Form 8-K Filing

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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 10, 2011

Johnson Outdoors
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin   0-16255   39-1536083
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer
Identification No.)


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

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

Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
  [   ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  [   ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  [   ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  [   ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Section 2 - Financial Information

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On August 10, 2011, Johnson Outdoors Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing results for the third fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2011 (the "Press Release"). A copy of the Press Release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report.

The information in this Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section, nor shall such information be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits. The following exhibit is being furnished herewith:

      99.1 Press Release Dated August 10, 2011.


SIGNATURES

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

  Johnson Outdoors

Date: August 10, 2011
By:   /s/ DAVID W. JOHNSON
David W. Johnson
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

Exhibit Index to Current Report on Form 8-K

Exhibit
Number

99.1   Press Release Dated August 10, 2011.

Johnson Outdoors 2011 Fiscal YTD Earnings Increase 24 Percent Amid See-Saw Recovery of Outdoor Recreation Markets

EXHIBIT 99.1

Johnson Outdoors 2011 Fiscal YTD Earnings Increase 24 Percent Amid See-Saw Recovery of Outdoor Recreation Markets

RACINE, Wis., Aug. 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Outdoors Inc. (Nasdaq:JOUT), a leading global outdoor recreation company, today announced lower sales and earnings for the 2011 third fiscal quarter due to a slow-down in outdoor recreational market recovery during the period. Significant growth during the first six months more than offset sluggish third quarter results as year-to-date sales increased 7 percent and net earnings grew 24 percent compared to the same nine-month period in the prior year.      

"Economic and weather conditions impacted the pace of recovery in outdoor recreational markets during the third quarter. The late onset of the paddlesports and camping season coincided with a downtick in consumer spending as economic anxieties flared. Continued strong performance by our flagship Marine Electronics and Diving brands more than offset declines in these markets during the quarter; however, U.S. federal budget gridlock led to significant declines in military sales which drove total revenue and profits below last year's quarter," said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Despite challenges during the quarter, year-to-date performance confirms our transformed business model enables us to adjust quickly to marketplace fluctuations, maintain a strong balance sheet and protect the bottom-line against the backdrop of a start-stop recovery in outdoor recreational markets. As a result, we remain focused and disciplined on moving forward with our 2012 strategic plan to grow profits faster than sales."

THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

Third fiscal quarter results reflect in-season replenishment orders for the Company's warm-weather outdoor recreation products. Economic anxiety in the U.S. and Europe slowed recovery of outdoor recreational markets during the quarter. Total Company net revenue during the third fiscal quarter was $122.5 million, a 1 percent dip compared to net sales of $124.0 million in the prior year quarter. Key drivers in the quarter were:

Total Company operating profit during the quarter was $11.8 million versus $13.4 million in the prior year quarter. The unfavorable comparison was due to lower sales volume, particularly declines in military sales, and increased supplier costs. Net income was $8.1 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, during the third fiscal quarter, compared to $10.4 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter.  Reduced interest expense totaling $0.4 million had a positive impact on net income during the quarter. 

YEAR-TO-DATE  RESULTS

Total Company year-to-date revenue for the fiscal nine-month period was $330.0 million, a 7 percent increase over the prior year period. Growth in Marine Electronics and Diving more than offset sales declines in Outdoor Equipment and Watercraft. Primary drivers behind the results were:  

The Company anticipates military sales will fall below historical levels to between $10 - $13 million at the end of Fiscal 2011.

Total Company operating profit was $21.9 million in the nine-month period, a 22 percent increase compared to the same prior year period. Key factors contributing to the favorable comparison were:  

The Company realized a 24 percent increase in net earnings to $15.4 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, during the year-to-date period compared to net earnings of $12.4 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, during the prior year period.  A 30 percent reduction year-over-year in interest expense totaling $1.2 million resulted largely from lower debt levels, lower swap amortization expense and lower borrowing costs.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company's debt level was $22.7 million at the end of the third quarter versus $31.9 million at the end of the prior year quarter, and cash, net of debt, was $7.7 million as of July 1, 2011 compared to debt, net of cash of $6.4 million as of July 2, 2010. Depreciation and amortization was $7.7 million year-to-date, compared to $7.4 million during the first nine months of the prior year. Capital spending totaled $6.0 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared with $5.7 million in same period in 2010.  

"Innovation has driven marketplace demand and led to stronger margins this year. We have continued to pay down debt which is now at a record low level. Maintaining a strong balance sheet and low infrastructure costs remain top priorities," said David W. Johnson, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

WEBCAST

The Company will host a conference call and audio web cast at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday August 10, 2011.   A live listen-only web cast of the conference call may be accessed at Johnson Outdoors' home page. A replay of the call will be available for 30 days on the Internet.

ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products.  The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment.  Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak and Necky® kayaks; Carlisle® paddles; Extrasport® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota® motors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® fishfinders; Lake Master® electronic charts; Geonav® marine electronics; SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® dive equipment; Silva® compasses; Tech4O® digital instruments; and Eureka!® tents. 

Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements," intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Statements other than statements of historical fact are considered forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate,'' "believe,'' "could,'' "expect,'' "intend,'' "may,'' "planned,'' "potential,'' "should,'' "will,'' "would'' or the negative of those terms or other words of similar meaning.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 changes in discretionary consumer spending patterns; the Company's success in implementing its strategic plan, including its focus on innovation; actions of and disputes with third parties, including companies that compete with the Company; the Company's success in managing working capital and its on-going cost-structure reduction efforts; the Company's success in meeting financial covenants and potential risk associated with the cost of obtaining any waiver or amendment that lenders would be willing to provide; risk of future write-downs of goodwill or other intangible assets; ability of the Company's customers to meet payment obligations; movements in foreign currencies, interest rates and commodity costs; the Company's success in implementing targeted sales growth initiatives; the success of suppliers and customers; the ability of the Company to deploy its capital successfully; adverse weather conditions; and other risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  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 press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC. 
(thousands, except per share amounts)        
  THREE MONTHS
ENDED
NINE MONTHS
ENDED
Operating Results July 1
2011
July 2
2010
July 1
2011
July 2
2010
Net sales  $ 122,481  $ 123,954  $ 330,045  $ 307,311
Cost of sales  71,953  72,467  195,904  184,082
Gross profit  50,528  51,487  134,141  123,229
Operating expenses  38,718  38,134  112,242  105,377
Operating profit  11,810  13,353  21,899  17,852
Interest expense, net  963  1,367  2,779  3,968
Other expense (income), net  1,741  565  2,078  94
Income before income taxes  9,106  11,421  17,042  13,790
Income tax expense   988  989  1,675  1,411
Net income  $ 8,118  $ 10,432  $ 15,367  $ 12,379
Diluted average common shares outstanding  9,291  9,290  9,293  9,260
Diluted net income per common share  $ 0.83  $ 1.09  $ 1.58  $ 1.30
Segment Results
Net sales:        
Marine electronics   $ 64,172  $ 61,966  $ 186,016  $ 157,157
Outdoor equipment  11,322  15,579  32,059  38,079
Watercraft   21,855  24,606  46,106  51,074
Diving  25,400  21,994  66,511  61,683
Other/eliminations  (268)  (191)  (647)  (682)
Total  $ 122,481  $ 123,954  $ 330,045  $ 307,311
Operating profit (loss):        
Marine electronics  $ 8,994  $ 8,790  $ 22,194  $ 16,381
Outdoor equipment  1,597  2,490  3,750  5,155
Watercraft   1,061  2,873  (14)  1,862
Diving  2,179  1,805  3,323  2,021
Other/eliminations  (2,021)  (2,605)  (7,354)  (7,567)
Total  $      11,810  $      13,353  $          21,899  $          17,852
Balance Sheet Information (End of Period)
Cash and cash equivalents      $ 30,325  $ 25,480
Accounts receivable, net      80,921  76,280
Inventories, net      73,690  62,276
Total current assets      192,660  171,156
Total assets      257,997  236,888
Short-term debt      10,151  16,065
Total current liabilities      74,791  78,066
Long-term debt      12,520  15,785
Shareholders' equity  152,178  124,262
CONTACT: AT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
         DAVID JOHNSON
         VP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
         262-631-6600

         CYNTHIA GEORGESON
         VP - WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATION
         262-631-6600