MASS MOWER LAUNCH FROM B&S? Possible 40 new models this year
Briggs & Stratton Corp. expects to launch 40 lawnmower models in 2013 across its dealer network in the US, more products than in the past five years combined, according to Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. financial analysts.
Analysts for Milwaukee-based Baird reported Briggs & Stratton’s plans in a note to investors, after Baird hosted a recent investors meeting with leadership of the maker of small engines and outdoor power equipment.
A Briggs & Stratton spokeswoman confirmed the number of product launches to Milwaukee BizTalk, but a company executive wasn’t immediately available for comment.
The report suggests that the aggressive plan for product launches this year appears to be a result of Briggs’ move to pull some of its lawn and garden products from national mass retailers in th US, which “freed up internal resources for more focused product innovation efforts,” Baird analysts wrote.
“Management expects to generate $80 million to $100 million of free cash flow from reduced working capital related to the mass retail products business,” Baird wrote.
