| — | Focusing on cost reduction initiatives through global sourcing and realignment of the Company’s manufacturing footprint; |
| — | Acquiring and investing in businesses that will expand and enhance the Company’s product offerings particularly in boats, marine electronics and customer services; |
| — | Strengthening the Company’s relationships with its dealers by providing additional products and services that will make them more successful, improve the customer experience and, in turn, make Brunswick more successful; and |
| — | Attracting and retaining talented individuals who are responsible for executing and delivering on the Company’s commitment to enhance value for its shareholders. |
While these activities are ongoing, the Company began to see results from its efforts reflected in its financial performance. Sales in 2004 increased 26.7 percent to $5,229.3 million, primarily due to growth across all market segments, and additional sales associated with acquisitions. Operating earnings for 2004 increased 81.0 percent to $400.7 million, primarily due to the same factors that drove the sales gain, as well as effective cost management efforts and global sourcing initiatives. These factors helped offset higher compensation costs, expenses associated with the acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003, and increased research and development expenses. See theResults of Operations section below for further discussion.
Accomplishments in support of the Company’s strategic objectives in 2004 include:
| — | The introduction of six-cylinder Verado, a family of supercharged four-stroke outboard engines; |
| — | New models of boats across most boat divisions; |
| — | Substantial roll-out of new fitness product offerings; |
| — | Continued expansion of Brunswick Zones and new concept, larger, showcase Brunswick Zones; and |
| — | New scoring systems, center management systems and bowling balls, most notably the Vector scoring system and Inferno bowling balls. |
| • | Manufacturing realignment: |
| — | Expansion of the manufacturing facility in Reynosa, Mexico, which will double capacity and allow the Company the ability to increase production of the Bayliner 175, 185 and 190 runabout models; |
| — | Construction of a new engine plant in China for the production of four-stroke outboard engines in the 40- to 60-horsepower range; |
| — | Expansion of a manufacturing facility in Japan, where the Company has a joint venture with Tohatsu Corporation to produce smaller horsepower, four-stoke outboard engines; |
| — | Expanded operations in Hungary to manufacture strength equipment and cardiovascular equipment, including cross-trainers for the European market; |
| — | Closing of the Company’s Paso Robles, California facility, and transfer of production of fitness products to an existing facility in Ramsey, Minnesota; and |
| — | Acquisition of the Company’s joint venture partner’s share of a bowling pin operation in Antigo, Wisconsin, allowing the Company to enhance and expand its bowling pin business. |
| — | Purchase of Crestliner, Lund, and Lowe aluminum boat companies, which provide the Company with the opportunity to offer products in all major aluminum boat segments; |
| — | Acquisition of the remaining 30 percent of the stock of Navman NZ Limited, which increases the existing contributions of offerings of marine electronics and global positioning systems-based products; and |
| — | Acquisition of the Sea Pro, Sea Boss and Palmetto saltwater fishing boat brands, which provide the Company with the opportunity to offer a distinctive array of offshore saltwater fishing boats. |
| — | The purchase of Marine Innovations, a provider of extended warranties for boaters; and |
| — | Continued promotion of Brunswick Acceptance Company, a joint venture that provides wholesale financing to our marine dealers. |
Matters Affecting Comparability
Acquisitions. The Company’s operating results for 2004 include the operating results for acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003. Approximately 40 percent of the sales increase in 2004, when compared with 2003, can be attributed to the following acquisitions:
Date | | Name/Description |
| Segment |
| | | | |
6/10/03 | | Valley-Dynamo, LP (Valley-Dynamo) | | Bowling & Billiards |
6/23/03 | | Land ‘N’ Sea Corporation (Land ‘N’ Sea) | | Boat |
6/23/03 | | Navman NZ Limited (Navman) – 70 percent | | Marine Engine |
9/02/03 | | Attwood Corporation (Attwood) | | Boat |
9/15/03 | | Protokon, LLC (Protokon) – 80 percent | | Fitness |
4/01/04 | | Lowe, Lund, Crestliner | | Boat |
Valley-Dynamo, a manufacturer of commercial and consumer billiards, Air Hockey and foosball tables, added new products and distribution channels to the Company’s billiards operations; Land ‘N’ Sea, a distributor of marine parts and accessories, and Attwood, a manufacturer of marine hardware and accessories, provided the Company with the distribution network, manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure to develop and expand a boat parts and accessories business; Navman, a manufacturer of marine electronics and global positioning system-based products, complemented the Company’s expansion into marine-based electronics and integration; Protokon, a Hungarian steel fabricator and electronic equipment manufacturer, allowed the Company to reduce costs and increase manufacturing capacity of fitness equipment, while better serving its fitness customers in Europe; and the Lowe, Lund, Crestliner boat brands, provided the Company with the opportunity to offer products in all major aluminum boat segments and to leverage engine synergies with the Company’s Mercury division. Refer toNote 5, Acquisitions, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for a detailed description of these acquisitions.
The Company’s operating results for 2003 include the operating results for its acquisitions completed in 2003. Approximately 33 percent of the increase in 2003 sales, when compared with 2002, can be attributed to the acquisitions of Valley-Dynamo, Land ‘N’ Sea, Navman, Attwood and Protokon.
The Company’s operating results for 2002 include the operating results of: Teignbridge Propellers, Ltd. (Teignbridge), a manufacturer of custom and standard propellers and underwater stern gear for inboard-powered vessels; Monolith Corporation/Integrated Dealer Systems, Inc. (IDS), a developer of dealer management systems for dealers of marine products and recreational vehicles; and Northstar Technologies, Inc. (Northstar), a supplier of premium marine navigation electronics, from the acquisition dates of February 10, 2002, October 1, 2002, and December 16, 2002, respectively. The acquisition of IDS and Northstar complemented the Company’s expansion into systems integration and marine-based electronics.
Litigation charge and change in accounting principle. Comparisons of net earnings per diluted share between 2004, 2003 and 2002, are affected by a litigation charge and change in accounting principle, which are listed and described below. The effect of these items on diluted earnings per share is as follows:
| | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 |
| Net earnings per diluted share — as reported | $ | 2.77 | | $ | 1.47 | | $ | 0.86 |
| Litigation charge | | - | | | 0.18 | | | - |
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | - | | | - | | | 0.28 |
| Net earnings per diluted share — as adjusted | $ | 2.77 | | $ | 1.65 | | $ | 1.14 |
• Litigation Charge: In 2003, the Company’s Life Fitness division settled a cross trainer patent infringement lawsuit with Precor Incorporated for $25.0 million and future royalty payments. The Company recorded a $25.0 million pre-tax litigation charge ($0.18 per diluted share) in operating earnings in 2003. The Company paid $12.5 million in September of 2003 and $12.5 million in June of 2004 related to the charge. Management believes that presentation of operating earnings in 2003 excluding this litigation charge provides a more meaningful comparison to current-period and prior-period results, because there was no comparable litigation charge in 2004 and 2002 operating earnings, respectively.
• Change in Accounting Principle: Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and certain other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment. SFAS No. 142 did not require retroactive restatement for all periods presented. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company completed its impairment testing and recorded the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle as a one-time, non-cash charge of $29.8 million pre-tax ($25.1 million after-tax or $0.28 per diluted share) to reduce its carrying amount of goodwill. Refer toNote 1, Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
Results of Operations
Consolidated
The following table sets forth certain ratios and relationships calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
| | | | | | | | | 2004 vs. 2003 | | 2003 vs. 2002 | |
| | | | | | | | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Increase/(Decrease) | |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | $ | | % | | $ | | % | |
(In millions, except per share data) | | $ | 5,229.3 | | $ | 4,128.7 | | $ | 3,711.9 | | $ | 1,100.6 | | | 26.7 | % | $ | 416.8 | | | 11.2 | % |
| Net sales | | $ | 1,314.2 | | $ | 997.1 | | $ | 859.9 | | $ | 317.1 | | | 31.8 | % | $ | 137.2 | | | 16.0 | % |
Gross margin(A) | | $ | 400.7 | | $ | 221.4 | | $ | 196.6 | | $ | 179.3 | | | 81.0 | % | $ | 24.8 | | | 12.6 | % |
Operating earnings(B) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | $ | 269.8 | | $ | 135.2 | | $ | 103.5 | | $ | 134.6 | | | 99.6 | % | $ | 31.7 | | | 30.6 | % |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax(C) | | | - | | | - | | | (25.1 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 25.1 | | | NM | |
| Net earnings | | $ | 269.8 | | $ | 135.2 | | $ | 78.4 | | $ | 134.6 | | | 99.6 | % | $ | 56.8 | | | 72.4 | % |
Diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | | $ | 2.77 | | $ | 1.47 | | $ | 1.14 | | $ | 1.30 | | | 88.4 | % | $ | 0.33 | | | 28.9 | % |
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(C) | | | - | | | - | | | (0.28 | ) | | - | | | - | | | 0.28 | | | NM | |
| Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 2.77 | | $ | 1.47 | | $ | 0.86 | | $ | 1.30 | | | 88.4 | % | $ | 0.61 | | | 70.9 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expressed as a percentage of net sales | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross margin(A) | | | 25.1 | % | | 24.2 | % | | 23.2 | % | | | | | 90 bpts | | | | | | 100 bpts | |
Selling, general and administrative expense | | | 14.9 | % | | 15.3 | % | | 15.1 | % | | | | | (40) bpts | | | | | | 20 bpts | |
| Research & development | | | 2.5 | % | | 2.9 | % | | 2.8 | % | | | | | (40) bpts | | | | | | 10 bpts | |
Litigation charge(B) | | | - | | | 0.6 | % | | - | | | | | | (60) bpts | | | | | | 60 bpts | |
Operating margin(C) | | | 7.7 | % | | 5.4 | % | | 5.3 | % | | | | | 230 bpts | | | | | | 10 bpts | |
__________
bpts = basis points
NM = Not Meaningful
(A) Gross Margin is defined as Net sales less Cost of sales as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(B) Operating earnings and Operating margins in 2003 include a $25.0 million pre-tax litigation charge discussed inMatters Affecting Comparability above.
(C) Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and certain other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment. SFAS No. 142 did not require retroactive restatement for all periods presented. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company completed its impairment testing and recorded the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle as a one-time, non-cash charge of $29.8 million pre-tax ($25.1 million after-tax or $0.28 per diluted share) to reduce its carrying amount of goodwill. Refer toNote 1, Significant Accounting Policies,in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
2004 vs. 2003
Sales increased 26.7 percent as we reported sales gains across all reportable segments. Approximately 60 percent of the increase in sales was from organic growth, defined as sales from the Company’s businesses that have operating results in comparable periods presented. Both the Marine Engine and Boat segment benefited from an improved marine market. Organic sales growth for the Marine Engine segment was largely due to higher wholesale shipments of outboard and sterndrive engines in domestic markets, as well as higher sales of GPS-based products at Navman and higher wholesale shipments of outboard engines in international markets. Organic sales growth for the Boat segment was due to higher shipments across most boat brands in both domestic and international markets due to the success of new products, increased customer demand, and favorable pricing. Organic sales growth for the Fitness segment was the result of higher domestic and international commercial sales related to the success of new models. Organic sales growth for the Bowling & Billiards segment was due to higher sales volume of bowling capital equipment and consumer products, as well as higher bowling center revenues and increased sales of billiard tables and equipment.
International sales increased $447.0 million to $1,689.2 million in 2004 compared with $1,242.2 million in 2003. Sales increased across all international locations with the largest impact coming from the Europe, Pacific Rim and Canada, which increased by $245.1 million, $92.4 million and $73.3 million, respectively. This increase is due to an increase in boat and outboard engine sales, the benefit of a weaker U.S. dollar, and additional revenues associated with acquisitions.
Gross margin percentage increased in 2004 compared with 2003 primarily due the favorable impact associated with 2004 and 2003 acquisitions; favorable pricing in the Boat segment; increased sales of higher horsepower, higher margin engines; operational efficiencies due to higher production levels; the benefit of a weaker dollar; and successful cost reduction initiatives. These factors were partially offset by higher compensation costs, a mix shift in outboard engines to lower-margin, low-emission engines, and a mix shift to lower margin strength equipment and higher materials costs in the Fitness segment. In addition, lower pension costs were mostly offset by higher healthcare and insurance costs.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A), as a percentage of net sales, decreased 40 basis points in 2004 primarily due to the increase in sales volume. SG&A expenses increased by $149.9 million to $782.4 million in 2004 from $632.5 million in 2003. This increase is attributable to the acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003, which accounted for approximately 36 percent of the increase, higher compensation costs, and promotional expenses for new product launches.
Operating earnings increased to $400.7 million in 2004 from $246.4 million in 2003, excluding the previously mentioned 2003 litigation charge.Management believes that presentation of operating earnings in 2003 excluding this litigation charge provides a more meaningful comparison to current-period results, because there was no comparable litigation charge in 2004 operating earnings. The increase in operating earnings was primarily due to the increase in sales volumes in all reportable segments and the factors affecting gross margin percentage as described above. These factors were partially offset by the increase in SG&A expenses as discussed above, higher research and development expenses across most segments driven by acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003, and competitive pricing pressures in the Asia-Pacific region in the Marine Engine segment.
Operating earnings were also unfavorably affected by approximately $25 million in 2004 compared with 2003, primarily attributable to the marketing and production startup of the new Verado family of four-stroke outboard engines, start-up and other expenses associated with the construction of an outboard engine assembly plant in China, and expenses to develop a new boat design process to better integrate engine and marine electronics into original boat designs.
Interest expense increased by $4.2 million to $45.2 million in 2004 compared with $41.0 million in 2003 primarily due to the issuance of new debt described inNote 12, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income increased to $23.0 million in 2004 compared with $20.7 million in 2003, primarily due to improved results from joint venture investments, most notably the Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Marine LLC joint venture.
The Company’s effective tax rate was reduced to 28.7 percent in 2004 from 32.75 percent in 2003. The lower effective tax rate for the year was primarily due to a reduction in tax reserves of approximately $10 million arising from the completion of audit examinations of years 1998 to 2001, and higher foreign and state earnings in lower effective-tax-rate jurisdictions. Excluding the $10 million reduction in tax reserves, the Company’s effective tax rate for 2004 was 31.4 percent. Management believes that the presentation of the effective tax rate in 2004 excluding this tax reserve reduction provides a more meaningful comparison to 2003, because there was no comparable tax reserve reduction in 2003.
Average common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share increased to 97.3 million in 2004 from 91.9 million in 2003. The increase in average diluted outstanding shares was due to the exercise of stock options and an increase in common stock equivalents due to an increase in the Company’s average stock price during the period.
2003 vs. 2002
Sales increased 11.2 percent as we reported sales gains across all reportable segments. Approximately 61 percent of the increase in sales was from organic growth, defined as sales from the Company’s businesses that have 12 months of reported operating results in both periods presented. Organic sales growth in the Marine Engine segment was due to higher revenues from international markets due in part to the weaker U.S. dollar and higher sterndrive engine sales in the domestic and international markets. Organic Boat segment sales increased due to higher wholesale shipments of smaller boats to dealers. Fitness segment sales increased primarily due to higher sales of domestic commercial fitness equipment and higher revenues from international markets due primarily to the weaker U.S. dollar. Organic sales in the Bowling & Billiards segment increased due to higher bowling center revenues. Sales from acquired businesses accounted for approximately 39 percent of the increase in total sales. Acquisitions were made in all of the Company’s reportable segments during 2003, the most significant of which were Navman in the Marine Engine segment, Land ‘N’ Sea and Attwood in the Boat segment, Protokon in the Fitness segment and Valley-Dynamo in the Bowling & Billiards segment.
International sales increased $237.5 million to $1,242.2 million in 2003 compared with $1,004.7 million in 2002. Sales increased across all reportable segments. Sales increased for 2003 in Europe, the Pacific Rim and Canada by 26.9 percent, 26.3 percent and 20.1 percent, respectively. This increase is due to the benefit of a weaker U.S. dollar, an increase in boat sales and additional revenues associated with acquisitions.
In 2003, gross margin percentages were affected by the favorable impact of a weaker U.S. dollar, the higher gross margins associated with newly acquired businesses, the Company’s overall cost reduction efforts and improved operating and production efficiencies at the Boat segment’s US Marine and Sea Ray divisions. Also, gross margins in 2003 benefited from the Company standardizing its vacation policy across its divisions. Refer toNote 2, Standardization of Vacation Policy, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion. These factors were partially offset by an increase in pension, health care and insurance costs; higher sales of low-horsepower and low-emission outboard engines, which carry lower margins; severance and outplacement costs recorded in the Marine Engine segment; and unfavorable manufacturing variances in the Fitness segment associated with the closing of the Paso Robles, California, facility and inefficiencies related to the transfer of production to and new product introductions at Ramsey, Minnesota.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, as a percentage of net sales, increased by 20 basis points in 2003 compared with 2002. This increase is almost entirely attributable to the acquisitions completed in 2003 and 2002, which accounted for approximately 47 percent of the increase in SG&A, and higher pension, health care and insurance costs. These factors were offset by cost reduction activities across all reportable segments, and the standardization of the Company’s vacation policy mentioned above.
Operating earnings and operating margins were negatively affected by the previously mentioned litigation charge in 2003. Management believes that presentation of operating earnings excluding this charge provides a more meaningful comparison to 2002 because there was no comparable litigation charge that impacted 2002 operating earnings. Excluding this charge, operating earnings totaled $246.4 million compared with $196.6 million in 2002 and operating margins were 6.0 percent in 2003 compared with 5.3 percent in 2002. The increase in 2003 operating earnings was primarily due to the factors increasing sales described above, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses and an increase in research and development spending, which was largely attributable to acquisitions for Brunswick New Technologies.
Interest expense was $41.0 million in 2003 and $43.3 million in 2002. The decrease in 2003 was primarily attributable to a decline in the average outstanding debt level, and benefits from fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps. SeeNote 12, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for details on interest rate swaps.
Other income totaled $20.7 million in 2003 compared with $8.3 million in 2002. The increase in other income in 2003 was due to improved results from joint venture investments, most notably the Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Marine LLC joint venture, and higher interest income from notes receivable, including notes related to the divestiture of the Company’s former outdoor recreation businesses. SeeNote 6, Investments, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for details on the Company’s joint ventures.
The Company’s effective tax rate was reduced to 32.75 percent in 2003 from 36.0 percent in 2002 due in part to the prepayment related to the United States Tax Court matter discussed inNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result of the prepayment, the Company was no longer required to accrue interest costs associated with the United States Tax Court matter. These net after-tax interest costs were previously included in the income tax provision. Additionally, the Company generated higher foreign and state earnings in lower effective-tax-rate jurisdictions.
Average common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share were 91.9 million and 90.7 million, in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in average shares outstanding in 2003 was primarily due to the effect of stock options exercised.
Segments
The Company operates in four reportable segments: Marine Engine, Boat, Fitness and Bowling & Billiards. Refer toNote 4, Segment Information, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for details on the operations of these segments.
Marine Engine Segment
The following table sets forth Marine Engine segment results for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
| | | | | | | | | 2004 vs. 2003 | | 2003 vs. 2002 | |
| | | | | | | | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Increase/(Decrease) | |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | $ | | % | | $ | | % | |
(In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales | | $ | 2,353.2 | | $ | 1,908.9 | | $ | 1,705.2 | | $ | 444.3 | | | 23.3 | % | $ | 203.7 | | | 11.9 | % |
| Operating earnings | | $ | 243.2 | | $ | 171.1 | | $ | 170.9 | | $ | 72.1 | | | 42.1 | % | $ | 0.2 | | | 0.1 | % |
| Operating margin | | | 10.3 | % | | 9.0 | % | | 10.0 | % | | | | | 130 bpts | | | | | | (100) bpts | |
| Capital expenditures | | $ | 76.4 | | $ | 68.1 | | $ | 44.8 | | $ | 8.3 | | | 12.2 | % | $ | 23.3 | | | 52.0 | % |
__________
bpts=basis points
2004 vs. 2003
Marine Engine segment sales, which include the Company’s Mercury Marine and Brunswick New Technologies (BNT) operations, benefited from: an increase in wholesale shipments of outboard and sterndrive engines in domestic markets due to an improved marine market; a full year impact of the Navman acquisition and an increase in sales of parts and service businesses, which includes non-traditional marine products, such as castings and rigging systems. International sales also increased due to higher wholesale shipments of outboard engines and the benefit of a weaker U.S. dollar.
Operating earnings increased primarily due to the increase in sales volume; the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar; additional revenues associated with sales of higher margin, higher horsepower engines; increased absorption of fixed costs due to higher production levels, and successful cost reduction initiatives. These benefits were partially offset by: higher compensation costs; a mix shift in outboard engines to lower margin, low-emission engines; marketing and start-up expenses and higher research and development expenses associated with the new Verado family of four-stroke outboard engines; start-up and other costs associated with the construction of a new outboard engine manufacturing facility in China; higher research and development expenses associated with BNT; and competitive pricing pressures in the Asia-Pacific region.
The increase in capital expenditures was primarily due to investments in the new China plant for the production of four-stroke outboard engines in the 40- to 60-horsepower range and a new Verado manufacturing line at a facility in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
2003 vs. 2002
Marine Engine segment sales increased primarily due to sales growth resulting from favorable currency trends related to a weaker U.S. dollar, an increase in shipments of sterndrive engines in the domestic and international markets and higher parts and accessories sales. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in wholesale shipments of outboard engines in the domestic market due to increased foreign competition. Additionally, sales from acquisitions completed for BNT in 2003 and 2002 accounted for approximately 39 percent of the increase in sales.
Operating earnings for the segment in 2003 were comparable with 2002. In 2003, operating earnings and margins were unfavorably impacted by higher pension, health care and insurance costs; lower production of outboard engines, which resulted in lower absorption of fixed costs; higher sales of low-emission and low-horsepower four-stroke outboard engines, which carry lower profit margins; and severance related costs associated with salaried workforce reductions. Also contributing to the decline in 2003 operating margins were higher SG&A and research and development expenses associated with BNT. Operating earnings benefited from cost reduction activities, a weaker U.S. dollar, lower compensation costs and a change in vacation policy discussed inNote 2, Standardization of Vacation Policy, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The increase in capital expenditures in 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to expenditures associated with equipment for production of Verado, a new series of high-horsepower outboard engines introduced in 2004.
Boat Segment
The following table sets forth Boat segment results for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
| | | | | | | | | 2004 vs. 2003 | | 2003 vs. 2002 | |
| | | | | | | | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Increase/(Decrease) | |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | $ | | % | | $ | | % | |
(In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales | | $ | 2,271.1 | | $ | 1,616.9 | | $ | 1,405.3 | | $ | 654.2 | | | 40.5 | % | $ | 211.6 | | | 15.1 | % |
| Operating earnings | | $ | 149.3 | | $ | 63.9 | | $ | 19.0 | | $ | 85.4 | | | NM | | $ | 44.9 | | | NM | |
| Operating margin | | | 6.6 | % | | 4.0 | % | | 1.4 | % | | - | | | 260 bpts | | | - | | | 260 bpts | |
| Capital expenditures | | $ | 56.3 | | $ | 38.5 | | $ | 41.0 | | $ | 17.8 | | | 46.2 | % | $ | (2.5 | ) | | (6.1 | )% |
__________
bpts=basis points
NM=not meaningful
2004 vs. 2003
Sales from the Lund, Lowe, Crestliner, Attwood and Land ‘N’ Sea acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003, accounted for approximately 54 percent of the increase in segment sales. Organic sales growth resulted from higher wholesale shipments to boat dealers domestically and internationally, most notably for Sea Ray, Bayliner and Boston Whaler, driven by an improved marine market, the successful introduction of new models, and favorable pricing.
The increase in operating earnings was primarily due to the increase in sales, the impact of acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003, favorable pricing, cost reduction initiatives and operational efficiencies. Also, operating earnings benefited from profitability at the segment’s US Marine division compared with operating losses in the prior year. The turnaround in operating earnings for US Marine was driven by higher domestic and international sales volume across most of its boat brands due to the success of new models, higher customer demand, and operational efficiencies due to the higher production levels. Boat segment operating earnings were unfavorably impacted by expenses associated with the acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003, an increase in compensation costs and higher research and development expenses, which were primarily associated with acquisitions completed in 2004.
The increase in capital expenditures was primarily for tooling for the production of new models, expansion of a Bayliner boat manufacturing plant in Reynosa, Mexico, and capital expenditures associated with the acquisitions completed in 2004 and 2003.
2003 vs. 2002
The increase in sales was primarily due to higher wholesale shipments of smaller boats to dealers, most notably for Bayliner runabouts and Sea Ray boats, as well as favorable pricing. The higher wholesale shipments reflect a more normal purchasing pattern by dealers, whereas in 2002, dealers curtailed purchases in an effort to reduce field inventories. Additionally, revenues from the Land ‘N’ Sea and Attwood acquisitions accounted for approximately 30 percent of the increase in sales.
The increase in operating earnings in 2003 was due to higher sales volumes, cost reduction efforts and improved pricing partially offset by a sales mix shift toward smaller boats, which carry lower margins. Also benefiting the operating earnings comparison was reduced losses at the segment’s US Marine division, discussed below.
The overall performance of the Boat segment was adversely affected in 2003, 2002 and 2001 by operations at the Company’s US Marine division, which manufactures Bayliner, Maxum and Meridian pleasure boats and Trophy offshore fishing boats. Operating losses for the division were $14.0 million, $29.0 million and $37.3 million for the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, compared with operating earnings of $38.0 million in 2000. In 2002 and 2001, losses at US Marine were primarily due to sales reductions, operating inefficiencies associated with shifting boat production from five facilities closed throughout 2001 to remaining manufacturing plants, the launch of the Meridian yacht brand, and the start up of a new plant in Mexico to manufacture small boats. The decrease in the operating loss from 2001 to 2002 was partially due to reduced discounting and higher sales. The improvement from 2002 to 2003 is attributable to increased sales volumes, cost reduction efforts and reduced discounting, partially offset by the reinstatement of variable compensation.
Capital expenditures in 2003 and 2002 were primarily related to investments in new and existing boat models, as well as projects to improve production efficiencies and product quality.
Fitness Segment
The following table sets forth Fitness segment results for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
| | | | | | | | | 2004 vs. 2003 | | 2003 vs. 2002 | |
| | | | | | | | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Increase/(Decrease) | |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | $ | | % | | $ | | % | |
(In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales | | $ | 558.3 | | $ | 486.6 | | $ | 456.7 | | $ | 71.7 | | | 14.7 | % | $ | 29.9 | | | 6.5 | % |
Operating earnings(A) | | $ | 45.2 | | $ | 29.8 | | $ | 44.9 | | $ | 15.4 | | | 51.7 | % | $ | (15.1 | ) | | (33.6 | )% |
| Operating margin | | | 8.1 | % | | 6.1 | % | | 9.8 | % | | | | | 200 bpts | | | | | | (370) bpts | |
| Capital expenditures | | $ | 8.3 | | $ | 14.9 | | $ | 9.4 | | $ | (6.6 | ) | | (44.3 | )% | $ | 5.5 | | | 58.5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
________
bpts=basis points
(A) Operating Earnings for the year ended 2003 included a $25.0 million pre-tax litigation charge discussed inNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies,in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements andMatters Affecting Comparabilityabove. Operating margin excluding the $25.0 million pre-tax litigation charge was 11.3 percent.
2004 vs. 2003
Sales increased primarily due to greater demand for strength and cardiovascular equipment in both domestic and international markets partly due to the introduction of new models in late 2003. International sales also benefited from the weaker U.S. dollar. The increase in sales was partially offset by decreased retail sales at the Company’s Omni Fitness stores, which were sold during 2004.
Operating earnings in 2003 include a $25.0 million litigation charge recorded in the first quarter of 2003. Management believes that presentation of operating earnings in 2003, excluding this litigation charge, provides a more meaningful comparison to the current-year results because there was no comparable litigation charge that affected 2004. Excluding this charge, operating earnings decreased $9.6 million to $45.2 million in 2004 from $54.8 million in 2003, and operating margins decreased 320 basis points to 8.1 percent in 2004 when compared with 2003. The decrease in operating earnings was driven by a mix shift toward lower-margin strength equipment; higher steel costs and other raw material costs; higher freight and distribution costs; competitive pricing pressures in the European commercial markets; and increased bad debt expense due to the bankruptcy filing of a consumer fitness retail chain. These factors were partially offset by the increase in sales volume and successful cost containment efforts.
Capital expenditures in 2004 were primarily for the expansion of a plant in Hungary for the production of strength and cardiovascular equipment, including cross-trainers, operational improvements and product expansion programs.
2003 vs. 2002
The increase in Fitness segment sales was primarily due to increased domestic commercial sales to health club chains and the military, and higher international sales as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar. Domestic commercial product sales benefited from share gains attributable in part to the success of new product and new model introductions, such as cardiovascular equipment and strength training systems. The increase in sales was partially offset by decreased retail sales at the Company’s Omni Fitness stores as a result of various store divestitures, primarily on the West coast and in Ohio.
The decline in operating earnings and operating margins was primarily attributed to the previously mentioned litigation charge. Management believes that presentation of operating earnings excluding this litigation charge provides a more meaningful comparison to prior period results because there was no comparable litigation charge that impacted 2002 operating earnings. Excluding this charge from the year-to-date comparison, operating earnings for the segment increased $9.9 million, or 22.0 percent, to $54.8 million, and operating margins increased 150 basis points to 11.3 percent when compared with 2002. Excluding the litigation charge, operating earnings increased primarily due to higher sales, lower warranty costs, lower compensation costs and cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by expenses and unfavorable manufacturing variances associated with the closing of the segment’s Paso Robles, California, facility; inefficiencies related to the transfer of production to and new product introductions at an existing facility in Ramsey, Minnesota. Also offsetting the increase in operating earnings were royalty payments associated with the litigation settlement discussed inNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and increased distribution and logistics costs related to domestic sales.
The increase in capital expenditures in 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to expenditures for the introduction and production of new products, including cardiovascular equipment and strength training systems.
Bowling & Billiards Segment
The following table sets forth Bowling & Billiards segment results for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
| | | | | | | | | 2004 vs. 2003 | | 2003 vs. 2002 | |
| | | | | | | | | Increase/(Decrease) | | Increase/(Decrease) | |
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | $ | | % | | $ | | % | |
(In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net sales | | $ | 442.4 | | $ | 392.4 | | $ | 377.7 | | $ | 50.0 | | | 12.7 | % | $ | 14.7 | | | 3.9 | % |
| Operating earnings | | $ | 41.7 | | $ | 25.6 | | $ | 21.4 | | $ | 16.1 | | | 62.9 | % | $ | 4.2 | | | 19.6 | % |
| Operating margin | | | 9.4 | % | | 6.5 | % | | 5.7 | % | | | | | 290 bpts | | | | | | 80 bpts | |
| Capital expenditures | | $ | 27.7 | | $ | 34.8 | | $ | 15.7 | | $ | (7.1 | ) | | (20.4 | )% | $ | 19.1 | | | 121.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
__________
bpts=basis points
2004 vs. 2003
Sales from the Valley-Dynamo acquisition completed in 2003 accounted for approximately 29 percent of the increase in sales. Organic sales increased primarily due to increased sales volume of bowling equipment in both the domestic and international markets, driven by increased demand for new products, most notably the Vector scoring system, center management systems and Inferno bowling balls, and an increase in consumer products partially offset by a decrease in after-market products. In addition, the increase in sales was due to higher bowling center revenues, partially as a result of the opening of two new centers, and higher sales of billiard tables and equipment.
Operating earnings benefited primarily from the higher sales volume, cost reduction programs and the recognition of a gain associated with the divestiture of three bowling centers. This benefit was partially offset by increased expenses to support and promote new products, higher compensation costs and bad debt expense associated with the bankruptcy of a customer.
Capital expenditures includes the construction of two new bowling centers, completed in the second quarter of 2004, and the conversion of 8 bowling centers to Brunswick Zones, which are modernized bowling centers that offer a full array of family-oriented entertainment activities.
2003 vs. 2002
The increase in Bowling & Billiards segment sales was primarily driven by additional revenues associated with the Valley-Dynamo acquisition and increased bowling center revenues, partially offset by lower sales volumes of bowling capital equipment in domestic markets and lower sales of billiards products due to weaker consumer demand.
The increase in Bowling & Billiards segment operating earnings was due to cost reduction activities, the benefit from the Valley-Dynamo acquisition and the absence of impairment charges recorded in 2002 for European retail bowling centers. These factors were partially offset by lower sales of bowling capital equipment and billiards products, increased research and development expenses, increased costs associated with upgrading retail bowling centers’ time and labor management systems, and higher pension expense.
The increase in capital expenditures in 2003 compared with 2002 was primarily due to the conversion of 13 bowling centers to Brunswick Zones, and construction activities associated with two new bowling centers.
Cash Flow, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets forth an analysis of cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002:
| | | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | |
(In millions) | | | | | | | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations | | $ | 415.2 | | $ | 395.1 | | $ | 413.0 | |
| Net cash provided by (used for): | | | | | | | | | | |
| Capital expenditures | | | (171.3 | ) | | (159.8 | ) | | (112.6 | ) |
| Proceeds on the sale of property, plant and equipment | | | 13.4 | | | 7.5 | | | 13.2 | |
| Other, net | | | 2.0 | | | (3.0 | ) | | (0.2 | ) |
| Free cash flow* | | $ | 259.3 | | $ | 239.8 | | $ | 313.4 | |
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* The Company defines Free cash flow as cash flow from operating and investing activities (excluding acquisitions and investments), and excluding financing activities. Free cash flow is not intended as an alternative measure of cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States. The Company uses this financial measure, both in presenting its results to shareholders and the investment community, and in its internal evaluation and management of its businesses. Management believes that this financial measure, and the information it provides, is useful to investors because it permits investors to view the Company’s performance using the same tool that management uses to gauge progress in achieving its goals. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure “Free cash flow” is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund further investments in future growth initiatives.
The Company’s major sources of funds for investments, acquisitions and dividend payments are cash generated from operating activities, available cash balances and selected borrowings. The Company evaluates potential acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures in the ordinary course of business.
2004
In 2004, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $415.2 million compared with $395.1 million in 2003. This increase was driven by an increase in net earnings of $134.6 million and the net reduction of approximately $42 million in after-tax payments associated with the United States Tax Court case, as described inNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These increases in cash flow were mostly offset by a $68.7 million increase in working capital, defined as non-cash current assets less current liabilities, in 2004 versus a $100.8 million decrease in 2003.
The additional cash used to fund working capital in 2004 compared with 2003 was primarily due to an increase in inventory and accounts receivable attributed to higher sales and production volumes, and lower incremental cash flow from the sale of Mercury’s domestic trade receivables to Brunswick Acceptance Company, LLC (BAC). The Company received a first time cash flow benefit when it began selling these receivables to BAC in the third quarter of 2003. These factors were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable, an increase in accrued expenses driven primarily by higher compensation expenses and an increase in dealer allowances on higher sales volume.
Cash flows from investing activities included capital expenditures of $171.3 million in 2004, compared with $159.8 million in 2003. The increase in capital expenditures was attributable to: investments in a new assembly plant in China for the production of four-stroke outboard engines, the expansion of a boat manufacturing plant in Reynosa, Mexico and tooling expenditures for new model introductions across all segments.
The Company expects to invest in the range of $190 million to $210.0 million for capital expenditures in 2005. About 90 percent of the capital spending will be for investments in new and upgraded products, for plant capacity expansion in the Marine Engine, Boat and Fitness segments, and for the construction of new Brunswick Zones with the balance targeted toward cost reductions and investments in information technology.
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of debt and cash acquired, totaled $267.8 million and $177.3 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. SeeNote 5, Acquisitions, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details on the Company’s acquisitions. Additionally the Company invested $16.2 million and $39.3 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, in various business ventures, which are discussed further inNote 6, Investments, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will continue to evaluate acquisitions and other investment opportunities as they arise.
On February 23, 2005, the Company sold 1,861,200 shares of common stock of MarineMax, Inc., its largest boat dealer. Proceeds from this stock sale totaled approximately $57.6 million, net of $3.4 million of selling expenses. The impact of this sale is expected to generate $52.0 million of after-tax cash flow for the Company, which will be used for general corporate purposes, including possible acquisitions. SeeNote 19, Subsequent Event, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the sale of this investment.
Cash flow from financing activities provided cash of $178.6 million in 2004, compared with a use of cash of $28.7 million in 2003. This increase was primarily due to the issuance of debt described below and an increase in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. The Company received $99.5 million from stock options exercised in 2004, compared with $39.9 million during 2003. An annual dividend of $0.60 per share was declared in October of 2004 and was paid in December of 2004. The Company did not repurchase stock during 2004, 2003 or 2002.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $499.8 million at the end of 2004 up $153.9 million from $345.9 million at December 31, 2003. Total debt at December 31, 2004 increased $131.5 million to $739.1 million versus $607.6 million at December 31, 2003. The increase in cash and debt was primarily related to the issuance of $150.0 million of 5 percent notes due in 2011, as described inNote 12, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, the increase in cash is also attributed to strong cash flow during 2004, partially offset by cash paid for acquisitions, investments and capital expenditures. The Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio was 30.2 percent at December 31, 2004, compared with 31.5 percent at December 31, 2003. The Company has a $350.0 million long-term revolving credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with a group of banks as described inNote 12, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, that serves as support for commercial paper borrowings. There were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement during 2004 and 2003. The Company has the ability to issue up to $100.0 million in letters of credit within the Credit Agreement, with $58.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement at December 31, 2004. The Company had borrowing capacity of $291.7 million as of December 31, 2004 under the terms of the Credit Agreement and, if utilized, the Company has multiple borrowing options. The borrowing rate, as calculated in accordance with the Credit Agreement, was 2.92 percent at December 31, 2004. The Company is currently negotiating a new long-term revolving credit agreement to replace the existing $350.0 million Credit Agreement, which terminates on November 15, 2005. The Company also has $450.0 million available under a universal shelf registration statement filed in 2001 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the issuance of equity and/or debt securities.
The funded status of the Company’s qualified pension plans, measured as a percentage of the projected benefit obligation, improved to 88.2 percent in 2004 from 87.5 percent in 2003. Improved equity market returns and discretionary pension contributions in 2004 were offset by a decrease in the discount rate and an increase in benefit obligations due to plan amendments negotiated in 2004. As of December 31, 2004 these plans were underfunded by $115.6 million on a projected benefit obligation basis. While there was no legal requirement under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Company made discretionary contributions of $40.0 million in cash to the qualified pension plans and funded $2.6 million to cover benefit payments in the unfunded nonqualified pension plan in 2004. Refer toNote 13, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more details. In addition to contributions required to fund nonqualified benefit payments, the Company anticipates funding $25.0 million of discretionary contributions to pension plans in 2005 to achieve the Company’s funding objectives.
The Company’s financial flexibility and access to capital markets is supported by its balance sheet position, investment-grade credit ratings and ability to generate significant cash from operating activities. Management believes that there are adequate sources of liquidity to meet the Company’s short-term and long-term needs.
2003
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $395.1 million in 2003, $285.8 million of which consisted of net earnings before the non-cash impact of depreciation and amortization. Additionally, reductions in working capital, defined as non-cash current assets less current liabilities, provided cash of $100.8 million. The decrease in working capital was primarily due to the sale of accounts receivable (detailed inFinancial Services below) to Brunswick Acceptance Company, LLC (BAC). The outstanding balance for receivables sold to BAC by the Company was $74.7 million at December 31, 2003. Also decreasing 2003 working capital was the establishment of the reserve for the previously discussed Fitness segment litigation charge. The Company paid $12.5 million in September of 2003, and $12.5 million in June of 2004. Cash flow was also adversely impacted by the tax payment of $62.0 million ($50.0 million after-tax) in 2003 related to the Tax Court matter (discussed inNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
The Company invested $159.8 million in capital expenditures in 2003. The largest portion of these expenditures was made for investments to introduce new products and expand product lines in the Marine Engine, Fitness and Bowling & Billiards segments, and achieve improved production efficiencies and product quality. The most significant expenditures in 2003 relate to the equipment needed for production of Verado, the Marine Engine segment’s new series of high-horsepower outboard engines introduced in 2004, and the conversion of 13 bowling centers to Brunswick Zones.
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, totaled $177.3 million in 2003. SeeNote 5, Acquisitions, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details on these acquisitions. Additionally, the Company invested $39.3 million in 2003 in various business ventures, which are discussed further inNote 6, Investments, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $345.9 million at the end of 2003 and total debt at year-end 2003 was $607.6 million. The Company decreased its total debt outstanding in 2003 by paying off its notes from the Sealine acquisition and making continued payments related to the Company’s ESOP debt. The Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio was 31.5 percent at December 31, 2003, compared with 35.9 percent at December 31, 2002. During 2003, the Company received $39.9 million from stock options exercised.
Improved equity market trends in 2003 had a favorable impact on the funded status of the Company’s qualified pension plans. Funding for the Company’s qualified pension plans improved to 87.5 percent in 2003 from 76.9 percent in 2002 on a projected benefit obligation basis. Underfunding for these plans at December 31, 2003, is $112.5 million on a projected benefit obligation basis. While there was no legal requirement under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Company made a discretionary contribution of $52.0 million in cash to the qualified pension plans and funded $2.4 million to cover benefit payments in the unfunded nonqualified pension plan in 2003.
2002
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $413.0 million in 2002, $251.9 million of which consisted of net earnings before the non-cash impact of depreciation and amortization and the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. Additionally, reductions in working capital provided cash of $90.8 million. The primary drivers behind working capital improvements were an increase in accounts payable attributed to the increased production levels in the fourth quarter of 2002, as well as efforts to improve cash flow management. Tax refunds related to the divestiture of the beverage cooler business completed in late 2001 were also a significant contributor to the increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2002.
The Company invested $112.6 million in capital expenditures in 2002. The largest portion of these expenditures was made for investments to introduce new products, expand product lines and achieve improved production efficiencies and product quality across all reportable segments.
In 2002, cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, totaled $21.2 million. SeeNote 5, Acquisitions, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further details on these acquisitions. Investments totaling $8.9 million for 2002 related to the Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Marine LLC joint venture.
At December 31, 2002, cash and cash equivalents totaled $351.4 million and total debt was $618.4 million. During 2002, the Company made payments of $26.2 million on its long-term debt obligations and $9.4 million on its short-term borrowings. The Company also received $40.3 million from stock options exercised in 2002.
The Company made discretionary contributions in 2002 of $45.0 million to the qualified pension plans and funded $8.3 million to cover benefit payments in the unfunded nonqualified pension plan.
Financial Services
In 2002, the Company established a joint venture, Brunswick Acceptance Company, LLC (BAC), with Transamerica Commercial Finance Corporation (TCFC). In January of 2004, GE Commercial Finance (GECF) acquired the commercial finance business of Transamerica, including TCFC.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, BAC provides secured wholesale floor-plan financing to the Company’s boat and engine dealers. BAC also purchases and services a portion of Mercury Marine’s domestic accounts receivable relating to its boat builder and dealer customers.
In January of 2003, the Company’s subsidiary, Brunswick Financial Services Corporation (BFS), invested $3.3 million in BAC, which represented a 15 percent ownership interest. On July 2, 2003, BFS contributed an additional $19.5 million to increase its equity interest in BAC to 49 percent, as provided for by the terms of the joint venture agreement. BFS’s contributed equity is adjusted monthly to maintain a 49 percent equity interest in accordance with the capital provisions of the joint venture agreement. BFS’s investment in BAC is accounted for by the Company under the equity method and is recorded as a component of Investments in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company records BFS’s share of income or loss in BAC based on its ownership percentage in the joint venture in Other income in its Consolidated Statements of Income.
In 2004 and 2003, the Company sold $927.4 million and $501.2 million, respectively, of receivables to BAC for $920.7 million and $497.5 million, respectively, in cash, net of discount. The Company began selling receivables to BAC in the third quarter of 2003. Discounts of $6.4 million and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, have been recorded as an expense in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The outstanding balance for receivables sold to BAC was $103.7 million as of December 31, 2004, up from $74.7 million at December 31, 2003. BAC will continue to purchase and service a significant portion of Mercury Marine’s domestic accounts receivable on an ongoing basis. Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, BAC reimbursed Mercury Marine $2.3 million and $0.9 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, for the related credit, collection, and administrative costs incurred in connection with the servicing of such receivables.
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company has a retained interest in $45.7 million and $28.4 million of the total accounts receivable sold to BAC that are recorded in Accounts and notes receivable, and Accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s maximum exposure as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 related to these amounts is $25.0 million and $14.9 million, respectively, which is included in the amounts inNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” the Company treats the sale of receivables in which the Company retains an interest as a secured obligation.
BAC is funded in part through a loan from GECF and a securitization facility arranged by General Electric Capital Corporation, a GECF affiliate, and in part by a cash equity investment from both GECF (51 percent) and BFS (49 percent). BFS’s total investment in BAC at December 31, 2004, was $35.9 million. BFS’s exposure to losses associated with BAC financing arrangements is limited to its funded equity in BAC.
BFS recorded income related to the operations of BAC of $4.3 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees. Based on historical experience and current facts and circumstances, and in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others — An Interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34,” the Company has reserves to cover potential losses associated with guarantees and repurchase obligations. Historical cash requirements and losses associated with these obligations have not been significant. SeeNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for a description of these arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2004:
| | | Payments due by period | |
| | | | | Less than | | | | | | More than | |
| | | Total | | 1 year | | 1-3 years | | 3-5 years | | 5 years | |
(In millions) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contractual Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Short-term debt(1) | | $ | 9.2 | | $ | 9.2 | | $ | - | | $ | - | | $ | - | |
Long-term debt(1) | | | 729.1 | | | 1.9 | | | 250.4 | | | 1.8 | | | 475.0 | |
| Interest payments on long-term debt | | | 578.0 | | | 47.9 | | | 78.0 | | | 62.0 | | | 390.1 | |
Capital leases(2) | | | 0.4 | | | 0.4 | | | - | | | - | | | - | |
Operating leases(3) | | | 163.8 | | | 38.5 | | | 56.8 | | | 28.7 | | | 39.8 | |
Purchase obligations(4) | | | 451.4 | | | 377.3 | | | 68.5 | | | 2.8 | | | 2.8 | |
Deferred pension liability(5) | | | 26.8 | | | 2.2 | | | 4.8 | | | 4.8 | | | 15.0 | |
Deferred management compensation(6) | | | 48.7 | | | 0.6 | | | 1.4 | | | 2.0 | | | 44.7 | |
Other long-term liabilities(7) | | | 189.6 | | | 72.4 | | | 87.6 | | | 24.1 | | | 5.5 | |
| Total contractual obligations | | $ | 2,197.0 | | $ | 550.4 | | $ | 547.5 | | $ | 126.2 | | $ | 972.9 | |
__________
(1) SeeNote 12, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information on the Company’s debt.
(2) Includes principal and interest. SeeNote 12, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information on the Company’s capital lease obligations.
(3) SeeNote 17, Leases, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information on the Company’s operating leases.
(4) The Company has outstanding purchase obligations with suppliers and vendors at the end of 2004 for raw materials and other supplies as part of the normal course of business.
(5) Amounts represent benefit payments expected to be made for the Company’s non-qualified pension plans. Although the Company anticipates making discretionary contributions of approximately $25.0 million in 2005, there are no statutory required contributions for the domestic qualified pension plans. SeeNote 13, Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(6) Amounts primarily represent long-term deferred compensation plans for Company management. Payments were assumed to be equal to the remaining liability and to be primarily paid out more than 5 years from December 31, 2004.
(7) Other long-term liabilities include amounts reflected on the balance sheet, which primarily includes certain agreements that provide for the assignment of lease and other long-term receivables originated by the Company to third parties and are treated as a secured obligation under SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” deferred revenue on service and extended warranty contracts, postretirement medical/life insurance benefits and other retirement obligations.
Legal Proceedings
SeeNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for disclosure of the potential cash requirements of environmental proceedings and other legal proceedings.
Environmental Regulation
In its Marine Engine segment, the Company will continue to develop engine technologies to reduce engine emissions to comply with present and future emissions requirements. The costs associated with these activities and the introduction of low-emission engines will have an adverse effect on Marine Engine segment operating margins and may affect short-term operating results. The Boat segment continues to pursue fiberglass boat manufacturing technologies and techniques to reduce air emissions at its boat manufacturing facilities. The Company does not believe that compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s competitive position.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of reported assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Company discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and believes the following are the most critical accounting policies that could have an effect on the Company’s reported results.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Incentives. The Company’s revenue is derived primarily from the sale of marine engines, boats, fitness equipment, bowling products and billiard tables. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the terms of the sale, primarily upon shipment to customers, once the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company offers discounts and sales incentives that include retail promotional activities and rebates. The estimated liability for sales incentives is recorded at the later of the time of program communication to the customer or at the time of sale in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of a Vendor’s Products).” The liability is estimated based on the costs for the incentive program, the planned duration of the program and historical experience. If actual costs are different from estimated costs, the recorded value of the liability would be adjusted.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts. The Company records an allowance for uncollectible trade receivables based upon currently known bad debt risks and provides reserves based on past loss history, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ from the current estimate of reserves. The Company also provides a reserve based on historical, current and estimated future purchasing levels in connection with its long-term notes receivables for the Company’s supply agreements. These assumptions are re-evaluated if sufficient product purchases are not made. Changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required if a future event or other circumstance results in a change in the estimate of the ultimate collectibility of a specific account or note.
Reserve for Excess and Obsolete Inventories. The Company records a reserve for excess and obsolete inventories in order to ensure inventories are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value. Fair market value can be affected by assumptions about market demand and conditions, historical usage rates, model changes and new product introductions. If model changes or new product introductions create more or less than favorable market conditions, the reserve for excess and obsolete inventories may need to be adjusted. Refer toNote 1, Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the basis of accounting for inventories.
Warranty Reserves. The Company records a liability for standard product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The liability is recorded using historical warranty experience to estimate projected claim rates and expected costs per claim. If necessary, the Company adjusts its liability for specific warranty matters when they become known and are reasonably estimable. The Company’s warranty reserves are affected by product failure rates and material usage and labor costs incurred in correcting a product failure. If these estimated costs differ from actual product failure rates, and actual material usage and labor costs, a revision to the warranty reserve would be required. Refer toNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Litigation. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to claims and litigation, including obligations assumed or retained as part of acquisitions and divestitures. The Company accrues for litigation exposure based upon its assessment, made in consultation with counsel, of the likely range of exposure stemming from the claim. In light of existing reserves, the Company’s litigation claims, when finally resolved, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. If current estimates for the cost of resolving any specific claims are later determined to be inadequate, results of operations could be adversely affected in the period in which additional provisions are required. The Company records a reserve when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company establishes its reserve based on its best estimate within a range of losses. If the Company is unable to identify the best estimate, the Company records the minimum amount in the range.
Environmental. The Company accrues for environmental remediation-related activities for which commitments or clean-up plans have been developed and for which costs can be reasonably estimated. All accrued amounts are generally determined in coordination with third-party experts on an undiscounted basis and do not consider recoveries from third parties until such recoveries are realized. The ultimate exposure for these claims is consistent with the prior year. In light of existing reserves, the Company’s environmental claims, when finally resolved, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Refer toNote 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for details of existing reserves.
Self-Insurance Reserves. The Company records a liability for self-insurance obligations, which include employee-related health care benefits and claims for workers’ compensation, product liability, general liability and auto liability. The liability is estimated based on claims incurred as of the date of the financial statements. In estimating the obligations associated with self-insurance reserves, the Company primarily uses loss development factors based on historical claim experience, which incorporate anticipated exposure for losses incurred, but not yet reported. These loss development factors are used to estimate ultimate losses on incurred claims. Actual costs associated with a specific claim can vary from an earlier estimate. If the facts were to change, the liability recorded for expected costs associated with a specific claim may need to be revised.
Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Reserves. Pension, postretirement and postemployment costs and obligations are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions including the discount rate, the estimated future return on plan assets, the annual rate of increase in compensation for plan employees, the increase in costs of health care benefits and other factors. The Company evaluates assumptions used on a periodic basis and makes adjustments to these liabilities as necessary. Pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit reserves are determined in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” and SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits,” respectively. Refer toNote 13, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the assumptions used and for changes in the accrued benefit.
Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred taxes are provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries and unconsolidated affiliates. The Company estimates its probable tax obligations based on historical experience and current tax laws and litigation. The judgments made at any point in time may change based on the outcome of tax audits and settlements of tax litigation, as well as changes due to new tax laws and regulations and the Company’s interpretations of those laws and regulations. These factors may cause the tax rate for the Company to increase or decrease. In 2004 the Company reversed approximately $10 million of tax reserves arising from the completion of audit examinations of years 1998 to 2001. SeeNote 8, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities — An Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51.” In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R). FIN 46R provides guidance on how to identify variable interest entities and how to determine whether or not those entities should be consolidated. The Company was required to apply FIN 46R by the end of the first reporting period after March 15, 2004, for entities which were created before February 1, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46R was immediate for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The Company has evaluated the provisions of FIN 46R and determined that the Company does not have any variable interest entities that require consolidation in the Company’s financial statements.
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43 Chapter 4.” SFAS No. 151 more clearly defines when excessive idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and spoilage are to be current-period charges. In addition, SFAS No. 151 requires the allocation of fixed production overhead to the cost of conversion to be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS No. 151 is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 151 to have a material impact on the financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (SFAS No. 123R). SFAS No. 123R eliminates the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and requires the Company to use a fair-value based method of accounting for share-based payments. Under APB No. 25, no compensation cost related to stock options is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. SFAS No. 123R requires that compensation cost for employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income based on the grant-date fair value of that award. That cost recognized at the grant-date will be amortized in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for that award (requisite service period). For the Company, SFAS No. 123R is effective as of the beginning of the third quarter of 2005. The Company is still evaluating the impact and has the choice to use the modified prospective or modified retrospective methods upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.” SFAS No. 153 amends APB No. 29 to require that assets exchanged in a nonmonetary transaction are to be measured at fair value except for those exchanges of nonmonetary assets that lack commercial substance. SFAS No. 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 153 to have a material impact on the financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 109-2 (FSP 109-2), providing guidance on the application of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” to a provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the AJCA) related to a deduction forcertain foreign earnings that are repatriated.On October 22, 2004, the AJCA was signed into law. The AJCA includes a deduction of 85 percent of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated, as defined in the AJCA. The Company estimates that the repatriation provision will have no effect on the Company's amount of foreign earnings repatriations and related income taxes. The Company will continue to monitor the impact that any technical correction may have on the Company.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Annual Report are forward-looking as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report may include words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “may,” “should,” “could,” or “estimate.” These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this filing. These risks include, but are not limited to:
| • | General economic conditions, stock market performance and consumer confidence levels, and the impact on demand for the Company’s products, particularly in the United States and Europe: |
| | The Company’s revenues may be affected by weak domestic and international market conditions and the fluctuating stock market. Global political uncertainty may adversely affect consumer confidence during 2005 and beyond. |
| • | Competitive pricing pressures: |
| | Across all of the Company’s product lines, introduction of lower-priced alternatives by other companies can hurt the Company’s competitive position. The Company’s efforts toward cost-containment, commitment to quality products, and excellence in operational effectiveness and customer service are designed in part to offset this risk. |
| • | The Company’s ability to develop and produce competitive new products and technologies: |
| | The Company’s continuing ability to introduce new products and technologies that succeed in the marketplace is key to the Company’s continued success. |
| • | The Company’s ability to maintain market share and volume in key high-margin product lines, particularly in its Marine Engine segment: |
| | The Company derives a significant portion of its earnings from sales of higher-margin products, especially in its marine engine business. Changes in sales mix to lower-margin products, including low-emission engines, as well as increased competition in these product lines, could adversely impact the Company’s future operating results. The Company is focusing on cost-containment efforts, new product development and global sourcing initiatives, as well as operational improvements, to mitigate this risk. |
| • | The ability to maintain effective distribution: |
| | The Company sells the majority of its products through third parties such as dealers, retailers and distributors. Maintaining good relationships with superior distribution partners, and establishing new distribution channels, where appropriate, is key to the Company’s continued success. |
| • | The financial strength of dealers, distributors and independent boatbuilders and retailers: |
| | As the main distribution channel for the Company’s products, dealer financial health is critical to the Company’s continued success. In addition, a substantial portion of the Company’s engine sales are made to independent boatbuilders. As a result, the Company’s financial results can be influenced by the availability of capital and the financial health of these independent boatbuilders. Certain of the Company's fitness equipment and marine parts and accessories are sold through retail outlets. As a result, the Company's financial results can be affected by the availability of capital and financial health of these retailers. |
| • | The ability to maintain product quality and service standards expected by the Company’s customers: |
| | The Company’s customers demand high quality products and excellent customer service. The Company’s ability to meet these demands through continuous quality improvement across all of its businesses will significantly impact the Company’s future results. |
| • | Inventory adjustments by the Company, its major dealers, retailers and independent boatbuilders: |
| If the Company’s dealers and retailers, as well as independent boatbuilders who purchase the Company’s marine engine products, adjust their inventories downward, in response to weakness in retail demand, wholesale demand for the Company’s products diminishes. In turn, the Company’s inventory reduction efforts have focused on reducing production, which results in lower rates of absorption of fixed costs and thus lower margins. Inventory reduction by dealers and customers can hurt the Company’s short-term results of operations and limit the Company’s ability to meet increased demand when the U.S. economy recovers. |
| • | The success of global sourcing and supply chain management initiatives: |
| The Company has launched a number of initiatives to strengthen its sourcing and supply chain management activities. The success of these initiatives will play a key role in the Company’s continuing ability to reduce costs. |
| • | The ability to successfully integrate acquisitions: |
| The Company has acquired a number of new businesses since 2001 and intends to continue to acquire additional businesses to complement its existing product portfolio. The Company’s success in effectively integrating these operations, including their financial, operational and distribution practices and systems, will affect the contribution of these businesses to the Company’s consolidated results. |
| • | The success of marketing and cost-management programs: |
| The Company is constantly subject to competitive pressures, particularly from Asian competitors in the outboard engine market. The Company’s continuing ability to respond to these pressures, particularly through cost-containment initiatives and marketing strategies, is key to the Company’s continued success. |
| • | The Company’s ability to develop product technologies that comply with regulatory requirements: |
| | The Company’s Marine Engine segment is subject to emissions standards that require ongoing efforts to bring the Company’s engine products in line with regulatory requirements. The Company believes that these efforts are on track and will be successful, but unforeseen delays in these efforts could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. |
| • | The Company’s ability to complete environmental remediation efforts and resolve claims and litigation at the cost estimated: |
| As discussed inPart I, Item 3 above, the Company is subject to claims and litigation in the ordinary course of operations. These claims include several environmental proceedings, some of which involve costly remediation efforts over extended periods of time, as well as certain litigation matters which if not resolved in the Company’s favor, could require significant expenditures by the Company. The Company believes that it is adequately reserved for these obligations, but significant increases in the anticipated costs associated with these matters could hurt the Company’s results of operations in the period or periods in which additional reserves or outlays are deemed necessary. |
| • | The impact of weather conditions on sales of marine products and retail bowling center revenues: |
| Sales of the Company’s marine products are generally more robust just before and during spring and summer, and favorable weather during these months tends to have a positive effect on consumer demand. Conversely, poor weather conditions during these periods can retard demand. In addition, severely inclement weather on weekends and holidays, particularly during the winter months, can adversely affect bowling retail center revenues. |
| • | Changes in currency exchange rates: |
| The Company manufactures its products predominately in the United States, though international manufacturing and sourcing are increasing. A strong U.S. dollar can make the Company’s products less price-competitive relative to locally produced products in international markets. The Company is focusing on international manufacturing and global sourcing, in part, to offset this risk. The recent trend of a weak U.S. dollar has had a positive impact on international sales of the Company’s products. |
| • | Adverse foreign economic conditions: |
| As the Company continues to focus on international growth, it will become increasingly vulnerable to the effects of political instability, economic conditions and the possibility of military conflict in key world regions. |
| • | The effect of interest rates and fuel prices on demand for marine products: |
| The Company’s marine products, particularly boats, are often financed, and increases in interest rates can retard demand for these products and affect dealers’ cost of carrying inventory. Higher fuel costs can also hurt demand for the Company’s marine products. |
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. The Company enters into various hedging transactions to mitigate these risks in accordance with guidelines established by the Company’s management. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to manage foreign exchange exposure related to transactions, and assets and liabilities that are subject to risk from foreign currency rate changes. The Company’s principal currency exposures relate to the Euro, Canadian dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and New Zealand dollar. Hedging of anticipated transactions is accomplished with financial instruments whose maturity date, along with the realized gain or loss, occurs on or near the execution of the anticipated transaction. Hedging of an asset or liability is accomplished through the use of financial instruments such that the gain or loss on the hedging instrument offsets the gain or loss on the asset or liability.
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the effect that changes in interest rates have on the fair market value of the Company’s debt and to lower the Company’s borrowing costs. The Company’s net exposure to interest rate risk is primarily attributable to fixed-rate debt instruments. Interest rate risk management is accomplished through the use of fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps and floating-rate instruments that are benchmarked to U.S. and European short-term money market interest rates.
Raw materials used by the Company are exposed to the effect of changing commodity prices. Accordingly, the Company uses commodity swap agreements and futures contracts to manage fluctuations in prices of anticipated purchases of certain raw materials, including aluminum and natural gas.
The Company uses a value-at-risk (VAR) computation to estimate the maximum one-day reduction in pre-tax earnings related to its foreign currency, interest rate and commodity price-sensitive derivative financial instruments. The VAR computation includes the Company’s debt, foreign currency hedge contracts, interest rate swap agreements, commodity swap agreements and futures contracts.
The amounts shown below represent the estimated reduction in fair market value that the Company could incur on its derivative financial instruments from adverse changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates or commodity prices using the VAR estimation model. The VAR model uses the Monte Carlo simulation statistical modeling technique and uses historical foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices to estimate the volatility and correlation of these rates and prices in future periods. It estimates a loss in fair market value using statistical modeling techniques and includes substantially all market risk exposures. The estimated potential losses shown in the table below, for a time period of one day and confidence level of 95 percent, have no effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
| | 2004 | | 2003 |
(In millions) | | | |
Risk Category Foreign exchange | $ | 2.3 | | $ | 0.7 |
| Interest rates | $ | 5.4 | | $ | 4.3 |
| Commodity prices | $ | 0.4 | | $ | 0.3 |
The 95 percent confidence level signifies the Company’s degree of confidence that actual losses would not exceed the estimated losses shown above. The amounts shown disregard the possibility that foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices could move in the Company’s favor. The VAR model assumes that all movements in rates and commodity prices will be adverse. Actual experience has shown that gains and losses tend to offset each other over time, and it is highly unlikely that the Company could experience losses such as these over an extended period of time. These amounts should not be considered projections of future losses, as actual results may differ significantly depending upon activity in global financial markets.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on page 41.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Conclusion regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company (its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively) the Company has evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 12a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed has been made known in a timely manner.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company included a report of management’s assessment of the design and effectiveness of its internal controls as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. The independent registered public accounting firm of the Company also attested to, and reported on, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report and the independent registered public accounting firm’s attestation report are included in the Company’s 2004 Financial Statements under the caption entitled “Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and are incorporated herein by reference.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, comprised entirely of independent directors, meets regularly with the independent public accountants, management and internal auditors to review accounting, reporting, internal control and other financial matters. The Committee regularly meets with both the internal and external auditors without members of management present.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Information pursuant to this Item with respect to the Directors of the Company is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingsProposal No. 1: Election of Directors andCorporate Governance in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Proxy Statement). Information pursuant to this Item with respect to the Company’s Audit Committee and the Company’s code of ethics is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingCorporate Governance in the Proxy Statement. Information pursuant to this Item with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingSection 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements in the Proxy Statement.
Executive Officers of the Company
The Company's executive officers are listed in the following table:
Officer | Present Position | Age |
| George W. Buckley | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | 58 |
| Peter B. Hamilton | Vice Chairman and President - Life Fitness Division | 58 |
| Peter G. Leemputte | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | 47 |
| Kathryn J. Chieger | Vice President - Corporate and Investor Relations | 56 |
| Tzau J. Chung | Vice President and President - Brunswick NewTechnologies | 41 |
| William J. Gress | Vice President - Supply Chain Management | 50 |
| Kevin S. Grodzki | President - MerCruiser Division of Mercury Marine Group | 49 |
| B. Russell Lockridge | Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer | 55 |
| Alan L. Lowe | Vice President and Controller | 53 |
| Patrick C. Mackey | Vice President and President - Mercury Marine Group | 58 |
| Dustan E. McCoy | Vice President and President - Brunswick Boat Group | 55 |
| William L. Metzger | Vice President and Treasurer | 44 |
| Victoria J. Reich | Vice President and President - Brunswick European Group | 47 |
| Marschall I. Smith | Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | 60 |
| John E. Stransky | President - Brunswick Bowling & Billiards | 53 |
| Dale B. Tompkins | Vice President - Strategy and Corporate Development | 43 |
| Cynthia Trudell | Vice President and President - Sea Ray Division | 51 |
| Stephen M. Wolpert | Vice President and President - US Marine Division | 50 |
| Judith P. Zelisko | Vice President - Tax | 54 |
There are no familial relationships among these officers. The term of office of all elected officers expires May 4, 2005. The Group and Division Presidents are appointed from time to time at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer.
George W. Buckley has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2000. From May to June 2000 he was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. He was President of the Mercury Marine Group from 1997 to 2000, and during that period was also an officer of the Company, holding the following positions: Executive Vice President, February to May 2000; Senior Vice President, 1998 to 2000; and Vice President, 1997 to 1998.
Peter B. Hamilton has been Vice Chairman of the Company since 2000. He was President of Brunswick Bowling & Billiards from 2000 to February 2005 and was named President, Life Fitness Division in February 2005.
Peter G. Leemputte has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 2003. He was Vice President and Controller of the Company from 2001 to 2003.
Kathryn J. Chieger has been Vice President — Corporate and Investor Relations of the Company since 1996.
Tzau J. Chung has been a Vice President of the Company since 2000 and was named President — Brunswick New Technologies, in February 2002. Prior to that he was Vice President — Strategic Planning of the Company from 2000 to 2002, and was Senior Vice President — Strategy and IT, for the Company’s Mercury Marine Group from 1997 to 2000.
William J. Gress has been Vice President — Supply Chain Management of the Company since 2001. From February 2000 to January 2001, he was Executive Vice President of the Company’s Igloo business. Prior to that he was employed by Mercury Marine, where he was Vice President of its MerCruiser Diesel business from 1999 to 2000.
Kevin S. Grodzki has been Vice President of the Company and President of its Life Fitness Division from 2000 to February 2005. In February 2005, he was named President of the MerCruiser Division of Mercury Marine Group.
B. Russell Lockridge has been Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company since 1999.
Alan L. Lowe has been Vice President and Controller of the Company since September 2003. Prior to joining Brunswick, he held a number of senior financial positions with FMC Technologies, Inc., including, most recently, Director — Financial Control.
Patrick C. Mackey has been Vice President of the Company and President of its Mercury Marine Group since 2000.
Dustan E. McCoy has been Vice President of the Company and President — Brunswick Boat Group since 2000. From 1999 to 2000, he was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company.
William L. Metzger has been Vice President and Treasurer of the Company since 2001. From 2000 to 2001, he was Assistant Vice President — Corporate Finance. From 1996 to 2000, he was Director — Corporate Accounting.
Victoria J. Reich has been Vice President and President —Brunswick European Group since August 2003. She was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from 2000 to 2003, and Vice President and Controller of the Company from 1996 to 2000.
Marschall I. Smith has been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since 2001. He joined Brunswick from Digitas Inc., a leading e-commerce integrator, where he was General Counsel.
John. E. Stransky was named President, Brunswick Bowling & Billiards in February 2005. He was President of the Billiards division from 1998 to 2005.
Dale B. Tompkins has been Vice President — Strategy and Corporate Development since January 2003. He joined the Company in 2000 as Vice President — Strategy and Business Development for the Mercury Marine Group.
Cynthia Trudell has been Vice President and President — Sea Ray Division since 2001. Prior to joining Brunswick, she held a number of positions with various divisions of General Motors, including Chairman and President — Saturn Corporation from 1999 to 2001.
Stephen M. Wolpert has been Vice President and President — US Marine Division since October 2003. From 2001 to 2003, he held a number of positions with US Marine, including, most recently Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Brunswick, he was Vice President —Manufacturing Strategies and Industrial Automation for Emerson Electric Company.
Judith P. Zelisko has been Vice President — Tax of the Company since 1998. She was Staff Vice President — Tax from 1996 to 1998.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information pursuant to this Item with respect to compensation paid to Directors of the Company is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingCorporate Governance-Director Compensation in the Proxy Statement. Information pursuant to this Item with respect to executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingsSummary Compensation Table,Option Grants in 2004,Option Exercises and Year-End Value Table,Long-Term Incentive Plan-Awards During 2004,Pension Plans and Employment Agreements and Other Transactions in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information pursuant to this Item with respect to the securities of the Company owned by the Directors and certain officers of the Company, by the Directors and officers of the Company as a group and by the persons known to the Company to own beneficially more than 5 percent of the outstanding voting securities of the Company is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingStock Held By Directors, Executive Officers And Our Largest Stockholders in the Proxy Statement. Information pursuant to this Item with respect to securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans is hereby incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingEquity Compensation Plan Information in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Information pursuant to this Item with respect to certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated from the discussion under the headingEmployment Agreements and other Transactions in the Company’s Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information pursuant to this Item with respect to fees for professional services rendered by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the Audit Committee’s policy on pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the headingsProposal No. 2: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Fees Incurred for Services of Ernst & Young andProposal No.2: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms-Approval of Services Provided by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Company’s Proxy Statement.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
| (a) | 1.See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on page41. |
| See Exhibit Index on Pages 80 to 81. |
| See Exhibit Index on pages 80 to 81. |
| (c) | Financial Statement Schedule |
| See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on page 41. |
Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule
Brunswick Corporation
| | Page |
Financial Statements: | |
| Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting | 42 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting | 43 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 44 |
| Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 | 45 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 | 46 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 | 48 |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 | 49 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 50 |
Financial Statement Schedule: | |
| Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | 77 |
BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of the financial statements and other financial information presented in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and reflect the effects of certain estimates and judgments made by management.
The Company’s management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based on the Company’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
Brunswick Corporation
Lake Forest Illinois, 60045
February 25, 2005
| /s/ GEORGE W. BUCKLEY | | | /s/ PETER G. LEEMPUTTE |
George W. Buckley
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | | | Peter G. Leemputte
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Brunswick Corporation
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Brunswick Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Brunswick Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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, management’s assessment that Brunswick Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Brunswick Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Brunswick Corporation as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 of Brunswick Corporation and our report dated February 25, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 25, 2005
BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Brunswick Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brunswick Corporation as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Brunswick Corporation at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform with FASB Statement No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Brunswick Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 25, 2005
BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
