UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 30,September 28, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from            to            

Commission file number 1-1370

 

 

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Wisconsin 39-0182330

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

12301 West Wirth Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

414/259-5333

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

Class

 

Outstanding at May 2,October 31, 2008

COMMON STOCK, par value $0.01 per share 49,556,80449,811,729 Shares

 

 

 


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

 

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

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets – March 30,September 28, 2008 and July 1, 2007June 29, 2008

  3
  

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income – Three and Nine Months Ended March 30,September 28, 2008 and April 1,September 30, 2007

  5
  

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – NineThree Months Ended March 30,September 28, 2008 and April 1,September  30, 2007

  6
  

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

  7
 Item 2. 

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

20
Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  23
 Item 3.4. 

QuantitativeControls and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskProcedures

  2723

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

23
Item 1A.

Risk Factors

23
 Item 4. 

Controls and ProceduresSubmission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  27
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2724
 Item 6. 

Exhibits

  2824
 

Signatures

  2925
 

Exhibit Index

  3026

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

 

  March 30,
2008
  Restated
July 1,

2007
  September 28,
2008
  June 29,
2008

CURRENT ASSETS:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $43,404  $29,469  $32,607  $32,468

Accounts receivable, net

   512,105   327,475   305,359   320,568

Inventories –

    

Inventories -

    

Finished products and parts

   358,385   344,074   379,505   339,186

Work in process

   186,093   198,242   170,227   177,280

Raw materials

   14,345   7,766   14,441   13,738
            

Total inventories

   558,823   550,082   564,173   530,204
            

Deferred income tax asset

   51,936   55,520   53,345   53,496

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   40,337   30,547   44,974   41,801
            

Total current assets

   1,206,605   993,093   1,000,458   978,537
            

OTHER ASSETS:

        

Goodwill

   250,107   250,107   248,571   248,328

Prepaid pension

   105,925   103,247   93,298   90,020

Investments

   19,267   47,326   19,688   21,956

Deferred loan costs, net

   3,427   3,135   2,785   3,106

Other intangible assets, net

   91,155   92,556   100,847   90,687

Other long-term assets, net

   7,149   6,686   8,654   8,827
            

Total other assets

   477,030   503,057   473,843   462,924
            

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

        

Cost

   998,828   1,006,402   1,020,992   1,012,987

Less – accumulated depreciation

   608,415   618,084

Less - accumulated depreciation

   632,959   621,154
            

Total plant and equipment, net

   390,413   388,318   388,033   391,833
            

TOTAL ASSETS

  $2,074,048  $1,884,468  $1,862,334  $1,833,294
            

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

  March 30,
2008
 Restated
July 1,

2007
   September 28,
2008
 June 29,
2008
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

      

Accounts payable

  $200,155  $187,776   $182,611  $170,476 

Accrued liabilities

   164,515   166,155    162,688   160,126 

Current maturity on long-term debt

   —     116,139 

Short-term debt

   272,100   3,000    141,348   3,000 
              

Total current liabilities

   636,770   473,070    486,647   333,602 
              

OTHER LIABILITIES:

      

Long-term debt

   266,340   267,909    266,617   365,555 

Deferred income tax liability

   42,350   37,300    46,913   47,266 

Accrued pension cost

   40,638   39,438    36,445   36,173 

Accrued employee benefits

   20,492   20,072    18,541   18,521 

Accrued postretirement health care obligation

   182,453   186,868    160,223   161,684 

Other long-term liabilities

   39,487   20,357    33,893   32,970 
              

Total other liabilities

   591,760   571,944    562,632   662,169 
              

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

      

Common stock –

   

Common stock -

   

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

   579   579    579   579 

Additional paid-in capital

   76,149   73,149    75,563   76,667 

Retained earnings

   1,093,930   1,108,514    1,069,691   1,082,553 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (113,228)  (128,951)   (123,709)  (110,234)

Treasury stock at cost, 8,149 and 8,222 shares, respectively

   (211,912)  (213,837)

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

   (209,069)  (212,042)
              

Total shareholders’ investment

   845,518   839,454    813,055   837,523 
              

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

  $2,074,048  $1,884,468   $1,862,334  $1,833,294 
              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  March 30,
2008
 Restated
April 1,
2007
 March 30,
2008
 Restated
April 1,

2007
   September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 

NET SALES

  $724,786  $716,953  $1,570,292  $1,479,261   $458,151  $367,069 

COST OF GOODS SOLD

   603,234   592,525   1,358,679   1,241,274    393,432   324,225 

IMPAIRMENT CHARGE

   —     35,200   —     35,200 
                    

Gross profit on sales

   121,552   89,228   211,613   202,787    64,719   42,844 

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

   68,533   63,650   199,103   193,547    64,851   64,140 
                    

Income from operations

   53,019   25,578   12,510   9,240 

Loss from operations

   (132)  (21,296)

INTEREST EXPENSE

   (10,127)  (12,688)  (29,710)  (33,554)   (7,897)  (8,973)

OTHER INCOME, net

   1,805   4,798   39,822   9,176    1,199   22 
                    

Income (Loss) before income taxes

   44,697   17,688   22,622   (15,138)

PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

   7,561   7,104   501   (3,695)

Loss before credit for income taxes

   (6,830)  (30,247)

CREDIT FOR INCOME TAXES

   (4,874)  (9,436)
                    

NET INCOME (LOSS)

  $37,136  $10,584  $22,121  $(11,443)

NET LOSS

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

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE DATA –

     

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA -

   

Average shares outstanding

   49,541   49,423   49,547   49,795    49,563   49,536 
                    

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $0.75  $0.21  $0.45  $(0.23)

Basic loss per share

  $(0.04) $(0.42)
                    

Diluted average shares outstanding

   49,631   49,520   49,651   49,795    49,563   49,536 
                    

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $0.75  $0.21  $0.45  $(0.23)

Diluted loss per share

  $(0.04) $(0.42)
                    

CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

  $0.22  $0.22  $0.66  $0.66   $0.22  $0.22 
                    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

  Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  March 30,
2008
 Restated
April 1,
2007
   September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net Income (loss)

  $22,121  $(11,443)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

   

Net loss

  $(1,956) $(20,811)

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

   51,337   54,766    17,574   16,612 

Stock compensation expense

   3,899   6,688    1,986   2,673 

Impairment charges

   —     35,200 

Earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of dividends

   109   2,432    1,282   866 

Loss on disposition of plant and equipment

   1,308   1,690    408   467 

Gain on sale of investment

   (36,960)  —   

Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes

   4,633   (19,152)

Provision for deferred income taxes

   (1,223)  (4,111)

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Increase in accounts receivable

   (184,632)  (100,038)

Decrease in accounts receivable

   15,829   93,940 

Increase in inventories

   (8,739)  (95,558)   (24,497)  (75,139)

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

   7,831   16,115 

Increase in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes

   8,921   8,474 

Decrease in accrued/prepaid pension

   (1,601)  (8,285)

(Increase) Decrease in other current assets

   (1,715)  7,276 

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (6,610)  (45,807)

Change in accrued/prepaid pension

   (1,897)  53 

Other, net

   (6,004)  (169)   (1,291)  (2,280)
              

Net cash used in operating activities

   (137,777)  (109,280)

Net cash used by operating activities

   (2,110)  (26,261)
              

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Additions to plant and equipment

   (46,584)  (45,999)   (11,291)  (18,246)

Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired

   (24,757)  —   

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

   596   583    1,694   150 

Proceeds received on sale of investment

   66,011   —   

Other, net

   (503)  —   
              

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   19,520   (45,416)

Net cash used by investing activities

   (34,354)  (18,096)
              

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net borrowings on loans and notes payable

   150,961   148,975 

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

   38,104   51,041 

Issuance cost of amended revolver

   (1,286)  —      —     (1,286)

Dividends paid

   (21,871)  (22,159)

Stock option proceeds and tax benefits

   991   2,591    —     991 

Treasury stock purchases

   —     (48,232)
              

Net cash provided by financing activities

   128,795   81,175    38,104   50,746 
              

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

   3,397   1,353    (1,501)  1,092 
              

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   13,935   (72,168)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

   139   7,481 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning

   29,469   95,091    32,468   29,469 
              

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ending

  $43,404  $22,923   $32,607  $36,950 
              

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

      

Interest paid

  $37,786  $40,046   $12,986  $17,151 
              

Income taxes paid

  $3,973  $2,379   $1,327  $1,950 
              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

General Information

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

Change in Accounting Principle and Correction of Errors

Effective July 2, 2007, the Company changed the method it uses to compute the market-related value of the assets within its qualified defined benefit pension plan. The market-related value of pension assets (MRVA) is used to calculate the expected return on plan assets. Previously, the Company computed the market-related value of plan assets by adding actual dividends and interest to the MRVA balance and amortizing unrealized and realized gains and losses on assets on a straight line basis over five years. Under the new method, the expected return on plan assets will be added to the MRVA balance and any differences between the expected and actual returns on plan assets will be deferred and amortized on a straight line basis over five years. The Company believes that the former and new methods of computing the market-related value of plan assets both recognize changes in fair value in a systematic and rational manner. However, the Company believes that the new method is preferable because the new method has the effect of deferring less investment gains and losses during periods of volatile investment markets and therefore more closely approximates the fair market value of the plan assets. The Company recorded pre-tax pension income of $1.2 million and $3.7 million in the three and nine months ended March 30, 2008, respectively. Generally accepted accounting principles require that the impact of this change in accounting be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As a result, all prior period financial statements have been adjusted to give effect to the cumulative impact of this change. The restated three and nine months ended April 1, 2007 now reflect pre-tax pension income of $0.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

During the quarter ended March 30, 2008, the Company identified errors in its previously filed financial statements on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended July 1, 2007, July 2, 2006 and July 3, 2005 and on Form 10-Q for the periods ending September 30, 2007 and December 30, 2007 related to three separate items. First, the Company did not properly expense rebates to certain customers in each year. Second, the Company identified that certain inter-company receivable and payable accounts were out of balance, primarily related to transactions in fiscal 2004. Third, the Company has historically incorrectly capitalized warranty costs into inventory. The impact to the Company’s previously reported net income and earnings per diluted share is an increase of $0.2 million ($.00 per diluted share) for fiscal 2007, a reduction of $2.3 million ($.04 per diluted share) for fiscal 2006 and a reduction of $1.8 million ($.04 per diluted share) for fiscal 2005. The impact on the Company’s previously reported net income and earnings per diluted share is a decrease of $1.1 million ($.02 per diluted share) for the three month period ended October 1, 2006 and a decrease of $0.1 million ($.00 per diluted share) for the three month period ended December 31, 2006. Certain of the misstatements occurred in years prior to fiscal 2005. The cumulative effect of correcting these errors for periods prior to fiscal 2005 reduces retained earnings by $2.7 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded an adjustment of $1.7 million to net income ($.03 per diluted share) to correct the errors included in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008. The impact on the Company’s previously reported net income and earnings per diluted share will be a decrease of $0.3 million ($.01 per diluted share) and $1.4 million ($.03 per diluted share) for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008, respectively, and the third quarter of fiscal 2008 will reflect an increase of $1.7 million ($.03 per diluted share). The Company will restate all prior year financial statements, including the first three quarters of fiscal 2008, prospectively, within the fiscal 2008 Form 10-K. We do not believe that the adjustments necessary to correct the errors described above are material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows for any of the Company’s previously filed annual or quarterly financial statements.

Fiscal 2007 financial statement items were affected by the change in accounting principle and correction of errors as shown in the following tables (in thousands):

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet (in thousands):

   July 1, 2007 
   As Reported  Pension
Accounting
Change
  Error Correction  As Restated 

Inventories –

     

Finished products and parts

  345,763  —    (1,689) 344,074 

Work in process

  199,215  —    (973) 198,242 

Raw materials

  7,804  —    (38) 7,766 

Total inventories

  552,782  —    (2,700) 550,082 

Total current assets

  995,793  —    (2,700) 993,093 

Total assets

  1,887,168  —    (2,700) 1,884,468 

Accounts payable

  179,476  —    8,300  187,776 

Accrued liabilities

  170,555  —    (4,400) 166,155 

Total current liabilities

  469,170  —    3,900  473,070 

Retained earnings

  1,042,673  72,441  (6,600) 1,108,514 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (56,510) (72,441) —    (128,951)

Total shareholders’ investment

  846,054  —    (6,600) 839,454 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ investment

  1,887,168  —    (2,700) 1,884,468 

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (in thousands, except per share data):

   Three months ended April 1, 2007
   As Reported  Pension
Accounting
Change
  Error Correction  As Restated

Net sales

  717,053  —    (100) 716,953

Cost of goods sold

  596,641  (1,916) (2,200) 592,525

Gross profit on sales

  85,212  1,916  2,100  89,228

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

  64,289  (639) —    63,650

Income from operations

  20,923  2,555  2,100  25,578

Income before provision for income taxes

  13,033  2,555  2,100  17,688

Provision for income taxes

  5,263  997  844  7,104

Net income

  7,770  1,558  1,256  10,584

Basic earnings per share

  0.15  0.03  0.03  0.21

Diluted earnings per share

  0.15  0.03  0.03  0.21

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

   Nine months ended April 1, 2007 
   As Reported  Pension
Accounting
Change
  Error Correction  As Restated 

Net sales

  1,478,361  —    900  1,479,261 

Cost of goods sold

  1,246,223  (5,749) 800  1,241,274 

Gross profit on sales

  196,938  5,749  100  202,787 

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

  195,463  (1,916) —    193,547 

Income from operations

  1,475  7,665  100  9,240 

Loss before credit for income taxes

  (22,903) 7,665  100  (15,138)

Credit for income taxes

  (6,725) 2,990  40  (3,695)

Net loss

  (16,178) 4,675  60  (11,443)

Basic loss per share

  (0.32) 0.09  0.00  (0.23)

Diluted loss per share

  (0.32) 0.09  0.00  (0.23)

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands):

   Nine months ended April 1, 2007 
   As Reported  Pension
Accounting
Change
  Error Correction  As Restated 

Net loss

  (16,178) 4,675  60  (11,443)

Credit for deferred income taxes

  (22,142) 2,990  —    (19,152)

Increase in inventories

  (96,156) —    598  (95,558)

Increase in accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and income taxes

  9,132  —    (658) 8,474 

Increase in accrued/prepaid pension

  (620) (7,665) —    (8,285)

All adjustments are in cash flows from operating activities and consequently the total cash flows from operating activities remains unchanged.

Common Stock

The Company did not repurchase any common shares during the first three quarters of fiscal 2008. The Company repurchased 1,733,200 common shares at a total cost of $48.2 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2007, and did not repurchase any common shares during the second or third quarters of fiscal 2007.

Income Taxes

The third quarter and year to date fiscal 2008 effective tax rates are at 16.9% and 2.2%, respectively, versus the 40.2% and 24.4% used in the same respective periods last year. The effective tax rate for the full year is projected to be in the range of 23.0% to 25.0%. The variation reflected between years is primarily due to the required recognition of the tax effects related to MTI preferred stock dividends and other tax reserve adjustments related to the expiration of foreign and domestic statutes required to be treated as discrete items in the quarter they occur rather than in the overall expected annual tax rate. These discrete items lowered the tax provision for the quarter and nine month period by $6.0 million. In addition, the impact of expected tax credits as a percentage of annual earnings for fiscal 2008 results in lowering the projected effective tax rate in fiscal 2008.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on July 2, 2007. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 was an increase of $4 million in tax reserves and a decrease of $4 million to the July 2, 2007 retained earnings balance. See “New Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for more information on FIN 48.

As of July 2, 2007, the Company had $23 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this amount, $15 million represents the portion that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of July 2, 2007, the Company had $6 million accrued for interest and penalties. We do not anticipate that there will be a significant change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Earnings Per Share

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

Shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for the three monthsquarter ended March 30,September 28, 2008 excluded outstanding options to purchase approximately 3,885,000 of common stock because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. Additionally, outstanding options to purchase approximately 3,514,000 shares of common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended March 30, 2008 because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for the three months ended April 1, 2007 excluded outstanding options to purchase approximately 2,722,000 of common stock because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. Additionally, shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended April 1, 2007 excluded approximately 81,000163,000 shares for restricted and deferred stock and outstanding options to purchase approximately 3,290,0003,900,000 shares of common stock as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 excluded approximately 171,000 shares for restricted and deferred stock and outstanding options to purchase approximately 3,600,000 shares of common stock as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

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

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   March 30,
2008
  Restated
April 1,
2007
  March 30,
2008
  Restated
April 1,
2007
 

Net income (loss)

  $37,136  $10,584  $22,121  $(11,443)
                 

Average shares of common stock outstanding

   49,541   49,423   49,547   49,795 

Incremental common shares applicable to common stock options based on the common stock average market price during the period

   —     11   2   —   

Incremental common shares applicable to restricted and deferred common stock based on the common stock average market price during the period

   90   86   102   —   
                 

Diluted average shares of common stock outstanding

   49,631   49,520   49,651   49,795 
                 
   Three Months Ended 
   September 28,
2008
  September 30,
2007
 

Net loss

  $(1,956) $(20,811)
         

Average shares of common stock outstanding

   49,563   49,536 

Diluted average shares of common stock outstanding

   49,563   49,536 

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   March 30,
2008
  Restated
April 1,
2007
  March 30,
2008
  Restated
April 1,
2007
 

Net income (loss)

  $37,136  $10,584  $22,121  $(11,443)

Cumulative translation adjustments

   4,148   781   8,244   2,299 

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments

   3,454   2,918   2,924   142 

Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service cost

   1,518   —     4,555   —   
                 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  $46,256  $14,283  $37,844  $(9,002)
                 

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

  Three Months Ended 
  September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 

Net loss

  $(1,956) $(20,811)

Cumulative translation adjustments

   (10,392)  1,775 

Unrealized loss on derivative instruments

   (5,317)  (1,504)

Unrecognized pension and postretirement obligation

   2,234   1,518 
       

Total comprehensive loss

  $(15,431) $(19,022)
       

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

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

 

  March 30,
2008
 Restated
July 1,

2007
   September 28,
2008
 June 29,
2008
 

Cumulative translation adjustments

  $20,043  $11,799   $12,253  $22,645 

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

   1,823   (1,101)   (868)  4,449 

Pension and postretirement plans

   (135,094)  (139,649)

Unrecognized pension and postretirement obligation

   (135,094)  (137,328)
              

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $(113,228) $(128,951)  $(123,709) $(110,234)
              

Derivatives

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

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

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuation in the cost of natural gas used by its operating facilities through participation in a third party managed dollar cost averaging program linked to NYMEX futures. As a participant in the program, the Company hedges approximately 50-80%up to 100% of its anticipated monthly natural gas usage along with a pool of other companies. The Company does not hold any actual futures contracts, and actual delivery of natural gas is not required of the participants in the program. Cash settlements occur on a monthly basis based on the difference between the average dollar price of the underlying NYMEX futures held by the third

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in the cost of copper to be used in manufacturing by entering into forward purchase contracts designated as cash flow hedges. The Company hedges approximately 35%50-60% of its anticipated copper usage, and the fair value of outstanding future contracts is reflected as an asset or liability on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet based on NYMEX prices. Changes in fair value are reflected as a Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss if the forward purchase contracts are deemed to be effective and are reclassified into the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income when sales of inventory are made. Changes in the fair value of any derivative deemed to be ineffective would be immediately recorded as either income or expense in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

Segment Information

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

 

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  March 30,
2008
 Restated
April 1,
2007
 March 30,
2008
 Restated
April 1,

2007
   September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 

NET SALES:

        

Engines

  $546,358  $516,067  $1,070,311  $984,681   $258,621  $208,416 

Power Products

   240,837   248,659   624,823   606,952    255,531   187,391 

Inter-Segment Eliminations

   (62,409)  (47,773)  (124,842)  (112,372)   (56,001)  (28,738)
                    

Total *

  $724,786  $716,953  $1,570,292  $1,479,261   $458,151  $367,069 
                    

* Includes sales originating in foreign countries of

  $75,514  $55,175  $173,910  $148,364 

* Includes international sales based on product shipment destination of

  $110,961  $103,418 

GROSS PROFIT ON SALES:

        

Engines

  $113,865  $61,225  $192,540  $140,185   $40,427  $34,254 

Power Products

   10,637   25,916   21,198   60,646    21,531   8,425 

Inter-Segment Eliminations

   (2,950)  2,087   (2,125)  1,956    2,761   165 
                    

Total

  $121,552  $89,228  $211,613  $202,787   $64,719  $42,844 
                    

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

        

Engines

  $65,701  $17,646  $50,616  $1,664   $(5,511) $(11,228)

Power Products

   (9,732)  5,845   (35,981)  5,620    2,618   (10,233)

Inter-Segment Eliminations

   (2,950)  2,087   (2,125)  1,956    2,761   165 
                    

Total

  $53,019  $25,578  $12,510  $9,240   $(132) $(21,296)
                    

Warranty

The Company recognizes the cost associated with its standard warranty on Engines and Power Products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on historical failure rates and current claim cost experience. In the ninethree months ended MarchSeptember 30, 2008,2007 the Company incurred $19.8$2.1 million of expenses to accrue for current and future warranty claims related to a snow thrower engine recall. An additional $17.7 million was accrued in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and no additional expenses were accrued thereafter. The snow thrower engines were recalled due to a potential risk of fire. The amounts accrued were to repair the units to reduce or eliminate the potential fire hazard. As of MarchSeptember 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008,2007, the balance sheet includes $4.4included $3.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of reserves for this specific engine warranty matter. ProductDuring fiscal 2008, product liability

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

  Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
  March 30,
2008
 April 1,
2007
   September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 

Beginning balance

  $54,566  $53,233   $49,548  $54,566 

Payments

   (42,645)  (26,537)   (9,206)  (15,935)

Provision for current year warranties

   40,312   25,218    8,529   7,099 

Adjustment to prior years’ warranties

   (2,275)  1,877    (817)  (900)
              

Ending balance

  $49,958  $53,791   $48,054  $44,830 
              

Stock Incentives

Stock based compensation is calculated by estimating the fair value of incentive stock awards granted and amortizing the estimated value over the awards’ vesting period. Stock based compensation expense was $0.6$2.0 million and $3.9$2.7 million for the quarterquarters ended September 28, 2008 and nine months ended MarchSeptember 30, 2008, respectively. For the quarter and nine months ended April 1, 2007, stock based compensation expense was $1.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

  Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits   Pension Benefits
Three Months Ended
 Other Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended
 
  Three Months Ended Three Months Ended   September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 September 28,
2008
 September 30,
2007
 
  March 30,
2008
 As Adjusted
April 1,
2007
 March 30,
2008
 April 1,
2007
 

Components of net periodic (income) expense:

     

Components of net periodic expense:

     

Service cost-benefits earned

  $3,004  $3,272  $217  $444   $3,136  $3,623  $318  $471 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

   15,082   14,484   3,491   4,002    15,342   15,114   3,101   3,475 

Expected return on plan assets

   (20,336)  (19,562)  —     —      (20,869)  (20,379)  —     —   

Amortization of:

          

Transition obligation

   2   2   11   11    2   2   —     11 

Prior service cost

   822   823   (212)  (212)   822   822   (219)  (213)

Actuarial loss

   1,342   1,243   2,782   3,334    133   1,141   2,603   2,682 
                          

Net periodic (income) expense

  $(84) $262  $6,289  $7,579   $(1,434) $323  $5,803  $6,426 
                          
  Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 
  Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
  March 30,
2008
 As Adjusted
April 1,
2007
 March 30,
2008
 April 1,
2007
 

Components of net periodic (income) expense:

     

Service cost-benefits earned

  $9,033  $9,817  $1,160  $1,332 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

   45,245   43,453   10,441   12,005 

Expected return on plan assets

   (61,008)  (58,687)  —     —   

Amortization of:

     

Transition obligation

   6   6   32   35 

Prior service cost

   2,468   2,468   (637)  (637)

Actuarial loss

   4,026   3,730   8,145   10,003 
             

Net periodic (income) expense

  $(230) $787  $19,141  $22,738 
             

The Company is not required to, nor has or intends to, make any contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2008.2009. The Company was not required to, nor did it make any contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2007, but did contribute $8.0 million during the nine months ended April 1, 2007.2008.

The Company expects to make benefit payments of approximately $1.8 million attributable to its non-qualified pension plans during fiscal 2008.2009. During the nine months ended March 30, 2008, the Companyfirst quarter of fiscal 2009, Briggs & Stratton made payments of approximately $1.2$0.5 million for its non-qualified pension plans. The CompanyBriggs & Stratton anticipates making benefit payments of approximately $29.9$30.2 million for its other postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2008.2009. During the nine months ended March 30, 2008, the Companyfirst quarter of fiscal 2009, Briggs & Stratton had made payments of approximately $22.7$6.6 million for its other postretirement benefit plans.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Income Taxes

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

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

New Accounting Pronouncements

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

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendmentnature and significance of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 will changebusiness combinations the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests (NCI) and classified as a component of equity. This new consolidation method will significantly change the accounting for transactions with minority interest holders. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 160 on its consolidated financial position.enters into subsequent to adoption.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (SFAS 159). This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option permits a company to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A company will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings after adoption. StatementSFAS No. 159 iswas effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Thethe Company is currently assessingon June 30, 2008. Refer to “Fair Value Measurements” in the impact of SFAS 159 on its consolidated financial position.Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (SFAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact ofadopted SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” (SFAS 158). SFAS 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of a postretirement benefit plan in the statement of financial position, as well as recognition of changes in that funded status through comprehensive income in the year in which they occur. SFAS 158 also requires a change in the measurement of a plan’s assets and benefit obligations as of the end date of the employer’s fiscal year. SFAS 158 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006, except for the measurement date provisions, which are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15,June 30, 2008. The Company adopted the SFAS 158 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48) on July 2, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in income tax law. This Interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. For more information, see “Income Taxes”“Fair Value Measurements” in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Acquisitions

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

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

Assets Acquired:

  

Current assets

  $12,928

Property, plant and equipment

   6,092

Goodwill

   243

Other intangible assets

   12,282
    

Total assets acquired

   31,545

Liabilities Assumed:

  

Current liabilities

  $6,788
    

Total liabilities assumed

   6,788
    

Net assets acquired

  $24,757
    

Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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

Assets:

        

Derivatives

  $1,937  $1,502  $435  $—  

Liabilities:

        

Derivatives

  $1,819  $1,817  $2  $—  

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

Commitments and Contingencies

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

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

On May 31, 2006,

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

the defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (No. 06-412-DRH). The defendants subsequently filed cross claims against each other for indemnification and contribution, and filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint.complaint, and two defendants (MTD Products, Inc. and American Honda Motor Company) notified the Court that they reached a settlement with the putative plaintiff class. On March 30, 2007, the Court issued an order granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss, the amended complaint in its entirety, but the order permits the plaintiffs to re-file a complaint after amending several claims. Onand on May 8, 2008 the Court issued an opinion that (i) dismissesdismissed all the RICO claims in their entirety with prejudice;prejudice, (ii) dismisses thedismissed all claims of allthe 93 non-Illinois plaintiffs without prejudice but with instructions that theirleave to refile amended claims must be filed in local courts; andindividual state courts, (iii) ordersordered that any amended complaint for the three Illinois plaintiffs must be refiled by May 30, 2008. Two defendants, MTD Products, Inc.2008, and American Honda Motor Company,(iv) rejected the proposed class-wide settlement with MTD.

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

On September 25, 2008, Briggs & Stratton along with several other defendants filed a settlementnew motion with the putative plaintiff class.Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation seeking to transfer the 30-plus actions to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Plaintiffs have not contested that transfer is appropriate, but different groups of plaintiffs have argued that the cases should be transferred to the District of New Jersey, the Northern District of Ohio and the Eastern District of Texas. The Court’s May 8, 2008 Opinion rejects the MTD settlement, but does not address the putative Honda settlement.Multidistrict Litigation Panel has scheduled an oral argument on this matter on November 20, 2008.

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

Impairment and Disposal Charges

Impairment charges were recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Income for $35.2$43.1 million pretax ($21.426.2 million after tax) during the third quarterfiscal 2007, of fiscal 2007. The $35.2 million pretax write-down of assets waswhich $33.9 and $9.2 were recognized in the Engines and Power Products Segments, for $33.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, an additional impairment charge of $7.9 million was recognized in the Power Products Segment. The Engines Segment $33.9 million charge was primarily for the write-down of assets of the Rolla, MO (Rolla) engine manufacturing facility that closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. A decision was made to close the Rolla facility as a result of the Company’s analysis to reduce its fixed manufacturing costs by consolidating production into its other existing engine plants in Poplar Bluff, MO and Chongqing, China. The related impaired machinery and equipment no longer used in production was sold in an auction or scrapped during the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The $9.2 million recognized in the Power Products Segment primarily relates to the closure of the Port Washington, WI (Port Washington) production facility expected to be completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Management of the Company conducted an analysis of the Company’s manufacturing facilities that had been acquired through acquisitions over the past several years. Management concluded to consolidate the lawn and garden manufacturing facilities into three focused factories. A new factory in Newbern, TN, located near the Company’s high volume lawnmower engine plants, will build walk behind lawnmowers for the consumer market. An existing factory in McDonough, GA (McDonough) will build riding lawnmowers for the consumer market. A third factory in Munnsville, NY will build commercial riding lawnmowers and zero turn lawnmowers. The production from Port Washington WI will primarily move to the McDonough GA facility. For each segment,Segment, it was determined that the carrying value of the assets exceeded the undiscounted future cash flows. The impairment was computed as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Fair value was determined based on market prices for comparable assets.

Additionally, anAn expense was recorded within cost of goods sold to accrue for severance payments to be paid to the employees of the Rolla facility. Accrued severance at July 1, 2007 was approximately $1.1 million, all of which was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.million. Another approximately $1.4$1.3 million was accrued in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008, and approximately $2.5$0.4 million was paid in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008. Another $0.1 million was accrued in the remainder of fiscal 2008 and another $2.1 million was paid in the remainder of fiscal 2008, resulting in no remaining accrued severance as of June 29, 2008.

AnAdditionally, an expense was also recorded within cost of goods sold to accrue for severance payments to be paid to employees of the Port Washington facility upon its close. Approximately $1.0A total of approximately $1.8 million of severance expense is expected to be incurred related to the closure of this facility, of which approximately $1.1 million was incurred in fiscal 2008 and of this $1.0 million, approximately $0.5an additional $0.6 million has been incurred asin the first quarter of March 30, 2008.fiscal 2009. Severance payments are contingent upon an employee working through scheduled end dates, and will continue to accrue until the plant closes.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Sale of Investment

During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company and Metal Technologies Holding Company, Inc. (MTHC) entered into a Class B Preferred Share Redemption Agreement that provided for MTHC to pay all dividends in arrears on the 45,000 MTHC Class B preferred shares held by the Company and redeem the shares in exchange for a payment to the Company. The shares were received as part of the payment from MTHC when it acquired certain foundry operations of the Company in 1999. The Company received $66.0 million, resulting in a $37.0 million gain ($29.0 million after tax) on this sale of preferred stock and final dividend payment.

Financial Information of Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness

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

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

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

 

  March 30, 2008
Carrying Amount
  Maximum
Guarantee
  September 28, 2008
Carrying Amount
  Maximum
Guarantee

8.875% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2011

  $266,340  $268,000  $266,616  $268,000

Revolving Credit Facility, expiring July 12, 2012

  $269,100  $500,000  $135,870  $500,000

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

BALANCE SHEET

As of March 30,September 28, 2008

 

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

Current assets

  $710,316  $846,583  $218,601  $(568,895) $1,206,605  $542,591  $455,338  $260,171  $(257,642) $1,000,458

Investment in subsidiaries

   825,177   —     —     (825,177)  —     715,776   —     —     (715,776)  —  

Non-current assets

   383,389   446,751   37,303   —     867,443   544,725   311,804   51,377   (46,030)  861,876
                              
  $1,918,882  $1,293,334  $255,904  $(1,394,072) $2,074,048  $1,803,092  $767,142  $311,548  $(1,019,448) $1,862,334
                              

Current liabilities

  $569,021  $452,020  $169,303  $(553,574) $636,770  $498,802  $111,014  $134,473  $(257,642) $486,647

Long-term debt

   266,340   —     —     —     266,340   266,617   —     —     —     266,617

Other long-term obligations

   222,682   102,303   435   —     325,420   224,617   70,467   46,960   (46,029)  296,015

Shareholders’ investment

   860,839   739,011   86,166   (840,498)  845,518   813,056   585,661   130,115   (715,777)  813,055
                              
  $1,918,882  $1,293,334  $255,904  $(1,394,072) $2,074,048  $1,803,092  $767,142  $311,548  $(1,019,448) $1,862,334
                              

BALANCE SHEET

As of July 1, 2007

RestatedJune 29, 2008

 

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

Current assets

  $563,956  $833,255  $176,817  $(580,935) $993,093  $543,349  $1,071,298  $234,889  $(870,999) $978,537

Investment in subsidiaries

   793,747   —     —     (793,747)  —     1,065,613   —     —     (1,065,613)  —  

Non-current assets

   418,213   438,506   34,656   —     891,375   371,781   445,777   37,199   —     854,757
                              
  $1,775,916  $1,271,761  $211,473  $(1,374,682) $1,884,468  $1,980,743  $1,517,075  $272,088  $(1,936,612) $1,833,294
                              

Current liabilities

  $443,588  $452,975  $140,043  $(563,536) $473,070  $574,795  $462,968  $166,838  $(870,999) $333,602

Long-term debt

   267,909   —     —     —     267,909   365,555   —     —     —     365,555

Other long-term obligations

   204,066   99,571   398   —     304,035   202,870   93,218   526   —     296,614

Shareholders’ investment

   860,353   719,215   71,032   (811,146)  839,454   837,523   960,889   104,724   (1,065,613)  837,523
                              
  $1,775,916  $1,271,761  $211,473  $(1,374,682) $1,884,468  $1,980,743  $1,517,075  $272,088  $(1,936,612) $1,833,294
                              

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended March 30,September 28, 2008

 

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

Net sales

  $514,327  $229,072  $75,514  $(94,127) $724,786 

Cost of goods sold

   409,204   221,632   65,001   (92,603)  603,234 
                     

Gross profit

   105,123   7,440   10,513   (1,524)  121,552 

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

   38,722   20,414   9,397   —     68,533 

Equity in (earnings) loss from subsidiaries

   6,037   —     —     (6,037)  —   
                     

Income (loss) from operations

   60,364   (12,974)  1,116   4,513   53,019 

Interest expense

   (10,061)  (45)  (21)  —     (10,127)

Other income (expense), net

   636   145   1,040   (16)  1,805 
                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

   50,939   (12,874)  2,135   4,497   44,697 

Provision (credit) for income taxes

   12,263   (5,270)  568   —     7,561 
                     

Net income (loss)

  $38,676  $(7,604) $1,567  $4,497  $37,136 
                     

STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended March 30, 2008

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

Net sales

  $1,013,246  $595,741  $173,910  $(212,605) $1,570,292 

Cost of goods sold

   842,946   582,416   145,039   (211,722)  1,358,679 
                     

Gross profit

   170,300   13,325   28,871   (883)  211,613 

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

   116,651   57,556   24,896   —     199,103 

Equity in (earnings) loss from subsidiaries

   25,027   —     —     (25,027)  —   
                     

Income (loss) from operations

   28,622   (44,231)  3,975   24,144   12,510 

Interest expense

   (29,370)  (155)  (185)  —     (29,710)

Other income (expense), net

   36,625   1,838   306   1,053   39,822 
                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

   35,877   (42,548)  4,096   25,197   22,622 

Provision (credit) for income taxes

   13,926   (15,469)  2,044   —     501 
                     

Net income (loss)

  $21,951  $(27,079) $2,052  $25,197  $22,121 
                     

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

Net sales

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

Cost of goods sold

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

Gross profit

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

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

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

Equity in loss from subsidiaries

   2,012   —     —     (2,012)  —   
                     

Loss from operations

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

Interest expense

   (7,782)  (41)  (74)  —     (7,897)

Other income (expense), net

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

Loss before income taxes

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

Provision (credit) for income taxes

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

Net loss

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

STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended April 1,September 30, 2007

Restated

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

Net sales

  $499,703  $240,770  $55,175  $(78,695) $716,953 

Cost of goods sold

   411,980   217,085   45,321   (81,861)  592,525 

Impairment charge

   33,900   —     1,300   —     35,200 
                     

Gross profit

   53,823   23,685   8,554   3,166   89,228 

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

   38,341   19,388   5,921   —     63,650 

Equity in (earnings) loss from subsidiaries

   (4,632)  —     —     4,632   —   
                     

Income from operations

   20,114   4,297   2,633   (1,466)  25,578 

Interest expense

   (13,121)  (44)  (48)  525   (12,688)

Other income (expense), net

   7,770   70   709   (3,751)  4,798 
                     

Income before income taxes

   14,763   4,323   3,294   (4,692)  17,688 

Provision for income taxes

   6,242   2,672   313   (2,123)  7,104 
                     

Net income

  $8,521  $1,651  $2,981  $(2,569) $10,584 
                     

STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended April 1, 2007

Restated

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

Net sales

  $950,319  $589,482  $148,364  $(208,904) $1,479,261   $196,867  $178,054  $45,845  $(53,697) $367,069 

Cost of goods sold

   793,104   535,743   121,454   (209,027)  1,241,274    170,404   172,161   36,895   (55,235)  324,225 

Impairment charge

   33,900   —     1,300   —     35,200 
                                

Gross profit

   123,315   53,739   25,610   123   202,787    26,463   5,893   8,950   1,538   42,844 

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses

   118,338   52,892   22,317   —     193,547    37,213   18,432   8,495   —     64,140 

Equity in (earnings) loss from subsidiaries

   (3,583)  —     —     3,583   —   

Equity in loss from subsidiaries

   8,421   —     —     (8,421)  —   
                                

Income from operations

   8,560   847   3,293   (3,460)  9,240 

Income (loss) from operations

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

Interest expense

   (35,292)  (81)  (181)  2,000   (33,554)   (8,843)  (72)  (58)  —     (8,973)

Other income (expense), net

   8,145   2,230   386   (1,585)  9,176    (865)  905   (613)  595   22 
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

   (18,587)  2,996   3,498   (3,045)  (15,138)

Loss before income taxes

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

Provision (credit) for income taxes

   (4,815)  2,139   772   (1,791)  (3,695)   (5,935)  (3,860)  359   —     (9,436)
                                

Net income (loss)

  $(13,772) $857  $2,726  $(1,254) $(11,443)

Net loss

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the NineThree Months Ended March 30,September 28, 2008

 

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

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

  $(85,430) $(59,799) $(2,617) $10,069  $(137,777)
                     

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Additions to plant and equipment

   (22,272)  (22,726)  (1,586)  —     (46,584)

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

   430   116   50   —     596 

Proceeds received on sale of investment

   66,011   —     —     —     66,011 

Cash investment in subsidiary

   (5,819)  —     (202)  6,021   —   

Other, net

   (503)  —     —     —     (503)
                     

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

   37,847   (22,610)  (1,738)  6,021   19,520 
                     

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Net borrowings on loans and notes payable

   64,668   86,522   9,840   (10,069)  150,961 

Issuance cost of amended revolver

   (1,286)  —     —     —     (1,286)

Dividends

   (21,871)  —     —     —     (21,871)

Stock option proceeds and tax benefits

   991   —     —     —     991 

Capital contributions received

   —     383   5,638   (6,021)  —   
                     

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

   42,502   86,905   15,478   (16,090)  128,795 
                     

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate

      

Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

   —     —     3,397   —     3,397 
                     

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (5,081)  4,496   14,520   —     13,935 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending

  $3,704  $3,094  $36,606  $—    $43,404 
                     
   Briggs & Stratton
Corporation
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations  Consolidated 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

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

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Additions to plant and equipment

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

Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash received

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

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

   —     1,688   6   —     1,694 

Cash investment in subsidiary

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

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

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

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

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

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

Capital contributions received

   —     —     6,605   (6,605)  —   
                     

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

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

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

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

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending

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

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

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

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

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

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Additions to plant and equipment

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

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

   40   82   28   —     150 

Cash investment in subsidiary

   (383)  —     —     383   —   
                     

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

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

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

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

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

Issuance cost of amended Revolver

   (1,286)  —     —     —     (1,286)

Stock option exercise proceeds and tax benefits

   991   —     —     —     991 

Capital contributions received

    383    (383)  —   
                     

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

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

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

   —     —     1,092   —     1,092 
                     

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSSubsequent Event

ForOn October 2, 2008, the Nine Months Ended April 1, 2007Company repurchased $20 million of Briggs & Stratton Corporation 8.875% Notes due March 15, 2011 at a discount, after receiving an unsolicited offer from a bondholder, which resulted in an immaterial gain.

Restated

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

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

  $(156,058) $41,545  $(6,420) $11,653  $(109,280)
                     

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Additions to plant and equipment

   (18,997)  (12,902)  (14,100)  —     (45,999)

Proceeds received on sale of plant and equipment

   472   52   59    583 

Cash investment in subsidiary

   (381)  —     (1,319)  1,700   —   
                     

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

   (18,906)  (12,850)  (15,360)  1,700   (45,416)
                     

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Net borrowings (repayments) on loans and notes payable

   187,618   (35,554)  8,564   (11,653)  148,975 

Dividends

   (22,159)  —     —     —     (22,159)

Stock option proceeds and tax benefits

   2,591   —     —     —     2,591 

Treasury stock purchases

   (48,232)  —     —     —     (48,232)

Capital contributions received

   —     382   1,318   (1,700)  —   
                     

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   119,818   (35,172)  9,882   (13,353)  81,175 
                     

Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate

      

Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (2)  —     1,355   —     1,353 
                     

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (55,148)  (6,477)  (10,543)  —     (72,168)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning

   57,623   6,812   30,656   —     95,091 
                     

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Ending

  $2,475  $335  $20,113  $—    $22,923 
                     

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES

Consolidated net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 totaled $725$458 million, an increase of $8$91 million or 1%25% when compared to fiscal 2007.2008.

ThirdFirst quarter net sales for the Engines Segment were $546$259 million versus $516$208 million for the same period a year ago,in fiscal 2008, an increase of 6%$51 million or 25%. TheThis increase resulted primarily from an increase inreflects 27% greater engine unit shipments between quarters and the favorable impact of sales denominated in Euro due to the change in Euro exchange rates. We have had placement gains in the U.S. as a result of a major competitor no longer supplying lawn and garden engines to OEM customers and we have gained volume from OEM customers in Europe.

Third quarter net sales for the Power Products Segment were $241 million, an $8 million or 3% decrease from the same period a year ago. Sales of lawn and garden equipment grew between years due to increased placement at major retailers, but this was offset by the continued softness in demand for generator product and a small decline in pressure washer shipments ahead of the spring selling season. Major retailers have adequate inventories and appear to be controlling inventory replenishment levels very tightly as they try to navigate through the weak economy.

Consolidated net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 totaled $1.57 billion, an increase of $91 million or 6%, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

Engines Segment sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were $1.07 billion versus $985 million in the prior year, a 9% increase. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in engine unit shipments between years and a favorable impact of sales denominated in Euro due to the change in Euro exchange rates.

Power Products Segment net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were $625 million, an $18 million or 3% increase over the same period a year ago. The increase was partially attributable to low channel inventories of lawn and garden equipment that needed to be replenished due to ongoing demand throughout the summer. Additionally, weather events caused strong demand for portable generator engines and demand increased for snow thrower engines in anticipation of the upcoming snow season.

First quarter Power Products Segment net sales improvementwere $256 million versus $187 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $69 million or 37%. This increase was primarily the result of unit shipment increasesseveral hurricanes making landfall in pressure washers and certain lawn and garden products. Both fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008 lacked demand created by landed-hurricanes. However,the United States in the first fiscalquarter, causing increased sales of portable generators. There was no storm activity in the first quarter of 2007 did havefiscal 2008. Additionally, $13.2 million of sales were included for the benefit of some generator replenishment demand created by tax holiday sales in Florida, while this year’s demandfirst time from the tax holiday event was negligible.June 30, 2008 acquisition of Victa Lawncare Pty. Ltd.

GROSS PROFIT MARGIN

The consolidated gross profit margin in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 increased to 16.8%14.1% from 12.5%11.7% in the same period last year.

Engines Segment margins increasedgross profit margin decreased to 20.8%15.6% in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 from 11.9%16.4% in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2007.2008. This improvementdecline in margin is primarily attributabledue to the benefitmix of favorable exchange rates for Euro denominated salesengines sold with lower profit margins. In addition, manufacturing costs increased due to higher commodity costs and increases in transportation costs and certain other overhead expense categories. These unfavorable items were offset in part due to cost savings of approximately $4.0 million from no longer operating the absence of the $33.9 million write-down of assets incurred in fiscal 2007 for the rationalization of a major operatingRolla, MO plant in the U.S. Additionally, lower manufacturing spending and improved utilization ofabsorption due to higher production facilities, offset by a mix shift to lower margined engines, contributed to this improvement.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

volumes.

The Power Products Segment gross profit margin decreasedincreased to 4.4%8.4% for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 from 10.4%4.5% in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2007.2008. This margin declineimprovement is aprimarily the result of $5.8 millionhigher sales of portable generators combined with improved absorption of fixed costs due to higher production volumes. In addition, initial startup costs for a newthe Newbern, Tennessee plant and new product models for the lawn and garden markets that did not existincurred in the third quarter aprior year ago. Additionally, sales have shifted to a mix of lower margined products.

The consolidated gross profit margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased to 13.5% from 13.7% in the same period a year ago.

Engines Segment margins for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased to 18.0% from 14.2% in fiscal 2007. This improvement is primarily attributable to the absence of the $33.9 million write-down of assets incurred in fiscal 2007 for the rationalization of a major operating plant in the U.S. and the benefit of favorable exchange rates for Euro denominated sales, offset by a mix shift to lower margined engines and the impact of a $19.8 million warranty expense associated with the snow engine recall.

Power Products margins for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased to 3.4% from 10.0% in fiscal 2007. This margin decline is a result of $12.6 million of increased expenses and lower utilization at certain of the Company’s lawn and garden equipment manufacturing plants in conjunction with the start up and reconfiguration of those operations. Additionally, there was an unfavorable mix of sales to lower margined product, primarily in the generator and pressure washer equipment categories.were not recurring.

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $69$65 million in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2008,2009, an increase of $5$1 million or 8%2% from the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2007. Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 were $199 million, an increase of $6 million or 3% from the same period a year ago. The third quarter2008. This increase is primarily attributable to higher salary and transportation expenses. The fiscal year to date increase over last year is attributable to higher salaries and fringe benefits.benefits, offset by reduced marketing and travel expenses.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 20082009 was $10.1$7.9 million, versus $12.7down $1.1 million in fiscal 2007. Interest expense was $29.7from the $9.0 million in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008, versus $33.6 million in fiscal 2007. Interest expense is less in the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2008, due to lower borrowings for working capital and lower average interest rates.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The thirdfirst quarter and year to date fiscal 20082009 effective tax rates are at 16.9% and 2.2%, respectivelyrate is 71.4% versus the 40.2% and 24.4%31.2% used in the same respective periodsperiod last year. The effectiveincrease is a result of a tax rate for the full year is projected to be in the range of 23.0% to 25.0%. The variation reflected between years is duereserve decrease related to the required recognitionfavorable tax treatment of foreign dividends and the impact of foreign exchange and interest rate adjustments. These are discrete items for which the tax effects of certain events as discrete itemsare required to be recognized in the quarter in which they occur in rather than in the overall expected annual tax rate. In addition, the impact of expected tax credits as a percentage of annual earnings for fiscal 2008 results in lowering the projected effective tax rate in fiscal 2008.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash used inby operating activities for the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 20082009 was $138$2 million as compared to $109the $26 million for fiscal 2007, a decrease of $29 million of cash flow from operating activities. Duringin the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008, the net changea $24 million improvement. This improvement is primarily attributable to increased operating earnings resulting from improved sales volumes, combined with $3 million less of working capital accounts including inventory, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, was consistent with the prior year period at an approximate use of $184 million,

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

including an $85 million increase in accounts receivable and an $87 million decline in inventory build-up. The change in accounts receivable is a result of the timing of collections and shipmentsrequirements compared to OEMs. A focus on lowering inventory levels resulted in less of an inventory build-up in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008,2008.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, $34 million was used for investing activities as compared to the same period a year ago. The lower$18 million in fiscal 2008 cash flows from operating activities2008. This $16 million increase is primarily the result of $25 million net cash used for the $37.0 million gain on the saleacquisition of an investment in preferred stock including the final dividends paid on the preferred stock during fiscal 2008, the $35.2 million non-cash impairment charge recognized in fiscal 2007, but absent in fiscal 2008,Victa, offset by $7 million less of additions to plant and equipment. The decrease in additions to plant and equipment primarily relates to the $33.0 million improvementabsence of capital expenditures incurred in earnings.

In the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2008, $20 million was provided by investing activitiesthe prior year related to the new lawn equipment plant located in Newbern, Tennessee and projects in McDonough, Georgia, both of which are taking on additional capacity due to the future closure of our Port Washington, Wisconsin facility. Additionally, capital projects occurred in our Poplar Bluff, Missouri facility in the first quarter of the prior year as compared to $45 million used in investing activities in fiscal 2007. This $65 million increase is a resultit prepared for additional capacity from the closure of $66 million in proceeds received on the sale of an investment in preferred stock including the final dividends paid on the preferred stock.our Rolla, Missouri facility.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $129$38 million in the first nine months fiscal 2008,2009, a $48$13 million increasedecrease from the $81$51 million provided in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2007.2008. This increasedecrease is primarily attributable to the absence of treasury share repurchases in fiscal 2008. Treasury share repurchases of 1.7 million shares or $48 million were made during the first nine months of fiscal 2007, whereas no treasury share repurchases were made in the first nine months of 2008.decreased net borrowings for working capital purposes.

FUTURE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement (“the Revolver”) provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The Company used the proceeds of the Revolver to 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 March 30, 2008,the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the unused availability onof the Revolver isrevolving credit facility was approximately $229$362 million. This credit facility and the Company’sBriggs and Stratton’s other indebtedness contain restrictive covenants as described in NotesNote 8 and 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. As of the end of the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company2009, Briggs & Stratton was in compliance with these covenants.

On August 10, 2006, the Company announced its intent to initiate repurchases of up to $120 million of its common stock through open market transactions during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008. As of March 30, 2008, approximately $48 million of common stock has been repurchased under this plan.

Management expects cash outflows for capital expenditures to be approximately $70$50 million in fiscal 2008.2009. These anticipated expenditures provide for continued investment in equipment, new products and new products.capacity enhancements. These expenditures will be funded using available cash.

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

OTHER MATTERS

A discussion of a change in accounting principle, correction of errors,an acquisition and impairment and disposal charges and a sale of an investment are included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q under the headings Change in Accounting PrincipleAcquisitions and Correction of Errors, Impairment and Disposal Charges, and Sale of Investment, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

There have been no material changes since the September 17, 2007,August 28, 2008, filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes since the September 17, 2007,August 28, 2008, filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Other than the change in the method the Company uses to compute the market related value of the assets within its qualified defined benefit pension plan and the corrections made to address errors found in previously reported financial statements, both discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q under the heading Change in Accounting Principle and Correction of an Error, thereThere have been no material changes in the Company’sBriggs & Stratton’s critical accounting policies since the September 17, 2007August 28, 2008 filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K. As discussed in the Company’sour annual report, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

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

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

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes since the September 17, 2007,August 28, 2008, filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

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

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

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

Name of Nominee

  For  Withheld

Michael E. Batten

  42,235,216  1,204,930

Keith R. McLoughlin

  42,406,508  1,033,638

Brian C. Walker

  31,628,413  11,811,733

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

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

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.0

Amendment to Briggs & Stratton Corporation Key Employee Savings and Investment Plan, Effective January 1, 2008 (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 (Filed herewith)

32.2

 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

 BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
 

(Registrant)

Date: May 9,November 5, 2008 

/s/ James E. Brenn

 James E. Brenn
 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and

Duly Authorized Officer

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.0

Amendment to Briggs & Stratton Corporation Key Employee Savings and Investment Plan, Effective January 1, 2008 (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 (Filed herewith)

32.2

 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)

 

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