MIDDLEBY Corp - Quarter Report: 2017 April (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



x	Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 1, 2017



o	Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File No. 1-9973

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware	36-3352497
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(IRS Employer Identification Number)



1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois	60120
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code:	(847) 741-3300

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 x No o

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer, smaller reporting and emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o	Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

As of May 5, 2017, there were 57,532,017 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

QUARTER ENDED APRIL 1, 2017

INDEX



DESCRIPTION		PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS APRIL 1, 2017 and DECEMBER 31, 2016	1

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME APRIL 1, 2017 and APRIL 2, 2016	2

	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS APRIL 1, 2017 and APRIL 2, 2016	3

	NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	4

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	30

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	32

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33

Item 6.	Exhibits	34

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

(Unaudited)



ASSETS	Apr 1, 2017			Dec 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	76,576		$	68,485
Accounts receivable, net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $12,638 and $12,600	307,439			325,868
Inventories, net	396,194			368,243
Prepaid expenses and other	49,946			42,704
Prepaid taxes	7,268			6,399
Total current assets	837,423			811,699
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $124,809 and $119,435	224,841			221,571
Goodwill	1,098,843			1,092,722
Other intangibles, net of amortization of $175,415 and $168,369	691,490			696,171
Long-term deferred tax assets	46,863			51,699
Other assets	43,571			43,274
Total assets	$	2,943,031		$	2,917,136

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	4,860		$	5,883
Accounts payable	145,851			146,921
Accrued expenses	299,185			335,605
Total current liabilities	449,896			488,409
Long-term debt	723,745			726,243
Long-term deferred tax liability	88,217			77,760
Accrued pension benefits	320,021			322,988
Other non-current liabilities	37,419			36,418
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; nonvoting; 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 95,000,000 shares authorized; 62,614,663 and 62,445,315 shares issued in 2017 and 2016, respectively	144			144
Paid-in capital	358,837			355,287
Treasury stock, at cost; 5,082,646 and 4,905,549 shares in 2017 and 2016, respectively	(229,925		)	(205,280		)
Retained earnings	1,470,192			1,399,490
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(275,515		)	(284,323		)
Total stockholders' equity	1,323,733			1,265,318
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,943,031		$	2,917,136

See accompanying notes

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017		Apr 2, 2016
Net sales	$	530,297	$	516,355
Cost of sales	320,847		319,582
Gross profit	209,450		196,773
Selling, general and administrative expenses	106,646		109,792
Restructuring expenses	1,725		606
Income from operations	101,079		86,375
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization, net	5,805		5,276
Other expense (income), net	1,867		(800		)
Earnings before income taxes	93,407		81,899
Provision for income taxes	22,705		27,361
Net earnings	$	70,702	$	54,538

Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.24	$	0.96
Diluted	$	1.24	$	0.96
Weighted average number of shares
Basic	57,103		57,051
Dilutive common stock equivalents¹	—		—
Diluted	57,103		57,051
Comprehensive income	$	79,510	$	57,799

¹There were no anti-dilutive equity awards excluded from common stock equivalents for any period presented.

See accompanying notes

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017			Apr 2, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities--
Net earnings	$	70,702		$	54,538
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities--
Depreciation and amortization	14,057			14,930
Non-cash share-based compensation	3,550			4,959
Deferred income taxes	15,285			9,091
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net	19,417			(19,576		)
Inventories, net	(24,088		)	(12,802		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(7,400		)	1,160
Accounts payable	(2,201		)	(1,240		)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(42,442		)	(36,555		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	46,880			14,505
Cash flows from investing activities--
Additions to property and equipment	(8,276		)	(7,693		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,696		)	—
Net cash used in investing activities	(10,972		)	(7,693		)
Cash flows from financing activities--
Net (repayments) under Credit Facility	(3,133		)	(28,000		)
Net (repayments) proceeds under international credit facilities	(1,155		)	26,313
Net (repayments) under other debt arrangement	(8		)	(9		)
Repurchase of treasury stock	(24,645		)	(4,418		)
Excess tax (detriment) related to share-based compensation	—			(834		)
Net cash used by financing activities	(28,941		)	(6,948		)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	1,124			289
Changes in cash and cash equivalents--
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	8,091			153
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	68,485			55,528
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	76,576		$	55,681

See accompanying notes

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

APRIL 1, 2017

(Unaudited)


1)	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


A)	Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by The Middleby Corporation (the "company" or “Middleby”), pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial statements are unaudited and certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in the company's 2016 Form 10-K. The company’s interim results are not necessarily indicative of future full year results for the fiscal year 2017.

In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the company as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the results of operations for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 and cash flows for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to be consistent with current year presentation, including combining selling and distribution expenses with general and administrative expenses.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but are not limited to, allowances for doubtful accounts, reserves for excess and obsolete inventories, long-lived and intangible assets, warranty reserves, insurance reserves, income tax reserves and post-retirement obligations. Actual results could differ from the company's estimates.


B)	Non-Cash Share-Based Compensation

The company estimates the fair value of market-based stock awards and stock options at the time of grant and recognizes compensation cost over the vesting period of the awards and options. Non-cash share-based compensation expense was $3.5 million and $5.0 million for the first quarter periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively.

During the first quarter ended April 1, 2017, the company issued restricted shares under its 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. These amounts are contingent on the attainment of certain performance objectives. The aggregate grant-date fair value of these awards was $9.6 million, based on the closing share price of the company's stock at the date of the grant.


C)	Income Taxes

As of December 31, 2016, the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $20.3 million (of which $20 million would impact the effective tax rate if recognized) plus approximately $2.7 million of accrued interest and $4.9 million of penalties. The company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of April 1, 2017, the company recognized a tax expense of $1.2 million for unrecognized tax benefits related to current year tax exposures.

It is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits associated with state, federal and foreign tax positions may decrease over the next twelve months due to expiration of a statute or completion of an audit. The company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $2.0 million of its remaining unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized over the next twelve months as a result of lapses of statutes of limitations.

The effective rate for the three months period ended April 1, 2017 was 24.3% as compared to 33.4% three months period ended April 2, 2016. The tax rate in the three months period ended April 1, 2017 was favorably impacted by a tax benefit from the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting," which resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits from share-based payments to be recognized as income tax benefit in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

A summary of the tax years that remain subject to examination in the company’s major tax jurisdictions are:



United States - federal	2012 – 2016
United States - states	2007 – 2016
Australia	2012 – 2016
Brazil	2012 – 2016
Canada	2007 – 2016
China	2007 – 2016
Czech Republic	2014 – 2016
Denmark	2013 – 2016
France	2014 – 2016
Germany	2014 – 2016
India	2013 – 2016
Ireland	2010 – 2016
Italy	2012 – 2016
Luxembourg	2012 – 2016
Mexico	2012 – 2016
Netherlands	2005 – 2016
Philippines	2013 – 2016
Poland	2011 – 2016
Romania	2007 – 2016
Spain	2012 – 2016
Sweden	2010 – 2016
Switzerland	2008 – 2016
Taiwan	2011 – 2012
United Kingdom	2015 – 2016


D)	Fair Value Measures

ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into the following levels:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions.

The company’s financial liabilities that are measured at fair value and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy are as follows (in thousands):



	Fair Value Level 1		Fair Value Level 2		Fair Value Level 3		Total
As of April 1, 2017
Financial Assets:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	9,585	$	—	$	9,585

Financial Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	16	$	—	$	16
Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—	$	4,797	$	4,797

As of December 31, 2016
Financial Assets:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	8,842	$	—	$	8,842

Financial Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	100	$	—	$	100
Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—	$	6,612	$	6,612

The contingent consideration as of April 1, 2017 relates to the earnout provisions recorded in conjunction with the acquisitions of Desmon, Goldstein Eswood and Induc.

The contingent consideration as of December 31, 2016 relates to the earnout provisions recorded in conjunction with the acquisitions of PES, Desmon, Goldstein Eswood and Induc.

The earnout provisions associated with these acquisitions are based upon performance measurements related to sales and earnings, as defined in the respective purchase agreements. On a quarterly basis the company assesses the projected results for each of the acquired businesses in comparison to the earnout targets and adjusts the liability accordingly.

E) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Cash paid for interest was $5.8 million and $4.8 million for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively. Cash payments totaling $6.2 million and $12.2 million were made for income taxes for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively.


2)	Acquisitions and Purchase Accounting

The company operates in a highly fragmented industry and has completed numerous acquisitions over the past several years as a component of its growth strategy. The company has acquired industry leading brands and technologies to position itself as a leader in the commercial foodservice equipment, food processing equipment and residential kitchen equipment industries.

The company has accounted for all business combinations using the acquisition method to record a new cost basis for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill in the financial statements. The results of operations are reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the company from the dates of acquisition.

Emico

On May 20, 2016, the company completed its acquisition of certain assets of Emico Automated Bakery Equipment Solutions ("Emico"), manufacturer of high speed dough make-up bakery equipment located in Sante Fe Springs, California, for a purchase price of approximately $1.0 million. Additional deferred payments of approximately $1.7 million in aggregate are also due to the seller during the two year period subsequent to the acquisition.

The following estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and are based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):



	(as initially reported) May 20, 2016			Preliminary Measurement Period Adjustments			(as adjusted) May 20, 2016
Current assets	$	746		(65		)	681
Goodwill	1,816			183			1,999
Current liabilities	(934		)	(62		)	(996		)
Other non-current liabilities	(628		)	(56		)	(684		)

Consideration paid at closing	$	1,000		$	—		$	1,000

Deferred payments	1,559			118			1,677

Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$	2,559		$	118		$	2,677

The goodwill is subject to the non-amortization provisions of ASC 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The company believes that information gathered to date provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed but the company is waiting for additional information necessary to finalize those fair values. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair value set forth above are subject to change. The company expects to complete the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the acquisition date.

Follett

On May 31, 2016, the company completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Follett Corporation ("Follett"), a leading manufacturer of ice machines, ice and water dispensing equipment, ice storage and transport products and medical grade refrigeration products for the foodservice and healthcare industries headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania, for a purchase price of approximately $208.4 million, net of cash acquired. During the first quarter of 2017, the company finalized the working capital provision provided by the purchase agreement resulting in an additional payment to the seller of $0.7 million.



	(as initially reported) May 31, 2016			Preliminary Measurement Period Adjustments			(as adjusted) May 31, 2016
Cash	$	22,620		$	1,359		$	23,979
Current assets	41,602			(72		)	41,530
Property, plant and equipment	19,868			—			19,868
Goodwill	76,220			1,448			77,668
Other intangibles	82,450			—			82,450
Other assets	1,358			—			1,358
Current liabilities	(11,779		)	(2,039		)	(13,818		)
Other non-current liabilities	(616		)	—			(616		)

Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$	231,723		$	696		$	232,419

The goodwill and $55.0 million of other intangibles associated with the trade name are subject to the non-amortization provisions of ASC 350. Other intangibles also includes $22.5 million allocated to customer relationships, $4.5 million allocated to developed technology and $0.5 million allocated to backlog, which are to be amortized over periods of 6 years, 6 years, and 3 months, respectively. These assets are expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Pro Forma Financial Information

In accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, the following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three months ended April 2, 2016, assumes the 2016 acquisition of Follett was completed on January 3, 2016 (first day of fiscal year 2016). The following pro forma results include adjustments to reflect additional interest expense to fund the acquisitions, amortization of intangibles associated with the acquisitions, and the effects of adjustments made to the carrying value of certain assets (in thousands, except per share data):



	Three Months Ended
	April 2, 2016
Net sales	$	552,578
Net earnings	57,459

Net earnings per share:
Basic	1.01
Diluted	1.01

The supplemental pro forma financial information presented above has been prepared for comparative purposes and is not necessarily indicative of either the results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisition of Follett been effective on January 3, 2016 nor are they indicative of any future results. Also, the pro forma financial information does not reflect the costs which the company has incurred or may incur to integrate Follett.


3)	Litigation Matters

From time to time, the company is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to products, suppliers, employees, customers and competitors. The company maintains insurance to partially cover product liability, workers compensation, property and casualty, and general liability matters. The company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accrual required, if any, for these contingencies is made after assessment of each matter and the related insurance coverage. The required accrual may change in the future due to new developments or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters. The company does not believe that any pending litigation will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


4)	Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounts Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update amends the current guidance on revenue recognition related to contracts with customers. Under ASU No. 2014-09, an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In early 2016, the FASB issued additional updates: ASU No. 2016-10, 2016-11 and 2016-12. These updates provide further guidance and clarification on specific items within the previously issued update. In July 2015, the FASB decided to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard to be effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 for public companies. Companies may elect to adopt the standard at the original effective date which, for the company is, for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, but not earlier. The guidance can be applied using one of two retrospective application methods. The company will adopt this standard, as required, for fiscal year 2018 and expects to use the modified retrospective approach, with the cumulative effect, if any, recognized in the opening balance of retained earnings. The company is continuing to evaluate the impact the application of these ASU's will have, if any, on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which is intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of inventories by replacing the current lower of cost or market test with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. The guidance applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in first-out and the retail inventory method. Application of the standard, which should be applied prospectively, is required for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes". The amendments in ASU 2015-17 simplify the accounting for, and presentation of, deferred taxes by eliminating the need to separately classify the current amount of deferred tax assets or liabilities. Instead, aggregated deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified and reported as non-current assets or liabilities. The update is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The company early adopted ASU 2015-17 effective April 3, 2016 on a prospective basis. Adoption of this ASU resulted in a reclassification of the company's net current deferred tax asset to the net non-current deferred tax liability in the company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 2, 2016. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)". The amendments under this pronouncement will change the way all leases with a duration of one year of more are treated. Under this guidance, lessees will be required to capitalize virtually all leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and an associated financing lease liability or capital lease liability. The right-of-use asset represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the specified lease term. The lease liability represents the lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, measured on a discounted basis. Based on certain characteristics, leases are classified as financing leases or operating leases. Financing lease liabilities, those that contain provisions similar to capitalized leases, are amortized like capital leases are under current accounting, as amortization expense and interest expense in the statement of operations. Operating lease liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease as lease expense in the statement of operations. This update is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. The company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its policies and procedures pertaining to its existing and future lease arrangements, disclosure requirements and on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships". The amendments in ASU 2016-05 clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of the hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. The amendments in this update may be applied on either a prospective basis or a modified retrospective basis. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017 and it did not have an impact on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting". The amendments in ASU-09 simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits in the company's provision for income taxes within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income rather than paid-in-capital of approximately $7.9 million for the three months period ended April 1, 2017. Additionally, the company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows now presents excess tax benefits as an operating activity rather than a financing activity.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments". The amendments in ASU-15 address eight specific cash flow classification issues to reduce current and potential future diversity in practice. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The company is evaluating the impact the application of this ASU will have, if any, on the company's cash flows.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory". The amendments in ASU-16 prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer other than inventory until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The company is evaluating the impact the application of this ASU will have, if any, on the company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business". The amendments in ASU-01 clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of businesses. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The company is evaluating the impact the application of this ASU. The company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". The amendments in ASU-04 simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, by removing the second step of the goodwill impairment test. An entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for testing dates after January 1, 2017. The company is evaluating the application of this ASU on the company's annual impairment test. The company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost". The amendments in ASU-07 require that an employer report the service costs component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods with those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. Net income will not change as a result of the adoption of this standard. The company is currently evaluating the remaining impacts the ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.


5)	Other Comprehensive Income

The company reports changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, in accordance with ASC 220, "Comprehensive Income".

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income(1) were as follows (in thousands):



	Currency Translation Adjustment			Pension Benefit Costs			Unrealized Gain/(Loss) Interest Rate Swap			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	(116,411	)	$	(173,394	)	$	5,482		$	(284,323	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification	10,835			(2,527		)	1,022			9,330
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			(522		)	(522		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	$	10,835		$	(2,527	)	$	500		$	8,808
Balance as of April 1, 2017	$	(105,576	)	$	(175,921	)	$	5,982		$	(275,515	)

(1) As of April 1, 2017 pension and interest rate swap amounts are net of tax of $(38.5) million and $4.0 million, respectively.

Components of other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017			Apr 2, 2016
Net earnings	$	70,702		$	54,538
Currency translation adjustment	10,835			(396		)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax	(2,527		)	3,778
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax	500			(121		)
Comprehensive income	$	79,510		$	57,799


6)	Inventories

Inventories are composed of material, labor and overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Costs for inventory have been determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method. The company estimates reserves for inventory obsolescence and shrinkage based on its judgment of future realization. Inventories at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	Apr 1, 2017		Dec 31, 2016
	(in thousands)
Raw materials and parts	$	161,662	$	154,647
Work-in-process	40,524		35,975
Finished goods	194,008		177,621
	$	396,194	$	368,243


7)	Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended April 1, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):



	Commercial Foodservice		Food Processing		Residential Kitchen		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	542,090	$	134,680	$	415,952	$	1,092,722
Measurement period adjustments to goodwill acquired in prior year	$	696	$	41	$	—	$	737
Exchange effect	1,498		944		2,942		5,384
Balance as of April 1, 2017	$	544,284	$	135,665	$	418,894	$	1,098,843


8)	Intangibles

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):



	April 1, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Estimated Weighted Avg Remaining Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Estimated Weighted Avg Remaining Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer lists	5.4	$	251,025	$	(143,577	)	5.5	$	251,025	$	(136,895	)
Backlog	0.0	13,550		(13,550		)	0.0	13,550		(13,550		)
Developed technology	4.6	24,874		(18,288		)	4.8	24,874		(17,924		)
		$	289,449	$	(175,415	)		$	289,449	$	(168,369	)
Indefinite-lived assets:
Trademarks and tradenames		$	577,456					$	575,091

The aggregate intangible amortization expense was $6.8 million and $8.6 million for the first quarter periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):



2017	$	27,352
2018	24,558
2019	18,427
2020	16,732
2021	13,714
Thereafter	13,251
	$	114,034


9)	Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:



	Apr 1, 2017		Dec 31, 2016
	(in thousands)
Accrued payroll and related expenses	$	64,941	$	74,505
Advanced customer deposits	44,909		41,735
Accrued warranty	41,383		40,851
Accrued customer rebates	23,472		49,923
Accrued professional fees	13,852		16,605
Accrued agent commission	11,191		12,834
Accrued product liability and workers compensation	11,110		11,417
Accrued sales and other tax	10,824		13,565
Product recall	6,641		7,003
Restructuring	3,269		2,295
Other accrued expenses	67,593		64,872

	$	299,185	$	335,605


10)	Warranty Costs

In the normal course of business the company issues product warranties for specific product lines and provides for the estimated future warranty cost in the period in which the sale is recorded. The estimate of warranty cost is based on contract terms and historical warranty loss experience that is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, actual claims costs may differ from amounts provided. Adjustments to initial obligations for warranties are made as changes in the obligations become reasonably estimable.

A rollforward of the warranty reserve is as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	40,851
Warranty expense	13,443
Warranty claims	(12,911		)
Balance as of April 1, 2017	$	41,383


11)	Financing Arrangements



	Apr 1, 2017		Dec 31, 2016
	(in thousands)
Credit Facility	$	722,987	$	725,500
Other international credit facilities	5,413		6,413
Other debt arrangement	205		213
Total debt	$	728,605	$	732,126
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	4,860		5,883
Long-term debt	$	723,745	$	726,243

On July 28, 2016, the company entered into an amended and restated five-year $2.5 billion multi-currency senior secured revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Facility"), with the potential under certain circumstances to increase the amount of the Credit Facility to $3.0 billion. As of April 1, 2017, the company had $723.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility, including $681.0 million of borrowings in U.S. Dollars and $42.0 million of borrowings denominated in British Pounds. The company also had $10.2 million in outstanding letters of credit as of April 1, 2017, which reduces the borrowing availability under the Credit Facility. Remaining borrowing availability under this facility was $1.8 billion at April 1, 2017.

At April 1, 2017, borrowings under the Credit Facility accrued interest at a rate of 1.25% above LIBOR per annum or 0.25% above the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and one month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The average interest rate per annum on the debt under the Credit Facility was equal to 2.15% for the period. The interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facility may be adjusted quarterly based on the company’s funded debtless unrestricted cash to pro forma EBITDA (the “Leverage Ratio”) on a rolling four-quarter basis. Additionally, a commitment fee based upon the Leverage Ratio is charged on the unused portion of the commitments under the Credit Facility. This variable commitment fee was equal to 0.200% per annum as of April 1, 2017.

In addition, the company has other international credit facilities to fund working capital needs outside the United States and the United Kingdom. At April 1, 2017, these foreign credit facilities amounted to $5.4 million in U.S. dollars with a weighted average per annum interest rate of approximately 9.50%.

The company’s debt is reflected on the balance sheet at cost. The company believes its interest rate margins on its existing debt are consistent with current market conditions and therefore the carrying value of debt reflects the fair value. The interest rate margin is based on the company's Leverage Ratio.

The company estimated the fair value of its loans by calculating the upfront cash payment a market participant would require to assume the company’s obligations. The upfront cash payment is the amount that a market participant would be able to lend to achieve sufficient cash inflows to cover the cash outflows under the company’s senior secured revolving credit facility assuming the facility was outstanding in its entirety until maturity. Since the company maintains its borrowings under a revolving credit facility and there is no predetermined borrowing or repayment schedule, for purposes of this calculation the company calculated the fair value of its obligations assuming the current amount of debt at the end of the period was outstanding until the maturity of the company’s Credit Facility in July 2021. Although borrowings could be materially greater or less than the current amount of borrowings outstanding at the end of the period, it is not practical to estimate the amounts that may be outstanding during future periods. The carrying value and estimated aggregate fair value, a level 2 measurement, based primarily on market prices, of debt is as follows (in thousands):



	Apr 1, 2017				Dec 31, 2016
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Total debt	$	728,605	$	728,605	$	732,126	$	732,126

The company uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge variable interest rate risk associated with the Credit Facility. At April 1, 2017, the company had outstanding floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps totaling $110.0 million notional amount carrying an average interest rate of 0.94% maturing in less than 12 months and $324.0 million notional amount carrying an average interest rate of 1.30% that mature in more than 12 months but less than 84 months.

The company believes that its current capital resources, including cash and cash equivalents, cash expected to be generated from operations, funds available from its current lenders and access to the credit and capital markets will be sufficient to finance its operations, debt service obligations, capital expenditures, product development and expenditures for the foreseeable future.

The terms of the Credit Facility limit the ability of the company and its subsidiaries to, with certain exceptions: incur indebtedness; grant liens; engage in certain mergers, consolidations, acquisitions and dispositions; make restricted payments; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and requires, among other things, the company to satisfy certain financial covenants: (i) a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of 3.00 to 1.00 and (ii) a maximum Leverage Ratio of Funded Debtless Unrestricted Cash to Pro Forma EBIDTA (each as defined in the Credit Facility) of 3.50 to 1.00, which may be adjusted to 4.00 to 1.00 for a four consecutive fiscal quarter period in connection with certain qualified acquisitions, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of Middleby Marshall, the company and the company's domestic subsidiaries and is unconditionally guaranteed by, subject to certain exceptions, the company and certain of the company's direct and indirect material foreign and domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Facility contains certain customary events of default, including, but not limited to, the failure to make required payments; bankruptcy and other insolvency events; the failure to perform certain covenants; the material breach of a representation or warranty; non-payment of certain other indebtedness; the entry of undischarged judgments against the company or any subsidiary for the payment of material uninsured amounts; the invalidity of the company guarantee or any subsidiary guaranty; and a change of control of the company. At April 1, 2017, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements.


12)	Financial Instruments

ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. Derivatives that do not qualify as a hedge must be adjusted to fair value in earnings. If a derivative does qualify as a hedge under ASC 815, changes in the fair value will either be offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments or recognized in other accumulated comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a hedge's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.

Foreign Exchange: The company uses foreign currency forward and option purchase and sales contracts with terms of less than one year to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The company’s primary hedging activities are to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates on intercompany and third party trade receivables and payables. The company does not currently enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing its foreign currency exposures, the company identifies and aggregates naturally occurring offsetting positions and then hedges residual balance sheet exposures. The fair value of the forward and option contracts was a loss of $2.0 million at the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Interest Rate: The company has entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate applicable to certain of its variable-rate debt. The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rates. The company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges and all changes in fair value of the swaps are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of April 1, 2017, the fair value of these instruments was an asset of $9.6 million. The change in fair value of these swap agreements in the first three months of 2017 was a gain of $0.5 million, net of taxes.

The following table summarizes the company’s fair value of interest rate swaps (in thousands):



	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Presentation	Apr 1, 2017			Dec 31, 2016
Fair value	Other assets	$	9,585		$	8,842
Fair value	Accrued expenses	$	(16	)	$	(100	)

The impact on earnings from interest rate swaps was as follows (in thousands):



		Three Months Ended
	Presentation of Gain/(loss)	Apr 1, 2017			Apr 2, 2016
Gain/(loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	Other comprehensive income	$	312		$	(519	)
Gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (effective portion)	Interest expense	$	(522	)	$	(317	)
Gain/(loss) recognized in income (ineffective portion)	Other expense	$	(7	)	$	11

Interest rate swaps are subject to default risk to the extent the counterparties are unable to satisfy their settlement obligations under the interest rate swap agreements. The company reviews the credit profile of the financial institutions that are counterparties to such swap agreements and assesses their creditworthiness prior to entering into the interest rate swap agreements and throughout the term. The interest rate swap agreements typically contain provisions that allow the counterparty to require early settlement in the event that the company becomes insolvent or is unable to maintain compliance with its covenants under its existing debt agreements.


13)	Segment Information

The company operates in three reportable operating segments defined by management reporting structure and operating activities.

The Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group manufactures, sells, and distributes cooking equipment for the restaurant and institutional kitchen industry. This business segment has manufacturing facilities in California, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Australia, China, Denmark, Italy, the Philippines, Poland and the United Kingdom. Principal product lines of this group include conveyor ovens, ranges, steamers, convection ovens, combi-ovens, broilers and steam cooking equipment, induction cooking systems, baking and proofing ovens, charbroilers, catering equipment, fryers, toasters, hot food servers, food warming equipment, griddles, coffee and beverage dispensing equipment, professional refrigerators, coldrooms, ice machines, freezers and kitchen processing and ventilation equipment. These products are sold and marketed under the brand names: Anets, Beech, Blodgett, Blodgett Combi, Blodgett Range, Bloomfield, Britannia, CTX, Carter-Hoffmann, Celfrost, Concordia, CookTek, Desmon, Doyon, Eswood, Follett, Frifri, Giga, Goldstein, Holman, Houno, IMC, Induc, Jade, Lang, Lincat, MagiKitch’n, Market Forge, Marsal, Middleby Marshall, MPC, Nieco, Nu-Vu, PerfectFry, Pitco, Southbend, Star, Toastmaster, TurboChef, Wells and Wunder-Bar.

The Food Processing Equipment Group manufactures preparation, cooking, packaging, food handling and food safety equipment for the food processing industry. This business segment has manufacturing operations in Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Principal product lines of this group include batch ovens, belt ovens, continuous processing ovens, frying systems, automated thermal processing systems, automated loading and unloading systems, meat presses, breading, battering, mixing, water cutting systems, forming, grinding and slicing equipment, food suspension, reduction and emulsion systems, defrosting equipment, packaging and food safety equipment. These products are sold and marketed under the brand names: Alkar, Armor Inox, Auto-Bake, Baker Thermal Solutions, Cozzini, Danfotech, Drake, Maurer-Atmos, MP Equipment, RapidPak, Spooner Vicars, Stewart Systems and Thurne.

The Residential Kitchen Equipment Group manufactures, sells and distributes kitchen equipment for the residential market. This business segment has manufacturing facilities in California, Michigan, Mississippi, Wisconsin, France, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Principal product lines of this group include ranges, cookers, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, cooktops and outdoor equipment. These products are sold and marketed under the brand names of AGA, AGA Cookshop, Brigade, Fired Earth, Grange, Heartland, La Cornue, Leisure Sinks, Lynx, Marvel, Mercury, Rangemaster, Rayburn, Redfyre, Sedona, Stanley, TurboChef, U-Line and Viking.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The chief operating decision maker evaluates individual segment performance based on operating income.

Net Sales Summary

(dollars in thousands)



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017				Apr 2, 2016
	Sales		Percent		Sales		Percent
Business Segments:
Commercial Foodservice	$	312,249	58.9	%	$	278,986	54.0	%
Food Processing	77,276		14.6		78,636		15.2
Residential Kitchen	140,772		26.5		158,733		30.8
Total	$	530,297	100.0	%	$	516,355	100.0	%

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the company's business segments(1) (in thousands):



	Commercial Foodservice		Food Processing		Residential Kitchen		Corporate and Other(2)			Total
Three Months Ended April 1, 2017
Net sales	$	312,249	$	77,276	$	140,772	$	—		$	530,297
Income (loss) from operations	80,541		17,989		18,912		(16,363		)	101,079
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,982		1,387		7,207		481			14,057
Net capital expenditures	5,985		638		1,282		371			8,276

Total assets	$	1,359,869	$	344,307	$	1,200,241	$	38,614		$	2,943,031

Three Months Ended April 2, 2016
Net sales	$	278,986	$	78,636	$	158,733	$	—		$	516,355
Income (loss) from operations	76,569		17,863		9,851		(17,908		)	86,375
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,371		1,438		8,704		417			14,930
Net capital expenditures	4,184		1,798		1,711		—			7,693

Total assets	$	1,132,939	$	325,373	$	1,235,772	$	83,860		$	2,777,944

(1)Non-operating expenses are not allocated to the operating segments. Non-operating expenses consist of interest expense and deferred financing amortization, foreign exchange gains and losses and other income and expense items outside of income from operations.

(2)Includes corporate and other general company assets and operations.

Geographic Information

Long-lived assets, not including goodwill and other intangibles (in thousands):



	Apr 1, 2017		Apr 2, 2016
United States and Canada	$	178,363	$	153,284
Asia	15,357		18,011
Europe and Middle East	120,505		60,795
Latin America	1,050		1,114
Total international	$	136,912	$	79,920
	$	315,275	$	233,204

Net sales (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017		Apr 2, 2016
United States and Canada	$	360,101	$	325,941
Asia	42,692		37,794
Europe and Middle East	108,704		136,604
Latin America	18,800		16,016
Total international	$	170,196	$	190,414
	$	530,297	$	516,355


14)	Employee Retirement Plans


(a)	Pension Plans

U.S. Plans:

The company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit plan for its union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 30, 2002, and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April 30, 2002 upon reaching retirement age.

The company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit plan for its employees at the Smithville, Tennessee facility, which was acquired as part of the Star acquisition. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 1, 2008, and no further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April 1, 2008 upon reaching retirement age.

The company also maintains a retirement benefit agreement with its Chairman ("Chairman Plan"). The retirement benefits are based upon a percentage of the Chairman’s final base salary.

Non-U.S. Plans:

The company maintains a defined benefit plan for its employees at the Wrexham, the United Kingdom facility, which was acquired as part of the Lincat acquisition. Benefits are determined based upon retirement age and years of service with the company. This defined benefit plan was frozen on April 30, 2010 prior to Middleby’s acquisition of the company. No further benefits accrue to the participants beyond this date. Plan participants will receive or continue to receive payments for benefits earned on or prior to April 30, 2010 upon reaching retirement age.

The company maintains several pension plans related to AGA and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "AGA Group"), the most significant being the Aga Rangemaster Group Pension Scheme, which covers the majority of employees in the United Kingdom. Membership in the plan on a defined benefit basis of pension provision was closed to new entrants in 2001. The plan became open to new entrants on a defined contribution basis of pension provision in 2002, but was generally closed to new entrants on this basis during 2014.

The other, much smaller, defined benefit pension plans operating within the AGA Group cover employees in France, Ireland and the United Kingdom. All pension plan assets are held in separate trust funds although the net defined benefit pension obligations are included in the company's consolidated balance sheet.

The following table summarizes the company's net periodic pension benefit related to the AGA Group pension plans (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended
	April 1, 2017			April 2, 2016
Net Periodic Pension Benefit:
Service cost	$	964		$	889
Interest cost	7,764			10,670
Expected return on assets	(16,774		)	(17,670		)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	720			—
Pension settlement	(48		)	—
	$	(7,374	)	$	(6,111	)

The pension costs for all other plans of the company were not material during the period.


(b)	Defined Contribution Plans

The company maintains two separate defined contribution 401K savings plans covering all employees in the United States. These two plans separately cover the union employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility and all other remaining union and non-union employees in the United States. The company also maintains defined contribution plans for its U.K. based employees.


15)	Restructuring

Residential Kitchen Equipment Group:

During fiscal years 2015 and 2016, the company undertook acquisition integration initiatives related to the AGA Group within the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group. These initiatives included organizational restructuring and headcount reductions, consolidation and disposition of certain facilities and business operations. The company recorded additional expense of $1.7 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017. This expense is reflected in restructuring expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The cumulative expenses incurred to date for these initiatives is approximately $29.4 million. The company estimated that these restructuring initiatives will result in future cost savings of approximately $24.1 million annually, beginning in fiscal year 2016, primarily related to compensation and facility costs. The company anticipates that all severance obligations for the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group will be satisfied by the end of fiscal of 2017. The lease obligations extend through November 2018.



	Severance/Benefits			Facilities/Operations			Other			Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	5,145		$	2,032		$	69		$	7,246
Expenses	183			1,445			97			1,725
Exchange	70			31			2			103
Payments	(1,050		)	(393		)	(14		)	(1,457		)
Balance as of April 1, 2017	$	4,348		$	3,115		$	154		$	7,617


16)	Subsequent Event

On May 1, 2017, subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the company completed its acquisition of all of the capital stock of Burford Corporation ("Burford"). Burford is a leading manufacturer of industrial baking equipment for the food processing industry based in Maysville, Oklahoma, with annual revenues of approximately $15.0 million.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Informational Notes

This report contains forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company cautions readers that these projections are based upon future results or events and are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which could cause such results or events to differ materially from any forward-looking statements which may be deemed to have been made in this report, or which are otherwise made by or on behalf of the company. Such factors include, but are not limited to, volatility in earnings resulting from goodwill impairment losses which may occur irregularly and in varying amounts; variability in financing costs; quarterly variations in operating results; dependence on key customers; international exposure; foreign exchange and political risks affecting international sales; ability to protect trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property; changing market conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the timely development and market acceptance of the company’s products; the availability and cost of raw materials; and other risks detailed herein and from time-to-time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including the company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net Sales Summary

(dollars in thousands)



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017				Apr 2, 2016
	Sales		Percent		Sales		Percent
Business Segments:
Commercial Foodservice	$	312,249	58.9	%	$	278,986	54.0	%
Food Processing	77,276		14.6		78,636		15.2
Residential Kitchen	140,772		26.5		158,733		30.8
Total	$	530,297	100.0	%	$	516,355	100.0	%

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of earnings items as a percentage of net sales for the periods:



	Three Months Ended
	Apr 1, 2017		Apr 2, 2016
Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales	60.5		61.9
Gross profit	39.5		38.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses	20.1		21.3
Restructuring expenses	0.3		0.1
Income from operations	19.1		16.7
Interest expense and deferred financing amortization, net	1.1		1.0
Other expense (income), net	0.4		(0.2	)
Earnings before income taxes	17.6		15.9
Provision for income taxes	4.3		5.3
Net earnings	13.3	%	10.6	%

Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 as compared to Three Months Ended April 2, 2016

NET SALES. Net sales for the three months period ended April 1, 2017 increased 2.7% to $530.3 million as compared to $516.4 million in the three months period ended April 2, 2016. Of the $13.9 million increase in net sales, $44.6 million, or 8.6%, was attributable to acquisition growth, resulting from the fiscal 2016 acquisition of Follett. Excluding the acquisition, net sales decreased $30.7 million, or 5.9%, from the prior year quarter. The impact of foreign exchange rates on foreign sales translated into U.S. Dollars for the three months period ended April 1, 2017 reduced net sales by approximately $13.3 million or 2.6%. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisition, sales decreased 3.4% for the quarter, including a net sales decrease of 2.6% at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group, 0.9% decrease at the Food Processing Equipment Group and a 5.9% decrease at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.

•

Net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $33.2 million, or 11.9%, to $312.2 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to $279.0 million in the prior year quarter. Net sales resulting from the acquisition of Follett, which was acquired on May 31, 2016, accounted for an increase of $44.6 million during the three months period ended April 1, 2017. Excluding the impact of this acquisition, net sales of the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group decreased $11.4 million, or 4.1%, as compared to the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange and acquisition, net sales decreased 2.6% at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $32.9 million, or 17.8%, to $217.5 million, as compared to $184.6 million in the prior year quarter. This includes an increase of $40.1 million from the recent acquisition. Excluding the acquisition, the net decrease in sales was $7.2 million, or 3.9%. The domestic sales reduction reflects lower sales to restaurant chains in comparison to the prior year. International sales increased $0.3 million, or 0.3%, to $94.7 million, as compared to $94.4 million in the prior year quarter. This includes an increase of $4.5 million from the recent acquisition offset by a reduction of $4.2 million due to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates. Excluding acquisition and exchange effect, net sales were consistent quarter over quarter.

•

Net sales of the Food Processing Equipment Group decreased by $1.3 million, or 1.7%, to $77.3 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to $78.6 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, net sales decreased 0.9% at the Food Processing Equipment Group. Domestically, the company realized a sales increase of $2.6 million, or 4.4%, to $61.2 million, as compared to $58.6 million in the prior year quarter. International sales decreased $3.9 million, or 19.5%, to $16.1 million, as compared to $20.0 million in the prior year quarter, offset by $0.6 million related to the unfavorable impact of exchange rates. The decline in sales is attributable to timing of certain larger projects that occur between comparative periods on a normalized basis.

•

Net sales of the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group decreased by $17.9 million, or 11.3%, to $140.8 million in three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to $158.7 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, net sales of the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group decreased 5.9%, as compared to the prior year quarter. This decrease is net of price increases, which are estimated to have added 2.0% to net sales in comparison to the prior year. Domestically, the company realized a sales decrease of $1.3 million, or 1.6%, to $81.4 million, as compared to $82.7 million in the prior year quarter. International sales decreased $16.6 million, or 21.8% to $59.4 million, as compared to $76.0 million in the prior year quarter. This includes $8.5 million of unfavorable impact of exchange rates. The sales decrease reflects the impact of product rationalization at the AGA Group in connection with prior year acquisition integration initiatives. Sales also continue to be affected by the 2015 recall of certain Viking products manufactured prior to 2013 and Middleby's acquisition of Viking.

GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit increased to $209.5 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017 from $196.8 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting the impact the impact of increased sales from the acquisition, offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates, which reduced gross profit by $4.8 million. The gross margin rate increased from 38.1% in the first quarter of 2016 to 39.5% in the first quarter of 2017.

•

Gross profit at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group increased by $11.8 million, or 10.2%, to $127.7 million in three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to $115.9 million in the prior year quarter. Gross profit from the acquisition of Follett accounted for approximately $17.0 million of the increase in gross profit during the period. Excluding the recent acquisition, gross profit decreased by approximately $5.2 million due to lower sales volume and product mix in comparison to prior year quarter. The impact of foreign exchange rates reduced gross profit by approximately $1.1 million. The gross margin rate decreased to 40.9% as compared to 41.5% in the prior year quarter due to lower margins at Follett.

•

Gross profit at the Food Processing Equipment Group decreased by $1.0 million, or 3.2%, to $30.5 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to $31.5 million in the prior year quarter. The impact of foreign exchange rates reduced gross profit by approximately $0.5 million. The gross margin rate decreased to 39.5% as compared to 40.1% in the prior year quarter, reflecting the impact of less favorable sales mix and higher steel costs.

•

Gross profit at the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group increased by $2.6 million, or 5.3%, to $52.0 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to $49.4 million in the prior year quarter. The impact of foreign exchange rates reduced gross profit by approximately $3.2 million. The gross margin rate increased to 36.9% as compared to 31.1% in the prior year quarter, due to the impact of improved margins at the AGA Group and Uline as a result of cost reduction and acquisition integration initiatives.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from $109.8 million in the three months period ended April 2, 2016 to $106.6 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 21.4% in the three months period ended April 2, 2016, as compared to 20.4% in the three months period ended April 1, 2017.

Selling, general and administrative expenses reflect increased costs of $8.4 million associated with the Follett acquisition, including $1.1 million of intangible amortization expense. The favorable impact of foreign exchange rates, reduced selling, general and administrative expenses by approximately $3.0 million. Additionally, selling general and administrative expenses decreased $2.9 million related to lower intangible amortization expense and $1.5 million related to lower non-cash share based compensation. Lower expenses also reflects the impact of prior year cost savings initiatives.

Restructuring expenses increased to $1.1 million from $0.6 million in the three months period ended April 2, 2016 to $1.7 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017 related to cost reduction initiatives related to the AGA Group.

NON-OPERATING EXPENSES. Interest and deferred financing amortization costs increased to $5.8 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017 as compared to $5.3 million in the prior year quarter. Other expenses amounted to $1.9 million in the three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to other income of $0.8 million in the prior year quarter and consists mainly of foreign exchange gains and losses.

INCOME TAXES. A tax provision of $22.7 million, at an effective rate of 24.3%, was recorded during the three months period ended April 1, 2017, as compared to a $27.4 million provision at a 33.4% effective rate in the prior year quarter. In comparison to the prior year, the tax provision reflects a lower effective tax rate attributable to an excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation and an increase of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates. The discrete tax benefit recognized was a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting," which requires all excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based payments to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The company recognized an income tax benefit of $7.9 million related to excess tax benefits as a reduction of income tax expense.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

During the three months ended April 1, 2017, cash and cash equivalents increased by $8.1 million to $76.6 million at April 1, 2017 from $68.5 million at December 31, 2016. Net borrowings decreased from $732.1 million at December 31, 2016 to $728.6 million at April 1, 2017.

OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Net cash provided by operating activities was $46.9 million for the three months ended April 1, 2017, compared to $14.5 million for the three months ended April 2, 2016.

During the three months ended April 1, 2017, increased working capital levels reduced operating cash flows by $56.7 million. These changes in working capital levels included a $19.4 million decrease in accounts receivable due to the impact of lower sales volumes in the first quarter and lower receivable balances at the Food Processing Equipment Group due to the timing of projects which are often paid in advance. Inventory increased $24.1 million due to several factors including the timing of orders for the Food Processing Equipment Group and the lower sales volumes in the first quarter. Changes in working capital also included a $42.4 million decrease in accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities primarily related to the payment of 2016 annual rebate programs at the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group and Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.

INVESTING ACTIVITIES. During the three months ended April 1, 2017, net cash used for investing activities amounted to $11.0 million. This included $0.7 million for the 2016 acquisition of Follett, $2.0 million related to contingent consideration payments from previous years' acquisitions and $8.3 million of additions and upgrades of production equipment and manufacturing facilities.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES. Net cash flows used by financing activities were $28.9 million during the three months ended April 1, 2017. The company’s borrowing activities included $3.1 million of net repayments under its $2.5 billion Credit Facility and $1.2 million of net repayments under its foreign banking facilities.

The company used $24.6 million to repurchase 177,097 shares of its common stock that were surrendered to the company by employees in lieu of cash for payment for withholding taxes related to restricted stock vestings that occurred during the three months ended April 1, 2017.

At April 1, 2017, the company was in compliance with all covenants pursuant to its borrowing agreements. The company believes that its current capital resources, including cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, funds available from its Credit Facility and access to the credit and capital markets will be sufficient to finance its operations, debt service obligations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, product development and integration expenditures for the foreseeable future.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the company's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the company to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, the company evaluates its estimates and judgments based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and any such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. At the Commercial Foodservice Group and the Residential Kitchen Equipment Group, the company recognizes revenue on the sale of its products where title transfers and when risk of loss has passed to the customer, which occurs at the time of shipment, and collectability is reasonably assured. The sale prices of the products sold are fixed and determinable at the time of shipment. Sales are reported net of sales returns, sales incentives and cash discounts based on prior experience and other quantitative and qualitative factors.

At the Food Processing Equipment Group, the company enters into long-term sales contracts for certain products that are often significant relative to the business. Revenue under these long-term sales contracts is recognized using the percentage of completion method defined within ASC 605-35 “Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts” due to the length of time to fully manufacture and assemble the equipment. The company measures revenue recognized based on the ratio of actual labor hours incurred in relation to the total estimated labor hours to be incurred related to the contract. Because estimated labor hours to complete a project are based upon forecasts using the best available information, the actual hours may differ from original estimates. The percentage of completion method of accounting for these contracts most accurately reflects the status of these uncompleted contracts in the company's financial statements and most accurately measures the matching of revenues with expenses. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the amount of the estimated loss is recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Revenue for sales of products and services not covered by long-term sales contracts is recognized when risk of loss has passed to the customer, which occurs at the time of shipment and collectability is reasonably assured. The sale prices of the products sold are fixed and determinable at the time of shipment. Sales are reported net of sales returns, sales incentives and cash discounts based on prior experience and other quantitative and qualitative factors.

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method for the majority of the company’s inventories. The company evaluates the need to record valuation adjustments for inventory on a regular basis. The company’s policy is to evaluate all inventories including raw material, work-in-process, finished goods, and spare parts. Inventory in excess of estimated usage requirements is written down to its estimated net realizable value. Inherent in the estimates of net realizable value are estimates related to our future manufacturing schedules, customer demand, possible alternative uses, and ultimate realization of potentially excess inventory.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles. The company’s business acquisitions result in the recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets, which are a significant portion of the company’s total assets. The company recognizes goodwill and other intangible assets under the guidance of ASC Topic 350-10, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other”. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the fair value of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately from goodwill and include trademarks and trade names, technology, customer relationships and other specifically identifiable assets. Trademarks and trade names are deemed to be indefinite-lived. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are subject to impairment testing. On an annual basis, or more frequently if triggering events occur, the company compares the estimated fair value to the carrying value to determine if a potential goodwill impairment exists. If the fair value is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss, if any, is recorded for the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying value of goodwill. In estimating the fair value of specific intangible assets, management relies on a number of factors, including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable transactions and other market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them in the impairment tests of goodwill and other intangible assets.

Pension Benefits. The company provides pension benefits to certain employees and accounts for these benefits in accordance with ASC 715, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits". For financial reporting purposes, long-term assumptions are developed through consultations with actuaries. Such assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates.

The amount of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses recognized in the current year’s operations is based on amortizing the unrecognized gains or losses for each plan that exceed the larger of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets, also known as the corridor. The amount of unrecognized gain or loss that exceeds the corridor is amortized over the average future service of the plan participants or the average life expectancy of inactive plan participants for plans where all or almost all of the plan participants are inactive. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension obligations and our future expense.

Income Taxes. The company provides deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on currently enacted tax laws. The company’s deferred and other tax balances are based on management’s interpretation of the tax regulations and rulings in numerous taxing jurisdictions. Income tax expense and liabilities recognized by the company also reflect its best estimates and assumptions regarding, among other things, the level of future taxable income, the effect of the company’s various tax planning strategies and uncertain tax positions. Future tax authority rulings and changes in tax laws, changes in projected levels of taxable income and future tax planning strategies could affect the actual effective tax rate and tax balances recorded by the company. The company follows the provisions under ASC 740-10-25 that provides a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. The following table summarizes the maturity of the company’s debt obligations:



Twelve Month Period Ending	Variable Rate Debt

April 1, 2018	$	4,860
April 1, 2019	290
April 1, 2020	115
April 1, 2021	115
April 1, 2022 and thereafter	723,225
	$	728,605

In addition, the company has other international credit facilities to fund working capital needs outside the United States and the United Kingdom. At April 1, 2017, these foreign credit facilities amounted to $5.4 million in U.S. Dollars with a weighted average per annum interest rate of approximately 9.50%.

The company uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge variable interest rate risk associated with the revolving credit line. At April 1, 2017, the company had outstanding floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps totaling $110.0 million notional amount carrying an average interest rate of 0.94% maturing in less than 12 months and $324.0 million notional amount carrying an average interest rate of 1.30% that mature in more than 12 months but less than 84 months.

Financing Derivative Instruments

The company has entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rate applicable to certain of its variable-rate debt. The agreements swap one-month LIBOR for fixed rates. The company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges and all changes in fair value of the swaps are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. As of April 1, 2017, the fair value of these instruments was an asset of $9.6 million. The change in fair value of these swap agreements in the first three months of 2017 was a gain of $0.5 million, net of taxes. The potential net loss on fair value for such instruments from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted interest rates would not have a material impact on the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Foreign Exchange Derivative Financial Instruments

The company uses foreign currency forward and option purchase and sales contracts with terms of less than one year to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The company’s primary hedging activities are to mitigate its exposure to changes in exchange rates on intercompany and third party trade receivables and payables. The company does not currently enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. In managing its foreign currency exposures, the company identifies and aggregates naturally occurring offsetting positions and then hedges residual balance sheet exposures. The potential net loss on fair value for such instruments from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign exchange rates would not have a material impact on the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The fair value of the forward and option contracts was a loss of $2.0 million at the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of April 1, 2017, the company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company's management, including the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of this period.

During the quarter ended April 1, 2017, there has been no change in the company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

The company was not required to report the information pursuant to Items 1 through 6 of Part II of Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 1, 2017, except as follows:

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities



	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program (1)
January 1 to January 28, 2017	—	$	—	—	2,566,762
January 29 to February 25, 2017	—	—		—	2,566,762
February 26 to April 1, 2017	177,097	139.16		24,644,818	2,389,665
Quarter ended April 1, 2017	177,097	$	139.16	24,644,818	2,389,665

(1) In July 1998, the company's Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program and subsequently authorized the purchase of common shares in open market purchases. During 2013, the company's Board of Directors authorized the purchase of additional common shares in open market purchases. As of April 1, 2017, the total number of shares authorized for repurchase under the program is 4,570,266. As of April 1, 2017, 2,180,601 shares had been purchased under the 1998 stock repurchase program.

Item 6. Exhibits



Exhibits – The following exhibits are filed herewith:

Exhibit 31.1 –	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2 –	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d -14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1 –	Certification by the Principal Executive Officer of The Middleby Corporation Pursuant to Rule 13A-14(b) under the Exchange Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(18 U.S.C. 1350).

Exhibit 32.2 –	Certification by the Principal Financial Officer of The Middleby Corporation Pursuant to Rule 13A-14(b) under the Exchange Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(18 U.S.C. 1350).

Exhibit 101 –	Financial statements on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2017, filed on May 11, 2017, formatted in Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL); (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) condensed consolidated statements of earnings, (iii) condensed statements of cash flows, (iv) notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

SIGNATURE

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.



		THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
		(Registrant)

Date:	May 11, 2017	By:	/s/ Timothy J. FitzGerald
			Timothy J. FitzGerald
			Vice President,
			Chief Financial Officer