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JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC - Quarter Report: 2016 December (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended December 30, 2016

OR

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

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission file number 0-16255

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Wisconsin
 
39-1536083
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

555 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403
(Address of principal executive offices)

(262) 631-6600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one): Large accelerated filer ☐Accelerated filer ☒Non-accelerated filer (do not check if a smaller reporting company) ☐Smaller reporting company ☐

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

As of January 27, 2017, 8,771,151 shares of Class A and 1,212,006 shares of Class B common stock of the Registrant were outstanding.
 


JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

Index
Page No.
   
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
       
   
1
       
   
2
       
   
3
       
   
4
       
   
5
       
 
Item 2.
20
       
 
Item 3.
26
       
 
Item 4.
27
       
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
 
Item 1.
28
       
 
Item 1A.
28
       
 
Item 6.
28
       
   
29
       
   
30
 
PART I     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. 
Financial Statements

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
(thousands, except per share data)
 
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Net sales
 
$
93,729
   
$
85,298
 
Cost of sales
   
57,164
     
51,999
 
Gross profit
   
36,565
     
33,299
 
Operating expenses:
               
Marketing and selling
   
20,822
     
19,999
 
Administrative management, finance and information systems
   
10,561
     
10,154
 
Research and development
   
4,710
     
4,046
 
Total operating expenses
   
36,093
     
34,199
 
Operating profit (loss)
   
472
     
(900
)
Interest income
   
(23
)
   
(8
)
Interest expense
   
486
     
190
 
Other expense (income), net
   
54
     
(563
)
Loss before income taxes
   
(45
)
   
(519
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(4,101
)
   
15
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
4,056
   
$
(534
)
                 
Weighted average common shares - Basic:
               
Class A
   
8,633
     
8,582
 
Class B
   
1,212
     
1,212
 
Participating securities
   
29
     
187
 
Weighted average common shares - Dilutive
   
9,874
     
9,981
 
Net income (loss) per common share - Basic:
               
Class A
 
$
0.41
   
$
(0.05
)
Class B
 
$
0.37
   
$
(0.05
)
Net income (loss) per common share - Diluted:
               
Class A
 
$
0.40
   
$
(0.05
)
Class B
 
$
0.40
   
$
(0.05
)
Dividends declared per common share:
               
Class A
 
$
0.09
   
$
0.08
 
Class B
 
$
0.08
   
$
0.07
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
-1-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
(thousands, except per share data)
 
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Comprehensive income:
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
4,056
   
$
(534
)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
Foreign currency translation loss
   
(3,747
)
   
(1,777
)
Change in pension plans, net of tax of $54 and $59, respectively
   
88
     
96
 
Total other comprehensive loss
   
(3,659
)
   
(1,681
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
397
   
$
(2,215
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
-2-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(thousands, except share data)
 
December 30
2016
unaudited
   
September 30
2016
audited
   
January 1
2016
unaudited
 
ASSETS
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
51,860
   
$
87,294
   
$
49,356
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
72,349
     
41,522
     
66,057
 
Inventories
   
76,037
     
68,397
     
93,898
 
Other current assets
   
4,819
     
4,755
     
5,324
 
Total current assets
   
205,065
     
201,968
     
214,635
 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $125,286, $123,921 and $119,171, respectively
   
48,544
     
48,998
     
45,296
 
Deferred income taxes
   
22,745
     
19,063
     
16,457
 
Goodwill
   
11,170
     
11,196
     
19,624
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
14,060
     
14,462
     
11,470
 
Other assets
   
14,883
     
14,592
     
13,992
 
Total assets
 
$
316,467
   
$
310,279
   
$
321,474
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
$
-
   
$
381
   
$
366
 
Accounts payable
   
32,033
     
24,521
     
35,055
 
Accrued liabilities:
                       
Salaries, wages and benefits
   
12,171
     
17,396
     
11,398
 
Accrued warranty
   
4,781
     
4,326
     
4,258
 
Income taxes payable
   
1,055
     
1,691
     
2,953
 
Accrued discounts and returns
   
6,116
     
7,074
     
4,857
 
Other
   
12,159
     
12,265
     
11,181
 
Total current liabilities
   
68,315
     
67,654
     
70,068
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
   
13,001
     
7,008
     
31,230
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,147
     
1,216
     
1,161
 
Retirement benefits
   
12,527
     
12,699
     
9,979
 
Other liabilities
   
14,641
     
14,206
     
13,954
 
Total liabilities
   
109,631
     
102,783
     
126,392
 
Shareholders’ equity:
                       
Common stock:
                       
Class A shares issued and outstanding:
   
443
     
441
     
441
 
December 30, 2016:  8,773,175
                       
September 30, 2016:  8,778,028
                       
January 1, 2016:  8,805,489
                       
Class B shares issued and outstanding:
   
61
     
61
     
61
 
December 30, 2016:  1,212,006
                       
September 30, 2016:  1,212,006
                       
January 1, 2016:  1,212,382
                       
Capital in excess of par value
   
71,554
     
71,127
     
69,751
 
Retained earnings
   
138,571
     
135,405
     
123,846
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(1,305
)
   
2,354
     
1,956
 
Treasury stock at cost, shares of Class A common stock:  79,071, 64,323 and 37,015, respectively
   
(2,488
)
   
(1,892
)
   
(973
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
206,836
     
207,496
     
195,082
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
316,467
   
$
310,279
   
$
321,474
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
-3-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
 
(thousands)
 
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
4,056
   
$
(534
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used for operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
2,821
     
2,620
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
302
     
215
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
217
     
31
 
Stock based compensation
   
504
     
501
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(4,198
)
   
(651
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
   
(31,355
)
   
(21,496
)
Inventories, net
   
(8,631
)
   
(14,200
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   
1,801
     
598
 
Other current assets
   
(140
)
   
(452
)
Other non-current assets
   
17
     
22
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
3
     
(157
)
Other, net
   
277
     
(54
)
     
(34,326
)
   
(33,557
)
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Payments for purchase of businesses
   
-
     
(5,250
)
Capital expenditures
   
(2,666
)
   
(2,547
)
     
(2,666
)
   
(7,797
)
CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net borrowings from revolving credit lines
   
12,730
     
23,911
 
Principal payments on term loans and other long-term debt
   
(7,099
)
   
(60
)
Common stock transactions
   
-
     
97
 
Dividends paid
   
(890
)
   
(790
)
Purchases of treasury stock
   
(664
)
   
(476
)
     
4,077
     
22,682
 
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash
   
(2,519
)
   
(1,131
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(35,434
)
   
(19,803
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
               
Beginning of period
   
87,294
     
69,159
 
End of period
 
$
51,860
   
$
49,356
 
                 
Supplemental Disclosure:
               
Cash paid for taxes
 
$
644
   
$
1,629
 
Cash paid for interest
   
290
     
135
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
-4-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, and their results of operations and cash flows for the three month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2016 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Effective with the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company has renamed its business segments to better reflect the outdoor lifestyle focus of the Company’s brands.  The Company’s segments will be referred to as Fishing (formerly Marine Electronics), Camping (formerly Outdoor Equipment), Watercraft Recreation (formerly Watercraft) and Diving (unchanged).  There is no change in the composition of the Company’s segments.

Due to seasonal variations and other factors, the results of operations for the three months ended December 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the Company’s full 2017 fiscal year.  See “Seasonality” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein for additional information.

All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thousands.

2
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,924, $2,182 and $2,354 as of December 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively. The increase in net accounts receivable to $72,349 as of December 30, 2016 from $41,522 as of September 30, 2016 is attributable to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business. The determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where specific collection concerns about a receivable exist, a reserve is established to value the affected account receivable at an amount the Company believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of accounts receivable outstanding for each business segment. Uncollectible accounts are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts after collection efforts have been exhausted. The Company typically does not require collateral on its accounts receivable.

3
EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)

Net income or loss per share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock is computed using the two-class method.  Grants of restricted stock which receive non-forfeitable dividends are classified as participating securities and are required to be included as part of the basic weighted average share calculation under the two-class method.

Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to cash dividends equal to 110% of all dividends declared and paid on each share of Class B common stock. The Company grants shares of unvested restricted stock in the form of Class A shares, which carry the same distribution rights as the Class A common stock described above.  As such, the undistributed earnings for each period are allocated to each class of common stock based on the proportionate share of the amount of cash dividends that each such class is entitled to receive.
 
-5-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Basic EPS

Basic net income or loss per share is computed by dividing net income or loss allocated to Class A common stock and Class B common stock by the weighted-average number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock outstanding, respectively.  In periods with cumulative year to date net income and undistributed income, the undistributed income for each period is allocated to each class of common stock based on the proportionate share of the amount of cash dividends that each such class is entitled to receive.  In periods where there is a cumulative year to date net loss or no undistributed income because distributions through dividends exceed net income, Class B shares are treated as anti-dilutive and, therefore, net losses are allocated equally on a per share basis among all participating securities.

For the three-month period ended December 30, 2016, basic income per share for the Class A and Class B shares has been presented using the two class method and reflects the allocation of undistributed income described above.  For the three-month period ended January 1, 2016, basic loss per share is the same for both Class A and Class B shares, reflecting the allocation of the net loss under the two class method described above.

Diluted EPS

Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing allocated net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units (“stock units” or “units”) and non-vested restricted stock.  Anti-dilutive stock options, units and non-vested stock are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.  The computation of diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes that Class B common stock is converted into Class A common stock.  Therefore, diluted net income per share is the same for both Class A and Class B common shares.  In periods where the Company reports a net loss, the effect of anti-dilutive stock options and units is excluded and diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share for both classes.

For the three-month period ended December 30, 2016, diluted net income per share reflects the effect of dilutive restricted stock units and assumes the conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock.  For the three-month period ended January 1, 2016, the effects of non-vested restricted stock units are excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Non-vested stock that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future which were not included in the fully diluted computation because they would have been anti-dilutive totaled 95,068 and 183,830 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.  Restricted stock units that could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future which were not included in the fully diluted computation because they would have been anti-dilutive were 0 and 41,722 for the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.

4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS

The Company’s current stock ownership plans allow for issuance of stock options to acquire shares of Class A common stock by key executives and non-employee directors. Current plans also allow for issuance of shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights in lieu of stock options.

Under the Company’s 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and the 2012 Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Plan (the only two plans where shares remain available for future equity incentive awards) there were a total of 560,244 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock available for future grant to key executives and non-employee directors at December 30, 2016.
 
-6-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Non-vested Stock

All shares of non-vested stock awarded by the Company have been granted in the form of shares of Class A common stock at their fair market value on the date of grant and vest within two to five years after the grant date.  The fair value at date of grant is based on the number of shares granted and the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock price on the date of grant or, if the Company’s Class A shares did not trade on the date of grant, the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock price on the last preceding date on which the Company’s Class A shares traded.

A summary of non-vested stock activity for the three months ended December 30, 2016 related to the Company’s stock ownership plans is as follows:
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Price
 
Non-vested stock at September 30, 2016
   
162,472
   
$
24.49
 
Non-vested stock grants
   
8,846
     
43.12
 
Restricted stock vested
   
(76,250
)
   
20.54
 
Non-vested stock at December 30, 2016
   
95,068
     
27.68
 
 
Non-vested stock grantees may elect to reimburse the Company for withholding taxes due as a result of the vesting of shares by tendering a portion of the vested shares back to the Company.  Shares tendered back to the Company were 17,832 and 19,973 during the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.

Stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, related to non-vested stock was $283 and $371 for the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.  Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock as of December 30, 2016 was $1,390, which amount will be amortized to expense through November 2020 or adjusted for changes in future estimated or actual forfeitures.

The fair value of restricted stock vested during the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 was $3,219 and $2,349, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

All restricted stock units (RSUs) awarded by the Company have been granted in the form of shares of Class A common stock at their fair market value on the date of grant and vest within one or three years after the grant date.  The fair value at date of grant is based on the number of units granted and the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock trading price on the date of grant or, if the Company’s Class A shares did not trade on the date of grant, the average of the Company’s high and low Class A common stock trading price on the last preceding date on which the Company’s Class A shares traded.

A summary of RSU activity for the quarter ended December 30, 2016 follows:

   
Number of RSUs
   
Weighted Average
Grant Price
 
RSUs at September 30, 2016
   
46,411
   
$
23.62
 
RSUs granted
   
20,627
     
42.67
 
RSUs vested
   
(2,010
)
   
22.39
 
RSUs at December 30, 2016
   
65,028
     
29.70
 
 
-7-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, related to restricted stock units was $221 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 and $130 for the three months ended January 1, 2016  Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units as of December 30, 2016 was $1,311, which amount will be amortized to expense through September 2019 or adjusted for changes in future estimated or actual forfeitures.

Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan

The Company’s shareholders have adopted the Johnson Outdoors Inc. 2009 Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan, which provides for the issuance of shares of Class A common stock at a purchase price of not less than 85% of the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant or at the end of the offering period, whichever is lower.

During the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, the Company issued no shares of Class A common stock in connection with the Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan.

5
PENSION PLANS

The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its U.S. employees. Retirement benefits are generally provided based on the employees’ years of service and average earnings. Normal retirement age is 65, with provisions for earlier retirement.

The components of net periodic benefit cost related to Company sponsored defined benefit plans for the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
             
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
           
Service cost
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Interest on projected benefit obligation
   
284
     
277
 
Less estimated return on plan assets
   
274
     
299
 
Amortization of unrecognized losses
   
142
     
155
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
152
   
$
133
 

6
INCOME TAXES

For the three months ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, the Company’s earnings before income taxes, income tax expense and effective income tax rate were as follows:

     Three Months Ended  
 
(thousands, except tax rate data)
   
December 30
2016
 
January 1
2016
 
Loss before income taxes
 
$
(45
)
 
$
(519
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(4,101
)
   
15
 
Effective income tax rate
   
9113.3
%
   
-2.9
%


-8-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
The change in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended December 30, 2016 versus the prior year period was primarily due to the impact of a foreign tax credit net tax benefit of about $4,200 generated by the repatriation of approximately $22,000 in the period from foreign jurisdictions into the U.S.  Also, the Company recorded tax benefit of $397 realized from the exercise of the share-based payment arrangements during the three-month period ended December 30, 2016.  See “Note 14 – New Accounting Pronouncements” in the notes to the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
 
Adverse changes in profitability and financial outlook in both the U.S. and/or foreign jurisdictions or changes in the Company’s geographic footprint may require changes in valuation allowances in order to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets.  Such changes may drive fluctuations in the effective tax rate. The impact of the Company’s operations in jurisdictions where a valuation allowance is assessed, primarily in the foreign locations, is removed from the overall effective tax rate methodology and recorded directly based on year to date results for the year for which no tax expense or benefit can be recognized.  The tax jurisdictions that have a valuation allowance for the periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 were:
 
December 30
     2016
 
January 1
    2016
 
Australia
 
Australia
 
Austria
 
France
 
France
 
Italy
 
Indonesia
 
Japan
 
Italy
 
Netherlands
 
Japan
 
New Zealand
 
Netherlands
 
Spain
 
New Zealand
 
Switzerland
 
Spain
     
Switzerland
     

The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its provisions for income tax contingencies in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for income taxes.  As a result, the Company may adjust the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits due to the impact of changes in its assumptions or as a result of new facts and developments, such as changes to interpretations of relevant tax law, assessments from taxing authorities, settlements with taxing authorities and lapses of statutes of limitation.  The Company’s 2017 fiscal year tax expense is anticipated to include approximately $500 related to uncertain income tax positions.

In accordance with its accounting policy, the Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits as a component of income tax expense.  The Company is projecting accrued interest of $250 related to uncertain income tax positions for the fiscal year ending September 29, 2017.

The Company files income tax returns, including returns for its subsidiaries, with federal, state, local and foreign taxing jurisdictions.   The Company is currently undergoing income tax examinations in Italy, France, Germany and Indonesia. As of the date of this report, the following tax years remain open to examination by the respective tax jurisdictions:
 
-9-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Jurisdiction
Fiscal Years
United States
2013-2016
Canada
2012-2016
France
2012-2016
Germany
2009-2016
Italy
2011-2016
Japan
2013-2016
Switzerland
2006-2016
 
7
INVENTORIES

Inventories at the end of the respective periods consisted of the following:

   
December 30
2016
   
September 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Raw materials
 
$
33,170
   
$
26,379
   
$
35,496
 
Work in process
   
307
     
34
     
203
 
Finished goods
   
42,560
     
41,984
     
58,199
 
   
$
76,037
   
$
68,397
   
$
93,898
 

8
GOODWILL

The changes in goodwill during the three months ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 were as follows:

   
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
11,196
   
$
14,292
 
Acquisitions
   
-
     
5,385
 
Amount attributable to movements in foreign currency rates
   
(26
)
   
(53
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
11,170
   
$
19,624
 

The Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis or more frequently when events and circumstances warrant such an evaluation.  See Note 17 below for a discussion of Company acquisitions and their impact on increasing the Company’s goodwill balance during the periods presented herein.

9
WARRANTIES
 
The Company provides warranties on certain of its products as they are sold. The following table summarizes the Company’s warranty activity for the three months ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016.
 
-10-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
   
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
4,326
   
$
4,301
 
Expense accruals for warranties issued during the period
   
1,448
     
1,128
 
Less current period warranty claims paid
   
993
     
1,171
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
4,781
   
$
4,258
 

10
CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to various legal actions and proceedings in the normal course of business, including those related to commercial disputes, product liability, intellectual property and regulatory matters. The Company is insured against loss for certain of these matters. Although litigation is subject to many uncertainties and the ultimate exposure with respect to these matters cannot be ascertained, management does not believe the final outcome of any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows of the Company.

11
INDEBTEDNESS

Debt was comprised of the following at December 30, 2016, September 30, 2016, and January 1, 2016:
 
   
December 30
2016
   
September 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Term loans
 
$
-
   
$
7,098
   
$
7,371
 
Revolvers
   
12,730
     
-
     
23,942
 
Other
   
271
     
291
     
283
 
Total debt
   
13,001
     
7,389
     
31,596
 
Less current portion of long term debt
   
-
     
381
     
366
 
Less short term debt
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
13,001
   
$
7,008
   
$
31,230
 

Term Loans
On October 24, 2016 the Company repaid its outstanding term loans with Ridgestone Bank totaling $7,068.  The early repayment of these loans resulted in payment of a 3% pre-payment penalty.  The Company’s term loans had a maturity date of September 29, 2029.   The interest rate in effect on the term loans was 5.50% at the date of repayment.

Revolvers
On September 16, 2013, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit facility with PNC Bank National Association and certain other lenders.  This credit facility consists of a Revolving Credit Agreement dated September 16, 2013 among the Company, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, PNC Bank National Association, as lender and as administrative agent, and the other lenders named therein (the “Revolving Credit Agreement” or “Revolver”).  The Revolver has an expiration date of September 16, 2018 and provides for borrowing of up to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $90,000 with an accordion feature that gives the Company the option to increase the maximum seasonal financing availability subject to the conditions of the Revolving Credit Agreement and subject to the approval of the lenders.  The Revolver imposes a seasonal borrowing limit such that borrowings may not exceed $60,000 from the period June 30th through October 31st of each year under the agreement.
 
-11-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
The interest rate on the Revolver resets each quarter and is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin.  The applicable margin ranges from 1.25% to 2.00% and is dependent on the Company’s leverage ratio for the trailing twelve month period.  The interest rate on the Revolver at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 was approximately 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively.

The Revolver is secured with a first priority lien on working capital assets and certain patents and trademarks of the Company and its subsidiaries and on land, buildings, machinery and equipment of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.  Under the terms of the Revolver, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits asset or stock acquisitions to no more than $20,000 in the event that the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.5 times.  No limits are imposed if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is less than 2.5 times and the remaining borrowing availability under the Revolver is greater than $10,000 at the time of the acquisition.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits the amount of restricted payments (primarily dividends and repurchases of common stock) made during each fiscal year.  The Company may declare and pay dividends in accordance with historical practices, but in no event may the aggregate amount of all dividends or repurchases of common stock exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year.  The Revolving Credit Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional debt and includes maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio covenants.

Other Borrowings
The Company had no unsecured revolving credit facilities at its foreign subsidiaries as of December 30, 2016 or January 1, 2016.  The Company utilizes letters of credit primarily as security for the payment of future claims under its workers’ compensation insurance, which totaled approximately $392 and $682 at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.  The Company had no unsecured lines of credit as of December 30, 2016 or January 1, 2016.

Aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt as of December 30, 2016, for the remainder of fiscal 2017 and subsequent fiscal years, were as follows:

Fiscal Year
     
2017
 
$
-
 
2018
   
12,730
 
2019
   
-
 
2020
   
271
 
2021
   
-
 
Thereafter
   
-
 
Total
 
$
13,001
 

Balances carried on the Revolver not in excess of the seasonal borrowing limit may be repaid at the Company’s discretion at any time through the maturity date.

Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of December 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 approximated its carrying value.

12
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The following disclosures describe the Company’s objectives in using derivative instruments, the business purpose or context for using derivative instruments, and how the Company believes the use of derivative instruments helps achieve the stated objectives.  In addition, the following disclosures describe the effects of the Company’s use of derivative instruments and hedging activities on its financial statements.
 
-12-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company has significant foreign operations, for which the functional currencies are denominated primarily in euros, Swiss francs, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars and Canadian dollars. As the values of the currencies of the foreign countries in which the Company has operations increase or decrease relative to the U.S. dollar, the sales, expenses, profits, losses, assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations, as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, increase or decrease, accordingly.  Approximately 16% of the Company’s revenues for the three month period ended December 30, 2016 were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 7% were denominated in euros, 5% were denominated in Canadian dollars and 2% were denominated in Hong Kong dollars, with the remaining revenues denominated in various other foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can cause the Company to experience unexpected financial losses or cash flow needs.

The Company may mitigate a portion of the fluctuations in certain foreign currencies through the use of foreign currency forward contracts.  Foreign currency forward contracts enable the Company to lock in the foreign currency exchange rate to be paid or received for a fixed amount of currency at a specified date in the future. The Company may use such foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates on financial instruments and known commitments, including commitments for inventory purchases, denominated in foreign currencies. As of December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, the Company held no foreign currency forward contracts.

13
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. A fair value hierarchy has been established based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable.

·          Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These are typically obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets or liabilities.

·          Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These are typically obtained from readily-available pricing sources for comparable instruments.

·          Level 3 - Unobservable inputs, where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability. These inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated their fair values at December 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 due to the short term maturities of these instruments. When indicators of impairment are present, the Company may be required to value certain long-lived assets such as property, plant, and equipment, and other intangibles at their fair value.

Valuation Techniques

Rabbi Trust Assets
Rabbi trust assets are classified as trading securities and are comprised of marketable debt and equity securities that are marked to fair value based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets.  The rabbi trust assets are used to fund amounts the Company owes to certain officers and other employees under the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan.  The mark to market adjustments are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
-13-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company estimates the future discounted cash flows of the businesses to which such goodwill and intangibles relate.  When estimated future discounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the net assets and related goodwill, an impairment test is performed to measure and recognize the amount of the impairment loss, if any.  In determining estimated future cash flows, the Company makes assumptions regarding anticipated financial position, future earnings, and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  This calculation is highly sensitive to changes in key assumptions and could result in a future impairment charge.  The Company will continue to evaluate whether circumstances and events have changed to the extent that they require the Company to conduct an interim test of goodwill.  In particular, if the Company’s business units do not achieve short term revenue and gross margin goals, an interim impairment test may be triggered which could result in a goodwill impairment charge in future periods.
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value as of December 30, 2016:
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Rabbi trust assets
 
$
13,172
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
13,172
 
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value as of September 30, 2016:
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                               
Rabbi trust assets
 
$
12,637
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
12,637
 
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value as of January 1, 2016:
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                               
Rabbi trust assets
 
$
12,142
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
12,142
 

The effect of changes in the fair value of financial instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 was:

  
Location of (income) loss
Three Months Ended
 
recognized in Statement of
Operations
December 30
2016
  
January 1
2016
 
 
Rabbi trust assets
Other (income) expense, net
 
$
202
   
$
63
 

There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition for either of the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 or January 1, 2016.

14
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and provides a new comprehensive revenue recognition model.  The underlying principle of the new standard requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.  The Company intends to adopt this ASU during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.
 
-14-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this update will increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect, if any, of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The ASU includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. Excess tax benefits for share-based payments will be recorded as a reduction of income taxes and reflected in operating cash flows upon the adoption of this ASU. Excess tax benefits are recorded in equity and as financing activity under the current rules.  The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to adopt this accounting standard on a prospective basis at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  See “Note 6 – Income Taxes” in the notes to the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further details concerning the adoption of this standard.

15
SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS

Effective with the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company has renamed its business segments to better reflect the outdoor lifestyle focus of the Company’s brands.  The Company’s segments will be referred to as Fishing (formerly Marine Electronics), Camping (formerly Outdoor Equipment), Watercraft Recreation (formerly Watercraft) and Diving (unchanged).  There is no change in the composition of the Company’s segments.

The Company conducts its worldwide operations through separate business segments, each of which represents major product lines. Operations are conducted in the United States and various foreign countries, primarily in Europe, Canada and the Pacific Basin.  During the three month period ended December 30, 2016 there was no single customer that represented more than 10% of the Company’s total net sales.  The Company had net sales to one customer of its Fishing, Camping and Watercraft Recreation segments during the quarter ended January 1, 2016 that represented approximately $12,000 of its consolidated revenues.

Net sales and operating profit include both sales to customers, as reported in the Company’s accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and interunit transfers, which are priced to recover cost plus an appropriate profit margin. Total assets represent assets that are used in the Company’s operations in each business segment at the end of the periods presented.
 
-15-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
A summary of the Company’s operations by business segment is presented below:
 
   
Three Months Ended
         
                   
   
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
    September 30
2016
 
Net sales:
                       
Fishing (f.k.a Marine Electronics):
                       
Unaffiliated customers
 
$
67,050
   
$
58,558
          
Interunit transfers
   
21
     
42
          
Camping (f.k.a. Outdoor Equipment):
                            
Unaffiliated customers
   
5,728
     
6,306
          
Interunit transfers
   
7
     
8
          
Watercraft Recreation (f.k.a Watercraft):
                            
Unaffiliated customers
   
6,208
     
6,373
          
Interunit transfers
   
9
     
5
          
Diving
                            
Unaffiliated customers
   
14,703
     
14,009
          
Interunit transfers
   
190
     
283
          
Other / Corporate
   
40
     
52
          
Eliminations
   
(227
)
   
(338
)
        
Total
 
$
93,729
   
$
85,298
          
Operating profit (loss):
                            
Fishing
 
$
7,193
   
$
5,695
          
Camping
   
(772
)
   
(202
)
        
Watercraft Recreation
   
(798
)
   
(535
)
        
Diving
   
(1,061
)
   
(1,874
)
        
Other / Corporate
   
(4,090
)
   
(3,984
)
        
   
$
472
   
$
(900
)
        
Total assets (end of period):
                            
Fishing
 
$
151,978
   
$
153,785
   
118,357
 
Camping
   
27,096
     
32,311
     
  28,249
 
Watercraft Recreation
   
23,270
     
23,760
     
  19,693
 
Diving
   
58,566
     
68,058
     
  77,195
 
Other / Corporate
   
55,557
     
43,560
     
  66,785
 
   
$
316,467
   
$
321,474
   
 310,279
 
1

16
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended December 30, 2016 were as follows:

   
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
   
Unamortized
Loss on Defined
Benefit Pension
Plans
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at September 30, 2016
 
$
10,525
   
$
(8,171
)
 
$
2,354
 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
   
(3,747
)
   
-
     
(3,747
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
   
-
     
142
     
142
 
Tax effects
   
-
     
(54
)
   
(54
)
Balance at December 30, 2016
 
$
6,778
   
$
(8,083
)
 
$
(1,305
)
 
-16-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the three months ended January 1, 2016 were as follows:
 
   
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
   
Unamortized
Loss on Defined
Benefit Pension
Plans
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance at October 2, 2015
 
$
10,253
   
$
(6,616
)
 
$
3,637
 
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
   
(1,777
)
   
-
     
(1,777
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
   
-
     
155
     
155
 
Tax effects
   
-
     
(59
)
   
(59
)
Balance at January 1, 2016
 
$
8,476
   
$
(6,520
)
 
$
1,956
 

The reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended December 30, 2016 were as follows:
 
       
Statement of Operations
Presentation
Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans
         
Amortization of loss
 
$
142
 
Cost of sales / Operating expense
Tax effects
   
(54
)
Income tax expense
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
88
   
 
The reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months ended January 1, 2016 were as follows:
 
       
Statement of Operations
Presentation
Unamortized loss on defined benefit pension plans:
         
Amortization of loss
 
$
155
 
Cost of sales / Operating expense
Tax effects
   
(59
)
Income tax expense
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
96
   
 
17.
ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition of SeaBear

On October 27, 2015, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of SeaBear GmbH (“SeaBear”) and related assets in a purchase transaction with SeaBear’s sole shareholder (the “Seller”).  SeaBear, founded and based in Graz, Austria, specializes in the development of underwater instrumentation through unique application of existing, new and emerging technologies.

The acquisition cost was funded with existing cash and credit facilities. Approximately $1,115 of the purchase price was paid into a segregated escrow account which was set aside to fund potential indemnity claims that may be made by the Company against the Seller in connection with the inaccuracy of certain representations and warranties made by the Seller or related to the breach or nonperformance of certain other actions, agreements or conditions related to the acquisition, for a period of 18 months from the acquisition date.  The Company cannot estimate the probability or likelihood of bringing such an indemnity claim against the Seller or any related costs at this time.  Under certain circumstances, if government grants made to SeaBear prior to the closing are required to be repaid, the repayment will be funded by the escrow account.  The remaining escrow balance, if any, net of any indemnity claim or grant repayment then pending, will be released to the Seller once the 18 month period has lapsed.
 
-17-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
The Company believed that sales of SeaBear’s innovative diving technology could be expanded through the Company’s global marketing and distribution networks.  The SeaBear acquisition is included in the Company’s Diving segment.  Goodwill of $2,219, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, is not deductible for tax purposes.

During the quarter ended July 1, 2016, the Company re-evaluated its projections for its Diving reporting unit as a result of deteriorating business conditions. As a result, the Company performed an impairment test on the goodwill of the Diving reporting unit, including the goodwill acquired in the SeaBear acquisition, and determined an impairment charge of $6,197 was required thereby reducing the carrying value of goodwill reported in the Diving segment (including the portion attributable to the SeaBear acquisition) to $0.

Acquisition of Northport

On April 4, 2016, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Northport Systems, Inc. (“Northport”) in a purchase transaction with Northport and its owners (collectively, the “Seller”).  Northport, based in Toronto, Canada, specializes in the development and application of unique digital cartography technologies and web, e-commerce and data solutions for fishing and marine markets.

The acquisition cost for the Northport assets was funded with existing cash and credit facilities. Approximately $500 of the purchase price was paid into a segregated escrow account which was set aside to fund potential indemnity claims that may be made by the Company against the Seller in connection with the inaccuracy of certain representations and warranties made by the Seller or related to the breach or nonperformance of certain other actions, agreements or conditions related to the acquisition, for a period of 24 months from the acquisition date.  The Company cannot estimate the probability or likelihood of bringing such an indemnity claim against the Seller or any related costs at this time.  The remaining escrow balance, if any, net of any indemnity claim then pending, will be released to the Seller once the 24 month period has lapsed.  Approximately $250 of the purchase price was in the form of contingent consideration which requires the Seller to meet certain conditions prior to the release of such funds.

The Company believes that Northport will bring new cartography capabilities, which can broaden the Company’s innovation horizon and accelerate speed-to-market of new products in this segment.  The Northport acquisition is included in the Company’s Fishing segment.  Goodwill of $827, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, is deductible for tax purposes.  The goodwill resulting from this acquisition reflects the strong cash flow expected from the acquisition due primarily to expected expanded distribution and growth of Humminbird marine electronics and cartography.

Purchase Price Allocation

Pro forma results of operations for these acquisitions have not been presented because they are not material to the Company’s combined and consolidated results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate.

The following table presents the aggregate purchase price allocation for the Company’s acquisitions described above:

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
66
 
Inventories
   
197
 
Other current assets
   
40
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
27
 
Identifiable intangible assets
   
6,706
 
Less, accounts payable and accruals
   
350
 
Less, long term liabilities
   
580
 
Total identifiable net assets
   
6,106
 
Goodwill
   
3,046
 
Net assets acquired
 
$
9,152
 
 
-18-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
The values assigned in the acquisitions described above to finite lived intangible assets were as follows:

Description
 
Amount
   
Useful
Life (yrs)
 
Developed technologies
 
$
6,131
     
7.6
 
Non-compete agreements
   
575
     
5
 
                 

Developed technologies were valued using the discounted cash flow method. Under this method, the after-tax direct cash flows expected to be generated by the technologies were discounted over their remaining useful lives, net of contributions of other assets to those cash flows. The discount rates used were commensurate with the inherent risks associated with each type of asset and the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflect market participant assumptions. We valued base product technology that generates cash flows from sales of the existing products using the income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings method which calculates the value based on the risk-adjusted present value of the cash flows specific to the products, allowing for a reasonable return.

Non-compete agreements were valued using the comparative income differential method based on the estimated negative impact that could occur in the absence of the restrictions enforced by the agreements.

The weighted average useful life at the dates of acquisition of total amortizable intangible assets acquired was approximately 7.5 years.

Transaction costs of $301 were recognized during the three months ended January 1, 2016.
 
-19-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) includes comments and analysis relating to the results of operations and financial condition of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of and for the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016. All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thousands.

Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:

·
Forward Looking Statements
·
Trademarks
·
Overview
·
Results of Operations
·
Liquidity and Financial Condition
·
Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
·
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes that immediately precede this section, as well as the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2016.

Effective with the first fiscal quarter of 2017, the Company has renamed its business segments to better reflect the outdoor lifestyle focus of the Company’s brands.  The Company’s segments will be referred to as Fishing (formerly Marine Electronics), Camping (formerly Outdoor Equipment), Watercraft Recreation (formerly Watercraft) and Diving (unchanged).  There is no change in the composition of the Company’s segments.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements,” and the Company intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for purposes of those safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because they include phrases such as the Company “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” or other words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include the matters described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Form 10-K which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2016 and the following:  changes in economic conditions, consumer confidence levels and discretionary spending patterns in key markets; the Company’s success in implementing its strategic plan, including its targeted sales growth platforms, innovation focus and digital presence; litigation costs related to actions of and disputes with third parties, including competitors, and matters related to the Company’s intellectual property rights; the Company’s continued success in its working capital management and cost-structure reductions; the Company’s ongoing success in meeting financial covenants in its credit arrangements with its lenders; the Company’s success in integrating strategic acquisitions; the risk of future writedowns of goodwill or other long-lived assets; the ability of the Company’s customers to meet payment obligations; movements in foreign currencies, interest rates or commodity costs; fluctuations in the prices of raw materials or the availability of raw materials used by the Company; the success of the Company’s suppliers and customers; the ability of the Company to deploy its capital successfully; unanticipated outcomes related to outsourcing certain manufacturing processes; unanticipated outcomes related to litigation matters; and adverse weather conditions. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this filing. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
 
-20-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Trademarks

We have registered the following trademarks, which may be used in this report: Minn Kota®, Cannon®, Humminbird®, Silva®, Eureka!®, Jetboil®, Old Town®, Ocean Kayakä, Necky®,  Extrasport®, Carlisle®, and SCUBAPRO®.

Overview

The Company is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of branded seasonal outdoor recreation products used primarily for fishing, diving, paddling and camping.  The Company’s portfolio of well-known consumer brands has attained leading market positions due to continuous innovation, marketing excellence, product performance and quality.  The Company’s values and culture support innovation in all areas, promoting and leveraging best practices and synergies within and across its subsidiaries to advance the Company’s strategic vision set by executive management and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.  The Company is controlled by Helen P. Johnson-Leipold, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, members of her family and related entities.

Highlights

Net sales of $93,729 for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 increased by 10% from the same period in the prior year due primarily to an exceptionally strong quarter for the Fishing business.  Operating income for the quarter also compared favorably increasing by $1,372 over the prior year first quarter.  Net income for the current quarter was affected significantly by a tax benefit of about $4,200 driven by the repatriation of approximately $22,000 to the U.S. from foreign jurisdictions.   This benefit, fully recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, results in a very large effective tax rate on the small pre-tax loss.

Seasonality

The Company’s business is seasonal in nature. The first fiscal quarter falls prior to the Company’s primary selling season for its warm-weather outdoor recreation products.  The table below sets forth a historical view of the Company’s seasonality during the last three fiscal years.
 
   
Fiscal Year
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
 
Quarter Ended
 
Net
Sales
   
Operating
Profit
   
Net
Sales
   
Operating
Profit
   
Net
Sales
   
Operating
Profit
 
December
   
20
%
   
-4
%
   
16
%
   
-41
%
   
19
%
   
-17
%
March
   
31
%
   
66
%
   
31
%
   
43
%
   
29
%
   
69
%
June
   
32
%
   
59
%
   
33
%
   
92
%
   
32
%
   
56
%
September
   
17
%
   
-21
%
   
20
%
   
6
%
   
20
%
   
-8
%
     
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
 
-21-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Results of Operations

The Company’s net sales and operating profit (loss) by business segment for the periods shown below were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Net sales:
           
Fishing (f.k.a Marine Electronics)
 
$
67,071
   
$
58,600
 
Camping (f.k.a Outdoor Equipment)
   
5,735
     
6,314
 
Watercraft Recreation (f.k.a Watercraft)
   
6,217
     
6,378
 
Diving
   
14,893
     
14,292
 
Other / Eliminations
   
(187
)
   
(286
)
Total
 
$
93,729
   
$
85,298
 
Operating profit (loss):
               
Fishing
 
$
7,193
   
$
5,695
 
Camping
   
(772
)
   
(202
)
Watercraft Recreation
   
(798
)
   
(535
)
Diving
   
(1,061
)
   
(1,874
)
Other / Eliminations
   
(4,090
)
   
(3,984
)
Total
 
$
472
   
$
(900
)

See “Note 15 – Segments of Business” of the notes to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the definition of segment net sales and operating profit.

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended December 30, 2016 were $93,729, an increase of $8,431, or 10%, compared to $85,298 for the three months ended January 1, 2016.

Net sales for the three months ended December 30, 2016 for the Fishing business were $67,071, up $8,471, or 15%, from $58,600 during the first fiscal quarter of the prior year.  The increase was driven by growth in the Minn Kota® brand related to successful new product sales including sales of new electric steer trolling motors with redesigned i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link systems and the new Ultrex trolling motor.

Net sales for the Camping business were $5,735 for the first quarter of the current fiscal year, a decrease of $579, or 9%, from the prior year net sales during the same period of $6,314.  Increases in government tent sales during the current year quarter were more than offset by decreases in Jetboil sales during this same quarter.

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 for the Watercraft Recreation business were $6,217 a decrease of $161, or 3%, compared to $6,378 in the prior year period due primarily to a change in the timing of orders between quarters.

Diving net sales were $14,893 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 versus $14,292 for the three months ended January 1, 2016, an increase of $601, or 4%.  The increase was driven in part by improved computer sales versus the prior year quarter and sales of the new HYDROS PRO buoyancy compensator which began shipping during the fiscal 2017 first quarter.  Favorable foreign currency translation impacted Diving’s sales by less than 1% versus the prior year’s first fiscal quarter.
 
-22-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the three months ended December 30, 2016 was $57,164 compared to $51,999 for the three months ended January 1, 2016.  The increase year over year was driven entirely by higher sales volume.

Gross Profit Margin

For the three months ended December 30, 2016, gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 39.0% compared to 39.0% in the three month period ended January 1, 2016.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were $36,093 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 compared to $34,199 for the three months ended January 1, 2016.  The increase of $1,894 was primarily due to higher sales volume related expenses between quarters and increased spending in research and development during the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Operating Profit (Loss)

Operating profit on a consolidated basis for the three month period ended December 30, 2016 was $472 compared to an operating loss of $900 in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.   The improvement year over year was driven primarily by the increased sales volume between quarters.

Interest

For the three months ended December 30, 2016, interest expense was $486 compared to $190 in the three months ended January 1, 2016.  The increase in expense year over year was due primarily to the write-off of deferred financing costs and a 3% pre-payment penalty triggered by the $7,068 prepayment of the Company’s term loans during the first quarter of 2017.

Interest income for each of the three month periods ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 was less than $100.

Other Expense (Income), net

Other expense was $54 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 compared to other income of $563 in the prior year period.  For the three months ended December 30, 2016, foreign currency exchange losses were $175 compared to gains of $264 for the three months ended January 1, 2016.  Investment gains and earnings on the assets related to the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan were $105 in the three month period ended December 30, 2016 compared to investment gains and earnings of $294 in the three month period ended January 1, 2016.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

The Company’s provision for income taxes is based upon estimated annual effective tax rates in the tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates.  The effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 30, 2016 was approximately 9000%, compared to -2.9% in the corresponding period of the prior year.

The change in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 30, 2016 versus the prior year period was primarily due to the impact of a foreign tax credit net tax benefit of roughly $4,200 generated by the repatriation of approximately $22,000 to the U.S. from foreign jurisdictions in the period. The Company does not intend or foresee a need to repatriate the remaining undistributed foreign earnings and considers these earnings indefinitely reinvested in the foreign subsidiaries.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income for the three months ended December 30, 2016 was $4,056, or $0.40 per diluted common class A and B share compared to a net loss of $534, or $0.05 per diluted common class A and B share, for the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.
 
-23-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Liquidity and Financial Condition

Cash, net of debt, was $38,859 as of December 30, 2016, compared to net cash of $17,760 as of January 1, 2016.  The Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio was 6% as of December 30, 2016 and 14% as of January 1, 2016.  The Company’s total debt balance was $13,001 as of December 30, 2016 compared to $31,596 as of January 1, 2016.  See “Note 11 – Indebtedness” in the notes to the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, were $72,349 as of December 30, 2016, an increase of $6,292 compared to $66,057 as of January 1, 2016.  The increase is due in large part to the increase in sales for products sold in the Fishing segment between quarters.

Inventories, net of inventory reserves, were $76,037 as of December 30, 2016, a decrease of $17,861, compared to $93,898 as of January 1, 2016.  The decrease in inventory was due in large part to decreases in Fishing inventory between these dates.

Accounts payable were $32,033 at December 30, 2016 compared to $35,055 as of January 1, 2016.

The Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Company’s accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, is summarized in the following table:

   
Three Months Ended
 
(thousands)
 
December 30
2016
   
January 1
2016
 
Cash (used for) provided by:
           
Operating activities
 
$
(34,326
)
 
$
(33,557
)
Investing activities
   
(2,666
)
   
(7,797
)
Financing activities
   
4,077
     
22,682
 
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash
   
(2,519
)
   
(1,131
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(35,434
)
 
$
(19,803
)

Operating Activities

Cash used for operations totaled $34,326 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 compared with cash used for operations of $33,557 during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.   The increase in net income in the current year quarter was more than offset by changes in accounts receivable and deferred taxes between periods.

Amortization of deferred financing costs, depreciation and other amortization charges were $3,340 for the three month period ended December 30, 2016 compared to $2,866 for the corresponding period of the prior year.  The increase over the prior year reflects the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the repayment of the Company’s term loans during the first quarter of 2017.

Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities totaled $2,666  and $7,797 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.  The prior year first fiscal quarter included acquisitions of $5,250.  The remaining $2,547 and the entire $2,666 for the first fiscal quarter of the current year consisted of cash usage for capital expenditures net of any proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment.  The Company’s recurring investments are made primarily for software development and tooling for new products and enhancements on existing products. Any additional expenditures in fiscal 2017 are expected to be funded by working capital or existing credit facilities.
 
-24-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Financing Activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $4,077 for the three months ended December 30, 2016 compared to $22,682 for the three month period ended January 1, 2016.

On October 24, 2016 the Company repaid its outstanding term loans with Ridgestone Bank totaling $7,068.  The early repayment of these loans resulted in payment of a 3% pre-payment penalty.  The Company’s term loans had a maturity date of September 29, 2029.   The interest rate in effect on the term loans was 5.50% at the date of repayment.

On September 16, 2013, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit facility with PNC Bank National Association and certain other lenders.  This credit facility consists of a Revolving Credit Agreement dated September 16, 2013 among the Company, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, PNC Bank National Association, as lender and as administrative agent, and the other lenders named therein (the “Revolving Credit Agreement” or “Revolver”).  The Revolver has an expiration date of September 16, 2018 and provides for borrowing of up to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $90,000 with an accordion feature that gives the Company the option to increase the maximum seasonal financing availability subject to the conditions of the Revolving Credit Agreement and subject to the approval of the lenders.  The Revolver imposes a seasonal borrowing limit such that borrowings may not exceed $60,000 from the period June 30th through October 31st of each year under the agreement.  Balances carried on the Revolving Credit Agreement of $60,000 or less may be repaid at the Company’s discretion at any time through the maturity date.

The interest rate on the Revolver resets each quarter and is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin.  The applicable margin ranges from 1.25% to 2.00% and is dependent on the Company’s leverage ratio for the trailing twelve month period.  The interest rate on the Revolver at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016 was approximately 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively.

The Revolver is secured with a first priority lien on working capital assets and certain patents and trademarks of the Company and its subsidiaries and on land, buildings, machinery and equipment of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.  Under the terms of the Revolver, the Company is required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits asset or stock acquisitions to no more than $20,000 in the event that the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.5 times.  No limits are imposed if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio is less than 2.5 times and the remaining borrowing availability under the Revolver is greater than $10,000 at the time of the acquisition.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits the amount of restricted payments (primarily dividends and repurchases of common stock) made during each fiscal year.  The Company may declare, and pay, dividends in accordance with historical practices, but in no event may the aggregate amount of all dividends or repurchases of common stock exceed $10,000 in any fiscal year.  The Revolving Credit Agreement restricts the Company’s ability to incur additional debt and includes maximum leverage ratio and minimum interest coverage ratio covenants.

As of December 30, 2016 the Company held approximately $49,077 of cash and cash equivalents in bank accounts in foreign taxing jurisdictions.

Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments under its existing credit facilities, including interest, operating leases and open purchase orders.  The following schedule details these significant contractual obligations existing at December 30, 2016.

   
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
2-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
After 5 years
 
Long-term debt
 
$
13,001
   
$
-
   
$
12,730
   
$
271
   
$
-
 
Operating lease obligations
   
26,624
     
4,544
     
9,617
     
7,858
     
4,605
 
Open purchase orders
   
94,800
     
94,800
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Contractually obligated interest payments
   
604
     
258
     
346
     
-
     
-
 
Total contractual obligations
 
$
135,029
   
$
99,602
   
$
22,693
   
$
8,129
   
$
4,605
 
 
-25-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
The Company utilizes letters of credit primarily as security for the payment of future claims under its workers compensation insurance.  Letters of credit outstanding were approximately $392 and $682 at December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, respectively.

The Company anticipates making contributions of $565 to its defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of fiscal 2017.

The Company has no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are identified in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “Critical Accounting Estimates.” There were no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended December 30, 2016.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company’s exposure to market risk is limited to fluctuations in raw material commodity prices, interest rate fluctuations on borrowings under our secured credit facilities and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our foreign operations.  The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company has significant foreign operations, for which the functional currencies are denominated primarily in euros, Swiss francs, Hong Kong dollars, Japanese yen and Canadian dollars. As the values of the currencies of the foreign countries in which the Company has operations increase or decrease relative to the U.S. dollar, the sales, expenses, profits, losses, assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations, as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, increase or decrease, accordingly. Approximately 16% of the Company’s revenues for the three month period ended December 30, 2016 were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Approximately 7% were denominated in euros, approximately 5% in Canadian dollars and approximately 2% in Hong Kong dollars, with the remaining revenues denominated in various other foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can cause unexpected financial losses or cash flow needs.  The Company may mitigate a portion of the fluctuations in certain foreign currencies through the use of foreign currency forward contracts.  Foreign currency forward contracts enable the Company to lock in the foreign currency exchange rate to be paid or received for a fixed amount of currency at a specified date in the future. The Company may use such foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates on financial instruments and known commitments, including commitments for inventory purchases, denominated in foreign currencies. As of December 30, 2016 and January 1, 2016, the Company held no foreign currency forward contracts.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company operates in a seasonal business and experiences significant fluctuations in operating cash flow as working capital needs increase in advance of the Company’s primary selling and cash generation season, and decline as accounts receivable are collected and cash is accumulated or debt is repaid.  The Company’s goal in managing its interest rate risk is to maintain a mix of floating rate and fixed rate debt such that permanent non-equity capital needs are largely funded with long term fixed rate debt and seasonal working capital needs are funded with short term floating rate debt or cash and cash equivalents on hand.
 
-26-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Commodities

Certain components used in the Company’s products are exposed to commodity price changes.  The Company manages this risk through instruments such as purchase orders and non-cancelable supply contracts.  Primary commodity price exposures include costs associated with metals, resins and packaging materials.

Impact of Inflation

The Company anticipates that changing costs of basic raw materials may impact future operating costs and, accordingly, the prices of its products.  The Company is involved in continuing programs to mitigate the impact of cost increases through changes in product design and identification of sourcing and manufacturing efficiencies.  Price increases and, in certain situations, price decreases are implemented for individual products, when appropriate.

The Company’s results of operations and financial condition are presented based on historical cost.  The Company does not believe that inflation has significantly affected its results of operations.

Sensitivity to Changes in Value

The estimates that follow are intended to measure the maximum potential fair value or earnings the Company could lose in one year from adverse changes in market interest rates.  The calculations are not intended to represent actual losses in fair value or earnings that the Company expects to incur.  The estimates do not consider favorable changes in market rates.  The table below presents the estimated maximum potential loss in fair value and annual income before income taxes from a 100 basis point movement in interest rates on the Company’s outstanding interest bearing debt at December 30, 2016:

 
Estimated Impact on
 
(thousands)
Fair Value
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
Interest rate instruments
 
$
-
   
$
127
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at reaching a level of reasonable assurance. It should be noted that in designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The Company has designed its disclosure controls and procedures to reach a level of reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a‑15(f) and 15d‑15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
-27-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in various legal proceedings from time to time.  We do not believe we are currently involved in any claim or action the ultimate disposition of which would have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2016 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 6.
Exhibits

See Exhibit Index to this Form 10-Q report.
 
-28-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
Signatures Dated: February 3, 2017
 
 
/s/ Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
 
Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
 
 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
 
/s/ David W. Johnson
 
David W. Johnson
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
-29-

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
 
Exhibit Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
   
Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32 (1)
Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101
The following materials from Johnson Outdoors Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2016 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and furnished electronically herewith: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(1) This certification is not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


 
 
-30-