Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Leisure / Johnson Outdoors Inc.

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

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FY2001 Annual Report · Johnson Outdoors Inc.
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t h e   s p i r i t   o f   a d v e n t u r e

2001 annual report

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

designs, manufactures and

markets outdoor recreation

products in four businesses:

Watercraft, Motors, Diving,

and Outdoor Equipment.

More than 1,400 employees

work in thirty locations

worldwide.

Watercraft

Old Town
Canoes and kayaks

Necky
Kayaks

Leisure Life
Canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, 
deck boats and tenders

Ocean Kayak
Sit-on-top kayaks

Escape
Sailboats

Carlisle
Paddles and oars

Motors

Minn Kota
Electric boat motors, power
equipment and accessories

Airguide
Speedometers, marine and
automotive compasses and
weather instruments

N e t   S a l e s

19%

Extrasport and Swiftwater
Personal floatation devices

N e t   S a l e s

25%

Dimension
Kayaks

Pacific Kayak
Kayaks

B U S I N E S S   P R O F I L E

Outdoor Equipment

Diving

Scubapro
Regulators, buoyancy
compensators, masks, fins, 
wet and dry suits, gloves, dive
lights and other accessories

Aladin
Premium dive computers

Uwatec
Dive computers and other 
electronic instruments

SnorkelPro
Masks, fins and snorkels 

N e t   S a l e s

23%

Eureka!
Camping tents, 
accessories and military 
and commercial tents

N e t   S a l e s

33%

Camp Trails
Backpacks and accessories

Silva
Field compasses

Jack Wolfskin
Outdoor clothing, travel 
gear, footwear, accessories,
camping tents, backpacks 
and sleeping bags

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Summary Financial Information1

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

(thousands, except per share data)

1999

2000

2001

% change

Operating Results

Net sales

Gross profit

Operating profit

Diluted earnings 

per common share

Diluted average common 

$310,198

$354,889

$345,637

125,774

19,513

142,813

136,703

24,719

15,718

(36)%

(3)%

(4)%

$0.72

$1.03

$0.44

(57)%

shares outstanding

8,108

8,130

8,170

Capitalization

Total debt

$122,071

$105,319

$97,535

Shareholders’ equity

127,178

100,832

105,779

Total debt to total capital

49.0%

51.1%

48.0%

1

Table of Contents 

1 Summary Financial Information

2 Letter to Shareholders

4 Our Management Team 

6 Watercraft 

8 Motors 

10 Diving 

12 Outdoor Equipment 

14 Outdoor Equipment – Europe

16  Product Gallery 

• Form 10-K

Inside Back Cover

Directors and Officers

Shareholders’ Information

L

E

T

T

E R  

T O   S H A R E H O L D E R S

Our research shows Johnson Outdoors outperformed the competition in

2001. And throughout the year we took decisive action to continue building

a foundation for long-term growth.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Diving, Outdoor Equipment
Group and Jack Wolfskin
produced steady profits,
while Watercraft and Motors
faced the challenge of market
contractions. Economic 
conditions, combined with
the impact of September 11,
affected all our North
American businesses except
for military tents, which saw
both strong sales and profits.

Considering the market con-
tractions, Johnson Outdoors
fared better than the competi-
tion. All our key brands out-
performed their categories and
gained share from competitors,
thanks to strong new products
introduced throughout the
year. And we’re also excited
about new products as we look
forward to our 2002 season. 
All of our brands earned rave
reviews on their new products
during the August 2001
Outdoor Retailer show. These

positives, plus our core
strengths, make us confident
Johnson Outdoors can weather
the current economic cycle.

2001 Results
This year’s slowing economy
and cold spring and summer,
combined with operational
challenges in Watercraft,
affected both our top-line and
bottom-line performance. 
As we managed the external
challenges, we also acceler-
ated the pace of change in
Watercraft and are already
seeing positive results.

The Outdoor Equipment
Group’s military tent and 
Jack Wolfskin sales nearly 
offset Watercraft’s and Motors’
lower-than-expected sales.
Fiscal 2001 sales and gross
profit margin stayed essentially
level, at $345.6 million and
40%, respectively. Operating
profit declined $9 million, 

or 36%, primarily due to
Watercraft’s margin shortfalls.
Earnings per diluted share
from continuing operations
decreased 57%, to $0.44.

Diving continued its exciting
turnaround, gaining U.S.
market share despite poor
industry conditions. Sales
dropped 3%, to $80.5 mil-
lion, but expense cuts such 
as closing the Uwaplast
injection molding operation
increased operating profit
7%, to $11.6 million. 
Strong new products for
2002 include the first wire-
less dive computer.

Watercraft’s operating profit
decreased 87%. Poor weather
flattened industry sales. We
had already begun increasing
plant efficiency and improv-
ing distribution. This year 
we stepped up the pace, 
consolidating facilities to

2

empowered companies guided
and served by central vision,
strategies and resources.

further strengthening our
innovation capabilities.

improve return on assets—
folding Necky manufacturing
into Ocean Kayak; moving
Escape operations into Old
Town; and consolidating 
ten warehouses into one.
This process will continue 
in 2002. We bolstered our
innovation capabilities and
our international presence 
by acquiring Fibrekraft
Manufacturers Ltd., a New
Zealand manufacturer of
high-quality paddles, hel-
mets and other accessories.
Watercraft continues to offer
great growth potential with 
a strong market presence 
and terrific brands.

Outdoor Equipment Group
increased sales 10%, to
$114.9 million. Operating
profit rose 47%, driven by
strong military tent sales 
and solid progress at Jack
Wolfskin, where sales rose
10% as we opened eleven
more stores in Europe.
OEG’s image-building prod-
ucts for 2002 include a con-
sumer version of the Eureka!
Fifth Season EXO tent, cho-
sen by an elite team climbing
Mount Everest.

Motors gained market share
but saw sales drop 16%, to
$64 million, due to weak
industry conditions and the
bankruptcy of a major cus-
tomer. Operating profit
declined 30%, excluding 
$2.5 million in goodwill
impairment related to dis-
continuing a small brand
within the Motors business.
Our new Riptide saltwater
motors, with the category’s
first-ever three-year warranty,
offer a major growth oppor-
tunity for 2002.

Long-term business model
The business success model
we introduced in 1999 
continues to guide us in 
creating long-term growth.
Its components are:

Effective portfolio management
Continually assess current
businesses and potential
acquisitions against our stra-
tegic criteria: being #1 or #2 
in the market, in a category
that rewards innovation, with
strong growth potential.

Network operation model
Build a strong “network” of

Expanding markets
Be a catalyst for growth—for
us, for our customers, and for
the category itself—through
product innovation, leading-
edge marketing, and under-
standing consumers and markets
better than our competitors.

Innovation leadership
Continue to build our posi-
tion as the market innovation
leader with breakthrough new
products that address consumer
needs, differentiate us from
competitors and advance our
strong brands.

Strategies for 2002
1. Address first things first. In
2002 we’ll focus on targeted
growth and strengthening
internal operations. That
includes analyzing asset use,
as part of portfolio manage-
ment; standardizing business
controls and processes, as we
refine our network model;
focusing on healthy growth
rather than quick hits to
expand our markets; and 

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

sales in Europe and Asia
Pacific, leveraging current
capabilities to minimize incre-
mental expense. Jack Wolfskin
will continue expanding in
Northern Europe.

- Category extensions, using
our capabilities to enter new
segments.

- Better tactical execution,
drawing on the skills of our
new management team mem-
bers to increase marketing and
sales sophistication. 

Johnson Outdoors offers many
strengths: leading market posi-
tions, powerful brand names,
superior innovation, outstand-
ing employees—and now, a
well-rounded management
team, introduced on the fol-
lowing pages. I thank you for
your support over the past year
and invite you to continue
with us in the spirit of adven-
ture that is Johnson Outdoors.

2. Simplify, but don’t sacrifice.
We’re streamlining our
organization, our facilities,
our SKUs—all to become
leaner, faster and better able
to handle growth. But we
will not jeopardize our long-
term growth initiatives. Our
focus is on conservative
budgeting and smart choices
that will enhance flexibility
in an uncertain market.

3. Keep an eye on opportunity.
While we’re building the
infrastructure to take Johnson
Outdoors to the next level,
we can’t ignore growth oppor-
tunities. Acquisitions remain
possible, but we’re emphasiz-
ing organic growth through:

- New product development
in current segments, using
direct consumer input and
trend information to develop
products with a meaningful
point of difference.

- Geographic expansion, par-
ticularly in Europe. This year
we plan to increase Watercraft

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer

3

M E E T   O U R   M A N A G E M E N T   T E A M

“

This year we added significant

depth to our management team.

These senior managers offer the

expertise to take our financial

controls, planning, marketing and

operations to the next level of

sophistication.”

Helen Johnson-Leipold

4

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Helen joined Johnson Outdoors in 1999 from S.C. Johnson, where 
she held a number of management positions over a 14-year span, most
recently serving as vice president for Personal & Home Care Products.
Prior to S.C. Johnson, Helen was with Foote, Cone and Belding
Advertising for eight years.

Patrick O’Brien
President and Chief Operating Officer

Patrick came to us in 1999 from SC Johnson, where he had served as vice
president and general manager for the Home Storage division; vice president
of strategic business; and vice president of North American Sales.

Paul Lehmann
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Paul joined our team in May 2001. He arrived from Steelcase Inc., where
his last position was vice president of finance and strategic planning for
North America. His prior experience includes several executive-level 
positions in finance, operations and marketing with Steelcase, Alloyd
Company, Newell (Rubbermaid) and Mark Controls Corporation.

Kevin Mooney 
Vice President, Human Resources

Kevin came to us in 2000 from SC Johnson, where he was director of
human resources for NACP Manufacturing and, before that, director
of compensation for North America of SCJ.

Alisa Swire
Vice President, Business Development

Alisa joined us in February 2001. She served two years as director of 
mergers and acquisitions at Wal-Mart International, and before that was
director of corporate development at Case Corporation.

Susan Love
Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Susan joined us in January 2001 after 14 years with the Kellogg
Company, most recently as senior director, North America IT Customer
Account Service. She was also director of worldwide technology archi-
tecture and of business information development for Kellogg. 

Every facet of our business strategy points toward one ultimate goal: positioning Johnson Outdoors 

for sustainable growth that outpaces the industry. Here’s what our senior management team has to say

about the steps we’re taking in 2002 to achieve that goal.

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Patrick O’Brien

Paul Lehmann

Kevin Mooney

Alisa Swire

Susan Love

We’re streamlining and 

Implementing the Network

We’ve made great strides this

We’re working hard to 

This year, “Project Network”

creating efficiencies across

operating model has already

past year in building depth

balance internal growth

will look at implementing

the board. In anticipation

produced positive results.

of talent. Many employees

with growth through acqui-

compatible systems to share

of an uncertain market,

We will accelerate our

took on new and challeng-

sition. Strong base business

data and sharpen our com-

we’ve pushed cost disci-

efforts in 2002 to leverage

ing assignments, greatly

growth will help us leverage

petitive edge. It’s the logical

pline, already identifying

the collective strength of the

enhancing their skill sets.

our core capabilities and

next step as we standardize

millions of dollars in 

Johnson Outdoors brands

We also brought many new

brand equities. As for

business processes. We’re

savings—but we’re also

even further. Continued

employees into the organiza-

acquisitions, we’re always

continuing to roll out 

keeping the pressure on

focus on inter-company

tion. I’m excited about the

evaluating opportunities

JDE, an enterprise-wide

new product development.

coordination and coopera-

fact that we’re building a

against our strategic criteria.

information system that will

We’re developing a procure-

tion will help us spread best

very talented workforce.

We want to be in the #1 

make it easier to analyze

“

ment team to realize the

practices, improve financial

potential of our buying

and operating discipline,

power. And we’re creating

and drive great efficiencies

synergy with our new

in our relationships with

National Accounts Team,

major suppliers and cus-

offering national, growing

tomers. The benefits of such

customers our full range 

sharing to our policies,

of products from a single

reporting and supply chain

point of sale. As Helen

processes will translate into

pointed out, innovative
products give us a leg up 

reduced operating complex-
ity and improved bottom

on the competition, and

line performance.

leading-edge marketing will

help us make the most of

that advantage. 

or #2 position in each 

information and manage

category where we compete.

customer relationships

We’ve generally achieved

across all our businesses. 

that with our current

brands and require the

same potential for any

acquisition we consider.

”

5

W A

T

E

R

C

R

A

F

T

We accelerated the pace of improvement in

Watercraft, but we couldn’t overcome 2001’s

industry-wide sales drop. In 2002, we’ll

heighten our focus on inventory management

and continue to improve return on assets.

Exciting entries like the Venus, a lightweight

women’s kayak, and a line of resort products 

will tap the category’s huge potential. And

expansion into Europe and Asia Pacific will

strengthen our position as a market leader.

6

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

B R A N D S

O L D   T O W N   H E R I TA G E   C A N O E

C L A S S I C   I N N O V AT I O N Our

Watercraft heritage starts with quality,

as in the handcrafted Old Town Canoe

model A, whose design dates to the

early 1900s. We add innovation, as 

in the Extrasport RetroGlide Butterfly

lifejackets, whose size adjustment is on

the back to eliminate uncomfortable

hardware. And our kayaks feature both

classic design and innovation—offering

entry-level handling with the aesthetics

of fiberglass in the Nantucket Elite,

and sit-inside stability plus high-end

sea kayak features in the Pro SI 149.

EXTRASPORT RETROGLIDE BUTTERFLY

OLD TOWN NANTUCKET ELITE

OCEAN KAYAK PRO SI 149

M O

T

O

R

S

As fishing enthusiasts know, persistence pays 

off. Our continued emphasis on marketing,

innovation and quality has kept Motors at the 

top of the market. This year we have continued

to increase market share despite weak 

sales. We’re looking to grow with our OEM 

partners and introduce promising products 

like the Universal Sonar and Riptide saltwater 

motors—the first in the industry to offer 

a three-year warranty. 

8

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

B R A N D S

U N I V E R S A L   S O N A R

M O T O R S is expanding markets

with innovative products like the

Universal Sonar, the first trolling

motor to feature a fully integrated

transducer that is compatible with

most fishfinders on the market. 

We’re exceeding consumers’ demands

for quality and performance with

corrosion-resistant features on our

new Riptide saltwater motors, which

come with an exclusive three-year

warranty. And with the MK 106,

our first entry-level onboard battery

charger, we’re increasing our presence

in a growing category. 

MINN KOTA RIPTIDE MOTOR           

MINN KOTA ALL-TERRAIN MOTOR                                 MK 106 ONBOARD BATTERY CHARGER

9

D

I

V

I

N

G

TWIN SPEED FIN                                                    

The excitement continues for Diving 

with worldwide market share gains. New 

innovative products for the 2002 season

include a new lineup of Smart computers 

offering the first wireless infrared connection 

for easy downloading of diving profile. 

We’re also working with certification 

agencies in order to reach out to new divers.

10

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

B R A N D S

               SCUBAPRO MK25T/S600T REGULATOR                               SCUBAPRO LADYHAWK BC

U W AT E C   S M A R T   C O M  

T E C H N I C A L   T R I U M P H S

New research led to our Smart COM

dive computer’s advanced micro-

bubble suppression technology, 

promoting safer diving. Our Twin

Jet is the first full-foot fin endorsed

by professionals for both diving and

snorkeling, while the lightweight

MK25T/S600T titanium regulator

registered the industry’s top breathing

machine scores. And the Ladyhawk

buoyancy compensator, developed

with the Women’s Scuba Diving

Association, offers female divers

new comfort with a backpack-style

harness system.  

11

O U T D O O R   E Q U I P M E N T

SILVA ERGO-GRIP EXPLORER

This year, the Outdoor Equipment Group stood 

on familiar terrain: increasing sales, especially 

in military tents, and improving operating profit,

driven by Silva field compasses. Eureka! is the only

company supplying both large, heavy-duty tents

and lightweight backpacking tents to the military.

The Eureka! 5th Season EXO tent was also chosen

for a well-publicized expedition to Mount Everest—

a great lead-in for our consumer version this year.

12

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

B R A N D S

EUREKA!  VISTA

CAMP TRAILS SEQUOIA  BACKPACK

E U R E K A !   5 T H   S E A S O N   E X O

D E S I G N   W I T H   A P P E A L

World-famous climbers helped us

design the Eureka! 5th Season EXO

tent for their most recent Mount

Everest expedition, paving the way

for this year’s consumer version.

Our new Silva Ergo-Grip™ Explorer, 

a bright-colored, soft-touch sleeve,

protects the compass and makes it

easy to spot if dropped. The Eureka!

Vista is an affordable peak-top tent 

that simplifies setup with a patent-

pending swivel bracket. And the

Sequoia backpack’s friendly design

reaches out to the growing number

of weekend hikers.

13

O U T D O O R   E Q U I P M E N T

E U R O P E

JACK WOLFSKIN MOVE PANT MEN                     

Jack Wolfskin is continuing positive momentum

from its base in Germany and rolling out to

Northern Europe. This year, we opened eleven

more stores, including one in Denmark and 

two in Switzerland. The resulting rise in non-

German sales fueled profitability improvements.

Wolfskin uses unique materials and technical

expertise to create exciting products like the

Mountain Adventure footwear line—making 

our gear among the most popular in Europe.

Photo: HEF003178  Frank Heuer

14

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .   2 0 0 1   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

B R A N D S

         JACK WOLFSKIN MOUNTAIN REBEL SHOE              JACK WOLFSKIN ARCHES III REAL TUNNEL® TENT

S TA I N L E S S   R O C K   J A C K E T

M AT E R I A L   A D V A N C E S

Only the lightest, most technically advanced,

toughest GORE-TEX® fabrics go into our

streamlined STAINLESS ROCK touring

and trekking jacket. Like the MOVE 

PANT MEN, it’s specially tailored for ease 

of motion and freedom of movement. The

MOUNTAIN REBEL all-around hiking

boot delivers excellent traction on demanding

trails and uses toughskin reinforcements in

the high-abrasion zones for added durability.

And our REAL TUNNEL system’s aerody-

namic design, based on Porsche wind tunnel

tests, works with a specialized tent pole

system to provide incredible stability 

in sidewinds, as well as comfort.

15

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Necky Elaho Kayak

Leisure Life Waterquest Camo

Carlisle Magic Red Long

Ocean Kayak Agean Mist Kayak

Old Town Sebago Kayak 

Old Town Wood Classic Canoe

Minn Kota Genesis Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Weedless Wedge

Minn Kota Vantage Trolling Motor 

Minn Kota Maxxum Trolling Motor

MK220 Onboard Charger

Minn Kota AutoPilot Trolling Motor

Uwatec Smart COM Dive Computer

Scubapro Titanium Regulator

Scubapro Twin Jet Fin

Scubapro Glide BC

Scubapro Clear VU2

Scubapro Shorty

Eureka! 5th Season EXO Tent

Eureka! Military Tent

Eureka! Mountain Pass EXO Tent

Eureka! Vista Tent

Eureka! Zeus EXO Tent

Eureka! Twin Tube Tent

SQUAW VALLEY JACKET 

MOUNTAIN REBEL SHOE

WOLFPACK FLEECE JACKET

ARCHES III REAL TUNNEL TENT

TRAILHEAD BACKPACK

MR. BIKE PACK

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

F O R M   10 - K

[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 28, 2001

OR

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

For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission file number 0-16255

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)

39-1536083
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1326 Willow Road, Sturtevant, Wisconsin 53177
(Address of principal executive offices)

(262) 884-1500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

Class A common stock, $.05 par value

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. [     ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [     ]

As of November 1, 2001, 6,946,012 shares of Class A and 1,222,729 shares of Class B common stock 
of the Registrant were outstanding. The aggregate market value of voting stock of the Registrant held by
nonaffiliates of the Registrant was approximately $25,182,136 on November 1, 2001.

D O C U M E N T S   I N C O R P O R AT E D   B Y   R E F E R E N C E

TA B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

Page

Part and Item Number of Form 10-K 
into which Incorporated

Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 

Document

Johnson Outdoors Inc. Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
and Proxy Statement for the 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
to be held February 19, 2002.

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 

Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters  . . . . .5

Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on 
Accounting and Financial Disclosure  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management . . . . . . . . .12

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . .12

Signatures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Exhibit Index  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain matters discussed in this 2001 Form 10-K and in the accompanying 2001
Annual  Report  are  “forward-looking  statements,”  intended  to  qualify  for  the  safe
harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because
the  context  of  the  statement  includes  phrases  such  as  the  Company  “expects,”
“believes” or other words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe the
Company’s  future  plans,  objectives  or  goals  are  also  forward-looking  statements.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which
could  cause  actual  results  or  outcomes  to  differ  materially  from  those  currently
anticipated. Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include changes in
consumer spending patterns, actions of companies that compete with the Company,
the Company’s success in managing inventory, movements in foreign currencies or
interest rates and adverse weather conditions. Shareholders, potential investors and
other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking
statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the
date of this 2001 Form 10-K and in the accompanying 2001 Annual Report and the
Company undertakes no obligations to publicly update such forward-looking state-
ments to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.PA R T   I

PA R T   I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
Johnson  Outdoors  Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  “Company”)  design,  manufacture
and  market  outdoor  recreation  products  in  four  businesses:  Diving,  Watercraft,
Outdoor  Equipment  and  Motors. The  Company’s  primary  focus  is  innovation—
meeting consumer needs with breakthrough products that stand apart from the com-
petition  and  advance  the  Company’s  strong  brand  names.  Its  subsidiaries  are
organized in a network that promotes entrepreneurialism and leverages best practices
and  synergies,  following  the  strategic  vision  set  by  headquarters. The  Company  is
controlled by Samuel C. Johnson, members of his family and related entities.

The Company was incorporated in Wisconsin in 1987 as successor to various businesses.

Diving
The Company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of tech-
nical underwater diving products, which it sells under the Scubapro and SnorkelPro
names. The Company markets a full line of underwater diving and snorkeling equip-
ment,  including  regulators,  stabilizing  jackets,  tanks,  depth  gauges,  masks,  fins,
snorkels,  diving  electronics  and  other  accessories. The  Company  is  also  a  leading
manufacturer  of  dive  computers  and  other  electronics  sold  under  the  Aladin and
Uwatec brands. Scubapro, Aladin and Uwatec products are marketed to the high
quality,  premium  priced  segment  of  the  market  via  limited  distribution  to  inde-
pendent  specialty  diving  shops  worldwide. These  diving  shops  generally  provide  a
wide range of services to divers, including instruction and repair service.

The Company focuses on maintaining Scubapro, Aladin and Uwatec as the market
leaders  in  innovation  and  new  products.  The  Company  maintains  research  and
development  functions  both  in  the  United  States  and  Europe  and  holds  several
patents  on  products  and  features.  Consumer  advertising  focuses  on  building  the
brand names and the Company’s position as the industry’s high quality and innova-
tion leader. The Company advertises its equipment in diving magazines and through
in-store displays. 

The Company also manufactures and markets diving buoyancy compensators pri-
marily for the original equipment market, under the Soniform name.

The  Company  maintains  manufacturing  and  assembly  facilities  in  Switzerland,
Mexico, Italy and Indonesia and procures a majority of its rubber and plastic prod-
ucts and components from third-party manufacturers.

1

Watercraft
The Company manufactures and markets canoes, kayaks, paddles, oars, recreational
sailboats,  personal  flotation  devices  and  small  thermoformed  recreational  boats
under the brand names Old Town, Carlisle Paddles, Ocean Kayak, Pacific Kayak,
Canoe Sports, Necky, Escape, Extrasport, Swiftwater, Leisure Life and Dimension.

Outdoor Equipment
The Company’s Outdoor Equipment products include Jack Wolfskin high quality
technical  outdoor  clothing,  innovative  footwear,  camping  tents,  backpacks,  travel
gear and accessories; Eureka! military, commercial and consumer tents; Camp Trails
backpacks; and Silva field compasses.

The Company’s Old Town Canoe subsidiary produces high quality canoes, kayaks
and  accessories  for  family  recreation,  touring  and  tripping. The  Company  uses  a
patented  rotational-molding  process  for  manufacturing  polyethylene  kayaks  and
canoes  to  compete  in  the  high  volume,  low  and  mid-priced  range  of  the  market.
These kayaks and canoes feature stiffer and more durable hulls than higher priced
boats. The Company also manufactures canoes from fiberglass, Royalex (ABS) and
wood. Carlisle Paddles, a manufacturer of canoe and kayak paddles and rafting oars,
supplies paddles and oars to the Company’s other watercraft businesses and also dis-
tributes  directly  through  the  accessories  channels  mentioned  below  under  the
Carlisle brand.

The  Company  is  a  leading  manufacturer  of  sit-on-top  kayaks  under  the  Ocean
Kayak and Pacific Kayak brands. In addition, the Company manufactures and mar-
kets high quality Necky sea touring and whitewater kayaks; Escape recreational sail-
boats;  Extrasport and  Swiftwater personal  flotation  devices;  small  thermoformed
recreational boats, including canoes, pedal boats, deck boats and tenders, under the
Leisure Life brand; and the Dimension brand of kayaks.

In  April  2001,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  Fibrekraft  Manufacturers
Ltd., a manufacturer of paddles and watercraft accessories based in Napier, New Zealand. 

The Company’s kayaks, canoes and accessories are sold primarily to specialty stores
and marine dealers, sporting goods stores and catalog and mail order houses such as
L. L. Bean®, in the United States and Europe. Leisure Life products are sold through
marine dealers and large retail chains under several brand identities.

The Company manufactures its Watercraft products in six locations in the United
States, two locations in Canada and in New Zealand. Ocean Kayak products are also
manufactured and sold under license in Europe.

The North American market for kayaks is exhibiting strong growth, while the canoe
market is growing modestly. The Company believes, based on industry and other
data, that it is a leading manufacturer of canoes and kayaks in the United States in
both unit and dollar sales.

2

Jack Wolfskin, based in Germany, distributes its products primarily through special-
ized outdoor stores, selected sporting goods dealers and a number of franchised Jack
Wolfskin stores. Jack Wolfskin has a strong position in Germany with additional dis-
tribution in the key European markets of Great Britain, Benelux, Switzerland and
Austria. The product is also sold in Canada and the United States and, under license,
in Japan. Jack Wolfskin utilizes the latest in fabric technology to produce products
that are both comfortable and protective for outdoor related activities. The products
compete in the premium segments.

Eureka! consumer tents and Camp Trails backpacks compete primarily in the mid-
to  high-price  range  and  are  sold  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  through  inde-
pendent  sales  representatives,  primarily  to  sporting  goods  stores,  catalog  and  mail
order  houses  and  camping  and  backpacking  specialty  stores.  Marketing  of  the
Company’s tents and backpacks is focused on building the Eureka! and Camp Trails
brand names and establishing the Company as a leader in tent design and innova-
tion. The Company’s camping tents and backpacks are produced primarily by third-
party manufacturing sources.

Eureka! camping  tents  have  outside  self-supporting  aluminum  frames,  allowing
quicker and easier set-up, a design approach the Company originated. Most Eureka!
tents  are  made  from  breathable  nylon.  Eureka! camping  products  are  sold  under
license in Japan and Korea. Eureka! commercial tents include party tents, sold pri-
marily to general rental stores, and other commercial tents sold directly to tent erec-
tors. Commercial tents are manufactured by the Company in the United States. 

Eureka! designs  and  manufactures  large,  heavy-duty  tents  and  lightweight  back-
packing tents for the military. The Company has three contracts for production of
both  camping  and  commercial  tents  with  the  U.S.  Armed  Forces.  In  1997,  the
Company was awarded contracts to produce a lightweight, two-man combat tent for
the Marine Corps and a modular, general purpose tent for the Army. The Marine
Corps contract was for 60 months and expires in August 2002. The Company has
shipped more than 80% of the contract’s maximum order quantities. The Army con-
tract was for five years (base year and an option for four additional ordering periods).
The first two optional ordering periods were exercised and the Army is currently in
optional  ordering  period  three,  which  expires  in  December  2001. The  Company

believes the final ordering period will be exercised and would expire in December
2002. All material terms and obligations of these contracts have been and continue
to be satisfied. In September 2001, the Company was awarded a five-year contract
(base year and four optional years) to produce a four-person, extreme cold weather
tent for the Marine Corps. The Company has submitted bids on additional contracts
and expects decisions on contract awards to be made in 2002.

Camp Trails backpacks consist primarily of internal and external frame backpacks for
hiking and mountaineering, but also include soft back bags, day packs and travel packs.

Silva field  compasses,  which  are  manufactured  by  third  parties,  are  marketed  exclu-
sively in North America, the area for which the Company owns Silva trademark rights.

Motors
The Company manufactures, under its Minn Kota name, battery powered motors
used on fishing boats and other boats for quiet trolling power or primary propulsion.
The  Company’s  Minn  Kota motors  and  related  accessories  are  sold  in  the  United
States, Canada, Europe and the Pacific Basin through large retail store chains such as
Wal Mart and K-Mart, catalogs such as Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas, sporting goods
specialty  stores,  marine  dealers,  and  original  equipment  manufacturers  (OEM)
including  Ranger® Boats,  Lowe,  Stratos/Javilin,  Four  Winns,  Triton  Boats,  Lund
Boats,  Smoker  Craft,  Alumacraft,  Skeeter,  Express  Boats  and  Tracker.  Consumer
advertising and promotion include advertising on regional television and in outdoor,
general interest and sports magazines. Packaging and point-of-purchase materials are
used to increase consumer appeal and sales. 

The Company has the leading market share of the U.S. electric fishing motor mar-
ket. While the overall motors market has been stagnant in recent years, the Company
has been able to gain share by emphasizing marketing, product innovation and orig-
inal equipment manufacturer sales.

The Company’s line of Airguide marine, weather and automotive instruments is distrib-
uted primarily in the United States through large retail store chains and OEMs. Airguide
products are manufactured by the Company or sourced from third-party manufacturers.
In 2001, the Company exited the weather and automotive instrument categories.

Fishing
In March 2000, the Company sold its Fishing business (consisting of the marketing
of rods, reels, lures, spoons and fishing line). As a result, the operations and related
assets and liabilities of the Fishing business have been restated as discontinued for
financial reporting purposes. A significant loss on the sale of the business was recog-

nized, but the tangible net worth of the Company was not adversely impacted. See
Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information.

Financial Information for Business Segments
See  Note  13  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  financial  information
comparing each business segment.

International Operations
See  Note  13  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  financial  information
comparing the Company’s domestic and international operations.

Research and Development
The Company commits significant resources to research and new product develop-
ment.  The  Company  expenses  research  and  development  costs  as  incurred.  The
amounts expended by the Company in connection with research and development
activities  for  each  of  the  last  three  fiscal  years  are  set  forth  in  the  Consolidated
Statements of Operations.

Competition
The Company believes its products compete favorably on the basis of product inno-
vation, product performance and marketing support and, to a lesser extent, price.

Diving: The main competitors in Diving include Oceanic, Aqualung and Suunto, each
of which competes on the basis of product innovation, performance, quality and safety.

Watercraft: The  Company  primarily  competes  in  the  paddle  sport  segment  of
canoes  and  kayaks.  Main  competitors  are  Watermark  and  Confluence,  who  also
make a full range of boats. These companies compete on the basis of their design,
performance and quality.

Outdoor Equipment: The Company’s brands and products compete in the specialty
segments of the outdoor equipment market and not in the mass market. Coleman,
Jansport and private label brands have a strong position in tents and packs sold in
mass outlets, and the Company does not intend to compete head on with these man-
ufacturers. The Company intends to compete with the specialty companies such as
North Face and Kelty on the basis of materials and innovative designs for consumers
who want performance products priced at a value.

Motors: The  main  competitor  in  electric  trolling  motors  is  Motor  Guide  from
Brunswick, who manufactures and sells a full range of trolling motors and accessories.
Competition in this segment is focused on product benefits and features for fishing.

3

Employees
At  September  28,  2001,  the  Company  had  approximately  1,400  employees. The
Company considers its employee relations to be excellent. Temporary employees are
utilized to manage peaks in the seasonal manufacturing of products.

Backlog
Unfilled  orders  for  future  delivery  of  products  of  continuing  operations  totaled
approximately $51.6 million at September 28, 2001 and $61.0 million at September
29, 2000. The Company’s businesses do not receive significant orders in advance of
expected shipment dates for the majority of their products.

Patents, Trademarks and Proprietary Rights
The  Company  owns  no  single  patent  that  is  material  to  its  business  as  a  whole.
However, the Company holds several patents, principally for diving products, rota-
tional-molded canoes and electric motors, and regularly files applications for patents.
The Company has numerous trademarks and trade names which it considers impor-
tant  to  its  business,  many  of  which  are  discussed  on  the  preceding  pages.  The
Company vigorously defends its intellectual property rights.

Sources and Availability of Materials
The Company’s products use materials that are generally in adequate supply.

Seasonality
The Company’s business is seasonal. The following table shows, for the past three fis-
cal years, total net sales and operating profit or loss related to continuing operations
of the Company for each quarter, as a percentage of the total year. Strategic charges
totaling $1.4 million, $2.4 million and $2.8 million impacted operating results in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

September 28, 2001

September 29, 2000

1%

Net Operating
Sales
Profit
16%
28
33
23
100%

39
56
4
100%

Quarter Ended
December
March
June 
September 

Net
Sales
17%
29
33
21
100%

Operating
Profit (Loss)

(23)%
42
83
(2)
100%

4

Year Ended

October 1, 1999
Operating
Profit
(Loss)
(16)%
43
70
3
100% 100%

Net
Sales
16%
28
33
23

Executive Officers
The following list sets forth certain information, as of December 1, 2001, regarding
the executive officers of the Company.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold, age 44, became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
the  Company  in  March  1999.  From  September  1998  until  March  1999,  Ms.
Johnson-Leipold was Vice President, Worldwide Consumer Products-Marketing of
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (SCJ). From October 1997 to September 1998, she was
Vice President, Personal and Home Care Products of SCJ. From October 1995 until
July  1997,  Ms.  Johnson-Leipold  was  Executive  Vice  President  -  North  American
Businesses of the Company. From 1992 to September 1995, she was Vice President
- Consumer Marketing Services Worldwide of SCJ. 

Patrick  J.  O’Brien,  age  43,  became  President  and  Chief  Operating  Officer  of  the
Company in April 1999. From October 1997 until March 1999, Mr. O’Brien was
Vice President and General Manager, Home Storage of SCJ. From July 1997 until
October  1997,  Mr.  O’Brien  was  Vice  President  -  Strategic  Business  of  SCJ;  from
April 1996 until June 1997, he was Vice President - North American Sales of SCJ;
from June 1995 until March 1996, he was Director - North American Sales of SCJ
and from January 1993 until May 1995, he was National Sales Manager of SCJ.

Paul A. Lehmann, age 48, became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in May 2001. From October 1999 to May 2001, Mr. Lehmann was Vice
President,  Finance  and  Strategic  Planning  of  Steelcase  North  America  (SCNA).
From  June  1997  to  October  1999,  Mr.  Lehmann  was Vice  President,  Operations
Finance  of  SCNA.  From  November  1995  to  June  1997,  he  was  Director  of
Customer Pricing and Contracts for SCNA.

Mamdouh Ashour, age 63, has been a Group Vice President of the Company since
October 1997 and President - Worldwide Diving since August 1996. From 1994 to
August 1996, he served as President of Scubapro Europe. He has been employed by
the Company since 1973.

There are no family relationships between the above executive officers.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
The Company maintains both leased and owned manufacturing, warehousing, dis-
tribution and office facilities throughout the world. The Company believes that its
facilities are well maintained and have capacity adequate to meet its current needs.

See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of lease obligations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of legal proceedings.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the last quar-
ter of the year ended September 28, 2001.

The Company’s principal manufacturing (identified with an asterisk) and other locations are: 

PA R T   I I

Albany, New Zealand (Watercraft) 
Antibes, France (Diving) 
Bad Säkingen, Germany (Diving) 
Barcelona, Spain (Diving) 
Basingstoke, Hampshire, England (Diving) 
Batam, Indonesia* (Diving) 
Binghamton, New York* (Outdoor Equipment) 
Burlington, Ontario, Canada (Motors, Outdoor Equipment) 
Chatswood, Australia (Diving) 
Chi Wan, Hong Kong (Diving) 
El Cajon, California (Diving) 
Ferndale, Washington* (Watercraft) 
Genoa, Italy* (Diving) 
Grand Rapids, Michigan* (Watercraft)  
Grayling, Michigan* (Watercraft)  
Hallwil, Switzerland* (Diving)  
Hamburg, Germany (Diving)  
Henggart, Switzerland (Diving)  
Idstein, Germany (Outdoor Equipment)  
Mankato, Minnesota* (Motors)  
Mansonville, Quebec, Canada* (Watercraft)   
Miami, Florida* (Watercraft)  
Napier, New Zealand (Watercraft)  
Nyköping, Sweden (Diving)  
Old Town, Maine* (Watercraft)  
Tijuana, Mexico* (Motors, Diving)  
Tokyo (Kawasaki), Japan (Diving)  

The  Company’s  corporate  headquarters  is  located  in  Mount  Pleasant,  Wisconsin.
The Company’s mailing address is Sturtevant, Wisconsin.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Certain information with respect to this item is included in Notes 5, 9, 10 and 11
to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s Class A common stock is
traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under the symbol: JOUT. There is no public
market for the Company’s Class B common stock. However, the Class B common
stock is convertible at all times at the option of the holder into shares of Class A com-
mon stock on a share for share basis. As of November 1, 2001, the Company had
755 holders of record of its Class A common stock and 58 holders of record of its
Class B common stock. The Company has never paid, and has no current intention
to pay, a dividend on its common stock.

A summary of the high and low prices for the Company’s Class A common stock
during each quarter of the years ended September 28, 2001 and September 29, 2000
is as follows:

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

2001

2000

2001

2000

2001

2000

2001

2000

Stock prices:
High
Low 
Last 

$7.00
4.75
5.88

$9.19
6.13
7.10

$7.56 $8.50
6.13
6.19

5.50
6.13

$8.49 $9.69
6.13
7.06

5.90
6.74

$7.39 $7.94
5.75
6.94

5.98
6.47

5

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
A summary of the Company’s operating results and key balance sheet data for each of the years in the five-year period ended September 28, 2001 is presented below. All periods
have been restated to reflect the discontinuation of the Company’s Fishing business.

September 28
2001

September 29
2000

(thousands,  except  per  share  data)
Operating Results(1)
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses(2)
Operating profit
Interest expense 
Other expense (income), net 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Income tax expense 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative

effect of change in accounting principle
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 
Income (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations 
Effect of change in accounting principle 
Net income (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Effect of change in accounting principle 

Net income (loss) 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Effect of change in accounting principle 

$345,637
136,703
120,985
15,718
9,085
543 
6,090
2,480

$

$

$

$

3,610
—
—
1,755
5,365

0.44
—
0.22
0.66

0.44
—
0.22
0.66
8,170

$354,889
142,813
118,094
24,719
9,799
(160) 

15,080
6,705

8,375
(940)
(24,418)
—
$ (16,983)

$

$

$

1.03
(3.12) 
— 
(2.09)

1.03
(3.12) 
—
(2.09)
8,130 

$

$

Net income (loss) 
Diluted average common shares outstanding
Balance Sheet Data
Current assets(3)
Total assets 
Current liabilities(4)
Long-term debt, less current maturities 
Total debt 
Shareholders’ equity 
(1) The year ended October 3, 1997 includes 53 weeks. All other years include 52 weeks.
(2) Includes strategic charges of $1,448, $2,369, $2,773, $1,388 and $335 in 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
(3) Includes net assets of discontinued operations of $56,114, $58,462 and $66,507 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
(4) Excluding short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt.

$144,194
257,971
46,941
45,857
105,319 
100,832

$133,180
244,913
36,568
84,550
97,535
105,779

6

October 1
1999

$310,198
125,774
106,261
19,513
9,565

(71) 

10,019
4,158

5,861
1,161
—
—
7,022

0.72
0.15
—
0.87

0.72
0.15 
— 
0.87
8,108 

$

$

$

$

$

$185,733
299,025
45,072
72,744
122,071 
127,178

October 2
1998

$274,005
110,789
92,433
18,356
9,631 
(539) 
9,264
3,885 

5,379
(167)
— 
— 
5,212 

0.66
(0.02) 
— 
0.64 

0.66
(0.02) 
—
0.64  
8,114 

$

$

$

$

$

$188,224 
292,380 
39,448 
81,508 
124,001
124,386 

Year Ended

October 3
1997

$242,351
94,147
80,266
13,881
8,413
(624)
6,092
2,721

3,371
(1,315)
—
—
2,056 

0.42
(0.17)  
—  
0.25 

0.42
( 0.17)  
—  
0.25 
8,115

$

$

$

$

$

$184,555
272,605
36,772
87,926
113,676
117,731

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion includes comments and analysis relating to the Company’s
results of operations and financial condition for the three years ended September 28,
2001. Unless otherwise noted, the discussion refers to continuing operations. This
discussion  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Consolidated  Financial
Statements and related notes thereto.

Results of Operations
Summary consolidated financial results from continuing operations are as follows:

(millions,  except  per  share  data)
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses(1)
Operating profit
Interest expense
Income from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per common share

2001
$345.6
136.7
121.0
15.7
9.1
3.6

from continuing operations before
change in accounting principle

0.44

2000
$354.9
142.8
118.1
24.7
9.8
8.4

1999
$310.2
125.8
106.3
19.5
9.6
5.9

1.03

0.72

(1)Includes  strategic  charges  of  $1.4  million,  $2.4  million  and  $2.8  million  in  2001,  2000  and  1999,

respectively.

2001 vs 2000

Net Sales
Net  sales  totaled  $345.6  million  in  2001  compared  to  $354.9  million  in  2000,  a
decrease of 3%. Sales as measured in U.S. dollars were impacted by the effects of for-
eign  currencies  relative  to  the  U.S.  dollar  in  comparison  to  2000.  Excluding  the
effects  of  foreign  currency  movements,  sales  were  nearly  flat  when  compared  with
2000. The flat trend in sales was a result of a soft economy both in the United States
(U.S.) and abroad. Sales were impacted by customer bankruptcies in both the Motors
and Diving businesses. The Company believes these bankruptcies impacted sales in
2001 by approximately $4.8 million. As a result of the soft economy, we saw marginal
growth or even contraction in the markets of our businesses. However, market data
indicated that the Company gained market share in nearly all of our businesses.

The Outdoor Equipment business was strong, increasing sales 10% over 2000, pri-
marily related to strong performances by Jack Wolfskin and military tents. Diving
sales were down 3% from 2000, primarily related to the negative impact of foreign
currency  movements  from  2000.  Excluding  the  effects  of  foreign  currency  move-
ments, Diving sales increased 3% from 2000. The Watercraft and Motors businesses
were impacted the most by the soft economy, with sales declines of 5% and 16%,
respectively. The Motors business gained market share in a contracting market and
lost approximately $4.0 million in sales related to the bankruptcy of a large OEM
customer. However, the Company feels a majority of these sales will return in 2002,
as the OEM customer was sold out of bankruptcy and has begun placing orders. The
Watercraft business saw a significant decline in market growth after three plus years
of double digit growth in that category.

Operating Results
The Company recognized an operating profit of $15.7 million in 2001 compared to
an operating profit of $24.7 million in 2000. Gross profit margins decreased from
40.2%  in  2000  to  39.6%  in  2001,  as  improvements  in  the  Diving  and  Outdoor
Equipment businesses were more than offset by declines in the Watercraft and Motors
businesses. Shortfalls in sales volume for 2001 negatively impacted gross profits by
$3.4 million due to unfavorable manufacturing labor and overhead variances, prima-
rily in the Watercraft business, and to a lesser extent, the Motors business.

Operating expenses, excluding strategic charges, totaled $119.5 million, or 34.6%
of sales, in 2001 compared to $115.7, or 32.6% of sales in 2000. Amortization of
acquisition costs were $5.3 million in 2001, which included a $2.5 million write-
down for impaired goodwill related to the Airguide brand in the Motors business,
compared to $3.0 million in 2000. Bad debt expense related to the previously men-
tioned  customer  bankruptcies  added  approximately  $0.9  million  to  operating
expenses in 2001.

The  Outdoor  Equipment  business  increased  operating  profit  by  $3.8  million,  or
47%, to $12.0 million in 2001 compared to $8.2 million in 2000. Strong results by
Jack Wolfskin and military tents more than offset softness in the consumer and com-
mercial tent businesses. The Diving business was also strong, increasing operating
profits by 7% to $11.6 million in 2001, despite a sales decline, by improving prod-
uct mix towards higher margin products along with a decline in operating expenses.
Excluding the $2.5 million write-down for impaired goodwill, the Motors business
had operating profits of $2.8 million in 2001 compared to $3.9 million in 2000. A
decline in operating expense, excluding strategic charges, of $1.0 million versus the
prior year, helped mitigate the decline in operating profit.

7

The Watercraft business was impacted by several issues, resulting in a decline in oper-
ating  profits  in  2001  to  $1.3  million  from  operating  profits  of  $10.3  million  in
2000. The business experienced the trailing affects of significant growth, over-capac-
ity and the impacts of too much complexity in this segment of our business. In addi-
tion  to  the  gross  profit  issues  described  above,  operating  expenses  grew  by  $3.1
million, or 11% from 2000 levels due to investment in infrastructure to support the
previous significant growth of the business and additional costs supporting the com-
plex structure of the business. The Company believes the issues related to Watercraft
can and are being fixed, as evidenced by the closure and relocation of two manufac-
turing facilities in 2001. The Company is in the process of streamlining U.S. East
coast distribution from five warehouses down to one and has hired both a new gen-
eral  manager  and  operations  manager  at  our  Old Town  Canoe  business,  to  drive
improved  results  from  this  important  operation  in  the  Watercraft  business.  The
Company will continue to investigate synergistic opportunities in this business over
the next year.

The Company recognized strategic charges totaling $1.4 million in 2001 for sever-
ance, moving and other costs related to the closure and relocation of two manufac-
turing facilities in the Watercraft business. The Company believes that these actions
will save approximately $1.5 million in operating expenses on an annual basis after
completion. The Company anticipates incurring additional strategic charges related
to  these  actions  of  approximately  $0.7  million  in  2002.  In  2000,  the  Company
incurred  strategic  charges  of  $2.4  million  from  severance,  moving  and  other  costs
related to the closure and relocation of a manufacturing facility in the Motors busi-
ness  and  for  severance,  relocation  and  recruitment  costs  in  the  North  American
Outdoor Equipment business.

Other Income and Expenses
Interest expense decreased $0.7 million in 2001, reflecting a decline in interest rates
from prior year levels and a reduction in working capital needs versus 2000 levels.
Foreign currency translation losses related to the mark to market of foreign currency
denominated debt and foreign currency forward contracts resulted in an increase of
$0.7 million in translation losses over the prior year levels.

Results From Continuing Operations
The  Company  recognized  income  from  continuing  operations  before  cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle of $3.6 million in 2001 or $0.44 per diluted
share, compared to $8.4 million in 2000 or $1.03 per diluted share. The Company
recorded income tax expense of $2.5 million in 2001, an effective tax rate of 40.7%.

This decreased rate (from 44.5% in 2000) is mainly the result of changes in mix of
earnings from jurisdictions with higher tax rates to those with lower tax rates.

Discontinued Operations
In March 2000, the Company sold its Fishing business. The Company recorded a
loss on disposal of a discontinued business, net of tax, of $24.4 million in 2000, tak-
ing into account operating results of the business from the measurement date to the
date of disposal. In addition, the Company recorded an after tax loss from operations
up to the measurement date of $0.9 million in 2000.

Change in Accounting Principle
Effective September 30, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS 133, which establishes
accounting  and  reporting  standards  for  derivative  instruments,  including  certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. All
derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be
recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair
value hedge, the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged item are rec-
ognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in
the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are
recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings.

The adoption of SFAS 133 resulted in an effect of change in accounting principle
after tax gain of $1.8 million in 2001.

Net Income (Loss)
The Company recognized net income of $5.4 million in 2001, or $0.66 per diluted
share, compared to a net loss of $17.0 million in 2000, or $2.09 per diluted share. 

2000 vs 1999

Net Sales
Net sales totaled $354.9 million in 2000 compared to $310.2 million in 1999, an
increase of 14%. Sales as measured in U.S. dollars were impacted by the effect of for-
eign  currencies  relative  to  the  U.S.  dollar  in  comparison  to  1999.  Excluding  the
effects of foreign currency movements, sales increased 17% from 1999. The increase
was partially driven by the introduction of innovative new products in the Watercraft
and Motors businesses, as well as growth in sales of existing products in Watercraft,
Motors and Outdoor Equipment.

8

Operating Results
The Company recognized an operating profit of $24.7 million in 2000 compared to
an operating profit of $19.5 million in 1999. Gross profit margins decreased from
40.5% in 1999 to 40.2% in 2000, as significant improvements in the Diving and
Outdoor Equipment businesses, as well as improvement in the Motors business (due
to emphasis on higher margin products, increases in volume and improved produc-
tion  efficiencies)  were  offset  by  a  decline  in  Watercraft  (due  to  production  issues
related to a 26.4% growth in Watercraft revenues).

Operating expenses, excluding strategic charges, totaled $115.7 million, or 32.6% of
sales, in 2000 compared to $103.5 million, or 33.3% of sales, in 1999. The 12%
growth in operating expenses in 2000 was less than the growth rate of sales, which
contributed to the improved operating results. Nearly all items in operating expenses
declined as a percentage of sales from 1999.

measurement  date  to  the  date  of  disposal.  In  addition,  the  Company  recorded  an
after tax loss from operations up to the measurement date of $0.9 million in 2000
and an after tax gain of $1.2 million in 1999.

Net Income
The Company recognized a net loss of $17.0 million, or $2.09 per diluted share in
2000, compared to net income of $7.0 million, or $0.87 per diluted share in 1999.

Financial Condition
The following discusses changes in the Company’s liquidity and capital resources.

Operations
The following table sets forth the Company’s working capital position related to con-
tinuing operations at the end of each of the past three years:

The Company recognized strategic charges totaling $2.4 million in 2000 and $2.8
million  in  1999.  These  charges  resulted  from  severance,  moving  and  other  costs
related  primarily  to  the  closure  and  relocation  of  a  manufacturing  facility  in  the
Motors  business  and  for  severance,  relocation  and  recruitment  costs  in  the  North
American Outdoor Equipment business.

(millions)
Current assets(1)
Current liabilities(2)
Working capital
Current ratio 

2001
$133.2
36.6
$  96.6
3.6:1

2000
$144.2
46.9
$  97.3
3.1:1

1999
$129.6
45.1
$  84.5
2.9:1

Other Income and Expenses
Interest expense increased $0.2 million in 2000, reflecting higher working capital lev-
els primarily from accounts receivable and inventory, as well as higher interest rates.

Results from Continuing Operations
The  Company  recognized  income  from  continuing  operations  of  $8.4  million  in
2000, or $1.03 per diluted share, compared to $5.9 million, or $0.72 per diluted share,
in 1999. The Company recorded income tax expense of $6.7 million in 2000, an effec-
tive rate of 44.5%. The increased rate from 41.5% in 1999 is due to an increase in state
income tax and change in expected recoverability of state net operating losses. 

Discontinued Operations
In March 2000, the Company sold its Fishing business. As a result, operations and
related assets and liabilities of the Fishing group have been classified as discontinued
for all periods presented herein. The sale price totaled $47.3 million, including $14.1
million of accounts receivable retained by the Company and $2.4 million of debt
assumed by the buyer. The Company recorded a loss of $24.4 million, net of tax,
related  to  the  sale  of  the  business,  taking  into  account  operating  results  from  the

(1)Excludes net assets of discontinued operations.
(2)Excludes short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt.

Cash flows provided by operations totaled $15.5 million in 2001, $9.8 million in
2000  and  $24.8  million  in  1999.  The  Company’s  profitability  and  decreases  in
accounts receivable of $6.8 million, contributed to the positive cash flows in 2001.
Decreases in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $11.4 million reduced
the  overall  positive  cash  flows  provided  by  operations  in  2001.  Profitability  and
increases  in  accounts  payable  and  other  accrued  liabilities  of  $3.9  million,  con-
tributed to the positive cash flows in 2000 and 1999. Growth in accounts receivable
and inventories of $10.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively, reduced the overall
positive cash flows provided by operations in 2000. Accounts receivable growth of
$3.5 million reduced the overall positive cash flows provided by operations in 1999.

Depreciation and amortization charges were $13.5 million in 2001, $12.5 million in
2000  and  $12.6  million  in  1999.  Amortization  of  intangible  assets  from  the
Company’s acquisitions and increased depreciation from capital spending accounted
for the increase from 2000 to 2001. The Company recorded a charge for impairment
of goodwill of $2.5 million in 2001.

9

Investing Activities
Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities were ($9.6) million, $20.0 mil-
lion and ($26.1) million in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Expenditures for prop-
erty, plant and equipment were ($9.8) million in 2001, ($14.1) million in 2000 and
($13.0) million in 1999. The Company’s recurring investments are primarily related
to  tooling  for  new  products,  facilities  and  information  systems  improvements.  In
2002, capital expenditures are anticipated not to exceed 2001 levels. These expendi-
tures are expected to be funded by working capital or existing credit facilities.

The Company received $33.1 million in proceeds from the sale of their Fishing busi-
ness in 2000, which contributed to the cash flows provided by investing activities for
that year. These proceeds were used to reduce both short-term and long-term debt.
The  Company  paid,  net  of  cash  acquired,  $0.6  million  for  two  small  businesses
acquired in 2001, $0.9 million for one business acquired in 2000 and $13.6 million
for three businesses acquired in 1999. In November 2001, subsequent to the end of
the 2001 fiscal year, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of their head-
quarters facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. Approximately $5.0 million of additional
cash flow was provided by this transaction.

Financing Activities
The following table sets forth the Company’s debt and capital structure at the end of
the past three years:

(millions)
Current debt
Short-term debt to be refinanced
Long-term debt
Total debt
Shareholders’ equity
Total capitalization
Total debt to total capitalization

2001
$  13.0
50.0
34.5
97.5
105.8
$203.3

2000
$  59.5
—
45.8
105.3
100.8
$206.1

1999
$  49.4
—
72.7
122.1
127.2
$249.3

48.0%

51.1%

49.0%

Cash flows used for financing activities totaled $7.9 million in 2001, $12.5 million in
2000 and $0.8 million in 1999. Payments on long-term debt were $6.8 million, $22.0
million and $7.7 million, in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Included in 2000 was
$15.1 million in payments from the proceeds of the sales of the Fishing business.

In December 2001, subsequent to the end of the 2001 fiscal year, the Company con-
summated a private placement of long-term debt totaling $50.0 million. As a result of
this financing, short-term debt to be repaid totaling $50.0 million at September 28,
2001 was classified as long-term. At September 28, 2001, the Company had available
unused credit facilities in excess of $33.8 million, which is believed to be adequate for
its needs.

Market Risk Management
The Company is exposed to market risk stemming from changes in foreign exchange
rates, interest rates and, to a lesser extent, commodity prices. Changes in these fac-
tors  could  cause  fluctuations  in  earnings  and  cash  flows.  In  the  normal  course  of
business, exposure to certain of these market risks is managed by entering into hedg-
ing  transactions  authorized  under  Company  policies  that  place  controls  on  these
activities.  Hedging  transactions  involve  the  use  of  a  variety  of  derivative  financial
instruments. Derivatives are used only where there is an underlying exposure: not for
trading or speculative purposes. 

Foreign Operations
The Company has significant foreign operations, for which the functional currencies
are denominated primarily in Swiss and French francs, German marks, Italian lire,
Japanese  yen  and  Canadian  dollars.  As  the  values  of  the  currencies  of  the  foreign
countries in which the Company has operations increase or decrease relative to the
U.S. dollar, the sales, expenses, profits, assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign
operations,  as  reported  in  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,
increase or decrease, accordingly. The Company mitigates a portion of the fluctua-
tions in certain foreign currencies through the purchase of foreign currency swaps,
forward  contracts  and  options  to  hedge  known  commitments,  primarily  for  pur-
chases of inventory and other assets denominated in foreign currencies.

Interest Rates
The Company’s debt structure and interest rate risk are managed through the use of
fixed and floating rate debt. The Company’s primary exposure is to United States
interest rates. The Company also periodically enters into interest rate swaps, caps or
collars to hedge its exposure and lower financing costs.

10

Commodities
Certain  components  used  in  the  Company’s  products  are  exposed  to  commodity
price  changes. The  Company  manages  this  risk  through  instruments  such  as  pur-
chase orders and non-cancelable supply contracts. Primary commodity price expo-
sures are metals and packaging materials.

Sensitivity to Changes in Value
The estimates that follow are intended to measure the maximum potential fair value
or  earnings  the  Company  could  lose  in  one  year  from  adverse  changes  in  foreign
exchange rates or market interest rates under normal market conditions. The calcu-
lations are not intended to represent actual losses in fair value or earnings that the
Company expects to incur. The estimates do not consider favorable changes in mar-
ket rates. Further, since the hedging instrument (the derivative) inversely correlates
with the underlying exposure, any loss or gain in the fair value of derivatives would
be generally offset by an increase or decrease in the fair value of the underlying expo-
sures. The positions included in the calculations are foreign exchange forwards, cur-
rency swaps and fixed rate debt. Certain instruments are included in both categories
of risk exposure calculated below. The calculations do not include the underlying for-
eign exchange positions that are hedged by these market risk sensitive instruments.
The table below presents the estimated maximum potential one year loss in fair value
and earnings before income taxes from a 10% movement in foreign currencies and a
100  basis  point  movement  in  interest  rate  market  risk  sensitive  instruments  out-
standing at September 28, 2001:

(millions)
Foreign exchange rate instruments
Interest rate instruments

Estimated Impact on

Earnings Before
Income Taxes
$0.7
0.3

Fair Value
$0.7
1.1

Other Factors
The Company has not been significantly impacted by inflationary pressures over the
last several years. The Company anticipates that changing costs of basic raw materi-
als may impact future operating costs and, accordingly, the prices of its products. The
Company is involved in continuing programs to mitigate the impact of cost increases
through changes in product design and identification of sourcing and manufactur-
ing efficiencies. Price increases and, in certain situations, price decreases are imple-
mented for individual products, when appropriate.

Pending Accounting Changes
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangibles (SFAS
142). SFAS 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other
intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. Upon adoption of SFAS 142, good-
will will no longer be subject to amortization over its estimated useful life. Rather,
goodwill will be subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying
a fair-value-based test. Other intangible assets will be required to be separately rec-
ognized if the benefit of the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented,
or  exchanged.  Amortization  of  these  intangibles  over  their  useful  lives  is  required.
The Company has elected to adopt SFAS 142 as of the beginning of fiscal 2002. The
Company  is  currently  assessing  the  impact  of  adopting  SFAS  142  and  believes,
excluding impairments, net income for fiscal year 2002 will be increased, since good-
will is no longer subject to amortization, by approximately $2.5 million.

In  August  2001,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  144,  Accounting  for  Impairment  or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144). SFAS 144 establishes a single accounting
model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and provides additional imple-
mentation guidance for assets to be held and used and assets to be disposed of other
than by sale. There will be no financial implication related to the adoption of SFAS
144,  and  the  guidance  will  be  applied  on  a  prospective  basis.  The  Company  is
required to adopt SFAS 144 in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES 

ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information with respect to this item is included in Management’s Discussion and
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  under  the  heading
“Market Risk Management.”

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Information with respect to this item is included on pages F-1 to F-19.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

11

PA R T   I I I

PA R T   I V

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 
Information with respect to this item, except for certain information on executive offi-
cers (which appears at the end of Part I of this report) is included in the Company’s
Proxy Statement for its February 19, 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is
incorporated  herein  by  reference,  under  the  headings  “Election  of  Directors”  and
“Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance,”  provided,  however,
that the subsection entitled “Election of Directors – Audit Committee Report” shall
not be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information with respect to this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement
for  its  February  19,  2002  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders,  which  is  incorporated
herein by reference, under the headings “Election of Directors - Compensation of
Directors” and “Executive Compensation;” provided, however, that the subsection
entitled “Executive Compensation - Compensation Committee Report on Executive
Compensation” shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

AND MANAGEMENT

Information with respect to this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement for
its February 19, 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by
reference, under the heading “Stock Ownership of Management and Others.”

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information with respect to this item is included in the Company’s Proxy Statement
for  its  February  19,  2002  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders,  which  is  incorporated
herein by reference, under the heading “Certain Transactions.”

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K  

8-K  The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:  

Financial Statements  
Included in Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K are the following   

Reports of Independent Public Accountants

Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 28, 2001 and September 29, 2000

Consolidated Statements of Operations - 
Years ended September 28, 2001, September 29, 2000 and October 1, 1999

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - 
Years ended September 28, 2001, September 29, 2000 and October 1, 1999

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - 
Years ended September 28, 2001, September 29, 2000 and October 1, 1999

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Statement Schedules  
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, are not required or equiv-
alent  information  has  been  included  in  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  or
notes thereto.  

Exhibits  
See Exhibit Index.  

Reports on Form 8-K  
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the three months ended September 28, 2001.  

12

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, in the Town of Mount Pleasant and State
of Wisconsin, on the 13th day of December 2001.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

(Registrant)

By /s/ Helen P. Johnson-Leipold

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 13th day of
December 2001.

/s/ Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
(Helen P. Johnson-Leipold)

Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Thomas F. Pyle, Jr.
(Thomas F. Pyle, Jr.)

/s/ Samuel C. Johnson
(Samuel C. Johnson)

/s/ Gregory E. Lawton
(Gregory E. Lawton)

/s/ Glenn N. Rupp
(Glenn N. Rupp)

/s/ Terry E. London
(Terry E. London)

(John M. Fahey, Jr.)

/s/ Paul A. Lehmann
(Paul A. Lehmann)

Vice Chairman of the Board 
and Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)

13

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Title

Page No.

Exhibit

Title

Page No.

3.1  Articles of Incorporation of the Company as amended through 

February 17, 2000. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1(a) to the Company’s 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 and incorporated 
herein by reference.)   

3.2  Bylaws of the Company as amended through March 22, 2000. 

(Filed as Exhibit 3.2(a) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.)   

4.1  Note Agreement dated October 1, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to 

Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 1995 
and incorporated herein by reference.)   

4.2  First Amendment dated October 31, 1996 to Note Agreement 

dated October 1, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended December 27, 1996 and incorporated 
herein by reference.)   

4.3  Second Amendment dated September 30, 1997 to Note Agreement 
dated October 1, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s 
Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 1997 and incorporated 
herein by reference.)  

4.4  Third Amendment dated October 3, 1997 to Note Agreement 
dated October 1, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s 
Form 10-K for the year ended October 3, 1997 and incorporated 
herein by reference.)  

4.5  Fourth Amendment dated January 10, 2000 to Note Agreement 

dated October 1, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 and incorporated 
herein by reference.) 

4.6  Fifth Amendment dated December 13, 2001 to Note Agreement 

dated October 1, 1995.   

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

14

4.7  Note Agreement dated as of September 15, 1997. (Filed as  

Exhibit 4.15 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 
October 3, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.)   

4.8  First Amendment dated January 10, 2000 to Note Agreement  
dated September 15, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the 
Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 
and incorporated herein by reference.)   

4.9  Second Amendment dated December 13, 2001 to Note  

Agreement dated September 15, 1997.   

4.10  3-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2001.    

4.11  Amendment No. 1 to 3-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated  

as of December 18, 2001.   

4.12  Note Agreement dated as of December 13, 2001. 

9 

Johnson Outdoors Inc. Class B common stock Voting Trust  
Agreement, dated December 30, 1993 (Filed as Exhibit 9 to 
the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 
1993 and incorporated herein by reference.)  

10.1  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 12, 2000, by  

and between Johnson Outdoors Inc. and Berkley Inc. (Filed as 
Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 31, 2000 
and incorporated herein by reference.) 

10.2  Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 28,  
2000, by and between Johnson Outdoors Inc. and Berkley Inc. 
(Filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 31, 
2000 and incorporated herein by reference.) 

10.3  Johnson Outdoors Inc. Amended and Restated 1986 Stock Option  
Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended July 2, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference.) 

*

*

**

**

**

**

*

*

*

*

Title

Page No.

Exhibit

Title

Page No.

Exhibit

10.4 

*

*

Registration Rights Agreement regarding Johnson Outdoors Inc.   
common stock issued to the Johnson family prior to the acquisition 
of Johnson Diversified, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s 
Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-16998 and incorporated 
herein by reference.)  

10.5 

Registration Rights Agreement regarding Johnson Outdoors Inc.   
Class A common stock held by Mr. Samuel C. Johnson. (Filed 
as Exhibit 28 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
March 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference.)  

10.6+ Form of Restricted Stock Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the   *
Company’s Form S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-23299 and 
incorporated herein by reference.) 

10.7+ Form of Supplemental Retirement Agreement of Johnson   

*

Diversified, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form 
S-1 Registration Statement No. 33-16998 and incorporated herein 
by reference.)  

10.8+

Johnson Outdoors Retirement and Savings Plan. (Filed as Exhibit    *
10.9 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 
1989 and incorporated herein by reference.) 

10.9+ Form of Agreement of Indemnity and Exoneration with Directors    *

and Officers. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form S-1
Registration Statement No. 33-16998 and incorporated herein 
by reference.)   

10.10  Consulting and administrative agreements with S. C. Johnson &   

*

Son, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form S-1 
Registration Statement No. 33-16998 and incorporated herein 
by reference.)  

10.12+ Johnson Outdoors Inc. 1994 Non-Employee Director Stock   

Ownership Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 333-88089 and incorporated herein 
by reference.)   

10.13+ Johnson Outdoors Economic Value Added Bonus Plan (Filed as   

Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended 
October 3, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.)  

10.14+ Johnson Outdoors Inc. 2000 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.   

*

*

*

(Filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended March 31, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.) 

11. 

Statement regarding computation of per share earnings. (Note 15    *
to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s 2001 
Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.) 

21. 

Subsidiaries of the Company as of September 28, 2001.     

23.1  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.  

23.2  Consent of KPMG LLP     

**

**

**

99. 

Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of   
Shareholders. Except to the extent specifically incorporated herein 
by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as part of this Form 10-K. The Proxy Statement 
for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under regulation 14A within 
120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year. 

*

10.11+ Johnson Outdoors Inc. 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan.   
(Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Form S-8 Registration 
Statement No. 333-88091 and incorporated herein by reference.)  

*

** Incorporated herein by reference.
** Exhibits not included in this annual report.
*+ A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

15

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents

Page

Report of Management  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1

Report of Independent Public Accountants  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-4

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-7 

The management of Johnson Outdoors Inc. is responsible for the preparation and
integrity  of  all  financial  statements  and  other  information  contained  in  this  Form
10-K. We rely on a system of internal financial controls to meet the responsibility of
providing accurate financial statements. The system provides reasonable assurances
that assets are safeguarded, that transactions are executed in accordance with man-
agement’s authorization and that the financial statements are prepared on a world-
wide basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.

The financial statements for each of the years covered in this Form 10-K have been
audited  by  independent  public  accountants,  who  have  provided  an  independent
assessment as to the fairness of the financial statements, after obtaining an under-
standing of the Company’s systems and procedures and performing such other tests
as deemed necessary.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of direc-
tors who are not officers of the Company, meets with management and the inde-
pendent public accountants to review the results of their work and to satisfy itself
that their respective responsibilities are being properly discharged. The independent
public accountants have full and free access to the Audit Committee and have regu-
lar  discussions  with  the  Committee  regarding  appropriate  auditing  and  financial
reporting matters.

Helen P. Johnson-Leipold
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Paul A. Lehmann
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Shareholders and Board of Directors 
Johnson Outdoors Inc.: 

Shareholders and Board of Directors 
Johnson Outdoors Inc.: 

We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and sub-
sidiaries as of September 28, 2001 and the related consolidated statements of opera-
tions,  shareholders’  equity,  and  cash  flows  for  the  year  then  ended.  These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s manage-
ment.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial
statements based on our audit.

We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Johnson Outdoors Inc. and sub-
sidiaries as of September 29, 2000 and the related consolidated statements of opera-
tions, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period
ended September 29, 2000. These consolidated financial statements are the respon-
sibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence sup-
porting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Johnson  Outdoors  Inc.  and  sub-
sidiaries as of September 28, 2001 and the results of their operations and their cash
flows  for  the  year  then  ended  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally
accepted in the United States of America.

As explained in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective September
30, 2000, the Company changed its method of accounting for derivative instruments.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Johnson  Outdoors  Inc.  and  sub-
sidiaries as of September 29, 2000 and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended September 29, 2000, in con-
formity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of
America.

Arthur Andersen LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

November 8, 2001, except for Notes 5 and 17, 
as to which the date is December 21, 2001.

KPMG LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
November 6, 2000

F-2

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(thousands,  except  share  data)
Assets
Current assets:

Cash and temporary cash investments
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,739 and $3,895, respectively
Inventories
Deferred income taxes
Other current assets

Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Deferred income taxes 
Intangible assets, net 
Other assets 
Total assets 
Liabilities And Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt 
Accounts payable 
Accrued liabilities: 

Salaries and wages 
Income taxes 
Other 
Total current liabilities 
Long-term debt, less current maturities 
Other liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock: none issued 
Common stock:

Class A shares issued: September 28, 2001, 6,946,012; September 29, 2000, 6,924,630 
Class B shares issued (convertible into Class A shares): September 28, 2001, 1,222,729; September 29, 2000, 1,222,729 

Capital in excess of par value
Retained earnings 
Contingent compensation 
Accumulated other comprehensive income - cumulative translation adjustment 

Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-3

September 28
2001

September 29
2000

$ 16,069
45,585
61,700
5,269
4,557
133,180
35,879
19,577
55,288
989
$ 244,913

$ 12,985
12,157

5,968
1,206
17,237
49,553
84,550
5,031
139,134

—

347
61
44,411
80,162
(44)
(19,158)
105,779
$ 244,913

$ 17,363
54,825
62,708
4,613
4,685
144,194
37,369
17,311
57,866
1,231
$ 257,971

$ 59,462
12,928

7,421
140
26,452
106,403
45,857
4,879
157,139

—

346
61
44,291
74,797
(77)
(18,586)
100,832
$ 257,971

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(thousands, except per share data)

Net sales  
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Operating expenses:

Marketing and selling 
Administrative management, finance and information systems 
Research and development 
Amortization of acquisition costs 
Profit sharing 
Strategic charges 
Total operating expenses 
Operating profit 
Interest income 
Interest expense 
Other expense, net 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and before cumulative

effect of change in accounting principle

Income tax expense 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in

accounting principle

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense (benefit) 

of $(563) and $771 for 2000 and 1999, respectively 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $1,840 
Effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax expense of $845 
Net income (loss) 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Net effect of change in accounting principle 

Net income (loss) 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Net effect of change in accounting principle 

Net income (loss) 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

September 28
2001

$ 345,637
208,934
136,703

76,114
29,138
7,565
5,288
1,432
1,448
120,985
15,718
(548)
9,085
1,091

6,090
2,480

3,610

—
—
1,755
5,365

0.44
—
0.22
0.66

0.44
—
0.22
0.66

$

$

$

$

$

September 29
2000

$354,889  
212,076  
142,813  

73,685  
28,442  
7,854  
2,951  
2,793  
2,369  
118,094  
24,719  
(421)  
9,799  
261  

15,080  
6,705  

8,375  

(940)  
(24,418)  
—  
$ (16,983)  

$

$

$

$

1.03  
(3.12)  
—  
(2.09)  

1.03  
(3.12)   
—  
(2.09)  

Year Ended

October 1
1999

$310,198
184,424
125,774

64,930
26,372
6,878  
2,912
2,396
2,773  

106,261
19,513
(294)
9,565
223

10,019
4,158

5,861

1,161
—
—
7,022

0.72
0.15
—
0.87

0.72
0.15
—
0.87

$

$

$

$

$

F-4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(thousands)

Common
Stock

Capital in
Excess of
Par Value

Retained
Earnings

Contingent
Compensation

Balance at October 2, 1998 

$406 

$ 44,205 

$ 85,068 

Net income 

Issuance of restricted stock  

Issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan

Amortization of contingent compensation 

Translation adjustment 

— 

— 

—

—

— 

— 

—

—

— 

— 

Balance at October 1, 1999 

406 

44,205 

Net loss 

Issuance of restricted stock  

Issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan

Amortization of contingent compensation 

Translation adjustment 

Translation adjustment reclassified to net loss 

on sale of Fishing business 

— 

— 

1

—

—

— 

— 

19

67

— 

— 

— 

Balance at September 29, 2000 

407 

44,291 

Net income 

Issuance of restricted stock  

Issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan

Amortization of contingent compensation 

Translation adjustment 

Translation adjustment reclassified to cumulative effect 

of change in accounting principle 

— 

— 

1

—

—

— 

— 

50

70

— 

— 

— 

7,022 

(137) 

(121)

— 

— 

91,832 

(16,983) 

— 

(52)

— 

— 

— 

74,797

5,365 

— 

—

— 

— 

— 

$ (27) 

— 

(182) 

—

75

— 

(134) 

— 

(19) 

—

76

—

— 

(77) 

— 

(50) 

—

83

—

— 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss-Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment

$ (4,651) 

— 

— 

—

—

(4,398) 

(9,049) 

— 

— 

—

—

(10,346)

809 

(18,586) 

— 

— 

—

—

2,402

(2,974) 

Treasury
Stock

$(615)

— 

319 

214

—

—

(82)

— 

— 

82

—

—

—

—

— 

— 

—

—

—

—

Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

$

7,022

—

—  

—

(4,398)

$

2,624

$ (16,983)

—

—  

—

(10,346)

—

$ (27,329)

$ 5,365

—

—  

—

2,402

—

BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 28, 2001 

$408 

$44,411 

$80,162 

$(44) 

$(19,158) 

$   —

$ 7,767

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(thousands)

Cash Provided By Operations
Net income (loss)
Less income (loss) from discontinued operations 
Less income from cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 
Income from continuing operations 
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash 

provided by operating activities of continuing operations:

Depreciation and amortization 
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable 
Provision for inventory reserves 
Deferred income taxes 
Impairment of goodwill 

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired or sold:

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Other, net 

Cash Provided By (Used For) Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash 
Payments for purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired 
Net additions to property, plant and equipment 
Sales of property, plant and equipment 

Cash Used For Financing Activities 
Principal payments on senior notes and other long-term debt 
Net change in short-term debt 
Common stock transactions 

Effect of foreign currency fluctuations on cash 
Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations 
Increase (decrease) in cash and temporary cash investments
Cash And Temporary Cash Investments 
Beginning of year 
End of year 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

September 28
2001

September 29
2000

$ 5,365
—
1,755
3,610

13,516
2,460
1,529
(2,922)
2,526

6,780
124
(11,391)
(760)
15,472

—
(573) 
(9,765) 
730
(9,608)

(6,784)
(1,143)
71
(7,856)  
698

—  
(1,294)

$(16,983)

(25,358)  
—  
8,375  

12,523  
1,812  
853  
(374)  
—  

(10,728)  
(8,358)  
3,910  
1,738  
9,751  

33,126

(864)  
(14,075)  
1,838  
20,025

(21,969)  
9,351  
97  
(12,521)  
(1,790)  
(8,076)  
7,389

Year Ended

October 1
1999

$ 7,022
1,161
—
5,861

12,597
2,162
801
(48)
—

(3,466)
1,012
5,975
(106)
24,788

—  
(13,584)
(13,035)
501
(26,118)

(7,705)
6,764
94
(847)
(541)
2,361
(357)

17,363
$ 16,069 

9,974  
$ 17,363  

10,331  

$ 9,974

F-6

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Johnson  Outdoors  Inc.  is  an  integrated,  global  outdoor  recreation  products  com-
pany  engaged  in  the  design,  manufacture  and  marketing  of  brand  name  outdoor
equipment, diving, watercraft and motors products.

All monetary amounts, other than share and per share amounts, are stated in thou-
sands and are from continuing operations.

1  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Johnson Outdoors
Inc. and all majority owned subsidiaries (the Company) and are stated in conform-
ity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Significant  intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been  eliminated  in  con-
solidation. 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and
assumptions  that  impact  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities  and  operating
results and the disclosure of commitments and contingent liabilities. Actual results
could differ significantly from those estimates. For the Company, significant esti-
mates include the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, reserves for inventory
valuation,  reserves  for  sales  returns  and  the  valuation  allowance  for  deferred  tax
assets.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest September 30. The fiscal years
ended September 28, 2001 (hereinafter 2001) and September 29, 2000 (hereinafter
2000) and October 1, 1999 (hereinafter 1999) each comprise 52 weeks.

Cash and Temporary Cash Investments
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
short-term investments in interest-bearing bank accounts, securities and other instru-
ments with an original maturity of three months or less to be equivalent to cash.

The  Company  maintains  cash  in  bank  accounts  in  excess  of  insured  limits. The
Company  has  not  experienced  any  losses  as  a  result  of  this  practice  and  does  not
believe that significant credit risk exists.

Inventories
Inventories  are  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  (determined  using  the  first-in,  first-out
method) or market.

Inventories attributable to continuing operations at the end of the respective years
consist of the following:

Raw materials
Work in process
Finished goods

Less reserves

2001

$ 19,892
2,592
42,620
65,104
3,404
$ 61,700

2000

$23,122
2,238
40,297
65,657
2,949
$62,708

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation.
Depreciation of plant and equipment is determined by straight-line and accelerated
methods over estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 30 years.

Upon retirement or disposition, cost and the related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in operating
results.

Property, plant and equipment attributable to continuing operations at the end of
the respective years consist of the following: 

Property and improvements
Buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment

Less accumulated depreciation

2001
$ 1,423
21,861
86,221
109,505
73,626
$ 35,879

2000
$ 1,423
19,303
82,994
103,720
66,351
$ 37,369

F-7

Intangible Assets
Intangible  assets  are  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  amortization.  Amortization  is
computed using the straight-line method with periods ranging from 15 to 40 years
for goodwill and 3 to 16 years for patents, trademarks and other intangible assets.

Intangible assets attributable to continuing operations at the end of the respective
years consist of the following:

Federal and state income taxes are provided on foreign subsidiary income distributed
to,  or  taxable  in,  the  United  States  during  the  year.  At  September  28,  2001,  net
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries total approximately $63,200. A sub-
stantial  portion  of  these  unremitted  earnings  have  been  permanently  invested
abroad and no provision for federal or state taxes is made on these amounts. With
respect  to  that  portion  of  foreign  earnings  which  may  be  returned  to  the  United
States, provision is made for taxes if the amounts are significant.

Goodwill
Patents, trademarks and other

Less accumulated amortization

2001

$ 68,830
4,275
73,105
17,817
$ 55,288

2000

$69,546
4,122
73,668
15,802
$57,866

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company annually assesses the recoverability of property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets, primarily by determining whether the depreciation and amor-
tization  of  the  balance  over  its  remaining  life  can  be  recovered  through  projected
undiscounted future operating cash flows of the related businesses. The amount of
impairment, if any, is measured primarily based on the deficiency of projected dis-
counted future operating cash flows relative to the value of the assets, using a dis-
count rate reflecting the Company’s cost of capital, which currently approximates
10%.  In  2001,  the  Company  recognized  a  $2.5  million  write-down  for  impaired
goodwill related to the Airguide brand in the Motors business.

Income Taxes
The  Company  provides  for  income  taxes  currently  payable,  and  deferred  income
taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial statement and taxable
income, using the asset and liability method.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether
it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of the deferred tax assets, will not
be  realized. The  ultimate  realization  of  deferred  tax  assets  is  dependent  upon  the
generation of future taxable income during the years in which those temporary dif-
ferences  become  deductible.  The  Company  considers  the  scheduled  reversal  of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies
in making this assessment.

The Company’s United States entities file a consolidated federal income tax return.

Employee Benefits
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have various retirement and profit shar-
ing plans. Pension obligations, which are generally based on compensation and years
of service, are funded by payments to pension fund trustees. The Company’s policy
is generally to fund the minimum amount required under the Employee Retirement
Income  Security  Act  of  1974  for  plans  subject  thereto.  Profit  sharing  and  other
retirement costs are funded at least annually.

Foreign Operations and Derivative Financial Instruments
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate
of exchange existing at the end of the year. Results of operations are translated at
monthly average exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of
foreign  currency  financial  statements  are  classified  as  accumulated  other  compre-
hensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

The Company operates internationally, which gives rise to exposure to market risk
from movements in foreign currency exchange rates. To minimize the effect of fluc-
tuating foreign currencies on its income, the Company enters into foreign currency
forward contracts. The Company primarily hedges assets, inventory purchases and
loans denominated in foreign currencies. The Company does not enter into foreign
exchange contracts for trading purposes. Gains and losses on unhedged exposures
are recorded in operating results.

The contracts are used to hedge known foreign currency transactions on a continu-
ing basis for periods consistent with the Company’s exposures. Beginning September
30, 2000 upon the adoption of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS 137, Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities – Deferral of the Effective Date of SFAS Statement No. 133 and
SFAS  138,  Accounting  for  Certain  Derivative  Instruments  and  Certain  Hedging
Activities, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the foreign currency forward

F-8

contact is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified
into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earn-
ings. The remaining gain or loss on the futures contact, if any, is recognized in cur-
rent  earnings  during  the  period  of  changes.  Adoption  of  these  new  accounting
standards resulted in a cumulative after-tax gain of approximately $1.8 million and
an accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $3.0 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 2001.

At September 28, 2001, foreign currency contracts with contractual amounts total-
ing  approximately  $6,500  are  in  place,  hedging  existing  and  anticipated  transac-
tions. The contracts, which are executed with major financial institutions, generally
mature within one year with no credit loss anticipated for failure of the counterpar-
ties  to  perform.  At  September  28,  2001,  the  fair  value  of  these  instruments  is
approximately $200 greater than the contractual amount.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue from sales is recognized when all substantial risk of ownership transfers to
the  customer,  which  is  generally  upon  shipment  of  products.  Estimated  costs  of
returns and allowances are accrued when revenue is recognized.

Advertising
The Company expenses substantially all costs related to production of advertising
the first time the advertising takes place. Cooperative promotional arrangements are
accrued in relation to sales.

Advertising expense attributable to continuing operations in 2001, 2000 and 1999
totaled $18,282, $18,435 and $16,258, respectively. Capitalized costs attributable
to continuing operations at September 28, 2001 and September 29, 2000 totaled
$1,653 and $1,360, respectively, and primarily include catalogs and costs of adver-
tising which has not yet run for the first time.

Shipping and Handling Costs
In July 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue
00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs. EITF 00-10 requires
companies  to  classify  as  revenues  shipping  and  handling  fees  billed  to  customers.
Previously, shipping revenues and shipping expenses were included in marketing and
selling expenses. All periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The adoption of
this  statement  increased  net  sales  and  marketing  and  selling  expenses  by  $7,114,
$7,601 and $5,104 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Shipping  and  handling  expense  attributable  to  continuing  operations  included  in
marketing and selling expense was $12,821, $13,007 and $9,525 for 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively.

Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock options using the intrinsic value based method.
Accordingly, compensation cost is generally recognized only for stock options issued
with  an  exercise  price  lower  than  the  market  price  on  the  date  of  grant.  The
Company’s practice is to issue options with an exercise price equal to the fair mar-
ket  value  on  the  date  of  the  grant. The  fair  value  of  restricted  shares  awarded  in
excess of the amount paid for such shares is recognized as contingent compensation
and is amortized over 1 to 3 years from the date of award, the period after which all
restrictions generally lapse.

Pending Accounting Changes
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangibles (SFAS
142). SFAS 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other
intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition. Upon adoption of SFAS 142, good-
will will no longer be subject to amortization over its estimated useful life. Rather,
goodwill will be subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying
a fair-value-based test. Other intangible assets will be required to be separately recog-
nized if the benefit of the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or
exchanged. Amortization of these intangibles over their useful lives is required. The
Company  has  elected  to  adopt  SFAS  142  as  of  the  beginning  of  fiscal  2002. The
Company  is  currently  assessing  the  impact  of  adopting  SFAS  142  and  believes,
excluding  impairments,  net  income  for  fiscal  year  2002  will  be  increased,  since
goodwill is no longer subject to amortization, by approximately $2,500.

F-9

In  August  2001,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  144,  Accounting  for  Impairment  or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144). SFAS 144 establishes a single accounting
model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and provides additional imple-
mentation guidance for assets to be held and used and assets to be disposed of other
than by sale. There will be no financial implication related to the adoption of SFAS
144,  and  the  guidance  will  be  applied  on  a  prospective  basis.  The  company  is
required to adopt SFAS 144 in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.

Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ amounts to conform with
the current year presentation.

2  STRATEGIC CHARGES
In 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company recorded strategic charges totaling $1,448,
$2,369 and $2,773, respectively. 

In  2001  strategic  charges  included  severance,  moving  and  other  exit  costs  related
primarily to the closure and relocation of manufacturing facilities in the Watercraft
business. Severance costs included in the strategic charges totaled $660 and approx-
imately  88  employees  were  impacted  by  these  actions.  Unexpended  funds  at  year
end related to these actions were approximately $1,020.

In  2000  strategic  charges  included  severance,  moving  and  other  exit  costs  related
primarily  to  the  closure  and  relocation  of  a  manufacturing  facility  in  the  Motors
business.  Severance  costs  included  in  the  strategic  charges  totaled  $1,469  and
approximately  95  employees  were  impacted  by  these  actions. There  are  no  unex-
pended funds related to this action as of the end of 2001.

In 1999, a portion of the charges included severance, moving and recruiting costs
related to the relocation of certain sales and marketing functions of the Company’s
Outdoor Equipment business. The balance of the charges were related to the inte-
gration  of  acquired  businesses.  Severance  costs  included  in  these  charges  totaled
$1,101 and approximately 30 employees were impacted. There are no unexpended
funds related to this action as of the end of 2001.

3  ACQUISITIONS
During 2001, the Company completed the acquisition of two small businesses which
manufacture  paddles  and  marine  accessories. The  initial  purchase  price,  including
direct expenses, for the acquisitions was approximately $600, of which approximately
$420 was recorded as intangible assets and is being amortized over 25 years.

During  2000,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  the  common  stock  of
Pacific Kayak Ltd., a manufacturer of sit-on-top and sea touring kayaks located in
Auckland, New Zealand. The initial purchase price, including direct expenses, for
the acquisition was approximately $962, of which approximately $584 was recorded
as intangible assets and is being amortized over 25 years. An additional payment of
approximately $70 was earned in 2001 based upon achievement of specified levels
of sales of the acquired business.

During  1999,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of  the  common  stock  of
Extrasport, Inc., a privately held manufacturer and marketer of personal flotation
devices. The initial purchase price, including direct expenses, for the acquisition was
approximately $3,300, of which approximately $2,500 was recorded as intangible
assets and is being amortized over 25 years. Additional payments of approximately
$150 for both 2000 and 2001 were earned based upon achievement of specified lev-
els of sales. An additional payment in 2002 is dependent upon achievement of spec-
ified levels of sales of the acquired business.

Also during 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the
assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of Escape Sailboat Company LLC, a
privately held manufacturer and marketer of recreational sailboats. The initial pur-
chase price, including direct expenses, for the acquisition was approximately $4,800,
of which approximately $3,100 was recorded as intangible assets and is being amor-
tized over 25 years.

In December 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of
the assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of True North Paddle & Necky
Kayaks Ltd., a privately held manufacturer and marketer of Necky kayaks, and an
affiliated entity. The initial purchase price, including direct expenses, for the acqui-
sition was approximately $5,700, of which approximately $3,200 was recorded as
intangible  assets  and  is  being  amortized  over  25  years.  Additional  payments  of
approximately  $170  and  $600  were  earned  in  2000  and  1999,  respectively.
Additional payments in the years 2002 and 2003 are dependent upon the achieve-
ment of specified levels of sales and profitability of the acquired business.

F-10

All acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method and, accordingly, the
Consolidated Financial Statements include the results of operations since the respective
dates of acquisition. Additional payments, if required, will increase intangible assets.

4 SALE OF FISHING BUSINESS
In March 2000, the Company sold its Fishing business. As a result, operations and
related assets and liabilities of the Fishing group have been classified as discontinued
for all periods presented herein. The sale price totaled $47,279, including $14,056 of
accounts  receivable  retained  by  the  Company  and  $2,367  of  debt  assumed  by  the
buyer. The Company recorded a loss of $24,418, net of tax, related to the sale of the
business, taking into account operating results from the measurement date to the date
of disposal. In addition, the Company recorded an after tax loss from operations up
to the measurement date of $940 in 2000, an after tax gain of $1,161 in 1999.

Net  sales  of  the  Fishing  group  were  $32,667  and  $59,184  for  2000  and  1999,
respectively.  Interest  expense  of  $90  and  $154  that  is  directly  attributable  to  the
Fishing group is allocated to discontinued operations.

5  INDEBTEDNESS
Short-term debt at the end of the respective years consists of the following:

Commercial paper and bank loans
Current maturities of long-term debt
Less short-term debt to be refinanced

2001

$ 49,643
13,342
50,000
$ 12,985

2000

$53,434
6,028
—
$59,462

Short-term credit facilities provide for borrowings with interest rates set periodically
by reference to market rates. Commercial paper rates are set by competitive bidding.
The weighted average interest rate on short-term indebtedness was 5.8% and 7.6%
at September 28, 2001 and September 29, 2000, respectively. The Company’s pri-
mary  facility  is  a  $70,000  revolving  credit  agreement  expiring  in  2004,  which
includes a maximum amount of $30,000 in support of commercial paper issuance.
The Company has lines of credit, both foreign and domestic, totaling $92,500 of
which $33,825 is available at September 28, 2001. The Company also utilizes let-
ters of credit for trade financing purposes.

Long-term debt at the end of the respective years consists of the following:

1998 senior notes
1996 senior notes
Short-term debt to be refinanced
Other long-term notes, 

maturing through January 2002

Less current maturities

2001

$ 18,800
23,700
50,000

5,392
97,892
13,342
$ 84,550

2000

$16,176
29,700
—

6,009
51,885
6,028
$45,857

In  December  2001,  subsequent  to  the  end  of  the  2001  fiscal  year,  the  Company
issued unsecured notes totaling $50,000 with an interest rate of 7.82%. The senior
notes  have  annual  principal  payments  of  $10,000  beginning  December  13,  2004
with a final payment due December 13, 2008. Proceeds from the issuance of the
senior  notes  were  used  to  reduce  outstanding  indebtedness  under  the  Company’s
primary revolving credit facility. Outstanding short-term debt totaling $50,000 at
September 28, 2001 is classified as long-term in anticipation of refinancing with the
proceeds of the senior notes.

In  1998,  the  Company  issued  unsecured  senior  notes  totaling  $25,000  with  an
interest  rate  of  7.15%.  Simultaneous  with  the  commitment  of  the  1998  senior
notes, the Company executed a foreign currency swap, denominating in Swiss francs
all principal and interest payments required under the 1998 senior notes. The effec-
tive interest rate paid on the 1998 senior notes as a result of the currency swap was
4.32%. The Company terminated the currency swap in December 2000. A portion
of the proceeds from the divestiture of the Fishing business was used to make an
unscheduled principal payment of $5,335 in March 2000. The 1998 senior notes
have annual principal payments of $2,000 to $7,000 beginning October 2001 with
a final payment due October 2007.

F-11

The Company financed a portion of the initial purchase price for the common stock
of Uwatec AG in 1997 with a note from the sellers. Interest on the deferred amount
is payable annually at 6%. This obligation is denominated in Swiss francs. The out-
standing  balance  of  $5,214  is  due  in  2002.  A  corresponding  amount  of  the
Company’s primary revolving credit facility is reserved in support of this obligation
through issuance of a letter of credit.

In  1996,  the  Company  issued  unsecured  senior  notes  totaling  $30,000  with  an
interest rate of 7.77% and $15,000 with an interest rate of 6.98%. A portion of the
proceeds from the divestiture of the Fishing business was used to make an unsched-
uled principal payment of $9,800 in March 2000. Total annual principal payments
ranging from $5,500 to $7,500 are due beginning in October 2000 through 2006.

Aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt in each of the five years ending
September 2006 are as follows:

Certain of the Company’s loan agreements require that Samuel C. Johnson, mem-
bers of his family and related entities (hereinafter the Johnson Family) continue to
own  stock  having  votes  sufficient  to  elect  a  51%  majority  of  the  directors.  At
September 28, 2001, the Johnson Family held approximately 3,380,000 shares or
49% of the Class A common stock, approximately 1,168,000 shares or 96% of the
Class B common stock and approximately 78% of the voting power of both classes
of  common  stock  taken  as  a  whole.  The  agreements  also  contain  restrictive
covenants regarding the Company’s net worth, indebtedness, fixed charge coverage
and  distribution  of  earnings. The  Company  is  in  compliance  with  the  restrictive
covenants of such agreements, as amended from time to time.

6  LEASES AND OTHER COMMITMENTS
The  Company  leases  certain  operating  facilities  and  machinery  and  equipment
under long-term, noncancelable operating leases. Future minimum rental commit-
ments  under  noncancelable  operating  leases  attributable  to  continuing  operations
having an initial term in excess of one year at September 28, 2001 are as follows:

Year
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Thereafter

$ 13,342
8,050
9,500
15,700
13,500
37,800  

Year
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Thereafter

$5,600
3,800
2,600
2,200
2,100
7,600  

Interest paid was $9,178, $10,471 and $9,740 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with sim-
ilar terms and average maturities, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as
of  September  28,  2001  and  September  29,  2000  is  approximately  $98,300  and
$53,000, respectively. The carrying value of all other financial instruments approx-
imates the fair value.

Rental expense attributable to continuing operations under all leases was approxi-
mately $6,739, $6,727 and $6,438 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

The  Company  makes  commitments  in  a  broad  variety  of  areas,  including  capital
expenditures, contracts for services, sponsorship of broadcast media and supply of fin-
ished products and components, all of which are in the ordinary course of business.

F-12

7  INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations for the respec-
tive years consists of the following:

The  tax  effects  of  temporary  differences  that  give  rise  to  significant  portions  of
deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities attributable to continuing operations
at the end of the respective years are presented below:

2001

2000

1999

2001

2000

Current:

Federal
State
Foreign

Deferred

$ —
101
5,301
(2,922)
$ 2,480

$

17
490
6,572
(374)
$6,705

$

34
683
3,489
(48)
$ 4,158

The significant components of deferred tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing
operations are as follows:

2001

2000

1999

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

(exclusive of effects of other 
components listed below)
Increase (decrease) in beginning 

of the year balance of the 
valuation allowance for 
deferred tax assets

$ (3,185)

$ (822)

$

89

263
$ (2,922)

488
$ (374)

(137)
(48)

$

Deferred tax assets:
Inventories
Compensation
Foreign tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards

Other
Total gross deferred tax assets
Less valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities:

Foreign statutory reserves
Goodwill and other intangibles

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax asset

$ 2,089
2,978
3,761
21,562
5,138
35,528
8,046
27,482

1,867
769
2,636
$ 24,846

$ 1,966
3,502
3,791
16,808
5,869
31,936
7,783
24,153

1,952
277
2,229
$21,924

Deferred  tax  assets  relating  to  net  operating  losses  of  discontinued  operation  of
$5,555 has been reflected as assets of continuing operations in 2000 as the benefit
will ultimately be realized by the continuing operations.

Following is the income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for
domestic and foreign operations:

United States
Foreign

2001
$ (5,719)
11,809
$ 6,090

2000
$ (1,436)
16,516
$15,080

1999
$ (1,269)
11,288
$10,019

F-13

The significant differences between the statutory federal tax rate and the effective
income tax rates for income from continuing operations are as follows:

Statutory U.S. federal

income tax rate
State income taxes, net of 

federal income tax benefit

Foreign rate differential
Change in beginning of 

year valuation allowance
Foreign operating losses (benefit)
Other

2001

2000

1999

34.0%

34.0%

34.0%

0.9
1.3

4.3
—
0.2
40.7%

3.8
1.4

3.0
0.6
1.7
44.5%

0.7
5.1

—
1.9
(0.2)
41.5%

At  September  28,  2001,  the  Company  has  $3,761  of  foreign  tax  credit  carryfor-
wards  available  to  be  offset  against  future  U.S.  tax  liability. The  credits  expire  in
2002 through 2007 if not utilized. These carryforwards have been fully reserved for
in the valuation allowance.

At September 28, 2001, the Company has a U.S. federal operating loss carryforward
of $40,542 and various state net operating loss carryforwards. During 2001, 2000
and  1999,  foreign  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  were  utilized,  resulting  in  a
reduction in income tax expense of $32, $152 and $137, respectively. In addition,
certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have net operating loss carryforwards
totaling $3,120. These amounts are available to offset future taxable income over the
next 14 to 20 years and are anticipated to be utilized during this period.

Taxes paid attributable to continuing operations were $4,337, $9,935 and $6,648
for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

8  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Net  periodic  pension  cost  for  noncontributory  defined  benefit  pension  plans
includes the following components.

Service cost
Interest on projected 
benefit obligation
Less return on plan assets
Amortization of unrecognized:

Net loss
Prior service cost
Transition asset
Net amount recognized 

2001
$343

792
631

1
26
(80)
$451

2000
$315

763
592

4
26
(81)
$435

1999
$273

713
558

4
26
(81)
$377

The following provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans benefit obliga-
tion and fair value of assets for 2001 and 2000 and a statement of the funded status
at the end of each year:

2001

2000

Benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid

Benefit obligation at end of year 
Fair value of plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at end of year 
Funded status:

Funded status of the plan
Unrecognized net loss
Unrecognized prior service cost
Unrecognized transition asset

Net liability recognized 

$10,332
343
792
1,094
(632)
$11,929

$ 8,620
(582)
278
(632)
$ 7,684

$ (4,245)
2,084
123
(211)
$ (2,249)

$ 9,604
315
763
259
(609)
$10,332

$ 8,070
888
271
(609)
$ 8,620

$(1,712)
80
148
(291)
$(1,775)

F-14

The following summarizes the components of the net liability recognized in the con-
solidated balance sheets at the end of the respective years:

10  COMMON STOCK
Common stock at the end of the respective years were as follows: 

Prepaid benefit cost
Accrued benefit liability
Net liability recognized 

2001
$ —
(2,249)
$(2,249)

2000
$ —
(1,775)
$(1,775)

Plan  assets  are  invested  primarily  in  stock  and  bond  mutual  funds  and  insurance
contracts.

Actuarial assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligation are as follows:

Discount rate
Long-term rate of return
Average salary increase rate 

2001
7.25%
8
5

2000

1999

8%
8
5

8%
8
5

A majority of the Company’s full-time employees are covered by profit sharing and
defined contribution programs. Participating entities determine profit sharing dis-
tributions under various performance and service based formulas.

9  PREFERRED STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in various
classes and series, of which there are none currently issued or outstanding.

Class A, $.05 par value:

Authorized
Outstanding
Class B, $.05 par value:

Authorized
Outstanding

2001

2000

20,000,000
6,946,012

20,000,000
6,924,630

3,000,000
1,222,729

3,000,000
1,222,729 

Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to elect 25% of the members of the
Board of Directors and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to elect the
remaining directors. With respect to matters other than the election of directors or
any matters for which class voting is required by law, holders of Class A common
stock are entitled to one vote per share while holders of Class B common stock are
entitled to ten votes per share. If any dividends (other than dividends paid in shares
of the Company) are paid by the Company on its common stock, a dividend would
be paid on each share of Class A common stock equal to 110% of the amount paid
on each share of Class B common stock. Each share of Class B common stock is con-
vertible  at  any  time  into  one  share  of  Class  A  common  stock.  During  2001,  no
shares of Class B common stock were converted into Class A common stock. During
2000 and 1999, respectively, 132 and 1,000 shares of Class B common stock were
converted into Class A common stock.

11  STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
The  Company’s  current  stock  ownership  plans  provide  for  issuance  of  options  to
acquire shares of Class A common stock by key executives and non-employee direc-
tors. All stock options have been granted at a price not less than fair market value at
the date of grant and become exercisable over periods of one to four years from the
date of grant. Stock options generally have a term of 10 years. Current plans also
allow for issuance of restricted stock or stock appreciation rights in lieu of options.
Grants of restricted shares are not significant in any year presented. No stock appre-
ciation rights have been granted.

F-15

A summary of stock option activity related to the Company’s plans is as follows:

Outstanding at October 2, 1998
Granted
Cancelled
Outstanding at October 1, 1999
Granted
Cancelled
Outstanding at September 29, 2000
Granted
Cancelled
Outstanding at September 28, 2001

Shares
602,061
353,000
(176,224)
778,837
268,500
(95,107)
952,230
235,000
(100,435)
1,086,795

Weighted Average
Exercise Price
$ 17.43
8.53
14.67
14.02
7.58
15.23
12.08
5.50
17.00
$10.20

The range of options outstanding at September 28, 2001 is as follows:

Price Range
per Share
$ 5.31–11.50
$12.94–17.50
$18.63–24.38

Number of Options
Outstanding/Exercisable
820,999/331,461
156,222/156,222
109,574/109,574
1,086,795/597,257

Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding/Exercisable
$ 7.47/$ 8.59
$16.59/$16.59
$21.54/$21.54
$10.20/$13.06

Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life (in years)
8.20
5.75
2.92
7.31

The weighted average fair market value of options granted during the year was $2.18
in 2001, $3.20 in 2000 and $3.31 in 1999.

Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock options been determined using
the fair value method, the Company’s pro forma operating results would have been
as follows:

Income from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per common share 
from continuing operations 

2001
$3,112

$  0.38

2000
$7,744

$  0.95

1999
$5,221

$  0.64

For purposes of calculating pro forma operating results, the fair value of each option
grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with an expected
volatility of 35%, a risk free rate equivalent to five year U.S. Treasury securities and
an expected life of five years. The pro forma operating results reflect only options
granted after 1995.

The  Company’s  employee  stock  purchase  plan  provides  for  the  issuance  of  up  to
150,000 shares of Class A common stock at a purchase price of not less than 85%
of the fair market value at the date of grant. During 2001, 2000 and 1999 13,382,
16,701, 13,722 shares, respectively, were issued under this plan.

12  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Various transactions are conducted between the Company and organizations con-
trolled by the Johnson Family. These include consulting services, office rental, roy-
alties and certain administrative activities. Total net costs of these transactions are
$546, $542, $474 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

13  SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
The Company conducts its worldwide operations through separate global business
units, each of which represent major product lines. Operations are conducted in the
United States and various foreign countries, primarily in Europe, Canada and the
Pacific Basin.

Net sales and operating profit include both sales to customers, as reported in the
Company’s consolidated statements of operations, and interunit transfers, which are
priced to recover cost plus an appropriate profit margin. Identifiable assets represent
assets that are used in the Company’s operations in each business unit at the end of
the years presented. There were no concentrations in revenue from a particular cus-
tomer, product or geographic area in each of the years presented.

F-16

A  summary  of  the  Company’s  continuing  operations  by  business  segment  is  pre-
sented below:

A  summary  of  the  Company’s  continuing  operations  by  geographic  area  is  pre-
sented below:

2001

2000

1999

2001

2000

1999

Net sales:

Outdoor equipment:

Net sales:

United States:

Unaffiliated customers
Interunit transfers

$114,875
89

$104,052
67

$ 92,951
14

Unaffiliated customers
Interarea transfers

$228,491
5,828

Europe:

Unaffiliated customers
Interarea transfers

Other
Interarea transfers
Eliminations

Identifiable assets:
United States
Europe
Other

89,995
7,267
27,151
7,170
(20,265)
$345,637

$133,659
94,490
16,764
$244,913

Watercraft:

Unaffiliated customers
Interunit transfers

Diving:

Unaffiliated customers
Interunit transfers

Motors:

Unaffiliated customers
Interunit transfers

Other
Eliminations

Operating profit (loss):

Outdoor equipment
Watercraft
Diving
Motors
Other

Identifiable assets:

Outdoor equipment
Watercraft
Diving
Motors
Other

85,841
343

80,426
62

64,446
539
49
(1,033)
$345,637

$ 12,015
1,293
11,638
231
(9,459)
$ 15,718

$ 49,027
65,147
85,393
22,819
22,527
$244,913

90,178
397

82,840
5

76,680
1,363
1,139
(1,832)
$354,889

$ 8,182
10,327
10,832
3,936
(8,558)
$ 24,719

$ 49,512
63,394
87,818
30,208
27,039
$257,971

70,160
260

80,610
9

64,671
1,783
1,806
(2,066)
$310,198

$ 3,546
12,598
4,749
3,497
(4,877)
$ 19,513

$195,461
6,622

90,772
6,510
23,965
5,495
(18,627)
$310,198

$239,079
6,540

88,567
7,800
27,243
7,863
(22,203)
$354,889

$148,186
91,684
18,101
$257,971

F-17

14 VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
The following summarizes changes to valuation and qualifying accounts:

The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common
share:

Additions
Balance at Charged to
Costs and
Beginning
Expenses
of Year

Reserves of
Businesses
Acquired
or Sold

Less
Deductions

Balance
at End
of Year

Year ended 

September 28, 2001:
Allowance for 

doubtful accounts

$3,895

$2,460

$  —

$2,616 $3,739

Reserves for 

inventory valuation 

2,949

1,529

—

1,074

3,404

Year ended 

September 29, 2000:
Allowance for 

doubtful accounts

3,236

1,812

Reserves for 

inventory valuation 
Year ended October 1, 1999:

Allowance for 

4,911

853

doubtful accounts

2,153

2,161

Reserves for 

inventory valuation 

5,196

801

—

—

14

—

1,153

3,895

2,815

2,949

1,092

3,236

1,806

4,911

Deductions include the net impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the respec-
tive accounts.

15  EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and con-
vertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is similar to the previously reported
fully diluted earnings per share.

Income from continuing operations 
before cumulative effect of change

in accounting principle for basic
and diluted earnings per share

Weighted average shares outstanding
Less nonvested restricted stock
Basic average common shares
Dilutive stock options and restricted stock
Diluted average common shares
Basic earnings per common share from
continuing operations before
cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle

Diluted earnings per common share from
continuing operations before
cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle

2001

2000

1999

$3,610
8,161,624
15,162
8,146,462
23,227
8,169,739

$8,375
8,139,340
17,265
8,122,075
8,208
8,130,283

$5,861
8,108,781
12,206
8,096,575
11,653
8,108,228

$0.66

$1.03

$0.72

$0.66

$1.03

$0.72

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

17  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In  November  2001,  subsequent  to  the  end  of  the  2001  fiscal  year,  the  Company
completed  the  sale  and  leaseback  of  their  headquarters  facility  in  Sturtevant,
Wisconsin to an affiliated party. Proceeds from the sale were $5.0 million.

F-18

18  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY (unaudited)
The following summarizes quarterly operating results:

Net Sales
Gross profit
Operating profit loss
Income (loss) from continuing operations

before cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle
Loss from discontinued operations
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
Cumulative effect of change in accounting

principle, net of tax

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Cumulative effect of change in 

accounting principle, net of tax

Net income (loss)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Cumulative effect of change in 

accounting principle, net of tax

Net income (loss)

2001
$ 58,750
23,324
(3,569)

First Quarter

2000
$57,299
23,010
139

Second Quarter

2001
$ 98,719
39,358
6,595

2000
$ 98,734
41,101
9,584

2001
$ 113,927
46,552
13,000

Third Quarter

2000
$116,662
47,996
13,912

(3,229)
—
—

(1,035)
(940)
(23,109)

2,203
—
—

3,896
—
(1,309)

1,755
$ (1,474)

—
$(25,084)

—
$ 2,203

—
$ 2,587

$

$

$

$

(0.40)
—

0.22
(0.18)

(0.40)
—

0.22
(0.18)

$ (0.13)
(2.96)

—
$ (3.09)

$ (0.13)
(2.96)

—
$ (3.09)

$

$

$

$

0.27
—

—
0.27

0.27
—

—
0.27

$

$

$

$

0.48
(0.16)

—
0.32

0.48
(0.16)

—
0.32

6,283
—
—

—
6,283

0.77
—

—
0.77

0.77
—

—
0.77

$

$

$

$

$

5,958
—
—

—
5,958

0.73
—

—
0.73

0.73
—

—
0.73

$

$

$

$

$

Fourth Quarter

2001
$ 74,241
27,469
(308)

2000
$82,194
30,706
1,084

(1,647)
—
—

—
$ (1,647)

$

(444)
—
—

—
(444)

$ (0.20)
—

$ (0.05)
—

—
$ (0.20)

—
$ (0.05)

$ (0.20)
—

$ (0.05)
—

—
$ (0.20)

—
$ (0.05)

F-19

B o a r d   o f   D i r e c t o r s

SAMUEL C. JOHNSON, 73

GREGORY E. LAWTON, 51

THOMAS F. PYLE, JR., 60

JOHN M. FAHEY, JR., 49

Director since 1970.

Chairman Emeritus of 

Director since 1997.

Vice Chairman of the Board.

Director since 2001.

President and Chief Executive Officer 

Director since 1987.

President and Chief Executive 

S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

of Johnson Wax Professional.

Chairman, The Pyle Group.

Officer and Chairman of the

Chairman, Johnson International.

Also Director of SCJ Commercial 

Also Director of 

Executive Committee of the 

Also Director of 

H. J. Heinz Company.

HELEN P. JOHNSON-LEIPOLD, 44

Markets, Inc., General Cable 

Sub Zero Corporation.

Board of Trustees of the 

Corporation and Superior Metal 

Products, Inc..

GLENN N. RUPP, 57

Director since 1997.

National Geographic Society. 

Also Director of Jason

Foundation for Education.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

TERRY E. LONDON, 52

Former Chairman and Chief 

Director since 1994.

Director since 1999.

Executive Officer of Converse Inc.

President of London Partners LLC

Shareholders' Information

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Johnson Outdoors Inc.
1326 Willow Road
Sturtevant, Wisconsin 53177 USA
(262) 884-1500

INTERNET ADDRESSES (WWW.)
JohnsonOutdoors.com
carlislepaddles.com (Carlisle Paddles)
dimensionkayaks.com (Dimension)
escapesail.com (Escape Sailboats)
extrasport.com (Extrasport)
llboats.com (Leisure Life)
necky.com (Necky)
oceankayak.com (Ocean Kayak)
oldtowncanoe.com (Old Town)
minnkotamotors.com (Minn Kota Motors)
scubapro.com (Scubapro)
uwatec.com (Uwatec)
eurekatent.com (Eureka! tents)
wolfskin.de (Jack Wolfskin)

COMMON STOCK
Johnson Outdoors Inc. Class A Common Stock 
is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market® under
the symbol: JOUT.

ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will con-
vene at 10:00 a.m. (CST) on February 19, 2002,
at the Company's Headquarters.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A.
Corporate Trust Department
P.O. Box 2077
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
(414) 905-5000

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Communication concerning the transfer of
shares, lost certificates or changes of address
should be directed to the Transfer Agent.

Executive Officers

HELEN P. JOHNSON-LEIPOLD, 44

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

PATRICK J. O'BRIEN, 43

President and Chief Operating Officer

PAUL A. LEHMANN, 48

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

MAMDOUH ASHOUR, 63

Group Vice President and President – 

Worldwide Diving

J o h n s o n   O u t d o o r s   I n c .  

1 3 2 6   W i l l o w   R o a d

S t u r t e v a n t ,   W i s c o n s i n

5 3 1 7 7   U S A

( 2 6 2 )   8 8 4 - 1 5 0 0