Briggs & Stratton reports improved first quarter sales

On Oct. 17, Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced its financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended Sept. 29, 2013. Highlights include:

First quarter fiscal 2014 consolidated net sales were $317.3 million, an increase of $8.3 million or 3 percent 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 the 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. 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.”

For more specifics, visit www.briggsandstratton.com.