UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
_____________________________________ 
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended April 2, 2017
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
________________________________________
G175505G63F86A02A01A01A05.JPG
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________ 
Wisconsin
 
39-0182330
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
12301 West Wirth Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(414) 259-5333
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
____________________________________________ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.        Yes   x     No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
 
Emerging growth company
¨
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes   ¨     No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at April 28, 2017
COMMON STOCK, par value $0.01 per share
 
42,777,759 Shares



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

2


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

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
July 3,
2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
52,097

 
$
89,839

Accounts Receivable, Net
 
298,990

 
191,678

Inventories -
 
 
 
 
Finished Products
 
295,142

 
271,718

Work in Process
 
111,216

 
104,468

Raw Materials
 
7,214

 
9,879

Total Inventories
 
413,572

 
386,065

Deferred Income Tax Asset
 
45,914

 
44,736

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
 
22,178

 
28,419

Total Current Assets
 
832,751

 
740,737

OTHER ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
161,823

 
161,568

Investments
 
49,535

 
52,757

Other Intangible Assets, Net
 
101,847

 
104,164

Long-Term Deferred Income Tax Asset
 
39,093

 
53,467

Other Long-Term Assets, Net
 
19,182

 
17,701

Total Other Assets
 
371,480

 
389,657

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
 
 
 
 
Cost
 
1,086,778

 
1,056,893

Less - Accumulated Depreciation
 
742,240

 
730,620

Total Plant and Equipment, Net
 
344,538

 
326,273

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,548,769

 
$
1,456,667



3



BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
July 3,
2016
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
$
212,974

 
$
181,152

Short-Term Debt
 
62,300

 

Accrued Liabilities
 
144,023

 
137,149

Total Current Liabilities
 
419,297

 
318,301

OTHER LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
 
Accrued Pension Cost
 
297,170

 
310,378

Accrued Employee Benefits
 
22,649

 
23,483

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation
 
31,126

 
38,441

Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
43,320

 
51,099

Long-Term Debt
 
221,682

 
221,339

Total Other Liabilities
 
615,947

 
644,740

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

 
579

Additional Paid-In Capital
 
73,269

 
72,020

Retained Earnings
 
1,093,323

 
1,074,437

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
(330,293
)
 
(338,450
)
Treasury Stock at cost, 15,149 and 14,675 shares, respectively
 
(323,353
)
 
(314,960
)
Total Shareholders’ Investment
 
513,525

 
493,626

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
$
1,548,769

 
$
1,456,667



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
NET SALES
 
$
596,965

 
$
603,750

 
$
1,311,998

 
$
1,306,587

COST OF GOODS SOLD
 
462,194

 
476,075

 
1,029,299

 
1,032,398

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
 

 
580

 

 
5,686

Gross Profit
 
134,771

 
127,095

 
282,699

 
268,503

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
78,279

 
75,288

 
223,373

 
219,980

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
 

 
144

 

 
1,430

GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT
 

 
7,651

 

 
7,651

EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
 
1,079

 
1,105

 
7,318

 
1,105

Income from Operations
 
57,571

 
45,117

 
66,644

 
40,547

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
(5,521
)
 
(5,593
)
 
(15,159
)
 
(15,142
)
OTHER INCOME, Net
 
844

 
511

 
1,679

 
4,348

Income Before Income Taxes
 
52,894

 
40,035

 
53,164

 
29,753

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
17,075

 
13,212

 
16,242

 
8,541

NET INCOME
 
$
35,819

 
$
26,823

 
$
36,922

 
$
21,212

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.83

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.86

 
$
0.48

Diluted
 
0.83

 
0.61

 
0.86

 
0.48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
42,076

 
42,621

 
42,217

 
43,158

Diluted
 
42,175

 
42,889

 
42,271

 
43,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
 
$
0.140

 
$
0.135

 
$
0.420

 
$
0.405





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Net Income
 
$
35,819

 
$
26,823

 
$
36,922

 
$
21,212

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
4,646

 
5,661

 
(1,804
)
 
(8,522
)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax
 
(577
)
 
(1,022
)
 
2,191

 
(2,323
)
Unrecognized Pension & Postretirement Obligation, Net of Tax
 
2,590

 
2,278

 
7,770

 
6,831

Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
 

 
(179
)
 

 
2,184

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
6,659

 
6,738

 
8,157

 
(1,830
)
Total Comprehensive Income
 
$
42,478

 
$
33,561

 
$
45,079

 
$
19,382




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
6


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
36,922

 
$
21,212

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
42,177

 
40,579

Stock Compensation Expense
 
4,560

 
4,792

Goodwill Impairment
 

 
7,651

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment
 
610

 
454

Provision for Deferred Income Taxes
 
7,574

 
3,656

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
(7,318
)
 
(4,292
)
Dividends Received from Unconsolidated Affiliates
 
8,186

 
5,039

Non-Cash Restructuring Charges
 

 
1,725

Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
 
(110,978
)
 
(64,488
)
Inventories
 
(27,553
)
 
(41,903
)
Other Current Assets
 
584

 
1,429

Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes
 
30,041

 
25,598

Other, Net
 
(13,008
)
 
(6,808
)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
 
(28,203
)
 
(5,356
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures (1)
 
(48,780
)
 
(41,092
)
Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment
 
1,014

 
997

Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired
 

 
(3,074
)
Cash Paid for Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates
 

 
(19,100
)
Proceeds on Sale of Investment in Marketable Securities
 
3,343

 

Other, Net
 

 
(750
)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(44,423
)
 
(63,019
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net Borrowings on Revolver
 
62,300

 
32,443

Repayments on Long-Term Debt
 

 
(1,851
)
Debt Issuance Costs
 

 
(932
)
Treasury Stock Purchases
 
(17,924
)
 
(33,394
)
Payment of Acquisition Contingent Liability
 
(1,625
)
 

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits
 
4,751

 
11,165

Cash Dividends Paid
 
(12,028
)
 
(11,885
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
35,474

 
(4,454
)
EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(590
)
 
(1,845
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
(37,742
)
 
(74,674
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning
 
89,839

 
118,390

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Ending
 
$
52,097

 
$
43,716

(1) Non-cash investing activity: The change in the balance of unpaid purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable is $9.5 million for the nine months ended April 2, 2017 and is not material for the nine months ended March 27, 2016.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
7

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Description of Business and General Information
 
Briggs & Stratton Corporation (the “Company”) is a U.S. based producer of gasoline engines and outdoor power equipment. The Company’s Engines segment sells engines worldwide, primarily to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") of lawn and garden equipment and other gasoline engine powered equipment. The Company also sells related service parts and accessories for its engines. The Company’s Products segment designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of outdoor power equipment, job site products, and related accessories.

The majority of lawn and garden equipment is sold during the spring and summer months when most lawn care and gardening activities are performed. Engine sales in the Company’s third fiscal quarter have historically been the highest, while sales in the first fiscal quarter have historically been the lowest. Sales of pressure washers and lawn and garden powered equipment are typically higher during the third and fourth fiscal quarters than at other times of the year. Sales of portable generators and snowthrowers are typically higher during the first and second fiscal quarters.


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 the Company in the first, second and the beginning of the third fiscal quarters. The pattern generally 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.

Prior to January 1, 2017, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC was a wholly owned subsidiary of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. On January 1, 2017, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC was merged with and into Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but also does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, in the opinion of the Company, adequate disclosures have been presented to prevent the information from being misleading, and all adjustments necessary to fairly present the results of operations and financial position have been included. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto that were included in the Company's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Under the amendments in ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The updated guidance requires a prospective adoption. The guidance is effective beginning fiscal year 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new accounting pronouncement on its results of operations and financial position.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The ASU was issued as part of the FASB Simplification Initiative and involves several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including

8


the income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective beginning fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the impact of adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required, as well as a modified retrospective recognition and measurement of impacted leases. The guidance is effective beginning fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new accounting pronouncement on its results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU No. 2016-01 enhances the existing financial instruments reporting model by modifying fair value measurement tools, simplifying impairment assessments for certain equity instruments, and modifying overall presentation and disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective beginning fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new accounting pronouncement on its results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). Current guidance requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position; however, the new guidance requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance is effective beginning fiscal year 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the impact of adoption to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position and will have no impact on the results of operations and cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective beginning fiscal year 2019 under either full or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new accounting pronouncement on its results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

9

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended April 2, 2017
 
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(30,313
)
 
$
1,216

 
$
(307,855
)
 
$
(336,952
)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification
 
4,646

 
(778
)
 

 
3,868

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 

 
292

 

 
292

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications
 
4,646

 
(486
)
 

 
4,160

Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Realized (Gains) Losses - Foreign Currency Contracts (1)
 

 
(368
)
 

 
(368
)
Realized (Gains) Losses - Commodity Contracts (1)
 

 
53

 

 
53

Realized (Gains) Losses - Interest Rate Swaps (1)
 

 
169

 

 
169

Amortization of Prior Service Costs (Credits) (2)
 

 

 
(618
)
 
(618
)
Amortization of Actuarial Losses (2)
 

 

 
4,763

 
4,763

Total Reclassifications Before Tax
 

 
(146
)
 
4,145

 
3,999

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 

 
55

 
(1,555
)
 
(1,500
)
Net Reclassifications
 

 
(91
)
 
2,590

 
2,499

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
4,646

 
(577
)
 
2,590

 
6,659

Ending Balance
 
$
(25,667
)
 
$
639

 
$
(305,265
)
 
$
(330,293
)
(1) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in net sales or cost of goods sold. See Note 8 for information related to derivative financial instruments.
(2) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic expense, which is presented in cost of goods sold or engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 6 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.




10

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
Three Months Ended March 27, 2016
 
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Marketable Securities
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(33,300
)
 
$
(89
)
 
$
(256,652
)
 
$
2,363

 
$
(287,678
)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification
 
5,661

 
(730
)
 

 
(286
)
 
4,645

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 

 
274

 

 
107

 
381

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications
 
5,661

 
(456
)
 

 
(179
)
 
5,026

Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Realized (Gains) Losses - Foreign Currency Contracts (1)
 

 
(1,527
)
 

 

 
(1,527
)
Realized (Gains) Losses - Commodity Contracts (1)
 

 
364

 

 

 
364

Realized (Gains) Losses - Interest Rate Swaps (1)
 

 
257

 

 

 
257

Amortization of Prior Service Costs (Credits) (2)
 

 

 
(620
)
 

 
(620
)
Amortization of Actuarial Losses (2)
 

 

 
4,263

 

 
4,263

Total Reclassifications Before Tax
 

 
(906
)
 
3,643

 

 
2,737

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 

 
340

 
(1,365
)
 

 
(1,025
)
Net Reclassifications
 

 
(566
)
 
2,278

 

 
1,712

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
5,661

 
(1,022
)
 
2,278

 
(179
)
 
6,738

Ending Balance
 
$
(27,639
)
 
$
(1,111
)
 
$
(254,374
)
 
$
2,184

 
$
(280,940
)
(1) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in net sales or cost of goods sold. See Note 8 for information related to derivative financial instruments.
(2) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic expense, which is presented in cost of goods sold or engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 6 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.


11

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
Nine Months Ended April 2, 2017
 
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(23,863
)
 
$
(1,552
)
 
$
(313,035
)
 
$
(338,450
)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification
 
(1,804
)
 
3,056

 

 
1,252

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 

 
(1,146
)
 

 
(1,146
)
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications
 
(1,804
)
 
1,910

 

 
106

Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Realized (Gains) Losses - Foreign Currency Contracts (1)
 

 
(421
)
 

 
(421
)
Realized (Gains) Losses - Commodity Contracts (1)
 

 
253

 

 
253

Realized (Gains) Losses - Interest Rate Swaps (1)
 

 
618

 

 
618

Amortization of Prior Service Costs (Credits) (2)
 

 

 
(1,855
)
 
(1,855
)
Amortization of Actuarial Losses (2)
 

 

 
14,289

 
14,289

Total Reclassifications Before Tax
 

 
450

 
12,434

 
12,884

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 

 
(169
)
 
(4,664
)
 
(4,833
)
Net Reclassifications
 

 
281

 
7,770

 
8,051

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
(1,804
)
 
2,191

 
7,770

 
8,157

Ending Balance
 
$
(25,667
)
 
$
639

 
$
(305,265
)
 
$
(330,293
)
(1) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in net sales or cost of goods sold. See Note 8 for information related to derivative financial instruments.
(2) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic expense, which is presented in cost of goods sold or engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 6 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.



12

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
Nine Months Ended March 27, 2016
 
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Marketable Securities
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(19,117
)
 
$
1,212

 
$
(261,205
)
 
$

 
$
(279,110
)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification
 
(8,522
)
 
1,442

 

 
3,494

 
(3,586
)
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 

 
(541
)
 

 
(1,310
)
 
(1,851
)
Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications
 
(8,522
)
 
901

 

 
2,184

 
(5,437
)
Reclassifications:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Realized (Gains) Losses - Foreign Currency Contracts (1)
 

 
(6,771
)
 

 

 
(6,771
)
Realized (Gains) Losses - Commodity Contracts (1)
 

 
756

 

 

 
756

Realized (Gains) Losses - Interest Rate Swaps (1)
 

 
857

 

 

 
857

Amortization of Prior Service Costs (Credits) (2)
 

 

 
(1,859
)
 

 
(1,859
)
Amortization of Actuarial Losses (2)
 

 

 
12,788

 

 
12,788

Total Reclassifications Before Tax
 

 
(5,158
)
 
10,929

 

 
5,771

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 

 
1,934

 
(4,098
)
 

 
(2,164
)
Net Reclassifications
 

 
(3,224
)
 
6,831

 

 
3,607

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
(8,522
)
 
(2,323
)
 
6,831

 
2,184

 
(1,830
)
Ending Balance
 
$
(27,639
)
 
$
(1,111
)
 
$
(254,374
)
 
$
2,184

 
$
(280,940
)
(1) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in net sales or cost of goods sold. See Note 8 for information related to derivative financial instruments.
(2) Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic expense, which is presented in cost of goods sold or engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 6 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.

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


13

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Information on earnings per share is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Net Income
 
$
35,819

 
$
26,823

 
$
36,922

 
$
21,212

Less: Allocation to Participating Securities
 
(821
)
 
(579
)
 
(776
)
 
(402
)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
 
$
34,998

 
$
26,244

 
$
36,146

 
$
20,810

Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 
42,076

 
42,621

 
42,217

 
43,158

Diluted Average Shares, Including Participating Securities
 
42,901

 
43,536

 
43,006

 
44,070

Adjustment for Participating Securities
 
(726
)
 
(647
)
 
(735
)
 
(693
)
Shares Used in Calculating Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
42,175

 
42,889

 
42,271

 
43,377

Basic Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.83

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.86

 
$
0.48

Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.83

 
$
0.61

 
$
0.86

 
$
0.48


The dilutive effect of the potential exercise of outstanding stock-based awards to acquire common shares is calculated using the treasury stock method. The following options to purchase shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (in thousands)
 

 
408

 

 
910

Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Excluded
 
$

 
$
20.82

 
$

 
$
20.31


On April 21, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in the common share repurchase program with an expiration date of June 29, 2018. As of April 2, 2017, the total remaining authorization was approximately $32.3 million . The common share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants. During the nine months ended April 2, 2017 , the Company repurchased 916,040 shares on the open market at an average price of $19.57 per share, as compared to 1,841,078 shares purchased on the open market at an average price of $18.14 per share during the nine months ended March 27, 2016 .
5. Investments

Investments represent the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies.
The Company concluded that its equity method investments are integral to its business. The equity method investments provide manufacturing and distribution functions, which are important parts of its operations. Since the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company has prospectively classified its equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates as a separate line item within Income (Loss) from Operations. For periods prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2016, equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates is classified in Other Income, Net.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company sold its investment in marketable securities related to its ownership of common stock of a publicly-traded company and recognized a gain in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company received proceeds of $3.3 million related to the sale in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

14

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

6. Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company has noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement plans covering certain employees. The following tables summarize the plans’ income and expense for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Components of Net Periodic Expense (Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
1,689

 
$
883

 
$
48

 
$
65

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation
 
10,839

 
13,028

 
596

 
811

Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(16,107
)
 
(17,800
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
45

 
45

 
(663
)
 
(665
)
Actuarial Loss
 
4,239

 
3,252

 
699

 
1,011

Net Periodic Expense (Income)
 
$
705

 
$
(592
)
 
$
680

 
$
1,222

 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Components of Net Periodic Expense (Income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service Cost
 
$
5,068

 
$
2,649

 
$
143

 
$
196

Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation
 
32,517

 
39,083

 
1,787

 
2,432

Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
(48,320
)
 
(53,401
)
 

 

Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
135

 
135

 
(1,990
)
 
(1,994
)
Actuarial Loss
 
12,718

 
9,755

 
2,097

 
3,033

Net Periodic Expense (Income)
 
$
2,118

 
$
(1,779
)
 
$
2,037

 
$
3,667


The Company expects to make benefit payments of $3.2 million attributable to its non-qualified pension plans during fiscal 2017. During the first nine months of fiscal 2017, the Company made payments of approximately $2.5 million for its non-qualified pension plans. The Company anticipates making benefit payments of approximately $12.8 million for its other postretirement benefit plans during fiscal 2017. During the first nine months of fiscal 2017, the Company made payments of $9.5 million for its other postretirement benefit plans.
 
During the first nine months of fiscal 2017, the Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Based upon current regulations and actuarial studies, the Company is not required to make contributions to the qualified pension plan in fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2018, but the Company may choose to make discretionary contributions. The Company may be required to make further required contributions in future years or the future expected funding requirements may change depending on a variety of factors including the actual return on plan assets, the funded status of the plan in future periods, and changes in actuarial assumptions or regulations.
7. Stock Incentives
 
Stock based compensation expense is calculated by estimating the fair value of incentive stock awards granted and amortizing the estimated value over the awards' vesting period. Stock based compensation expense was $1.7 million and $4.6 million for the three and nine months ended April 2, 2017 . For the three and nine months ended March 27, 2016 , stock based compensation expense was $1.6 million and $4.8 million , respectively.

Historically, the Company accounted for certain deferred shares issued to directors as liability classified awards, rather than equity classified awards. At January 1, 2017, the liability balance was $4.8 million . During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company determined that equity classification is appropriate and recorded correcting

15

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

entries to adjust the deferred shares balance and reclassify it from Accrued Liabilities to Additional Paid-In Capital. The correcting entries did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
8. Derivative Instruments & Hedging Activities

The Company enters into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges to manage certain interest rate, foreign currency and commodity exposures. Company policy allows derivatives to be used only for identifiable exposures and, therefore, the Company does not enter into hedges for trading purposes where the sole objective is to generate profits.

The Company formally designates the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure and documents both the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge. The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in the forecasted cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the forecasted cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Derivative financial instruments are recorded within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The effective portion of gains or losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the cash flow hedge is dedesignated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring, or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge.

In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship.
    
The Company enters into interest rate swaps to manage a portion of its interest rate risk from financing certain dealer and distributor inventories through a third party financing source. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and are used to effectively fix the interest payments to a third party financing source, exclusive of lender spreads, ranging from 0.98% to 1.81% for a notional principal amount of $170.0 million with expiration dates ranging from July 2017 through July 2021 .

The Company enters into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted third party and intercompany sales or payments denominated in foreign currencies. These obligations generally require the Company to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, Australian Dollars, Brazilian Real, Canadian Dollars, Chinese Renminbi, Euros, Japanese Yen, or Mexican Pesos. These contracts generally do not have a maturity of more than twenty-four months.
    
The Company uses raw materials that are subject to price volatility. The Company hedges a portion of its exposure to the variability of cash flows associated with commodities used in the manufacturing process by entering into forward purchase contracts or commodity swaps. Derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges are used by the Company to reduce exposure to variability in cash flows associated with future purchases of natural gas. These contracts generally do not have a maturity of more than thirty-six months.
    
The Company has considered the counterparty credit risk related to all of its interest rate, foreign currency and commodity derivative contracts and deems any risk of counterparty default to be minimal.
    

16

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

As of April 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 , the Company had the following outstanding derivative contracts (in thousands):
Contract
 
Notional Amount
 
 
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
July 3,
2016
Interest Rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIBOR Interest Rate (U.S. Dollars)
 
Fixed
 
170,000

 
145,000

Foreign Currency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Australian Dollar
 
Sell
 
38,588

 
39,935

Brazilian Real
 
Buy
 
25,965

 
16,436

Canadian Dollar
 
Sell
 
11,565

 
8,675

Chinese Renminbi
 
Buy
 
82,775

 
171,475

Euro
 
Sell
 
36,355

 
41,730

Japanese Yen
 
Buy
 
730,000

 
587,000

Mexican Peso
 
Sell
 

 
3,500

Commodity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural Gas (Therms)
 
Buy
 
8,107

 
11,771

The location and fair value of derivative instruments reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
Balance Sheet Location
 
Asset (Liability) Fair Value
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
July 3,
2016
Interest rate contracts
 
 
 
 
Other Long-Term Assets
 
$
2,194

 
$

Accrued Liabilities
 
(120
)
 

Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
(12
)
 
(1,367
)
Foreign currency contracts
 
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
1,733

 
1,356

Other Long-Term Assets
 
13

 
2

Accrued Liabilities
 
(2,233
)
 
(2,601
)
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
(56
)
 
(185
)
Commodity contracts
 
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
138

 

Other Long-Term Assets
 
4

 
64

Accrued Liabilities
 
(2
)
 
(190
)
Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
(21
)
 
(16
)
 
 
$
1,638

 
$
(2,937
)

17

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The effect of derivative instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended April 2, 2017
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
 
$
214

 
Net Sales
 
$
(169
)
 
$

Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
(1,453
)
 
Net Sales
 
1,330

 

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 
786

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(962
)
 

Commodity contracts
 
(124
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(53
)
 

 
 
$
(577
)
 
 
 
$
146

 
$


 
 
Three Months Ended March 27, 2016
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
 
$
(100
)
 
Net Sales
 
$
(257
)
 
$

Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
(1,671
)
 
Net Sales
 
1,520

 

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 
571

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
7

 

Commodity contracts
 
178

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(364
)
 

 
 
$
(1,022
)
 
 
 
$
906

 
$


 
 
Nine Months Ended April 2, 2017
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
 
$
2,143

 
Net Sales
 
$
(618
)
 
$

Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
500

 
Net Sales
 
1,730

 

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 
(615
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(1,309
)
 

Commodity contracts
 
163

 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(253
)
 

 
 
$
2,191

 
 
 
$
(450
)
 
$


 
 
Nine Months Ended March 27, 2016
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income
(Loss) on Derivatives, Net of
Taxes (Effective
Portion)
 
Classification of
Gain (Loss)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Recognized in
Earnings
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
 
$
(40
)
 
Net Sales
 
$
(857
)
 
$

Foreign currency contracts - sell
 
(2,002
)
 
Net Sales
 
7,058

 

Foreign currency contracts - buy
 
(119
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(287
)
 

Commodity contracts
 
(162
)
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(756
)
 

 
 
$
(2,323
)
 
 
 
$
5,158

 
$



18

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

During the next twelve months, the estimated net amount of losses on cash flow hedges as of April 2, 2017 expected to be reclassified out of AOCI into earnings is $0.9 million .
9. Fair Value Measurements

The following guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:

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

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

Level 3: Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.
The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of April 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
4,082

 
$

 
$
4,082

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
2,444

 
$

 
$
2,444

 
$

 
 
July 3,
2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
1,422

 
$

 
$
1,422

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
 
$
4,359

 
$

 
$
4,359

 
$


The fair value for Level 2 measurements are based upon the respective quoted market prices for comparable instruments in active markets, which include current market pricing for forward purchases of commodities, foreign currency forwards, and current interest rates.

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

The estimated fair value of the Company's Senior Notes (as defined in Note 14) at April 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was $245.3 million and $240.2 million , respectively, compared to the carrying value of $223.1 million . The estimated fair value of the Senior Notes is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and is, therefore, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The carrying value of the Revolver (as defined in Note 14) approximates fair value since the underlying rate of interest is variable based upon LIBOR rates.  

The Company believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and accounts payable are reasonable estimates of their fair values at April 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

19

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

10. Warranty

The Company recognizes the cost associated with its standard warranty on Engines and Products at the time of sale. The general warranty period begins at the time of sale and typically covers two years, but may vary due to product type and geographic location. The amount recognized is based on historical failure rates and current claim cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs for the reporting period (in thousands):
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Beginning Balance
 
$
44,367

 
$
48,006

Payments
 
(20,349
)
 
(20,460
)
Provision for Current Year Warranties
 
18,212

 
19,966

Changes in Estimates
 
237

 
(41
)
Ending Balance
 
$
42,467

 
$
47,471


11. Income Taxes
The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2017 were  32.3% and 30.6% , respectively, compared to 33.0% and 28.7% for the same respective periods last year. The tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2017 and 2016 were primarily driven by the U.S. research and development tax credit and foreign earnings in jurisdictions with tax rates that vary from the U.S. statutory rate. The tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was also impacted by the reversal of previously recorded reserves as the result of the effective settlement of the Company’s IRS audit for its fiscal year 2010 and 2013 consolidated income tax returns and the establishment of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary.

For the nine months ended April 2, 2017 , the Company's unrecognized tax benefits increased by $0.1 million , all of which impacted the current effective tax rate.

Income tax returns are filed in the U.S., state, and foreign jurisdictions and related audits occur on a regular basis.  In the U.S., the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations before fiscal 2014.  The Company is also currently under audit by various state and foreign jurisdictions.  With respect to the Company's major foreign jurisdictions, they are no longer subject to tax examinations before fiscal 2006.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various unresolved legal actions that arise in the normal course of its business. These actions typically relate to product liability (including asbestos-related liability), patent and trademark matters, and disputes with customers, suppliers, distributors and dealers, competitors and employees.

On May 14, 2010, the Company notified retirees and certain retirement eligible employees of various amendments to the Company-sponsored retiree medical plans intended to better align the plans offered to both hourly and salaried retirees. On August 16, 2010, a putative class of retirees who retired prior to August 1, 2006 and the United Steel Workers filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Merrill, Weber, Carpenter, et al.; United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO/CLC v. Briggs & Stratton Corporation; Group Insurance Plan of Briggs & Stratton Corporation; and Does 1 through 20, Docket No. 10-C-0700), contesting the Company's right to make these changes. In mid-December 2015, the parties agreed in principle to settle this case for an aggregate payment of $3.95 million covering both claimed benefits and plaintiffs’ attorneys fees, which resulted in a contribution of $1.975 million from the Company and $1.975 million from a third party insurance provider. The Company recorded a total charge of $1.975 million as Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 related to this matter. The parties filed a signed Stipulation of Settlement with the court on April 12, 2016 and the court held a hearing on the fairness,

20

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

reasonableness and adequacy of the terms and conditions of the settlement and on the fee petition of the plaintiffs' counsel on August 11, 2016. The court approved the settlement following that hearing.
On May 12, 2010, Exmark Manufacturing Company, Inc. filed suit against Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC (“BSPPG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that was subsequently merged with and into the Company on January 1, 2017 (Case No. 8:10CV187, U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska), alleging that certain Ferris® and Snapper Pro® mower decks infringed an Exmark mower deck patent. Exmark sought damages relating to sales since May 2004, attorneys’ fees, and enhanced damages. As a result of a reexamination proceeding in 2012, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) initially rejected the asserted Exmark claims as invalid.  However, in 2014, that decision was reversed by the USPTO on appeal by Exmark. Following discovery, each of BSPPG and Exmark filed several motions for summary judgment in the Nebraska district court, which were decided on July 28, 2015. The court concluded that older mower deck designs infringed Exmark’s patent, leaving for trial the issues of whether current designs infringed, the amount of damages, and whether any infringement was willful.
The trial began on September 8, 2015, and on September 18, 2015, the jury returned its verdict, finding that BSPPG’s current mower deck designs do not infringe the Exmark patent. As to the older designs, the jury awarded Exmark $24.3 million in damages and found that the infringement was willful, allowing the judge to enhance the jury’s damages award post-trial by up to three times. Also on September 18, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued its decision in an unrelated case, SCA Hygiene Products Aktiebolag SCA Personal Care, Inc. v. First Quality Baby Products, LLC, et al. (Case No. 2013-1564) (“SCA”), confirming the availability of laches as a defense to patent infringement claims. Laches is an equitable doctrine that may bar a patent owner from obtaining damages prior to commencing suit, in circumstances in which the owner knows or should have known its patent was being infringed for more than six years. Although the court in the Exmark case ruled before trial that BSPPG could not rely on the defense of laches, as a result of the subsequent SCA decision, the court held a bench trial on that defense on October 21 and 22, 2015. On May 2, 2016, the United States Supreme Court agreed to review the SCA decision.
The parties submitted post-trial motions and briefing related to: damages; willfulness; laches; attorney fees; enhanced damages; and prejudgment/post-judgment interest and costs.  All post-trial motions and briefing were completed on December 18, 2015. On May 11, 2016, the court ruled on those post-trial motions and entered judgment against BSPPG and in favor of Exmark in the amount of $24.3 million in compensatory damages, an additional $24.3 million in enhanced damages, and $1.5 million in pre-judgment interest along with post-judgment interest and costs to be determined. BSPPG and the Company strongly disagree with the jury verdict, certain rulings made before and during trial, and the May 11, 2016 post-trial rulings. BSPPG appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on several bases, including the issues of obviousness and invalidity of Exmark’s patent, the damages calculation, willfulness and laches.
Following briefing of the appeal and prior to oral argument, the United States Supreme Court overturned the SCA decision, ruling that laches is not available in a patent infringement case for damages. That ruling eliminated laches as one basis for BSPPG’s appeal of the Exmark case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held a hearing on the remainder of BSPPG’s appeal on April 5, 2017 and has not yet issued its decision.

In assessing whether the Company should accrue a liability in its financial statements as a result of the May 11, 2016 post-trial rulings and related matters, the Company considered various factors, including the legal and factual circumstances of the case, the trial record, the post-trial orders, the current status of the proceedings, applicable law, the views of legal counsel, and the likelihood of successful appeals. As a result of this review, the Company has concluded that a loss from this case is not probable and reasonably estimable at this time and, therefore, a liability has not been recorded with respect to this case as of April 2, 2017.

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

21

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

13. Segment Information

The Company aggregates operating segments that have similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, types or classes of customers and distribution methods into reportable segments. The Company concluded that it operates two reportable segments: Engines and Products. 

The Company uses “segment income (loss)” as the primary measure to evaluate operating performance and allocate capital resources for the Engines and Products Segments. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2016, segment income (loss) is defined as income (loss) from operations plus equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Beginning with the third quarter of fiscal 2016, segment income (loss) is equal to operating income (loss).

Summarized segment data is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
NET SALES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
391,063

 
$
415,680

 
$
806,298

 
$
827,770

Products
 
233,510

 
220,845

 
575,007

 
555,883

Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
(27,608
)
 
(32,775
)
 
(69,307
)
 
(77,066
)
Total*
 
$
596,965

 
$
603,750

 
$
1,311,998

 
$
1,306,587

* International sales included in net sales based on product shipment destination
 
$
171,565

 
$
160,227

 
$
440,179

 
$
404,493

GROSS PROFIT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
98,814

 
$
99,371

 
$
191,373

 
$
188,783

Products
 
34,946

 
27,527

 
91,075

 
81,414

Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
1,011

 
197

 
251

 
(1,694
)
Total
 
$
134,771

 
$
127,095

 
$
282,699

 
$
268,503

SEGMENT INCOME (LOSS):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
50,946

 
$
52,166

 
$
57,216

 
$
52,195

Products
 
5,614

 
(7,246
)
 
9,177

 
(6,767
)
Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
1,011

 
197

 
251

 
(1,694
)
Total
 
$
57,571

 
$
45,117

 
$
66,644

 
$
43,734

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation from Segment Income (Loss) to Income Before Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 

 

 

 
3,187

Income from Operations
 
$
57,571

 
$
45,117

 
$
66,644

 
$
40,547

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
(5,521
)
 
(5,593
)
 
(15,159
)
 
(15,142
)
OTHER INCOME, Net
 
844

 
511

 
1,679

 
4,348

Income Before Income Taxes
 
52,894

 
40,035

 
53,164

 
29,753

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
17,075

 
13,212

 
16,242

 
8,541

Net Income
 
$
35,819

 
$
26,823

 
$
36,922

 
$
21,212



22

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Pre-tax restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges included in gross profit were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Engines
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
464

Products
 

 
580

 

 
5,472

Total
 
$

 
$
580

 
$

 
$
5,936

    
Pre-tax restructuring charges, acquisition-related charges, litigation charges, and goodwill impairment charges included in segment income (loss) were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
 
April 2,
2017
 
March 27,
2016
Engines
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,179

Products
 

 
8,375

 

 
13,689

Total
 
$

 
$
8,375

 
$

 
$
17,868

14. Debt

The following is a summary of the Company’s indebtedness (in thousands):
 
 
April 2,
2017
 
July 3,
2016
Multicurrency Credit Agreement
 
$
62,300

 
$

Total Short-Term Debt
 
$
62,300

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
6.875% Senior Notes
 
$
223,149

 
$
223,149

Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs associated with 6.875% Senior Notes
 
1,467

 
1,810

Total Long-Term Debt
 
$
221,682

 
$
221,339

 
On December 20, 2010, the Company issued $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes ("Senior Notes") due December 15, 2020 . During fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased $1.9 million of the Senior Notes after receiving unsolicited offers from bondholders.

On March 25, 2016, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement (the “Revolver”) that matures on March 25, 2021 . The Revolver amended and restated the Company’s $500 million multicurrency credit agreement dated as of October 13, 2011 (as previously amended), which would have matured on October 21, 2018 . The initial maximum availability under the Revolver is  $500 million . Availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. The Company may from time to time increase the maximum availability under the revolving credit facility by up to $250 million if certain conditions are satisfied. As of April 2, 2017 , $62.3 million was outstanding under the Revolver. There were no borrowings under the Revolver as of July 3, 2016. The Company classifies debt issuance costs related to the Revolver as an asset, regardless of whether it has any outstanding borrowings on the line of credit arrangements.

The Senior Notes and the Revolver contain restrictive covenants. These covenants include restrictions on the ability of the Company and/or certain subsidiaries to pay dividends, repurchase equity interests of the Company and certain subsidiaries, incur indebtedness, create liens, consolidate and merge and dispose of assets, and enter into transactions with the Company's affiliates. The Revolver contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose on the Company a maximum average leverage ratio.

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


23

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table is a reconciliation of financial results by segment, as reported, to adjusted financial results by segment, excluding restructuring charges and goodwill impairment charges for the three months ended fiscal March 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
 
Three Months Ended Fiscal March
 
 
2017 Reported
 
Adjustments
 
2017 Adjusted (2)
 
2016 Reported
 
Adjustments (1)
 
2016 Adjusted (2)
Gross Profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
98,814

 
$

 
$
98,814

 
$
99,371

 
$

 
$
99,371

Products
 
34,946

 

 
34,946

 
27,527

 
580

 
28,107

Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
1,011

 

 
1,011

 
197

 

 
197

Total
 
$
134,771

 
$

 
$
134,771

 
$
127,095

 
$
580

 
$
127,675

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
48,450

 
$

 
$
48,450

 
$
47,759

 
$

 
$
47,759

Products
 
29,829

 

 
29,829

 
27,529

 

 
27,529

Total
 
$
78,279

 
$

 
$
78,279

 
$
75,288

 
$

 
$
75,288

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Income (Loss) (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
50,946

 
$

 
$
50,946

 
$
52,166

 
$

 
$
52,166

Products
 
5,614

 

 
5,614

 
(7,246
)
 
8,375

 
1,129

Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
1,011

 

 
1,011

 
197

 

 
197

Total
 
$
57,571

 
$

 
$
57,571

 
$
45,117

 
$
8,375

 
$
53,492

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation from Segment Income (Loss) to Income Before Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from Operations
 
$
57,571

 
$

 
$
57,571

 
$
45,117

 
$
8,375

 
$
53,492

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
52,894

 

 
52,894

 
40,035

 
8,375

 
48,410

Provision for Income Taxes
 
17,075

 

 
17,075

 
13,212

 
254

 
13,466

Net Income
 
$
35,819

 
$

 
$
35,819

 
$
26,823

 
$
8,121

 
$
34,944

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.83

 
$

 
$
0.83

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.80

Diluted
 
0.83

 

 
0.83

 
0.61

 
0.19

 
0.80

(1) For the third quarter of fiscal 2016, includes pre-tax restructuring charges of $724 ($470 after tax) and goodwill impairment charge of $7,651 which is not deductible for income tax purposes.
(2) Adjusted financial results are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes this information is meaningful to investors as it isolates the impact that restructuring charges and impairment charges have on reported financial results and facilitates comparisons between peer companies. The Company may utilize non-GAAP financial measures as a guide in the forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning process. While the Company believes that adjusted financial results are useful supplemental information, such adjusted financial results are not intended to replace its GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.
(3) The Company defines segment income (loss) as income from operations plus equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. For all periods presented, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment income (loss). Since the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company has classified its equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates within income from operations. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2016, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is classified in other income.

24

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NET SALES

Consolidated net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 were $597 million, a decrease of $7 million, or 1.1%, from the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Engines Segment net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased $25 million or 5.9% from the prior year. Starting in fiscal 2017, the Company implemented new sales terms for engines shipped to overseas customers in which title and risk of loss pass to the customer when the engines are delivered to a carrier for shipment. Sales terms used in previous fiscal years caused deferral of revenue recognition for certain in-transit shipments. The change in terms caused units sold and net sales to be higher in the first half of the fiscal year compared to the second half. Net sales were lower by $10 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 for approximately 100,000 units shipped due to the changes in sales terms. If comparable sales terms had been used, the volume of engines recognized in revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 would have decreased 5%, or approximately 160,000 engines. The decrease is due to a more cautious approach by U.S. customers in building inventory for the season following the delayed start to the season last year. Offsetting the decrease were higher sales of Vanguard commercial engines and higher European engine sales. With regard to the new sales terms implemented this year, the impact of this change was to shift sales from the second half of fiscal 2017 to the first half. The majority of the first half impact occurred in the first quarter. Given the seasonal nature of the Company's business, the full year impact of the terms change is expected to be insignificant on net sales and profitability.

Products Segment net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 increased $13 million, or 5.7%, from the prior year. Net sales increased primarily due to higher sales of commercial mowers, turf care equipment and job site equipment.

GROSS PROFIT

The consolidated gross profit percentage was 22.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, an increase from 21.1% in the same period last year. The consolidated adjusted gross profit percentage in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was 21.2%.

The Engines Segment gross profit percentage was 25.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, an increase of 140 basis points from the 23.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Gross profit percentage increased due to favorable sales mix including a higher proportion of commercial engine sales and margin lift on new products as well as manufacturing efficiency improvements.

The Products Segment gross profit percentage was 15.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2017, up from 12.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Adjusted gross profit percentage was 12.7% in the third quarter last year. Adjusted gross profit percentage (which only included adjustments in the prior year) increased 230 basis points, primarily due to manufacturing efficiency improvements and favorable sales mix, which includes higher sales of commercial products.

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $78.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017, an increase of $3.0 million or 4.0% from the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

The Engines Segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 increased $0.7 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily due to investments in the ERP system upgrade and higher pension expense.

The Products Segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $29.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2017, an increase of $2.3 million from the third quarter of fiscal 2016 due to higher new product promotional expenses and the investment in the ERP system upgrade.


25

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following table is a reconciliation of financial results by segment, as reported, to adjusted financial results by segment, excluding restructuring charges, acquisition-related charges, litigation charges, goodwill impairment charges, and the reinstatement of a deferred tax asset, for the nine months ended fiscal March 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
 
Nine Months Ended Fiscal March
 
 
2017 Reported
 
Adjustments
 
2017 Adjusted (2)
 
2016 Reported
 
Adjustments (1)
 
2016 Adjusted (2)
Gross Profit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
191,373

 
$

 
$
191,373

 
$
188,783

 
$
464

 
$
189,247

Products
 
91,075

 

 
91,075

 
81,414

 
5,472

 
86,886

Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
251

 

 
251

 
(1,694
)
 

 
(1,694
)
Total
 
$
282,699

 
$

 
$
282,699

 
$
268,503

 
$
5,936

 
$
274,439

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
138,610

 
$

 
$
138,610

 
$
138,273

 
$
2,825

 
$
135,448

Products
 
84,763

 

 
84,763

 
81,707

 
26

 
81,681

Total
 
$
223,373

 
$

 
$
223,373

 
$
219,980

 
$
2,851

 
$
217,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Income (Loss) (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engines
 
$
57,216

 
$

 
$
57,216

 
$
52,195

 
$
4,179

 
$
56,374

Products
 
9,177

 

 
9,177

 
(6,767
)
 
13,689

 
6,922

Inter-Segment Eliminations
 
251

 

 
251

 
(1,694
)
 

 
(1,694
)
Total
 
$
66,644

 
$

 
$
66,644

 
$
43,734

 
$
17,868

 
$
61,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation from Segment Income (Loss) to Income Before Income Taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
 

 

 

 
3,187

 

 
3,187

Income from Operations
 
$
66,644

 
$

 
$
66,644

 
$
40,547

 
$
17,868

 
$
58,415

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
53,164

 
 
 
53,164

 
29,753

 
17,868

 
47,621

Provision for Income Taxes
 
16,242

 

 
16,242

 
8,541

 
4,199

 
12,740

Net Income
 
$
36,922

 
$

 
$
36,922

 
$
21,212

 
$
13,669

 
$
34,881

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.86

 
$

 
$
0.86

 
$
0.48

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.79

Diluted
 
0.86

 

 
0.86

 
0.48

 
0.31

 
0.79

(1) For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, includes pre-tax restructuring charges of $7,116 ($4,671 after tax), goodwill impairment charge of $7,651 which is not deductible for income tax purposes, pre-tax acquisition-related charges of $276 ($180 after tax), pre-tax litigation charges of $2,825 ($1,836 after tax), and a tax benefit of $669 for reinstatement of a deferred tax asset related to an investment in marketable securities.
(2) Adjusted financial results are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes this information is meaningful to investors as it isolates the impact that restructuring charges, acquisition-related charges, litigation charges, impairment charges, and the reinstatement of a deferred tax asset have on reported financial results and facilitates comparisons between peer companies. The Company may utilize non-GAAP financial measures as a guide in the forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning process. While the Company believes that adjusted financial results are useful supplemental information, such adjusted financial results are not intended to replace its GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.
(3) The Company defines segment income (loss) as income from operations plus equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. For all periods presented, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is included in segment income (loss). Since the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company has classified its equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates within income from operations. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2016, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is classified in other income.

26

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NET SALES

Consolidated net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 were $1.31 billion, an increase of $5 million, or 0.4%, from the first nine months of fiscal 2016.

Engines Segment net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 decreased $21 million or 2.6% from the prior year. Starting in fiscal 2017, the Company implemented new sales terms for engines shipped to overseas customers in which title and risk of loss pass to the customer when the engines are delivered to a carrier for shipment. Sales terms used in previous fiscal years caused deferral of revenue recognition for certain in-transit shipments. Net sales were higher by $13 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 for approximately 100,000 units shipped due to the changes in sales terms. If comparable sales terms had been used, the volume of engines recognized in revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 would have decreased 6%, or approximately 330,000 engines. The decrease is due to a more cautious approach by our U.S. customers in building inventory for the season following the delayed start to the season last year. Offsetting the decrease were higher sales of Vanguard commercial engines and higher international engine sales. With regard to the new sales terms implemented this year, the impact of this change was to shift sales from the second half of fiscal 2017 to the first half. The majority of the first half impact occurred in the first quarter. Given the seasonal nature of the Company's business, the full year impact of the terms change is expected to be insignificant on net sales and profitability.

Products Segment net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 increased $19 million, or 3.4%, from the prior year. Net sales increased primarily due to higher shipments of portable generators due to Hurricane Matthew and higher sales of high-end residential and commercial lawn and garden equipment, partially offset by lower shipments of snowthrowers and pressure washers.

GROSS PROFIT

The consolidated gross profit percentage was 21.6% in the first nine months of fiscal 2017, an increase from 20.6% in the same period last year. The consolidated adjusted gross profit percentage was 21.0% in the first nine months of fiscal 2016.

The Engines Segment gross profit percentage was 23.7% in the first nine months of fiscal 2017, an increase of 90 basis points from the 22.8% in the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Adjusted gross profit percentage (which only included adjustments in the prior year) was 22.9% in the first nine months last year. Gross profit percentage increased due to favorable sales mix including a higher proportion of commercial engine sales and margin lift on new products as well as manufacturing efficiency improvements.

The Products Segment gross profit percentage was 15.8% for the first nine months of fiscal 2017, up from 14.6% in the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Adjusted gross profit percentage was 15.6% in the first nine months last year. Adjusted gross profit percentage (which only included adjustments in the prior year) increased primarily due favorable sales mix, which includes higher sales of commercial products.

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $223.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2017, an increase of $3.4 million or 1.5% from the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Adjusted engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $217.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016.

The Engines Segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 increased $0.3 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Adjusted Engines Segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses (which only included adjustments in the prior year) increased $3.2 million largely due to investments in the ERP system upgrade and higher pension expense.

The Products Segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $84.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2017, an increase of $3.1 million from the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Adjusted engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses (which only included adjustments in the prior year) in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 were $3.1 million higher than the same period last year largely due to higher new product promotional expenses and the investment in the ERP system upgrade.


27

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was comparable with the same period last year.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
The effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2017 were  32.3% and 30.6% , respectively, compared to 33.0% and 28.7% for the same respective periods last year. The tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2017 and 2016 were primarily driven by the U.S. research and development tax credit and foreign earnings in jurisdictions with tax rates that vary from the U.S. statutory rate. The tax rate for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was also impacted by the reversal of previously recorded reserves as the result of the effective settlement of the Company’s IRS audit for its fiscal year 2010 and 2013 consolidated income tax returns and the establishment of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets of the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary.

OTHER INFORMATION

Prior to January 1, 2017, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC was a wholly owned subsidiary of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. On January 1, 2017, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC was merged with and into Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
    
Cash flows used in operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 were $28.2 million compared to $5.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily related to changes in working capital, including higher accounts receivable due to timing of sales year over year.

Cash flows used in investing activities were $44.4 million and $63.0 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. The $18.6 million decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily related to $19.1 million of cash paid for an investment in Power Distributors, LLC, an unconsolidated affiliate, in fiscal 2016 compared to no payments in fiscal 2017.

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $35.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 as compared to cash used in financing activities of $4.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The $40.0 million increase in cash provided by financing activities was attributable to $62.3 million of borrowings under the Revolver in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to $32.4 million of borrowings in fiscal 2016 and a $15.5 million decrease in treasury stock purchases in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016, partially offset by $6.4 million of lower stock option proceeds in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the same period last year.

FUTURE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

On December 20, 2010, the Company issued $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes ("Senior Notes") due December 15, 2020 . During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased $1.9 million of the Senior Notes after receiving unsolicited offers from bondholders.

On March 25, 2016, the Company entered into a $500 million amended and restated multicurrency credit agreement (the “Revolver”) that matures on March 25, 2021 . The Revolver amended and restated the Company’s $500 million multicurrency credit agreement dated as of October 13, 2011 (as previously amended), which would have matured on October 21, 2018 . The initial maximum availability under the revolving credit facility is 
$500 million . Availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. The Company may from time to time increase the maximum availability under the revolving credit facility by up to $250 million if certain conditions are satisfied. As of April 2, 2017 , $62.3 million was outstanding under the Revolver. There were no borrowings under the Revolver as of July 3, 2016. 

In August 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.135 per share to $0.14 per share on the Company's common stock beginning with the dividend payable on October 3, 2016.

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


On April 21, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in the common share repurchase program with an expiration date of June 29, 2018. The prior share repurchase program expired as of June 30, 2016. As of April 2, 2017, the total remaining authorization was approximately $32.3 million . The common share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in private transactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants. During the nine months ended April 2, 2017 , the Company repurchased 916,040 shares on the open market at an average price of $19.57 per share, as compared to 1,841,078 shares purchased on the open market at an average price of $18.14 per share during the nine months ended March 27, 2016 .

The Company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $80 million to $90 million in fiscal 2017. These anticipated expenditures reflect its plans to continue to invest in efficient equipment, innovative new products, and an ERP system upgrade.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2017, the Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Based upon current regulations and actuarial studies, the Company is not required to make contributions to the qualified pension plan in fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2018, but the Company may choose to make discretionary contributions. The Company may be required to make further required contributions in future years or the future expected funding requirements may change depending on a variety of factors including the actual return on plan assets, the funded status of the plan in future periods, and changes in actuarial assumptions or regulations.

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

The Senior Notes and the Revolver contain restrictive covenants. These covenants include restrictions on the ability of the Company and/or certain subsidiaries to pay dividends, repurchase equity interests of the Company and certain subsidiaries, incur indebtedness, create liens, consolidate and merge and dispose of assets, and enter into transactions with the Company's affiliates. The Revolver contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose on the Company a maximum average leverage ratio. As of April 2, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with these covenants, and expects to be in compliance with all covenants during the remainder of fiscal 2017.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

There have been no material changes since the August 30, 2016 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes since the August 30, 2016 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, except that subsequent to the filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, based upon current regulations and actuarial studies, the Company continues to expect it will be required to make no minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan in fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2018; however, the Company now expects that its required contributions to the qualified pension plan will be approximately $15 million in fiscal 2019 and $56 million during the period of fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2021.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies since the August 30, 2016 filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K. As discussed in its annual report, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company's financial statements include a goodwill assessment, estimates as to the realizability of accounts receivable and inventory assets, as well as

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

estimates used in the determination of liabilities related to customer rebates, pension obligations, postretirement benefits, warranty, product liability, group health insurance, litigation and taxation. Various assumptions and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and, in some instances, actuarial techniques. The Company re-evaluates these significant factors as facts and circumstances change.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate", “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that include, among other things, the ability to successfully forecast demand for its products; changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates; the effects of weather on the purchasing patterns of consumers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); actions of engine manufacturers and OEMs with whom the Company competes; changes in laws and regulations; changes in customer and OEM demand; changes in prices of raw materials and parts that the Company purchases; changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions (including effects from the U.K.’s decision to exit the European Union); the ability to bring new productive capacity on line efficiently and with good quality; outcomes of legal proceedings and claims; the ability to realize anticipated savings from restructuring actions; and other factors disclosed from time to time in its 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. The Company is not undertaking any obligation to update any forward-looking statements or other statements it may make even though these statements may be affected by events or circumstances occurring after the forward-looking statements or other statements were made.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes since the August 30, 2016 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There has not been any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the third fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


30


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A discussion of legal proceedings is included in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q under the heading "Commitments and Contingencies" and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes since the August 30, 2016 filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
    
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company of its common stock during the quarterly period ended April 2, 2017 .
2017 Fiscal Month
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program (1)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under  the Program (1)
January 2, 2017 to January 29, 2017
 
1,300

 
$
21.43

 
1,300

 
$
35,019,690

January 30, 2017 to February 26, 2017
 
50,200

 
21.46

 
50,200

 
33,942,232

February 27, 2017 to April 2, 2017
 
77,197

 
21.58

 
77,197

 
32,276,241

Total Third Quarter
 
128,697

 
$
21.53

 
128,697

 
$
32,276,241

(1)
On April 21, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in the common share repurchase program with an expiration date of June 29, 2018.

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
101
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) related Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 9, 2017
 
/s/ Mark A. Schwertfeger
 
 
 
 
Mark A. Schwertfeger
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
Duly Authorized Officer
 
 

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BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Filed herewith)
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Furnished herewith)
 
 
 
101
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) related Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

34
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