The Quarterly
BGG 2013 10-K

Briggs & Stratton Corp (BGG) SEC Annual Report (10-K) for 2014

BGG Q1 2015 10-Q
BGG 2013 10-K BGG Q1 2015 10-Q






UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________________________________________ 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x

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

For the fiscal year ended June 29, 2014

OR

¨

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

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 1-1370

_____________________________________________________________

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin

39-0182330

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

12301 West Wirth Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

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

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

Title of Each Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock (par value $0.01 per share)

New York Stock Exchange

Common Share Purchase Rights

New York Stock Exchange

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

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

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

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   o

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   o

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

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

Large accelerated filer

x

Accelerated filer

¨

Non-accelerated filer

¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

¨

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

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,003.6 million based on the last reported sale price of such securities as of December 27, 2013 , the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding at August 22, 2014 : 45,807,549 .

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates information by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting to be held on October 15, 2014.







BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

FISCAL

2014

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Page

Item 1.

Business

1

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

5

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

11

Item 2.

Properties

12

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

12

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

13

Executive Officers of the Registrant

14

PART II

Item 5.

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

16

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

17

Item 7.

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

18

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

30

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

31

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

79

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

79

Item 9B.

Other Information

79

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

79

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

80

Item 12.

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

80

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

80

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

80

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

81

Signatures

82

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 our products; changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates; the effects of weather on the purchasing patterns of consumers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); actions of engine manufacturers and OEMs with whom we compete; changes in laws and regulations; changes in customer and OEM demand; changes in prices of raw materials and parts that we purchase; changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions; the ability to bring new productive capacity on line efficiently and with good quality; outcomes of legal proceedings and claims; and other factors disclosed from time to time in our SEC filings or otherwise, including the factors discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's periodic reports on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements made in this report to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.







PART I

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

Briggs & Stratton Corporation (the "Company") is the world's largest producer of air cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Briggs & Stratton designs, manufactures, markets and services these products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. In addition, the Company markets and sells related service parts and accessories for its engines. Briggs & Stratton is recognized worldwide for its strong brand name and a reputation for quality, design, innovation and value.

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

The Company conducts its operations in two reportable segments: Engines and Products. Further information about Briggs & Stratton's business segments is contained in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's internet address is www.basco.com. The Company makes available free of charge (other than an investor's own internet access charges) through its internet website the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Charters of the Audit, Compensation, Finance, Nominating and Governance Committees, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Stock Ownership Guidelines and code of business conduct and ethics contained in the Briggs & Stratton Business Integrity Manual are available on the Company's website and are available in print to any shareholder upon request to the Corporate Secretary. The information contained on and linked from the Company's website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Engines Segment

General

Briggs & Stratton manufactures four-cycle aluminum alloy gasoline engines with displacements ranging from 125 to 993 cubic centimeters through its Engines segment. The Company's engines are used primarily by the lawn and garden equipment industry, which accounted for 86% of the Engines segment's fiscal 2014 engine sales to OEMs. Major lawn and garden equipment applications include walk-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, garden tillers and snow throwers. The remaining 14% of engine sales to OEMs in fiscal 2014 were for use on products for industrial, construction, agricultural and other consumer applications that include portable and standby generators, pumps and pressure washers. Many retailers specify the Company's engines on the power equipment they sell and the Briggs & Stratton logo is often featured prominently on a product because of the appeal and reputation of the brand.

In fiscal 2014 approximately 30% of the Engines segment net sales were derived from sales in international markets, primarily to customers in Europe. The Company serves its key international markets through its European regional office in Switzerland, its distribution center in the Netherlands and sales and service subsidiaries and offices in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Briggs & Stratton is a leading supplier of gasoline engines in developed countries where there is an established lawn and garden equipment market. Briggs & Stratton also exports engines to developing nations where its engines are used in agricultural, marine, construction and other applications. More information about our foreign operations is in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's engines are sold primarily by its worldwide sales force through direct interaction with customers. The Company's marketing staff and engineers provide support and technical assistance to its sales force.

The Engines segm ent also manufactures replacement engines and service parts and sells them to sales and service distributors. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company joined with one of its independent



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distributors to form a venture to distribute service parts. The Company contributed non-cash assets in exchange for receiving an ownership interest in the venture. The Company owns its principal international distribution centers. In the United States the distributors are independently owned and operated.

These distributors supply service parts and replacement engines d irectly to independently owned, authorized service dealers throughout the world. These distributors and service dealers incorporate the Company's commitment to reliability and service.

Customers

The Company's engine sales are primarily to OEMs. The Company's three largest external engine customers in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were Husqvarna Outdoor Products Group (HOP), MTD Products Inc. (MTD) and Deere & Company. Engines segment sales to the top three customers combined were 51%, 48% and 45% of Engines segment sales in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Under purchasing plans available to all of its gasoline engine customers, Briggs & Stratton typically enters into annual engine supply arrangements. In certain cases, the Company has entered into longer supply arrangements of two to three years.

The Company believes that in fiscal 2014 more than 80% of all lawn and garden powered equipment sold in the United States was sold through mass merchandisers such as The Home Depot, Inc. (The Home Depot), Lowe's Companies, Inc. (Lowe's), Sears Holdings Corporation (Sears) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart). Given the buying power of the mass merchandisers, Briggs & Stratton, through its customers, has continued to experience pricing pressure; however, the Company attempts to recover increases in commodity costs through increased pricing. In addition, development of new and innovative products that consumers demand assists the Company and its customers to realize higher margins.

Competition

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

The Company believes it has a significant share of the worldwide market for engines that power outdoor equipment.

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

Seasonality of Demand

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

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



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latter portion of the third fiscal quarter and in the fourth fiscal quarter as inventories are liquidated and receivables are collected.

Manufacturing

The Company manufactures engines and parts at the following locations: Auburn, Alabama; Statesboro, Georgia; Murray, Kentucky; Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and Chongqing, China. Briggs & Stratton has a parts distribution center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The Engines segment also purchases certain products under contract manufacturing agreements.

Related to the restructuring actions announced in fiscal 2012, production of horizontal shaft engines at the Auburn plant concluded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The Auburn plant continues to produce V-Twin engines used in riding mowers and other outdoor power applications.

The Company manufactures a majority of the structural components used in its engines, including aluminum die castings, carburetors and ignition systems. The Company purchases certain parts such as piston rings, spark plugs, valves, ductile and grey iron castings, plastic components, some stampings and screw machine parts and smaller quantities of other components. Raw material purchases consist primarily of aluminum and steel. The Company believes its sources of supply are adequate.

The Company has joint ventures with Daihatsu Motor Company for the manufacture of engines in Japan, and with Starting Industrial of Japan for the production of rewind starters and punch press components in the United States.

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

Products Segment

General

Products segment's ("Products") principal product lines include portable and standby generators, pressure washers, snow throwers and lawn and garden power equipment. Products sells its products through multiple channels of retail distribution, including consumer home centers, warehouse clubs, mass merchants and independent dealers. The Company sells its lawn and garden products and standby generators primarily through an independent dealer network and sells its pressure washers and portable generators primarily through the U.S. mass retail channel.

The Products segment product lines are marketed under its own brands such as Briggs & Stratton, Snapper, Simplicity, Ferris, Snapper Pro, Murray, Branco, and Victa as well as other brands such as Craftsman, GE, and Troy-Bilt.

In fiscal 2013, the Company exited placement of lawn and garden products at national mass retailers. The Engines segment continues to support lawn and garden equipment OEMs who provide lawn and garden equipment to these retailers. In certain cases, the Company may license its brand name to others for use in selling lawn and garden equipment in the U.S. mass retail channel. The Products segment continues to focus on innovative, higher margin products that are sold through its independent dealer network and regional retailers. The Company also continues to sell pressure washers and portable and standby generators through the U.S. mass retail channel.

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

During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company joined with one of its independent distributors to form a venture to distribute service parts. The Company contributed non-cash assets in exchange for receiving an ownership interest in the venture.



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Customers

Historically, Products' major customers have included Lowe's, Sears, The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply Inc., Bunnings Warehouse, and a network of independent dealers. Sales to the top three customers combined were 27%, 28% and 26% of P roducts segment net sales in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Competition

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

Seasonality of Demand

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

Manufacturing

Products' manufacturing facilities are located in McDonough, Georgia; Munnsville, New York; Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and Sydney, Australia. Products also purchases certain powered equipment under contract manufacturing agreements.

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

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

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

Consolidated

General Information

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

For the fiscal years ended June 29, 2014 , June 30, 2013  and July 1, 2012 , the Company spent approximately $19.7 million , $18.5 million and $19.8 million , respectively, on research activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement of existing products.

In October 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an amendment to the Company's defined benefit retirement plans for U.S., non-bargaining employees. The amendment froze accruals for all non-bargaining employees effective January 1, 2014. The Company recorded a pre-tax curtailment charge of $1.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 related to the defined benefit plan change.

In fiscal 2012 and 2013, the Company implemented salaried workforce reductions and manufacturing footprint reductions that impacted approximately 1,250 regular and temporary employees globally, or approximately 10% of its salaried workforce.



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The average number of persons employed by the Company during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was 5,790 and 6,146, respectively. Employment in fiscal 2014 ranged from a high of 5,917 in July 2013 to a low of 5,695 in June 2014.

Export Sales

Export sales for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $314.6 million (17% of net sales), $334.9 million (18% of net sales) and $392.7 million (19% of net sales), respectively. These sales were principally to customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Canada.

Refer to Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information about geographic areas. Also, refer to Item 7A of this Form 10-K and Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information about Briggs & Stratton's foreign exchange risk management.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risks referred to elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risks, among others, may have affected, and in the future could affect, the Company and its subsidiaries' business, financial condition or results of operations.

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

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

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

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

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

In fiscal 2014, our three largest customers accounted for 34% of our consolidated net sales. The loss of any of these customers or a significant portion of the business from one or more of our key customers would significantly impact our net sales and profitability.

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

Our operations and products are subject to a variety of foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharges to water, noise, the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials and health and safety matters. We do not expect these laws and regulations to have a material adverse effect on us, but we cannot be certain that these or other proposed changes in applicable laws or regulations, or their enforcement, will not adversely affect our business or financial condition in the future.



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Our international operations are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could adversely affect our business or financial results.

In fiscal 2014 , we derived approximately 30% of our consolidated net sales from international markets, primarily Europe. Our international operations are subject to various economic, political, and other risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business and operating results, including, but not limited to, regional or country specific economic downturns, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, complications in complying with, or exposure to liability under, a variety of laws and regulations, including anti-corruption laws and regulations, political instability and significant natural disasters and other events or factors impacting local infrastructure.

Actions of our competitors could reduce our sales or profits.

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

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

Currently, approximately 11% of our workforce is represented by labor unions. In addition, we may from time to time experience union organizing activities in our non-union facilities. Disputes with the current labor union or new union organizing activities could lead to work slowdowns or stoppages and make it difficult or impossible for us to meet scheduled delivery times for product shipments to our customers, which could result in loss of business. In addition, union activity could result in higher labor costs, which could harm our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position.

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

Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by the indenture relating to the Senior Notes (as defined below) and our other credit agreements could have important consequences, including the following:

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

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

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

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

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

we may be disadvantaged compared to competitors with less leverage.

The terms of the indenture for the 6.875% Senior Notes due December 2020 (the "Senior Notes") do not fully prohibit us from incurring substantial additional debt in the future and our revolving credit facilities permit additional borrowings, subject to certain conditions. If incremental debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks we now face could intensify.

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



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

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

incur more debt;

pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions;

make certain investments;

create liens;

transfer or sell assets;

merge or consolidate; and

enter into transactions with our affiliates.

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

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

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

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

We have a material amount of goodwill and intangible assets, which were written-down in fiscal 2013 and 2014. If we determine that goodwill and other intangible assets have become further impaired in the future, net income in such years may be adversely affected.

At June 29, 2014, goodwill and other intangible assets represented approximately 15.5% of our total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations. We are required to evaluate whether our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets have been impaired on an annual basis, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. In fiscal 2014 and 2013, we recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $8.5 million and $90.1 million, respectively. The impairments were determined as part of the fair value assessments of goodwill and other intangible assets. No goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2012. Any additional write-down of our goodwill or intangible assets could materially adversely affect our results of operations.



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

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

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

We have unfunded obligations under our domestic and foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans. As of June 29, 2014, our pension plans were underfunded by approximately $130 million . The funded status of our pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets, the level of certain market interest rates and the discount rate used to determine pension obligations. Unfavorable returns on the plan assets or unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations could materially change the timing and amount of required plan funding, which would reduce the cash available for our businesses. In addition, a decrease in the discount rate used to determine pension obligations could result in an increase in the valuation of pension obligations, which could affect the reported funding status of our pension plans and future contributions, as well as the periodic pension cost in subsequent fiscal years.

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

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

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

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

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

Natural disasters, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international conflicts and the actions taken by the United States and other governments in response to such events could cause damage or disrupt our business operations, our suppliers or our customers, and could create political or economic instability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Although it is not possible to predict such events or their consequences, these events could decrease demand for our products, could make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver products or could disrupt our supply chain. We may also be impacted by actions by foreign governments, including currency devaluation, tariffs and nationalization, where our facilities are located, which could disrupt manufacturing and commercial operations. In addition, our foreign operations make us subject to certain U.S. laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. A violation of these laws and regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.



8






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

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

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

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

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

Through our Products segment, we compete with certain customers of our Engines segment. Any further forward integration of our products may strain relationships with OEMs that are significant customers of our Engines segment and have an adverse impact on operating results.

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

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

An inability to successfully manage information systems, or to adequately maintain these systems and their security, as well as to protect data and other confidential information, could adversely affect our business and reputation.

We depend on our information systems to successfully manage our business. Any inability to successfully manage these systems, including matters related to system and data security, privacy, reliability, compliance, performance and access, as well as any inability of these systems to fulfill their intended purpose within our business, could have an adverse effect on our business.

In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store sensitive data and information, including our proprietary and regulated business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, as well as personally identifiable information about our employees. Our information systems, like those of other companies, are susceptible to outages due to natural disasters, power loss, telecommunications failures, viruses, break-ins and similar events, or breaches of security. We have taken steps to maintain adequate data security and address these risks and uncertainties by implementing security technologies, internal controls, network and data center resiliency and recovery processes. However, any operational failure or breach of security from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats could lead to the loss or disclosure of both our and our customers' financial, product and other confidential information, result in regulatory actions and have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation.



9






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

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

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

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

These provisions include:

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

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

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

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


Inability to identify, complete and integrate acquisitions may adversely impact our sales, results of operations, cash flow and liquidity.

Our historical growth has included acquisitions, and our future growth strategy includes acquisition opportunities. For example, subsequent to fiscal 2014, the Company announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Allmand Bros., Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality towable light towers, industrial heaters and solar LED arrow boards, for approximately $62.0 million in cash, subject to customary due diligence and working capital adjustments. We may not be able to identify acquisition targets or successfully complete acquisitions in the future due to the absence of quality companies in our target markets, economic conditions, or price expectations from sellers. If we are unable to complete additional acquisitions, our growth may be limited.

Additionally, as we grow through acquisitions, we will continue to place significant demands on management, operational, and financial resources. Recent and future acquisitions will require integration of operations, sales and marketing, information technology, finance and administrative operations, which could decrease the time available to serve and attract customers. We cannot assure that we will be able to successfully integrate acquisitions, that these acquisitions will operate profitably, or that we will be able to achieve the desired financial or operational success. Our financial condition, cash flows, liquidity and results of operations could be adversely affected if we do not successfully integrate the newly acquired businesses, or if our other businesses suffer due to the increased focus on the newly acquired businesses. 

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

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

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

decline in demand for our products;



10






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

fluctuations in interest rates;

cost increases in energy, raw materials or labor;

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

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

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

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.



11






ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

The Company maintains leased and owned manufacturing, office, warehouse, distribution and testing facilities throughout the world. The Company believes that its owned and leased facilities are adequate to perform its operations in a reasonable manner. As the Company's business is seasonal, additional warehouse space may be leased when inventory levels are at their peak. Facilities in the United States occupy approximately 5.7 million square feet, of which 64% is owned. Facilities outside of the United States occupy approximately 979 thousand square feet, of which 28% is owned. Certain of the Company's facilities are leased through operating lease agreements. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Company's operating leases.


The following table provides information about each of the Company's facilities (exceeding 25,000 square feet) as of June 29, 2014:

Location

Type of Property

Owned/Leased

Segment

U.S. Locations:

Auburn, Alabama

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned and Leased

Engines

McDonough, Georgia (1)

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned and Leased

Products

Statesboro, Georgia

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned and Leased

Engines

Murray, Kentucky

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned and Leased

Engines

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned and Leased

Engines

Munnsville, New York

Manufacturing and office

Owned

Products

Sherrill, New York

Warehouse

Leased

Products

Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Distribution and office

Leased

Engines, Products

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned

Engines, Products, Corporate

Non-U.S. Locations:

Melbourne, Australia

Office and warehouse

Leased

Engines, Products

Sydney, Australia

Manufacturing and office

Leased

Products

Curitiba, Brazil

Office and warehouse

Leased

Engines, Products

Mississauga, Canada

Office and warehouse

Leased

Products

Chongqing, China

Manufacturing, office and warehouse

Owned

Engines

Shanghai, China

Office and warehouse

Leased

Engines, Products

Queretaro, Mexico

Office and warehouse

Leased

Engines, Products

Nijmegen, Netherlands

Distribution and office

Leased

Engines, Products

(1) On July 10, 2014, the Company announced that it would be closing its McDonough, Georgia facility and consolidating production into its existing facilities in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Munnsville, New York. Production is estimated to be completed in McDonough and transitioned to the other facilities during the first quarter of calendar 2015.

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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



12






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. The complaint seeks an injunction preventing the alleged unilateral termination or reduction in insurance coverage to the class of retirees, a permanent injunction preventing defendants from ever making changes to the retirees' insurance coverage, restitution with interest (if applicable) and attorneys' fees and costs. A class has been certified, and discovery has been concluded. Briefing on the Company's and the retirees' summary judgment motions will occur soon. If the court denies the motions, a jury trial will be scheduled.

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

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.



13






Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name, Age, Position

Business Experience for At Least Past Five Years

TODD J. TESKE, 49

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

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

RANDALL R. CARPENTER, 57

Vice President – Marketing

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

DAVID G. DEBAETS, 51

Vice President – North American Operations

(Engines Group)

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

ROBERT F. HEATH, 66

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

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

ANDREA L. GOLVACH, 43

Vice President & Treasurer

Ms. Golvach was elected to her current position effective November 2011 after serving as Vice President of Treasury since May 2011. Prior to joining Briggs & Stratton, she held the position of Director of Finance & Cash Management at Harley-Davidson, Inc., a global motorcycle manufacturer, from December 2007 to May 2011 and Director of Finance & Cash Management for Harley-Davidson Financial Services from August 2005 to December 2007.


HAROLD L. REDMAN, 49

Senior Vice President and President –

Turf & Consumer Products

Mr. Redman was elected to his current position in August 2014. He previously served as Senior Vice President and President - Products Group since October 2010. He served as Senior Vice President and President – Home Power Products Group since September 2009 after serving as Vice President and President – Home Power Products Group since May 2006. He also served as Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing – Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. since July 1995.

WILLIAM H. REITMAN, 58

Senior Vice President and Managing Director –

Europe and Global Service

Mr. Reitman was elected to his current position in August 2014. He previously served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director - Europe since September 2013 after serving as Senior Vice President – Business Development & Customer Support since October 2010. He previously served as Senior Vice President – Sale & Customer Support since September 2007, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing since May 2006, and Vice President – Sales & Marketing since October 2004. He also served as Vice President – Marketing since November 1995.



14






Name, Age, Position

Business Experience for At Least Past Five Years

DAVID J. RODGERS, 43

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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

MARK A. SCHWERTFEGER, 37

Vice President – Controller

Mr. Schwertfeger was elected as an executive officer effective September 2014 and has served as Controller since February 2010. He also served as International Controller since September 2008. Prior to joining Briggs & Stratton, he held the position of Director with KPMG LLP.

JOSEPH C. WRIGHT, 55

Senior Vice President and President –

Engines Group

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

EDWARD J. WAJDA, 54

Senior Vice President and President –

Standby/Job Site Products & International

Mr. Wajda was elected to his current position in August 2014. He previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager - International since September 2013. He was elected as an executive officer in January 2011 and served as Vice President and General Manager – International from July 2008 to August 2013. Prior to joining Briggs & Stratton, he held the position of Senior Vice President – Global Medical Vehicle Group for Oshkosh Corporation, a manufacturer of security vehicles and bodies for access equipment, defense, fire and emergency and commercial uses, since June 2006.

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

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

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



15






PART II

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

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

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

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or behalf of the Company of its common stock during the quarterly period ended June 29, 2014 .

2014 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)

March 31, 2014 to April 27, 2014

120,100


$

22.15


120,100


$

47,625,360


April 28, 2014 to May 25, 2014

150,384


21.09


150,384


44,453,761


May 26, 2014 to June 29, 2014

350,389


20.41


350,389


37,302,322


Total Fourth Quarter

620,873


$

20.91


620,873


$

37,302,322


(1) On August 8, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized up to $50 million in funds associated with the common share repurchase progra m and an expiration date of June 30, 2014. On January 22, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $50 million in funds for use in the Company's common share repurchase program with an extension of the expiration date to June 30, 2016. On August 13, 2014, subsequent to fiscal 2014, the Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $50 million in funds for use in the Company's common share repurchase program with an expiration date of June 30, 2016. 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.

Five-year Stock Performance Gra ph

The graph below shows the cumulative total stockholder return of an investment of $100 (and the reinvestment of any dividends thereafter) at the close of business on June 30, 2009 in each of Briggs & Stratton common stock, the Standard & Poor's (S&P) Smallcap 600 Index and the S&P Machinery Index.



16






ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Fiscal Year

2014 (1)


2013 (2)


2012 (3)


2011 (4)


2010 (5)


(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

NET SALES

$

1,859,060


$

1,862,498


$

2,066,533


$

2,109,998


$

2,027,872


GROSS PROFIT

346,783


329,140


336,725


398,316


379,935


PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

8,787


(18,484

)

867


7,699


12,458


NET INCOME (LOSS)

28,347


(33,657

)

29,006


24,355


36,615


EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

Basic

0.59


(0.73

)

0.58


0.49


0.73


Diluted

0.59


(0.73

)

0.57


0.48


0.73


PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

Cash Dividends

0.48


0.48


0.44


0.44


0.44


Shareholders' Investment

$

14.50


$

14.16


$

12.91


$

14.85


$

13.10


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

46,366


47,172


48,965


49,677


49,668


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

46,436


47,172


49,909


50,409


50,064


OTHER DATA

SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

$

672,434


$

667,938


$

631,970


$

737,943


$

650,577


LONG-TERM DEBT

225,000


225,000


225,000


225,000


-


CAPITAL LEASES

-


-


133


571


1,041


TOTAL ASSETS

1,449,706


1,447,551


1,608,231


1,666,218


1,690,057


PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

1,035,848


1,019,355


1,026,845


1,016,892


979,898


PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET OF ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

297,007


287,195


301,249


329,225


337,763


PROVISION FOR DEPRECIATION

47,190


52,290


60,297


59,920


62,999


EXPENDITURES FOR PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

60,371


44,878


49,573


59,919


44,443


WORKING CAPITAL

$

567,148


$

584,226


$

605,591


$

634,356


$

342,132


Current Ratio

2.9 to 1


3.1 to 1


3.0 to 1


2.8 to 1


1.6 to 1


NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT YEAR-END

5,695


5,980


6,321


6,716


6,362


NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS AT YEAR-END

2,815


3,153


3,184


3,289


3,453


QUOTED MARKET PRICE:

High

$

23.02


$

25.52


$

20.81


$

24.18


$

24.26


Low

$

18.21


$

16.20


$

12.36


$

16.50


$

12.89


(1)

In fiscal 2014, the Company had goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $5.5 million after-tax, or $0.12 per diluted share, and restructuring charges of $5.2 million after-tax, or $0.11 per diluted share.

(2)

In fiscal 2013, the Company had goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $62.0 million after-tax, or $1.30 per diluted share, restructuring charges of $15.5 million after-tax, or $0.33 per diluted share, and a litigation settlement of $1.2 million after-tax, or $0.03 per diluted share.

(3)

In fiscal 2012, the Company had restructuring charges of $28.8 million after-tax, or $0.58 per diluted share.

(4)

In fiscal 2011, the Company had a goodwill impairment charge of $34.3 million after-tax, or $0.68 per diluted share, restructuring charges of $2.2 million after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share, and debt redemption costs of $2.4 million after-tax, or $0.05 per diluted share.

(5)

In fiscal 2010, the Company had a litigation settlement of $18.7 million after-tax, or $0.37 per diluted share. Included in working capital as of June 27, 2010 was a Current Maturity of Long-Term Debt of $203.5 million.





17






ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations

FISCAL 2014 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2013

The following table is a reconciliation of financial results by segment, as reported, to adjusted financial results by segment, excluding restructuring actions, goodwill and tradename impairments, and a litigation settlement (in thousands, except per share data):

For the fiscal year ended June

2014 Reported

Adjustments (1)

2014 Adjusted (2)

2013 Reported

Adjustments (1)

2013 Adjusted (2)

NET SALES:

Engines

$

1,219,627


$

-


$

1,219,627


$

1,189,674


$

-


$

1,189,674


Products

736,312


-


736,312


805,450


-


805,450


Inter-Segment Eliminations

(96,879

)

-


(96,879

)

(132,626

)

-


(132,626

)

Total

$

1,859,060


$

-


$

1,859,060


$

1,862,498


$

-


$

1,862,498


GROSS PROFIT:

Engines

$

257,441


$

3,099


$

260,540


$

236,486


$

9,008


$

245,494


Products

87,682


2,742


90,424


87,392


9,753


97,145


Inter-Segment Eliminations

1,660


-


1,660


5,262


-


5,262


Total

$

346,783


$

5,841


$

352,624


$

329,140


$

18,761


$

347,901


INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

Engines

$

72,213


$

3,524


$

75,737


$

59,093


$

14,320


$

73,413


Products

(27,615

)

11,475


(16,140

)

(104,918

)

99,833


(5,085

)

Inter-Segment Eliminations

1,660


-


1,660


5,262


-


5,262


Total

$

46,258


$

14,999


$

61,257


$

(40,563

)

$

114,153


$

73,590


INTEREST EXPENSE

(18,466

)

-


(18,466

)

(18,519

)

-


(18,519

)

OTHER INCOME, Net

9,342


-


9,342


6,941


-


6,941


Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

37,134


14,999


52,133


(52,141

)

114,153


62,012


PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

8,787


4,307


13,094


(18,484

)

-


(18,484

)

Net Income (Loss)

$

28,347


$

10,692


$

39,039


$

(33,657

)

$

114,153


$

80,496


EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic

$

0.59


$

0.23


$

0.82


$

(0.73

)

$

1.66


$

0.93


Diluted

0.59


0.23


0.82


(0.73

)

1.66


0.93


(1) For the fiscal year ended June 29, 2014, includes restructuring charges of $6,539 net of $1,376 of taxes, and goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $8,460 net of $2,931 of taxes. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, includes restructuring charges of $22,196 net of $6,669 of taxes, goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $90,080, of which $13,807 related to non-deductible goodwill for tax purposes with the remaining impairment generating a $28,116 tax benefit, and a litigation settlement of $1,877 net of $657 of taxes.

(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, goodwill and tradename impairments, and litigation settlements 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 our GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.



18






Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2014 were $1.9 billion, a decrease of $3.4 million or 0.2% from fiscal 2013, due to lower sales of generators and the engines that power them. The impact of fewer weather related events creating demand for generators and the related engines was an estimated sales decrease of $100 million for fiscal 2014. This decrease was offset by higher sales of engines used on U.S. lawn and garden equipment, increased sales of pressure washers and sales from Branco, which was acquired mid-year in fiscal 2013.

Engines segment net sales for fiscal 2014 were $1.2 billion, which was $30.0 million or 2.5% higher than the prior year. This increase in net sales was primarily driven by higher sales of engines used on U.S. lawn and garden equipment and related service parts and sales from Branco, which was acquired mid-year in fiscal 2013. The increase in net sales was partially offset by lower sales of engines used on generators due to the lack of storm activity during fiscal 2014.

Products segment net sales for fiscal 2014 were $736.3 million, a decrease of $69.1 million or 8.6% from the prior year. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower sales of standby and portable generators due to the lack of storm activity during fiscal 2014, lower replenishment of snow throwers in Europe following last year's dry winter, and unfavorable foreign exchange predominantly due to the Australian Dollar and Brazilian Real. The decrease in net sales was partially offset by higher sales of pressure washers and sales from Branco, which was acquired mid-year in fiscal 2013.


Gross Profit Percentage


The consolidated gross profit percentage was 18.7% in fiscal 2014, an increase of 1% from fiscal 2013.


Included in consolidated gross profit were pre-tax charges of $5.8 million during fiscal 2014 related to previously announced restructuring actions. The Engines segment and Products segment recorded $3.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of pre-tax restructuring charges within gross profit during fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2013, the Engines segment and Products segment recorded pre-tax restructuring charges within gross profit of $9.0 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

The Engines segment gross profit percentage for fiscal 2014 was 21.1%, which was higher than the 19.9% in fiscal 2013. Adjusted gross profit percentage for 2014 was 21.4%, which was 0.8% higher compared to fiscal 2013. The adjusted gross profit percentage increased due to a favorable sales mix, including the impact of new product introductions, and by 0.6% due to a 1% increase in manufacturing throughput with fixed cost absorption benefiting from a 14% increase in the production of large engines. Lower material costs were mostly offset by reduced pricing.

The Products segment gross profit percentage for fiscal 2014 was 11.9%, which was higher than the 10.9% in fiscal 2013. The Products segment adjusted gross profit percentage for fiscal 2014 was 12.3%, which was 0.2% higher compared to the adjusted gross profit percentage for fiscal 2013. The increase in adjusted gross profit percentage was primarily due to a 0.8% benefit from improved manufacturing efficiencies and incremental footprint restructuring savings of $1.6 million. The adjusted gross profit percentage also benefited from additional margin from a favorable mix of products sold. Partially offsetting the increase in adjusted gross profit percentage was an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of 0.6%.


Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $291.4 million in fiscal 2014, an increase of $15.2 million or 5.5% from fiscal 2013.

The Engines segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $184.8 million in fiscal 2014, or $10.8 million higher compared to fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased international sales and marketing expenses, research and development costs, corporate development and legal expenses, additional expenses from Branco, and higher compensation costs, partially offset by lower retirement plan expenses.



19






The Products segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $106.6 million in fiscal 2014, an increase of $4.4 million from fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to additional expenses from Branco and higher advertising costs related to new product launches, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange.

Other Intangible Asset Impairment

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company performed its annual impairment testing of other intangible assets. Based on a combination of factors, predominantly driven by a slower than anticipated recovery of the North America lawn and garden market and the operating results of the Products segment during the previous year leading up to the impairment which lacked the benefit of certain weather related events that would have been favorable to the business, the Company's forecasted cash flow estimates used in the assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets were adversely impacted. The Company concluded that the carrying value of a tradename within the Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of June 29, 2014. The non-cash intangible asset impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 was $5.5 million. The impairment charge did not adversely affect the Company's debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants under its revolving credit facility. No impairment charges were recorded within the Engines segment.

Restructuring Actions

The restructuring actions that were in progress at the beginning of fiscal 2014 have concluded as planned. These restructuring actions resulted in pre-tax restructuring costs for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended June 29, 2014 of $1.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Incremental pre-tax restructuring savings for fiscal 2014 were $2.5 million.

Subsequent to fiscal 2014, the Company announced further restructuring actions to narrow its assortment of lower-priced Snapper consumer lawn and garden equipment and consolidate its Products segment manufacturing facilities in order to reduce costs. The Company will continue to focus on premium residential products through its Snapper and Simplicity brands and commercial products through its Snapper Pro and Ferris brands. The Company will close its McDonough, Georgia location and consolidate production into existing facilities in Wisconsin and New York. The Company anticipates total restructuring charges related to these actions to be approximately $30 to $37 million, including non-cash write-downs of approximately $15 to $20 million, to be recorded during fiscal 2015. Total cash costs related to these actions are anticipated to be approximately $15 to $17 million, with the majority of the cash costs being incurred in fiscal 2015. 

Pending Acquisition

On August 14, 2014, the Company announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Allmand Bros., Inc. for approximately $62 million in cash, subject to customary due diligence and working capital adjustments. Founded in 1938 and based in Holdrege, Nebraska, Allmand is a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality towable light towers, industrial heaters and solar LED arrow boards. This transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for fiscal 2014 was $18.5 million, which was comparable to fiscal 2013.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was 23.7% compared to 35.6% for the same period last year. The tax rate for fiscal 2014 was mainly impacted by a taxpayer election which provided the Company a previously unavailable tax benefit of $2.9 million as well as a U.S. manufacturers deduction of $1.8 million. The tax rate for fiscal 2013 was primarily driven by tax benefits related to foreign operations of $2.4 million and state credits of $2.0 million with an offsetting $5.6 million non-deductible goodwill impairment charge. 



20






FISCAL 2013 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2012

The following table is a reconciliation of financial results by segment, as reported, to adjusted financial results by segment, excluding restructuring actions, goodwill and tradename impairments, and a litigation settlement (in thousands, except per share data):

For the fiscal year ended June

2013 Reported

Adjustments (1)

2013 Adjusted (2)

2012 Reported

Adjustments (1)

2012 Adjusted (2)

NET SALES:

Engines

$

1,189,674


$

-


$

1,189,674


$

1,309,942


$

-


$

1,309,942


Products

805,450


-


805,450


952,110


-


952,110


Inter-Segment Eliminations

(132,626

)

-


(132,626

)

(195,519

)

-


(195,519

)

Total

$

1,862,498


$

-


$

1,862,498


$

2,066,533


$

-


$

2,066,533


GROSS PROFIT:

Engines

$

236,486


$

9,008


$

245,494


$

250,323


$

14,257


$

264,580


Products

87,392


9,753


97,145


86,193


30,503


116,696


Inter-Segment Eliminations

5,262


-


5,262


209


-


209


Total

$

329,140


$

18,761


$

347,901


$

336,725


$

44,760


$

381,485


INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

Engines

$

59,093


$

14,320


$

73,413


$

66,559


$

18,314


$

84,873


Products

(104,918

)

99,833


(5,085

)

(25,531

)

31,553


6,022


Inter-Segment Eliminations

5,262


-


5,262


209


-


209


Total

$

(40,563

)

$

114,153


$

73,590


$

41,237


$

49,867


$

91,104


INTEREST EXPENSE

(18,519

)

-


(18,519

)

(18,542

)

-


(18,542

)

OTHER INCOME, Net

6,941


-


6,941


7,178


-


7,178


Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

(52,141

)

114,153


62,012


29,873


49,867


79,740


PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

(18,484

)

35,442


16,958


867


21,062


21,929


Net Income (Loss)

$

(33,657

)

$

78,711


$

45,054


$

29,006


$

28,805


$

57,811


EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic

$

(0.73

)

$

1.66


$

0.93


$

0.58


$

0.60


$

1.17


Diluted

(0.73

)

1.66


0.93


0.57


0.58


1.15


(1) For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, includes restructuring charges of $22,196 net of $6,669 of taxes, goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $90,080, of which $13,807 related to non-deductible goodwill for tax purposes with the remaining impairment generating a $28,116 tax benefit, and a litigation settlement of $1,877 net of $657 of taxes. For the fiscal year ended July 1, 2012, includes restructuring charges of $49,867 net of $21,062 of taxes.

(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, goodwill and tradename impairments, and litigation settlements 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 our GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results.

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2013 were $1.9 billion, a decrease of $204.0 million or 9.9% when compared to fiscal 2012.

Engines segment net sales for fiscal 2013 were $1.2 billion, which was $120.3 million or 9.2% lower than the prior year. This decrease in net sales was primarily driven by reduced shipments of engines used on walk, ride and snow equipment in the North American market as well as lower sales to OEM customers for the



21






European and Australasian markets. Shipments to European markets decreased due to macroeconomic issues and unfavorable weather conditions. Shipments to Australasian markets decreased due to a significant lack of rainfall in highly populated areas. In addition, sales were lower in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 due to an unfavorable mix of engines sold that reflected proportionately lower sales of large engines and unfavorable foreign exchange of $11.6 million primarily related to the Euro.

Products segment net sales for fiscal 2013 were $805.5 million, a decrease of $146.7 million or 15.4% from the prior year. Approximately $90 million of the net sales decrease resulted from our decision to exit the sale of lawn and garden equipment through national mass retailers. The remaining decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes of snow equipment due to significantly below average snowfall in North America and reduced sales of lawn and garden equipment resulting from drought conditions in the United States and Australasia. The decrease in net sales was partially offset by higher shipments of portable and standby generators in the North American market.


Gross Profit Percentage


The consolidated gross profit percentage was 17.7% in fiscal 2013, up from 16.3% in fiscal 2012.


Included in consolidated gross profit were pre-tax charges of $18.8 million during fiscal 2013 related to previously announced restructuring actions to close the Ostrava, Czech Republic and Newbern, Tennesee manufacturing facilities and the Auburn, Alabama plant consolidation. The Engines segment and Products segment recorded $9.0 million and $9.8 million, respectively, of pre-tax restructuring charges within gross profit during fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2012, the Engines segment and Products segment recorded pre-tax restructuring charges within gross profit of $14.3 million and $30.5 million, respectively.

The Engines segment gross profit percentage for fiscal 2013 was 19.9%, which was slightly higher than the 19.1% in fiscal 2012. Adjusted gross profit percentage for 2013 was 20.6%, which was 0.4% higher compared to fiscal 2012. The adjusted gross profit percentage was favorably impacted by 1.5% due to lower manufacturing costs achieved through restructuring savings of $10.9 million and start-up costs incurred in fiscal 2012 associated with launching our phase III emissions compliant engines. Partially offsetting this improvement was a 9% reduction in engines built in fiscal 2013, which reduced absorption of fixed manufacturing costs and lowered the adjusted gross profit percentage by 1.3%. Lower material costs were mostly offset by reduced pricing, unfavorable foreign exchange and an unfavorable mix of engines sold.


The Products segment gross profit percentage for fiscal 2013 was 10.9%, which was higher than the 9.1% in fiscal 2012. The Products segment adjusted gross profit percentage for fiscal 2013 was 12.1%, which was 0.2% lower compared to the adjusted gross profit percentage for fiscal 2012. The adjusted gross profit percentage decreased by 3.1% due to unfavorable absorption associated with a 15% decrease in production volume. The McDonough, Georgia manufacturing facility shutdown days increased by nearly six weeks in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year. This enabled the Products segment to achieve a reduction in inventory levels despite the challenge of reduced sales volumes caused by lower market demand. The unfavorable volume impact on gross profit percentage was partially offset by a 2.3% benefit due to achieving restructuring cost savings of $13.6 million and other efficiency improvements. The addition of sales from the Branco acquisition and favorable foreign exchange, primarily due to the Australian dollar, also increased the gross margin percentage in fiscal 2013.


Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $276.2 million in fiscal 2013, a decrease of $14.2 million or 4.9% from fiscal 2012.

The Engines segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $174.0 million in fiscal 2013, or $5.7 million lower compared to fiscal 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower compensation costs of $8.4 million as a result of the previously announced reduction of 10% of the global salaried workforce and reduced selling costs in response to the softness in the global markets, partially offset by $2.8 million of increased pension expense compared to the same period last year. The fiscal 2013 engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses include a $1.9 million litigation settlement charge associated with a



22






horsepower labeling case in Canada. The litigation charge is excluded from the Engine segment's adjusted income from operations.

The Products segment engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses were $102.2 million in fiscal 2013, a decrease of $8.4 million from fiscal 2012. The decrease was attributable to lower compensation costs which include a $2.5 million benefit from the global salaried employee reduction as well as reduced selling expenses in response to the softness in the global markets. These reductions were partially offset by the addition of expenses related to the Branco acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Impairment

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company performed its annual impairment testing of goodwill and other intangible assets. Based on a combination of factors, predominantly driven by a slower than anticipated recovery of the North America lawn and garden market, the Company's forecasted cash flow estimates used in the assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets were adversely impacted. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying value amounts of the Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of June 30, 2013. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 was $71.3 million. In addition, the Company concluded that the carrying value amounts of a tradename within the Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of June 30, 2013. The non-cash intangible asset impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 was $18.8 million. The impairment charge did not adversely affect the Company's debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants under its revolving credit facility. No impairment charges were recorded within the Engines segment.

Restructuring Actions

In fiscal 2013, the Company made progress against its previously announced restructuring actions, including the sale of its Ostrava, Czech Republic manufacturing facility. Also in fiscal 2013, the Company announced changes to its defined benefit pension plan that included freezing accruals for all non-bargaining employees within the pension plan effective January 1, 2014. This plan change resulted in the Company recognizing a pre-tax curtailment charge of $1.9 million in fiscal 2013. Pre-tax restructuring costs for fiscal 2013 were $22.2 million.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for fiscal 2013 was $18.5 million, which was comparable to fiscal 2012.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was 35.5% compared to 2.9% for fiscal 2012. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to a net benefit of $5.6 million associated with restructuring charges incurred in connection with closing the Company's Ostrava manufacturing facility, a net benefit of $5.1 million due to the expiration of a non-U.S. statute of limitation period during fiscal 2012, and an additional tax expense of $5.6 million for a non-cash goodwill impairment charge in fiscal 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

FISCAL YEARS 2014, 2013 AND 2012

Net cash provided by operating activities was $127 million, $161 million and $66 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal 2014 were $127 million compared to $161 million in fiscal 2013. The decrease in operating cash flows was primarily related to changes in working capital as higher fourth quarter sales in fiscal 2014 led to a larger accounts receivable balance year over year. The change was partially offset by no contributions to the pension plan in fiscal 2014 compared to $29.4 million in contributions in fiscal 2013.



23






Cash flows provided by operating activities for fiscal 2013 were $161 million compared to $66 million in fiscal 2012. The improvement in operating cash flows was primarily related to lower working capital needs in fiscal 2013 associated with lower levels of accounts receivable and inventory compared to fiscal 2012.

Net cash used in investing activities was $60 million, $92 million and $51 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These cash flows include capital expenditures of $60 million, $45 million and $50 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The capital expenditures related primarily to reinvestment in equipment, capacity additions and new products. Further, in fiscal 2013, approximately $60 million of cash was used for the acquisition of Branco and approximately $12.5 million was received from dispositions of plant and equipment.

Net cash used in financing activities was $62 million, $36 million and $63 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased treasury stock at a total cost of $43 million compared to $30 million and $39 million stock repurchases in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2014, the Company received proceeds of $5 million from the exercise of stock options and made repayments totaling $0.3 million on short-term loans. Also in fiscal 2014, as disclosed in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company incurred $0.9 million of debt issuance costs associated with the refinancing of its revolving credit facility. In fiscal 2013, the Company received proceeds of $20 million from the exercise of stock options and made repayments totaling $3 million on short-term loans. In fiscal 2012, as disclosed in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company incurred $2 million of debt issuance costs associated with the refinancing of its revolving credit facility. The Company paid cash dividends on its common stock of $23 million, $23 million, and $22 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Given the Company's international operations, a portion of the Company's cash and cash equivalents are held in non-U.S. subsidiaries where its undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. Generally, these would be subject to U.S. tax if repatriated. As of June 29, 2014 , approximately $53 million of the Company's $195 million of cash and cash equivalents was held in non-U.S. subsidiaries.

Future Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

On October 13, 2011 , the Company entered into a  $500 million  multicurrency credit agreement (the "Revolver"). The Revolver had a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver were due and payable on October 13, 2016 . On October 21, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to the Revolver, which, among other things, extended the maturity of the Revolver from October 13, 2016 to October 21, 2018. The initial maximum availability under the Revolver is  $500 million . Availability under the Revolver is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. The Company may from time to time increase the maximum availability under the Revolver by up to  $250 million  if certain conditions are satisfied. There were no borrowings under the Revolver as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013.

In August 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.11 per share to $0.12 per share on the Company's common stock, payable on or after October 1, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 20, 2012. In August 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.12 per share to $0.125 per share on the Company's common stock, payable on or after October 1, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 17, 2014.

In August 2011, the Board of Directors authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an original expiration of June 30, 2013. In August 2012, the Board of Directors of Briggs & Stratton authorized an additional $50 million in funds associated with the common share repurchase program and an extension of the expiration date to June 30, 2014. On January 22, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $50 million in funds for use in the Company's common share repurchase program with an extension of the expiration date to June 30, 2016. On August 13, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized up to an additional $50 million in funds for use in the Company's common share repurchase program with an expiration date of June 30, 2016. The common share repurchase program



24






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 restrictive covenants. During fiscal 2014 the Company repurchased 2,100,499 shares on the open market at an average price of $20.49 per share as compared to 1,546,686 shares purchased on the open market at an average price of $19.63 per share during fiscal 2013.

The Company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $60 to $65 million in fiscal 2015 . These anticipated expenditures reflect the Company's plans to continue to reinvest in efficient equipment and innovative new products.

On July 6, 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21 Act) was signed into law. The MAP-21 Act included certain pension-related provisions which included changes to the methodology used to determine discount rates for ERISA funding purposes for qualified defined benefit pension plans. Based on historical interest rates, the MAP-21 Act allows plan sponsors to utilize a higher discount rate to value pension liabilities, which results in lower required pension plan contributions under ERISA. During fiscal 2014, the Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Based upon current regulations and actuarial studies, the Company is required to make no minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan in fiscal 2015. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending on the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods.

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 Revolver and the Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants. These covenants include restrictions on the Company's ability to: pay dividends; repurchase shares; incur indebtedness; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate or merge with other entities; sell or lease all or substantially all of its assets; and dispose of assets or the proceeds of sales of its assets. The Revolver contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose a maximum average leverage ratio. As of June 29, 2014 , the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Financial Strategy

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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



25






Contractual Obligations

A summary of the Company's expected payments for significant contractual obligations as of June 29, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):

Total

Fiscal

2015

Fiscal

2016-2017

Fiscal

2018-2019

Thereafter

Long-Term Debt

$

225,000


$

-


$

-


$

-


$

225,000


Interest on Long-Term Debt

100,548


15,469


30,938


30,938


23,203


Operating Leases

68,955


13,934


14,634


9,635


30,752


Purchase Obligations

52,353


51,932


421


-


-


Other Liabilities (a)

57,022


-


21,504


35,518


-


$

503,878


$

81,335


$

67,497


$

76,091


$

278,955


(a) Includes an estimate of future expected funding requirements related to our pension plans. Any further funding requirements for pension plans beyond fiscal 2019 cannot be estimated at this time. Because their future cash outflows are uncertain, liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and other sundry items are excluded from the table above.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's critical accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 and Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

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

Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to identify a potential impairment by comparing the carrying values of each of the Company's reporting units to their estimated fair values as of the test dates. The Company has determined that its reporting units are the same as its reportable segments, Engines and Products. The estimates of fair value of the reporting units are computed using an income approach. The income approach utilizes a multi-year forecast of estimated cash flows and a terminal value at the end of the cash flow period. The forecast period assumptions consist of internal projections that are based on the Company's budget and long-range strategic plan. The discount rate used at the test date is the weighted-average cost of capital which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.

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



26






fair value of the reporting unit is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

As discussed in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company performed the annual impairment test on its Engine and Products reporting units as of June 29, 2014 . The impairment testing performed by the Company at June 29, 2014 indicated that the estimated fair value of the Engines reporting unit substantially exceeded its corresponding carrying amount, including recorded goodwill, and as such, no further impairment existed. The amount of goodwill recorded in the Products segment is not significant. The assumptions included in the impairment test require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculation. Other than management's internal projections of future cash flows, the primary assumptions used in the impairment test were the weighted-average cost of capital and long-term growth rates.

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

The growth rates and gross profit margins used for the terminal value calculations and the discount rates of the respective reporting units as of June 29, 2014 were as follows:

Terminal

Growth Rate

Terminal Gross

Profit Margin

Discount

Rate

Engines

3.0%

27.5%

11.4%

Products

3.0%

18.6%

11.8%


Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.

Tradenames are not amortized. If impairment occurs, the impaired amount of the tradename is written off immediately. For purposes of the tradename impairment analysis, the Company performs its assessment of fair value based on an income approach using the relief-from-royalty method. This methodology assumes that, in lieu of ownership, a third party would be willing to pay a royalty in order to exploit the related benefits of these types of assets. The Company determines the fair value of each tradename by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net sales discounted using a risk adjusted cost of capital. The Company believes the relief-from-royalty method to be an acceptable methodology due to its common use by valuation specialists in determining the fair value of intangible assets. Sales growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches and many other variables. Each royalty rate is based on profitability of the business to which it relates and observed market royalty rates.

As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company performed the annual impairment test on its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of June 29, 2014 . The impairment testing performed by the Company at June 29, 2014 indicated that the estimated fair value of a tradename in the Products reporting unit did not exceed its corresponding carrying amount. Therefore, the Company recognized a $5.5 million non-cash impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2013, the Company recognized a $18.8 million non-cash impairment charge related to a tradename in the Products reporting unit. In fiscal 2012, no intangible assets were impaired. The assumptions included in the impairment test require judgment, and changes to these inputs could impact the results of the calculation.

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



27






Income Taxes

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

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

The pension benefit obligation and related pension expense or income are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate and the expected rate of return on plan assets. These rates are evaluated on an annual basis considering such factors as market interest rates and historical asset performance, which is essential in the current volatile market. Actuarial valuations at June 29, 2014 used a discount rate of 4.40% and the determination of fiscal 2014 expense used an expected rate of return on plan assets of 8.25% . Our discount rate was selected using a methodology that matches plan cash flows with a selection of Standard and Poor's AA or higher rated bonds, resulting in a discount rate that better matches a bond yield curve with comparable cash flows. A 0.25% decrease in the discount rate would decrease annual pension service and interest costs by approximately $1.1 million. A 0.25% decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase our annual pension service and interest costs by approximately $2.2 million. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers the historical returns on plan assets, adjusted for forward looking considerations, including inflation assumptions and active management of the plan's invested assets, knowing that our investment performance has been in the top decile compared to other plans. Changes in the discount rate and return on assets can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans, shareholders' investment and related expense. We cannot predict these changes in discount rates or investment returns and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate whether the impact in subsequent years will be significant.

The funded status of the Company's pension plan is the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of its plan assets. The projected benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of all benefits expected to be earned by the employees' service adjusted for future potential wage increases. At June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 , the fair value of plan assets was less than the projected benefit obligation by approximately $130 million and $153 million , respectively.

On July 6, 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21 Act) was signed into law. The MAP-21 Act included certain pension-related provisions which included changes to the methodology used to determine discount rates for ERISA funding purposes for qualified defined benefit pension plans. Based on historical interest rates, the MAP-21 Act allows plan sponsors to utilize a higher discount rate to value pension liabilities, which results in lower required pension plan contributions under ERISA. During fiscal 2014, the Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Based upon current regulations and actuarial studies the Company is required to make no minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan in fiscal 2015. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending on the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods.

In October 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an amendment to the Company's defined benefit retirement plans for U.S., non-bargaining employees. The amendment froze accruals for all non-bargaining employees effective January 1, 2014. The Company recorded a pre-tax curtailment charge of $1.9 million in fiscal 2013 related to the defined benefit plan change.

The other postretirement benefits obligation and related expense or income are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions, including the health care trend rate. An increase of one percentage point in health care costs would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $1.9 million and would increase the service and interest cost by $0.1 million . A corresponding decrease of one percentage point, would decrease



28






the accumulated postretirement benefit by $2.1 million and decrease the service and interest cost by $0.1 million .

For pension and postretirement benefits, actuarial gains and losses are accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Refer to Note 17 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

Other Reserves

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

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, under either full or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of this new accounting pronouncement on the Company's results of operations, financial position, and cash flow.


In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which requires an entity to present significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2012 with earlier adoption permitted. The amendments in the ASU are applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU No. 2013-02 at the beginning of fiscal 2014, and the required disclosures are presented in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flow, as the ASU solely relates to disclosures.


In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment," which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired before performing quantitative impairment testing. The amendments did not change the measurement of impairment losses. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02 at the beginning of fiscal 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

Other Matters

Labor Agreements

The Company has collective bargaining agreements with its unions. These collective bargaining agreements cover approximately 11% of the total employees as of June 29, 2014. These agreements expire at various times beginning in calendar 2016. 

Emissions

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Canada and the European Union (EU) have adopted multiple stages of emission standards for small air cooled engines. The Company currently has product offerings that comply with those standards.



29






In addition, China has adopted emission standards which parallel those adopted by EPA and were phased in from 2011 to 2013. The Company has specific products that meet these standards and are certified for sale in China. Australia has announced that it will be adopting emission standards. These standards are generally expected to be based on the EPA standards, but a timetable for their adoption has not yet been published. The Company does not anticipate that compliance with either of these emission standards will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or operations as they are expected to be substantially similar to the existing standards adopted by EPA, CARB, Canada and the EU.

ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Foreign Currency

The Company's earnings are affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar against various currencies. The Company receives Euros for certain products sold to European customers and receives Canadian dollars for certain products sold to Canadian customers. The Yen is used to purchase engines from the Company's joint venture in Japan. The Company receives Mexican Pesos for certain products sold to the Company's subsidiary in Mexico. The Company's foreign subsidiaries' earnings are also influenced by fluctuations of local currencies, including the Australian dollar, against the U.S. dollar as these subsidiaries purchase components and inventory from vendors and the parent in U.S. dollars. Forward foreign exchange contracts are used to partially hedge against the earnings effects of such fluctuations.

At June 29, 2014 , the Company had the following forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding with the fair value (gains) losses shown (in thousands):

Hedge

Currency

Notional

Value

Fair Value

Conversion

Currency

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

Australian Dollar

19,904


$

18,586


U.S.

$

471


Canadian Dollar

3,100


$

2,899


U.S.

$

40


Euro

49,300


$

67,379


U.S.

$

(149

)

Japanese Yen

530,000


$

5,229


U.S.

$

(37

)

Mexican Peso

3,000


$

231


U.S.

$

-


Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may also impact the shareholders' investment in the Company. Amounts invested in the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries and joint ventures are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at fiscal year-end. The resulting cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in Shareholders' Investment as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The cumulative translation adjustments component of Shareholders' Investment increased $1.2 million during fiscal 2014. Using the year-end exchange rates, the total amount invested in non-U.S. subsidiaries on June 29, 2014 was approximately $201.1 million.

Commodity Prices

The Company is exposed to fluctuating market prices for commodities, including steel, natural gas, copper and aluminum. The Company has established programs to manage commodity price fluctuations through contracts that fix the price of certain commodities, some of which are financial derivative instruments. The maturities of these contracts coincide with the expected usage of the commodities for periods up to the next twenty-four months. At June 29, 2014 the Company had the following outstanding commodity derivative contracts with the fair value (gains) losses shown (in thousands):

Hedge

Commodity

Notional

Value

Fair Value

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

Natural Gas (Therms)

5,686


$

5,676


$

10




30






Interest Rates

The Company is exposed to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings, depending on general economic conditions. On June 29, 2014 , long-term loans consisted of the following (in thousands):

Description

Amount

Maturity

Weighted Average

Interest Rate

6.875% Senior Notes

$

225,000


December 2020

6.875%

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


The Company is also exposed to interest rate risk associated with programs under which the Company shares the expense of financing certain dealer and distributor inventories through a third party financing source. The Company enters into interest rate swaps to manage a portion of this interest rate risk. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and are used to effectively fix the interest payments to a third party financing source, exclusive of lender spreads, ranging from 1.17% to 1.60% for a notional principal amount of  $95 million with expiration dates ranging from July 2017 to May 2019.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page

Consolidated Balance Sheets, June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013

32

For the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2014, June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2012:

          Consolidated Statements of Operations

34

          Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

35

          Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment

36

          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

37

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

38

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

76

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

81




31


Consolidated Balance Sheets



AS OF JUNE 29, 2014 AND JUNE 30, 2013

(in thousands)

ASSETS

2014

2013

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

194,668


$

188,445


Receivables, Less Reserves of $6,352 and $6,501, Respectively

220,590


190,800


Inventories:

Finished Products and Parts

268,116


306,104


Work in Process

102,431


96,751


Raw Materials

5,556


5,240


Total Inventories

376,103


408,095


Deferred Income Tax Asset

48,958


47,534


Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

30,016


24,107


Total Current Assets

870,335


858,981


GOODWILL

144,522


147,352


INVESTMENTS

27,137


19,764


DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, Net

4,671


4,710


OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Net

80,317


87,980


LONG-TERM DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSET

15,178


27,544


OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS, Net

10,539


14,025


PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Land and Land Improvements

16,173


15,947


Buildings

131,159


130,872


Machinery and Equipment

849,470


852,039


Construction in Progress

39,046


20,497


1,035,848


1,019,355


Less - Accumulated Depreciation

738,841


732,160


Total Plant and Equipment, Net

297,007


287,195


$

1,449,706


$

1,447,551




















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

32







AS OF JUNE 29, 2014 AND JUNE 30, 2013

(in thousands, except per share data)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

2014

2013

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts Payable

$

169,271


$

143,189


Short-Term Debt

-


300


Accrued Liabilities:

Wages and Salaries

45,585


35,163


Warranty

27,066


26,167


Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

13,882


16,344


Other

47,383


53,592


Total Accrued Liabilities

133,916


131,266


Total Current Liabilities

303,187


274,755


ACCRUED PENSION COST

126,529


150,131


ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

24,491


23,458


ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE OBLIGATION

59,290


72,695


ACCRUED WARRANTY

17,678


18,871


OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

21,097


14,703


LONG-TERM DEBT

225,000


225,000


COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)



SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:

Common Stock -

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

579


579


Additional Paid-In Capital

78,466


77,004


Retained Earnings

1,048,466


1,042,917


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

(195,257

)

(224,928

)

Treasury Stock at Cost, 11,536 and 9,901 Shares, Respectively

(259,820

)

(227,634

)

Total Shareholders' Investment

672,434


667,938


$

1,449,706


$

1,447,551











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

33




Consolidated Statements of Operations


FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014 , JUNE 30, 2013 AND JULY 1, 2012

(in thousands, except per share data)

2014

2013

2012

NET SALES

$

1,859,060


$

1,862,498


$

2,066,533


COST OF GOODS SOLD

1,506,436


1,514,597


1,685,048


RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

5,841


18,761


44,760


Gross Profit

346,783


329,140


336,725


ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

291,367


276,188


290,381


RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

698


3,435


5,107


GOODWILL AND TRADENAME IMPAIRMENT

8,460


90,080


-


Income (Loss) from Operations

46,258


(40,563

)

41,237


INTEREST EXPENSE

(18,466

)

(18,519

)

(18,542

)

OTHER INCOME, Net

9,342


6,941


7,178


Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

37,134


(52,141

)

29,873


PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

8,787


(18,484

)

867


NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

28,347


$

(33,657

)

$

29,006


EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic

$

0.59


$

(0.73

)

$

0.58


Diluted

$

0.59


$

(0.73

)

$

0.57


WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Basic

46,366


47,172


48,965


Diluted

46,436


47,172


49,909




















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

34




Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)


FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014 , JUNE 30, 2013 AND JULY 1, 2012

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

Net Income (Loss)

$

28,347


$

(33,657

)

$

29,006


Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Cumulative Translation Adjustments

1,168


(617

)

(13,487

)

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax Provision (Benefit) of $1,605, $2,428, and ($3,301), respectively

2,589


3,981


(5,411

)

Unrecognized Pension & Postretirement Obligation, Net of Tax Provision (Benefit) of $16,067, $57,591, and ($38,537), respectively

25,914


94,412


(60,308

)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

29,671


97,776


(79,206

)

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

$

58,018


$

64,119


$

(50,200

)


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

35




Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment



FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014 , JUNE 30, 2013 AND JULY 1, 2012

(in thousands, except per share data)

Common

Stock

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

Retained

Earnings

Accumulated

Other Com-

prehensive

Income (Loss)

Treasury

Stock

Total Shareholders' Investment

BALANCES, JULY 3, 2011

$

579


$

79,354


$

1,092,864


$

(243,498

)

$

(191,356

)

737,943


Net Income

-


-


29,006


-


-


29,006


Total Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

-


-


-


(79,206

)

-


(79,206

)

Cash Dividends Paid ($0.44 per share)

-


-


(22,011

)

-


-


(22,011

)

Stock Option Activity, Net of Tax

-


1,255


-


-


390


1,645


Restricted Stock

-


(2,901

)

-


-


2,739


(162

)

Amortization of Unearned Compensation

-


3,296


-


-


-


3,296


Deferred Stock

-


726


-


-


23


749


Shares Issued to Directors

-


(7

)

-


-


3


(4

)

Treasury Stock Purchases

-


-


-


-


(39,286

)

(39,286

)

BALANCES, JULY 1, 2012

$

579


$

81,723


$

1,099,859


$

(322,704

)

$

(227,487

)

$

631,970


Net Loss

-


-


(33,657

)

-


-


(33,657

)

Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

-


-


-


97,776


-


97,776


Cash Dividends Paid ($0.48 per share)

-


-


(23,285

)

-


-


(23,285

)

Stock Option Activity, Net of Tax

-


(4,680

)

-


-


26,662


21,982


Restricted Stock

-


(3,127

)

-


-


2,893


(234

)

Amortization of Unearned Compensation

-


2,421


-


-


-


2,421


Deferred Stock

-


703


-


-


33


736


Shares Issued to Directors

-


(36

)

-


-


624


588


Treasury Stock Purchases

-


-


-


-


(30,359

)

(30,359

)

BALANCES, JUNE 30, 2013

$

579


$

77,004


$

1,042,917


$

(224,928

)

$

(227,634

)

$

667,938


Net Income

-


-


28,347


-


-


28,347


Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

-


-


-


29,671


-


29,671


Cash Dividends Paid ($0.48 per share)

-


-


(22,798

)

-


-


(22,798

)

Stock Option Activity, Net of Tax

-


3,269


-


-


6,200


9,469


Restricted Stock

-


(3,322

)

-


-


2,423


(899

)

Amortization of Unearned Compensation

-


2,737


-


-


-


2,737


Deferred Stock

-


(1,188

)

-


-


1,474


286


Shares Issued to Directors

-


(34

)

-


-


764


730


Treasury Stock Purchases

-


-


-


-


(43,047

)

(43,047

)

BALANCES, JUNE 29, 2014

$

579


$

78,466


$

1,048,466


$

(195,257

)

$

(259,820

)

$

672,434



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

36




Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014 , JUNE 30, 2013 AND JULY 1, 2012

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Income (Loss)

$

28,347


$

(33,657

)

$

29,006


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

Depreciation and Amortization

50,343


55,752


63,714


Stock Compensation Expense

7,174


6,514


5,555


Goodwill and Tradename Impairment

8,460


90,080


-


Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates

(6,264

)

(4,244

)

(5,100

)

Dividends Received from Unconsolidated Affiliates

4,069


4,636


4,029


Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

465


696


174


Provision (Credit) for Deferred Income Taxes

(5,396

)

(27,914

)

3,926


Cash Contributions to Qualified Pension Plans

-


(29,363

)

(28,746

)

Non-Cash Restructuring Charges

4,231


13,081


35,910


Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

Accounts Receivable

(29,211

)

42,121


6,195


Inventories

30,775


34,696


(20,693

)

Other Current Assets

(9,304

)

10,232


(6,945

)

Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities and Income Taxes

47,867


9,196


(9,755

)

Other, Net

(4,477

)

(11,013

)

(11,309

)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

127,079


160,813


65,961


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Additions to Plant and Equipment

(60,371

)

(44,878

)

(49,573

)

Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired

-


(59,627

)

(2,673

)

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

628


12,492


1,457


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(59,743

)

(92,013

)

(50,789

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Net Repayments on Revolver

-


-


-


Repayments on Short-Term Debt

(300

)

(2,700

)

-


Debt Issuance Costs

(949

)

-


(2,007

)

Cash Dividends Paid

(22,697

)

(23,285

)

(22,011

)

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

5,402


19,988


235


Treasury Stock Purchases

(43,047

)

(30,359

)

(39,287

)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

(61,591

)

(36,356

)

(63,070

)

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

478


(74

)

(5,666

)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

6,223


32,370


(53,564

)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

Beginning of Year

188,445


156,075


209,639


End of Year

$

194,668


$

188,445


$

156,075


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Interest Paid

$

17,499


$

17,338


$

18,630


Income Taxes Paid (Refunded)

$

12,574


$

1,171


$

(2,388

)


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

37




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014 , JUNE 30, 2013 AND JULY 1, 2012

(1) Nature of Operations:

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

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Fiscal Year: The Company's fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Sunday nearest the last day of June in each year. The 2014, 2013 and 2012 fiscal years were each 52 weeks long. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

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

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

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

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

Inventories: Inventories are stated at cost, which does not exceed market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) method was used for determining the cost of approximately 51% of total inventories at June 29, 2014 and 48% at June 30, 2013. The cost for the remaining inventories was determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. If the FIFO inventory valuation method had been used exclusively, inventories would have been $64.5 million and $62.1 million higher in fiscal 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The LIFO inventory adjustment was determined on an overall basis, and accordingly, each class of inventory reflects an allocation based on the FIFO amounts.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill reflects the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. The reporting units are Engines and Products. Other Intangible Assets reflect identifiable intangible assets that arose from purchase acquisitions. Other Intangible Assets are comprised of tradenames, patents and customer relationships. Goodwill and tradenames, which are considered to have indefinite lives, are not amortized; however, both must be tested for impairment at least annually. Amortization is recorded on a straight-line basis for other intangible assets with finite lives. Patents have been assigned an estimated weighted average useful life of 13 years. The customer relationships have been assigned an estimated useful life of 14 to 25 years. The Company is subject to financial statement risk in the event that goodwill and intangible assets become impaired.

The Company performed the required impairment tests in fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 . The Company recorded non-cash goodwill impairment charges and non-cash intangible asset impairment charges in fiscal 2014 and 2013. There were no goodwill impairment charges or intangible asset impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2012. Refer to Note 7 for a discussion of the non-cash goodwill impairment charges and the non-cash intangible asset impairment charges recorded in fiscal 2014 and 2013.



38





Investments: This caption represents the Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliated companies. Combined financial information of the unconsolidated affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method, generally on a lag of 3 months or less, was as follows (in thousands):

Results of operations of unconsolidated affiliated companies for the fiscal year (in thousands):

2014

2013

2012

Results of Operations:

Sales

$

143,007


$

113,452


$

129,063


Cost of Goods Sold

116,158


92,844


103,254


Gross Profit

$

26,849


$

20,608


$

25,809


Net Income

$

13,653


$

8,057


$

9,751


Balance sheets of unconsolidated affiliated companies as of fiscal year-end (in thousands):

2014

2013

Financial Position:

Assets:

Current Assets

$

76,811


$

45,355


Noncurrent Assets

28,106


15,527


104,917


60,882


Liabilities:

Current Liabilities

$

22,990


$

12,989


Noncurrent Liabilities

1,779


2,900


24,769


15,889


Equity

$

80,148


$

44,993


Net sales to equity method investees were approximately $18.7 million , $1.0 million and $1.8 million in 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively. Purchases of finished products from equity method investees were approximately $102.4 million , $107.0 million and $119.6 million in 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.


During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company joined with one of its independent distributors to form a venture to distribute service parts. The Company contributed non-cash assets in exchange for receiving an ownership interest in the venture. As a result of the transaction, the Company recorded an investment of $6.5 million . The Company uses the equity method to account for this investment. Subsequent to fiscal 2014, a second independent distributor joined the venture.

Debt Issuance Costs: Direct and incremental costs incurred in obtaining loans or in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the related credit agreements. Approximately $1.0 million , $1.0 million and $1.2 million of debt issuance costs and original issue discounts were amortiz ed to interest expense during fiscal years 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.

Plant and Equipment and Depreciation: Plant and equipment are stated at historical cost. For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment are depreciated primarily by the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which generally range from 3 to 10 years for software, from 20 to 40 years for land improvements, from 20 to 50 years for buildings, and 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which significantly extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition of plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in cost of goods sold.

Depreciation expense was approximately $47.2 million , $52.3 million and $60.3 million during fiscal years 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.



39





Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the related asset or group of assets, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset or group of assets. Refer to Note 18 for impairments associated with restructuring actions.

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):

2014

2013

Balance, Beginning of Period

$

45,037


$

46,012


Payments

(28,377

)

(26,173

)

Provision for Current Year Warranties

29,087


26,438


Changes in Estimates

(1,003

)

(1,240

)

Balance, End of Period

$

44,744


$

45,037


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

Included in net sales are costs associated with programs under which the Company shares the expense of financing certain dealer and distributor inventories, referred to as floor plan expense. This represents interest for a pre-established length of time based on a variable rate from a contract with a third party financing source for dealer and distributor inventory purchases. Sharing the cost of these financing arrangements is used by Briggs & Stratton as a marketing incentive for customers to buy inventory. The financing costs included in net sales in fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 were $5.5 million , $6.3 million and $5.5 million , respectively.

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

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

Retirement Plans: The Company has noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plans and postretirement benefit plans covering certain employees. Retirement benefits represent a form of deferred compensation, which are subject to change due to changes in assumptions. Management reviews underlying assumptions on an annual basis. Refer to Note 17.

Research and Development Costs: Expenditures relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements and refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred and recorded in engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amounts charged against income were $19.7 million , $18.5 million and $19.8 million in fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.

Advertising Costs: Advertising costs, included in Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, are expensed as incurred. These expenses totaled $18.5 million in fiscal 2014 , $17.7 million in fiscal 2013 and $22.3 million in fiscal 2012 .



40





Shipping and Handling Fees: Revenue received from shipping and handling fees is reflected in net sales and related shipping costs are recorded in cost of goods sold. Shipping fee revenue for fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 was $4.4 million , $4.9 million and $5.9 million , respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation: Foreign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at fiscal year-end. Income and expenses incurred in a foreign currency are translated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component of Shareholders' Investment. During fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a charge of $4.2 million of foreign currency translation primarily recognized in connection with the substantial liquidation of the Company's investment in the Ostrava, Czech Republic entity, which was related to previously announced restructuring actions. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations in the period incurred. The Company recorded pre-tax foreign currency transaction losses of $3.9 million and $4.1 million during fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

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

Fiscal Year Ended

June 29, 2014

June 30, 2013

July 1, 2012

Net Income (Loss)

$

28,347


$

(33,657

)

$

29,006


Less: Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities

(768

)

(605

)

(508

)

Net Income (Loss) available to Common Shareholders

$

27,579


$

(34,262

)

$

28,498


Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

46,366


47,172


48,965


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

70


-


-


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

-


-


944


Diluted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

46,436


47,172


49,909


Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share

$

0.59


$

(0.73

)

$

0.58


Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

$

0.59


$

(0.73

)

$

0.57


The dilutive effect of the potential exercise of outstanding stock-based awards to acquire common shares is calculated using the treasury stock method. The following options to purchase shares of common stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares, and their inclusion in the computation would be antidilutive:

Fiscal Year Ended

June 29, 2014

June 30, 2013

July 1, 2012

Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock (in thousands)

916


1,590


3,679


Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Excluded

$

29.62


$

34.13


$

27.71


As a result of the Company incurring a net loss for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, potential incremental common shares of 1,126,000 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.



41





Derivative Instruments & Hedging Activity: 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 derivative instruments for trading purposes where the sole objective is to generate profits.

The Company formally designates the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure and documents both the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge. The Company formally assesses, both at the inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in the forecasted cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the forecasted cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. The effective portion of gains or losses on 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 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.


(3) New Accounting Pronouncements:


In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, under either full or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of this new accounting pronouncement on the Company's results of operations, financial position, and cash flow.


In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Recla ssified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," which requires an entity to present significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2012 with earlier adoption permitted. The amendments in the ASU are applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU No. 2013-02 at the beginning of fiscal 2014, and the required new disclosures are presented in Note 4. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flow, as the ASU solely relates to disclosures.


In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment," which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired before



42





performing quantitative impairment testing. The amendments did not change the measurement of impairment losses. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU No. 2012-02 at the beginning of fiscal 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

(4) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

The following tables set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

Fiscal Year Ended June 29, 2014

Cumulative Translation Adjustments

Derivative Financial Instruments

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

Total

Beginning Balance

$

11,885


$

(3,673

)

$

(233,140

)

$

(224,928

)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification

1,168


(4,797

)

13,951


10,322


Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

-


1,823


(5,316

)

(3,493

)

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications

1,168


(2,974

)

8,635


6,829


Reclassifications:

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

-


2,133


-


2,133


Realized (Gains) Losses - Commodity Contracts (1)

-


5,630


-


5,630


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

-


1,209


-


1,209


Amortization of Prior Service Costs (Credits) (2)

-


-


(2,715

)

(2,715

)

Amortization of Actuarial Losses (2)

-


-


30,632


30,632


Total Reclassifications Before Tax

-


8,972


27,917


36,889


Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

-


(3,409

)

(10,638

)

(14,047

)

Net Reclassifications

-


5,563


17,279


22,842


Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

1,168


2,589


25,914


29,671


Ending Balance

$

13,053


$

(1,084

)

$

(207,226

)

$

(195,257

)

(1) Amounts reclassified to net income are included in net sales or cost of goods sold. See Note 16 for information related to derivative financial instruments.

(2) Amounts reclassified to net income 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 17 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.




43





Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

Cumulative Translation Adjustments

Derivative Financial Instruments

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

Total

Beginning Balance

$

12,502


$

(7,654

)

$

(327,552

)

$

(322,704

)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassification

(617

)

(5,141

)

113,757


107,999


Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

-


2,005


(43,554

)

(41,549

)

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications

(617

)

(3,136

)

70,203


66,450


Reclassifications:

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

-


2,023


-


2,023


Realized (Gains) Losses - Commodity Contracts (1)

-


9,644


-


9,644


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

-


-


-


-


Transition Obligation (2)

-


-


7


7


Amortization of Prior Service Costs (Credits) (2)

-


-


(3,223

)

(3,223

)

Amortization of Actuarial Losses (2)

-


-


42,445


42,445


Total Reclassifications Before Tax

-


11,667


39,229


50,896


Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

-


(4,550

)

(15,020

)

(19,570

)

Net Reclassifications

-


7,117


24,209


31,326


Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(617

)

3,981


94,412


97,776


Ending Balance

$

11,885


$

(3,673

)

$

(233,140

)

$

(224,928

)

(1) Amounts reclassified to net income are included in net sales or cost of goods sold. See Note 16 for information related to derivative financial instruments.

(2) Amounts reclassified to net income 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 17 for information related to pension and postretirement benefit plans.

(5) Acquisitions:

On December 7, 2012, Briggs & Stratton Representação de Motores e Produtos de Força do Brasil Ltda., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the common stock of Companhia Caetano Branco ("Branco") of Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Brazil for a total cash consideration of $59.6 million , net of cash acquired. Branco is a leading brand in the Brazilian light power equipment market with a broad range of outdoor power equipment used primarily in light commercial applications. Its products, including generators, water pumps, light construction equipment and diesel engines, are sold through its independent network of over 1,200 dealers throughout Brazil. The Company recorded a purchase price allocation during fiscal 2013 based on a fair value appraisal by a third party valuation firm. At June 30, 2013, the purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $15.3 million of goodwill, of which $4.6 million and $10.7 million were allocated to the Engines segment and Products segment, respectively, and $24.0 million of intangible assets, including $14.6 million of customer relationships and $9.4 million of tradenames.


The results of operations of Branco have been included in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations since the date of acquisition. Pro forma financial information and allocation of the purchase price are not presented as the effects of the acquisition are not material to the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.




44





On August 14, 2014, the Company announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Allmand Bros., Inc. for approximately $62.0 million in cash, subject to customary due diligence and working capital adjustments. Founded in 1938 and based in Holdrege, Nebraska, Allmand is a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality towable light towers, industrial heaters and solar LED arrow boards. This transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

(6) Fair Value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value:

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 June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 (in thousands):

Fair Value Measurement Using

June 29, 2014

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Assets:

Derivatives

$

431


$

-


$

431


$

-


Liabilities:

Derivatives

$

1,932


$

-


$

1,932


$

-


Fair Value Measurement Using

June 30, 2013

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Assets:

Derivatives

$

2,009


$

-


$

2,009


$

-


Liabilities:

Derivatives

$

5,413


$

-


$

5,413


$

-



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.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

The Company believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and foreign lines of credit are reasonable estimates of their fair values at June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the 6.875% Senior Notes due December 2020 is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and is, therefore, classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.



45





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

2014

2013

Carrying

Amount

Fair

Value

Carrying

Amount

Fair

Value

Long-Term Debt

6.875% Senior Notes

$

225,000


$

251,438


$

225,000


$

250,875


Borrowings on Revolver

$

-


$

-


$

-


$

-


(7) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill reflects the cost of acquisitions in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units based upon the expected benefit of the synergies of the acquisition. The reporting units are Engines and Products.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

Engines

Products

Total

Goodwill Balance at July 1, 2012

$

137,359


$

67,405


$

204,764


Impairment Loss

-


(71,310

)

(71,310

)

Acquisition

4,589


10,707


15,296


Effect of Translation

(1,011

)

(387

)

(1,398

)

Goodwill Balance at June 30, 2013

$

140,937


$

6,415


$

147,352


Impairment Loss

-


(2,960

)

(2,960

)

Acquisition

-


-


-


Effect of Translation

125


5


130


Goodwill Balance at June 29, 2014

$

141,062


$

3,460


$

144,522


At June 29, 2014 , June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 , accumulated goodwill impairment losses, as recorded in the Products segment, were $123.7 million , $120.8 million and $49.5 million respectively.

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually as of the fiscal year-end or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. Goodwill impairment is determined using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to compare the carrying values of each of the Company's reporting units to their estimated fair values as of the test dates. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed, which compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount is in excess of the implied fair value, goodwill is considered to be impaired. The estimates of fair value of the reporting units are computed using an income approach. The income approach utilizes a multi-year forecast of estimated cash flows and a terminal value at the end of the cash flow period. The forecast period assumptions consist of internal projections that are based on the Company's budget and long-range strategic plan. The discount rate used at the test date is the weighted-average cost of capital which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn. The fair value of goodwill is considered a non-recurring level 3 fair value measurement in accordance with ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement.

In fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $71.3 million , which was determined by comparing the carrying value of the Products reporting unit goodwill with the implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. Based on a combination of factors, predominantly driven by a slower than anticipated recovery of the North American lawn and garden market at that time and the operating results of the Products segment during the previous years leading up to the impairments which lacked the benefit of certain weather related events that would have been favorable to the business, the Company's forecasted cash flow estimates used in the goodwill assessment as of June 30, 2013 were adversely impacted. As a



46





result, the Company concluded that the carrying value amounts of the Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of June 30, 2013. The impairment charge was a non-cash expense that was recorded as a separate component of operating expenses. The impairment charge did not adversely affect the Company's debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants under its revolving credit facility.

The Company's other intangible assets as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

2014

2013

Gross

Carrying

Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

Net

Gross

Carrying

Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

Net

Amortized Intangible Assets:

Patents

$

13,601


$

(11,167

)

$

2,434


$

13,601


$

(10,680

)

$

2,921


Customer Relationships

32,539


(8,610

)

23,929


32,539


(6,971

)

25,568


Effect of Translation

(991

)

(49

)

(1,040

)

(991

)

39


(952

)

Total Amortized Intangible Assets

45,149


(19,826

)

25,323


45,149


(17,612

)

27,537


Unamortized Intangible Assets:

Tradenames

55,016


-


55,016


60,516


-


60,516


Effect of Translation

(22

)

-


(22

)

(73

)

-


(73

)

Total Unamortized Intangible Assets

54,994


-


54,994


60,443


-


60,443


Total Intangible Assets

$

100,143


$

(19,826

)

$

80,317


$

105,592


$

(17,612

)

$

87,980


The Company also performs an impairment test of its indefinite-lived intangible assets as of the fiscal year-end or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired. For purposes of the indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis, the Company performs its assessment of fair value based on an income approach using the relief-from-royalty method. The Company determines the fair value of each tradename by applying a royalty rate to a projection of net sales discounted using a risk adjusted cost of capital. Sales growth rates are determined after considering current and future economic conditions, recent sales trends, discussions with customers, planned timing of new product launches and many other variables. Each royalty rate is based on profitability of the business to which it relates and observed market royalty rates. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangibles is considered a non-recurring level 3 fair value measurement in accordance with ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement.

In fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the non-cash intangible asset impairment charge recorded was $5.5 million and $18.8 million , respectively. Based on a combination of factors, predominantly driven by a slower than anticipated recovery of the North American lawn and garden market at that time, the Company's forecasted cash flow estimates used in the other intangible assets assessment as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 were adversely impacted. As a result, the Company concluded that the carrying value of a tradename within the Products reporting unit exceeded its fair value as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013. The impairment charges did not adversely affect the Company's debt position, cash flow, liquidity or compliance with financial covenants under its revolving credit facility. In fiscal 2012, the Company determined that no intangible asset impairment existed.

Amortization expense of other intangible assets amounted to approximately $2.2 million in 2014 , $2.5 million in 2013 , and $1.9 million in 2012 .



47





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

2015

$

2,178


2016

2,178


2017

2,178


2018

2,178


2019

2,178


$

10,890


(8) Income Taxes:

Components of income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

2014

2013

2012

U.S.

$

30,291


$

(58,625

)

$

28,053


Foreign

6,843


6,484


1,820


Total

$

37,134


$

(52,141

)

$

29,873



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

2014

2013

2012

Current

Federal

$

9,725


$

10,377


$

(8,711

)

State

733


(1,870

)

430


Foreign

3,725


923


5,222


14,183


9,430


(3,059

)

Deferred

(5,396

)

(27,914

)

3,926


$

8,787


$

(18,484

)

$

867




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

2014

2013

2012

U.S. Statutory Rate

35.0

 %

35.0

 %

35.0

 %

State Taxes, Net of Federal Tax Benefit

2.0

 %

1.1

 %

1.8

 %

Impact of Foreign Operations and Tax Rates

0.7

 %

5.3

 %

4.2

 %

Impact of Dividends Received

(0.8

)%

1.1

 %

(2.2

)%

Changes to Unrecognized Tax Benefits

1.2

 %

(0.5

)%

(16.0

)%

Impact of Restructuring Actions

-

 %

(2.1

)%

(18.7

)%

Benefits on State Credits and NOL's, Net of Valuation Allowance

(0.4

)%

4.3

 %

-

 %

*Change in Accounting Method

(7.8

)%

-

 %

-

 %

**Other, Net

(6.2

)%

(8.7

)%

(1.2

)%

Effective Tax Rate

23.7

 %

35.5

 %

2.9

 %

* "Change in Accounting Method" in fiscal 2014 relates to a taxpayer election filed in the current year, which provided the Company a tax benefit that was previously unavailable.

** "Other, Net" in fiscal 2014 includes (4.8)% for the impact of U.S. manufacturers deduction and (1.4)% for other items, and in fiscal 2013 includes (10.8)% for the impact of goodwill impairment and 2.1% for other items.



48





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

Current Asset (Liability):

2014

2013

Difference Between Book and Tax Related to:

Inventory

$

13,504


$

13,697


Payroll Related Accruals

4,741


3,870


Warranty Reserves

10,247


9,897


Workers Compensation Accruals

2,547


2,685


Other Accrued Liabilities

12,191


14,618


Pension Cost

-


746


Net Operating Loss/State Credit Carryforwards

585


4,608


Miscellaneous

5,143


(2,587

)

Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability)

$

48,958


$

47,534


Long-Term Asset (Liability):

Difference Between Book and Tax Related to:

Pension Cost

$

25,272


$

35,663


Accumulated Depreciation

(45,397

)

(54,339

)

Intangibles

(43,062

)

(44,611

)

Accrued Employee Benefits

44,827


45,016


Postretirement Health Care Obligation

22,530


27,787


Warranty

6,718


7,227


Valuation Allowance

(15,241

)

(12,725

)

Net Operating Loss/State Credit Carryforwards

19,629


17,236


Miscellaneous

(98

)

6,290


Deferred Income Tax Asset (Liability)

$

15,178


$

27,544


Deferred tax assets were generated during the current year as a result of foreign income tax loss carryforwards in the amount of $2.7 million . At June 29, 2014, there are $3.7 million of foreign income tax loss carryforwards, consisting of $1.9 million which have no expiration date, and $1.8 million which will expire within the next 5 to 10 years. A deferred tax asset of $16.5 million exists at June 29, 2014 related to state income tax losses and state tax credit carryforwards. If not utilized against future taxable income, this amount will expire from 2015 through 2028 . Realization of the deferred tax assets are contingent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of these carryforwards. At June 29, 2014, a valuation allowance of $2.9 million is recorded for the foreign losses which the Company believes are unlikely to be realized in the future. In addition, a valuation allowance of $12.3 million is recorded related to state tax credits that are unlikely to be realized.

The Company does not record deferred income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which the Company intends to reinvest such earnings indefinitely outside of the U.S. The undistributed earnings amounted to approximately $65.9 million at June 29, 2014 . If the Company were to distribute these earnings, foreign tax credits may become available under current law to reduce the resulting U.S. income tax. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.



49





The change to the gross unrecognized tax benefits of the Company during the fiscal year ended June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 is reconciled as follows:

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in thousands):

2014

2013

2012

Beginning Balance

$

6,949


$

6,717


12,040


             Changes based on tax positions related to prior year

380


-


-


Additions based on tax positions related to current year

378


997


429


Settlements with taxing authorities

-


(39

)

(516

)

Lapse of statute of limitations

(50

)

(726

)

(5,236

)

Ending Balance

$

7,657


$

6,949


$

6,717


As of June 29, 2014 , gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate were $6.5 million . Of that amount, there is a reasonable possibility that approximately $2.8 million of the current remaining unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized within the next twelve months due to the resolution of audits or expiration of statutes of limitations.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The total expense (income) recognized for fiscal years 2014 , 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million , $0.2 million , and $(1.0) million , respectively.

As of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 , the Company had $1.2 million and $0.9 million , respectively, accrued for the payment of interest and penalties.

At June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 , the liability for uncertain tax positions, inclusive of interest and penalties, was $8.8 million and $7.9 million , respectively, which is recorded as an other long-term liability within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 2010 and is currently under audit by various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to tax examinations before fiscal 2004 in its major foreign jurisdictions.



50





(9) Segment and Geographic Information and Significant Customers:

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

2014

2013

2012

NET SALES:

Engines

$

1,219,627


$

1,189,674


$

1,309,942


Products

736,312


805,450


952,110


Eliminations

(96,879

)

(132,626

)

(195,519

)

$

1,859,060


$

1,862,498


$

2,066,533


GROSS PROFIT:

Engines

$

257,441


$

236,486


$

250,323


Products

87,682


87,392


86,193


Eliminations

1,660


5,262


209


$

346,783


$

329,140


$

336,725


INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

Engines

$

72,213


$

59,093


$

66,559


Products

(27,615

)

(104,918

)

(25,531

)

Eliminations

1,660


5,262


209


$

46,258


$

(40,563

)

$

41,237


ASSETS:

Engines

$

1,048,416


$

1,013,204


$

1,120,065


Products

503,609


545,081


629,325


Eliminations

(102,319

)

(110,734

)

(141,159

)

$

1,449,706


$

1,447,551


$

1,608,231


CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:

Engines

$

56,230


$

36,002


$

42,697


Products

4,141


8,876


6,876


$

60,371


$

44,878


$

49,573


DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION:

Engines

$

39,456


$

42,349


$

45,647


Products

10,887


13,403


18,067


$

50,343


$

55,752


$

63,714


Pre-tax restructuring charges impact on gross profit is as follows (in thousands):

2014

2013

2012

PRE-TAX RESTRUCTURING CHARGES INCLUDED IN GROSS PROFIT:

Engines

$

3,099


$

9,008


$

14,257


Products

2,742


9,753


30,503


Total

$

5,841


$

18,761


$

44,760




51





Pre-tax restructuring, goodwill and tradename impairment, and litigation settlement charges impact on income (loss) from operations is as follows (in thousands):

2014

2013

2012

PRE-TAX RESTRUCTURING, GOODWILL & TRADENAME IMPAIRMENT AND LITIGATION SETTLEMENT CHARGES INCLUDED IN INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

Engines

$

3,524


$

14,320


$

18,314


Products

11,475


99,833


31,553


Total

$

14,999


$

114,153


$

49,867


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

2014

2013

2012

United States

$

1,293,558


$

1,304,964


$

1,440,955


All Other Countries

565,502


557,534


625,578


Total

$

1,859,060


$

1,862,498


$

2,066,533


Information regarding the Company's net plant and equipment based on geographic location (in thousands):

2014

2013

2012

United States

$

281,029


$

269,477


$

280,954


All Other Countries

15,978


17,718


20,295


Total

$

297,007


$

287,195


$

301,249


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

2014

2013

2012

Customer:

Net Sales

%

Net Sales

%

Net Sales

%

HOP

$

293,225


16

%

$

251,098


13

%

$

265,752


13

%

MTD

235,141


13

%

241,033


13

%

230,882


11

%

$

528,366


29

%

$

492,131


26

%

$

496,634


24

%



52





(10) Leases:

The Company leases certain facilities, vehicles, and equipment under operating leases. Operating leases are not capitalized and lease payments are expensed over the life of the lease. Terms of the leases, including purchase options, renewals, and maintenance costs, vary by lease. Rental expense for fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 was $20.1 million , $22.8 million and $22.4 million , respectively.

Future minimum lease commitments for all non-cancelable operating leases as of June 29, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year

Operating

2015

$

13,934


2016

8,228


2017

6,406


2018

5,549


2019

4,086


Thereafter

30,752


Total future minimum lease commitments

$

68,955


(11) Indebtedness:

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

2014

2013

Multicurrency Credit Agreement

$

-


$

-


6.875% Senior Notes

225,000


225,000


Total Long-Term Debt

$

225,000


$

225,000


6.875% Senior Notes

On December 15, 2010 , the Company issued $225 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due December 15, 2020 ("Senior Notes"). The net proceeds of the offering were primarily used to redeem the then outstanding principal of the 8.875% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011 . In connection with the refinancing and the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company incurred approximately $5.0 million in new debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes using the effective interest method. These amounts are included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Additionally, under the terms of the indentures and credit agreements governing the Senior Notes, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC became a joint and several guarantor of amounts outstanding under the Senior Notes. Refer to Note 20 for subsidiary guarantor financial information.

Multicurrency Credit Agreement

On October 13, 2011 , the Company entered into a  $500 million  multicurrency credit agreement (the "Revolver"). The Revolver had a term of five years and all outstanding borrowings on the Revolver were due and payable on October 13, 2016 . On October 21, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to the Revolver, which, among other things, extended the maturity of the Revolver from October 13, 2016 to October 21, 2018. The initial maximum availability under the Revolver is  $500 million . Availability under the Revolver is reduced by outstanding letters of credit. The Company may from time to time increase the maximum availability under the Revolver by up to  $250 million  if certain conditions are satisfied. In connection with the refinancing and the issuance of the Revolver in fiscal 2012, the Company incurred approximately  $2.0 million  in new debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the life of the Revolver using the straight-line method. In connection with the amendment to the Revolver in fiscal 2014, the Company incurred approximately  $0.9 million  in new debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the life of the Revolver using the straight-line method. There were no borrowings under the Revolver as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013.



53





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

(1) a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month LIBOR rate plus a margin varying from 1.25% to 2.25% , depending on the Company's average net leverage ratio; or

(2) the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% ; (b) the bank's prime rate; or (c) the Eurocurrency rate for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% . In addition, the Company is subject to a 0.18% to 0.38% commitment fee and a 1.25% to 2.25% letter of credit fee, depending on the Company's average net leverage ratio.

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

The Revolver and the Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants. These covenants include restrictions on the Company's ability to: pay dividends; repurchase shares; incur indebtedness; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; consolidate or merge with other entities; sell or lease all or substantially all of its assets; and dispose of assets or use proceeds from sales of its assets. The Revolver contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and impose a maximum average leverage ratio.

Foreign Lines of Credit

The lines of credit available to the Company in foreign countries are in connection with short-term borrowings and bank overdrafts used in the normal course of business. These amounts totaled $4.0 million at June 29, 2014 , and expire at various times throughout fiscal 2015 and beyond and are renewable. None of these arrangements had material commitment fees or compensating balance requirements. Borrowings using these lines of credit were included in short-term debt. Outstanding balances are as follows (in thousands):

2014

2013

Balance at Fiscal Year-End

$

-


$

300


Weighted Average Interest Rate at Fiscal Year-End

-

%

3.86

%

(12) Other Income, Net:

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

2014

2013

2012

Interest Income

$

1,540


$

888


$

512


Equity in Earnings from Unconsolidated Affiliates

6,264


4,244


5,100


Other Items

1,538


1,809


1,566


Total

$

9,342


$

6,941


$

7,178


(13) 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 March 19, 2010, plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada ( Robert Foster et al. v. Sears Canada, Inc. et al ., Court File No. 766-2010) against the Company and other engine and lawnmower manufacturers alleging that the horsepower labels on the products they purchased were inaccurate and that the Company conspired with other engine and lawnmower manufacturers to conceal the true horsepower of these engines. On May 3, 2010, other plaintiffs filed a similar complaint in the Montreal Superior Court in Canada ( Eric Liverman, et al. v. Deere & Company, et al. , Court File No. 500-06-000507-109). Both proceedings were based on various theories of Canadian law and sought unspecified damages. On June 27, 2013, the Company entered into a Canadian Lawnmower Class Action National Settlement Agreement ("Settlement") that resolved all horsepower claims brought by all persons in



54





Canada who purchased lawn mowers in Canada during the class period (defined as January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2012), except certain specified persons. The Settlement was approved by the Ontario Court and the Quebec Court in September 2013, and all payments required by the Company have been made. As a result of the Settlement, the Company recorded a total charge of US $1.9 million as a litigation settlement expense on the Statement of Operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013.

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. The complaint seeks an injunction preventing the alleged unilateral termination or reduction in insurance coverage to the class of retirees, a permanent injunction preventing defendants from ever making changes to the retirees' insurance coverage, restitution with interest (if applicable) and attorneys' fees and costs. A class has been certified, and discovery has been concluded. Briefing on the Company's and the retirees' summary judgment motions will occur soon. If the court denies the motions, a jury trial will be scheduled.

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


(14) Stock Incentives:

The Company previously adopted an Incentive Compensation Plan, effective October 20, 2004, under which 4,000,000 shares of common stock ( 8,000,000 shares as a result of the fiscal 2005 2 -for-1 stock split) were reserved for future issuance. An amendment to the Incentive Compensation Plan approved by shareholders on October 21, 2009, added 2,481,494 shares to the shares available for grant under the plan. Prior to October 20, 2004, the Company had a Stock Incentive Plan under which 5,361,935 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The adoption of the Incentive Compensation Plan reduced the number of shares available for future issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan to zero . However, as of June 29, 2014 , there were 508,260 outstanding option awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan that are or may become exercisable in the future. In accordance with the plans, the Company can issue eligible employees stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, performance shares and cash bonus awards subject to certain annual limitations. The plans also allow the Company to issue directors non-qualified stock options and directors' fees in stock. Stock based compensation vests in accordance with the Plan but can become immediately exercisable upon eligible recipients' departure from the Company or upon reaching retirement age, subject to approval of the Compensation Committee.

Stock based compensation expense is calculated by estimating the fair value of incentive stock awards granted and amortizing the estimated value over the awards' vesting periods. During fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , the Company recognized stock based compensation expense of approximately $7.2 million , $6.5 million and $5.6 million , respectively.



55





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

Options Granted During

2014

2013

2012

Grant Date Fair Value

$

5.19


$

4.83


$

3.96


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

Assumptions:

Risk-free Interest Rate

1.6

%

0.7

%

1.0

%

Expected Volatility

41.3

%

43.9

%

43.2

%

Expected Dividend Yield

2.5

%

2.6

%

3.0

%

Expected Term (in Years)

5.0


5.0


5.0


Information on the options outstanding is as follows:

Options

Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price

 Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (in years)

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)

Balance, July 3, 2011

4,721,190


$

26.38


Granted During the Year

465,350


16.20


Exercised During the Year

(15,870

)

14.83


Expired During the Year

(474,240

)

29.87


Balance, July 1, 2012

4,696,430


$

25.06


Granted During the Year

399,850


18.85


Exercised During the Year

(1,151,882

)

17.37


Expired During the Year

(573,130

)

30.81


Balance, June 30, 2013

3,371,268


$

25.97


Granted During the Year

407,860


20.82


Exercised During the Year

(273,394

)

19.76


Expired During the Year

(1,088,368

)

32.82


Balance, June 29, 2014

2,417,366


$

22.71


1.91

$

2,795


Exercisable, June 29, 2014

1,165,016


$

27.19


0.57

$

139



The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal year 2014 was $0.6 million . The exercise of options resulted in cash receipts of $5.4 million in fiscal 2014 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2013 was $4.4 million . The exercise of options resulted in cash receipts of $20.0 million in fiscal 2013 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2012 was $0.1 million . The exercise of options resulted in cash receipts of $0.3 million in fiscal 2012 .

Options Outstanding (as of June 29, 2014)

Fiscal

Year

Grant

Date

Date

Exercisable

Expiration

Date

Exercise

Price

Options

Outstanding

2005

8/13/2004

8/13/2007

8/13/2014

$

36.68


508,260


2010

8/18/2009

8/18/2012

8/31/2014

$

19.73


159,696


2011

8/17/2010

8/17/2013

8/31/2015

$

19.88


497,060


2012

8/16/2011

8/16/2014

8/31/2016

$

16.20


444,640


2013

8/14/2012

8/14/2015

8/31/2017

$

18.85


399,850


2014

8/20/2013

8/20/2016

8/31/2018

$

20.82


407,860




56





Below is a summary of the status of the Company's nonvested shares as of June 29, 2014 , and changes during the year then ended:

Deferred Stock

Restricted Stock

Stock Options

Performance Shares

Shares

Wtd. Avg.

Grant Date

Fair Value

Shares

Wtd. Avg.

Grant Date

Fair Value

Shares

Wtd. Avg.

Grant Date

Fair Value

Shares

Wtd. Avg.

Grant Date

Fair Value

Nonvested shares,

June 30, 2013

567,943


$

17.05


820,597


$

17.12


1,391,550


$

3.97


249,170


$

18.59


Granted

64,553


19.48


146,320


19.28


407,860


5.19


128,371


19.09


Cancelled

-


-


(9,386

)

17.51


-


-


(13,040

)

18.60


Vested

(206,978

)

14.48


(109,771

)

13.51


(547,060

)

5.24


-


-


Nonvested shares,

June 29, 2014

425,518


$

18.67


847,760


$

17.96


1,252,350


$

4.64


364,501


$

18.77


As of June 29, 2014 , there was $7.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of shares vested during fiscal 2014 and 2013 was $4.1 million and $5.8 million , respectively.

Under the plans, the Company has issued restricted stock to certain employees. During fiscal years 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , the Company issued 146,320 , 134,830 and 111,890 shares, respectively. The restricted stock vests on the fifth anniversary date of the grant provided the recipient is still employed by the Company. The aggregate market value on the date of issue was approximately $2.8 million , $2.5 million and $1.7 million in fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively, and has been recorded within the Shareholders' Investment section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and is being amortized over the five-year vesting period.

Under the plans, the Company may also issue deferred stock to its directors in lieu of directors fees. The Company issued 35,433 , 38,888 and 44,127 shares in fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively, under this provision of the plans.

Under the plans, the Company may also issue deferred stock to its officers and key employees. The Company issued 29,120 , 43,499 and 38,250 shares in fiscal 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively, under this provision. The aggregate market value on the date of grant was approximately $0.6 million , $0.8 million and $0.6 million , respectively. Expense is recognized ratably over the five-year vesting period.

Under the plans, the Company issued performance shares to its officers and key employees. The Company issued 128,371 , 121,230 , and 127,940 performance shares under this provision in fiscal 2014 , 2013 , and 2012 , respectively. A maximum of two shares of Briggs & Stratton common stock per performance share may be awarded to recipients if certain performance targets are met at the end of the vesting period. The aggregate market value on the date of issue was approximately $2.5 million , $2.4 million , and $2.2 million using the Monte Carlo simulation methodology of valuation in fiscal 2014 , 2013 , and 2012, respectively. Expense is recognized ratably over the three-year vesting period. The Monte-Carlo valuation model simulates a range of possible future stock prices for the Company and the components of a peer group to estimate the probability that a vesting condition will be achieved. In determining valuation assumptions for the Monte Carlo model, we consider historic and observable market data. Assumptions used in the Monte Carlo valuation model include the following:

Performance Shares Granted During

2014

2013

2012

Assumptions:

Risk-free Interest Rate

0.7

%

0.4

%

0.3

%

Expected Volatility

32.1

%

35.5

%

46.0

%

Expected Dividend Yield (Dividends are Assumed Reinvested)

-

%

-

%

-

%

Expected Term (in Years)

2.86


2.87


2.87




57





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

2014

2013

2012

Stock Options:

Pretax compensation expense

$

2,065


$

1,964


$

1,760


Tax benefit

(791

)

(766

)

(686

)

Stock option expense, net of tax

$

1,274


$

1,198


$

1,074


Restricted Stock:

Pretax compensation expense

$

2,563


$

2,375


$

2,102


Tax benefit

(982

)

(926

)

(820

)

Restricted stock expense, net of tax

$

1,581


$

1,449


$

1,282


Deferred Stock:

Pretax compensation expense

$

685


$

475


$

534


Tax benefit

(252

)

(185

)

(208

)

Deferred stock expense, net of tax

$

433


$

290


$

326


Performance Shares:

Pretax compensation expense

$

1,861


$

1,700


$

1,159


Tax benefit

(713

)

(664

)

(452

)

Performance Share expense, net of tax

$

1,148


$

1,036


$

707


Total Stock-Based Compensation:

Pretax compensation expense

$

7,174


$

6,514


$

5,555


Tax benefit

(2,738

)

(2,541

)

(2,166

)

Total stock-based compensation, net of tax

$

4,436


$

3,973


$

3,389


(15) Shareholder Rights Agreement:

On August 6, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one common stock purchase right (a right) for each share of the Company's common stock outstanding on August 19, 1996. Each right would entitle shareowners to buy one-half of one share of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $80.00 per full common share (equivalent to $40.00 for each one-half of one share of common stock), subject to adjustment. Pursuant to the rights agreement, in order for the rights to become exercisable, a person or group must acquire or attempt to acquire 20 percent or more of the Company's outstanding shares. Shareholders may vote to redeem the rights in certain circumstances, and the rights may be redeemed at a redemption price of $0.001 per right. On August 8, 2012, the Board of Directors amended the rights agreement to extend its term until October 21, 2015 , subject to shareholder ratification; shareholders ratified the rights agreement at the Company's annual meeting on October 17, 2012 .


(16) Derivative Instruments & Hedging Activities:

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to manage a portion of its interest rate risk from financing certain dealer and distributor inventories through a third party financing source. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and are used to effectively fix the interest payments to a third party financing source, exclusive of lender spreads, ranging from  1.17%  to  1.60% for a notional principal amount of  $95 million  with expiration dates ranging from  July 2017 to May 2019 .

The Company periodically enters into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted third party and intercompany sales or payments denominated in foreign currencies. These obligations generally require the Company to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars, Euros, Australian Dollars, Mexican Pesos, Canadian Dollars or Japanese Yen. These contracts generally do not have a maturity of more than twenty-four months.

The Company uses raw materials that are subject to price volatility. The Company hedges a portion of its exposure to the variability of cash flows associated with commodities used in the manufacturing process by



58





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 and aluminum. These contracts generally do not have a maturity of more than twenty-four months.

The Company has considered the counterparty credit risk related to all its foreign currency and commodity derivative contracts and does not deem any counterparty credit risk material at this time.

The notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding at the end of the period is indicative of the level of the Company's derivative activity during the period. As of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 , the Company had the following outstanding derivative contracts (in thousands):

Contract

Notional Amount

June 29, 2014

June 30, 2013

Interest Rate:

        LIBOR Interest Rate (U.S. Dollars)

Fixed

95,000


95,000

Foreign Currency:

Australian Dollar

Sell            

19,904


6,392


Canadian Dollar

Sell

3,100


-


Euro

Sell

49,300


31,000


Japanese Yen

Buy

530,000


905,000


Mexican Peso

Sell

3,000


3,345


Commodity:

Aluminum (Metric Tons)

Buy

-


18


Natural Gas (Therms)

Buy

5,686


5,423


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

Balance Sheet Location

Asset (Liability) Fair Value

June 29, 2014

June 30, 2013

Interest rate contracts:

Other Long-Term Assets, Net

$

43


$

257


Other Long-Term Liabilities

(1,209

)

(1,020

)

Foreign currency contracts:

Other Current Assets

337


1,752


Other Long-Term Assets, Net

12


-


Accrued Liabilities

(665

)

(1,138

)

Other Long-Term Liabilities

(9

)

-


Commodity contracts:

Other Current Assets

39


-


Accrued Liabilities

(35

)

(3,250

)

Other Long-Term Liabilities

(14

)

(5

)

$

(1,501

)

$

(3,404

)







59





The effect of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows (in thousands):

Twelve months ended June 29, 2014

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

$

(254

)

Net Sales

$

(1,209

)

$

-


Foreign currency contracts – sell

(717

)

Net Sales

(1,024

)

-


Foreign currency contracts – buy

182


Cost of Goods Sold

(1,109

)

-


Commodity contracts

3,378


Cost of Goods Sold

(5,630

)

-


$

2,589


$

(8,972

)

$

-


Twelve months ended June 30, 2013

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

$

962


Net Sales

$

-


$

-


Foreign currency contracts – sell

102


Net Sales

(55

)

-


Foreign currency contracts – buy

(177

)

Cost of Goods Sold

(1,968

)

-


Commodity contracts

3,094


Cost of Goods Sold

(9,644

)



$

3,981


$

(11,667

)

$

-


Twelve months ended July 1, 2012

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

$

(1,428

)

Net Sales

$

-


$

-


Foreign currency contracts – sell

1,553


Net Sales

4,031


-


Foreign currency contracts – buy

11


Cost of Goods Sold

132


-


Commodity contracts

(5,547

)

Cost of Goods Sold

(7,292

)

6


$

(5,411

)

$

(3,129

)

$

6


During the next twelve months, the amount of the June 29, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) balance that is expected to be reclassified into earnings is $0.4 million .



60





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

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

The Company had the following forward currency contracts outstanding at the end of fiscal 2014 :

Hedge

In Thousands

Notional

Value

Contract

Value

Fair Value

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

Conversion

Currency

Latest

Expiration Date

Currency

Contract

Australian Dollar

Sell

19,904


18,115


18,586


471


U.S.

June 2015

Canadian Dollar

Sell

3,100


2,859


2,899


40


U.S.

April 2015

Euro

Sell

49,300


67,529


67,379


(149

)

U.S.

December 2015

Japanese Yen

Buy

530,000


5,192


5,229


(37

)

U.S.

January 2015

Mexican Peso

Sell

3,000


231


231


-


U.S.

July 2014

The Company had the following forward currency contracts outstanding at the end of fiscal 2013 :

Hedge

In Thousands

Notional

Value

Contract

Value

Fair Value

(Gain) Loss

at Fair Value

Conversion

Currency

Latest

Expiration Date

Currency

Contract

Australian Dollar

Sell

6,392


6,489


5,798


(691

)

U.S.

March 2014

Euro

Sell

31,000


41,037


40,377


(660

)

U.S.

June 2014

Japanese Yen

Buy

905,000


9,885


9,137


747


U.S.

June 2014

Mexican Peso

Sell

3,345


265


255


(10

)

U.S.

December 2013

The Company continuously evaluates the effectiveness of its hedging program by evaluating its foreign exchange contracts compared to the anticipated underlying transactions. The Company did not have any ineffective currency hedges in fiscal 2014 , 2013 , or 2012 .



61





(17) Employee Benefit Costs:

Retirement Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits

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

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement

Benefits

Actuarial Assumptions:

2014

2013

2014

2013

Discounted Rate Used to Determine Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation

4.40

%

5.00

%

3.95

%

4.40

%

Expected Rate of Future Compensation Level Increases

3.0-4.0%


3.0-4.0%


n/a


n/a


Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

8.00

%

8.25

%

n/a


n/a


Change in Benefit Obligations:

Projected Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Year

$

1,115,855


$

1,236,747


$

111,506


$

136,854


Service Cost

7,645


13,222


333


358


Interest Cost

53,743


50,154


4,566


4,754


Plan Curtailments

-


(52,236

)

-


-


Plan Participant Contributions

-


-


1,513


1,347


Actuarial (Gain) Loss

71,288


(56,239

)

(5,447

)

(13,309

)

Benefits Paid

(75,384

)

(75,793

)

(16,014

)

(18,498

)

Projected Benefit Obligation at End of Year

$

1,173,147


$

1,115,855


$

96,457


$

111,506


Change in Plan Assets:

Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Year

$

962,633


$

937,745


$

-


$

-


Actual Return on Plan Assets

153,306


68,296


-


-


Plan Participant Contributions

-


-


1,512


1,347


Employer Contributions

2,911


32,385


14,502


17,151


Benefits Paid

(75,384

)

(75,793

)

(16,014

)

(18,498

)

Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

$

1,043,466


$

962,633


$

-


$

-


Funded Status:

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

$

(129,681

)

$

(153,222

)

$

(96,457

)

$

(111,506

)

Amounts Recognized on the Balance Sheets:

Accrued Pension Cost

$

(126,529

)

$

(150,131

)

$

-


$

-


Accrued Wages and Salaries

(3,152

)

(3,091

)

-


-


Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

-


-


(59,290

)

(72,695

)

Accrued Liabilities

-


-


(13,624

)

(16,113

)

Accrued Employee Benefits

-


-


(23,543

)

(22,698

)

Net Amount Recognized at End of Year

$

(129,681

)

$

(153,222

)

$

(96,457

)

$

(111,506

)

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Transition Assets (Obligation)

$

-


$

-


$

-


$

-


Net Actuarial Loss

(190,756

)

(211,444

)

(21,962

)

(28,668

)

Prior Service Credit (Cost)

(550

)

(660

)

6,243


8,008


Net Amount Recognized at End of Year

$

(191,306

)

$

(212,104

)

$

(15,719

)

$

(20,660

)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1,173 million and $1,115 million at June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 , respectively.




62





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

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

2014

2013

2012

2014

2013

2012

Components of Net Periodic (Income) Expense:

Service Cost-Benefits Earned During the Year

$

7,645


$

13,222


$

13,764


$

333


$

358


$

407


Interest Cost on Projected Benefit Obligation

53,743


50,154


56,762


4,565


4,754


6,468


Expected Return on Plan Assets

(74,152

)

(75,832

)

(76,445

)

-


-


-


Amortization of:

Transition Obligation

-


7


8


-


-


-


Prior Service Cost (Credit)

180


366


2,856


(2,895

)

(3,589

)

(3,800

)

Actuarial Loss

25,105


34,821


20,230


5,527


7,624


8,942


Net Curtailment Loss

-


1,914


375


-


-


359


Net Periodic Expense

$

12,521


$

24,652


$

17,550


$

7,530


$

9,147


$

12,376


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

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

2014

2013

2012

2014

2013

2012

Discount Rate

5.00%

4.45%

5.35%

4.40%

3.75%

4.45%

Expected Return on Plan Assets

8.25%

8.50%

8.50%

n/a

n/a

n/a

Compensation Increase Rate

3.0-4.0%

3.0-4.0%

3.0-4.0%

n/a

n/a

n/a

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

Pension

Plans

Other

Postretirement

Plans

Prior Service Cost (Credit)

$

180


$

(2,758

)

Net Actuarial Loss

13,190


4,255


The "Other Postretirement Benefit" plans are unfunded.

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. The complaint seeks an injunction preventing the alleged unilateral termination or reduction in insurance coverage to the class of retirees, a permanent injunction preventing defendants from ever making changes to the retirees' insurance coverage, restitution with interest (if applicable) and attorneys' fees and costs. A class has been certified, and discovery has been concluded. Briefing on the Company's and the retirees' summary judgment motions will occur soon. If the court denies the motions, a jury trial will be scheduled.

For measurement purposes an 7.8% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care claims was assumed for the Company for the fiscal year 2014 decreasing gradually to 4.5% for the fiscal year 2028 . The health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. An increase of one percentage point, would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit by $1.9 million and would increase the service and interest cost by $0.1 million for fiscal 2014 . A corresponding decrease of one percentage point, would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit by $2.1 million and decrease the service and interest cost by $0.1 million for the fiscal year 2014 .



63





In October 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an amendment to the Company's defined benefit retirement plans for U.S., non-bargaining employees. The amendment freezes accruals for all non-bargaining employees within the pension plan effective January 1, 2014. The Company recorded a pre-tax curtailment charge of $1.9 million in fiscal 2013 related to the defined benefit plan change.

As discussed in Note 18, the Company reduced its salaried headcount by approximately 10% in fiscal 2012. The termination of the employees associated with this restructuring action, and the related impact on unrecognized prior service costs, unrecognized losses and the projected benefit obligation resulted in a net curtailment loss of $0.7 million in fiscal 2012.

In fiscal 2012, as a result of the non-discrimination testing results of the qualified pension plan, approximately 90 employees were moved to the non-qualified pension plan. Benefits accrued prior to July 1, 2012 were unaffected; only benefits accruing for those affected employees after July 1, 2012 are being covered by the non-qualified plan.

Plan Assets

A Board of Directors appointed Investment Committee ("Committee") manages the investment of the pension plan assets. The Committee has established and operates under an Investment Policy. It determines the asset allocation and target ranges based upon periodic asset/liability studies and capital market projections. The Committee retains external investment managers to invest the assets. The Investment Policy prohibits certain investment transactions, such as lettered stock, commodity contracts, margin transactions and short selling, unless the Committee gives prior approval. The Company's pension plan's current target and asset allocations at June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013 , by asset category are as follows:

Plan Assets at Year-end

Asset Category

Target %

2014

2013

Domestic Equities

17%-25%

20%

22%

International Equities

5%-15%

10%

10%

Alternative & Absolute Return

10%-20%

16%

26%

Fixed Income

45%-55%

52%

39%

Cash Equivalents

1%

2%

3%

100%

100%

The plan's investment strategy is based on an expectation that, over time, equity securities will provide higher total returns than debt securities, but with greater risk. The plan primarily minimizes the risk of large losses through diversification of investments by asset class, by investing in different types of styles within the classes and by using a number of different managers. The Committee monitors the asset allocation and investment performance monthly, with a more comprehensive quarterly review with its consultant. During fiscal 2014, the Committee revised the target asset allocation to shift to more fixed income and less alternative investments as a percentage of total plan assets. This revision to the target asset allocation was made to better match future cash flows from plan assets with the future cash flows of the projected benefit obligation.

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

The Company has adopted the fair value provisions for the plan assets of its pension plans. The Company categorizes plan assets within a three level fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 6.


Investments stated at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (Level 1) include:

Short-Term Investments:  Short-Term Investments include cash and money market mutual funds that invest in short-term securities and are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value;

Equity Securities:  U.S. Common Stocks and International Mutual Funds are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the fiscal year.



64





Investments stated at estimated fair value using significant observable inputs (Level 2) include:

Fixed Income Securities:  Fixed Income Securities include investments in domestic bond collective trusts that are not traded publicly, but the underlying assets held in these funds are traded on active markets and the prices are readily observable. The investment in the trusts is valued at the last quoted price on the last business day of the fiscal year. Fixed Income Securities also include corporate and government bonds that are valued using a bid evaluation process with data provided by independent pricing sources.

Investments stated at estimated fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) include:

Other Investments:  Other Investments include investments in limited partnerships and are valued at estimated fair value, as determined with the assistance of each respective limited partnership, based on the net asset value of the investment as of the balance sheet date, which is subject to judgment.

The fair value of the major categories of the pension plans' investments are presented below (in thousands):

June 29, 2014

Category

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Short-Term Investments:

$

21,534


$

21,534


$

-


$

-


Fixed Income Securities:

542,381


-


542,381


-


Equity Securities:

U.S. common stocks

204,578


204,578


-


-


International mutual funds

106,990


106,990


-


-


Other Investments:

Venture capital funds

(A)

82,776


-


-


82,776


Debt funds

(B)

19,907


-


-


19,907


Real estate funds

(C)

10,445


-


-


10,445


Private equity funds

(D)

54,855


-


-


54,855


Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

$

1,043,466


$

333,102


$

542,381


$

167,983


June 30, 2013

Category

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Short-Term Investments:

$

26,714


$

26,714


$

-


$

-


Fixed Income Securities:

369,744


-


369,744


-


Equity Securities:

U.S. common stocks

211,767


211,767


-


-


International mutual funds

100,392


100,392


-


-


Other Investments:

Venture capital funds

(A)

153,645


-


-


153,645


Debt funds

(B)

27,299


-


-


27,299


Real estate funds

(C)

11,506


-


-


11,506


Private equity funds

(D)

61,566


-


-


61,566


Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Year

$

962,633


$

338,873


$

369,744


$

254,016


(A)

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

(B)

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

(C)

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



65





(D)

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

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

Changes to Level 3 investments for the year ended June 29, 2014 :

Category

June 30, 2013

Fair Value

Purchases,

Sales,

Issuances,

and

Settlements

Realized

and

Unrealized

Gain

(Loss)

June 29, 2014

Fair Value (a)

Venture capital funds

$

153,645


$

(98,738

)

$

27,869


$

82,776


Debt funds

27,299


(6,109

)

(1,283

)

19,907


Real estate funds

11,506


(1,179

)

118


10,445


Private equity funds

61,566


(8,821

)

2,110


54,855


$

254,016


$

(114,847

)

$

28,814


$

167,983


Changes to Level 3 investments for the year ended June 30, 2013 :

Category

June 30, 2012

Fair Value

Purchases,

Sales,

Issuances,

and

Settlements

Realized

and

Unrealized

Gain

(Loss)

June 30, 2013

Fair Value (a)

Venture capital funds

$

152,093


$

(16,360

)

$

17,912


$

153,645


Debt funds

36,211


(7,258

)

(1,654

)

27,299


Real estate funds

13,888


(3,272

)

890


11,506


Private equity funds

71,185


(10,094

)

475


61,566


Global balanced funds

23,178


(20,000

)

(3,178

)

-


$

296,555


$

(56,984

)

$

14,445


$

254,016


(a) There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 during the years ended June 29, 2014 or June 30, 2013 .

Contributions

On July 6, 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21 Act) was signed into law. The MAP-21 Act included certain pension-related provisions which included changes to the methodology used to determine discount rates for ERISA funding purposes for qualified defined benefit pension plans. Based on historical interest rates, the MAP-21 Act allows plan sponsors to utilize a higher discount rate to value pension liabilities, which results in lower required pension plan contributions under ERISA. During fiscal 2014, the Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Based upon current regulations and actuarial studies the Company is required to make no minimum contributions to the qualified pension plan in fiscal 2015. The Company may be required to make further contributions in future years depending on the actual return on plan assets and the funded status of the plan in future periods.



66





Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Projected benefit payments from the plans as of June 29, 2014 are estimated as follows (in thousands):

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

Year Ending

Qualified

Non-Qualified

Retiree

Medical

Retiree Life

2015

$

75,150


$

3,152


$

12,280


$

1,418


2016

75,183


3,195


11,408


1,443


2017

75,352


3,234


9,468


1,465


2018

75,333


3,259


8,811


1,484


2019

75,550


3,410


7,137


1,500


2020-2024

370,510


17,749


21,822


7,601


Defined Contribution Plans

Employees of the Company may participate in a defined contribution savings plan that allows participants to contribute a portion of their earnings in accordance with plan specifications. Prior to January 1, 2014, a maximum of 1.5% to 3.5% of each participant's salary, depending upon the participant's group, was matched by the Company. Additionally, certain employees may have received Company nonelective contributions equal to 2.0% of the employee's salary.

Simultaneously with the aforementioned amendments to freeze the Company's defined benefit retirement plans for U.S., non-bargaining employees, effective January 1, 2014, amendments were also made to increase benefits under the defined contribution plans effective January 1, 2014. These amendments increased the Company's maximum matching contribution from 3.5% to 4.0% of pay and offer all domestic non-bargaining employees a Company non-elective contribution of 3.0% of the employee's pay.

The Company contributions totaled $10.8 million in 2014 , $7.9 million in 2013 and $8.3 million in 2012 .

Postemployment Benefits

The Company accrues the expected cost of postemployment benefits over the years that the employees render service. These benefits apply only to employees who become disabled while actively employed, or who terminate with at least thirty years of service and retire prior to age sixty-five. The items include disability payments, life insurance and medical benefits. These amounts were discounted using a 3.95% interest rate for fiscal 2014 and 4.40% interest rate for fiscal 2013 . Amounts are included in Accrued Employee Benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(18) Restructuring Actions:

In fiscal 2012, the Company announced plans to reduce manufacturing capacity through closure of its Newbern, Tennessee and Ostrava, Czech Republic plants, as well as the consolidation of its plants in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Auburn, Alabama. During fiscal 2012, the Company ceased manufacturing operations at its Newbern, Tennessee and Ostrava, Czech Republic plants, and carried out the consolidation of the Poplar Bluff, Missouri plant. Production of horizontal shaft engines was concluded at the Auburn, Alabama plant during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company also announced in fiscal 2012 the reduction of approximately 10% of the Company's salaried headcount. In fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, the Company implemented the salaried headcount reductions. Additionally, beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company exited the placement of lawn and garden products at national mass retailers. The Engines segment continues to support lawn and garden equipment OEMs who provide lawn and garden equipment to these retailers. Workforce reductions associated with the Company's restructuring initiatives impacted approximately 1,250 regular and temporary employees globally.


In October 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an amendment to the Company's defined benefit retirement plans for U.S., non-bargaining employees. The amendment froze accruals for all non-bargaining employees effective January 1, 2014. The Company recorded a pre-tax curtailment charge of $1.9 million in fiscal 2013 related to the defined benefit plan change.




67






In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed the sale of its dormant manufacturing facility in Jefferson, Wisconsin and a land parcel adjacent to its Ostrava, Czech Republic plant. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed the sale of the Ostrava, Czech Republic facility.


Subsequent to fiscal 2014, the Company announced several new actions to be taken to execute the Company's strategy. Beginning in the 2016 lawn & garden season, the Company will narrow its assortment of lower-priced Snapper consumer lawn and garden equipment and consolidate its Products manufacturing facilities in order to further reduce costs. The Company will continue to focus on premium residential products to customers through its Snapper and Simplicity brands and commercial products through its Snapper Pro and Ferris brands. The Company will close its McDonough, Georgia location and consolidate production into existing facilities in Wisconsin and New York. Production of pressure washers, snow throwers and lawn tractors will move to its Wauwatosa, Wisconsin manufacturing facility, and production of zero-turn lawnmowers will be moved to its Munnsville, New York facility. Production is estimated to be completed in McDonough and transitioned to the other facilities during the first quarter of calendar 2015. These changes will affect approximately 475 employees during fiscal 2015. The Company's dealer product offerings under the Snapper Pro, Simplicity and Ferris brands as well as sales of Snapper and Murray branded lawn and garden products at Walmart are unaffected by these actions.


The Company reports restructuring charges associated with manufacturing and related initiatives as costs of goods sold within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Restructuring charges reflected as costs of goods sold include, but are not limited to, termination and related costs associated with manufacturing employees, asset impairments and accelerated depreciation relating to manufacturing initiatives, and other costs directly related to the restructuring initiatives implemented. The Company reports all other non-manufacturing related restructuring charges as engineering, selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


The Company recorded pre-tax charges of $6.5 million ( $5.2 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) and $22.2 million ( $15.5 million after tax or $0.33 per diluted share) during fiscal 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to the restructuring actions. The Engines segment recorded $3.5 million and $12.4 million of pre-tax restructuring charges during fiscal 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Products segment recorded $3.0 million and $9.8 million of pre-tax restructuring charges during fiscal 2014 and 2013 , respectively.


The following is a rollforward of the restructuring reserve (included in Accrued Liabilities within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets) attributable to all Engines segment restructuring activities for fiscal 2014 (in thousands):

Engines Segment

Termination Benefits

Other Costs

Total

Reserve Balance at June 30, 2013

$

99


$

2,575


$

2,674


Provisions

348


3,176


3,524


Cash Expenditures

(447

)

(3,525

)

(3,972

)

Other Adjustments (1)

-


(2,226

)

(2,226

)

Reserve Balance at June 29, 2014

$

-


$

-


$

-


(1) Other adjustments includes $0.5 million of accelerated depreciation and $1.7 million of asset impairments.




68





The following is a rollforward of the restructuring reserve (included in Accrued Liabilities within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets) attributable to all Products Segment restructuring activities for fiscal 2014 (in thousands):

Products Segment

Termination Benefits

Other Costs

Total

Reserve Balance at June 30, 2013

$

94


$

45


$

139


Provisions

256


2,759


3,015


Cash Expenditures

(350

)

(649

)

(999

)

Other Adjustments (2)

-


(2,050

)

(2,050

)

Reserve Balance at June 29, 2014

$

-


$

105


$

105


(2) Other adjustments includes $1.3 million of asset impairments and $0.7 million of other costs including transition costs and foreign currency translation.

(19) Equity:

Share Repurchases

In August 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized up to $50 million in funds for use in a common share repurchase program with an expiration of June 30, 2013 . In August 2012, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $50 million in funds associated with the common share repurchase program a nd an extension of the expiration date to June 30, 2014 . On January 22, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized up to an additional  $50 million  in funds for use in the Company's common share repurchase program with an extension of the expiration date to June 30, 2016 . On August 13, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized up to an additional  $50 million  in funds for use in the Company's common share repurchase program with an expiration date of June 30, 2016 . Share repurchases, among other things, allow the Company to offset any potentially dilutive impacts of share-based compensation. The common share repurchase program authorizes the purchase of shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in private tran sactions from time to time, depending on market conditions and certain governing loan covenants. In fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 2,100,499 shares on the open market at a total cost of $43.0 million , or $20.49 per share. There were 1,546,686 shares repurchased in fiscal 2013 at a total cost of $30.4 million , or $19.63 per share.

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

Under the terms of the Company's Senior Notes and the Revolver (collectively, the "Domestic Indebtedness"), Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, is the joint and several guarantor of the Domestic Indebtedness (the "Guarantor"). The guarantees are full and unconditional guarantees. Additionally, if at any time a domestic subsidiary of the Company constitutes a significant domestic subsidiary, then such domestic subsidiary will also become a guarantor of the Domestic Indebtedness. Currently, all of the Domestic Indebtedness is unsecured. If the Company were to fail to make a payment of interest or principal on its due date, the Guarantor is obligated to pay the outstanding Domestic Indebtedness.

The Company had the following outstanding amounts related to the guaranteed debt (in thousands):

June 29, 2014

Carrying

Amount

Maximum

Guarantee

6.875% Senior Notes

$

225,000


$

225,000


Multicurrency Credit Agreement

$

-


$

500,000






69





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

CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET:

As of June 29, 2014

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

138,926


$

2,680


$

53,062


$

-


$

194,668


Accounts Receivable, Net

86,099


100,062


34,429


-


220,590


Intercompany Accounts Receivable

15,987


3,492


32,826


(52,305

)

-


Inventories, Net

165,159


146,749


64,195


-


376,103


Deferred Tax Asset

33,343


13,904


1,711


-


48,958


Prepaid Expenses and Other

17,436


3,508


9,072




30,016


Total Current Assets

$

456,950


$

270,395


$

195,295


$

(52,305

)

$

870,335


OTHER ASSETS:

Goodwill

$

128,300


$

-


$

16,222


$

-


$

144,522


Investments

27,137


-


-


-


27,137


Investments in Subsidiaries

470,391


-


-


(470,391

)

-


Intercompany Note Receivable

49,293


84,567


13,876


(147,736

)

-


Debt Issuance Costs, Net

4,671


-


-


-


4,671


Other Intangible Assets, Net

-


55,909


24,408


-


80,317


Long-Term Deferred Tax Asset

32,507


-


677


(18,006

)

15,178


Other Long-Term Assets, Net

7,120


2,088


1,331


-


10,539


Total Other Assets

$

719,419


$

142,564


$

56,514


$

(636,133

)

$

282,364


PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

241,166


39,863


15,978


-


297,007


TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,417,535


$

452,822


$

267,787


$

(688,438

)

$

1,449,706


CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts Payable

105,532


45,171


18,568


-


169,271


Intercompany Accounts Payable

21,859


6,002


24,444


(52,305

)

-


Accrued Liabilities

85,735


31,863


16,318


-


133,916


Total Current Liabilities

$

213,126


$

83,036


$

59,330


$

(52,305

)

$

303,187


OTHER LIABILITIES:

Accrued Pension Cost

125,481


421


627


-


126,529


Accrued Employee Benefits

24,491


-


-


-


24,491


Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

44,928


14,362


-


-


59,290


Accrued Warranty

9,300


8,378


-


-


17,678


Intercompany Note Payable

85,343


-


62,393


(147,736

)

-


Deferred Tax Liabilities



18,006


-


(18,006

)

-


Other Long-Term Liabilities

17,432


2,659


1,006


-


21,097


Long-Term Debt

225,000


-


-


-


225,000


Total Other Liabilities

$

531,975


$

43,826


$

64,026


$

(165,742

)

$

474,085


TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:

672,434


325,960


144,431


(470,391

)

672,434


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

$

1,417,535


$

452,822


$

267,787


$

(688,438

)

$

1,449,706




70





CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET:

As of June 30, 2013

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$

162,628


$

1,275


$

24,542


$

-


$

188,445


Accounts Receivable, Net

80,017


80,531


30,252


-


190,800


Intercompany Accounts Receivable

11,987


5,971


46,366


(64,324

)

-


Inventories, Net

165,600


175,523


66,972


-


408,095


Deferred Tax Asset

32,543


13,923


1,068


-


47,534


Prepaid Expenses and Other

15,194


1,967


6,946


-


24,107


Total Current Assets

$

467,969


$

279,190


$

176,146


$

(64,324

)

$

858,981


OTHER ASSETS:

Goodwill

$

128,300


$

-


$

19,052


$

-


$

147,352


Investments

19,764


-


-


-


19,764


Investments in Subsidiaries

520,604


-


-


(520,604

)

-


Intercompany Note Receivable

45,747


81,844


14,486


(142,077

)

-


Debt Issuance Costs, Net

4,710


-


-


-


4,710


Other Intangible Assets, Net

-


62,612


25,368


-


87,980


Long-Term Deferred Tax Asset

48,694


-


83


(21,233

)

27,544


Other Long-Term Assets, Net

9,810


2,957


1,258


-


14,025


Total Other Assets

$

777,629


$

147,413


$

60,247


$

(683,914

)

$

301,375


PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

224,002


45,475


17,718


-


287,195


TOTAL ASSETS

$

1,469,600


$

472,078


$

254,111


$

(748,238

)

$

1,447,551


CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Accounts Payable

91,965


37,112


14,112


-


143,189


Intercompany Accounts Payable

38,078


5,197


21,049


(64,324

)

-


Short-Term Debt

-


-


300


-


300


Accrued Liabilities

111,146


7,452


12,668


-


131,266


Total Current Liabilities

$

241,189


$

49,761


$

48,129


$

(64,324

)

$

274,755


OTHER LIABILITIES:

Accrued Pension Cost

149,614


472


45


-


150,131


Accrued Employee Benefits

23,458


-


-


-


23,458


Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

57,298


15,397


-


-


72,695


Accrued Warranty

9,400


9,471


-


-


18,871


Intercompany Note Payable

85,095




56,982


(142,077

)

-


Deferred Tax Liabilities

-


21,233


-


(21,233

)

-


Other Long-Term Liabilities

10,608


3,070


1,025


-


14,703


Long-Term Debt

225,000




-


-


225,000


Total Other Liabilities

$

560,473


$

49,643


$

58,052


$

(163,310

)

$

504,858


TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:

667,938


372,674


147,930


(520,604

)

667,938


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

$

1,469,600


$

472,078


$

254,111


$

(748,238

)

$

1,447,551




71





CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 29, 2014

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

Net Sales

$

1,156,394


$

599,013


$

304,160


$

(200,507

)

$

1,859,060


Cost of Goods Sold

928,557


544,313


234,073


(200,507

)

1,506,436


Restructuring Charges

3,830


228


1,783


-


5,841


Gross Profit

224,007


54,472


68,304


-


346,783


Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

163,594


76,021


51,752


-


291,367


Restructuring Charges

77


67


554


-


698


Goodwill and Tradename Impairment

-


5,500


2,960


-


8,460


Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

5,622


-


-


(5,622

)

-


Income (Loss) from Operations

54,714


(27,116

)

13,038


5,622


46,258


Interest Expense

(18,431

)

(6

)

(29

)

-


(18,466

)

Other Income, Net

8,251


152


939


-


9,342


Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

44,534


(26,970

)

13,948


5,622


37,134


Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

16,187


(9,889

)

2,489


-


8,787


Net Income (Loss)

$

28,347


$

(17,081

)

$

11,459


$

5,622


$

28,347


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

$

58,018


$

(16,836

)

$

12,832


$

4,004


$

58,018


For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

Net Sales

$

1,126,562


$

695,137


$

277,516


$

(236,717

)

$

1,862,498


Cost of Goods Sold

916,859


626,266


208,189


(236,717

)

1,514,597


Restructuring Charges

9,614


8,618


529


-


18,761


Gross Profit

200,089


60,253


68,798


-


329,140


Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

161,465


71,434


43,289


-


276,188


Restructuring Charges

3,435


-


-


-


3,435


Goodwill Impairment

-


83,314


6,766


-


90,080


Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

45,191


-


-


(45,191

)

-


Income (Loss) from Operations

(10,002

)

(94,495

)

18,743


45,191


(40,563

)

Interest Expense

(18,369

)

(3

)

(147

)

-


(18,519

)

Other Income, Net

6,225


286


430


-


6,941


Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

(22,146

)

(94,212

)

19,026


45,191


(52,141

)

Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

11,511


(30,902

)

907


-


(18,484

)

Net Income (Loss)

$

(33,657

)

$

(63,310

)

$

18,119


$

45,191


$

(33,657

)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

$

64,119


$

(62,068

)

$

16,779


$

45,289


$

64,119


For the Fiscal Year Ended July 1, 2012

Net Sales

$

1,235,805


$

835,011


$

321,216


$

(325,499

)

$

2,066,533


Cost of Goods Sold

1,007,493


744,103


258,951


(325,499

)

1,685,048


Restructuring Charges

4,235


28,790


11,735


-


44,760


Gross Profit

224,077


62,118


50,530


-


336,725


Engineering, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

167,133


80,915


42,333


-


290,381


Restructuring Charges

4,001


1,106


-


-


5,107


Equity in Loss from Subsidiaries

5,881


-


-


(5,881

)

-


Income (Loss) from Operations

47,062


(19,903

)

8,197


5,881


41,237


Interest Expense

(18,347

)

(33

)

(162

)

-


(18,542

)

Other Income, Net

4,830


207


2,141


-


7,178


Income (Loss) Before Provision for Income Taxes

33,545


(19,729

)

10,176


5,881


29,873


Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes

4,539


(8,897

)

5,225


-


867


Net Income (Loss)

$

29,006


$

(10,832

)

$

4,951


$

5,881


$

29,006


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

$

(50,200

)

$

(12,062

)

$

(2,529

)

$

14,591


$

(50,200

)



72





CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT

OF CASH FLOWS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 29, 2014

Briggs & Stratton

Corporation

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

77,161


$

6,816


$

43,102


$

-


$

127,079


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Additions to Plant and Equipment

(55,775

)

(2,718

)

(1,878

)

-


(60,371

)

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

170


33


425


-


628


Cash Investment in Subsidiary

13,307


-


(13,307

)

-


-


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(42,298

)

(2,685

)

(14,760

)

-


(59,743

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

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

2,726


(2,726

)

(300

)

-


(300

)

Debt Issuance Costs

(949

)

-


-


-


(949

)

Cash Dividends Paid

(22,697

)

-


-


-


(22,697

)

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

5,402


-


-


-


5,402


Treasury Stock Repurchases

(43,047

)

-


-


-


(43,047

)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

(58,565

)

(2,726

)

(300

)

-


(61,591

)

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

-


-


478


-


478


NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(23,702

)

1,405


28,520


-


6,223


Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

162,628


1,275


24,542


-


188,445


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

$

138,926


$

2,680


$

53,062


$

-


$

194,668





73





CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT

OF CASH FLOWS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

69,746


$

40,812


$

50,255


$

-


$

160,813


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Additions to Plant and Equipment

(36,306

)

(6,120

)

(2,452

)

-


(44,878

)

Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired

-


-


(59,627

)

-


(59,627

)

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

70


6,068


6,354


-


12,492


Cash Investment in Subsidiary

(15,194

)

-


15,194


-


-


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(51,430

)

(52

)

(40,531

)

-


(92,013

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

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

44,860


(44,860

)

(2,700

)

-


(2,700

)

Cash Dividends Paid

(23,285

)

-


-


-


(23,285

)

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

19,988


-


-


-


19,988


Treasury Stock Repurchases

(30,359

)

-


-


-


(30,359

)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

11,204


(44,860

)

(2,700

)

-


(36,356

)

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

-


-


(74

)

-


(74

)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

29,520


(4,100

)

6,950


-


32,370


Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

133,108


5,375


17,592


-


156,075


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

$

162,628


$

1,275


$

24,542


$

-


$

188,445





74





CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT

OF CASH FLOWS:

For the Fiscal Year Ended July 1, 2012

Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Cash Provided by (Used in)Operating Activities

$

82,114


$

2,879


$

(19,032

)

$

-


$

65,961


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Additions to Plant and Equipment

(40,456

)

(6,588

)

(2,529

)

-


(49,573

)

Cash Paid for Acquisition, Net of Cash Received

-


-


(2,673

)

-


(2,673

)

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

141


1,278


38


-


1,457


Cash Investment in Subsidiary

2,141


-


(2,141

)

-


-


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(38,174

)

(5,310

)

(7,305

)

-


(50,789

)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

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

(6,434

)

6,434


-


-


-


Debt Issuance Costs

(2,007

)

-


-


-


(2,007

)

Cash Dividends Paid

(22,011

)

-


-


-


(22,011

)

Stock Option Exercise Proceeds and Tax Benefits

235


-


-


-


235


Treasury Stock Repurchases

(39,287

)

-


-


-


(39,287

)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

(69,504

)

6,434


-


-


(63,070

)

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

-


-


(5,666

)

-


(5,666

)

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(25,564

)

4,003


(32,003

)

-


(53,564

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

158,672


1,372


49,595


-


209,639


Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

$

133,108


$

5,375


$

17,592


$

-


$

156,075


















75


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm






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


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Briggs & Stratton Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' investment, and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of June 29, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Briggs & Stratton Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material aspects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 29, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 26, 2014




76


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm





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


In our opinion, the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' investment and cash flows for the year in the period ended July 1, 2012 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Briggs & Stratton Corporation and its subsidiaries for the year in the period ended July 1, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule for the year in the period ended July 1, 2012, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

August 28, 2012




77


Quarterly Financial Data, Dividend and Market Information (Unaudited)






In Thousands

Quarter Ended

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Net Income (Loss)

Fiscal 2014

September (1)

$

317,304


$

43,831


$

(19,349

)

December (2)

416,592


77,366


702


March (3)

628,403


130,250


39,153


June (4)

496,761


95,336


7,841


Total

$

1,859,060


$

346,783


$

28,347


Fiscal 2013

September (5)

$

309,020


$

43,870


$

(16,527

)

December (6)

439,066


76,913


(635

)

March (7)

637,259


126,788


38,516


June (8)

477,153


81,569


(55,011

)

Total

$

1,862,498


$

329,140


$

(33,657

)

Per Share of Common Stock

Market Price Range on 

New York Stock Exchange

Quarter Ended

Net Income

(Loss) (7)

Dividends

Declared

High

Low

Fiscal 2014

September (1)

$

(0.41

)

$

0.12


$

21.99


$

18.61


December (2)

0.01


0.12


22.19


18.21


March (3)

0.82


0.12


23.02


20.03


June (4)

0.17


0.12


22.98


19.62


Total

$

0.59


$

0.48


Fiscal 2013

September (5)

$

(0.35

)

$

0.12


$

19.88


$

16.20


December (6)

(0.02

)

0.12


21.46


18.70


March (7)

0.78


0.12


25.52


20.34


June (8)

(1.17

)

0.12


24.80


18.69


Total

$

(0.73

)

$

0.48


The number of shareholders of record of Briggs & Stratton Corporation Common Stock on June 29, 2014 was 2,815.

(1) As disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the first quarter of fiscal 2014 included restructuring charges of $3.6 million ($2.9 million after tax or $0.06 per diluted share)

(2) As disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the second quarter of fiscal 2014 included restructuring charges of $2.3 million ($1.6 million after tax or $0.04 per diluted share)

(3) As disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the third quarter of fiscal 2014 included restructuring income of $0.8 million ($0.5 million after tax or $0.01 per diluted share)

(4) As disclosed in Notes 7 and 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 included restructuring charges of $1.4 million ($1.2 million after tax or $0.02 per diluted share) and goodwill and tradename impairment charges of $8.5 million ($5.5 million after tax or $0.12 per diluted share)

(5) As disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the first quarter of fiscal 2013 included restructuring charges of $5.1 million ($3.3 million after tax or $0.07 per diluted share)

(6) As disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the second quarter of fiscal 2013 included restructuring charges of $6.6 million ($4.3 million after tax or $0.09 per diluted share)

(7) As disclosed in Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the third quarter of fiscal 2013 included restructuring charges of $6.6 million ($5.4 million after tax or $0.11 per diluted share)

(8) As disclosed in Notes 7, 13, and 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 included restructuring charges of $3.8 million ($2.5 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share), $90.1 million ($62.0 million after tax or $1.30 per diluted share) related to goodwill and tradename impairment, and $1.9 million ($1.2 million after tax or $0.03 per diluted share) related to a litigation settlement




78






ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework ( 1992 ) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the Company's management has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.

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

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company's consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 29, 2014 , as stated in their report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

(a)

Executive Officers. Reference is made to "Executive Officers of Registrant" in Part I after Item 4.

(b)

Directors. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption "Item 1: Election of Directors" and "General Information About Incumbent Directors", and is incorporated herein by reference.



79







(c)

Section 16 Compliance. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance", and is incorporated herein by reference.

(d)

Audit Committee Financial Expert. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption "Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Committees – Audit Committee", and is incorporated herein by reference.

(e)

Identification of Audit Committee. The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the caption "Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Committees – Audit Committee", and is incorporated herein by reference.

(f)

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

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions "Compensation Committee Report", "Compensation Discussion and Analysis", "Compensation Tables", "Agreements with Executives", "Change in Control Payments", and "Director Compensation" is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners", "Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, concerning this item, under the captions "Other Corporate Governance Matters – Director Independence", "Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Oversight of Risk" and "Other Corporate Governance Matters – Audit Committee" is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is in Briggs & Stratton's definitive Proxy Statement, prepared for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, under the captions "Other Matters – Independent Auditors' Fees" and "Other Corporate Governance Matters – Board Committees – Audit Committee", and is incorporated herein by reference.



80






PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.

Financial Statements

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


Consolidated Balance Sheets, June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013


For the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2014 ,  June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 :

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

2.

Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

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

3.

Exhibits

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


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 2014 , JUNE 30, 2013 AND JULY 1, 2012

Reserve for

Doubtful Accounts

Receivable

Balance

Beginning

of Year

Additions

Charged

to Earnings

Charges to

Reserve, Net

Balance

End of

Year

2014

$6,501,000

1,321,000

(1,470,000)

$6,352,000

2013

$5,780,000

1,881,000

(1,160,000)

$6,501,000

2012

$4,971,000

3,608,000

(2,799,000)

$5,780,000

Deferred Tax

Assets Valuation

Allowance

Balance

Beginning

of Year

Allowance

Established for

Net Operating

and Other Loss

Carryforwards

Allowance

Reversed for

Loss Carryforwards

Utilized and

Other Adjustments

Balance

End of

Year

2014

$12,725,000

2,516,000

-

$15,241,000

2013

$12,025,000

9,210,000

(8,510,000)

$12,725,000

2012

$7,259,000

5,430,000

(664,000)

$12,025,000




81






SIGNATURES

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

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

By

/s/ David J. Rodgers

David J. Rodgers

August 26, 2014

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

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

/s/ Todd J. Teske

/s/ Patricia L. Kampling

Todd J. Teske

Patricia L. Kampling

Chairman, President and Chief Executive

Director

Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ David J. Rodgers


/s/ Keith R. McLoughlin

David J. Rodgers

Keith R. McLoughlin

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial

Director

Officer (Principal Financial Officer and

Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ William F. Achtmeyer

/s/ Frank M. Jaehnert

William F. Achtmeyer

Frank M. Jaehnert

Director

Director

/s/ Henrik C. Slipsager

/s/ Charles I. Story

Henrik C. Slipsager

Charles I. Story

Director

Director

/s/ James E. Humphrey

/s/ Brian C. Walker

James E. Humphrey

Brian C. Walker

Director

Director

*Each signature affixed as of

August 26, 2014




82






BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

(Commission File No. 1-1370)

EXHIBIT INDEX

2014

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

No.

Document Description

3.1

Articles of Incorporation.

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

3.1(a)

Amendment to Articles of Incorporation.

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

3.2

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

(Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.)

3.2(a)

Amendments to Bylaws as adopted August 8, 2012.

(Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2012 and incorporated by reference herein.)

4.0

Rights Agreement dated as of August 7, 1996, as amended through August 8, 2012, between Briggs & Stratton Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as successor rights agent, which includes the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit A and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Common Shares as Exhibit B.

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated as of August 13, 2012 and incorporated by reference herein.)

4.1

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

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 26, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

4.2

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

(Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 26, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.1*

Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.1(a)*

Amendment to the Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.2*

Amended and Restated Economic Value Added Incentive Compensation Plan.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.2(a)*

Annual Incentive Plan

(Filed herewith.)

10.3*

Amended and Restated Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)



83






No.

Document Description

10.3(a)*

Amended and Restated Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement for new officers of the Company.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.4*

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

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

10.4(a)*

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

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

10.4(b)*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.4(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 3, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.5*

1999 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.

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

10.5(a)*

Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan.

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

10.5(b)*

Amendment to Stock Incentive Plan.

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

10.5(c)*

Amended and Restated Briggs & Stratton Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 (c) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6*

Amended and Restated Briggs & Stratton Premium Option and Stock Award Program, effective beginning with plan year 2010.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6(a)*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (d) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for year ended June 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.6(b)*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (b) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.6(c)*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.6 (c) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.7(a)*

Form of Officer Employment Agreement.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2008, and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.7(b)*

Form of Officer Employment Agreement.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated December 8, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.)



84






No.

Document Description

10.8*

Amended and Restated Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2012 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.9*

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

(Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.10*

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

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

10.11*

Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended July 3, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.12*

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

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

10.13*

Summary of Director Compensation.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.14*

Executive Life Insurance Plan.

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

10.14 (a)*

Amendment to Executive Life Insurance Program.

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

10.14(b)*

Amendment to Executive Life Insurance Plan.

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

10.15*

Amended & Restated Key Employee Savings and Investment Plan.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.16*

Consultant Reimbursement Arrangement.

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

10.17*

Briggs & Stratton Product Program.

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

10.18*

Amendment to the Briggs & Stratton Product Program.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.17 (a) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 27, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.19

Stipulation of Settlement, dated February 24, 2010.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 24, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)



85






No.

Document Description

10.20

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

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

10.21

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

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

10.22

Multicurrency Credit Agreement, dated October 13, 2011, among Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Briggs & Stratton AG, various financial institutions, and BMO Harris Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and PNC Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and U.S. Bank National Association as syndication agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, an issuing lender and swing line lender, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers.

(Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.22(a)

First Amendment to the Multicurrency Credit Agreement.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)

10.22(b)

Second Amendment to the Multicurrency Credit Agreement.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.23

Class B Preferred Share Redemption Agreement.

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

10.24

Victa Agreement.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended June 29, 2008 and incorporated by reference herein.)

10.25*

Expatriate Agreement between Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Briggs & Stratton International, Inc. and William H. Reitman.

(Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 6, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.)

12

Computation of Ratio of Earnings (Losses) to Fixed Charges.

(Filed herewith.)

16.1

Letter of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, dated December 21, 2012.

(Filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 21, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)

21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

(Filed herewith.)

23.1

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

(Filed herewith.)

23.2

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

(Filed herewith.)

31.1

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

(Filed herewith.)



86






No.

Document Description

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 financial information from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 29, 2014 and June 30, 2013; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2014, June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2012; (iii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2014, June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2012; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Investment for the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2014, June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2012; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended June 29, 2014, June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2012; (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and (vii) Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

*

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



87


Directors



JAMES E. HUMPHREY (2)(5)

Retired Chairman of Andersen Corporation, a window and door manufacturer

FRANK M. JAEHNERT (1)(4)

Retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Brady Corporation, a leader in identification solutions

PATRICIA L. KAMPLING (1)(3)(4)

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliant Energy Corporation, a regulated investor-owned public utility holding company

KEITH R. McLOUGHLIN (3)(5)

President and Chief Executive Officer of AB Electrolux, a manufacturer of major home appliances

HENRIK C. SLIPSAGER (1)(5)

President and Chief Executive Officer of ABM Industries, Inc., a provider of integrated facility solutions

CHARLES I. STORY (2)(3)(4)

President of ECS Group, Inc., an executive development company

TODD J. TESKE (3)

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Briggs & Stratton Corporation

BRIAN C. WALKER (2)(3)(4)

President and Chief Executive Officer, Herman Miller, Inc., a global provider of office furniture and services

Committees: (1) Audit, (2) Compensation, (3) Executive, (4) Finance, (5) Nominating and Governance.


Elected Officers


TODD J. TESKE

Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

HAROLD L. REDMAN

Senior Vice President & President – Turf & Consumer Products

WILLIAM H. REITMAN

Senior Vice President & Managing Director – Europe and Global Service

DAVID J. RODGERS

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

EDWARD J. WAJDA

Senior Vice President & President – Standby/Job Site Products & International

JOSEPH C. WRIGHT

Senior Vice President & President – Engines Group

RANDALL R. CARPENTER

Vice President – Marketing

DAVID G. DEBAETS

Vice President – North America Operations (Engines Group)

ANDREA L. GOLVACH

Vice President & Treasurer

ROBERT F. HEATH

Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

MARK A. SCHWERTFEGER

Vice President – Controller







88


Appointed Vice Presidents & Subsidiary/Group Officers


Corporate

SHAUNNA BALADY

Vice President – Corporate Development

EDWARD D. BEDNAR

Vice President – Business Integration

BRENT W. HOAG

Vice President – Chief Information Officer

MARVIN B. KLOWAK

Global Vice President – Research & Development

JEFFREY G. MAHLOCH

Vice President – Human Resources

MICHAEL M. MILLER

Vice President – Business Development

LAURA A. TIMM

Vice President – Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

JEFFREY M. ZEILER

Vice President – Global Product Innovation

International

PHILIP J. CAPPITELLI

Vice President & Managing Director - Latin America

PETER HOTZ

Vice President – Global Technical Services

ROB SPLETTER

Managing Director – South East Asia

THOMAS H. RUGG

Managing Director – Australasia

GEORGE ZHANG

Managing Director - China

Engines Group

RANDALL E. BALLARD

Vice President – North American Engine Sales

JEFFREY W. COAD

Vice President – Engine Products

JOHN R. GUY III

Vice President & General Manager – Distribution

RICHARD R. ZECKMEISTER

Vice President – Consumer Marketing & Planning

Products Group

BEN DUKE

Vice President – Marketing – Products

GREG INWOOD

Vice President – Standby Products

DONALD W. KLENK

Vice President – Operations – Products Group

ERIK P. MEMMO

Vice President – North American Dealer Sales

ROBERT D. PJEVACH

Vice President – Consumer Products

WILLIAM L. SHEA

Vice President – Commercial Sales & Marketing

PHILIP H. WENZEL

Vice President – Commercial Products

THOMAS E. WISER

Vice President – Standby Power Sales




89


SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

Information is provided to shareholders on a regular basis to keep them informed of Briggs & Stratton's activities and financial status. This information is available to any person interested in Briggs & Stratton. Address requests to Shareholder Relations at the Mailing Address listed for the Corporate Offices. A Shareholder Relations Hotline provides a no cost opportunity for shareholders to contact Briggs & Stratton. The Hotline number is 1-800-365-2759.

Briggs & Stratton has an ongoing commitment to provide investors with real time access to financial disclosures, the latest corporate and financial news, and other shareholder information. Visit Briggs & Stratton's home page on the internet at www.basco.com. Information includes: corporate press releases, web casts of conference calls, dividend information, stock prices, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K Reports, Form 10-Q Reports, Proxy Statements, Section 16 filings, code of ethics for principal executive, financial and accounting officers and additional financial information.

INVESTOR, BROKER, SECURITY ANALYST CONTACT

Stockbrokers, financial analysts and others desiring technical/financial information about Briggs & Stratton should contact David J. Rodgers, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, at 414-259-5333.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan is a convenient way for shareholders of record to increase their investment in Briggs & Stratton. It enables shareholders to apply quarterly dividends and any cash deposits toward the purchase of additional shares of Briggs & Stratton stock. There is no brokerage fee or administrative charge for this service. For a brochure describing the plan, please call the Shareholder Relations Hotline.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

Persons desiring general information about Briggs & Stratton should contact Laura A. Timm, Vice President –Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, at 414-256-5123.

General Information

EXCHANGE LISTING

Briggs & Stratton Corporation common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:BGG).

FISCAL 2014 AUDITORS

Deloitte & Touche LLP

555 E. Wells St. Suite 1400

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR AND DIVIDEND DISBURSER

Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120

CORPORATE OFFICES

12301 West Wirth Street

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222

Telephone 414-259-5333

Inquiries concerning transfer requirements, lost certificates, dividend payments, change of address and account status should be directed to Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, at 1-800-468-9716.

MAILING ADDRESS

Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Post Office Box 702

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201











90