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Exhibit 99.1

Investor Relations Contact:

      David J. Rodgers, Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer

      (414) 259-5333

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION REPORTS STRONG SALES GROWTH

FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF FISCAL 2011

MILWAUKEE, January 27, 2011/PRNewswire/ —

Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE:BGG) today announced financial results for its second fiscal quarter and first six months ended December 26, 2010.

Highlights:

 

   

Second quarter fiscal 2011 consolidated net sales of $450.3 million increased $57.3 million or 14.6% from the second quarter of fiscal 2010. For the first six months of fiscal 2011, consolidated sales were $784.4 million, an increase of $66.8 million or 9.3% from the same period of fiscal 2010.

 

   

Our second quarter fiscal 2011 consolidated net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, included a $2.2 million after tax charge, or $0.04 per diluted share, related to previously announced organization changes and $2.4 million after tax costs, or $0.05 per diluted share, associated with the refinancing of our Senior Notes.

 

   

In December 2010, we issued $225 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due in 2020. Net proceeds were primarily used to redeem the remaining outstanding principal of the 8.875% Senior Notes that were due in 2011.

“Our second quarter results yielded sales growth for both our Engine and Power Products Segments,” commented Todd J. Teske, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of Briggs & Stratton. “While we continue to work towards our strategic plans, we are pleased with the progress we are seeing throughout the company despite continuingly challenging economic times. Our organization changes announced earlier this fiscal year demonstrate our commitment to improving the profitability of our Power Products business while making investments for long-term success. Further, the recent refinancing of our Senior Notes extends our maturity profile and enhances our liquidity during a favorable interest rate environment.”

Consolidated Results:

Fiscal 2011 second quarter consolidated net sales were $450.3 million and the consolidated net loss was $1.3 million or $0.03 per diluted share. The second quarter of fiscal 2010 had consolidated net sales of $393.0 million and consolidated net income of $3.0 million or $0.06 per diluted share. The $57.3 million consolidated net sales increase was due primarily to higher international engine shipments as well as improved lawn and garden and snow thrower product sales volumes within our Power Products segment, offset by lower sales of portable generator products.

Included in the net loss for the fiscal 2011 second quarter was a $3.5 million pre-tax charge ($2.2 million after tax or $0.04 per diluted share) related to previously announced organization changes and $3.9 million of additional pre-tax costs ($2.4 million after tax or $0.05 per diluted share) associated with the redemption premium of the 8.875% Senior Notes and the write off of the related deferred financing costs. After considering the impact of items related to the organization changes and the debt redemption, adjusted net income for the fiscal 2011 second quarter was $3.3 million or $0.06 per diluted share, which was higher by $0.3 million or less than $0.01 per diluted share compared to the prior year second quarter net income of $3.0 million or $0.06 per diluted share. This increase was primarily due to higher shipment volumes and slightly increased engine pricing, partially offset by higher manufacturing spending, lower absorption on decreased production of portable generators and higher salaries and benefits expenses.

For the first six months of fiscal 2011, consolidated net sales were $784.4 million and the consolidated net loss was $9.4 million or $0.19 per diluted share. The first six months of fiscal 2010 had consolidated net sales of $717.7


million and a consolidated net loss of $5.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share. The $66.8 million consolidated net sales increase was due primarily to higher international engine shipments as well as improved lawn and garden and snow thrower product sales volumes within our Power Products segment, offset by lower sales of pressure washers and portable generator products.

After considering the impact of the second quarter fiscal 2011 charges related to the organization changes and the debt redemption, the adjusted net loss for the first six months of fiscal 2011 was $4.8 million or $0.10 per diluted share, which was an improvement of $0.9 million or $0.02 per diluted share as compared to the prior year net loss of $5.7 million or $0.12 per diluted share. This improvement was primarily due to increased shipment volumes, improved engine plant productivity on higher production volumes and slightly increased engine pricing, partially offset by higher manufacturing spending, lower absorption primarily related to the decreased production of portable generators and pressure washers, and increased costs stemming from higher salaries and benefits expenses. The higher salaries and benefits expenses include an $8.4 million increase in pension benefits expense as well as a net increase in salaries and 401(k) company match benefits of $5.1 million, which were temporarily reduced in the first six months of fiscal 2010 and have since been fully restored.

Engines Segment:

Fiscal 2011 second quarter net sales were $297.8 million, which was $37.8 million or 14.5% higher than the prior year period. This increase from the same quarter last year is primarily due to higher international engine unit shipments to European and Asian OEMs, partially offset by slightly lower sales domestically as U.S. OEMs and retailers continue to focus on lean inventory levels prior to the spring selling season.

Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2011 were $503.4 million, which was $37.4 million or 8.0% higher than the prior year period. This increase from the same period last year is primarily due to higher international engine unit shipments to European and Asian OEMs, partially offset by lower engine sales domestically and a reduction of intercompany sales of engines to our Power Products segment due to lower sales and production of pressure washers and portable generators.

The fiscal 2011 second quarter income from operations was $20.2 million, which included a $0.6 million pre-tax charge related to the previously discussed organization changes. After considering the impact of the organization changes, adjusted income from operations was $20.7 million, or $3.8 million higher than the income from operations of $16.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. Adjusted income from operations was higher due to increased shipment volumes, offset by higher materials costs, increased salaries and benefits including a $4.0 million increase in pension benefits expense and higher selling expenses driven by increased sales internationally.

Income from operations for the first six months of fiscal 2011 was $14.8 million. After considering the impact of the previously discussed organization changes, adjusted income from operations was $15.4 million, or $3.3 million higher than the income from operations of $12.1 million for the same period one year ago. This improvement in adjusted income from operations was due to increased shipment volumes and improvements to production efficiency, partially offset by higher salaries and benefits and higher selling expenses driven by increased sales internationally. The increase in salaries and benefits includes a $8.4 million increase in pension benefits expense and $3.6 million attributed to temporary reductions in salaries and 401(k) match implemented in the first half of fiscal 2010.

Power Products Segment:

Fiscal 2011 second quarter net sales were $186.4 million, which was $21.5 million or 13.0% greater than the prior year period. This improvement was due primarily to increased unit shipment volumes of snow throwers, ZTRs and pressure washers, offset by reduced shipment volumes of portable generators as a result of lower consumer demand and adequate channel inventories.

Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2011 were $353.9 million, which was $23.2 million or 7.0% greater than the prior year period. This improvement was due primarily to increased unit production volumes of snow throwers and ZTRs, offset by reduced shipment volumes of pressure washers and portable generators as a result of lower consumer demand and retailers closely managing inventories in these categories.

The fiscal 2011 second quarter loss from operations was $14.1 million, which included a $3.0 million pre-tax charge related to the previously discussed organization changes. After considering the impact of the organization


changes, the adjusted loss from operations was $11.1 million, or $7.3 million higher than the loss from operations of $3.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010. The increased adjusted loss from operations between years was due to higher manufacturing spending and lower absorption primarily related to the decreased production of portable generators and pressure washers partially offset by increased shipment volumes of snow throwers and ZTRs. The higher manufacturing spending is attributed to higher material costs, manufacturing inefficiencies in launching new products, increased warranty expense, and increased freight expense.

The loss from operations for the first six months of fiscal 2011 was $19.3 million, which included the $3.0 million pre-tax charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 related to the previously discussed organization changes. After considering the impact of the organization changes, the adjusted loss from operations was $16.3 million, or $14.9 million higher than the loss from operations of $1.4 million for the same period one year ago. This decline in income from operations between years resulted from higher manufacturing spending, lower absorption primarily related to the decreased production of portable generators and pressure washers, as well as increased expenses related to salaries and benefits. The increase in manufacturing spending relates to transition costs from the closure of our Jefferson manufacturing facility, higher material costs, manufacturing inefficiencies in launching new products, increased warranty expense, and increased freight expense. The increase in salaries and benefits includes $1.4 million attributable to temporary reductions in salaries and the 401(k) match implemented in the first half of fiscal 2010.

Corporate Items:

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

Interest expense was higher for the second quarter and the first six months of fiscal 2011 due to a $3.9 million redemption premium on the 8.875% Senior Notes and the write off of related deferred financing costs, offset by lower average outstanding borrowings.

The second quarter and first six months effective tax rate benefit for fiscal 2011 was 65.3% and 40.7%, respectively, versus the 29.1% effective tax rate and 39.2% effective tax rate benefit in the same respective periods last year. The increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 effective tax rate benefit over the prior year was the result of recognizing the benefit of the research & development credit, which was extended by federal tax legislature enacted on December 17, 2010.

Financial Position:

Net debt at December 26, 2010 was $251.5 million (total debt of $283.0 million less $31.5 million of cash), an improvement of $62.9 million from December 27, 2009. Cash flows used by operating activities for the first six months of fiscal 2011 were $128.7 million, or $103.4 million higher compared to $25.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 2010. The increase in cash used for operating activities is primarily due to working capital requirements to replenish inventory from lower levels at the end of fiscal 2010 and due to timing of payments associated with accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Outlook:

The company maintains its revised guidance that fiscal 2011 net income on a GAAP basis will be in the range of $57 to $68 million or $1.13 to $1.35 per diluted share. Consolidated net sales are projected to be approximately 2% to 4% higher than in fiscal 2010. Engines Segment sales are forecasted higher on modest volume and pricing improvements while the Power Products Segment sales are forecasted higher primarily due to higher expected volumes of lawn and garden equipment. Demand for portable generators and the related engines due to landed hurricane activity have not been included in our fiscal 2011 sales forecast. Operating income margins for fiscal 2011 are projected to be in the range of 5.0% to 6.0%, and interest expense and other income are forecasted to be in the range of $23 million to $24 million and $4 million to $5 million, respectively. The effective tax rate for the full year is projected to be in a range of 32% to 35%.


Conference Call Information:

The company will host a conference call today at 10:00 AM (EST) to review this information. A live web cast of the conference call will be available on our corporate website: http://www.briggsandstratton.com/shareholders. Also available is a dial-in number to access the call real-time at (866) 814-8476. A replay will be offered beginning approximately two hours after the call ends and will be available for one week. Dial (888) 266-2081 to access the replay. The pass code will be 1505020.

Safe Harbor Statement:

This release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The words “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “plan”, “project”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on the company’s current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that include, among other things, the ability to successfully forecast demand for our products; changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates; the effects of weather on the purchasing patterns of consumers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); actions of engine manufacturers and OEMs with whom we compete; changes in laws and regulations; changes in customer and OEM demand; changes in prices of raw materials and parts that we purchase; changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions; the ability to bring new productive capacity on line efficiently and with good quality; outcomes of legal proceedings and claims; and other factors disclosed from time to time in our SEC filings or otherwise, including the factors discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its periodic reports on Form 10-Q.

About Briggs & Stratton Corporation:

Briggs & Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC is North America’s number one manufacturer of portable generators and pressure washers, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of lawn and garden and turf care through its Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris®, Murray® and Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Fiscal Periods Ended December

(In Thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

NET SALES

   $ 450,324      $ 393,049      $ 784,440      $ 717,656   

COST OF GOODS SOLD

     372,003        322,399        644,125        594,616   
                                

Gross Profit on Sales

     78,321        70,650        140,315        123,040   

ENGINEERING, SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

     74,559        60,339        145,015        121,132   
                                

Income (Loss) from Operations

     3,762        10,311        (4,700     1,908   

INTEREST EXPENSE

     (9,008     (7,179     (14,165     (13,655

OTHER INCOME, Net

     1,637        1,137        3,073        2,427   
                                

Income (Loss) before Income Taxes

     (3,609     4,269        (15,792     (9,320

PROVISION (CREDIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

     (2,357     1,244        (6,427     (3,658
                                

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (1,252   $ 3,025      $ (9,365   $ (5,662
                                

Average Shares Outstanding

     49,702        49,595        49,666        49,594   
                                

BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

   $ (0.03   $ 0.06      $ (0.19   $ (0.12
                                

Diluted Average Shares Outstanding

     49,702        50,040        49,666        49,594   
                                

DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

   $ (0.03   $ 0.06      $ (0.19   $ (0.12
                                

Segment Information

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2010     2009 1     2010     2009 1  

NET SALES:

        

Engines

   $ 297,827      $ 260,053      $ 503,441      $ 465,995   

Power Products

     186,361        164,885        353,949        330,733   

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     (33,864     (31,889     (72,950     (79,072
                                

Total *

   $ 450,324      $ 393,049      $ 784,440      $ 717,656   
                                

* International sales based on product shipment destination included in net sales

   $ 208,610      $ 163,507      $ 326,459      $ 260,293   

GROSS PROFIT ON SALES:

        

Engines

   $ 68,546      $ 57,078      $ 111,205      $ 92,525   

Power Products

     12,084        16,318        29,391        39,288   

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     (2,309     (2,746     (281     (8,773
                                

Total

   $ 78,321      $ 70,650      $ 140,315      $ 123,040   
                                

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

        

Engines

   $ 20,186      $ 16,944      $ 14,849      $ 12,079   

Power Products

     (14,115     (3,887     (19,268     (1,398

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     (2,309     (2,746     (281     (8,773
                                

Total

   $ 3,762      $ 10,311      $ (4,700   $ 1,908   
                                

 

1

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


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Briggs & Stratton prepares its financial statements using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). When a company discloses material information containing non-GAAP financial measures, SEC regulations require that the disclosure include a presentation of the most directly comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measure. Management’s inclusion of non-GAAP financial measures in this release is intended to supplement, not replace, the presentation of the financial results in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures in this release aid investors in understanding the magnitude of the improvement in earnings (loss) between years due to recurring operations. The following tables are reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures:

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Adjusted Net Income & Diluted Earnings Per Share for the Fiscal Periods Ended December

(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

     Second Quarter      Six Months  
     2010     2009      2010     2009  

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (1,252   $ 3,025       $ (9,365   $ (5,662

Tax effected charges to reported net income:

         

Organization Changes Charge1

     2,158        —           2,158        —     

Debt Redemption Costs2

     2,396        —           2,396        —     
                                 

Adjusted Net Income (Loss)

   $ 3,302      $ 3,025       $ (4,811   $ (5,662
                                 

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

   $ (0.03   $ 0.06       $ (0.19   $ (0.12

Tax effected charges to reported diluted earnings per share:

         

Organization Changes Charge1

     0.04        —           0.04        —     

Debt Redemption Costs2

     0.05        —           0.05        —     
                                 

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.06      $ 0.06       $ (0.10   $ (0.12
                                 

 

1

Represents a $3,538 charge tax affected at a blended marginal tax rate of 39%.

2

Represents costs of $3,928 tax affected at a blended marginal tax rate of 39%.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Adjusted Segment Information for the Fiscal Periods Ended December

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Second Quarter     Six Months  
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

        

Engines

        

Income from Operations

   $ 20,186      $ 16,944      $ 14,849      $ 12,079   

Organization Changes Charge

     559        —          559        —     
                                

Adjusted Engine Income from Operations

   $ 20,745      $ 16,944      $ 15,408      $ 12,079   

Power Products

        

Loss from Operations

     (14,115     (3,887     (19,268     (1,398

Organization Changes Charge

     2,978        —          2,978        —     
                                

Adjusted Power Products Loss from Operations

   $ (11,137   $ (3,887   $ (16,290   $ (1,398

Inter-Segment Eliminations

     (2,309     (2,746     (281     (8,773
                                

Adjusted Income (Loss) from Operations

   $ 7,299      $ 10,311      $ (1,163   $ 1,908   
                                


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the End of Fiscal December

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    2010     2009  

CURRENT ASSETS:

   

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $ 31,481      $ 22,909   

Accounts Receivable, Net

    246,051        218,915   

Inventories

    556,473        596,064   

Deferred Income Tax Asset

    52,299        57,285   

Assets Held For Sale

    4,000        4,000   

Other

    33,383        27,223   
               

Total Current Assets

    923,687        926,396   
               

OTHER ASSETS:

   

Goodwill

    254,186        254,844   

Investments

    16,724        16,673   

Deferred Loan Costs, Net

    5,386        1,306   

Other Intangible Assets, Net

    89,964        91,343   

Deferred Income Tax Asset

    64,819        23,964   

Other Long-Term Assets, Net

    9,385        10,645   
               

Total Other Assets

    440,464        398,775   
               

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

   

At Cost

    995,949        977,162   

Less - Accumulated Depreciation

    665,705        632,399   
               

Plant and Equipment, Net

    330,244        344,763   
               
  $ 1,694,395      $ 1,669,934   
               

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

   

Accounts Payable

  $ 157,408      $ 135,580   

Short-Term Debt

    3,000        3,000   

Accrued Liabilities

    161,745        163,881   
               

Total Current Liabilities

    322,153        302,461   
               

OTHER LIABILITIES:

   

Deferred Income Tax Liability

    —          3,280   

Accrued Pension Cost

    270,092        133,137   

Accrued Employee Benefits

    23,117        19,512   

Accrued Postretirement Health Care Obligation

    126,586        150,238   

Other Long-Term Liabilities

    25,250        28,686   

Long-Term Debt

    280,000        334,339   
               

Total Other Liabilities

    725,045        669,192   
               

SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

   

Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital

    80,169        80,034   

Retained Earnings

    1,070,360        1,059,632   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

    (308,097     (237,355

Treasury Stock, at Cost

    (195,235     (204,030
               

Total Shareholders’ Investment

    647,197        698,281   
               
  $ 1,694,395      $ 1,669,934   
               


BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended Fiscal December  
     2010     2009  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net Loss

   $ (9,365   $ (5,662

Depreciation and Amortization

     31,080        32,265   

Stock Compensation Expense

     8,003        5,359   

Loss on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     690        1,013   

Benefit for Deferred Income Taxes

     (3,909     (6,216

Decrease in Accounts Receivable

     42,214        44,779   

Increase in Inventories

     (154,005     (118,127

Decrease in Other Current Assets

     11,897        10,271   

(Decrease) Increase in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

     (54,860     10,296   

Other, Net

     (395     743   
                

Net Cash Used by Operating Activities

     (128,650     (25,279
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Additions to Plant and Equipment

     (21,341     (15,592

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Plant and Equipment

     52        172   

Other, Net

     —          (144
                

Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

     (21,289     (15,564
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net Borrowings on Revolver

     55,000        69,415   

Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Financing

     225,000        —     

Deferred Loan Costs

     (4,994     —     

Repayments on Long-Term Debt

     (203,698     (16,483

Dividends

     (5,537     (5,500
                

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

     65,771        47,432   
                

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES

     (905     328   
                

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (85,073     6,917   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning

     116,554        15,992   
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Ending

   $ 31,481      $ 22,909