Briggs & Stratton Reports Improved lst Quarter Sales

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE:BGG) today announced financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2013.

– First quarter fiscal 2014 consolidated net sales were $317.3 million, an increase of $8.3 million or 3% from the prior year.

– Higher North American consumer engine shipments and sales of equipment to dealers increased as consumer demand rebounds from last year’s drought.

– Lack of storms in quarter caused lower portable generator sales compared to last year when Hurricane Isaac hit in August.

– Planned engine and products production cuts lowers inventories and reduces margins in the quarter.

– First quarter 2014 adjusted net loss was $16.5 million, $3.3 million higher than the adjusted net loss of $13.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Our first quarter results were slightly better than we anticipated as we experienced increased consumer demand for lawn and garden equipment leading to higher shipments of engines that power these products and higher shipments of lawn and garden products to our dealers,” commented Todd J. Teske, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

“We have also seen continued strength in standby generator sales; however, portable generator sales decreased with Hurricane Isaac landing last year and no significant storm activity this year,” continued Teske.  

“Higher retail sales of lawn and garden equipment have helped to reduce channel inventories. We also lowered our inventory by reducing production in the quarter compared to last year. While this reduced productivity and margins in the near term, our inventory levels are better aligned for manufacturing to retail demand in the upcoming lawn and garden season.”

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 were $317.3 million, an increase of $8.3 million or approximately 3% from the first quarter of fiscal 2013 with sales increases in engines and lawn and garden products, partially offset by lower sales of portable generators. The fiscal 2014 first quarter consolidated net loss, which includes restructuring charges, was $19.3 million, or $0.41 per diluted share. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 consolidated net loss including restructuring charges was $16.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share.

Included in the consolidated net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 were pre-tax charges of $3.6 million related to restructuring actions. Included in consolidated net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were pre-tax charges of $5.1 million also related to restructuring actions. After removing the impact of these items, the adjusted consolidated net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $16.5 million or $0.35 per diluted share, which was $3.3 million higher compared to the first quarter fiscal 2013 adjusted consolidated net loss of $13.2 million or $0.28 per diluted share.

To read the complete new release from B&S, click here.