Earlier this week, Under Armour (NYSE: UA) issued what could be a very painful recall for both its customers and the company itself. The company voluntarily recalled more than 200,000 of its athletic cups on fears that they could break if hit -- which could then cause injury to the athlete. Last time I checked (and it has been years since I have had to use a "cup") these things were actually supposed to protect the most sensitive area of male athletes, right? If these things aren't doing their jobs, get them off the shelves. Millions of men will agree with me (I think). These cups were manufactured in China according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and noted that UA received (brace yourselves men) "five reports of cups breaking, including an injury involving cuts and bruising." Yipes!

Engine equipment maker Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG) continues to struggle with the impact on earnings of a snow engine recall. Thus far in fiscal 2008, warranty expenses for the snow engine recall total more than $20 million in 1Q2008 and an additional $18 million in 2Q2008. Even though net sales increased by 13% to $479 million, the company is still running a half-year operating loss of $15 million due to the negative impact from warranty expenses. To cover the warranty expenses, Briggs & Stratton sold an investment in preferred stock, realizing $25 million in after-tax gains.

Briggs & Stratton 2Q earnings were also negatively affected by higher fixed-production costs but lower production output due to expenses incurred in closing one production facility and opening a new production facility for lawn and garden equipment. A bit of good news was that interest expense for the quarter was down due to lower average borrowing because of inventory reductions.

The company is forecasting FY2008 net income in the $60-$68 million range, with diluted EPS of $1.21-$1.37, if -- and it is a big if -- net sales grow at a rate of 7%-8%. Investors were prepared for the unpleasant earnings news. The stock closed recently at just over $17, with little drop in price as a result of the earnings downturn.

Medical device manufacturer Medtronic Inc. (NYSE: MDT) released 2Q 2008 results last week that inflicted some pain on investors. Total revenues increased by 2%. Sales outside the US increased 12%, but $73 million of that increase was due to currency exchange, not organic growth. Fully one-third of all Medtronic sales now originate outside the US.

CEO Bill Hawkins remains optimistic about "strong growth potential going forward," which is about as much of an admission one will get that the current numbers leave a lot to be desired. The company is focused on growing non-US sales, which is a smart move since Medtronic has already suspended US product shipments in its physio-control division due to unauthorized human bones used in some procedures. More recently, the recall of Fidelis cardioverter defibrillators in the company's largest division caused revenue to plummet by at least $130 million, in addition to $31 million inventory write-off.

On a positive note, the acquisition of Kyphon will begin to contribute to the bottom line in the spinal division sooner than expected, and both the diabetes and ear, nose and throat divisions posted 16% increases in revenue. The company expects final FDA approval for a drug-eluting stent by the end of the calendar year, so look for contributions to the cardiovascular bottom line in 2008.

In a move sure to strike fear in kid-whipped parents across the country, Hasbro Inc. (NYSE:HAS) -- the parent company for such beloved toys as My Little Pony, The Transformers and BRATZ -- is recalling nearly a million Easy Bake Ovens sold since May.

According to the latest wire report, the ovens in question "are purple and pink and resemble a kitchen stove with four burners on top and a front-loading oven. The ovens are model number six-five-eight-zero-five, which is stamped into the plastic on the back." That means, if you bought the camouflage one, you're in the clear.

The product recall is in reaction to a whopping 29 reports of children "getting their fingers or hands caught in the oven's opening," with five reporting burns.

Recipient of a Best-of-2006 "Dr. Toy" Award, the Easy Bake Oven has come a long way in recent years, allowing youngsters the opportunity to throw together such delicious treats as "Dora the Explorer Cinnamon Sticks, My Little Pony Cutie Cookies and SpongeBob SquarePants Krabby Patties." Mmm. But before getting up in arms over Hasbro's product, keep in mind that they have made it perfectly clear the tangible dangers.

DANGER: To prevent electric shock, do not immerse in water. Wipe clean with damp cloth.
CAUTION: Electric toy. This toy has a heating element which can result in burns. Not recommended for children under 8 years old. As with electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.

Lincoln Logs are sounding really good right now.

B. Brandon Barker is the author of Operation EMU.