contracts compared to the anticipated underlying transactions. The Company did not have any ineffective currency hedges in fiscal 2011, 2010, or 2009.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

(15) Employee Benefit Costs:

Retirement Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company has noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plans and other postretirement benefit plans covering certain employees. The Company uses a June 30 measurement date for all of its plans. The following provides a reconciliation of obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans for the two years indicated (in thousands):

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Postretirement
Benefits
 

Actuarial Assumptions:

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

Discounted Rate Used to Determine Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation

     5.35%         5.30%         4.45%         4.60%   

Expected Rate of Future Compensation Level Increases

     3.0- 4.0%         3.0-4.0%         n/a         n/a   

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

     8.50%         8.50%         n/a         n/a   

Change in Benefit Obligations:

           

Projected Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year

   $ 1,108,427       $ 938,269       $ 180,609       $ 200,114   

Service Cost

     13,475         11,197         486         604   

Interest Cost

     56,696         60,705         7,088         10,942   

Plan Amendments

     212              -         (8,750)         (13,514)   

Plan Participant Contributions

          -              -         1,234         1,357   

Actuarial Loss

     6,747         170,148         5,329         4,781   

Benefits Paid

     (75,258)         (71,892)         (24,200)         (23,675)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Projected Benefit Obligation at End of Year

   $ 1,110,299       $ 1,108,427       $ 161,796       $ 180,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in Plan Assets:

           

Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year

   $ 831,490       $ 797,258       $ -           $ -       

Actual Return on Plan Assets

     157,420         104,171         -             -       

Plan Participant Contributions

          -              -         1,234         1,357   

Employer Contributions

     2,558         1,953         22,966         22,318   

Benefits Paid

     (75,258)         (71,892)         (24,200)         (23,675)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

   $ 916,210       $ 831,490       $ -           $ -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funded Status:

           

Plan Assets (Less Than) in Excess of Projected Benefit Obligation

   $ (194,089)       $ (276,937)       $ (161,796)       $ (180,609)   

Amounts Recognized on the Balance Sheets:

           

Accrued Pension Cost

   $ (191,417)       $ (274,737)       $ -           $ -       

Accrued Wages and Salaries

     (2,672)         (2,200)         -             -       

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

          -              -         (116,092)         (135,978)   

Accrued Liabilities

          -              -         (22,576)         (22,847)   

Accrued Employee Benefits

          -              -         (23,128)         (21,784)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Amount Recognized at End of Year

   $ (194,089)       $ (276,937)       $ (161,796)       $ (180,609)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

           

Transition Assets (Obligation)

   $ (10)       $ (15)       $ -           $ -       

Net Actuarial Loss

     (219,637)         (275,437)         (56,708)         (59,830)   

Prior Service Credit (Cost)

     (4,022)         (5,758)         13,132         9,858   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Amount Recognized at End of Year

   $ (223,669)       $ (281,210)       $ (43,576)       $ (49,972)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1,062 million and $1,055 million at July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, respectively.

The following table summarizes the plans’ income and expense for the three years indicated (in thousands):

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Postretirement Benefits  
    

2011

    

2010

    

2009

    

2011

    

2010

    

2009

 

Components of Net Periodic (Income) Expense:

                 

Service Cost-Benefits Earned During the Year

   $ 13,475       $ 11,197       $ 11,507       $ 486       $ 604       $ 721   

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation

     56,696         60,705         61,210         7,088         10,942         12,487   

Expected Return on Plan Assets

     (76,975)         (81,021)         (83,331)         -             -             -       

Amortization of:

                 

Transition Obligation

     8         8         8         -             -             -       

Prior Service Cost (Credit)

     3,059         3,068         3,348         (3,485)         (1,140)         (876)   

Actuarial Loss

     17,771         3,171         558         10,268         10,418         9,840   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Periodic (Income) Expense

   $ 14,034       $ (2,872)       $ (6,700)       $ 14,357       $ 20,824       $ 22,172   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Significant assumptions used in determining net periodic (income) expense for the fiscal years indicated are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits    Other Postretirement Benefits
    

2011

  

2010

  

2009

  

2011

  

2010

  

2009

Discount Rate

   5.30%    6.75%    7.0%    4.60%    6.00%    6.40%

Expected Return on Plan Assets

   8.50%    8.75%    8.75%    n/a    n/a    n/a

Compensation Increase Rate

   3.0-4.0%    3.0-4.0%    3.0-4.0%    n/a    n/a    n/a

The amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic (income) expense during the next fiscal year are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Pension
Plans

    

Other
Postretirement
Plans

 

Transition Obligation

   $ 8       $ -       

Prior Service Cost (Credit)

     2,899         (3,835

Net Actuarial Loss

     18,706         8,947   

The “Other Postretirement Benefit” plans are unfunded.

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. On August 24, 2011, the Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion and vacated the dismissal of the case, and discovery will therefore proceed in the matter.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

For measurement purposes an 8.7% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care claims was assumed for the Company for the fiscal year 2011 decreasing gradually to 4.5% for the fiscal year 2028. The health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. An increase of one percentage point, would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit by $3.0 million and would increase the service and interest cost by $0.1 million for fiscal 2011. A corresponding decrease of one percentage point, would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit by $3.5 million and decrease the service and interest cost by $0.1 million for the fiscal year 2011.

As discussed in Note 19 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company closed its Jefferson and Watertown, WI production facilities during fiscal 2010. The closure of these facilities resulted in the termination of certain employees, and the related impact on unrecognized prior service costs, unrecognized losses and the projected benefit obligation resulted in a net curtailment loss of $1.2 million in fiscal 2009.

Plan Assets

A Board of Directors appointed Investment Committee (“Committee”) manages the investment of the pension plan assets. The Committee has established and operates under an Investment Policy. It determines the asset allocation and target ranges based upon periodic asset/liability studies and capital market projections. The Committee retains external investment managers to invest the assets. The Investment Policy prohibits certain investment transactions, such as lettered stock, commodity contracts, margin transactions and short selling, unless the Committee gives prior approval. The Company’s pension plan’s asset allocations at July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, by asset category are as follows:

 

         

Plan Assets at Year-end

    Asset Category   

Target %

  

2011

 

2010

Domestic Equities

   17%-23%    19%   20%

International Equities

   2%-6%    4%   4%

Alternative & Absolute Return

   25%-35%    35%   31%

Hedge Funds

   0%-5%    0%   4%

Real Estate

   0%    0%   3%

Emerging Markets Global Balanced

   2%-5%    3%   3%

Fixed Income

   37%-43%    36%   31%

Cash Equivalents

   1%    3%   4%
     

 

 

 

      100%   100%
     

 

 

 

The plan’s investment strategy is based on an expectation that, over time, equity securities will provide higher total returns than debt securities. The plan primarily minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification of investments by asset class, by investing in different types of styles within the classes and by using a number of different managers. The Committee monitors the asset allocation and investment performance monthly, with a more comprehensive quarterly review with its consultant.

The plan’s expected return on assets is based on management’s and the Committee’s expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the plan’s investments. These expectations are based on the plan’s historical returns and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plan is invested.

The fair value of the major categories of the pension plans’ investments are presented below (in thousands). The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets are consistently applied and described in Note 4.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

           July 3, 2011  
    Category         

Total

   

Level 1

    

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-term Investments:

     $ 30,103      $ 30,103       $ -          $ -       

Fixed Income Securities:

       330,283        -             330,283        -       

Equity Securities:

           

U.S. common stocks

       176,370        176,370         -            -       

International mutual funds

       38,155        38,155         -            -       

Other Investments:

           

Venture capital funds

     (A     189,353        -             -            189,353   

Debt funds

     (B     44,373        -             -            44,373   

Real estate funds

     (C     17,242        -             -            17,242   

Private equity funds

     (D     64,215        -             -            64,215   

Global balanced funds

     (E     26,662        -             -            26,662   
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $     916,756      $     244,628       $     330,283      $     341,845   

Securities lending collateral pools, net

     (F     (546     -             (546     -       
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

     $ 916,210      $ 244,628       $ 329,737      $ 341,845   
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

           June 27, 2010  
    Category         

Total

   

Level 1

    

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-term Investments:

     $ 41,951      $ 41,951       $ -          $ -       

Fixed Income Securities:

       259,375        -             259,375        -       

Equity Securities:

           

U.S. common stocks

       161,125        161,125         -            -       

International mutual funds

       31,130        31,130         -            -       

Other Investments:

           

Venture capital funds

     (A     136,179        -             -            136,179   

Debt funds

     (B     47,110        -             -            47,110   

Real estate funds

     (C     40,041        -             -            40,041   

Private equity funds

     (D     58,610        -             -            58,610   

Global balanced funds

     (E     22,805        -             -            22,805   

Hedge funds

     (G     35,026        -             -            35,026   
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments

     $     833,352      $     234,206       $     259,375      $     339,771   

Securities lending collateral pools, net

     (F     (2,966     -             (2,966     -       

Cash and other

       1,104        1,104         -            -       
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

     $ 831,490      $ 235,310       $ 256,409      $ 339,771   
    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(A) This category invests in a combination of public and private securities of companies in financial distress, spin-offs, or new projects focused on technology and manufacturing.

 

(B) This fund primarily invests in the debt of various entities including corporations and governments in emerging markets, mezzanine financing, or entities that are undergoing, are considered likely to undergo or have undergone a reorganization.

 

(C) This category invests primarily in real estate related investments, including real estate properties, securities of real estate companies and other companies with significant real estate assets as well as real estate related debt and equity securities.

 

(D) Primarily represents investments in all sizes of mostly privately held operating companies in the following core industry sectors: healthcare, energy, financial services, technology-media-telecommunications and industrial and consumer.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

(E) Primarily represents investments in emerging market debt and equity.

 

(F) This category comprises pools of cash like debt securities and floating rate notes having a maturity or average life of three years or less, with a final payment of principal occurring in five years or less. Some of the investments are collateralized mortgage-backed securities whose maturities have been extended. This category’s fair value is determined based on the net book value of the plan’s pro-rated share of the collateral pool.

 

(G) This category invests in multi-strategy hedge fund-of-funds and funds that use leverage and derivatives to invest long and short in global currency markets, bond markets, equity markets, industry sectors and commodities.

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 investments for the pension plan (in thousands).

Changes to Level 3 investments for the year ended July 3, 2011:

 

    Category   

June 27, 2010

Fair Value

    

Purchases,
Sales,
Issuances,
and
Settlements

   

Realized
    and
Unrealized
    Gain
   (Loss)

   

July 3, 2011
Fair Value (a)

 

Venture capital funds

   $ 136,179       $ (10,290   $ 63,464      $ 189,353   

Debt funds

     47,110         (7,667     4,930        44,373   

Real estate funds

     40,041         (2,709     (20,090     17,242   

Private equity funds

     58,610         (3,465     9,070        64,215   

Global balanced funds

     22,805         -            3,857        26,662   

Hedge funds

     35,026         (36,533     1,507        -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 339,771       $ (60,664   $ 62,738      $ 341,845   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes to Level 3 investments for the year ended June 27, 2010:

 

    Category   

June 28, 2009
  Fair Value

    

Purchases,
Sales,
Issuances,
and
Settlements

   

Realized
    and
Unrealized
    Gain

    

June 27, 2010
 Fair Value (a)

 

Venture capital funds

   $ 133,556       $ (10,535   $ 13,158       $ 136,179   

Debt funds

     39,227         (1,005     8,888         47,110   

Real estate funds

     38,044         1,413        584         40,041   

Private equity funds

     55,517         (61     3,154         58,610   

Global balanced funds

     13,360         5,000        4,445         22,805   

Hedge funds

     33,606         -            1,420         35,026   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 313,310       $ (5,188   $ 31,649       $ 339,771   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 during the years ended July 3, 2011 or June 27, 2010.

Contributions

The Company is required to make minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan of $30.2 million in fiscal 2012. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending on the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Projected benefit payments from the plans as of July 3, 2011 are estimated as follows (in thousands):

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Postretirement Benefits  

Year Ending

  

Qualified

    

Non-Qualified

    

Retiree
Medical

    

Retiree Life

    

LTD

 

2012

   $ 70,625       $ 2,734       $ 22,748       $ 1,268       $ 110   

2013

     70,795         2,731         21,872         1,292         116   

2014

     70,915         2,736         20,618         1,315         93   

2015

     71,207         2,735         17,784         1,336         94   

2016

     71,243         2,724         15,961         1,355         95   

2017-2021

     356,793         14,980         49,902         6,973         273   

Defined Contribution Plans

Employees of the Company may participate in a defined contribution savings plan that allows participants to contribute a portion of their earnings in accordance with plan specifications. A maximum of 1-1/2% to 3-1/2% of each participant’s salary, depending upon the participant’s group, is matched by the Company. Some of these Company matching contributions ceased July 1, 2009 and were reinstated effective January 1, 2010. Additionally, certain employees may receive Company nonelective contributions equal to 2% of the employee’s salary. The Company contributions totaled $8.7 million in 2011, $7.6 million in 2010 and $8.1 million in 2009.

Postemployment Benefits

The Company accrues the expected cost of postemployment benefits over the years that the employees render service. These benefits apply only to employees who become disabled while actively employed, or who terminate with at least thirty years of service and retire prior to age sixty-five. The items include disability payments, life insurance and medical benefits. These amounts are also discounted using a 4.45% interest rate for fiscal year 2011 and 4.60% interest rate for fiscal year 2010. Amounts are included in Accrued Employee Benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(16) Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Accounts Payable, Foreign Loans, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes Payable: The carrying amounts approximate fair market value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Long-Term Debt: The fair market value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on market quotations at year-end.

The estimated fair market values of the Company’s Long-Term Debt is (in thousands):

 

     2011      2010  
    

Carrying
Amount

    

Fair
Value

    

Carrying
Amount

    

Fair
Value

 

Long-Term Debt -

           

6.875% Notes Due 2020

   $ 225,000       $ 233,726       $ -           $ -       

8.875% Notes Due 2011

   $ -           $ -           $ 203,460       $ 215,733   

Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility

   $ -           $ -           $ -           $ -       

(17) Assets Held for Sale:

On July 1, 2009 the Company announced a plan to close its Jefferson and Watertown, Wisconsin manufacturing facilities in fiscal 2010. At July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010, the Company had $4.0 million included in Assets Held for Sale in its Consolidated Balance Sheets consisting of certain assets related to the Jefferson, WI production facility. Prior to the closure, the facility manufactured all portable generator and pressure washer products marketed and sold by the Company within its Power Products segment.

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

(18) Separate Financial Information of Subsidiary Guarantors of Indebtedness:

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement (“Revolver”) provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver are due and payable on July 12, 2012. The Revolver contains covenants that the Company considers usual and customary for an agreement of this type, including a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio and Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are required to be guarantors of the Company’s obligations under the Revolver.

Under the terms of the Company’s 6.875% 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. 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):

 

     July 3, 2011
Carrying
Amount
    

Maximum
Guarantee

 

6.875% Senior Notes, due December 15, 2020

   $ 225,000       $ 225,000   

Revolving Credit Facility, expiring July 2012

   $ 0       $ 500,000   

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

 

BALANCE SHEET:

As of July 3, 2011

   Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
    

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

    

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

Current Assets

   $ 519,783       $ 343,266       $ 244,473       $ (138,858   $ 968,664   

Investment in Subsidiary

     617,553         -             -             (617,553     -       

Noncurrent Assets

     455,876         229,054         50,692         (38,068     697,554   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,593,212       $ 572,320       $ 295,165       $ (794,479   $ 1,666,218   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

   $ 292,908       $ 88,888       $ 95,044       $ (132,457   $ 344,383   

Other Long-Term Obligations

     562,361         20,988         45,012         (44,469     583,892   

Shareholders’ Equity

     737,943         462,444         155,109         (617,553     737,943   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,593,212       $ 572,320       $ 295,165       $ (794,479   $ 1,666,218   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of June 27, 2010

             

Current Assets

   $ 495,890       $ 369,714       $ 210,764       $ (170,726   $ 905,642   

Investment in Subsidiary

     677,242         -             -             (677,242     -       

Noncurrent Assets

     484,869         284,749         47,399         (32,602     784,415   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,658,001       $ 654,463       $ 258,163       $ (880,570   $ 1,690,057   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

   $ 607,295       $ 37,530       $ 89,412       $ (170,726   $ 563,511   

Other Long-Term Obligations

     400,129         74,868         33,573         (32,602     475,969   

Shareholders’ Equity

     650,577         542,065         135,177         (677,242     650,577   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,658,001       $ 654,463       $ 258,163       $ (880,570   $ 1,690,057   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

57


Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

STATEMENT OF EARNINGS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended

July 3, 2011

  

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

    

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

    

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

    

Eliminations

    

Consolidated

 

Net Sales

   $ 1,327,378       $ 752,970       $ 343,293       $ (313,643)       $ 2,109,998   

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,047,229         705,410         272,686         (313,643)         1,711,682   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     280,149         47,560         70,607         -             398,316   

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     179,822         78,293         42,535         -             300,650   

Goodwill Impairment

     -             49,450         -             -             49,450   

Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

     28,636         -             -             (28,636)         -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

     71,691         (80,183)         28,072         28,636         48,216   

Interest Expense

     (23,084)         (66)         (168)         -             (23,318)   

Other Income (Expense), Net

     4,331         308         2,517         -             7,156   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

     52,938         (79,941)         30,421         28,636         32,054   

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     28,583         (25,552)         4,668         -             7,699   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 24,355       $ (54,389)       $ 25,753       $ 28,636       $ 24,355   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
June 27, 2010

              

Net Sales

   $ 1,299,283       $ 740,336       $ 279,134       $ (290,882)       $ 2,027,872   

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,039,021         683,061         216,736         (290,882)         1,647,937   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     260,262         57,275         62,398         -             379,935   

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     164,358         76,572         39,318         -             280,248   

Litigation Settlement

     30,600         -             -             -             30,600   

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

     (20,688)         -             -             20,688         -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

     85,992         (19,297)         23,080         (20,688)         69,087   

Interest Expense

     (26,218)         (96)         (155)         -             (26,469)   

Other Income (Expense), Net

     (7,644)         158         13,942         -             6,455   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

     52,130         (19,235)         36,867         (20,688)         49,073   

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     15,515         (6,962)         3,904         -             12,458   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 36,615       $ (12,275)       $ 32,963       $ (20,688)       $ 36,615   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
June 28, 2009

              

Net Sales

   $ 1,316,402       $ 819,826       $ 299,200       $ (343,239)       $ 2,092,189   

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,083,065         767,615         246,494         (343,239)         1,753,935   

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment

     -             4,575         -             -             4,575   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     233,337         47,636         52,706         -             333,679   

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     148,811         75,801         40,726         -             265,338   

Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

     8,644         -             -             (8,644)         -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Operations

     75,882         (28,165)         11,980         8,644         68,341   

Interest Expense

     (30,657)         (166)         (324)         -             (31,147)   

Other Income (Expense), Net

     2,947         286         (18)         -             3,215   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

     48,172         (28,045)         11,638         8,644         40,409   

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     16,200         (9,939)         2,176         -             8,437   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 31,972       $ (18,106)       $ 9,462       $ 8,644       $ 31,972   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

58


Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended July 3, 2011

 

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

         

Net Income (Loss)

  $ 24,355      $ (54,389)      $ 25,753      $ 28,636      $ 24,355    

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:

         

Depreciation and Amortization

    39,632        17,768        4,428        -            61,828    

Stock Compensation Expense

    9,595        -            -            -            9,595    

Impairment Charge

    -            49,450        -            -            49,450    

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net of Dividends

    1,897        -            -            -            1,897    

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

    28,636        -            -            (28,636)        -        

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

    479        920        252        -            1,651    

Long-Term Intercompany Notes

    (5,466)        -            5,466        -            -        

Provision (Credit) for Deferred Income Taxes

    41,364        (34,778)        (469)        -            6,117    

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

         

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

    35,955        10,878        6,904        (15,962)        37,775    

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

    (15,635)        5,439        (10,351)        -            (20,547)    

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

    (855)        2,851        (153)        -            1,843    

Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes

    (14,013)        (11,663)        21,799        (10,204)        (14,081)    

Other, Net

    2,484        91        (5,527)        -            (2,952)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

    148,428        (13,433)        48,102        (26,166)        156,931    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

         

Additions to Plant and Equipment

    (47,627)        (9,384)        (2,908)        -            (59,919)    

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

    73        49        26        -            148    

Cash Investment in Subsidiary

    3,908        -            11,905        (15,813)        -        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

    (43,646)        (9,335)        9,023        (15,813)        (59,771)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

         

Net Borrowings (Repayments) on Loans, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

    (21,194)        20,465        (4,135)        26,166        21,302    

Debt Issuance Costs

    (4,994)        -            -            -            (4,994)    

Cash Dividends Paid

    (22,334)        -            -            -            (22,334)    

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

    1,532        -            -            -            1,532    

Capital Contributions Received

    -            -            (15,813)        15,813        -        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

    (46,990)        20,465        (19,948)        41,979        (4,494)    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

    -            -            419        -            419    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    57,792        (2,303)        37,596        -            93,085    

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

    100,880        3,675        11,999        -            116,554    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

  $ 158,672      $ 1,372      $ 49,595      $ -          $ 209,639    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

59


Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 27, 2010

   Briggs &  Stratton
Corporation
   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 36,615      $ (12,275   $ 32,963      $ (20,688   $ 36,615   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:

          

Depreciation and Amortization

     42,358        18,472        5,402        -            66,232   

Stock Compensation Expense

     6,975        -            -            -            6,975   

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net of Dividends

     (254     -            188        -            (66

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

     (20,688     -            -            20,688        -       

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     1,544        489        92        -            2,125   

Long-Term Intercompany Notes

     11,782        -            (11,782     -            -       

Provision (Credit) for Deferred Income Taxes

     7,033        (2,993     (285     -            3,755   

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

          

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

     (9,664     5,393        16,594        (36,753     (24,430

Decrease in Inventories

     59,326        5,705        10,745        613        76,389   

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     (2,302     3,113        221        -            1,032   

Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes

     41,432        12,705        (30,752     39,754        63,139   

Other, Net

     5,611        4,010        2,354        -            11,975   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     179,767        34,619        25,740        3,615        243,741   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (28,903     (11,494     (4,046     -            (44,443

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     220        40        16        -            276   

Cash Investment in Subsidiary

     26,305        -            2,627        (28,932     -       

Other, Net

     (144     -            612        (612     (144
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (2,522     (11,454     (791     (29,544     (44,311
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net Borrowings (Repayments) on Loans, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

     (56,647     (20,790     2,204        (3,003     (78,236

Cash Dividends Paid

     (22,125     -            -            -            (22,125

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

     864        -            -            -            864   

Capital Contributions Received

     -            -            (28,932     28,932        -       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

     (77,908     (20,790     (26,728     25,929        (99,497
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     -            -            629        -            629   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     99,337        2,375        (1,150     -            100,562   

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

     1,541        1,301        13,150        -            15,992   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

   $ 100,880      $ 3,675      $ 11,999      $ -          $ 116,554   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

60


Table of Contents

Notes . . .

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 28, 2009

  

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

    

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

    

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

    

Eliminations

    

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

              

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 31,972       $ (18,106)       $ 9,462       $ 8,644       $ 31,972   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:

              

Depreciation and Amortization

     44,476         18,758         4,569         -             67,803   

Stock Compensation Expense

     3,999         -             -             -             3,999   

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net of Dividends

     3,559         -             126         -             3,685   

Impairment Charge

     -             4,575         -             -             4,575   

Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

     8,644         -             -             (8,644)         -       

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     1,959         516         39         -             2,514   

Long-Term Intercompany Notes

     (44,384)         -             44,384         -             -       

Loss on Curtailment of Employee Benefits

     1,190         -             -             -             1,190   

Provision (Credit) for Deferred Income Taxes

     27,624         (20,354)         98         -             7,368   

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

              

Decrease in Receivables

     75,859         413,751         1,860         (431,661)         59,809   

Decrease in Inventories

     22,808         35,295         3,339         368         61,810   

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     (15,647)         1,687         808         -             (13,152)   

Decrease in Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes

     (54,470)         (377,898)         (24,771)         411,821         (45,318)   

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

     (8,465)         -             24         -             (8,441)   

Other, Net

     566         (10,530)         4,937         (367)         (5,394)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     99,690         47,694         44,875         (19,839)         172,420   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

              

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (27,166)         (10,994)         (4,867)         -             (43,027)   

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     1,325         2,316         18         -             3,659   

Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Received

     -             -             (24,757)         -             (24,757)   

Cash Investment in Subsidiary

     (5,899)         -             (200)         6,099         -       

Other, Net

     (348)         -             -             -             (348)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (32,088)         (8,678)         (29,806)         6,099         (64,473)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

              

Net Borrowings (Repayments) on Loans, Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

     (30,447)         (38,804)         (35,665)         19,839         (85,077)   

Cash Dividends Paid

     (38,171)         -             -             -             (38,171)   

Capital Contributions Received

     -             -             6,099         (6,099)         -       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

     (68,618)         (38,804)         (29,566)         13,740         (123,248)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

     -             -             (1,175)         -             (1,175)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND

              

CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (1,016)         212         (15,672)         -             (16,476)   

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

     2,557         1,089         28,822         -             32,468   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

   $ 1,541       $ 1,301       $ 13,150       $ -           $ 15,992   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes . . .

 

 

(19) Impairment and Disposal Charges:

Impairment charges were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, in the Power Products segment, for $4.6 million pretax ($2.8 million after tax) during fiscal 2009 related to the closure of the Jefferson and Watertown, WI manufacturing facilities. Additionally, a $1.2 million pretax ($0.7 million after tax) curtailment loss for employee benefits was recorded in fiscal 2009, as further discussed in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Prior to the closure, these facilities manufactured all portable generator, home standby generator and pressure washer products marketed and sold by the Company. This production was consolidated into existing United States engine and lawn and garden product facilities to optimize plant utilization and achieve better integration between engine and end product design, manufacturing and distribution.

(20) Casualty Event:

On December 1, 2008, a fire destroyed inventory and equipment in a leased warehouse facility in Dyersburg, TN. The destroyed facility supported the lawn and garden manufacturing operations in Newbern, TN where production was temporarily suspended as replacement parts and components were expedited. Production at the Newbern plant has since resumed to normal levels.

Assets lost in the fire were valued at approximately $24.9 million. Total insurance installment proceeds received were $2.6 million and $22.0 million in fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. All property losses incurred were covered under property insurance policies subject to a deductible of $0.3 million.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Briggs & Stratton Corporation:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Briggs & Stratton Corporation and its subsidiaries at July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended July 3, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 3, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9 (a). Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 31, 2011

 

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Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information (Unaudited)

 

 

       In Thousands  

Quarter

Ended

    

Net

Sales

      

Gross

Profit

      

Net Income

(Loss)

 

Fiscal 2011

              

September

     $ 334,116         $ 61,993         $ (8,114

December

       450,324           78,321           (1,252

March

       720,333           149,549           51,521   

June

       605,225           108,453           (17,800
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 2,109,998         $ 398,316         $ 24,355   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010

              

September

     $ 324,608         $ 52,390         $ (8,687

December

       393,049           70,650           3,025   

March

       694,575           140,482           24,073   

June

       615,641           116,413           18,203   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 2,027,872         $ 379,935         $ 36,615   
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

       Per Share of Common Stock  
                

 

 

Market Price Range

on New York

Stock Exchange

  

  

  

Quarter

Ended

     Net
Income

(Loss) (1)
       Dividends
Declared
       High        Low  

Fiscal 2011

                   

September

     $ (0.16      $ 0.11         $ 19.85         $ 16.50   

December

       (0.03        0.11           20.42           17.10   

March

       1.02           0.11           21.85           19.10   

June (2)

       (0.36        0.11           24.18           18.69   
    

 

 

      

 

 

           

Total

     $ 0.47         $ 0.44             
    

 

 

      

 

 

           

Fiscal 2010

                   

September

     $ (0.18      $ 0.11         $ 21.48         $ 12.89   

December

       0.06           0.11           23.34           17.92   

March (3)

       0.48           0.11           20.38           15.68   

June

       0.36           0.11           24.26           18.37   
    

 

 

      

 

 

           

Total

     $ 0.73         $ 0.44             
    

 

 

      

 

 

           

The number of record holders of Briggs & Stratton Corporation Common Stock on July 3, 2011 was 3,289.

Net Income (Loss) per share of Common Stock represents Diluted Earnings per Share.

(1) Refer to Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for information about Diluted Earnings per Share. Amounts may not total because of differing numbers of shares outstanding at the end of each quarter.

(2) As disclosed in Note 5, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 included pretax noncash goodwill impairment charges of $49.5 million ($34.3 million after tax or $0.68 per diluted share).

(3) As disclosed in Note 11, the third quarter of fiscal 2010 included a $30.6 million pretax charge ($18.7 million after tax or $0.37 per diluted share) for a litigation settlement.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. 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, have 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.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). 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 internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of July 3, 2011, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

(a) Executive Officers. Reference is made to “Executive Officers of Registrant” in Part I after Item 4.

 

(b) Directors. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Election of Directors” and “Incumbent Directors”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(c) Section 16 Compliance. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(d)

Audit Committee Financial Expert. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,

 

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  under the caption “Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Committees – Audit Committee”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(e) Identification of Audit Committee. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Committees – Audit Committee”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(f) Code of Ethics. Briggs & Stratton has adopted a written code of ethics, referred to as the Briggs & Stratton Business Integrity Manual applicable to all directors, officers and employees, which includes provisions related to accounting and financial matters applicable to the Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller. The Briggs & Stratton Business Integrity Manual is available on the Company’s corporate website at www.briggsandstratton.com. If the Company makes any substantive amendment to, or grants any waiver of, the code of ethics for any director or officer, Briggs & Stratton will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on its corporate website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions “Compensation Committee Report”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Agreements with Executives”, “Change in Control Payments”, and “Director Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners”, “Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions “Other Corporate Governance Matters – Director Independence”, “Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Oversight of Risk” and “Other Corporate Governance Matters – Audit Committee” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the captions “Other Matters – Independent Auditors’ Fees” and “Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Committees – Audit Committee”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) 1. Financial Statements

The following financial statements are included under the caption “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in Part II, Item 8 and are incorporated herein by reference:

Consolidated Balance Sheets, July 3, 2011 and June 27, 2010

For the Fiscal Years Ended July 3, 2011, June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009:

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other financial statement schedules provided for in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions.

 

  3. Exhibits

Refer to the Exhibit Index incorporated herein by reference. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report is identified in the Exhibit Index by an asterisk following the Exhibit Number.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 3, 2011, JUNE 27, 2010 AND JUNE 28, 2009

 

Reserve for

Doubtful Accounts

Receivable

 

Balance

Beginning

of Year

 

Additions

Charged

to Earnings

 

Charges to

Reserve, Net

 

Balance

End of

Year

2011

  $11,317,000   1,916,000   (8,262,000)   $4,971,000

2010

  $7,360,000   7,399,000   (3,442,000)   $11,317,000

2009

  $5,607,000   3,558,000   (1,805,000)   $7,360,000
       

Deferred Tax

Assets Valuation

Allowance

 

Balance

Beginning

of Year

 

Allowance

Established for

Net Operating

and Other Loss

Carryforwards

 

Allowance

Reversed for

Loss Carryforwards

Utilized and

Other Adjustments

 

Balance

End of

Year

2011

  $9,130,000   774,000   (2,645,000)   $7,259,000

2010

  $6,712,000   2,418,000   -   $9,130,000

2009

  $3,788,000   2,924,000   -   $6,712,000

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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
 

By

 

/s/ David J. Rodgers

    David J. Rodgers

    September 1    , 2011

    Senior Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.*

 

/s/ Todd J. Teske

   

/s/ Patricia L. Kampling

Todd J. Teske

    Patricia L. Kampling

Chairman, President and Chief Executive

    Director

Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

   

/s/ David J. Rodgers

   

/s/ Keith R. McLoughlin

David J. Rodgers

    Keith R. McLoughlin

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial

    Director

Officer (Principal Financial Officer and

   

Principal Accounting Officer)

   

/s/ William F. Achtmeyer

   

/s/ Robert J. O’Toole

William F. Achtmeyer

    Robert J. O’Toole

Director

    Director

/s/ Michael E. Batten

   

/s/ Charles I. Story

Michael E. Batten

    Charles I. Story

Director

    Director

/s/ James E. Humphrey

   

/s/ Brian C. Walker

James E. Humphrey

    Brian C. Walker

Director

    Director
    *Each signature affixed as of
        September 1    ,2011.

 

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

(Commission File No. 1-1370)

EXHIBIT INDEX

2011 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Document Description

3.1   Articles of Incorporation.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

 

ended October 2, 1994 and incorporated by reference herein.)

3.1 (a)   Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

 

ended September 26, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

3.2   Bylaws, as amended and restated as adopted April 15, 2009.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

 

ended March 29, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.)

4.0   Rights Agreement dated as of August 7, 1996, as amended through August 12,
  2009, between Briggs & Stratton Corporation and National City Bank which
  includes the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary of Rights to
  Purchase Common Shares as Exhibit B.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A

 

dated as of August 17, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.)

4.1   Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2009 between Briggs &
  Stratton Corporation and National City Bank.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on

 

Form 8-A/A of the Company dated as of October 13, 2009 and incorporated

 

herein by reference.)

4.2   Amendment to Rights Agreement, effective October 22, 2009.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the

 

quarter ended September 27, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)

4.3   Indenture, dated December 10, 2010, among Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Briggs
  & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National
  Association, as Trustee.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

 

ended December 26, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

4.4   First Supplemental Indenture, dated December 20, 2010, among Briggs & Stratton
  Corporation, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank,
  National Association, as Trustee.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

 

ended December 26, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.0*   Amended and Restated Form of Officer Employment Agreement.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.0 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated December

 

8, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.1*   Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

 

ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.2*   Amended and Restated Economic Value Added Incentive Compensation Plan.
 

(Filed herewith.)

10.3*   Amended and Restated Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year

 

ended June 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document Description

10.3 (a)    Amended and Restated Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement for
   new officers of the Company.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated October

  

14, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.4*    Trust Agreement with an independent trustee to provide payments under various
   compensation agreements with Company employees upon the occurrence of a
   change in control.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

  

fiscal year ended July 2, 1995 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.4 (a)*    Amendment to Trust Agreement with an independent trustee to provide
   payments under various compensation agreements with Company employees.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

  

fiscal year ended July 2, 1995 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.4 (b)    Amendment to Trust Agreement with an independent trustee to provide payments
   under various compensation agreements with Company employees.
  

(Filed herewith.)

10.5*    1999 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit A to the Company’s 1999 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement

  

and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.5 (a)*    Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

  

ended March 30, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.5 (b)*    Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (c) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 27, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.5 (c)*    Amended and Restated Briggs & Stratton Corporation Incentive Compensation
   Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (c) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6*    Amended and Restated Briggs & Stratton Premium Option and Stock Award
   Program as is effective beginning with plan year 2010.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year

  

ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6 (a)*    Amended Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Premium Option and Stock
   Award Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (d) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for year

  

ended June 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.6 (b)*    Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Under the Premium Option
   and Stock Award Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (b) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6 (c)*    Amended Form of Deferred Stock Award Agreement Under the Premium Option
   and Stock Award Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (c) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.7*    Amended and Restated Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year

  

ended June 29, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.)

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document Description

10.8*    Amended and Restated Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

  

ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.9    Briggs & Stratton Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share
   Award Agreement.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year

  

ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.11*    Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.
  

(Filed herewith.)

10.12*    Amended and Restated Director’s Premium Option and Stock Grant Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year

  

ended July 3, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.12 (a)*    Form of Director’s Stock Option Agreement under the Director’s Premium Option
   and Stock Grant Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.12 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for quarter

  

ended April 2, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.13*    Summary of Director Compensation.
  

(Filed herewith.)

10.14*    Executive Life Insurance Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

  

fiscal year ended June 27, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.14 (a)*    Amendment to Executive Life Insurance Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.14 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 29, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.14 (b)*    Amendment to Executive Life Insurance Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.14 (b) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 27, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.15*    Amended & Restated Key Employee Savings and Investment Plan.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

  

ended March 27, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.16*    Consultant Reimbursement Arrangement.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

  

fiscal year ended June 27, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.17*    Briggs & Stratton Product Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for

  

fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.17 (a)*    Amendment to the Briggs & Stratton Product Program.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.17 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal

  

year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.18*    Early Retirement Agreement between Briggs & Stratton Corporation and John S.
   Shiely.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated August 21,

  

2009 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.20    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 25, 2005, by and among Briggs &
   Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, Briggs & Stratton Canada Inc., Murray, Inc.
   and Murray Canada Co.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated

  

January 25, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Document Description

10.21    Transition Supply Agreement, dated February 11, 2005, between Briggs & Stratton
   Power Products Group, LLC and Murray, Inc.
  

(Form of Transition Supply Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s

  

Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2005 and incorporated by reference

  

herein.)

10.23 (c)    Amended and Restated Multicurrency Credit Agreement, dated July 12, 2007,
   among Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the financial institutions party hereto, and J.P.
   Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., La Salle Bank National Association, M&I Marshall &
   Ilsley Bank, U.S. Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and
   Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, issuing bank and swing line bank,
   and Banc of America Securities LLC, lead arranger and book manager.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 12,

  

2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.24    Class B Preferred Share Redemption Agreement.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter

  

ended December 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.25    Victa Agreement.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year

  

ended June 29, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.26    Stipulation of Settlement, dated February 24, 2010.
  

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated

  

February 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)

12    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  

(Filed herewith.)

21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
  

(Filed herewith.)

23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public
   Accounting Firm.
  

(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.)

 

 

* Management contracts and executive compensation plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(a)(3) of Form 10-K.

 

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Directors

 

 

WILLIAM F. ACHTMEYER (2)(5)

  Chairman, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of The Parthenon Group LLC, a leading strategic advisory and principal investment firm

MICHAEL E. BATTEN (3)(5)

  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Twin Disc, Incorporated, a manufacturer of power transmission equipment

JAMES E. HUMPHREY (2)(5)

  Chairman and retired Chief Executive Officer of Andersen Corporation, a window and door manufacturer

PATRICIA L. KAMPLING (1)(4)

  President and Chief Operating Officer of Alliant Energy Corporation, a regulated investor-owned public utility holding company

KEITH R. McLOUGHLIN (5)

  President and Chief Executive Officer of AB Electrolux, a manufacturer of major home appliances

ROBERT J. O’TOOLE (1)(3)(4)

  Retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, A.O. Smith Corporation, a diversified manufacturer whose major products include electric motors and water heaters

CHARLES I. STORY (3)(4)

  President of ECS Group, Inc., an executive development company

TODD J. TESKE (3)

  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Briggs & Stratton Corporation

BRIAN C. WALKER (1)(2)(3)

  President and Chief Executive Officer, Herman Miller, Inc., a global provider of office furniture and services

Committees: (1) Audit, (2) Compensation, (3) Executive, (4) Finance, (5) Nominating and Governance.

 

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Elected Officers

 

 

TODD J. TESKE

   Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

HAROLD L. REDMAN

   Senior Vice President & President – Products Group

WILLIAM H. REITMAN

   Senior Vice President – Business Development & Customer Support

DAVID J. RODGERS

   Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

THOMAS R. SAVAGE

   Senior Vice President – Corporate Development

JOSEPH C. WRIGHT

   Senior Vice President & President – Engines Group

RANDALL R. CARPENTER

   Vice President – Marketing

DAVID G. DEBAETS

   Vice President – North America Operations (Engines Group)

ROBERT F. HEATH

   Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

EDWARD J. WAJDA

   Vice President & General Manager – International

Appointed Vice Presidents & Subsidiary/Group Officers

 

 

Corporate

  

JAMES H. DENEFFE

   Senior Vice President – Research & Development

ANDREA L. GOLVACH

   Vice President – Treasury

RICHARD L. KOLBE

   Vice President – Information Technology

JEFFREY G. MAHLOCH

   Vice President – Human Resources

DON S. SCHOONENBERG

   Vice President – Business Plan & Sales Administration

PEGGY L. TRACY

   Vice President – Customer Experience

International

  

PHILIP J. CAPPITELLI

   Vice President & General Manager – International Business Development

ROGER A. JANN

   Managing Director – Europe

MARTIN L. LEVY

   Managing Director – Latin America

JAMES T. MARCEAU

   Vice President & General Manager – International Operations

MARK S. PLUM

   Managing Director – Briggs & Stratton Asia

THOMAS H. RUGG

   Managing Director – Australia

Engines Group

  

EDWARD D. BEDNAR

   Vice President – Procurement & Logistics

JOHN R. GUY III

   Vice President & General Manager – Service

PETER HOTZ

   Vice President – Engine Product Development

MARVIN B. KLOWAK

   Vice President – Research & Development & Quality

MICHAEL M. MILLER

   Vice President – Consumer Engine Sales

PAUL R. PESCI

   Vice President – Small Commercial Engines

MARTIN C. STRAUBE

   Vice President – Supply Chain

RICHARD R. ZECKMEISTER

   Vice President – North American Consumer Marketing & Planning

 

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Appointed Vice Presidents & Subsidiary/Group Officers

 

 

Products Group

  

RANDALL E. BALLARD

   Vice President – Consumer Sales

RICHARD E. FELDER

   Vice President – Dealer Recruitment

DONALD W. KLENK

   Vice President – Operations

ERIK P. MEMMO

   Vice President – Territory Sales

DAVID E. MILNER

   Vice President – Dealer Sales

SCOTT L. MURRAY

   Vice President – Parts & Service

ROBERT PJEVACH

   Vice President – Consumer Products

WILLIAM L. SHEA

   Vice President – Sales & Marketing

PHILIP H. WENZEL

   Vice President – Commercial Products

THOMAS E. WISER

   Vice President – Standby Power Sales

 

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Shareholder Information

 

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Information is provided to shareholders on a regular basis to keep them informed of Briggs & Stratton’s activities and financial status. This information is available to any person interested in Briggs & Stratton. Address requests to Shareholder Relations at the Mailing Address listed for the Corporate Offices. A Shareholder Relations Hotline provides a no cost opportunity for shareholders to contact Briggs & Stratton. The Hotline number is 1-800-365-2759.

Briggs & Stratton has an ongoing commitment to provide investors with real time access to financial disclosures, the latest corporate and financial news, and other shareholder information. Visit Briggs & Stratton’s home page on the World Wide Web at www.briggsandstratton.com. Information includes: corporate press releases, web casts of conference calls, dividend information, stock prices, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K Reports, Form 10-Q Reports, Proxy Statements, Section 16 filings, code of ethics for principal executive, financial and accounting officers and additional financial information.

INVESTOR, BROKER, SECURITY ANALYST CONTACT

Stockbrokers, financial analysts and others desiring technical/financial information about Briggs & Stratton should contact David J. Rodgers, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, at 414-259-5333.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan is a convenient way for shareholders of record to increase their investment in Briggs & Stratton. It enables shareholders to apply quarterly dividends and any cash deposits toward the purchase of additional shares of Briggs & Stratton stock. There is no brokerage fee or administrative charge for this service. For a brochure describing the plan, please call the Shareholder Relations Hotline.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Persons desiring general information about Briggs & Stratton should contact Laura A. Timm, Director of Corporate Communications & Events, at 414-256-5123.

 

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General Information

 

 

EXCHANGE LISTING

   FISCAL 2011 AUDITORS

Briggs & Stratton Corporation common stock is

   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol

   100 East Wisconsin Avenue

BGG).

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR AND DIVIDEND

DISBURSER

 

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services

161 North Concord Exchange

South St. Paul, MN 55075-1139

  

CORPORATE OFFICES

 

12301 West Wirth Street

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222

Telephone 414-259-5333

Inquiries concerning transfer requirements, lost

certificates, dividend payments, change of address

and account status should be directed to Wells

Fargo Shareowner Services, at 1-800-468-9716.

  

MAILING ADDRESS

 

Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Post Office Box 702

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

77