-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WOX9ZX49DmGr1gqtHI44jf5i2QDLKRalTJuO10cFIrcZKPInzyP2kW1Rrx7a38WJ eX0QS2psrjAXQuquTA9dUg== 0001193125-08-186462.txt : 20080828 0001193125-08-186462.hdr.sgml : 20080828 20080828130011 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-08-186462 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080629 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080828 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080828 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000014195 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ENGINES & TURBINES [3510] IRS NUMBER: 390182330 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WI FISCAL YEAR END: 0703 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-01370 FILM NUMBER: 081044620 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12301 W WIRTH ST CITY: WAUWATOSA STATE: WI ZIP: 53222 BUSINESS PHONE: 4142595333 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12301 W WIRTH ST CITY: WAUWATOSA STATE: WI ZIP: 53222 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

    (Mark One)    
    ü ]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE    
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934    
     

 

For the fiscal year ended                      JUNE 29, 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)

 

    A Wisconsin Corporation           39-0182330    

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

12301 WEST WIRTH STREET

      WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN      

      53222    
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer   ü      Accelerated filer           Smaller reporting company           

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

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

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was approximately $1.08 billion based on the reported last sale price of such securities as of December 28, 2007, the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding at August 25, 2008: 49,812,479.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document  

Part of Form 10-K Into Which Portions

            of Document are Incorporated            

Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting

on October 15, 2008

  Part III
The Exhibit Index is located on page 62.              


Table of Contents

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

FISCAL 2008 FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I    Page
Item 1.   

Business

   1
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

   4
Item 1B.   

Unresolved Staff Comments

   6
Item 2.   

Properties

   6
Item 3.   

Legal Proceedings

   7
Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   7
  

Executive Officers of the Registrant

   8
PART II   
Item 5.   

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

   9
Item 6.   

Selected Financial Data

   10
Item 7.   

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

   11
Item 7A.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   19
Item 8.   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   20
Item 9.   

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   58
Item 9A.   

Controls and Procedures

   58
Item 9B.   

Other Information

   58
PART III   
Item 10.   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

   58
Item 11.   

Executive Compensation

   59
Item 12.   

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

   59
Item 13.   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

   59
Item 14.   

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   59
PART IV   
Item 15.   

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   59
  

Signatures

   61

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

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


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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Briggs & Stratton (the “Company”) is the world’s largest producer of air cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Briggs & Stratton designs, manufactures, markets and services these products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. These engines are aluminum alloy gasoline engines with displacements ranging from 31 cubic centimeters to 993 cubic centimeters.

Additionally, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, Briggs & Stratton is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of generators (portable and home standby), pressure washers, air compressors, snow throwers, lawn and garden powered equipment (riding and walk behind mowers, tillers, chipper/shredders, leaf blowers and vacuums) and related accessories.

Briggs & Stratton conducts its operations in two reportable segments: Engines and Power Products. Further information about Briggs & Stratton’s business segments is contained in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

Engines

General

Briggs & Stratton’s engines are used primarily by the lawn and garden equipment industry, which accounted for 82% of the segment’s fiscal 2008 engine sales to OEMs. Major lawn and garden equipment applications include walk-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, garden tillers and snow throwers. The remaining 18% of engine sales to OEMs in fiscal 2008 were for use on products for industrial, construction, agricultural and other consumer applications, that include generators, pumps and pressure washers. Many retailers specify Briggs & Stratton’s engines on the powered equipment they sell, and the Briggs & Stratton name is often featured prominently on a product despite the fact that the engine is only a component.

In fiscal 2008, approximately 33% of Briggs & Stratton’s Engines Segment net sales were derived from sales in international markets, primarily to customers in Europe. Briggs & Stratton serves its key international markets through its European regional office in Switzerland, its distribution center in the Netherlands and sales and service subsidiaries and offices in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Briggs & Stratton is a leading supplier of gasoline engines in developed countries where there is an established lawn and garden equipment market. Briggs & Stratton also exports engines to developing nations where its engines are used in agricultural, marine, construction and other applications. More detailed information about our foreign operations is in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

Briggs & Stratton also manufactures replacement engines and service parts and sells them to sales and service distributors. Briggs & Stratton owns its principal international distributors. In the United States the distributors are independently owned and operated. These distributors supply service parts and replacement engines directly to independently owned, authorized service dealers throughout the world. These distributors and service dealers implement Briggs & Stratton’s commitment to reliability and service.

 

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Customers

Briggs & Stratton’s engine sales are made primarily to OEMs. Briggs & Stratton’s three largest external engine customers in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 were Husqvarna Outdoor Products Group (HOP), MTD Products Inc. (MTD) and Deere & Company. Sales to the top three customers combined were 42%, 54% and 51% of Engines Segment net sales in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Under purchasing plans available to all of its gasoline engine customers, Briggs & Stratton typically enters into annual engine supply arrangements.

Briggs & Stratton believes that in fiscal 2008 more than 80% of all lawn and garden powered equipment sold in the United States was sold through mass merchandisers such as Sears Holdings Corporation (Sears), The Home Depot, Inc. (The Home Depot), Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (Lowe’s). Given the buying power of the mass merchandisers, Briggs & Stratton, through its customers, has continued to experience pricing pressure; however, the Company attempts to recover increases in commodity costs through increased pricing. Briggs & Stratton believes that a similar trend has developed for its products in industrial and consumer applications outside of the lawn and garden market.

Competition

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

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

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

Seasonality of Demand

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

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

Manufacturing

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

As announced in April 2007, the Company discontinued operations at our Rolla, Missouri facility during the second fiscal quarter of 2008. Engine manufacturing performed in Rolla has been moved to the Chongqing, China and Poplar Bluff, Missouri plants.

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

 

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

Briggs & Stratton has joint ventures with Daihatsu Motor Company for the manufacture of engines in Japan, with Starting Industrial of Japan for the production of rewind starters and punch press components in the United States, and The Toro Company for the manufacture of two-cycle engines in China.

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

Power Products

General

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

BSPPG has a network of independent dealers worldwide for the sale and service of snow throwers and lawn and garden powered equipment.

To support its international business, BSPPG has leveraged the existing Briggs & Stratton worldwide distribution network.

Customers

Historically, BSPPG’s major customers have been Lowe’s, The Home Depot and Sears. Other U.S. customers include Wal-Mart, Deere & Company, Pace Inc., Tractor Supply Inc., Costco Wholesale, and a network of independent dealers.

Competition

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

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

Seasonality of Demand

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

Manufacturing

BSPPG’s manufacturing facilities are located in Jefferson, Watertown and Port Washington, Wisconsin; McDonough, Georgia; Munnsville, New York; Newbern, Tennessee; and Qingpu, China. BSPPG also purchases certain powered equipment under contract manufacturing agreements.

BSPPG plans to close its Port Washington, Wisconsin manufacturing facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Production will move to the McDonough, Georgia facility.

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

 

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

BSPPG assembles products for the international markets at its U.S. and China locations and through contract manufacturing agreements with other OEMs.

Consolidated

General Information

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

For the fiscal years ended June 29, 2008, July 1, 2007 and July 2, 2006, Briggs & Stratton spent approximately $26.5 million, $25.7 million and $28.8 million, respectively, on research activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products.

The average number of persons employed by Briggs & Stratton during fiscal 2008 was 7,202. Employment ranged from a low of 7,071 in October 2007 to a high of 7,388 in April 2008.

Export Sales

Export sales for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $476.3 million (22% of net sales), $490.7 million (23% of net sales) and $527.0 million (21% of net sales), respectively. These sales were principally to customers in European countries. Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information about geographic areas. Also, refer to Item 7A of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about Briggs & Stratton’s foreign exchange risk management.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

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

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

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

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

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

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

In fiscal 2008, our three largest customers accounted for 28% of our consolidated net sales. The loss of a significant portion of the business of one or more of these key customers would significantly impact our net sales and profitability.

 

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

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

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

In fiscal 2008, we derived approximately 26% of our consolidated net sales from international markets, primarily Europe. Weak economic conditions in Europe could reduce our sales and currency fluctuations could adversely affect our sales or profit levels in U.S. dollar terms.

Actions of our competitors could reduce our sales or profits.

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

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

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

As of June 29, 2008, we had approximately $365.6 million of long-term debt. In addition, we have the ability to incur additional borrowings on our revolving credit facility. This level of debt could adversely affect our operating flexibility and put us at a competitive disadvantage.

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

we may be disadvantaged compared to competitors with less leverage.

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

We expect to obtain the money to pay our expenses and to pay the principal and interest on the outstanding 8.875% senior notes, the credit facilities and other debt primarily from our operations. Our ability to meet our expenses thus depends on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors. We will not be able to control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets where we operate and pressure from competitors. We cannot be certain that the money we earn will be sufficient to allow us to pay principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations. If we do not have enough money, we may be required to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets or borrow more money. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so on terms acceptable to us. In addition, the

 

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terms of existing or future debt agreements, including the revolving credit facilities and our indentures, may restrict us from adopting any of these alternatives.

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

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

 

 

pay dividends or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or to make certain other restricted payments;

 

 

incur indebtedness or issue preferred shares;

 

 

create liens;

 

 

make loans or investments;

 

 

enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

 

 

agree to payment restrictions affecting our restricted subsidiaries;

 

 

consolidate, merge, sell or lease all or substantially all of our assets;

 

 

enter into transactions with affiliates; and

 

 

dispose of assets or the proceeds of sales of our assets.

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

Our failure to comply with restrictive covenants under the indentures governing the senior notes and our revolving credit facility could trigger prepayment obligations.

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

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The corporate offices and one of Briggs & Stratton’s engine manufacturing facilities are located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Briggs & Stratton also has engine manufacturing facilities in Auburn, Alabama; Statesboro, Georgia; Murray, Kentucky; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Ostrava, Czech Republic and Chongqing, China. These are owned facilities containing approximately 2.9 million square feet of office and production area. Briggs & Stratton leases warehouse space in the localities of its engine manufacturing facilities, except China, totaling approximately 662,000 square feet. Additionally, a service parts distribution center consisting of approximately 299,000 square feet is leased in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

BSPPG maintains office space and manufacturing facilities in Brookfield, Jefferson, Watertown and Port Washington, Wisconsin; McDonough, Georgia; Newbern, Tennessee; Munnsville, New York and Qingpu, China. Of these, the domestic facilities, except Brookfield, Wisconsin and Newbern, Tennessee, are owned and contain approximately 1.6 million square feet. The Brookfield, Wisconsin office space is leased and contains approximately 26,000 square feet; the Newbern, Tennessee office space and manufacturing facilities are also leased and contain approximately 267,500 square feet. BSPPG also leases warehouse space in Jefferson, Watertown and Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; McDonough, Georgia; Grand Prairie, Texas; Greenville, Ohio; Reno, Nevada; and Sherrill, New York totaling approximately 1.8 million square feet. Additionally, the Qingpu, China facility is leased and contains approximately 47,000 square feet.

 

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Briggs & Stratton leases approximately 312,000 square feet of space to house its foreign sales and service operations.

As Briggs & Stratton’s business is seasonal, additional warehouse space may be leased when inventory levels are at their peak. Briggs & Stratton’s owned properties are well maintained. Briggs & Stratton believes that its owned and leased facilities are adequate to perform its operations in a reasonable manner.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit (Ronnie Phillips et al. v. Sears Roebuck Corporation et al., No. 04-L-334 (20th Judicial Circuit, St. Clair County, IL)) against Briggs & Stratton and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products they purchased were inaccurate. The plaintiffs sought an injunction, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees under various federal and state laws including the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) on behalf of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1994 through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline combustion engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured by the defendants. On May 31, 2006, the defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (No. 06-412-DRH).

The defendants subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, and two defendants (MTD Products, Inc. and American Honda Motor Company) notified the Court that they reached a settlement with the plaintiff class. On March 30, 2007, the Court issued an order granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss, and on May 8, 2008 the Court issued an opinion that (i) dismissed all the RICO claims with prejudice; (ii) dismissed all claims of the 93 non-Illinois plaintiffs with instructions to refile amended claims in individual state courts; (iii) ordered that any amended complaint for the three Illinois plaintiffs be refiled by May 30, 2008; and (iv) rejected the proposed class-wide settlement with MTD. The plaintiffs have filed new complaints in New Jersey and California federal courts, and refiled an amended complaint in Illinois. Each of these complaints allege, among other things, breach of each state’s consumer fraud laws and seek certification of a state-wide class.

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. Counsel for plaintiffs have represented that they would be filing related actions across the country “and expect to have actions pending in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.” On August 12, 2008 the Multidistrict Litigation Panel denied plantiffs’ request for centralization of these various state proceedings. Defendents’ answers or responsive pleadings in each of the separate federal cases are currently due September 26, 2008.

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

 

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

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the three months ended June 29, 2008.

 

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Executive Officers of the Registrant

   

Name, Age, Position

 

Business Experience for Past Five Years

JOHN S. SHIELY, 56

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(1)(2)(3)

 

Mr. Shiely was elected to his current position effective September 2008, after serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2003.

TODD J. TESKE, 43

President and Chief Operating Officer

 

Mr. Teske was elected to his current position effective September 2008 after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2005. He previously served as Senior Vice President and President – Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC from September 2003 to August 2005.

JAMES E. BRENN, 60

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Mr. Brenn was elected to his current position in October 1998, after serving as Vice President and Controller since November 1988.

DAVID G. DEBAETS, 45

Vice President – North American Operations

(Engine Power Products Group)

 

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

ROBERT F. HEATH, 60

Secretary

 

Mr. Heath was elected to his current position in January 2002. In addition, Mr. Heath is Vice President and General Counsel and has served in these positions since January 2001.

HAROLD L. REDMAN, 44

Vice President and President –

Home Power Products Group

 

Mr. Redman was elected to his current position effective September 2006. He has served as Vice President and President – Home Power Products since May 2006. He also served as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing – Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. since July 1995.

WILLIAM H. REITMAN, 52

Senior Vice President – Sales &

Customer Support

 

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

DAVID J. RODGERS, 37

Controller

 

Mr. Rodgers was elected as an executive officer in September 2007 and has served as Controller since December 2006. He was previously employed by Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. as Vice President – Controller from September 2005 to November 2006 and Vice President – Retail Controller from May 2003 to August 2005.

THOMAS R. SAVAGE, 60

Senior Vice President – Administration

 

Mr. Savage was elected to his current position effective July 1997.

MICHAEL D. SCHOEN, 48

Senior Vice President –

Operations Support

 

Mr. Schoen was elected to his current position effective December 2007 after serving as Senior Vice President and President – International Power Products Group since September 2005. He also served as Vice President – International Group since July 2001.

VINCENT R. SHIELY, 48

Senior Vice President and President –

Yard Power Products Group (3)

 

Mr. Shiely was elected to his current position effective May 2006, after serving as Vice President and President – Home Power Products Group since September 2005. He also served as Vice President and General Manager – Home Power Products Division October 2004 to September 2005. He previously served as Vice President and General Manager – Engine Products Group since September 2002.

 

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CARITA R. TWINEM, 53

Treasurer

 

Ms. Twinem was elected to her current position in February 2000. In addition, Ms. Twinem is Tax Director and has served in this position since July 1994.

JOSEPH C. WRIGHT, 49

Senior Vice President and President –

Engine Power Products Group

 

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

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

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

(3) John S. Shiely and Vincent R. Shiely are brothers.

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

PART II

 

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

Briggs & Stratton common stock and its common share purchase rights are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “BGG”. Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the “Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information” (unaudited) on page 60.

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

Briggs & Stratton did not make any purchases of equity securities registered by the company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Five-year Stock Performance Graph

The chart below is a comparison of the cumulative return over the last five fiscal years had $100 been invested at the close of business on June 30, 2003 in each of Briggs & Stratton common stock, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Smallcap 600 Index and the S&P Machinery Index.

FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN COMPARISON*

Briggs & Stratton versus Published Indices

LOGO

 

  * Total return calculation is based on compounded monthly returns with reinvested dividends.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Fiscal Year    2008   

Restated

2007

   

Restated

2006

  

Restated

2005

  

Restated

2004

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

             

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS (1) (2) (3)

             

NET SALES

   $ 2,151,393    $ 2,156,833     $ 2,539,671    $ 2,651,975    $ 1,947,364

GROSS PROFIT ON SALES

     307,316      295,198       495,345      508,691      441,697

PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

     7,009      (3,399 )     52,533      59,890      71,294

INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY GAIN

     22,600      6,701       105,981      120,525      137,643

INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY GAIN PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

             

Basic Earnings

     0.46      0.13       2.06      2.34      3.04

Diluted Earnings

     0.46      0.13       2.05      2.32      2.72

PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

             

Cash Dividends

     .88      .88       .88      .68      .66

Shareholders’ Investment

   $ 16.90    $ 16.94     $ 20.47    $ 18.28    $ 17.02

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

     49,549      49,715       51,479      51,472      45,286

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

     49,652      49,827       51,594      51,954      50,680

OTHER DATA (1) (2)

             

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

   $ 837,523    $ 838,454     $ 1,045,492    $ 943,837    $ 868,522

LONG-TERM DEBT

     365,555      384,048       383,324      486,321      360,562

CAPITAL LEASES

     1,677      2,379       1,385      1,988      -    

TOTAL ASSETS

     1,833,294      1,884,468       2,049,436      2,072,538      1,724,341

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     1,012,987      1,006,402       1,008,164      1,005,644      867,987

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET OF RESERVES

     391,833      388,318       430,288      447,255      356,542

PROVISION FOR DEPRECIATION

     65,133      70,379       72,734      66,348      59,816

EXPENDITURES FOR PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     65,513      68,000       69,518      86,075      52,962

WORKING CAPITAL

   $ 644,935    $ 519,023     $ 680,606    $ 761,037    $ 677,832

Current Ratio

     2.9 to 1      2.1 to 1       3.0 to 1      3.1 to 1      3.2 to 1

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT YEAR-END

     7,145      7,260       8,701      9,073      7,732

NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS AT YEAR-END

     3,545      3,693       3,874      4,058      4,230

QUOTED MARKET PRICE:

             

High

   $ 33.40    $ 33.07     $ 40.38    $ 44.50    $ 44.22

Low

   $ 12.80    $ 24.29     $ 30.01    $ 30.83    $ 24.68

 

(1) The amounts include the acquisitions of Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. since July 7, 2004 and certain assets of Murray, Inc. since February 11, 2005.

 

(2) Share data adjusted for effect of 2-for-1 stock split effective October 29, 2004.

 

(3) As discussed in Note 3 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has restated its prior years’ financial statements for a change in accounting principle related to its defined benefit pension plan, which occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and for the correction of certain errors which were identified in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The impact of these items was a reduction in fiscal 2005 net sales of approximately $2.9 million. There was no impact on fiscal 2004 net sales. The impact of these items was an increase in fiscal 2005 and 2004 income before extraordinary gain of $3.8 million ($.07 per diluted share) and $1.5 million ($.03 per diluted share), respectively. The impact to the fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 balance sheet data was negligible.

 

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

Results of Operations

FISCAL 2008 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2007

Net Sales

Fiscal 2008 consolidated net sales were approximately $2.15 billion, a decrease of $5.4 million compared to the previous year. The decrease is due to the net effect of lower sales volumes in both segments offset by a favorable mix of product and currency exchange rates in the Engines Segment.

Engines Segment net sales were $1.46 billion compared to $1.45 billion in the prior year, an increase of $12.8 million or 1%. This increase reflects the impact of a favorable mix of shipped products and a favorable currency exchange rate offset by a 4% reduction of engine shipments. The decrease in unit volume was primarily due to the lower demand for engine powered lawn and garden equipment in the U.S.

Power Products Segment net sales were $870.4 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $890.0 million in fiscal 2007, a decrease of $19.6 million or 2%. This decrease was due to a reduction in unit shipments in each product category except shipments of lawn and garden equipment to mass retailers, which reflected product placement that the Company did not have in the prior year. Generally, these sales decreases reflect weak consumer demand for outdoor power equipment.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit was $307.3 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $295.2 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of $12.1 million or 4%. In fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a $13.3 million pretax ($8.1 million after tax) gain associated with the reduction of certain post closing employee benefit costs related to the closing of the Port Washington, Wisconsin manufacturing facility and a $19.8 million pretax ($13.5 million after tax) expense from a snow engine recall. In fiscal 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $43.1 million ($26.2 million, net of taxes) related to write-downs of assets primarily associated with the announced rationalization of two manufacturing plants and $5.0 million pretax ($3.4 million after tax) expense from the snow engine recall. After considering the impact of these items, consolidated gross profit declined $29.5 million, primarily the result of lower sales volumes and lower utilization of production facilities.

Engines Segment gross profit increased to $271.0 million in fiscal 2008 from $216.9 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of $54.1 million. Engines Segment gross profit margins increased to 18.6% in fiscal 2008 from 15.0% in fiscal 2007. Approximately $20.4 million of the improvement is due to fiscal 2007 expenses incurred with the write-down of assets associated primarily with the rationalization of a major manufacturing plant in the United States that were not incurred in fiscal 2008, offset by the increased expense of the snow engine recall in fiscal 2008. The balance of the improvement resulted primarily from $23.1 million of manufacturing cost reductions primarily from the rationalization of the manufacturing plant in the United States. A favorable product mix and favorable currency exchange rates were offset by decreases in unit volume.

The Power Products Segment gross profit decreased to $39.4 million in fiscal 2008 from $80.4 million in fiscal 2007, a decrease of $41.0 million. The Power Products Segment gross profit margins decreased to 4.5% in fiscal 2008 from 9.0% in fiscal 2007. As previously mentioned, a $13.3 million gain associated with the reduction of certain post closing employee benefit costs related to the closing of the Port Washington, Wisconsin manufacturing facility was recorded in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2007, asset impairment charges of $9.2 million were recorded, primarily related to the write-down of assets at this same facility. After considering the impact of these items, gross margins decreased $63.5 million, primarily the result of $22.8 million of manufacturing cost increases due to under utilization of production facilities, $16.5 million of inefficiencies related to the initial year of a plant start-up and $19.2 million of increased costs for raw materials and components.

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Engineering, selling, general and administrative costs increased to $281.0 million in fiscal 2008 from $263.0 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of $17.9 million. Engineering, selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of sales increased to 13.1% in fiscal 2008 from 12.2% in fiscal 2007.

The increase in engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses is due to planned increases in salaries and benefits of $10.0 million, $2.2 million of increased engineering costs and increased selling, marketing and advertising expenses of $1.4 million.

 

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Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $5.6 million in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease is attributable to lower average borrowings between years for working capital requirements and lower average interest rates.

Other Income

Other income increased $26.6 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. This increase is primarily due to the $8.6 million gain on the redemption of preferred stock and $18.3 million of additional dividends received on this stock compared to the prior year.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 23.7% for fiscal 2008 and 102.9% for fiscal 2007. The fiscal 2008 effective tax rate is less than the statutory 35% rate primarily due to the Company’s ability to exclude from taxable income a portion of the distributions received from investments and the benefit from research credits. In 2007, the combination of similar exclusion, the research credit and production activity deduction with a small pre-tax financial loss effectively increased the total tax (benefit) by an amount greater than the pre-tax loss.

FISCAL 2007 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2006

Net Sales

Fiscal 2007 consolidated net sales were approximately $2.16 billion, a decrease of $383 million compared to the previous year. The decrease is primarily due to lower sales volumes in both segments.

Engines Segment net sales were $1.45 billion compared to $1.65 billion in the prior year, a decrease of $201.2 million or 12%. The decrease is primarily the result of a 12% decrease in engine unit shipments between years. The shipment decline is due to a 66% reduction of engine shipments for portable generators caused by a lack of events, such as hurricanes, that cause power outages. The remainder of the decrease is due to lower retail demand for lawn and garden equipment in the U.S. along with a smaller market share in Europe. Unfavorable weather conditions and various economic factors contributed to difficult market conditions for lawn and garden products. Pricing improvements and the impact of favorable Euro exchange rates in fiscal 2007 were almost entirely offset by an unfavorable mix shift to smaller displacement, lower priced engines.

Power Products Segment net sales were $890.0 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $1.18 billion in fiscal 2006, a decrease of $293.5 million or 25%. Approximately $113.0 million of the decrease was the result of the anticipated reduction of Murray branded lawn and garden product sold to retailers. Excluding Murray branded product, lawn and garden equipment sales were comparable between years. The remainder of the net sales decrease was primarily due to a 58% reduction of portable generator unit shipments because of no landed hurricane activity in fiscal 2007 and lower pre-hurricane season sales. These sales decreases were partially offset by an increase in pressure washer unit shipments compared to the same period in the prior year and the introduction of new air compressor and home standby generator products.

Gross Profit

Consolidated gross profit was $295.2 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $495.3 million in fiscal 2006, a decrease of $200.1 million or 40%. In fiscal 2007, the Company recorded impairment charges of $43.1 million ($26.2 million, net of taxes) related to write-downs of assets primarily associated with the announced rationalization of two manufacturing plants. The remainder of the decrease is the result of lower sales and production volumes in both segments.

Engines Segment gross profit decreased to $216.9 million in fiscal 2007 from $388.1 million in fiscal 2006, a decrease of $171.2 million. Engines Segment gross profit margins decreased to 15.0% in fiscal 2007 from 23.5% in fiscal 2006. Approximately $33.9 million of the decline is attributable to expense incurred with the write-down of assets primarily associated with the rationalization of a major operating plant in the United States. The balance of the reduction resulted primarily from lower sales and production volumes, and increased costs for raw materials. Lower unit sales negatively impacted fiscal 2007 margins by approximately $70.0 million. Pricing improvements and the impact of favorable Euro exchange rates in fiscal 2007 were almost entirely offset by an unfavorable mix shift to smaller displacement, lower priced engines. Raw material cost increases primarily related to aluminum, steel, and zinc also negatively impacted margins. Engine production volumes decreased 18.9% in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 reducing fixed cost absorption by approximately $45.0 million. In addition, fiscal 2006 included gains of approximately $12.2 million associated with certain asset sales that were not recurring in fiscal 2007.

 

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The Power Products Segment gross profit decreased to $80.4 million in fiscal 2007 from $110.7 million in fiscal 2006, a decrease of $30.3 million. The Power Products Segment gross profit margins decreased to 9.0% in fiscal 2007 from 9.4% in fiscal 2006. Asset impairment charges of $9.2 million primarily related to the write-down of assets associated with a plan to close the Port Washington manufacturing facility by October 2008 accounted for a gross profit margin decline of approximately 1.0%. Portable generator production volume declines of 65% offset by increased production of pressure washers decreased fixed cost absorption by approximately $13.6 million. These declines were offset by a decrease of $19 million of 2006 expenses associated with the wind down of operations at the Murray, Inc. operating facility and the write-off of excess inventory related to Murray product.

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Engineering, selling, general and administrative costs decreased to $263.0 million in fiscal 2007 from $313.2 million in fiscal 2006, a decrease of $50.2 million. Engineering, selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of sales decreased to 12.2% in fiscal 2007 from 12.3% in fiscal 2006.

The decrease in engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses is due to planned reductions in salaries and benefits of $14 million, reduced professional services and legal fees of $21 million and reduced selling, marketing and advertising expenses of $12 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $1.6 million in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. The increase is attributable to higher average borrowings between years to support higher average working capital requirements.

Other Income

Other income decreased $3.7 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease in other income is due to lower dividends received as well as the Company’s portion of lower earnings at its joint venture investments.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 102.9% for fiscal 2007 and 33.1% for fiscal 2006. The fiscal 2007 effective tax rate results primarily from our ability to exclude from taxable income a portion of the distributions received from investments and the benefit from the research credit and the production activities deduction.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

FISCAL YEARS 2008, 2007 AND 2006

Cash flows from operating activities were $61 million, $88 million and $155 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The fiscal 2008 cash flows from operating activities were $27 million less than the prior year. This decrease is primarily due to lower cash operating earnings that resulted from increased manufacturing costs, offset by $32 million less of working capital requirements between years.

The fiscal 2007 cash flows from operating activities were $67 million less than the prior year. The primary reason for the decrease is due to net income being lower by $99 million in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease in net income was partially offset by non-cash impairment charges of $43 million in fiscal 2007. In addition, higher fourth quarter sales within our Engines Segment increased working capital requirements for accounts receivable by $54 million partially offset by higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The fiscal 2006 cash flows from operating activities were $6 million higher than the prior year. The primary reason for the increase is lower working capital requirements in fiscal 2006. Lower fourth quarter sales in fiscal 2006 resulted in higher inventory levels offset by lower receivables and accrued liabilities including rebates, incentive compensation and income taxes. The reduction in net income between years was more than offset by a series of increased non-cash items in fiscal 2006 including non-cash pension charges, stock compensation expense, gains on fixed asset sales, the deferred tax credit, and the elimination of the extraordinary gain.

Cash provided by investing activities was $0.7 million in fiscal 2008. Cash used in investing activities was $67 million and $55 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. These cash flows include capital expenditures of $66 million, $68 million and $70 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The capital expenditures

 

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relate primarily to reinvestment in equipment, capacity additions and new products. During fiscal 2007, the Company increased its Engines Segment capacity by opening a new plant in Ostrava, Czech Republic which accounted for $15 million of capital expenditures. This new plant began production in December 2006. In addition, the Power Products Segment added lawn and garden product capacity with a new plant in Newbern, Tennessee that accounted for $14 million and $6 million of capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. This plant began production in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

In fiscal 2008, the Company received $66 million in proceeds on the sale of an investment in preferred stock including the final dividends paid on this preferred stock.

In fiscal 2006, Briggs & Stratton received $12 million in cash from the sale of certain operating assets. In addition, Briggs & Stratton received $6 million as a refund of a portion of the cash paid for certain assets of Murray, Inc. in fiscal 2006.

Briggs & Stratton used cash of $63 million, $89 million and $169 million in financing activities in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Company paid common stock dividends of $44 million, $44 million and $45 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In fiscal 2007, Briggs & Stratton repurchased $48 million of its common shares outstanding as part of a $120 million share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors in fiscal 2007. Briggs & Stratton repurchased $35 million of its common shares in fiscal 2006.

In fiscal 2006, the Company paid off $104 million of its long term debt, including $90 million of its term notes due in fiscal 2008.

The Company received $1 million, $4 million and $12 million in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, from the exercise of stock options. The stock option activity is a direct reflection of the market value of the Company’s stock and option strike prices that encourage the exercise of the options.

Future Liquidity and Capital Resources

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement (“Revolver”) provides a revolving credit facility for up to $500 million in revolving loans, including up to $25 million in swing-line loans. The 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. At any time during the term of the Revolver, the Company may, so long as no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied, elect to increase the maximum amount available under the Revolver from $500 million by up to an amount not to exceed $250 million through, at the Company’s election, increases of commitments by existing lenders and/or the addition of new lenders. The Revolver has a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver will be due and payable on July 12, 2012. As of June 29, 2008, borrowings on the Revolver totaled $99.1 million.

On August 10, 2006, Briggs & Stratton 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. The Company repurchased approximately $48 million of common stock under this plan, which expired in February 2008.

Briggs & Stratton expects capital expenditures to be approximately $50 million in fiscal 2009. These anticipated expenditures reflect our plans to continue to reinvest in equipment, new products, and capacity enhancements.

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

Financial Strategy

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

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Briggs & Stratton is subject to financial and operating restrictions in addition to certain financial covenants under its domestic debt agreements. As is fully disclosed in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, these restrictions could limit our ability to: pay dividends; incur further indebtedness; create liens; enter into sale and/or leaseback transactions; consolidate, sell or lease all or substantially all of our assets; and dispose of assets or the proceeds of our assets. We believe we will remain in compliance with these covenants in fiscal 2009. Briggs & Stratton has obligations concerning certain employee benefits including its pension plans, postretirement benefit obligations and deferred compensation arrangements. All of these obligations are recorded on our Balance Sheets and disclosed more fully in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of the Company’s expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of June 29, 2008 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Total         2009         2010-2011         2012-2013         Thereafter

Long-Term Debt

   $   367,077       $ -           $   268,000       $   99,077       $ -    

Interest on Long-Term Debt

     83,640           28,541         50,145         4,954         -    

Capital Leases

     2,077         524         992         561         -    

Operating Leases

     59,303         14,981         23,570         12,766         7,986
                                              
   $ 512,097       $ 44,046       $   342,707       $ 117,358       $ 7,986
                                              

Other Matters

Labor Agreement

Briggs & Stratton has collective bargaining agreements with its unions. These agreements expire at various times ranging from 2008-2013.

Emissions

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

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

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

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

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

Briggs & Stratton’s critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 and Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements include a goodwill assessment, estimates as to the recovery of accounts receivable and inventory reserves, and estimates used in the determination of liabilities related to customer rebates, pension obligations, postretirement benefits, warranty, product liability, litigation and taxation.

The carrying amount of goodwill is tested annually and whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing is performed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units, which have been determined to be one level below the Company’s reportable segments, using a fair value method. The reporting units are Engine Power Products, Home Power Products and Yard Power Products. The fair value represents the amount at which a reporting unit could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties on an arms-length basis. To estimate fair value, the Company periodically retains independent third party valuation experts. Fair value is estimated using a valuation methodology that incorporates three approaches in estimating fair value including the public guideline company method, the guideline transaction method and the discounted cash flow method. The determination of fair value requires significant management judgment including estimating future sales volumes, selling prices and costs, changes in working capital, investments in property and equipment and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The estimated fair value is then compared with the carrying value of the reporting unit, including the recorded goodwill. The Company is subject to financial statement risk to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. The impairment testing performed by the Company at June 29, 2008 indicated that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its corresponding carrying amount, including recorded goodwill and as such, no impairment existed. Other intangible assets with definite lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to impairment testing if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to impairment testing on at least an annual basis. At June 29, 2008 there was no impairment of intangible assets.

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

The Company’s estimate of income taxes payable, deferred income taxes, and the effective tax rate is based on a complex analysis of many factors including interpretations of federal, state and foreign income tax laws, the difference between tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities, estimates of amounts currently due or owed in various jurisdictions, and current accounting standards. We review and update our estimates on a quarterly basis as facts and circumstances change and actual results are known. In addition, Federal, state and foreign taxing authorities periodically review the Company’s estimates and interpretation of income tax laws. Adjustments to the effective income tax rate and recorded tax related assets and liabilities may occur in future periods if actual results differ significantly from original estimates and interpretations.

The pension benefit obligation and related pension expense or income are calculated in accordance with SFAS No.158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132 (R)”, and are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. These rates are evaluated on an annual basis considering such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance. Actuarial valuations at June 29, 2008 used a discount rate of 7.0% and an expected rate of return on plan assets of 8.75%. Our discount rate was selected using a methodology that matches plan cash flows with a selection of Moody’s Aa or higher rated bonds, resulting in a discount rate that better matches a bond yield curve with comparable cash flows. A 0.25% decrease in the discount rate would decrease annual pension expense by approximately $0.5 million. A 0.25% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase our annual pension expense by approximately $2.3 million. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on

 

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plan assets, adjusted for forward looking considerations, including inflation assumptions and active management of the plan’s invested assets. Changes in the discount rate and return on assets can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans, stockholders’ equity and expense. We cannot predict these changes in discount rates or investment returns and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate whether the impact in subsequent years will be significant.

The funded status of the Company’s pension plan is the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets. The projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of all benefits expected to be earned by the employees’ service adjusted for future potential wage increases. At June 29, 2008 the fair value of plan assets exceeded the projected benefit obligation by approximately $52 million.

The other postretirement benefits obligation and related expense or income are also calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132 (R)” and are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the health care trend rate. An increase of one percentage point in health care costs would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $10.0 million and would increase the service and interest cost by $0.8 million. A corresponding decrease of one percentage point, would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit by $9.2 million and decrease the service and interest cost by $0.7 million.

For pension and postretirement benefits, actuarial gains and losses are accounted for in accordance with GAAP. Refer to Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

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 our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas including the treatment of contingent consideration, contingencies, acquisition costs, in-process research and development, and restructuring costs. In addition, under SFAS No. 141R, changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties in a business combination after the measurement period will impact income taxes. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and will impact the accounting for any business combinations entered into after the effective date.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (SFAS 159). This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value option permits a company to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A company will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings after adoption. Statement 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

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. In February 2008, the FASB issued a final Staff Position to allow a one-year deferral adoption of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The FASB also decided to amend SFAS 157 to exclude FASB Statement No. 13 and its related interpretive

 

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accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

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, 2008. Briggs & Stratton adopted SFAS 158 on July 1, 2007. See Note 14 – Employee Benefit Costs in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. FIN 48 details how companies should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that have been or expect to be taken. As such, the financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. FIN 48 is effective for public companies for annual periods that begin after December 15, 2006. See Note 5 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s adoption of FIN 48 in its 2008 fiscal year.

 

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ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Foreign Currency

Briggs & Stratton’s earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against various currencies, with the Japanese Yen and the Euro as the most significant. The Yen is used to purchase engines from Briggs & Stratton’s joint venture. Briggs & Stratton purchases components in Euros from third parties and receives Euros for certain products sold to European customers. Briggs & Stratton’s foreign subsidiaries’ earnings are also influenced by fluctuations of the local currency against the U.S. dollar as these subsidiaries purchase inventory from the parent in U.S. dollars. Forward foreign exchange contracts are used to partially hedge against the earnings effects of such fluctuations. At June 29, 2008, Briggs & Stratton had the following forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding with the Fair Value (Gains) Losses shown (in thousands):

 

Hedge

Currency

  

Notional

Value

  

Fair Market

Value

  

Conversion

Currency

  

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

Japanese Yen

   1,200,000     $ 11,405    U.S.      $ (85)  

Australian Dollars

   5,480     $ 5,196    U.S.      $ 270   

All of the above contracts expire within twelve months.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may also impact the shareholders’ investment in Briggs & Stratton. Amounts invested in Briggs & Stratton’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at fiscal year-end. The resulting cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in Shareholders’ Investment as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The cumulative translation adjustments component of Shareholders’ Investment increased $10.8 million during the year. Using the year-end exchange rates, the total amount invested in non-U.S. subsidiaries on June 29, 2008 was approximately $98.8 million.

Interest Rates

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

On June 29, 2008, Briggs & Stratton had the following short-term loans outstanding (in thousands):

 

Currency

  

Amount

       

Weighted Average

Interest Rate

U.S. Dollars

   $ 3,000       5.11%
This loan has a variable interest rate. Assuming borrowings are outstanding for an entire year, an increase (decrease) of one percentage point in the weighted average interest rate, would increase (decrease) interest expense by $30 thousand.
Long-term loans, net of unamortized discount, consisted of the following (in thousands):

Description

  

Amount

        

Maturity

8.875% Senior Notes

   $   266,478       2011

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ 99,077       2012

The Senior Notes carry fixed rates of interest and are therefore not subject to market fluctuation. The Revolving Credit Facility has a variable interest rate. Assuming borrowings are outstanding for an entire year, an increase (decrease) of one percentage point in the weighted average interest rate, would increase (decrease) interest expense by approximately $1.0 million.

 

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ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

AS OF JUNE 29, 2008 AND JULY 1, 2007

(in thousands)

 

ASSETS   

2008

  

Restated

2007

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

     $ 32,468      $ 29,469

Receivables, Less Reserves of $5,607 and $4,102, Respectively

     320,568      327,475

Inventories:

     

Finished Products and Parts

     339,186      344,074

Work in Process

     177,280      198,242

Raw Materials

     13,738      7,766
             

Total Inventories

     530,204      550,082

Deferred Income Tax Asset

     53,496      55,520

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     41,801      30,547
             

Total Current Assets

     978,537      993,093

GOODWILL

     248,328      250,107

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Net

     90,687      92,556

INVESTMENTS

     21,956      47,326

PREPAID PENSION

     90,020      103,247

DEFERRED LOAN COSTS, Net

     3,106      3,135

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS, Net

     8,827      6,686

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

     

Land and Land Improvements

     18,826      18,039

Buildings

     139,876      142,873

Machinery and Equipment

     838,085      814,037

Construction in Progress

     16,200      31,453
             
     1,012,987      1,006,402

Less - Accumulated Depreciation

     621,154      618,084
             

Total Plant and Equipment, Net

     391,833      388,318
             
     $   1,833,294      $   1,884,468
             

 

 

 

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

 

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AS OF JUNE 29, 2008 AND JULY 1, 2007

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT   

2008

   

Restated

2007

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts Payable

     $ 170,476       $ 187,776  

Short-term Debt

     3,000       3,000  

Current Maturities on Long-term Debt

     -           116,139  

Accrued Liabilities:

    

Wages and Salaries

     40,870       27,901  

Warranty

     34,913       37,353  

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

     30,621       37,504  

Other

     53,722       64,397  
                

Total Accrued Liabilities

     160,126       167,155  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     333,602       474,070  

DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITY

     47,266       37,300  

ACCRUED PENSION COST

     36,173       39,438  

ACCRUED WARRANTY

     14,635       17,213  

ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

     18,521       20,072  

ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE OBLIGATION

     161,684       186,868  

LONG-TERM DEBT

     365,555       267,909  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     18,335       3,144  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

    

Common Stock -

    

Authorized 120,000 Shares $.01 Par Value,
Issued 57,854 Shares

     579       579  

Additional Paid-In Capital

     76,667       73,149  

Retained Earnings

     1,082,553       1,107,514  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (110,234 )     (128,951 )

Treasury Stock at Cost,
8,154 Shares in 2008 and 8,222 Shares in 2007

     (212,042 )     (213,837 )
                

Total Shareholders’ Investment

     837,523       838,454  
                
     $   1,833,294       $   1,884,468  
                

 

 

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2008, JULY 1, 2007 AND JULY 2, 2006

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

2008

    

Restated

2007

    

Restated

2006

 

NET SALES

   $   2,151,393      $   2,156,833      $   2,539,671  

COST OF GOODS SOLD

     1,844,077        1,818,547        2,044,326  

IMPAIRMENT CHARGE

     -            43,088        -      
                          

Gross Profit

     307,316        295,198        495,345  

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     280,976        263,041        313,231  
                          

Income from Operations

     26,340        32,157        182,114  

INTEREST EXPENSE

     (38,123 )      (43,691 )      (42,091 )

OTHER INCOME, Net

     41,392        14,836        18,491  
                          

Income Before Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     29,609        3,302        158,514  

PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

     7,009        (3,399 )      52,533  
                          

NET INCOME

   $ 22,600      $ 6,701      $ 105,981  
                          

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

        

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

     49,549        49,715        51,479  

Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.46      $ 0.13      $ 2.06  
                          

Diluted Average Shares Outstanding

     49,652        49,827        51,594  

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.46      $ 0.13      $ 2.05  
                          

 

 

 

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2008, JULY 1, 2007 AND JULY 2, 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)    Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Restated
Retained
Earnings
    Restated
Accumulated
Other Com-
prehensive
Income
(Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Restated
Comprehensive
Income
 

RESTATED BALANCES, JULY 3, 2005

   $ 579    $ 53,808     $ 1,083,980     $ (48,331 )   $ (146,199 )  

Comprehensive Income:

             

Restated Net Income

     -          -           105,981       -           -         $ 105,981  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

     -          -           -           1,785       -           1,785  

Unrealized Loss on Derivatives

     -          -           -           (1,255 )     -           (1,255 )

Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment, net of tax of $(33,733)

     -          -           -           52,761       -           52,761  
                   

Total Comprehensive Income

     -          -           -           -           -         $ 159,272  
                   

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.88 per share)

     -          -           (45,278 )     -           -        

Purchase of Common Stock for Treasury

     -          -           -           -           (34,919 )  

Stock Option Activity, net of tax

     -          10,455       -           -           10,254    

Restricted Stock

     -          (1,059 )     -           -           925    

Amortization of Unearned Compensation

     -          1,276       -           -           -        

Deferred Stock

     -          605       -           -           -        

Shares Issued to Directors

     -          41       -           -           83    
                                         

RESTATED BALANCES, JULY 2, 2006

   $ 579    $ 65,126     $   1,144,683     $ 4,960     $   (169,856 )  

Comprehensive Income:

             

Restated Net Income

     -          -           6,701       -           -         $ 6,701  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

     -          -           -           4,275       -           4,275  

Unrealized Loss on Derivatives

     -          -           -           (765 )     -           (765 )

Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment, net of tax of $(1,218)

     -          -           -           (1,904 )     -           (1,904 )
                   

Total Comprehensive Income

     -          -           -           -           -         $ 8,307  
                   

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.88 per share)

     -          -           (43,870 )     -           -        

Purchase of Common Stock for Treasury

     -          -           -           -           (48,232 )  

Stock Option Activity, net of tax

     -          7,226       -           -           3,725    

Restricted Stock

     -          (559 )     -           -           436    

Amortization of Unearned Compensation

     -          1,023       -           -           -        

Deferred Stock

     -          326       -           -           -        

Shares Issued to Directors

     -          7       -           -           90    

Adjustment to Initially Apply SFAS 158, net of tax of $(86,643)

     -          -           -           (135,517 )     -        
                                         

RESTATED BALANCES, JULY 1, 2007

   $ 579    $ 73,149     $ 1,107,514     $ (128,951 )   $ (213,837 )  

Comprehensive Income:

             

Net Income

     -          -           22,600       -           -         $ 22,600  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

     -          -           -           10,846       -           10,846  

Unrealized Gain on Derivatives

     -          -           -           5,550       -           5,550  

Change in Pension and Postretirement Plans, net of tax of $1,483

     -          -           -           2,321       -           2,321  
                   

Total Comprehensive Income

     -          -           -           -           -         $ 41,317  
                   

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.88 per share)

     -          -           (43,560 )     -           -        

Stock Option Activity, net of tax

     -          3,230       -           -           1,065    

Restricted Stock

     -          (974 )     -           -           638    

Amortization of Unearned Compensation

     -          1,117       -           -           -        

Deferred Stock

     -          142       -           -           -        

Shares Issued to Directors

     -          3       -           -           92    

Adoption of FIN 48

     -          -           (4,001 )     -           -        
                                         

BALANCES, JUNE 29, 2008

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

 

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2008, JULY 1, 2007 AND JULY 2, 2006

(in thousands)

    

2008

   

Restated

2007

   

Restated

2006

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net Income

   $     22,600     $ 6,701     $     105,981  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

      

Depreciation and Amortization

     68,886       74,314       77,234  

Stock Compensation Expense

     4,563       8,484       9,999  

Impairment Charge

     -           43,088       -      

Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net of Dividends

     (788 )     1,576       459  

(Gain) Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     2,708       2,939       (11,139 )

Gain on Sale of Investment

     (36,960 )     -           -      

Gain on Curtailment of Employee Benefits

     (13,288 )     -           -      

(Provision) Credit for Deferred Income Taxes

     10,506       (17,447 )     (7,925 )

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effects of Acquisition:

      

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

     6,906       (53,972 )     87,284  

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

     18,390       7,132       (91,450 )

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     9,954       11,558       (12,302 )

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

     (22,157 )     16,618       (4,795 )

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

     (2,258 )     (8,391 )     899  

Other, Net

     (7,773 )     (4,761 )     363  
                        

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     61,289       87,839       154,608  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (65,513 )     (68,000 )     (69,518 )

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     680       599       11,518  

Proceeds Received on Sale of Investment

     66,011       -           -      

Refund of Cash Paid for Acquisition

     -           -           6,347  

Other, Net

     (503 )     -           (3,400 )
                        

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities

     675       (67,401 )     (55,053 )
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

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

     (19,062 )     (473 )     (100,795 )

Issuance Cost of Amended Revolver

     (1,286 )     -           -      

Cash Dividends Paid

     (43,560 )     (43,870 )     (45,278 )

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

     991       3,694       12,457  

Treasury Stock Purchases

     -           (48,232 )     (34,919 )
                        

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

     (62,917 )     (88,881 )     (168,535 )
                        

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

     3,952       2,821       2,498  
                        

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     2,999       (65,622 )     (66,482 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

      

Beginning of Year

     29,469       95,091       161,573  
                        

End of Year

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

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

      

Interest Paid

   $ 40,332     $ 43,169     $ 40,503  
                        

Income Taxes Paid

   $ 4,169     $     12,342     $ 75,347  
                        

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

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2008, JULY 1, 2007 AND JULY 2, 2006

 

(1)  Nature of Operations:

Briggs & Stratton (the “Company”) is a U.S. based producer of air cooled gasoline engines and engine powered outdoor equipment. The engines are sold worldwide, primarily to original equipment manufacturers of lawn and garden equipment and other gasoline engine powered equipment. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC (“BSPPG”), is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of outdoor power equipment and related accessories. BSPPG’s products are sold primarily in the U.S.

(2)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Fiscal Year: The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Sunday nearest the last day of June in each year. Fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 were all 52 weeks long. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents: This caption includes cash, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Bank overdrafts of $2.2 million and $16.2 million are included in accounts payable at June 29, 2008 and July 2, 2007, respectively.

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

Inventories: Inventories are stated at cost, which does not exceed market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method was used for determining the cost of approximately 53% of total inventories at June 29, 2008 and 50% of total inventories at July 1, 2007. The cost for the remaining inventories was determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. If the FIFO inventory valuation method had been used exclusively, inventories would have been $72.1 million and $63.3 million higher in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The LIFO inventory adjustment was determined on an overall basis, and accordingly, each class of inventory reflects an allocation based on the FIFO amounts.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill reflects the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. The reporting units are Engine Power Products, Home Power Products and Yard Power Products and have goodwill at June 29, 2008 of $129.0 million, $86.9 million, and $32.4 million, respectively. Other Intangible Assets reflect identifiable intangible assets that arose from purchase acquisitions. Other Intangible Assets are comprised of trademarks, patents and customer relationships. Goodwill and trademarks, which are considered to have indefinite lives are not amortized; however, both must be tested for impairment annually. Amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis for other intangible assets with finite lives. Patents have been assigned an estimated weighted average useful life of thirteen years. The customer relationships have been assigned an estimated useful life of twenty-five years. The Company is subject to financial statement risk in the event that goodwill and intangible assets become impaired. The Company performed the required impairment tests in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, and found no impairment of the assets.

Investments: This caption represents the Company’s investment in its 30% and 50% owned joint ventures. Until the second quarter of fiscal 2008, investments also included preferred stock in privately held Metal

 

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Technologies Holding Company, Inc. (MTHC). The investments in the joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company and 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.

Deferred Loan Costs: Expenses associated with the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized and are being amortized over the terms of the respective financing arrangement using the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to ten years. Accumulated amortization related to outstanding debt instruments amounted to $14.0 million as of June 29, 2008 and $12.3 million as of July 1, 2007.

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

 

     Useful Life Range (In Years)

Software

   3 - 10

Land Improvements

   20 - 40

Buildings

   20 - 50

Machinery & Equipment

   3 - 20

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

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of assets. There were no adjustments to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2006 or 2008. Refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2007.

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 fiscal 2008 and 2007, the Company incurred $19.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of expenses to accrue for current and future warranty claims related to a snow thrower engine recall. 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 June 29, 2008, the Consolidated Balance Sheet includes $3.8 million of reserves for this specific engine warranty matter. Product liability reserves totaling less than $50,000 have been 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 for the reporting period (in thousands):

 

    

2008

   

2007

 

Balance, Beginning of Period

   $ 54,566     $ 53,233  

Payments

     (50,263 )     (34,046 )

Provision for Current Year Warranties

     47,402       35,372  

Credit for Prior Years Warranties

     (2,157 )     7  
                

Balance, End of Period

   $ 49,548     $ 54,566  
                

Deferred Revenue on Sale of Plant and Equipment: During fiscal 2006, a pretax gain of $6.1 million was recorded as the Company ceased its involvement in its Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin facility sold in 1997. The

 

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terms and conditions of the sales contract were such that the Company continued to own and occupy a portion of the warehouse until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,” the Company accounted for the agreement as a financing transaction while it remained involved with the facility. Under this method, the cash received in fiscal 1997 was reflected as deferred revenue and the assets and the accumulated depreciation remained on the Company’s books until its involvement in the facility ceased. Depreciation expense, imputed interest expense, and imputed fair value lease income on the non-Briggs & Stratton occupied portion of the building were recorded and added to deferred revenue up until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

Revenue Recognition: Net sales include sales of engines, power products, and related service parts and accessories, net of allowances for cash discounts, customer volume rebates and discounts, and advertising allowances. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition,” as amended, the Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. This is generally upon shipment, except for certain international shipments, where revenue is recognized when the customer receives the product.

Included in net sales are costs associated with programs under which Briggs & Stratton shares the expense of financing certain dealer and distributor inventories, referred to as floor plan expense. This represents interest for a pre-established length of time based on a variable rate from a contract with a third party financing source for dealer and distributor inventory purchases. Sharing the cost of these financing arrangements is used by Briggs & Stratton as a marketing incentive for customers to buy inventory. The financing costs included in net sales in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $9.1 million, $13.1 million and $12.7 million, respectively.

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

Income Taxes: The Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes includes federal, state and foreign income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Deferred Income Tax Asset represents temporary differences relating to current assets and current liabilities, and the Deferred Income Tax Liability represents temporary differences relating to noncurrent assets and liabilities.

Retirement Plans: The Company has noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement benefit plans covering certain employees. Retirement benefits represent a form of deferred compensation, which are subject to change due to changes in assumptions. Management reviews underlying assumptions on an annual basis. Refer to Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Research and Development Costs: Expenditures relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements and refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred. The amounts charged against income were $26.5 million in fiscal 2008, $25.7 million in fiscal 2007 and $28.8 million in fiscal 2006.

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs, included in Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings, are expensed as incurred. These expenses totaled $34.0 million in fiscal 2008, $31.5 million in fiscal 2007 and $33.4 million in fiscal 2006.

The Company reports co-op advertising expense as a reduction in net sales. Co-op advertising expense reported as a reduction in net sales totaled $10.2 million in fiscal 2008, $11.4 million in fiscal 2007 and $20.2 million in fiscal 2006.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs: Revenue received from shipping and handling fees is reflected in net sales. Shipping fee revenue for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $4.8 million, $4.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.

Foreign Currency Translation: Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at fiscal year-end. Income and expenses incurred in a foreign currency are translated at

 

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the average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of Shareholders’ Investment.

Earnings Per Share: 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.

The shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 excludes outstanding options to purchase 3,885,321, 2,722,091 and 1,434,193 shares of common stock, respectively, with weighted average exercise prices of $31.96, $35.64 and $37.21, respectively. These options are excluded because their exercise prices are greater than the average market price of the common shares, and their inclusion in the computation would be antidilutive.

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

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     June 29, 2008    Restated
July 1, 2007
   Restated
July 2, 2006

Net Income Used in Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 22,600    $ 6,701    $ 105,981
                    

Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

     49,549      49,715      51,479

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

     1      16      42

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

     102      96      73
                    

Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding

     49,652      49,827      51,594
                    

Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting method that includes disclosure of financial information that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net income. The Company has chosen to report Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) which encompasses net income, cumulative translation adjustments, unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, minimum pension liability adjustments and unrecognized pension and postretirement obligations in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment. The Company’s implementation of SFAS No. 158 on July 1, 2007 affected Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by recognizing the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. Information on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows (in thousands):

 

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

Balance at July 3, 2005

   $ 5,739    $ 919     $ (54,989 )   $ -         $ (48,331 )

Fiscal Year Change

     1,785      (1,255 )     52,761       -           53,291  
                                       

Balance at July 2, 2006

     7,524      (336 )     (2,228 )     -           4,960  

Fiscal Year Change

     4,275      (765 )     2,228       (139,649 )     (133,911 )
                                       

Balance at July 1, 2007

     11,799      (1,101 )     -           (139,649 )     (128,951 )

Fiscal Year Change

     10,846      5,550       -           2,321       18,717  
                                       

Balance at June 29, 2008

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

Derivatives: Derivatives are recorded on the Balance Sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Briggs & Stratton enters into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges to manage currency and certain raw 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 Statements of Earnings or as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

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(Loss). The amounts included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) will be reclassified into income when the forecasted transactions occur. These forecasted transactions represent the exporting of products for which Briggs & Stratton 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 Statements of Earnings.

Briggs & Stratton 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, Briggs & Stratton hedges approximately 50-100% of its anticipated monthly natural gas usage along with a pool of other companies. Briggs & Stratton 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 party and the actual price of natural gas paid by Briggs & Stratton 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 Income (Loss), which are reclassified into the income statement as the monthly cash settlements occur and actual natural gas is consumed.

Briggs & Stratton 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. Briggs & Stratton hedges approximately 50-60% of its anticipated copper usage, and the fair value of outstanding futures contracts is reflected as an asset or liability on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets based on NYMEX prices. Changes in fair value are reflected as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) if the forward purchase contracts are deemed to be effective. Changes in the fair value of all derivatives deemed to be ineffective would be recorded as either income or expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Unrealized gains or losses associated with the forward purchase contracts are captured in inventory costs and are realized in the income statement when sales of inventory are made.

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 our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas including the treatment of contingent consideration, contingencies, acquisition costs, in–process research and development, and restructuring costs. In addition, under SFAS No. 141R, changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties in a business combination after the measurement period will impact income taxes. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and will impact the accounting for any business combinations entered into after the effective date.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (SFAS 159). This standard permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The fair value

 

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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. Statement 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

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. In February 2008, the FASB issued a final Staff Position to allow a one-year deferral adoption of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The FASB also decided to amend SFAS 157 to exclude FASB Statement No. 13 and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions. At this time, the impact of adoption of SFAS 157 on our consolidated financial position is being assessed.

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, 2008. Briggs & Stratton adopted SFAS 158 on July 1, 2007. See Note 14 – Employee Benefit Costs in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. FIN 48 details how companies should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that have been or expect to be taken. As such, the financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. FIN 48 is effective for public companies for annual periods that begin after December 15, 2006. See Note 5 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding the Company’s adoption of FIN 48 in its 2008 fiscal year.

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

(3) 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. 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.

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 and July 2, 2006. First, the Company did not

 

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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 $0.3 million ($.01 per diluted share) for fiscal 2007 and a reduction of $2.4 million ($.05 per diluted share) for fiscal 2006. The cumulative effect of correcting these errors for periods prior to fiscal 2006 reduced retained earnings by $5.5 million. The Company does 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 financial statements.

The financial statement items affected by the change in accounting principle and correction of errors are shown in the following tables (in thousands, except per share data):

Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

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

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  

Other

     67,797       -           (3,400 )     64,397  

Total Accrued Liabilities

     170,555       -           (3,400 )     167,155  

Total Current Liabilities

     469,170       -           4,900       474,070  

Retained Earnings

     1,042,673       72,441       (7,600 )     1,107,514  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     (56,510 )     (72,441 )     -           (128,951 )

Total Shareholders’ Investment

     846,054       -           (7,600 )     838,454  

TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

     1,887,168       -           (2,700 )     1,884,468  

Consolidated Statements of Earnings:

 

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

Net Sales

   $ 2,157,233     $ -         $ (400 )   $ 2,156,833  

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,827,013       (7,666 )     (800 )     1,818,547  

Gross Profit

     287,132       7,666       400       295,198  

ESG&A

     265,596       (2,555 )     -           263,041  

Income from Operations

     21,536       10,221       400       32,157  

(Loss) Income before Credit for Income Taxes

     (7,319 )     10,221       400       3,302  

Credit for Income Taxes

     (7,465 )     3,986       80       (3,399 )

Net Income

     146       6,235       320       6,701  

Basic EPS

     0.00       0.12       0.01       0.13  

Diluted EPS

     0.00       0.12       0.01       0.13  

 

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Notes…

 

 

     Fiscal Year Ended July 2, 2006  
     As Reported      
 
 
Pension
Accounting
Change
 
 
 
    Error Correction       As Restated  

Net Sales

   $ 2,542,171     $ -         $ (2,500 )   $ 2,539,671  

Cost of Goods Sold

     2,050,487       (7,461 )     1,300       2,044,326  

Gross Profit

     491,684       7,461       (3,800 )     495,345  

ESG&A

     315,718       (2,487 )     -           313,231  

Income from Operations

     175,966       9,948       (3,800 )     182,114  

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

     152,366       9,948       (3,800 )     158,514  

Provision for Income Taxes

     50,020       3,880       (1,367 )     52,533  

Net Income

     102,346       6,068       (2,433 )     105,981  

Basic EPS

     1.99       0.12       (0.05 )     2.06  

Diluted EPS

     1.98       0.12       (0.05 )     2.05  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

 

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

Net Income

   $ 146     $ 6,235     $ 320     $ 6,701  

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes

     (21,513 )     3,986       80       (17,447 )

Decrease in Inventory

     7,732       -           (600 )     7,132  

Increase In Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and
Income Taxes

     16,418       -           200       16,618  

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

     1,830       (10,221 )     -           (8,391 )
     Fiscal Year Ended July 2, 2006  
     As Reported      
 
 
Pension
Accounting
Change
 
 
 
    Error Correction       As Restated  

Net Income

   $ 102,346     $ 6,068     $ (2,433 )   $ 105,981  

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes

     (10,438 )     3,880       (1,367 )     (7,925 )

Increase in Inventory

     (92,350 )     -           900       (91,450 )

Decrease In Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and
Income Taxes

     (7,695 )     -           2,900       (4,795 )

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

     10,847       (9,948 )     -           899  

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

(4)  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill reflects the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. The reporting units are Engine Power Products, Home Power Products and Yard Power Products and have goodwill at June 29, 2008 of $129.0 million, $86.9 million, and $32.4 million, respectively.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

    

2008

   

2007

 

Beginning Goodwill Balance

   $ 250,107     $ 251,885  

Tax Benefit on Amortization

     (1,779 )     (1,778 )
                

Ending Goodwill Balance

   $ 248,328     $ 250,107  
                

 

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Notes…

 

 

The Company’s other intangible assets for the years ended June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007
    

Gross
Carrying
Amount

  

Accumulated
Amortization

   

Net

  

Gross
Carrying
Amount

  

Accumulated
Amortization

  

Net

Amortized Intangible Assets:

                

Patents

   $ 13,281    $ (4,638 )   $ 8,643    $ 13,281    $ (3,488)    $ 9,793

Customer Relationships

     17,910      (2,866 )     15,044      17,910      (2,149)      15,761

Miscellaneous

     279      (279 )     -          279      (277)      2
                                          

Total Amortized Intangible Assets

     31,470      (7,783 )     23,687      31,470      (5,914)      25,556

Unamortized Intangible Assets:

                

Trademarks/Brand Names

     67,000      -           67,000      67,000      -          67,000
                                          

Total Unamortized Intangible Assets

     67,000      -           67,000      67,000      -          67,000
                                          

Total Intangible Assets

   $ 98,470    $ (7,783 )   $ 90,687    $ 98,470    $ (5,914)    $ 92,556
                                          

Amortization expense of other intangible assets amounts to approximately $1,869,100, $2,039,200 and $1,850,000 in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

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

 

2009

   $ 1,860

2010

     1,860

2011

     1,860

2012

     1,860

2013

     1,860
      
   $ 9,300
      

(5)  Income Taxes:

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

 

     2008     Restated
2007
    Restated
2006
 

Current

      

Federal

   $ (5,800 )   $ 11,861     $ 51,743  

State

     3       961       7,796  

Foreign

     2,300       1,226       919  
                        
     (3,497 )     14,048       60,458  

Deferred

     10,506       (17,447 )     (7,925 )
                        
   $ 7,009     $ (3,399 )   $ 52,533  
                        

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

 

 

     2008       Restated
2007
    Restated
2006
 

U.S. Statutory Rate

     35.0%        35.0%        35.0%   

State Taxes, Net of Federal Tax Benefit

     2.4%        14.4%        2.6%   

Foreign Tax Benefits

     3.4%        (6.0%)       (0.1%)  

Resolution of Prior Period Tax Matters

     -           -           (1.7%)  

Benefit on Dividends Received

     (22.3%)       48.7%        (2.9%)  

Other

     5.2%        10.8%        0.2%   
                        

Effective Tax Rate

     23.7%        102.9%        33.1%   
                        

 

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Notes…

 

 

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

    
Current Asset:   

2008

   

2007

 

Difference Between Book and Tax Related to:

    

Inventory

   $ 16,674     $ 15,153  

Payroll Related Accruals

     3,279       3,110  

Warranty Reserves

     14,010       14,670  

Workers Compensation Accruals

     2,976       2,971  

Other Accrued Liabilities

     22,508       23,765  

Pension Cost

     1,022       977  

Miscellaneous

     (6,973 )     (5,126 )
                

Deferred Income Tax Asset

   $ 53,496     $ 55,520  
                
Long-Term Liability:   

2008

   

2007

 

Difference Between Book and Tax Related to:

    

Pension Cost

   $ 31,270     $ 34,114  

Accumulated Depreciation

     50,606       48,198  

Intangibles

     68,358       64,952  

Accrued Employee Benefits

     (25,836 )     (24,165 )

Postretirement Health Care Obligation

     (62,736 )     (72,558 )

Warranty

     (5,707 )     (6,712 )

Miscellaneous

     (8,689 )     (6,529 )
                

Deferred Income Tax Liability

   $ 47,266     $ 37,300  
                

The Company has not recorded deferred income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. These undistributed earnings amounted to approximately $14.4 million at June 29, 2008. If these earnings were remitted to the U.S., they would be subject to U.S. income tax. However, this tax would be less than the U.S. statutory income tax because of available foreign tax credits.

The Company adopted FIN 48 at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. As a result of the implementation, the Company recognized a $4.0 million increase in the net liability for unrecognized tax benefits. This increase was accounted for as a decrease to the July 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.

The change to the total unrecognized tax benefits of the Company during the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008 is reconciled as follows:

 

Uncertain Tax Positions:

  

(in thousands)

  

Beginning Balance

   $ 15,949  

Changes based on tax positions related to prior year

     1,112  

Additions based on tax positions related to current year

     3,566  

Settlements with taxing authorities

     (1,398 )

Lapse of statute of limitations

     (1,116 )

Impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and interest accruals

     1,092  
        

Balance at June 29, 2008

   $ 19,205  
        

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. As of June 29, 2008, the Company had $6.8 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties. The Company anticipates that a resolution on audits will result in a reduction of the FIN 48 reserve. The range of potential positive change is $2.2 to $2.5 million and is anticipated to occur within the next twelve months.

The Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. The Company’s taxable years 2004 and 2005 are currently under IRS audit.

 

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(6)  Segment and Geographic Information and Significant Customers:

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

 

      2008     Restated
2007
    Restated
2006
 

NET SALES:

      

Engines

   $ 1,459,882     $ 1,447,051     $ 1,648,224  

Power Products

     870,403       889,976       1,183,525  

Eliminations

     (178,892 )     (180,194 )     (292,078 )
                        
   $ 2,151,393     $ 2,156,833     $ 2,539,671  
                        

GROSS PROFIT ON SALES:

      

Engines

   $ 270,961     $ 216,910     $ 388,093  

Power Products

     39,376       80,359       110,666  

Eliminations

     (3,021 )     (2,071 )     (3,414 )
                        
   $ 307,316     $ 295,198     $ 495,345  
                        

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

      

Engines

   $ 69,455     $ 26,514     $ 158,408  

Power Products

     (40,094 )     5,958       27,120  

Eliminations

     (3,021 )     (315 )     (3,414 )
                        
   $ 26,340     $ 32,157     $ 182,114  
                        

ASSETS:

      

Engines

   $ 1,302,986     $ 1,310,020     $ 1,408,805  

Power Products

     1,150,040       1,051,992       1,019,279  

Eliminations

     (619,732 )     (477,544 )     (378,648 )
                        
   $ 1,833,294     $ 1,884,468     $ 2,049,436  
                        

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:

      

Engines

   $ 36,998     $ 45,848     $ 54,208  

Power Products

     28,515       22,152       15,310  
                        
   $ 65,513     $ 68,000     $ 69,518  
                        

DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION:

      

Engines

   $ 48,922     $ 54,757     $ 59,053  

Power Products

     19,964       19,557       18,181  
                        
   $ 68,886     $ 74,314     $ 77,234  
                        

 

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

 

 

      2008     Restated
2007
    Restated
2006
 

United States

   $ 1,584,635     $ 1,685,050     $ 2,088,627  

All Other Countries

     566,758       471,783       451,044  
                        

Total

   $ 2,151,393     $ 2,156,833     $ 2,539,671  
                        

 

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Notes…

 

 

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

 

     2008              2007              2006     
Customer:      Net Sales   

%

           Net Sales   

%

           Net Sales   

%

HOP

   $ 336,271    16%       $ 443,393    21%       $ 407,964    16%

MTD

     183,554    9%         206,291    10%         230,123    9%
                                         
   $ 519,825    25%       $ 649,684    31%       $ 638,087    25%
                                         

(7)  Leases:

The Company leases certain facilities, vehicles, and equipment under both capital and operating leases. Assets held under capital leases are included in Plant and Equipment and are charged to depreciation and interest over the life of the lease. Related liabilities are included in Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities. Operating leases are not capitalized and lease payments are expensed over the life of the lease. Terms of the leases, including purchase options, renewals, and maintenance costs, vary by lease. Rental expense for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $25.0 million, $22.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively.

Future minimum lease commitments for all non-cancelable leases as of June 29, 2008 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year    Operating             Capital

    2009

   $ 14,981       $ 524

    2010

     13,432         530

    2011

     10,138         462

    2012

     7,459         395

    2013

     5,307         166

    Thereafter

     7,986        
                

Total future minimum lease commitments

   $ 59,303         2,077
            

Less: Interest

           400
            

Present value of minimum capital lease payments

         $ 1,677
            

(8)  Indebtedness:

On August 8, 2006, the Company amended its unsecured five-year $350 million revolving credit facility (the credit facility) that was to expire in May 2009 to allow a repurchase of its common stock for aggregate consideration not to exceed $120 million during the period from August 10, 2006 through February 8, 2008. There were no borrowings under the credit facility as of July 1, 2007.

On July 12, 2007, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement. See further discussion in Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of June 29, 2008, borrowings under the credit facility totaled $99.1 million.

Borrowings under the credit facility by the Company bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at its option, either:

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

(2) the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (b) the bank’s prime rate.

In addition, the Company is subject to a 0.10% to 0.20% commitment fee and a 0.50% to 1.00% letter of credit fee, depending on the Company’s long-term credit ratings.

The lines of credit available to the Company in foreign countries are in connection with short-term borrowings and bank overdrafts used in the normal course of business. These amounts total $16.7 million, expire at various times throughout fiscal 2009 and are renewable. None of these arrangements had material

 

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Notes…

 

 

commitment fees or compensating balance requirements. Borrowings using these lines of credit are included in short-term debt. Outstanding balances are as follows (in thousands):

 

       2008            2007 

Balance at Fiscal Year-End

   $ 3,000       $ 3,000

Weighted Average Interest Rate at Fiscal Year-End

     5.11%         7.05%
The Long-Term Debt and Current Maturities on Long-Term Debt captions consist of the following (in thousands):
       2008            2007 

7.25% Senior Notes Due 2007, Net of Unamortized Discount of $36 in 2007

   $ –           $ 81,139

8.875% Senior Notes Due 2011, Net of Unamortized Discount of $1,522 in 2008 and $2,091 in 2007

     266,478         267,909

Variable Rate Term Notes Due 2008

     –             35,000

Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility

     99,077         –    
                

Total Long-Term Debt

   $   365,555       $   384,048
                

On August 8, 2006, the Company amended its unsecured three-year $125 million term loan agreement (the term loan) that was to expire on February 11, 2008 to allow a repurchase of its common stock for aggregate consideration not to exceed $120 million during the period from August 10, 2006 through February 8, 2008. The Company prepaid $90 million of the term loan in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company prepaid the remaining $35 million of the term loan in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

In May 2001, the Company issued $275 million of 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011. No principal payments are due before the maturity date; however, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the bonds in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 and $2.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 after receiving unsolicited offers from bondholders.

In May 1997, the Company issued $100 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due September 15, 2007. No principal payments were due before the maturity date; however, the Company repurchased $10.0 million of the bonds in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002 and $8.825 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 after receiving unsolicited offers from bondholders. The notes matured in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and were paid in full.

The separate indenture provided for the 8.875% Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement for the credit facility (collectively, the “Domestic Indebtedness”) each include a number of financial and operating restrictions. These covenants include restrictions on the Company’s ability to: pay dividends; repurchase shares; incur indebtedness; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate, merge, sell or lease all or substantially all of its assets; and dispose of assets or the proceeds of sales of its assets. The credit facility contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose a maximum leverage ratio. As of June 29, 2008, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Additionally, under the terms of the indentures and Credit Agreements governing the Domestic Indebtedness, BSPPG became a joint and several guarantor of amounts outstanding under the Domestic Indebtedness. Refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for subsidiary guarantor financial information.

 

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Notes…

 

 

(9)  Other Income:

The components of other income (expense) are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008          2007          2006  

Interest Income

   $ 1,506        $ 1,916        $ 2,856  

Income on Preferred Stock

     28,346          10,000          12,000  

Equity in Earnings from Unconsolidated Affiliates

     3,588          3,303          4,174  

Deferred Financing Costs

     (1,414 )        (1,173 )        (1,708 )

Gain on Share Redemption

     8,622          –              –      

Other Items

     744          790          1,169  
                              

Total

   $   41,392        $   14,836        $   18,491  
                              

(10)  Commitments and Contingencies:

Product and general liability claims arise against the Company from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company is generally self-insured for claims up to $2.0 million per claim. Accordingly, a reserve is maintained for the estimated costs of such claims. On June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007 the reserve for product and general liability claims (which includes asbestos-related liabilities) was $6.3 million and $7.2 million, respectively. Because there is inherent uncertainty as to the eventual resolution of unsettled claims, no reasonable range of possible losses can be determined. Management does not anticipate that these claims, excluding the impact of insurance proceeds and reserves, will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

In October 1998, the Company joined seventeen other companies in guaranteeing a $17.9 million letter of credit issued as a guarantee of certain City of Milwaukee Revenue Bonds used to develop a residential rental property. The Revenue Bonds were issued on behalf of a not-for-profit organization established to manage the project and rental property post construction. The revenues from the rental property are used to fund operating expenses and all debt service requirements. The Company’s share of the guarantee and the maximum exposure to the Company under the agreement is $1.8 million. The letter of credit and underlying guarantee expires November 15, 2008. Management believes the likelihood is remote that material payments will be required under this guarantee. Accordingly, no liability has been reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets related to this item.

Certain independent dealers and distributors finance inventory purchases through a third party financing company. Briggs & Stratton has indemnified the third party finance company against credit default. The Company’s maximum exposure under this agreement due to customer credit default in a fiscal year is $1.85 million. In fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, the third party financing company provided financing for $232.3 million and $289.1 million of Briggs & Stratton product, respectively. As of June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007 there were $179.3 million and $184.7 million, respectively, in receivables outstanding under this arrangement. Briggs & Stratton made no payments under this indemnity agreement in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007.

Certain of the Company’s vendors in Asia require their customers to obtain letters of credit, payable upon shipment of the product. At the end of fiscal 2008, the Company had four letters of credit issued by Comerica Bank, totaling $4.7 million. At July 1, 2007, the Company held three letters of credit from Bank of America, totaling $14.1 million. The products ordered typically arrive in partial shipments spanning several months, with payment initiated at the time the vendor provides documentation to the bank of the quantity and occurrence of shipment.

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

 

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Notes…

 

 

through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline combustion engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured by the defendants. On May 31, 2006, the defendants removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (No. 06-412-DRH).

The defendants subsequently filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, and two defendants (MTD Products, Inc. and American Honda Motor Company) notified the Court that they reached a settlement with the plaintiff class. On March 30, 2007 the Court issued an order granting defendants’ motion to dismiss, and on May 8, 2008 the Court issued an opinion that (i) dismissed all the RICO claims with prejudice, (ii) dismissed all claims of the 93 non-Illinois plaintiffs with instructions to refile amended claims in individual state Courts, (iii) ordered that any amended complaint for the three Illinois plaintiffs be refiled by May 30, 2008, and (iv) rejected the proposed class-wide settlement with MTD. The plaintiffs have filed new complaints in New Jersey and California federal Courts, and refiled an amended complaint in Illinois. Each of these complaints allege, among other things, breach of each state’s consumer fraud laws and seek certification of a state-wide class.

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. Counsel for plaintiffs have represented that they would be filing related actions across the country “and expect to have actions pending in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.” On August 12, 2008 the Multidistrict Litigation Panel denied plaintiffs’ request for centralization of these various state proceedings. Defendants’ answers or responsive pleadings in each of the separate federal cases are currently due September 26, 2008. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, Briggs & Stratton believes the unresolved legal actions will not have a material effect on its financial position.

(11)  Stock Incentives:

Effective July 2, 2007, Briggs & Stratton adopted a Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program. Briggs & Stratton previously adopted an Incentive Compensation Plan, effective October 20, 2004, under which 4,000,000 shares of common stock (8,000,000 shares as a result of the 2-for-1 stock split) were reserved for future issuance. Prior to October 20, 2004, Briggs & Stratton had a Stock Incentive Plan under which 5,361,935 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The adoption of the Incentive Compensation Plan reduced the number of shares available for future issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan to zero. However, as of June 29, 2008, there were 2,449,230 outstanding option and restricted stock awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan that are or may become exercisable in the future. No additional shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance under the Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program. In accordance with the three plans, Briggs & Stratton can issue eligible employees stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock and cash bonus awards subject to certain annual limitations. The plans also allow Briggs & Stratton to issue directors non-qualified stock options and directors’ fees in stock.

During fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, Briggs & Stratton recognized stock based compensation expense of approximately $4.6 million, $8.5 million and $10.0 million, respectively.

 

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Notes…

 

 

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

 

Options Granted During

  

2008

        

2007

        

2006

Grant Date Fair Value

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

weighted average grant date fair value.)

   $5.31       $5.46       $7.37

Assumptions:

              

Risk-free Interest Rate

   4.5%       5.0%       4.3%

Expected Volatility

   26.4%       27.4%       25.1%

Expected Dividend Yield

   3.1%       3.2%       1.9%

Expected Term (In Years)

   5.1       5.0       5.0

Information on the options outstanding is as follows:

 

     

Shares

        

Wtd. Avg.
Ex. Price

        

Wtd. Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Term

        

Aggregate
Intrinsic

Value

(in thousands)

Balance, July 3, 2005

   3,007,168        $ 30.52            

Granted During the Year

   355,123          38.83            

Exercised During the Year

   (418,858)         26.92            

Expired During the Year

   –              –                 
                      

Balance, July 2, 2006

   2,943,433        $ 32.05            

Granted During the Year

   554,020          29.87            

Exercised During the Year

   (143,332)         23.36            

Expired During the Year

   (24,442)         33.26            
                      

Balance, July 1, 2007

   3,329,679        $ 32.05            

Granted During the Year

   596,590          30.81            

Exercised During the Year

   (40,948)         23.11            

Expired During the Year

   –              –                 
                      

Balance, June 29, 2008

   3,885,321        $ 31.96       4.05       $    –    
                      

Exercisable, June 29, 2008

   2,404,030        $ 31.72       4.51       $    –    

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006, was $0.3 million, $0.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and the total fair value of options exercised during fiscal 2008 was $0.9 million. The exercise of options resulted in cash receipts of $0.9 million, $3.3 million and $11.3 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

    Grant Summary

Fiscal

 Year

  

Grant
Date

        

Date
Exercisable

        

Expiration
Date

        

Exercise
Price

        

Options
Outstanding

2002

   8-7-01       8-7-04       8-7-08       $24.60       286,180

2003

   8-13-02       8-13-05       8-13-09       23.35       280,460

2004

   8-15-03       8-15-06       8-15-13       30.44       758,320

2005

   8-13-04       8-13-07       8-13-14       36.68       1,079,070

2006

   8-16-05       8-16-08       8-16-10       38.83       345,881

2007

   8-15-06       8-15-09       8-15-11       29.87       538,820

2008

   8-14-07       8-14-10       8-31-12       30.81       596,590

 

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Notes…

 

 

Below is a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares as of June 29, 2008, and changes during the year then ended:

 

     Deferred Stock         Restricted Stock         Stock Options
     

Shares  

        

Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value

        

Shares  

        

Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value

        

Shares

        

Wtd. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value

Nonvested shares, July 1, 2007

   29,640        $ 35.26       132,227        $ 32.08       1,963,771        $ 32.90

Granted

   2,207          27.93       32,550          27.52       596,590          27.93

Cancelled

   (250)         27.93       (8,000)         33.44       –              –     

Vested

   –              –            (12,800)         22.12       (1,079,070)         34.90
                                      

Nonvested shares, June 29, 2008

   31,597          34.80       143,977          32.11       1,481,291          29.45

As of June 29, 2008, there was $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2008 was $30.5 million.

Under the plans, the Company has issued restricted stock to certain employees. During fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company has issued 32,550, 21,425 and 42,574 shares, respectively. The restricted stock vests on the fifth anniversary date of the issue provided the recipient is still employed by the Company. The aggregate market value on the date of issue is approximately $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $1.5 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and has been recorded within the Shareholders’ Investment section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and is being amortized over the five-year vesting period.

Under the plans, the Company may also issue stock to its directors in lieu of directors fees. The Company has issued 3,521, 3,497 and 3,477 shares in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, under this provision of the plans.

Under the Incentive Compensation Plan, the Company may also issue deferred stock to its officers and key employees. The Company has issued 2,207 and 735 shares in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively, under this provision. The aggregate market value on the date of issue was approximately $62,000 and $20,000, respectively. Expense is recognized ratably over the five-year vesting period.

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

 

     

2008

        

2007

        

2006

Stock Options:

              

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 3,304        $ 7,258        $ 8,252 

Tax benefit

     (1,289)         (2,831)         (3,218)
                          

Stock option expense, net of tax

   $ 2,015        $ 4,427        $ 5,034 

Restricted Stock:

              

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 1,117        $ 900        $ 1,142 

Tax benefit

     (436)         (351)         (445)
                          

Restricted stock expense, net of tax

   $ 681        $ 549        $ 697 

Deferred Stock:

              

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 142        $ 326        $ 605 

Tax benefit

     (55)         (127)         (236)
                          

Deferred stock expense, net of tax

   $ 87        $ 199        $ 369 

Total Stock-Based Compensation:

              

Pretax compensation expense

   $ 4,563        $ 8,484        $ 9,999 

Tax benefit

     (1,780)         (3,309)         (3,899)
                          

Total stock-based compensation, net of tax

   $ 2,783        $ 5,175        $ 6,100 
                          

 

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Notes…

 

 

(12)  Shareholder Rights Agreement:

On August 6, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one common stock purchase right (a right) for each share of the Company’s common stock outstanding on August 19, 1996. Each right would entitle shareowners to buy one-half of one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $160.00 per full common share ($80.00 per full common share after taking into consideration the effect of a 2-for-1 stock split effective October 29, 2004), subject to adjustment. The rights agreement relating to the rights was amended by the Board of Directors on August 9, 2006 to extend the term of the rights agreement by three years to October 18, 2009, to increase from 15 percent to 20 percent or more the percentage of outstanding shares that a person or group must acquire or attempt to acquire in order for the rights to become exercisable, and to add a qualifying offer clause that permits shareholders to vote to redeem the rights in certain circumstances. Shareholders ratified the amended rights agreement at their annual meeting on October 18, 2006.

(13)  Foreign Exchange Risk Management:

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

The Company has forward foreign currency exchange contracts to purchase Japanese Yen. These contracts are used to hedge the commitments to purchase engines from the Company’s Japanese joint venture. The Company also has forward contracts to sell foreign currency. These contracts are used to hedge foreign currency collections on sales of inventory. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are carried at fair value based on current exchange rates.

The Company has the following forward currency contracts outstanding at the end of fiscal 2008:

 

         In Millions                  

Hedge

      

Notional

Value

      

Contract

Value

       

Fair Market

Value

       

(Gain)/Loss

at Fair Value

       

Conversion

Currency

       

Latest

Expiration Date

Currency

  

Contract

                               

Japanese Yen

   Buy      1,200.0      11.3        11.4          (.1)      U.S.      December 2008

Australian Dollar

   Sell      5.5      4.9        5.2          .3      U.S.      September 2008
The Company had the following forward currency contracts outstanding at the end of fiscal 2007:
         In Millions                  

Hedge

      

Notional

Value

      

Contract

Value

       

Fair Market

Value

       

(Gain)/Loss

at Fair Value

       

Conversion

Currency

       

Latest

Expiration Date

Currency

  

Contract

                               

Japanese Yen

   Buy      2,300.0      19.2        19.0          .2      U.S.      March 2008

Euro

   Sell      38.0      51.4        51.6          .2      U.S.      March 2008

Australian Dollar

   Sell      4.5      3.6        3.8          .2      U.S.      October 2007

The Company continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its hedging program by evaluating its foreign exchange contracts compared to the anticipated underlying transactions. The Company did not have any ineffective hedges in fiscal 2008 or 2007.

(14)  Employee Benefit Costs:

Retirement Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 on July 1, 2007. See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for further discussion of SFAS No. 158.

 

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Notes…

 

 

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

 

Actuarial Assumptions:    Pension Benefits    Other Postretirement Benefits
  

2008

   Restated   

2008

  

2007

     

2007

     

Discounted Rate Used to Determine Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation

     7.0%       6.35%       6.40%       6.09% 

Expected Rate of Future Compensation Level Increases

     3.0-5.0%       3.0-5.0%       n/a       n/a 

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

     8.75%       8.75%       n/a       n/a 

Change in Benefit Obligations:

           

Projected Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year

   $ 986,472     $ 949,634     $ 243,545     $ 276,952 

Service Cost

     12,037       13,324       1,486       1,777 

Interest Cost

     60,326       57,940       13,760       16,007 

Curtailment

     -          -          (16,417)      -    

Plan Participant Contributions

     -          -          629       1,696 

Actuarial (Gain) Loss

     (74,125)      38,877       (2,597)      (17,830)

Benefits Paid

     (72,717)      (73,303)      (30,492)      (35,057)
                           

Projected Benefit Obligation at End of Year

   $ 911,993     $ 986,472     $ 209,914     $ 243,545 
                           

Change in Plan Assets:

           

Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year

   $ 1,048,881     $ 945,203     $ -        $ -    

Actual Return on Plan Assets

     (13,677)      167,244       -          -    

Plan Participant Contributions

     -          -          629       1,696 

Employer Contributions

     1,653       9,737       29,863       33,361 

Benefits Paid

     (72,717)      (73,303)      (30,492)      (35,057)
                           

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

   $ 964,140     $ 1,048,881     $ -        $ -    
                           

Funded Status:

           

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

   $ 52,147     $ 62,409     $ (209,914)    $ (243,545)

Amounts Recognized on the Balance Sheets:

           

Prepaid Pension

   $ 90,020     $ 103,247     $ -        $ -    

Accrued Pension Cost

     (36,173)      (39,438)      -          -    

Accrued Wages and Salaries

     (1,700)      (1,400)      -          -    

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

     -          -          (161,684)      (186,868)

Accrued Liabilities

     -          -          (30,621)      (37,504)

Accrued Employee Benefits

     -          -          (17,609)      (19,173)
                           

Net Amount Recognized at End of Year

   $ 52,147     $ 62,409     $ (209,914)    $ (243,545)
                           

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

           

Transition Assets (Obligation)

   $ (24)    $ (29)    $ -        $ (26)

Net Actuarial Gain (Loss)

     (62,611)      (53,146)      (67,139)      (77,405)

Prior Service (Credit) Cost

     (10,398)      (12,406)      2,844       3,363 
                           

Net Amount Recognized at End of Year

   $ (73,033)    $ (65,581)    $ (64,295)    $ (74,068)
                           

 

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Notes…

 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $872 million and $933 million at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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

 

Components of Net Periodic (Income) Expense:    Pension Benefits    Other Postretirement Benefits
  

2008

  

Restated

2007

  

Restated

2006

  

2008

  

2007

  

2006

                 

Service Cost-Benefits Earned During the Year

   $ 12,037     $ 13,290     $ 15,395     $ 1,486     $ 1,777     $ 3,031 

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation

     60,326       57,940       52,596       13,760       16,007       15,025 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

     (81,344)      (78,250)      (78,368)      -          -          -    

Amortization of:

                 

Transition Asset

                    42       46       46 

Prior Service Cost (Credit)

     3,290       3,290       3,292       (849)      (849)      (629)

Actuarial Loss

     5,368       5,032       9,675       10,861       13,337       15,793 
                                         

Net Periodic (Income) Expense

   $ (315)    $ 1,310     $ 2,598     $ 25,300     $ 30,318     $ 33,266 
                                         

Significant assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost for the fiscal years indicated are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits    Other Postretirement Benefits
    

2008

  

2007

  

2006

  

2008

  

2007

  

2006

Discount Rate

   7.0%    6.35%    5.25%    6.40%    6.09%    5.25%

Expected Return on Plan Assets

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

Compensation Increase Rate

   3.0-5.0%    3.0-5.0%    3.0-5.0%    n/a    n/a    n/a

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

 

     Pension
Plans
   Other
Postretirement
Plans

Prior service credit (cost)

   $ (3,289)    $ 876 

Net actuarial loss

     (753)      (11,511)

The “Other Postretirement Benefit” plans are unfunded.

For measurement purposes an 8% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care claims was assumed for the Company for the fiscal year 2008 decreasing gradually to 5% for the fiscal year 2014. In fiscal 2005, the Company acquired the liabilities associated with the Simplicity Post-Retirement Benefit Plan covering certain Port Washington, Wisconsin employees. For measurement purposes this plan also assumes an 8% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost decreasing gradually to 5% for the fiscal year 2014. The health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. An increase of one percentage point, would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit by $10.0 million and would increase the service and interest cost by $0.8 million for fiscal 2008. A corresponding decrease of one percentage point, would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit by $9.2 million and decrease the service and interest cost by $0.7 million for the fiscal year 2008.

As discussed in Note 17 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company plans to close its Port Washington, WI production facility during the second quarter of fiscal 2009. The closure of this facility will result in termination of all Port Washington union and certain salaried employees. This employee reduction will reduce the Company’s liability for postretirement healthcare benefits. Additionally, the closing agreement reduced the retiree health benefits for certain retirees. These combined changes resulted in a net curtailment gain of $13.3 million in fiscal 2008.

 

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Notes…

 

 

Plan Assets

A Board of Directors appointed Investment Committee (“Committee”) manages the investment of the pension plan assets. The Committee has established and operates under an Investment Policy. It determines the asset allocation and target ranges based upon periodic asset/liability studies and capital market projections. The Committee retains external investment managers to invest the assets. The Investment Policy prohibits certain investment transactions, such as lettered stock, commodity contracts, margin transactions and short selling, unless the Committee gives prior approval. Briggs & Stratton’s pension plans weighted-average asset allocations and target allocations at June 30, 2008, and 2007, by asset category are as follows:

 

    Asset Category

   Target %    Plan Assets at Year-
end
      2008    2007

Cash

   0%-2%    1%    3%

Domestic Bonds

   10%-30%    29%    21%

Non-Investment Grade Bonds

   0%-15%    0%    0%

Non-US Bonds

   0%-10%    0%    0%

Domestic Equities

   20%-40%    20%    35%

Global & International Equities

   10%-25%    16%    19%

Alternative & Absolute Return

   20%-30%    30%    18%

Real Estate

   4%-10%    4%    4%
            
      100%    100%
            

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

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

Contributions

The Company is not required to, nor intends to, make any contributions to the pension plans in fiscal 2009.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Projected benefit payments from the plans as of June 29, 2008 are estimated as follows (in thousands):

 

     Pension Benefits         Other Postretirement Benefits

Year Ending

  

Qualified

  

Non-Qualified

       

Retiree
Medical

  

Retiree Life

  

LTD

2009

   $ 67,538    $ 1,824       $ 28,908    $ 1,156    $ 133

2010

     67,978      1,818         25,861      1,188      137

2011

     68,283      2,199         26,329      1,218      139

2012

     68,864      2,180         24,742      1,156      142

2013

     69,345      2,155         22,328      1,246      124

2014-2018

     356,542      14,554         70,043      6,567      592

Defined Contribution Plans

Employees of the Company may participate in a defined contribution savings plan that allows participants to contribute a portion of their earnings in accordance with plan specifications. A maximum of 1-1/2% to 3-1/2% of each participant’s salary, depending upon the participant’s group, is matched by the Company. Additionally, certain employees may receive Company nonelective contributions equal to 2% of the employee’s salary. The Company contributions totaled $6.6 million in 2008, $6.1 million in 2007 and $6.7 million in 2006.

 

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Notes…

 

 

Postemployment Benefits

The Company accrues the expected cost of postemployment benefits over the years that the employees render service. These benefits are substantially smaller amounts because they apply only to employees who permanently terminate employment prior to retirement. The items include disability payments, life insurance and medical benefits. These amounts are also discounted using interest rates of 6.40% and 6.09% for fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. Amounts are included in Accrued Employee Benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(15)  Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

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

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

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

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

 

     2008         2007
    

Carrying
Amount

  

Fair
Value

       

Carrying
Amount

  

Fair

Value

Long-term Debt -

              

7.25% Notes Due 2007

   $ -        $ -           $ 81,139    $ 83,124

8.875% Notes Due 2011

   $   266,478    $   280,364       $   267,909    $   287,868

Variable Term Notes Due 2008

   $ -        $ -           $ 35,000    $ 35,000

Borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility

   $ 99,077    $ 99,077       $ -        $ -    

(16)  Separate Financial Information of Subsidiary Guarantors 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

 

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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):

 

     June 29, 2008     
    

Carrying
Amount

  

Maximum
Guarantee

8.875% Senior Notes, due March 15, 2011

   $ 266,478    $ 268,000

Revolving Credit Facility, expiring July 2012

   $ 99,077    $ 500,000

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

 

BALANCE SHEET:

As of June 29, 2008

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

Current Assets

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

Investment in Subsidiary

     1,065,613      -          -          (1,065,613)      -    

Noncurrent Assets

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

Current Liabilities

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

Long-Term Debt

     365,555      -          -          -           365,555

Other Long-Term Obligations

     202,870      93,218      526      -           296,614

Shareholders’ Equity

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

Restated as of July 1, 2007

              

Current Assets

   $ 548,057    $ 976,298    $ 198,123    $ (729,385)    $ 993,093

Investment in Subsidiary

     1,101,113      -          -          (1,101,113)      -    

Noncurrent Assets

     418,213      438,506      34,656      -           891,375
                                  
   $ 2,067,383    $ 1,414,804    $ 232,779    $ (1,830,498)    $ 1,884,468
                                  

Current Liabilities

   $ 756,954    $ 304,958    $ 141,543    $ (729,385)    $ 474,070

Long-Term Debt

     267,909      -          -          -           267,909

Other Long-Term Obligations

     204,066      99,571      398      -           304,035

Shareholders’ Equity

     838,454      1,010,275      90,838      (1,101,113)      838,454
                                  
   $ 2,067,383    $ 1,414,804    $ 232,779    $ (1,830,498)    $ 1,884,468
                                  

 

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STATEMENT OF EARNINGS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 29, 2008

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

Net Sales

   $ 1,372,382     $ 831,024     $ 250,046     $ (302,059)    $ 2,151,393 

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,133,200       802,254       209,022       (300,399)      1,844,077 
                                  

Gross Profit

     239,182       28,770       41,024       (1,660)      307,316 

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     165,625       79,946       35,405       -           280,976 

Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

     25,265       -           -           (25,265)      -     
                                  

Income (Loss) from Operations

     48,292       (51,176)      5,619       23,605       26,340 

Interest Expense

     (37,615)      (219)      (289)      -           (38,123)

Other Income, Net

     42,146       1,628       913       (3,295)      41,392 
                                  

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

     52,823       (49,767)      6,243       20,310       29,609 

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     25,269       (20,561)      2,301       -           7,009 
                                  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 27,554     $ (29,206)    $ 3,942     $ 20,310     $ 22,600 
                                  

Restated for the Fiscal Year Ended July 1, 2007

              

Net Sales

   $ 1,397,336     $ 861,435     $ 196,762     $ (298,700)    $ 2,156,833 

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,166,971       782,465       163,635       (294,524)      1,818,547 

Impairment Charge

     33,900       7,907       1,281       -           43,088 
                                  

Gross Profit

     196,465       71,063       31,846       (4,176)      295,198 

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     163,553       74,676       26,742       (1,930)      263,041 

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

     (2,531)      -           -           2,531       -     
                                  

Income (Loss) from Operations

     35,443       (3,613)      5,104       (4,777)      32,157 

Interest Expense

     (43,285)      (122)      (284)      -           (43,691)

Other Income (Expense), Net

     10,440       3,143       (948)      2,201       14,836 
                                  

Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

     2,598       (592)      3,872       (2,576)      3,302 

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     (4,147)      (478)      1,226       -           (3,399)
                                  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 6,745     $ (114)    $ 2,646     $ (2,576)    $ 6,701 
                                  

Restated for the Fiscal Year Ended July 2, 2006

              

Net Sales

   $ 1,611,327     $ 1,157,675     $ 189,160     $ (418,491)    $ 2,539,671 

Cost of Goods Sold

     1,248,750       1,052,361       156,079       (412,864)      2,044,326 
                                  

Gross Profit

     362,577       105,314       33,081       (5,627)      495,345 

Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

     199,439       81,852       31,940       -           313,231 

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

     (18,149)      -           -           18,149       -     
                                  

Income from Operations

     181,287       23,462       1,141       (23,776)      182,114 

Interest Expense

     (41,833)      (52)      (206)      -           (42,091)

Other Income (Expense), Net

     16,089       4,761       (919)      (1,440)      18,491 
                                  

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

     155,543       28,171       16       (25,216)      158,514 

Provision for Income Taxes

     42,496       9,118       919       -           52,533 
                                  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 113,047     $ 19,053     $ (903)    $ (25,216)    $ 105,981 
                                  

 

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Notes…

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 29, 2008

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

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

              

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 27,554     $ (29,206)    $ 3,942     $ 20,310     $ 22,600 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:

              

Depreciation and Amortization

     45,308       19,809       3,769       -           68,886 

Stock Compensation Expense

     4,563       -           -           -           4,563 

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates,
Net of Dividends

     (758)      -           (30)      -           (788)

Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

     25,265       -           -           (25,265)      -     

(Gain) Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     1,010       1,728       (30)      -           2,708 

Gain on Sale of Investment

     (36,960)      -           -           -           (36,960)

Curtailment Gain

     -           (13,288)      -           -           (13,288)

(Provision) Credit for Deferred Income Taxes

     25,628       (14,921)      (201)      -           10,506 

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

              

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

     5,221       (113,597)      (26,155)      141,437       6,906 

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

     1,466       19,745       (3,572)      751       18,390 

Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and
Other Current Assets

     6,809       2,802       343       -           9,954 

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

     6,985       86,679       16,813       (132,634)      (22,157)

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

     (2,325)      38       29       -           (2,258)

Other, Net

     (4,571)      (3,346)      (4,035)      4,179       (7,773)
                                  

Net Cash Provided (Used) by
Operating Activities

     105,195       (43,557)      (9,127)      8,778       61,289 
                                  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

              

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (34,805)      (28,575)      (2,133)      -           (65,513)

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     434       120       126       -           680 

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 (Used) by
Investing Activities

     25,318       (28,455)      (2,209)      6,021       675 
                                  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

              

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

     (92,883)      74,118       8,481       (8,778)      (19,062)

Issuance Cost of Amended Revolver

     (1,286)      -           -           -           (1,286)

Cash Dividends Paid

     (43,560)      -           -           -           (43,560)

Capital Contributions Received

     -           383       5,638       (6,021)      -     

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and
Tax Benefits

     991       -           -           -           991 
                                  

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     (136,738)      74,501       14,119       (14,799)      (62,917)
                                  

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

     -           -           3,952       -           3,952 
                                  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (6,225)      2,489       6,735       -           2,999 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

   $ 2,560     $ 1,087     $ 28,821     $ -         $ 32,468 
                                  

 

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Notes…

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:

Restated for the Fiscal Year Ended July 1, 2007

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

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

              

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 6,745     $ (114)    $ 2,646     $ (2,576)    $ 6,701 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash

Provided by Operating Activities:

              

Depreciation and Amortization

     52,681       19,347       2,286       -          74,314 

Stock Compensation Expense

     8,484       -          -          -          8,484 

Impairment Items

     33,900       7,907       1,281       -          43,088 

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates,
Net of Dividends

     1,903       -          (327)      -          1,576 

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

     (2,531)      -          -          2,531       -    

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     2,783       75       81       -          2,939 

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes

     (16,717)      (672)      (58)      -          (17,447)

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

              

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

     (108,828)      (46,758)      4,970       96,644       (53,972)

(Increase) Decrease in Inventories

     25,767       (21,983)      1,097       2,251       7,132 

Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and
Other Current Assets

     1,959       9,081       518       -          11,558 

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

     20,311       88,901       (1,094)      (91,500)      16,618 

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

     (8,426)      35       -          -          (8,391)

Other, Net

     (3,958)      (358)      (445)      -          (4,761)
                                  

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     14,073       55,461       10,955       7,350       87,839 
                                  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

              

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (28,446)      (22,038)      (17,516)      -          (68,000)

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     487       52       60       -          599 

Cash Investment in Subsidiary

     8,619       -          181       (8,800)      -    
                                  

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (19,340)      (21,986)      (17,275)      (8,800)      (67,401)
                                  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

              

Net (Repayments) Borrowings on Loans and
Notes Payable

     44,838       (42,071)      3,811       (7,051)      (473)

Cash Dividends Paid

     (43,870)      -          (1,201)      1,201       (43,870)

Capital Contributions Received

     -          382       (7,682)      7,300       -    

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

     3,694       -          -          -          3,694 

Treasury Stock Repurchases

     (48,232)      -          -          -          (48,232)
                                  

Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

     (43,570)      (41,689)      (5,072)      1,450       (88,881)
                                  

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

     (1)      -          2,822       -          2,821 
                                  

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (48,838)      (8,214)      (8,570)      -          (65,622)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

   $ 8,785     $ (1,402)    $ 22,086    $ -        $ 29,469 
                                  

 

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Notes…

 

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:
Restated for the Fiscal Year Ended July 2, 2006

 

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

   

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

         

Net Income (Loss)

  $ 113,047     $ 19,053     $ (903 )   $ (25,216 )   $ 105,981  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided

(Used) by Operating Activities:

         

Depreciation and Amortization

    57,437       18,030       1,767       -           77,234  

Stock Compensation Expense

    9,999       -           -           -           9,999  

Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net of Dividends

    401       -           58       -           459  

Equity in Earnings from Subsidiaries

    (18,149 )     -           -           18,149       -      

(Gain) Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

    (12,059 )     584       336       -           (11,139 )

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes

    (18,069 )     9,371       773       -           (7,925 )

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

         

(Increase) Decrease in Receivables

    93,660       (225,177 )     16,959       201,842       87,284  

Increase in Inventories

    (57,410 )     (31,992 )     (5,932 )     3,884       (91,450 )

(Increase) Decrease in Prepaid Expenses and
Other Current Assets

    3,161       (15,675 )     212       -           (12,302 )

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

    (16,164 )     205,460       887       (194,978 )     (4,795 )

Change in Accrued/Prepaid Pension

    865       34       -           -           899  

Other, Net

    5,868       (5,370 )     (136 )     1       363  
                                       

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

    162,587       (25,682 )     14,021       3,682       154,608  
                                       

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

         

Additions to Plant and Equipment

    (50,084 )     (14,745 )     (4,689 )     -           (69,518 )

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

    11,420       51       47       -           11,518  

Cash Investment in Subsidiary

    (391 )     -           9       382       -      

Refund of Cash Paid for Acquisition

    -           6,347       -           -           6,347  

Other, Net

    (3,400 )     -           -           -           (3,400 )
                                       

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

    (42,455 )     (8,347 )     (4,633 )     382       (55,053 )
                                       

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

         

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

    (137,803 )     34,082       9,308       (6,382 )     (100,795 )

Cash Dividends Paid

    (45,278 )     -           (2,701 )     2,701       (45,278 )

Capital Contributions Received

    -           383       -           (383 )     -      

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

    12,457       -           -           -           12,457  

Treasury Stock Repurchases

    (34,919 )     -           -           -           (34,919 )
                                       

Net Cash (Used) Provided by Financing Activities

    (205,543 )     34,465       6,607       (4,064 )     (168,535 )
                                       

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

    -           -           2,498       -           2,498  
                                       

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    (85,411 )     436       18,493       -           (66,482 )

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

    143,034       6,376       12,163       -           161,573  
                                       

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

  $ 57,623     $ 6,812     $ 30,656     $ -         $ 95,091  
                                       

 

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Notes…

 

 

(17) Impairment and Disposal Charges

Impairment charges were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for $43.1 million pretax ($26.2 million after tax) during fiscal 2007, of which $33.9 and $9.2 million were recognized in the Engines and Power Products Segments, respectively. The Engines Segment $33.9 million charge was primarily for the write-down of assets of the Rolla, MO (Rolla) engine manufacturing facility that closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. A decision was made to close the Rolla facility as a result of the Company’s analysis to reduce its fixed manufacturing costs by consolidating production into its other existing engine plants in Poplar Bluff, MO and Chongqing, China. The related impaired machinery and equipment no longer used in production was sold in an auction or scrapped during the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The $9.2 million recognized in the Power Products Segment primarily relates to the closure of the Port Washington, WI 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 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, 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, an expense was recorded within cost of goods sold to accrue for severance payments to be paid to the employees of the Rolla facility. Accrued severance at July 1, 2007 was approximately $1.1 million. Another approximately $1.4 million was accrued in fiscal 2008 and approximately $2.5 million was paid in fiscal 2008, resulting in no remaining accrued severance as of June 29, 2008.

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 $1.9 million of severance expense is expected to be incurred related to the closure of this facility and of this $1.9 million, approximately $1.1 million has been incurred as of June 29, 2008. Severance payments are contingent upon an employee working through scheduled end dates, and will continue to accrue until the plant closes.

(18) Subsequent Events

On June 30, 2008 the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs & Stratton Australia, Pty Limited, acquired Victa Lawncare Pty Ltd (Victa) of Sydney, Australia from GUD Holdings Limited for a total consideration of $23.0 million in cash. The purchase price is subject to revision based on a review of changes in working capital from an interim balance sheet date until the transaction closing date. 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. Its products are sold at large retail stores and independent dealers. Victa had net sales of approximately $57.3 million for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008. The Company financed the transaction from cash on hand and its existing credit facilities. The Company expects that the acquisition will have no material effect on earnings in fiscal 2009.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Briggs & Stratton Corporation and its subsidiaries at June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 29, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 29, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Notes 2 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in 2008.

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

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 28, 2008

 

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Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information (Unaudited)

 

 

As discussed in Note 3 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has restated its prior years’ financial statements for a change in accounting principle related to its defined benefit pension plan, which occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and for the correction of certain errors which were identified in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The impact of the change in accounting principle has already been reflected in the Company’s fiscal 2008 previously filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded an out-of-period 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 tables below reflect the adjustments in the appropriate quarterly periods in fiscal 2008. In addition, the tables below reflect the impact of the errors on the quarterly periods in fiscal 2007. The Company does not believe that the adjustments to correct the errors described in Note 3 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 quarterly financial statements.

 

                                In Thousands                           

  Quarter

  Ended 

   Net
Sales
   Gross
Profit
   Net Income
(Loss)

Restated Fiscal 2008

              

September

   $ 367,069    $ 42,844    $ (20,811)

December

     477,537      44,317      4,062

March

     725,686      124,452      38,870

June

     581,101      95,703      479
                    

Total

   $ 2,151,393    $ 307,316    $ 22,600
                    

Restated Fiscal 2007

              

September

   $ 338,749    $ 44,378    $ (17,615)

December

     423,559      69,180      (4,330)

March

     716,953      89,228      10,585

June

     677,572      92,412      18,061
                    

Total

   $ 2,156,833    $ 295,198    $ 6,701
                    

 

     Per Share of Common Stock

  Quarter

  Ended 

   Net
Income
(Loss) (1)
    Dividends
Declared
   Market Price Range
on New York

Stock Exchange
        High    Low

Restated Fiscal 2008

                    

September

   $ (.42 )   $ .22    $33.40    $25.16

December

     .08       .22    25.80    21.16

March

     .78       .22    22.75    16.35

June

     .01       .22    19.00    12.80
                    

Total

   $ .46     $ .88      
                    

Restated Fiscal 2007

                    

September

   $ (.35 )   $ .22    $31.49    $24.60

December

     (.09 )     .22    29.06    24.79

March

     .21       .22    31.45    26.88

June

     .36       .22    33.06    28.50
                    

Total

   $ .13     $ .88      
                    

The number of record holders of Briggs & Stratton Corporation Common Stock on August 25, 2008 was 3,640.

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

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

 

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Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2007  
     As Reported      Error Correction      As Restated  

Net Sales

   $ 366,669      $ 400      $ 367,069  

Cost of Goods Sold

     323,225        1,000        324,225  

Gross Profit

     43,444        (600 )      42,844  

Loss from Operations

     (20,696 )      (600 )      (21,296 )

Loss before Credit for Income Taxes

     (29,647 )      (600 )      (30,247 )

Credit for Income Taxes

     (9,195 )      (241 )      (9,436 )

Net Loss

     (20,452 )      (359 )      (20,811 )

Basic EPS

     (0.41 )      (0.01 )      (0.42 )

Diluted EPS

     (0.41 )      (0.01 )      (0.42 )
     Three Months Ended December 30, 2007  
     As Reported      Error Correction      As Restated  

Net Sales

   $ 478,837      $ (1,300 )    $ 477,537  

Cost of Goods Sold

     432,220        1,000        433,220  

Gross Profit

     46,617        (2,300 )      44,317  

(Loss) from Operations

     (19,813 )      (2,300 )      (22,113 )

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

     7,572        (2,300 )      5,272  

Provision for Income Taxes

     2,134        (925 )      1,209  

Net Income

     5,438        (1,375 )      4,063  

Basic EPS

     0.11        (0.03 )      0.08  

Diluted EPS

     0.11        (0.03 )      0.08  
     Three Months Ended March 30, 2008  
     As Reported      Error Correction      As Restated  

Net Sales

   $ 724,786      $ 900      $ 725,686  

Cost of Goods Sold

     603,234        (2,000 )      601,234  

Gross Profit

     121,552        2,900        124,452  

Income from Operations

     53,019        2,900        55,919  

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

     44,697        2,900        47,597  

Provision for Income Taxes

     7,561        1,166        8,727  

Net Income

     37,136        1,734        38,870  

Basic EPS

     0.75        0.03        0.78  

Diluted EPS

     0.75        0.03        0.78  

 

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Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information (Unaudited)

 

 

     Three Months Ended October 1, 2006  
     As Reported       
 
 
Pension
Accounting
Change
 
 
 
     Error Correction        As Restated  

Net Sales

   $ 338,249      $      $ 500      $ 338,749  

Cost of Goods Sold

     293,887        (1,916 )      2,400        294,371  

Gross Profit

     44,362        1,916        (1,900 )      44,378  

ESG&A

     66,321        (639 )      —          65,682  

Loss from Operations

     (21,959 )      2,555        (1,900 )      (21,304 )

Loss before Credit for Income Taxes

     (27,539 )      2,555        (1,900 )      (26,884 )

Credit for Income Taxes

     (9,501 )      996        (764 )      (9,269 )

Net Loss

     (18,038 )      1,559        (1,136 )      (17,615 )

Basic EPS

     (0.36 )      0.03        (0.02 )      (0.35 )

Diluted EPS

     (0.36 )      0.03        (0.02 )      (0.35 )
     Three Months Ended December 31, 2006  
     As Reported       
 
 
Pension
Accounting
Change
 
 
 
     Error Correction        As Restated  

Net Sales

   $ 423,059      $      $ 500      $ 423,559  

Cost of Goods Sold

     355,695        (1,916 )      600        354,379  

Gross Profit

     67,364        1,916        (100 )      69,180  

ESG&A

     64,853        (639 )      —          64,214  

Income from Operations

     2,511        2,555        (100 )      4,966  

Loss before Credit for Income Taxes

     (8,397 )      2,555        (100 )      (5,942 )

Credit for Income Taxes

     (2,487 )      996        (121 )      (1,612 )

Net Loss

     (5,910 )      1,559        21        (4,330 )

Basic EPS

     (0.12 )      0.03        0.00        (0.09 )

Diluted EPS

     (0.12 )      0.03        0.00        (0.09 )
     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

     85,212        1,916        2,100        89,228  

ESG&A

     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        996        844        7,103  

Net Income

     7,770        1,559        1,256        10,585  

Basic EPS

     0.15        0.03        0.03        0.21  

Diluted EPS

     0.15        0.03        0.03        0.21  

 

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

Net Sales

   $ 678,872      $      $ (1,300 )    $ 677,572

Cost of Goods Sold

     580,771        (1,916 )      (1,600 )      577,255

Gross Profit

     90,194        1,916        300        92,410

ESG&A

     70,133        (639 )      —          69,494

Income from Operations

     20,061        2,555        300        22,916

Income before Provision for Income Taxes

     15,584        2,555        300        18,439

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

     (740 )      997        121        378

Net Income

     16,324        1,558        179        18,061

Basic EPS

     0.32        0.03        0.01        0.36

Diluted EPS

     0.32        0.03        0.01        0.36

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of June 29, 2008, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

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

 

(b) Directors. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Election of Directors”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(c) Section 16 Compliance. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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(d) Audit Committee Financial Expert. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

(e) Identification of Audit Committee. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions “Compensation Committee Report”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Agreements with Executives”, and “Director Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

The information in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners”, “Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

The information in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” and “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton’s definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the captions “Independent Auditors Fees” and “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)

 

1.

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

Consolidated Balance Sheets, June 29, 2008 and July 1, 2007

   

For the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2008, July 1, 2007 and July 2, 2006:

   

Consolidated Statements of Earnings

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  2.   Financial Statement Schedules
   

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

    All other financial statement schedules provided for in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions.
  3.   Exhibits
    Refer to the Exhibit Index incorporated herein by reference. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report is identified in the Exhibit Index by an asterisk following the Exhibit Number.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2008, JULY 1, 2007 AND JULY 2, 2006

 

Reserve for

Doubtful Accounts

Receivable

 

Balance

Beginning

of Year

 

Additions

Charged

to Earnings

 

Charges to

Reserve, Net

   

Balance

End of

Year

2008   $ 4,102,000   6,524,000   (5,019,000 )   $ 5,607,000
2007   $ 4,851,000   1,872,000   (2,621,000 )   $ 4,102,000
2006   $ 5,461,000   4,321,000   (4,931,000 )   $ 4,851,000

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
  By  

/s/ James E. Brenn

    James E. Brenn
        August 28        , 2008     Senior Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer

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

 

/s/ John S. Shiely

   

/s/ David L. Burner

John S. Shiely     David L. Burner
Chairman, President and Chief Executive     Director
Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)    
   

/s/ Mary K. Bush

    Mary K. Bush

/s/ James E. Brenn

    Director
James E. Brenn    
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial    
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)    

/s/ Keith R. McLoughlin

    Keith R. McLoughlin

/s/ David J. Rodgers

    Director
David J. Rodgers    
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)    

/s/ Robert J. O’Toole

    Robert J. O’Toole

/s/ William F. Achtmeyer

    Director
William F. Achtmeyer    
Director    

/s/ Charles I. Story

    Charles I. Story

/s/ Michael E. Batten

    Director
Michael E. Batten    
Director    

/s/ Brian C. Walker

    Brian C. Walker
    Director
    *Each signature affixed as of
            August 28        , 2008.

 

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

(Commission File No. 1-1370)

EXHIBIT INDEX

2008 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Exhibit

Number

 

Document Description

  3.1

  Articles of Incorporation.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 1994 and incorporated by reference herein.)

      3.1 (a)

  Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

  3.2

  Bylaws, as amended and restated April 18, 2007.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 18, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

  4.0

  Rights Agreement dated as of August 7, 1996, as amended through August 9, 2006, between Briggs & Stratton Corporation and National City Bank which includes the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Common Shares as Exhibit B.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated as of August 15, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.)

  4.6

  Indenture dated as of May 14, 2001 between Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the Guarantors listed on Schedule I thereto and Bank One, N.A., as Trustee, providing for 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011 (including form of Note, form of Notation of Guarantee and other exhibits).
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on July 3, 2001, Registration No. 333-64490, and incorporated herein by reference.)

  4.7

  Form of Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 15, 2001 between Subsequent Guarantors (Generac Portable Products, Inc., GPPD, Inc., GPPW, Inc. and Generac Portable Products, LLC), Briggs & Stratton Corporation, and Bank One, N.A., as Trustee.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on July 3, 2001, Registration No. 333-64490, and incorporated herein by reference.)

  4.8

  First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 2001 between Briggs & Stratton Corporation and Bank One, N.A., as Trustee under the Indenture dated as of June 4, 1997.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on July 3, 2001, Registration No. 333-64490, and incorporated herein by reference.)

  4.9

  Form of Indenture Supplement to Add a Subsidiary Guarantor dated as of May 15, 2001 among each Subsidiary Guarantor (Generac Portable Products, Inc., GPPD, Inc., GPPW, Inc. and Generac Portable Products, LLC), Briggs & Stratton Corporation, and Bank One, N.A., as Trustee.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.13 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on July 3, 2001, Registration No. 333-64490, and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.0*

  Amended and Restated Form of Officer Employment Agreement.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.0 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

 

62


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

 

Document Description

10.1*

  Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.2*

  Amended and Restated Economic Value Added Incentive Compensation Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 1, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.2 (a)*

  Amendment to the Economic Value Added Incentive Compensation Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.3*

  Amended and Restated Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.4*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 2, 1995 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.4 (a)*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 2, 1995 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.5*

  1999 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit A to the Company’s 1999 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.5 (a)*

  Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.5 (b)*

  Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (c) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.5 (c)*

  2004 Amended and Restated Briggs & Stratton Corporate Incentive Compensation Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit B to the Company’s 2004 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.5 (d)*

  Amended and Restated Briggs & Stratton Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan as Modified October 29, 2004.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended September 26, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6*

  Premium Option and Stock Award Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated August 9, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.6 (a)*

  Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Premium Option and Stock Award Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 3, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.6 (b)*

  Amended and Restated Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Premium Option and Stock Award Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended April 2, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.)

 

63


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

 

Document Description

    10.6 (c)* 

  Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Premium Option and Restricted Stock Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (b) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.6 (d)* 

  Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement Under the Premium Option and Stock Award Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (c) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 3, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.6 (e)* 

  Form of Deferred Stock Award Agreement Under the Premium Option and Stock Award Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (d) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 3, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.7* 

  Amended and Restated Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program
 

(Filed herewith.)

10.8  

  Amended and Restated Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.11*   

  Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

    10.12*   

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 3, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.12 (a)*

  Form of Director’s Stock Option Agreement under the Director’s Premium Option and Stock Grant Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.12 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended April 2, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.13*

  Summary of Director Compensation.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.13 (a)*

  Summary of Changes to Director Compensation.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.14*

  Executive Life Insurance Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.14 (a)*

  Amendment to Executive Life Insurance Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.14 (a) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 29, 2003 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.14 (b)*

  Amendment to Executive Life Insurance Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.14 (b) to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.15*

  Amended and Restated Key Employees Savings and Investment Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.15 (a)*

  Amendment to Key Employees Savings and Investment Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

 

64


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

 

Document Description

     10.15 (b)*

  Amendment to Key Employees Savings and Investment Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.0 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.15 (c)*

  Amendment to Key Employee Savings and Investment Plan.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.16*

  Consultant Reimbursement Arrangement.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.17*

  Briggs & Stratton Product Program.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2002 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.19 

  Retention and Consulting Agreement entered into on September 12, 2005 between Briggs & Stratton Corporation and Mark R. Hazeltine.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated September 12, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.20 

  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated January 25, 2005, by and among Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, Briggs & Stratton Canada Inc., Murray, Inc. and Murray Canada Co.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.21 

  Transition Supply Agreement, dated February 11, 2005, between Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC and Murray, Inc.
 

(Form of Transition Supply Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2005 and incorporated by reference herein.)

     10.23 (c) 

  Amended and Restated Multicurrency Credit Agreement, dated July 12, 2007, among Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the financial institutions party hereto, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., La Salle Bank National Association, M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank, U.S. Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, issuing bank and swing line bank, and Banc of America Securities LLC, lead arranger and book manager.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 12, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.24 

  Class B Preferred Share Redemption Agreement.
 

(Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.25 

  Victa Agreement.
 

(Filed herewith.)

12      

  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 

(Filed herewith.)

18.0    

  Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP re Change in Accounting Principal
 

(Filed as Exhibit 18.0 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.)

21      

  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 

(Filed herewith.)

23.1    

  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 

(Filed herewith.)

 

65


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

 

Document Description

31.1    

  Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

(Filed herewith.)

31.2    

  Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

(Filed herewith.)

32.1    

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

(Furnished herewith.)

32.2    

  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   

(Furnished herewith.)

* Management contracts and executive compensation plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits pursuant to Item 15(a)(3) of Form 10-K.

 

66

EX-10.7 2 dex107.htm AMENDED AND RESTATED POWERFUL SOLUTION INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM Amended and Restated Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 10.7

AMENDED AND RESTATED POWERFUL SOLUTION

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM


Effective 8-12-08

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

POWERFUL SOLUTION INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

As adopted by the Compensation Committee on October 17, 2007 and amended on August 12, 2008

 

2


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

POWERFUL SOLUTION INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

 

1.0 Objectives

The Powerful Solution Incentive Compensation Program (“Program”) supplements the Company’s EVA incentive compensation plans by providing financial incentives for designated key employees to achieve specific performance goals in Plan Years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Committee believes that achievement of these goals will contribute to the long term consolidated results of the Company during this period.

The Program is structured such that after the close of a Plan Year an amount not to exceed the participant’s target incentive award under the applicable EVA incentive compensation plan is available to be awarded to the executive based on the achievement of performance goals that were established at the start of the year. For fiscal year 2008, 50% of any Program Award will be provided as a cash bonus and 50% as restricted and/or deferred shares of the Company’s Stock (“Restricted and/or Deferred Stock”). For fiscal years 2009 and 2010, 100% of any Program Award will be provided as Restricted and/or Deferred Stock.

 

2.0 Participants and Performance Goals

Within ninety (90) days after the start of a Plan Year, the Committee will determine whether to make the Program effective for the year; if so, it will review the participants in the Program and their performance goals recommended by the CEO and COO, and will determine the participants and their goals. Participants will be selected from those employees of the Company or its subsidiaries who have a high degree of involvement and responsibility for implementing the Company’s strategy to evolve from an engine manufacturer to a full line provider of engines and end products. Performance goals will be selected and weighted based on the impact of the goals on EVA, other measurements identified in the Incentive Compensation Plan and achievement of the Company’s strategy.

 

3.0 Program Awards

After the close of a Plan Year, each participant’s manager shall evaluate the extent to which the participant achieved his or her performance goals and shall assign a performance factor to each goal. The performance factor may range from 0 to 1.5, with 0.5 representing threshold performance, 1.0 representing achievement of the targeted result, and 1.5 representing superior execution.

The Committee shall review the managers’ evaluations and determine the amount of any Program Award to be made to a participant. The award to a participant shall be his or her Target Incentive Award for the Plan Year multiplied by a performance rating, which shall be the product of the weight assigned to each Program performance goal multiplied by its performance factor. In no case may the Program performance rating exceed 1.0.

 

1


Program Awards will be prorated in accordance with the provisions of Section VII of the EVA Incentive Compensation Plan, and all awards are subject to applicable taxes. Program Awards are not subject to reduction for bonuses under any other plan, and may not be used to offset any deficit in the Bonus Bank.

 

4.0 Cash Bonus

The dollar amount of the cash bonus to be awarded to a participant shall be 50% of the participant’s Program Award for the 2008 Plan Year. The bonus shall be paid directly to the participant as soon a practical after being approved by the Committee.

 

5.0 Restricted and/or Deferred Stock Awards

The dollar amount of Restricted and/or Deferred Stock to be awarded to a participant shall be 50% of the participant’s Program Award for the 2008 Plan Year and 100% of the participant’s Program Award for the 2009 and 2010 Plan Years. The number of shares of Restricted and/or Deferred Stock awarded shall be determined by dividing (a) the dollar amount of such Restricted and/or Deferred Stock award by (b) the Fair Market Value of Company Stock on the date of grant as determined by the Committee, rounded (up or down) to the nearest 10 shares.

The Committee shall determine whether stock awards shall consist of Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock or a mix of each type of stock, and may consider each participant’s preference in making such determination. All shares of Restricted and/or Deferred Stock shall vest on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant regardless of whether such vesting date occurs before or after retirement, and shall have such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine.

 

6.0 Limitations on Awards and Carryover

The Premium Option and Stock Award Program states that the maximum number of shares of Restricted and/or Deferred Stock that may be granted to all Senior Executives for any Plan Year shall be 500,000. The Incentive Compensation Plan states that the maximum number of such shares that may be awarded to any executive in a fiscal year shall be 160,000.

If either of these limitations is in effect, the dollar amount of any Program stock award shall be reduced by proration based on the aggregate awards otherwise to be made to all stock recipients under all plans so that the limitation is not exceeded. The amount of any such reduction shall be carried forward and awarded in subsequent years to the extent the annual limitation is not exceeded in such years.

 

7.0 Termination

The Program may be terminated by the Committee at any time and shall automatically terminate after Plan Year 2010, subject to continuation as required to carry over one or more Program stock awards from a prior Plan Year due to the limitations stated in Section 6.0.

 

2


8.0 Definitions

All capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the same meaning given to them in the EVA Incentive Compensation Plan adopted by the Committee and the Incentive Compensation Plan approved by shareholders.

 

3

EX-10.25 3 dex1025.htm VICTA AGREEMENT Victa Agreement

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 10.25

VICTA AGREEMENT

 

1


Schedule 1

Warranties

 

1. Accuracy of Information

 

  1.1 So far as the Vendor is aware, the information concerning the Business prepared by or on behalf of the Vendor and contained in the Disclosure Material is accurate in all material respects. So far as the Vendor is aware, none of that information is misleading in any material particular, whether by inclusion of misleading information or omission of information or both.

 

  1.2 The Vendor has not knowingly withheld any information from the Purchaser which is material in the context of the Victa Companies or the Business or because the Vendor believed that information would affect the Purchaser’s willingness to proceed in the purchase of the Shares on the terms of this Agreement.

 

  1.3 All copies of documents provided by the Vendor or the Guarantor to the Purchaser are true copies in all material respects.

 

2. Records

 

  2.1 The Records:

 

  (a) are in the possession of the Company;

 

  (b) have been properly maintained; and

 

  (c) so far as the Vendor is aware, do not contain material inaccuracies or discrepancies of any kind.

 

3. Authority

 

  3.1 The Vendor is the registered holder and beneficial owner of the Shares and there are no Security Interests or Claims of any Person over or affecting the Shares.

 

  3.2 This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Vendor and the Guarantor enforceable in accordance with its terms by appropriate legal remedy.

 

  3.3 The Vendor and the Guarantor:

 

  (a) have taken all necessary action to authorise the execution, delivery and performance of this agreement with its terms; and

 

  (b) have full power to enter into and perform their obligations under this Agreement and can do so without the consent of any other person.

 

  3.4 The execution, delivery and performance by the Vendor and the Guarantor of this Agreement and each transaction contemplated by this Agreement does not or will not (with or without the lapse of time, the giving of notice or both) contravene, conflict with or result in a breach of or default under:

 

  (a) any term or provision of any Security Interest; or

 

2


  (b) any Law,

to which it is a party or is subject or by which it is bound.

 

  3.5 An insolvency event has not occurred to the Vendor or the Guarantor.

 

4. The Company

 

  4.1 Each of the Victa Companies:

 

  (a) is duly incorporated and validly exists under the law of its place of incorporation;

 

  (b) has full corporate power and authority to own its assets and business and to carry on the Business as conducted at Completion;

 

  (c) is not insolvent and no receiver has been appointed over any part of its assets and no such appointment has been threatened;

 

  (d) is not in liquidation and no proceedings have been brought or threatened for the purpose of winding it up;

 

  (e) is not a member of any partnership or other unincorporated association (other than a recognised trade association); or

 

  (f) is not the responsible entity, manager, trustee, representative or custodian of any trust or managed investment scheme (within the meaning of the Corporations Act);

 

  (g) has conducted its affairs in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws and in accordance with its constitution;

 

  (h) does not trade under a name other than its corporate name (excluding trademarks or business names set out in Schedule 3, Schedule 5 or Schedule 6).

 

  4.2 The Victa Companies’ constitutions produced to the Purchaser prior to executing this Agreement are true copies and include all amendments made up to the Completion Date, and no resolution to alter a Victa Companies’ constitution except as produced to the Purchaser have been passed.

 

  4.3 So far as the Vendor is aware, there are no facts, matters or circumstances which give any person the right to apply to liquidate or wind up any Victa Company.

 

  4.4 No administrator has been appointed to any Victa Company nor has any deed of company arrangement been executed or proposed in respect of each Victa Company.

 

3


  4.5 No Victa Company has entered into an arrangement, compromise or composition with or assignment for the benefit of its creditors or a class of them.

 

  4.6 No Victa Company is (or is taken to be under applicable legislation) unable to pay its debts, other than a debt or claim the subject of a good faith dispute, and has not stopped or suspended, or threatened to stop or suspend, the payment of all or a class of its debts.

 

  4.7 The Company is not the holder or beneficial owner of any shares or other capital in any body corporate (wherever incorporated) save all the shares in VL.

 

  4.8 VL is not the holder or beneficial owner of any shares or other capital in any body corporate (wherever incorporated).

 

5. The Shares

 

  5.1 The Shares comprise the whole of the issued share capital of the Company.

 

  5.2 The Shares have been validly allotted and are fully paid and no moneys are owing in respect of them.

 

  5.3 The Shares have not been issued in violation of any pre-emptive or similar rights of any member or former member of the Company or of the terms of any agreement by which the Vendor or the Company are bound.

 

  5.4 There is no shareholder agreement, voting trust, proxy or other agreement or understanding relating to the voting of the Shares.

 

  5.5 There are no agreements, arrangements or understandings in place in respect of the Shares under which the Company is obliged at any time to issue any shares or other securities in the Company.

 

  5.6 There is no restriction on the sale or transfer of the Shares to the Purchaser except for the requirement to present the relevant share certificates and for the consent of the directors of the Company to, and the requirement to pay any applicable stamp duty on the transfer before, the registration of the transfers of the Shares.

 

  5.7 The Vendor is the legal owner of the Shares free from all Security Interests and there is no agreement to give or create any Security Interest over the Shares.

 

  5.8 The Vendor has full power and authority to transfer to the Purchaser good legal and equitable title to the Shares free from all Security Interests.

 

  5.9 The Company has not made available any interest in a managed investment scheme.

 

  5.10 Subject to clause 11, the Company has not entered into any agreements, arrangements or understandings which may require it to issue further shares in the Company.

 

4


  5.11 Except for the Purchaser’s rights under this Agreement, no Person has any written or oral agreement, option or warrant or any right or privilege (whether by Law, pre-emptive or contractual), capable of becoming such for the purchase or acquisition of any shares or securities (including unissued shares or units) in the capital of any Victa Company.

 

6. Financial Position

 

  6.1 The Provisional Accounts:

 

  (a) were prepared in accordance with the Accounting Standards;

 

  (b) show a true and fair view of:

 

  (i) the financial position of the Victa Companies as at the Accounts Date;

 

  (ii) the performance of the Victa Companies for the financial period ended on the Accounts Date.

 

  (c) are not affected by any unusual or non-recurring item other than:

 

  (i) any inter-company group charges; and

 

  (ii) compensation received from the South Australian government;

 

  (d) take account of all gains and losses whether realised or unrealised arising from foreign currency transactions;

 

  (e) include all reserves and provisions necessary to cover all liabilities for long service leave and annual leave entitlements in respect of the Victa Companies; and

 

  (f) include reserves and provisions for Taxation that are sufficient to cover all tax liabilities in respect of all periods up to the Accounts Date.

 

  6.2 Since the Accounts Date, the Victa Companies have conducted the Business in all material respects in the normal course and as a going concern.

 

  6.3 Since the Accounts Date, there has been no material adverse change in the working capital of the Victa Companies.

 

  6.4 Since the Accounts Date, there has been no material adverse change in the turnover, financial position or prospects of the Victa Companies.

 

  6.5 The Company has not and is not engaged in financing of a type which is not required to be shown or reflected in its accounts.

 

  6.6 As at Completion there will be no set-off arrangement between the Company and any other person.

 

5


  6.7 Since the Accounts Date:

 

  (a) except for disposals of Trading Stock in the ordinary and usual course of business the Company has not disposed of any material asset in the possession or under the control of the Victa Companies. The Victa Companies have not created a Security Interest over or declared themselves trustee of any of their assets.

 

  (b) No material asset has been acquired by the Company for materially more than market value or sold for materially less than market value.

 

  (c) No decision has been made to defer any material capital expenditure of the Company.

 

  (d) No authorisation from which the Victa Companies benefit has been terminated or has expired and in either case could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the profitability of the Business.

 

  (e) No share or loan capital, security or other right convertible into shares or loan capital has been issued by any Victa Company.

 

7. NZ Business

 

  7.1 Immediately prior to Completion, Sunbeam NZ was the legal and beneficial owner of the NZ Assets and NZ Business and has the legal right to transfer the NZ Assets to the NZ Purchaser.

 

  7.2 The NZ Assets:

 

  (a) are all those assets used in the NZ Business;

 

  (b) are free of any Security Interests; and

 

  (c) as at Completion, will be the absolute property of, and legally and beneficially owned by the NZ Purchaser.

 

  7.3 Pending Completion, the NZ Business will continue to be carried out by Sunbeam NZ so as to maintain the same as a going concern.

 

  7.4 Sunbeam NZ is the employer of all the NZ Employees and has provided the Purchaser with the material employment details of the NZ Employees.

 

  7.5 No NZ Employee is subject to any covenant that would restrict in any way the conduct of their employment with the NZ Business.

 

  7.6 The NZ Business complies with its obligations relating to the working environment for all employees in accordance with all applicable legislation, and Sunbeam NZ as at the Completion Date is not subject to any claims by any NZ Employee.

 

8. Assets

 

  8.1

Each tangible asset of or represented as belonging to any Victa Company, in the accounts of the Victa Companies (other than Trading Stock disposed of since 31 December 2007 in the ordinary and usual course of business) (Asset), is the absolute property of, and legally and beneficially owned by, the

 

6


 

Victa Companies free of any Security Interest, except for any item disclosed in the Disclosure Material as being subject to hire purchase, lease or rental agreements.

 

  8.2 All plant, machinery, vehicles and equipment (including computer equipment) owned or used by the Victa Companies in the Business (Plant and Equipment) with a written down value of $50,000 or more:

 

  (a) is, consistent with its age, in good repair and condition;

 

  (b) is in satisfactory working order and has been maintained in accordance with prudent business practice;

 

  (c) is not dangerous or unsuitable for the purpose for which it is used; and

 

  (d) to the best of the Vendor’s knowledge and belief, is capable of doing the work for which it was designed or purchased.

 

  8.3 The Plant and Equipment register is complete and accurate in all material respects. It sets out, in respect of each item recorded in it, the date the item was acquired, its cost, current book value and current tax depreciated value.

 

  8.4 All Trading Stock is of good and merchantable quality. The Trading Stock is fit for the purpose for which it is intended to be used. The Trading Stock conforms with all relevant descriptions, specifications and standards.

 

  8.5 So far as the Vendor is aware, all Assets owned, leased or hired by the Victa Companies are located at the Other Premises or NSW Premises (other than any vehicles in the course of being used for the purposes of the Business and Trading Stock in transit or being held in reserve at other locations disclosed to the Purchaser) and are all the assets used in the Business.

 

  8.6 As at Completion, no Asset is owned by any person other than the Victa Companies.

 

  8.7 No notice has been served on the Company by any Governmental Agency which might materially impair, prevent or otherwise interfere with the Company’s use of or proprietary rights in any of its Assets.

 

9. Contracts

 

  9.1 Full details of all Contracts material to the operation of the Business (Material Contracts) have been fully disclosed in writing to the Purchaser. There have been no material oral or written modifications, amendments or waivers with respect to any of the terms of any Material Contract that have not been disclosed in the Disclosure Material.

 

  9.2 No Material Contract:

 

  (a) is outside the ordinary and usual course of business;

 

  (b) is not on arm’s length terms (including, in particular, in respect of any loan provided by the Company);

 

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  (c) is with the Vendor (or a person controlling or controlled by the Vendor) and under which a Victa Company is required to give a material financial benefit to the Vendor (or a person controlling or controlled by the Vendor), other than agreement or arrangement on arms length terms or one which is terminable on reasonable notice; or

 

  (d) limits the freedom of any Victa Company of any or its officers, employees or agents, to engage in any type of business or activity, including in competition with any person or in any area, relating to the Business as carried on at Completion.

 

  9.3 No party to any Material Contract is entitled:

 

  (a) to terminate the Material Contract or accelerate the maturity or performance of any obligation;

 

  (b) to require the adoption of terms less favourable; or

 

  (c) to do anything which would adversely affect the interests, Business or assets of the Victa Companies,

by reason of any change in the legal or beneficial ownership of the Shares or any of them or the performance of this Agreement.

 

  9.4 Each of the Material Contracts is valid, binding and enforceable against the parties to it. No Victa Company (and, so far as the Vendor is aware) no other party to any Material Contract is:

 

  (a) in material default; or

 

  (b) but for the requirements of notice or lapse of time or both, would be in material default,

where such default will, or would reasonably be likely to, have a materially adverse effect upon the value of the Business.

 

  9.5 So far as the Vendor is aware there are no set offs, counter claims, or other claims or rights of third parties in respect of any Material Contract which could materially diminish or impair the benefits of them to the Purchaser.

 

  9.6 So far as the Vendor is aware all documents (other than those which have ceased to have any legal effect) to which any Victa Company is a party which attract stamp duty in any State or Territory of Australia or elsewhere, have been duly and properly stamped and no such documents which are outside any such State or Territory would attract stamp duty if they were brought into such State or Territory of Australia.

 

  9.7 No Victa Company has made any offers, tenders or quotations which are still outstanding and capable of giving rise to a contract by the unilateral act of a third party other than in the ordinary course of the Business.

 

  9.8 Neither Victa Company has been notified of, or agreed or consented to, any actual or intended amendment to the prices or other terms or conditions of the Material Contracts other than in the ordinary course of the Business.

 

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  9.9 No other party to any Material Contract has informed the Victa Companies in writing that it intends to change its current relationship with the Business in any manner which would adversely affect the Business.

 

  9.10 All security (including any guarantee or indemnity) held by any Victa Company is valid and enforceable by the Victa Company against the grantor in accordance with the terms of the security.

 

  9.11 The Vendor is not aware of any reason or circumstance which might cause a Material Contract to not be fully performed and completed in accordance with its terms which would have an adverse effect upon the value of the Business; or

 

  9.12 As at the date of this Agreement, the Vendor has not received any written notice of any reason or circumstance which may result in a Claim being made against any Victa Company under a Material Contract or in the termination or non-renewal of a Material Contract which would have a material adverse effect upon the value of the Business.

 

10. SA Settlement Agreement

 

  10.1 The Company is not in breach of the SA Settlement Agreement.

 

  10.2 All payments by the Company under the SA Settlement Agreement will be paid in full in accordance with the SA Settlement Agreement on or before the Completion Date and the Company will have no further liability under the SA Settlement Agreement.

 

  10.3 Save for the Liability of the Company under the SA Settlement Agreement, there is no further liability owed by the Company to the Government of South Australia except in the ordinary course of business.

 

11. Intellectual Property

 

  11.1 A Victa Company is the legal and beneficial owner, registered proprietor of, or applicant in respect of the Owned Intellectual Property free and clear of any restrictions, liens, charges, encumbrances and other rights.

 

  11.2 Prior to any transfer or assignment in accordance with clause 9, the Group Member referred to as the owner of the Sunbeam Intellectual Property set out in Schedule 6 is the legal and beneficial owner of, registered proprietor of, or applicant in respect of the Sunbeam Intellectual Property set out next to that Group Member’s name in Schedule 6.

 

  11.3 Schedule 5 contains a complete and accurate list of all Owned Intellectual Property owned by any Victa Company.

 

  11.4 The Victa Companies do not use or require in the Business any material Intellectual Property other than the Owned Intellectual Property, Sunbeam Intellectual Property and Third Party Intellectual Property.

 

  11.5 So far as the Vendor is aware the Owned Intellectual Property is valid, subsisting and enforceable.

 

  11.6 The Company has validly registered all its Business Names.

 

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  11.7 All renewal, application and other fees and steps required for the maintenance, prosecution, enforcement and use of the Owned Intellectual Property that is material to the operation of the Business have been paid or taken.

 

  11.8 Copies of all material licences and agreements relating to Third Party Intellectual Property entered into by the Company are set out in the Disclosure Material.

 

  11.9 Each item of the Owned Intellectual Property is registered. So far as the Vendor is aware no person has sought or threatened to challenge any such registration. So far as the Vendor is aware the Company has used all Owned Intellectual Property which is material to the operation of the Business in a manner sufficient to maintain any such registrations and the rights of the Company.

 

  11.10 Each item of the Sunbeam Intellectual Property is registered. So far as the Vendor is aware no person has sought or threatened to challenge any such registration. So far as the Vendor is aware Sunbeam NZ has used all Sunbeam Intellectual Property which is material to the operation of the Business in a manner sufficient to maintain any such registrations.

 

  11.11 So far as the Vendor is aware there is no fact, matter or circumstance which would, or would be likely to:

 

  (a) render void or voidable any registration in respect of any Owned Intellectual Property or Sunbeam Intellectual Property which is material to the operation of the Business or lead to the removal of any such registration from the relevant intellectual property register; or

 

  (b) lead to the refusal for registration of any pending application for any Owned Intellectual Property or Sunbeam Intellectual Property which is material to the operation of the Business.

 

  11.12 So far as the Vendor is aware all steps have been taken that are necessary or desirable in order to protect, defend, enforce or maintain the Owned Intellectual Property and Sunbeam Intellectual Property which is material to the operation of the Business.

 

  11.13 To the best of the Vendor’s knowledge, no third party is infringing or making unauthorised use of any of the Owned Intellectual Property or Sunbeam Intellectual Property.

 

  11.14 To the best of the Vendor’s knowledge the activities of the Victa Companies are not currently breaching or infringing the rights relating to Intellectual Property of any third party which would have a materially adverse effect upon the value of the Business.

 

  11.15 None of the Owned Intellectual Property or Sunbeam Intellectual Property is currently or has been the subject of any material actual, threatened or anticipated dispute, challenge, litigation, opposition or administrative proceedings and the Vendor is not aware that any such Claim is threatened or likely.

 

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  11.16 At Completion, the Victa Companies will own the Owned Intellectual Property and so far as the Vendor is aware have an enforceable right to use all Third Party Intellectual Property used in and/or necessary to carry on the Business in the manner carried on at Completion and to fulfil any currently existing plans or proposals.

 

  11.17 At Completion, the Sunbeam Intellectual Property will be the absolute property of, and legally owned by a Victa Company or the NZ Purchaser.

 

  11.18 After Completion, the Group will not make any further use or disclosure of the Confidential Information and acknowledge that the Purchaser may make any such use or disclosure of the Confidential Information as it thinks fit and the Vendor or Guarantor are not party to any confidentiality undertakings or similar restrictions which would prevent the Purchaser from receiving, disclosing, using or dealing with any information relating to the Victa Companies.

 

  11.19 The Victa Companies conduct Business only under their corporate names or the Business Names set out in Schedule 3. All Business Names used, are registered in the name of a Victa Company.

 

  11.20 So far as the Vendor is aware all renewal, application and other fees required for the maintenance of the Business Names and Domain Names prior to Completion have been paid. So far as the Vendor is aware the use of those Domain Names and Business Names does not materially infringe the rights of any third party, is not contrary to law and there is no event, circumstance or dispute (whether actual, threatened or anticipated) which could materially affect the use by the Company of the Domain Names and the Business names. The Company has not licensed, authorised or permitted any person to use a name incorporating all or part of the Domain Names or Business Names.

 

12. Employees

 

  12.1 The Disclosure Material contains material details of all Employees and NZ Employees as at the date of disclosure and accurate particulars of all State and Federal industrial awards or agreements (whether registered or not) that apply to the Employees.

 

  12.2 There is no industrial dispute affecting the Employees or NZ Employees.

 

  12.3 None of the current or former Employees or NZ Employees has made a worker’s compensation claim that remains unresolved and to the best of the Vendor’s knowledge and belief none of them has any existing injury, disability or illness which will materially affect his or her ability to perform his or her normal duties as an employee in the Business.

 

  12.4 Neither the Vendor, any Victa Company, or Sunbeam NZ has received any notice of any breach by it of its legal or contractual obligations concerning the employment or termination of employment of any of the current or former Employees or NZ Employees.

 

  12.5 Subject to any applicable legislation or rule of law relating to unlawful termination, unfair dismissal, unfair contract agreements or arrangements and the need to give the required period of notice on termination, all contracts of employment of any Employee or NZ Employee may be terminated by one month’s notice or less, or by reasonable notice.

 

11


  12.6 No Employee or NZ Employee has given notice (which has not yet expired or been rescinded) terminating his or her contract of employment or is under notice of dismissal other than in the ordinary and usual course of business.

 

  12.7 There is no agreement, arrangement or understanding between any Victa Company or Sunbeam NZ and a union or any representative of it in respect of the Employees or NZ Employees except as disclosed in the Disclosure Material.

 

  12.8 Each Victa Company and Sunbeam NZ has in relation to each current and former Employee and NZ Employee employed by it, complied in all material respects with all obligations imposed on it under all statutes (including in respect of all worker’s compensation obligations), regulations, orders, awards, enterprise agreements and codes of conduct and practice relevant to conditions of employment and to the relationship between it and the Employees and NZ Employees and any union.

 

  12.9 So far as the Vendor is aware all Employees who are not Australian citizens, or in the case of NZ Employees, not New Zealand citizens, have the right to work in Australia or New Zealand as the case may be, and have validly issued visas or other documentation establishing these rights.

 

  12.10 Except as disclosed to the Purchaser no Employee or NZ Employee is entitled to any bonus or similar payment that is linked to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

13. Superannuation

 

  13.1 As at the date of this Agreement, the only superannuation schemes or other pension arrangements to which the Victa Companies contributes or is required to contribute in respect of the Employees are external superannuation funds, other than the salary continuance policy currently in operation the details of which have been disclosed in the Disclosure Materials.

 

  13.2 Each Victa Company will not be liable to pay the superannuation guarantee charge or any other amount pursuant to the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) in respect of any of its directors, employees or contractors for any contribution period (as defined in the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth)) up to Completion.

 

  13.3 Otherwise than in the ordinary course of administration, there are no outstanding and unpaid contributions to any superannuation funds on the part of each Victa Company.

 

  13.4 In relation to each of its directors, employees and contractors, each Victa Company makes employer contributions to any superannuation funds at the level necessary to avoid a superannuation shortfall under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).

 

  13.5 Except as disclosed in the Disclosure Materials (and for the avoidance of doubt excluding deductions via salary sacrifice as directed by Employees), each Victa Company makes employer contributions to any superannuation funds at the minimum level necessary to avoid a superannuation shortfall under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).

 

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  13.6 The Victa Companies and Sunbeam NZ are not under any present legal liability or voluntary commitment (whether or not legally binding) to pay any person any pension, superannuation, allowance, retirement gratuity or like benefits other than contributions to any superannuation funds as described in the previous provisions of warranty 13.

 

  13.7 In respect of the Transferring Employees, Sunbeam NZ has complied with its obligations under the KiwiSaver Act 2006 (New Zealand) in all material respects.

 

  13.8 Except as disclosed to the Purchaser Sunbeam NZ does not have in existence any share incentive scheme, share option scheme, profit-sharing scheme, bonus incentive scheme or scheme providing benefits of any other nature for the benefit of the Transferring Employees.

 

14. Real Property

 

  14.1 As at Completion, the Victa Companies do not have any interest in land except in respect of the NSW Premises under the NSW Lease.

 

  14.2 The Company has exclusive occupation of the NSW Premises.

 

  14.3 There is no event, circumstance or dispute (whether actual, threatened or anticipated) which could adversely affect:

 

  (a) the exclusive occupation and quiet enjoyment of the NSW Premises by the Company; or

 

  (b) the enforcement by the Company of any rights and entitlements as lessee of the NSW Premises.

 

  14.4 The Disclosure Material contains an accurate copy of the NSW lease in respect of the NSW Premises.

 

  14.5 So far as the Vendor is aware, the Company is not in default under or in breach of any term of the NSW Lease which would have a materially adverse effect upon the value of the Business. So far as the Vendor is aware, there are no circumstances subsisting under which the landlord of the NSW Lease may have any right or claim of any kind against any Victa Company under or in connection with the NSW Premises which would have a materially adverse effect upon the value of the Business.

 

  14.6 The NSW Premises has all services necessary for its proper enjoyment and use and the passage and provision of such services is uninterrupted and to the best of the Vendor’s knowledge and belief, there exists no imminent or likely interruption of such passage or provision.

 

  14.7 The NSW Premises has all means of access and egress necessary for its proper enjoyment and use.

 

  14.8 There is no sub-lease or licence granted by the Company in respect of the NSW Premises.

 

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  14.9 To the best of the Vendor’s knowledge, there are no covenants, restrictions or arrangements affecting the NSW Premises which are of an onerous or unusual nature or conflict with the present use of all or any part of the NSW Premises.

 

  14.10 The current use of the NSW Premises by the Company for the carrying on of the Business does not breach any Law.

 

  14.11 The Company has paid all rent and other outgoings which have become due and payable by the Company in respect of the NSW Premises.

 

  14.12 The Vendor has not received any notice from any Governmental Agency or from any other person concerning the NSW Premises which has not been complied with. To the best of the Vendor’s knowledge and belief, there are no proposals made or intended to be made by any Governmental Agency or any other person:

 

  (a) concerning the acquisition or resumption of the whole or any part of the NSW Premises;

 

  (b) requiring the doing of work or expenditure of money on or in relation to the NSW Premises or any footpath or road adjoining any of the land on which any of the NSW Premises are situated; or

 

  (c) which would adversely affect the whole or any part of the land on which the NSW Premises are situated.

 

  14.13 All buildings or other improvements made by any Victa Company at the NSW Premises are in good repair and condition and are fit for the purpose for which they are at present used.

 

  14.14 To the best of the Vendor’s knowledge, the NSW Premises are not subject to any material defect.

 

15. Environment

 

  15.1 Each Environmental Authorisation has been obtained. Each such Environmental Authorisation is and has been at all relevant times effective and there is no proposal to revoke, suspend, modify or not renew any authorisation.

 

  15.2 Each Victa Company complies with each such Environmental Authorisation and the Vendor is not aware of any breach or likely breach of any such Environmental Authorisation. Neither the Vendor nor any Victa Company, so far as the Vendor is aware, has received any notice, order, claim, demand or like communication from a Governmental Agency which might adversely affect the use of the Other Premises or NSW Premises for the conduct of the Business.

 

  15.3 No Victa Company has given a bond or security deposit in favour of any Governmental Agency in connection with any Environmental Authorisation which relates to the Business or the Other Premises or NSW Premises.

 

  15.4

No Victa Company has received written notice of any action, or cause of action, or actual, pending or threatened Claim in relation to the presence or

 

14


 

release into the Environment of Contamination or Pollution resulting from the occupation of the Other Premises or NSW Premises by the Victa Companies and there have been no such actions or Claims against any Victa Company in the past 3 years.

 

  15.5 No Victa Company has any liability under any environmental law in relation to the Vendor’s previous operation of a manufacturing facility in Campsie, NSW.

 

  15.6 No Victa Company has applied asbestos, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, PBBs, PBDEs, PCBs or any of their derivatives or any ozone depleting substances in the processes used to manufacture products at the NSW Premises.

 

16. Compliance with laws

 

  16.1 Each Victa Company has complied in all material respects with applicable laws and legal requirements of statutory bodies where non compliance will, or would reasonably be likely to have a materially adverse effect upon the value of the Business.

 

  16.2 There is no outstanding correspondence between the Victa Companies and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

 

  16.3 All returns, notices and other documents required to be lodged or given by each Victa Company under the Corporations Act and other relevant acts and regulations have been duly and properly prepared and lodged or given.

 

17. Litigation

 

  17.1 There is no litigation, prosecution, mediation, arbitration or other proceeding in progress, or so far as the Vendor is aware pending or threatened, against the Vendor in respect of any Victa Company and to the best of the Vendors’ knowledge and belief, there are no circumstances which are likely to give rise to any such litigation, prosecution, mediation, arbitration or other proceeding, except for any workers compensation or WorkCover claims disclosed in the Disclosure Materials.

 

  17.2 No Victa Company is subject to any unsatisfied judgement or any order, award or decision handed down in any litigation, arbitration, other alternative dispute proceeding or administrative proceeding.

 

  17.3 Apart from the specific disclosure in the matter of Thomas Long (as executor of the estate of the late Eric Thompson) in the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales, no asbestos related claims have been suggested, notified, made or filed against any Victa Company.

 

18. Insurance

 

  18.1 The Disclosure Material contains complete and accurate particulars of all insurance policies taken out by or for the benefit of the Victa Companies.

 

  18.2 Each insurance policy held by each Victa Company is currently in full force and effect and all applicable premiums paid.

 

  18.3 So far as the Vendor is aware, nothing has been done or omitted to be done which would make any policy of insurance void or voidable or which would permit an insurer to cancel the policy or refuse or reduce a claim or materially increase the premiums payable under the policies.

 

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  18.4 Each Victa Company is, and has been for the past three years, insured with insurance companies duly authorised to carry on insurance business in Australia (or where appropriate, outside Australia) on the terms of the policies disclosed in the Disclosure Materials.

 

  18.5 There are no material claims made by any Victa Company or any person on its behalf under any insurance policy held or previously held by any Victa Company which are outstanding. So far as the Vendor is aware no event has arisen which may give rise to a material claim under any insurance policy. Without limiting the preceding provisions, any claim which might be made against any Victa Company by an employee or third party in respect of any accident or injury is fully covered by insurance, subject to deductibles.

 

  18.6 No Victa Company has been notified by any insurer that it is required or it is advisable for it to carry out any maintenance, repairs or other works in relation to any of its assets.

 

  18.7 The Company has effected all insurances required by Law to be effected by it, subject to deductibles.

 

19. Information Technology

 

  19.1 The information technology and telecommunications systems, hardware and software owned or used by the Victa Companies in the conduct of the Business as at the date of this agreement (Systems) comprise all the information technology and telecommunications systems, hardware and software necessary for the conduct of the Business as conducted at Completion, other than any Systems that may be made available for use by the Victa Companies in accordance with clause 19 and Schedule 7.

 

  19.2 The Victa Companies either own or are validly licensed to use the Software other than any Software that may be made available for use by the Victa Companies in accordance with clause 19 and Schedule 7.

 

  19.3 To the best of each Vendor’s knowledge and belief, no unauthorised or unlicensed information technology is stored on any system or premises used by any Victa Company.

 

20. Restructure

 

  20.1 The Restructure will not have any Tax consequences or other consequences to:

 

  (a) the Victa Companies; and

 

  (b) the proposed transaction under this Agreement.

 

21. Taxation

 

  21.1 The Victa Companies have paid all Taxes and will not become subject to any Tax in excess of the provision for Tax included in the Completion Accounts.

 

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  21.2 The Victa Companies have:

 

  (a) paid, or the accounts fully provide for, all Taxes (including GST, payroll, penalties and interest) which they have or may become liable to pay in respect of the period up to and including the Completion Date;

 

  (b) complied with all of its respective obligations under any statutory provisions requiring the deduction or withholding of Tax from amounts paid by the Victa Companies and have properly accounted for any Tax so deducted or withheld to any Tax authority (other than amounts which have not yet become due to be paid);

 

  (c) complied with any applicable obligation to register for the purposes of any goods and services, purchase, value added, sales or other similar Tax in any part of the world and has complied in all material respects with its obligations under any Tax law relating to such Tax;

 

  (d) filed or lodged all Tax and duty returns required by tax law (including, but not limited to, all laws imposing or relating to income tax, fringe benefits tax, goods and service tax, sales tax, payroll tax, land tax, water and municipal rates and stamp and customs duties); and

 

  (e) no outstanding Tax Authority assessments or deemed assessments.

 

  21.3 The only liabilities for Tax of the Victa Companies that have arisen or may arise on or before the Completion Date are, or will be, liabilities arising out of the normal business and trading activities of the Victa Companies.

 

  21.4 Without limiting warranty 21.3:

 

  (a) all amounts of Tax required by law to be deducted by the Victa Companies from the remuneration of employees (as defined in section 221A of the Tax Act) have been duly deducted and where appropriate duly paid to any Tax Authority; and

 

  (b) the Victa Companies have deducted all amounts of withholding Tax and Tax required by law to be withheld and has punctually paid those Taxes to the relevant Tax Authority.

 

  21.5 No Group Company, including the Victa Companies:

 

  (a) is involved in any audit of any of its income tax returns or any dispute with any Tax Authority for the collection of Tax and the Vendor is not aware of any circumstances which may give rise to an audit, investigation or dispute.

 

  (b) has not entered into or been a party to any transaction which contravenes the anti-avoidance provisions of any Tax Law;

 

  (c) has not taken any action which has or might later or prejudice any arrangements, agreement or tax ruling which has previously been negotiated with or obtained from any Tax Authority; and

 

  (d) has not made any income tax private binding ruling requests, objections or amended assessments with respect to its lodged income tax returns.

 

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  21.6 No dividend has been paid, authorised or declared by the Victa Companies:

 

  (a) in respect of which the required franking amount (as provided for in section 160AQE of the 1936 Tax Act) has exceeded the franked amount (as defined in section 160APA of the 1936 Tax Act) of the dividend; or

 

  (b) which has been franked with franking credits or exempting credits (whichever is applicable) in excess of the required franking amount,

which would result in a franking debit (as defined in section 160APX of the 1936 Tax Act) or any Victa Company being liable to pay franking deficit tax or franking additional tax under the 1936 Tax Act or 1997 Tax Act.

 

  21.7 No Victa Company has:

 

  (a) made a frankable distribution (as defined in section 202-40(1) of the 1997 Tax Act) in breach of the benchmark rule (as defined in section 203-25 of the 1997 Tax Act) giving rise to the consequences in section 203-50 of the 1997 Tax Act;

 

  (b) been subject to a franking debit (as defined in section 205-30 of the 1997 Tax Act) under sections 204-15 or 204-25 of the 1997 Tax Act;

 

  (c) been subject to a determination, or made any distribution in circumstances which would entitle any Tax Authority to make a determination, by the Tax Authority imposing any additional franking debit or Tax on the Group Company under sections 45, 45A, 45C, 160AQCB, 160AQCBA or 177EA of the 1936 Tax Act, or under Division 204 of the 1997 Tax Act;

 

  (d) notified the Tax Authority, or made any distribution in circumstances which require the Group Company to notify the Tax Authority, in accordance with section 205-45 of the 1997 Tax Act; and

 

  (e) made a distribution which has been franked with franking credits in excess of the maximum franking credit for the distribution (as provided for in Subdivision 202-D of the 1997 Tax Act).

 

  21.8 At Completion, the Victa Companies will not have a franking deficit (as provided for in section 105-40(2) of the 1997 Tax Act.

 

  21.9 The Victa Companies have complied with the provisions of Part IIIAA of the 1936 Tax Act and Part 3-6 of the 1997 Tax Act and has maintained records of franking debits and franking credits which are sufficient for the purposes of that legislation.

 

  21.10 Except in respect of this Agreement:

 

  (a) all documents which are necessary to establish title of each Victa Company to an asset have had stamp duty or other Taxes of a similar nature paid in full in accordance with all applicable Laws;

 

  (b) required to be created by any Victa Company under a Law relating to stamp duty or a Tax of a similar nature have been created and have had stamp duty or other Taxes of a similar nature paid in full in accordance with all applicable laws;

 

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  (c) all Taxes payable in respect of every deed, agreement or other documents and transactions to which each Victa Company is a party, or that any Victa Company has an interest in enforcing, have been paid and no such deed, agreement or other document is unstamped or insufficiently stamped.

 

  21.11 All Tax returns made by the Victa Companies have complied with the requirements of the relevant Tax Authority.

 

  21.12 There are no outstanding disputes, or question or demands between any Victa Company and any Tax Authority (whether in Australia or elsewhere).

 

  21.13 All Taxes of whatever nature which any Victa Company has been liable to pay have been paid.

 

22. Consolidated Group

 

  22.1 The Group has formed a Consolidated Group.

 

  22.2 The Guarantor has not failed to satisfy a Group Tax Liability when it has become due.

 

  22.3 The TSFA is valid and binding and complies with all requirements of the Tax Law.

 

  22.4 The entire amount of the Group Tax Liability at all times has been allocated reasonably and the methodology for tax sharing in the TSFA provides for the reasonable apportionment of Tax.

 

  22.5 No Group Company has received any notice from any Tax Authority in relation to any matter concerning the TSFA or any breach of any obligation or Liability of any Group Company.

 

  22.6 The Victa Companies have discharged all their Liabilities under the TSFA and in particular but without limitation have paid their reasonable allocation of their Liability under the TSFA as at the Completion Date.

 

  22.7 Neither the TSFA or the entry by the parties into the TSFA constituted a breach of Division IV Part IVA of the Tax Act. The TSFA was not entered into as part of an arrangement which was to prejudice any Tax Authority’s recovery of some or all of the Group Tax Liability.

 

  22.8 All PAYG instalments have been paid when due and all Tax Liabilities of the Guarantor are properly taken up in the Guarantor’s accounts.

 

  22.9 The Guarantor has provided the TSFA to the relevant Tax Authority. No Tax Authority has served a notice requesting a copy of the TSFA in the approved form which has not been complied with.

 

  22.10 The Tax Authority has not determined that the TSFA is invalid.

 

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  22.11 If the Guarantor becomes liable for a CGT Event L5, no part of the amount of that Liability will form part of the contribution amount owed by any Victa Company.

 

  22.12 No circumstance has arisen whereby a contributing member has or would become jointly or severally liable for an amount due to any Tax Authority.

 

  22.13 All Taxes due by the Victa Companies on their own account prior to entering into the TSFA have been fully paid.

 

23. Powers of Attorney

 

  23.1 There is no power of attorney or other authority in force that is able to bind any Victa Company other than normal authorities under which their officers or employees may conduct the business of the Victa Companies in the ordinary course.

 

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EX-12 4 dex12.htm COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 12

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(in thousands)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     June 29, 2008     Restated
July 1, 2007
    Restated
July 2, 2006
    Restated
July 3, 2005
    Restated
June 27, 2004
 

Earnings

          

Income before income taxes

   $ 29,609     $ 3,302     $ 158,514     $ 180,415     $ 208,937  

Less: Equity income from equity investees

     (3,588 )     (3,303 )     (4,174 )     (5,336 )     (7,876 )

Add: Fixed charges

     41,337       46,592       45,248       39,232       42,166  

Distributed income of equity investees

     2,800       4,879       4,633       5,967       4,392  
                                        

Earnings as defined

   $ 70,158     $ 51,470     $ 204,221     $ 214,178     $ 243,686  
                                        

Fixed Charges

          

Interest expense

   $ 37,554     $ 42,932     $ 40,085     $ 34,929     $ 35,694  

Amortization of discounts related to indebtedness

     569       759       829       758       758  

Imputed interest on deferred revenue

     —         —         1,177       1,196       1,213  
                                        

Interest expense as reported

     38,123       43,691       42,091       36,883       37,665  

Amortization of deferred financing fees

     1,414       1,173       1,708       1,233       3,778  

Portion of rent expense relating to interest

     1,800       1,728       1,449       1,116       723  
                                        

Fixed charges as defined

   $ 41,337     $ 46,592     $ 45,248     $ 39,232     $ 42,166  
                                        

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     1.7 x     1.1 x     4.5 x     5.5 x     5.8 x
                                        
EX-21 5 dex21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT Subsidiaries of the Registrant

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Subsidiary

  

State or Country

of Incorporation

   Percent Voting
Stock/Interests Owned

Briggs & Stratton AG

   Switzerland    100%

Briggs & Stratton Australia Pty. Limited

   Australia    100%

Briggs & Stratton Austria GmbH

   Austria    100%

Briggs & Stratton Canada Inc.

   Canada    100%

Briggs & Stratton (Chongqing) Engine Co., Ltd.

   China    95%

Briggs & Stratton (Czech) Power Products, s.r.o.

   Czech Republic    100%

Briggs & Stratton CZ, s.r.o.

   Czech Republic    100%

Briggs & Stratton France, S.A.R.L.

   France    100%

Briggs & Stratton Germany GmbH

   Germany    100%

Briggs & Stratton Iberica, S.L.

   Spain    100%

Briggs & Stratton International, Inc.

   Wisconsin    100%

Briggs & Stratton Italy S.r.l.

   Italy    100%

Briggs & Stratton Japan KK

   Japan    100%

Briggs & Stratton Mexico S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    100%

Briggs & Stratton Netherlands B.V.

   Netherlands    100%

Briggs & Stratton New Zealand Limited

   New Zealand    100%

Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC

   Delaware    100%

Briggs & Stratton Representacao de Motores e Produtos de Forca do Brasil Ltda.

   Brazil    100%

Briggs & Stratton RSA (Pty.) Ltd.

   South Africa    100%

Briggs & Stratton (Shanghai) International Trading Co., Ltd.

   China    100%

Briggs & Stratton (Shanghai) Power Products Co., Ltd.

   China    100%

Briggs & Stratton Sweden AB

   Sweden    100%

Briggs & Stratton Tech, LLC

   Wisconsin    100%

Briggs & Stratton U.K. Limited

   United Kingdom    100%

BSD, Inc.

   Wisconsin    100%

Victa Lawncare Pty. Ltd.

   Australia    100%
EX-23.1 6 dex231.htm CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-39113, 33-54357, 333-42842, and 333-123512) of Briggs and Stratton Corporation of our report dated August 28, 2008 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 28, 2008

EX-31.1 7 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer

I, John S. Shiely, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Briggs & Stratton Corporation;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 28, 2008    

/s/ John S. Shiely

    John S. Shiely
    Chief Executive Officer
EX-31.2 8 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer

I, James E. Brenn, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Briggs & Stratton Corporation;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 28, 2008    

/s/ James E. Brenn

    James E. Brenn
    Chief Financial Officer
EX-32.1 9 dex321.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Briggs & Stratton Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John S. Shiely, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ John S. Shiely

John S. Shiely
Chief Executive Officer
August 28, 2008

This certification accompanies this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2 10 dex322.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Section 906 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Briggs & Stratton Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James E. Brenn, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ James E. Brenn

James E. Brenn
Chief Financial Officer
August 28, 2008

This certification accompanies this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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