form10k.htm

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

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008
Commission file number 1-7283

Regal Beloit Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Wisconsin
39-0875718
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

200 State Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511
(Address of principal executive offices)

(608) 364-8800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

   
Name of Each Exchange on
Title of Each Class
 
Which Registered
Common Stock ($.01 Par Value)
 
New York Stock Exchange
Rights to Purchase Common Stock
 
New York Stock Exchange
     
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act
None
None
 
 (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes T      No  £
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes £ No  T
 
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 T      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.  T
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  T             Accelerated filer  £        Non-accelerated filer       Smaller reporting company  £
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes £      No  T
 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 28, 2008 was approximately $1.3 billion.
 
On February 20, 2009, the registrant had outstanding 31,491,919 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, which is registrant’s only class of common stock.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Certain information contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 27, 2009 is incorporated by reference into Part III, hereof.
 
 
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REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2008
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
 
This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements represent our management’s judgment regarding future events.  In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,”  “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words.  Actual results and events could differ materially and adversely from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including:
 
·  
economic changes in global markets where we do business, such as reduced demand for the products we sell, currency exchange rates, inflation rates, interest rates, recession, foreign government policies and other external factors that we cannot control;
·  
unanticipated fluctuations in commodity prices and raw material costs;
·  
cyclical downturns affecting the global market for capital goods;
·  
unexpected issues and costs arising from the integration of acquired companies and businesses;
·  
marketplace acceptance of new and existing products including the loss of, or a decline in business from, any significant customers;
·  
the impact of capital market transactions that we may effect;

 
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·  
the availability and effectiveness of our information technology systems;
·  
unanticipated costs associated with litigation matters;
·  
actions taken by our competitors;
·  
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations; and
·  
other risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those described in Item 1A-Risk Factors of this Form 10-K and from time to time in our reports filed with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the applicable cautionary statements.  The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are made only as of their respective dates, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.  See also Item 1A - Risk Factors.
 
PART I
 
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report to “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” refer collectively to Regal Beloit Corporation and its subsidiaries.
 
References in an Item of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to information contained in our Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on April 27, 2009 (the “2009 Proxy Statement”) or to information contained in specific sections of the Proxy Statement, incorporate the information into that Item by reference.
 
ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
 
OUR COMPANY
 
We are one of the largest global manufacturers of commercial, industrial, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) electric motors, electric generators and controls, and mechanical motion control products.  Many of our products hold leading market positions in a variety of essential commercial, industrial and residential applications, and we believe we have one of the most comprehensive product lines in the markets we serve.  We sell our products to a diverse global customer base using more than 20 recognized brand names through a multi-channel distribution model to leading original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), distributors and end users across many markets.  We believe this strategy, coupled with a high level of customer service, provides us with a competitive selling advantage and allows us to more fully penetrate our target markets.
 
We manufacture and market electrical and mechanical products.  Our electrical products include HVAC motors, a full line of AC and DC commercial and industrial electric motors, electric generators and controls, capacitors and electrical connecting devices. Our mechanical products include gears and gearboxes, marine transmissions, high-performance automotive transmissions and ring and pinions and manual valve actuators.  OEMs and end users in a variety of motion control and other industrial applications increasingly combine the types of electrical and mechanical products we offer.  We seek to take advantage of this trend and to enhance our market penetration by leveraging cross-marketing and product line combination opportunities between our electrical and mechanical products.
 
We market our products through multiple brands, with each typically having its own product offering and sales organization.  These sales organizations consist of varying combinations of our own internal direct sales people as well as exclusive and non-exclusive manufacturers’ representative organizations. We manufacture the vast majority of the products that we sell, and we have manufacturing, sales, engineering and distribution facilities throughout the United States and Canada as well as in Mexico, India, China, Australia, Thailand and Europe.
 
Our growth strategy includes driving organic growth through innovative new products, new customers, new opportunities at existing customers and participating in fast growth geographic markets.  Additionally, we seek to grow through strategic, value creating acquisitions.  We consider our acquisition process, including identification, due diligence, and integration, to be a core competency of the Company.
 
Our business initiatives include:
 
·  
Innovation: fueling our growth by delivering new products that address customer needs such as energy efficiency, system cost reduction and improved reliability;
·  
Globalization: expanding our global presence to participate in high growth markets, “catch” our customers as they expand globally and remain cost competitive;
·  
Customer Centricity: making continuous improvements in all of the operations that touch our customers so that our customers feel an improved experience;
·  
Digitization: employing Information Technology (IT) tools to improve the efficiency and productivity of our business and our customers’ businesses; and
·  
Lean Six Sigma: utilizing Lean Six Sigma to drive continuous improvements in all of our manufacturing and back office operations as well as in the quality of our products.
 
 
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OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
We have two operating segments:  Electrical and Mechanical.  In  2008, operating segments were realigned due  to a management reporting change and certain product offerings were moved from one segment to the other.  All segment data, including historical segment data and Item 7 historical data, have been restated to reflect this change.  Financial information on our operating segments for the three years ending December 27, 2008 is contained in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
ELECTRICAL SEGMENT
 
We believe our motor products are uniquely positioned to help our customers and end consumers achieve greater energy efficiency, resulting in significant cost savings for the consumer and preservation of natural resources and our environment. We estimate that approximately 40-60% of all electricity generated in the U.S. is consumed by electric motors.  Our increasingly efficient motor designs allow current motor products to be significantly more energy efficient than previous models. Our Electrical segment includes a full line of AC and DC commercial and industrial electric motors, HVAC motors, electric generators and controls and capacitors.  Our Electrical segment was developed in the mid 1990’s with a new strategic focus to establish our Company as a significant manufacturer of industrial electric motors, complementing our mechanical products businesses which serve similar markets and whose products were often used in combination with a motor.  Beginning with our acquisition of Marathon Electric Manufacturing Corporation in 1997 our Electrical segment has grown to approximately $2.0 billion in revenue.
 
During 2008, the Company completed acquisitions of two additional Electrical segment businesses.
 
On April 25, 2008 the Company acquired Joyce Court Holdings Ltd. and Grand Delight Investments Ltd., sole shareholders of Wuxi Hwada Motor Co. and Wuxi New Hwada Motor Co. (collectively “Hwada”) located in Wuxi, China.  Hwada is a leading designer and manufacturer of Integral IEC and NEMA electric motors, which are used in various industrial applications such as compressor, pump, paper and steel processing and power plants.  Approximately 50% of Hwada’s product sales are in the China industrial markets.  The business is reported as part of the Company’s Electrical segment.  The acquisition provides an industrial motor production capability to our China motor businesses.
 
On September 30, 2008, the Company acquired Dutchi Motors B.V.  (“Dutchi”) located in Arnhem, The Netherlands.  Dutchi is a leading distributor of industrial motors in Western and Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia and the Middle East.  Dutchi is one of the largest distributors of the Company’s Hwada motor products, which was purchased in April, 2008.  The Dutchi business is also reported as part of the Company’s Electrical segment. The acquisition expands our distribution network further into Europe and includes new markets for our product lines.
 
During 2007, the Company completed acquisitions of four Electrical segment businesses.
 
On August 31, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets comprising the commercial and industrial division of the Fasco Motor business (“Fasco”) from Tecumseh Products, Inc. and certain of its affiliates.  On August 31, 2007, the Company also separately acquired the stock of Jakel Incorporated (“Jakel”).  Both of the acquired businesses manufacture and market motors and blower systems for a variety of air moving applications including alternative fuel systems, water heaters, HVAC systems and other commercial products.  The acquisition provides expanded system solutions for our customers, and expands our geographic manufacturing and commercial footprints into Thailand and Australia.
 
On October 12, 2007, the Company acquired Morrill Motors.  The acquired business is a leading designer and manufacturer of fractional horsepower motors and components for the commercial refrigeration and freezer markets.  Included in the motor offering are technology based variable speed products.  The acquisition expands our standard and high efficiency system solution for the commercial refrigerator and freezer end markets.
 
On October 29, 2007, the Company acquired the Alstom motors and fans business in India.  The business is located in Kolkata, India and manufactures and markets a full range of low and medium voltage industrial motors and fans for the industrial and process markets in India.  Alstom is noted for high quality process duty motors with a full range from 1 to 3500 hp.  The acquisition expands our commercial and manufacturing presence in India, making us one of the largest motor manufacturers in India.  The acquired Alstom business has been re-branded as Marathon Electric Motors (India) Ltd.
 
We manufacture and market AC and DC commercial, industrial and HVAC electric motors ranging in size from sub-fractional to small integral horsepowers to larger commercial and industrial motors from 50 through 6500 horsepower. We offer thousands of stock models of electric motors in addition to the motors we produce to specific customer specifications. We also produce and market precision servo motors, electric generators ranging in size from five kilowatts through four megawatts, automatic transfer switches and paralleling switchgear to interconnect and control electric power generation equipment. Additionally, our Electrical segment markets a line of AC and DC adjustable speed drives.  We manufacture capacitors for use in HVAC systems, high intensity lighting and other applications.  We sell our Electrical segment’s products to distributors, original equipment manufacturers and end users across many markets.
 

 
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Our motors are vital components of an HVAC system and are used to move air into and away from furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, ventilators, fan filter boxes and humidifiers. We believe that a majority of our HVAC motors are used in applications that replace existing equipment, with the remainder used in new equipment applications. The business enjoys a large installed base of equipment and long-term relationships with its major customers.
 
Our power generation business, which includes electric generators and power generation components and controls, represents a growing portion of our Electrical segment’s net sales.  The market for electric power generation components and controls has grown in recent years as a result of a desire on the part of end users to reduce losses due to power disturbances and the increased need for prime power in certain applications.  Our generators are used in industrial, agricultural, marine, military, transportation and other applications.
 
We leverage efficiencies across our motor and power generation operations.  We centralize the manufacturing, purchasing, engineering, accounting, information technology and quality control activities of our Electrical segment.  Furthermore, we specifically foster the sharing of best practices across each of the Electrical segment businesses and create focused centers of excellence in each of our manufacturing functions.
 
The following is a description of our major Electrical product brands and the primary products that they manufacture and market:
 
Dutchi Motors.  Distributor of IEC and NEMA electric motors for industrial applications in Western and Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia and the Middle East.
 
Fasco Motors.  Manufactures motors and blower systems for air moving applications including alternative fuel systems, water heaters and HVAC systems.
 
Hwada Motors.  Manufactures Integrated IEC and NEMA motors for various industrial applications such as compressor, pump, paper and steel processing and power plants.
 
LEESON Electric. Manufactures AC motors up to 800 horsepower and DC motors up to five horsepower, gear reducers, gearmotors and drives primarily for the power transmission, pump, food processing, fitness equipment and industrial machinery markets.
 
Lincoln Motors. Manufactures AC motors from 1/4 horsepower to 800 horsepower primarily for industrial and commercial pumps, compressors, elevators, machine tools, and specialty products.
 
Marathon Electric. Manufactures AC motors up to 800 horsepower primarily for HVAC, pumps, power transmissions, fans and blowers, compressors, agriculture products, processing and industrial manufacturing equipment.
 
Marathon Electric Motors (India) Ltd. (Alstom acquired business).  The acquired Alstom business has been re-branded as Marathon Electric Motors (India) Ltd.  Manufactures a full range (from 1 to 3500 horsepower) of low and medium voltage industrial motors and fans for the industrial and process markets in India.
 
Marathon Generators.  Manufactures AC generators from five kilowatts to four megawatts that primarily serve the standby power, prime power, refrigeration, industrial and irrigation markets.
 
Morrill Motors.  Manufactures fractional horsepower motors and components for the commercial refrigeration and freezer markets.
 
Thomson Technology. Manufactures automatic transfer switches, paralleling switchgear and controls, and systems controls primarily for the electric power generation market.
 
MECHANICAL SEGMENT
 
Our Mechanical segment includes a broad array of mechanical motion control products including:  standard and custom worm gear, bevel gear, helical gear and concentric shaft gearboxes; marine transmissions; high-performance after-market automotive transmissions and ring and pinions; custom gearing; gearmotors; manual valve actuators, and electrical connecting devices. Our gear and transmission related products primarily control motion by transmitting power from a source, such as a motor or engine, to an end use, such as a conveyor belt, usually reducing speed and increasing torque in the process. Our valve actuators are used primarily in oil and gas, water distribution and treatment and chemical processing applications. Mechanical products are sold to original equipment manufacturers, distributors and end users across many industry segments.
 
The following is a description of our major Mechanical segment brands and the primary products they manufacture and market:
 
CML (Costruzioni Meccaniche Legananesi S.r.L.). Manufactures worm and bevel gear valve actuators primarily for the oil, gas, wastewater and water distribution markets.
 
 
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Durst. Manufactures standard and specialized industrial transmissions, hydraulic pump drives and gears for turbines used in power generation primarily for the construction, agriculture, energy, material handling, forestry, lawn and garden and railroad maintenance markets.
 
Grove Gear/Electra-Gear. Manufactures standard and custom industrial gear reducers and specialized aluminum gear reducers and gearmotors primarily for the material handling, food processing, robotics, healthcare,  power transmission, medical equipment and packaging markets.
 
Hub City/Foote-Jones. Manufactures gear drives, sub-fractional horsepower gearmotors, mounted bearings, large-scale parallel shaft and right-angle gear drives and accessories primarily for the packaging, construction, material handling, healthcare, food processing markets, mining, oil, pulp and paper, forestry, aggregate, construction and steel markets.
 
Marathon Special Products. Manufactures fuse holders, terminal blocks, and power blocks primarily for the HVAC, telecommunications, electric control panel, utilities and transportation markets.
 
Mastergear. Manufactures manual valve actuators for liquid and gas flow control primarily for the petrochemical processing, fire protection and wastewater markets.
 
Opperman Mastergear, Ltd. Manufactures valve actuators and industrial gear drives primarily for the material handling, agriculture, mining and liquid and gas flow control markets.
 
Richmond Gear/Velvet Drive Transmissions. Manufactures ring and pinions and transmissions primarily for the high-performance automotive aftermarket, and marine and industrial transmissions primarily for the pleasure boat, off-road vehicle and forestry markets.
 
THE BUILDING OF OUR BUSINESS
 
Our growth from our founding as a producer of high-speed cutting tools in 1955 to our current size and status has largely been the result of the acquisition and integration of businesses to build a strong multi-product offering. Our senior management has substantial experience in the acquisition and integration of businesses, aggressive cost management, and efficient manufacturing techniques, all of which represent activities that are critical to our long-term growth strategy.  Since 1997 we have acquired and developed our Electrical segment businesses into approximately a $2.0 billion producer of electric motors serving primarily the North America market.  We consider the identification of acquisition candidates and the purchase and integration of targets to be a core competency for the Company. The following table summarizes select Electrical segment acquisitions over the previous five years.
 
 
Year
Acquired
 
Annual
Revenues
at Acquisition
(in millions)
 
 
Product Listing at Acquisition
 
Dutchi Motors
2008
  $ 56  
Distributor of IEC and NEMA electric motors for industrial applications in Western and Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia and the Middle East
Hwada Motors
2008
    105  
Integral IEC and NEMA electric motors for industrial applications
Fasco Motors
2007
    299  
Motor and blower systems for air moving applications
Jakel, Inc.
2007
    86  
Motor and blower systems for air moving applications
Morrill Motors
2007
    40  
Fractional horsepower motors for commercial refrigeration and freezer markets
Alstom
2007
    67  
Full line of low and medium voltage industrial motors for Indian domestic markets
Sinya Motors
 
2006
    39  
Fractional and sub-fractional HVAC motors
GE Commercial AC Motors
2004
    144  
AC motors for pump, compressor, equipment and commercial HVAC
GE HVAC Motors and Capacitors
2004
    442  
Full line of motors and capacitors for residential and commercial HVAC systems

SALES, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
 
We sell our products directly to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), distributors and end-users across many markets.  We have multiple business units, with each unit typically having its own branded product offering and sales organization. These sales organizations consist of varying combinations of our own internal direct sales people as well as exclusive and non-exclusive manufacturers’ representative organizations.
 
 
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MARKETS AND COMPETITORS
 
The 2008 worldwide market for electric motors is estimated to be in excess of $29 billion. The overall domestic market for electric motors is estimated at $10 billion annually, although we estimate the sectors in which we primarily compete, commercial and industrial electric motors and HVAC/refrigeration motors, to be approximately a $3.4 billion segment of the overall domestic market. We believe approximately 40-60% of all electricity generated in the U.S. runs through electric motors.  We believe we are among the largest producers of commercial and industrial motors and HVAC motors.  In addition, we believe that we are the largest electric generator manufacturer in the United States that is not affiliated with a diesel engine manufacturer. Major domestic competitors for our electrical products include Baldor Electric, U.S. Electric Motors (a division of Emerson Electric Co.), A. O. Smith Corporation, General Electric Company and Newage (a division of Cummins, Inc).  Major foreign competitors include Siemens AG, Toshiba Corporation, Weg S.A., Leroy-Somer, Inc. and ABB Ltd.
 
We serve various mechanical product markets and compete with a number of different companies depending on the particular product offering. We believe that we are a leading manufacturer of several mechanical products and that we are the leading manufacturer in the United States of worm gear drives and bevel gear drives. Our competitors in these markets include Boston Gear (a division of Altra Industrial Motion, Inc.), Dodge (a division of Baldor Electric), Emerson Electric Co. and Winsmith (a division of Peerless-Winsmith, Inc.). Major foreign competitors include SEW Eurodrive GmbH & Co., Flender GmbH, Nord, Sumitomo Corporation and Zahnrad Fabrik GmbH Co.
 
During the past several years, niche product market opportunities have become more prevalent due to changing market conditions.  Manufacturers, who historically may have made component products for inclusion in their finished goods, have chosen to outsource their requirements to specialized manufacturers like us because we can make these products more cost effectively. In addition, we have capitalized on this competitive climate by making acquisitions and increasing our manufacturing efficiencies. Some of these acquisitions have created new opportunities by allowing us to enter new markets in which we had not been involved. In practice, our operating units have sought out specific niche markets concentrating on a wide range of customers and applications. We believe that we compete primarily on the basis of quality, price, service and our promptness of delivery.  We had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated sales for the year ended December 27, 2008. We had one customer that accounted for between 10% and 15 % of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING
 
Each of our business segments has its own product development and design teams that continuously enhance our existing products and develop new products for our growing base of customers that require custom and standard solutions.  We believe we have the electric motor industry’s most sophisticated product development and testing laboratories. We believe these capabilities provide a significant competitive advantage in the development of high quality motors and electric generators incorporating leading design characteristics such as low vibration, low noise, improved safety, reliability and enhanced energy efficiency.
 
We are continuing to expand our business by developing new, differentiated products in each of our business segments. We work closely with our customers to develop new products or enhancements to existing products that improve performance and meet their needs.
 
As part of our 2004 HVAC motors and capacitors acquisition, we acquired ECM motor technology.  An ECM motor is a brushless DC electric motor with integrated speed control made possible through sophisticated electronic and sensing technology. ECM motors operate at variable speeds with attractive performance characteristics versus competitive variable speed solutions in comfort, energy efficiency, motor life and noise.  GE developed the first generation ECM motors over 15 years ago.  ECM technology is protected by over 125 patents, and we acquired from GE intellectual property and usage rights relating to ECM technology.   ECM motors offer significantly greater temperature and air quality control as well as increased energy efficiency.
 
While we believe that our brands and innovation are important to our continued growth and strong financial results, we do not consider any individual brand or patent, except for the ECM related patents, to be material.
 
MANUFACTURING AND OPERATIONS
 
We have developed and acquired global operations in lower cost locations such as Mexico, India, Thailand, and China that complement our flexible, rapid response operations in the United States, Canada and Europe.  Our vertically integrated manufacturing operations, including our own aluminum die casting and steel stamping operations are an important element of our rapid response capabilities.  In addition, we have an extensive internal logistics operation and a network of distribution facilities with the capability to modify stock products to quickly meet specific custom requirements in many instances.  This gives us a competitive advantage as we are able to deliver a customer’s unique product when and where they want it.
 
We manufacture a majority of the products that we sell, but also strategically outsource components and finished goods to an established global network of suppliers.  Although we have aggressively pursued global sourcing to reduce our overall costs, we  generally maintain a dual sourcing capability in our existing domestic facilities to ensure a reliable supply source for our customers.  We regularly invest in machinery and equipment and other improvements to, and maintenance of, our facilities. Additionally, we have typically obtained significant amounts of quality capital equipment as part of our acquisitions, often increasing overall capacity and capability.  Base materials for our products consist primarily of: steel in various types and sizes, including bearings and weldments; copper magnet wire; and ferrous and non-ferrous castings.  We purchase our raw materials from many suppliers and, with few exceptions, do not rely on any single supplier for any of our base materials.
 
 
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We have also continued to upgrade our manufacturing equipment and processes, including increasing our use of computer aided manufacturing systems, developing our own testing systems, and the implementation of Lean Six Sigma.  We have trained over 800 people in Lean Six Sigma, resulting in significant cost savings since the program began in 2005. Our goal is to be a low cost producer in our core product areas.
 
FACILITIES
 
We have manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout the United States and Canada and in Mexico, India, China, Australia, Thailand and Europe.  Our Electrical segment currently includes 50 manufacturing, service and distribution facilities, of which 34 are principal manufacturing facilities.  The Electrical segment’s present operating facilities contain a total of approximately 6.6 million square feet of space of which approximately 2.1 million square feet are leased.  Our Mechanical segment currently includes 12 manufacturing, service and distribution facilities, of which 6 are principal manufacturing facilities.  The Mechanical segment’s present operating facilities contain a total of approximately 1.1 million square feet of space of which approximately 36,000 square feet are leased.  Our principal executive offices are located in Beloit, Wisconsin in an owned approximately 54,000 square foot office building.  We believe our equipment and facilities are well maintained and adequate for our present needs.
 
BACKLOG
 
Our business units have historically shipped the majority of their products in the month the order is received.  As of December 27, 2008, our backlog was $322.8 million, as compared to $255.7 million on December 29, 2007.  We believe that virtually all of our backlog is shippable in 2009.
 
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES
 
We own a number of United States patents and foreign patents relating to our businesses.  While we believe that our patents provide certain competitive advantages, we do not consider any one patent or group of patents essential to our business other than our ECM patents which relate to a material portion of our sales.  We also use various registered and unregistered trademarks, and we believe these trademarks are significant in the marketing of most of our products.  However, we believe the successful manufacture and sale of our products generally depends more upon our technological, manufacturing and marketing skills.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
As of the close of business on December 27, 2008, the Company employed approximately 17,600 worldwide employees.  We consider our employee relations to be very good.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
We are currently involved with environmental proceedings related to certain of our facilities (see also Item 3 – Legal Proceedings).  Based on available information, we believe that the outcome of these proceedings and future known environmental compliance costs will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
The names, ages, and positions of the executive officers of the Company as February 15, 2009, are listed below along with their business experience during the past five years.  Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors at the Meeting of Directors immediately following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April.  There are no family relationships among these officers, nor any arrangements of understanding between any officer and any other persons pursuant to which the officer was selected.
 
Name
Age
Position
Business Experience and Principal Occupation
Henry W. Knueppel
60
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Elected Chairman in April 2006; elected Chief Executive Officer April 2005; served as President from April 2002 to December 2005 and Chief Operating Officer from April 2002 to April 2005; served as Executive Vice President from 1987 to April 2002; joined the Company in 1979.
       
Mark J. Gliebe
48
President and Chief Operating Officer
Elected President and Chief Operating Officer in December 2005.  Joined the Company in January 2005 as Vice President and President – Electric Motors Group, following our acquisition of the HVAC motors and capacitors businesses from GE; previously employed by GE as the General Manager of GE Motors & Controls in the GE Consumer & Industrial business unit from June 2000 to December 2004.
       
David A. Barta
46
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Joined the Company in June 2004 and was elected Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in July 2004.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Barta served in several financial management positions for Newell Rubbermaid Inc. from 1995 to June 2004, serving most recently as Chief Financial Officer Levolor/Kirsch Division.  His prior positions during this time included Vice President – Group Controller Corporate Key Accounts, Vice President – Group Controller Rubbermaid Group and Vice President Investor Relations.
       
Paul J. Jones
38
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Joined the Company in September 2006 and was elected Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in September 2006.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Jones was a partner with the law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP where he worked since 1998.
       
Terry R. Colvin
53
Vice President, Corporate Human Resources
Joined the Company in September 2006 and was elected Vice President Corporate Human Resources in January 2007.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Colvin was Vice President of Human Resources for Stereotaxis Corporation from 2005 to 2006.  From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Colvin was a Plant Operations consultant.  In 2003 and prior, Mr. Colvin served in several human resources positions for Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, serving most recently as Vice President of Human Resources from 1995 to 2003.
 
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WEBSITE DISCLOSURE
 
The Company’s Internet address is www.regalbeloit.com.  We make available free of charge (other than an investor’s own Internet access charges) through our Internet website our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We are not including the information contained on or available through our website as a part of, or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS
 
You should carefully consider each of the risks described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision with respect to our securities.  If any of the following risks develop into actual events, our business, financial condition or results operations could be materially and adversely affected and you may lose all or part of your investment.
 
We operate in highly competitive electric motor, power generation and mechanical motion control markets.
 
The electric motor, power generation and mechanical motion control markets are highly competitive.  Some of our competitors are larger and have greater financial and other resources than we do.  There can be no assurance that our products will be able to compete successfully with the products of these other companies.
 
The failure to obtain business with new products or to retain or increase business with redesigned existing or customized products could also adversely affect our business.  It may be difficult in the short-term for us to obtain new sales to replace any unexpected decline in the sale of existing or customized products.  We may incur significant expense in preparing to meet anticipated customer requirements, which may not be recovered.
 
 
Page 9


Current worldwide economic conditions may adversely affect our industry, business and results of operations.
 
In 2008, general worldwide economic conditions experienced a downturn due to the sequential effects of the subprime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, increased energy costs, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns. These conditions make it difficult for our customers, our vendors and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and they are causing U.S. and foreign businesses to slow spending on our products, which would delay and lengthen sales cycles. We cannot predict the timing or duration of any economic slowdown or the timing or strength of a subsequent economic recovery, worldwide, or in the specific end markets we serve. If the commercial and industrial, residential HVAC, power generation and mechanical power transmission markets significantly deteriorate due to these economic effects, our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, our stock price could decrease if investors have concerns that our business, financial condition and results of operations will be negatively impacted by a worldwide economic downturn.
 
Changes in global commodity prices, interest rates and currency may adversely impact our financial performance as a result of our commodity, currency and interest rate hedging activities.
 
Although it is impossible to hedge against all currency, commodity or interest risk, we use derivative financial instruments in order to reduce the substantial effects of currency and commodity fluctuations and interest rate exposure on our cash flow and financial condition. These instruments may include foreign currency and commodity forward contracts, currency swap agreements and currency option contracts, as well as interest rate swap agreements. We have entered into, and expect to continue to enter into, such hedging arrangements.  As with all hedging instruments, there are risks associated with the use of such instruments. While limiting to some degree our risk fluctuations in currency exchange, commodity price and interest rates by utilizing such hedging instruments, we potentially forgo benefits that might result from other fluctuations in currency exchange, commodity and interest rates.  We also are exposed to the risk that its counterparties to hedging contracts will default on their obligations. We manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by limiting the counterparties to major international banks and financial institutions meeting established credit guidelines. However, any default by such counterparties might have an adverse effect on us.
 
We are increasingly reliant on the protection and preservation of our intellectual property.
 
We own or otherwise have rights in a number of patents and trademarks relating to the products we manufacture, which have been obtained over a period of years. These patents and trademarks have been of value in the growth of our business and may continue to be of value in the future. With the exception of the ECM patents, we do not regard any of our businesses as being dependent upon any single patent or related group of patents. However, an inability to protect this intellectual property generally, or the illegal breach of some or a large group of our intellectual property rights, would have an adverse effect on our business.
 
Goodwill comprises a significant portion of our total assets, and if we determine that goodwill has become impaired in the future, net income in such years may be materially and adversely affected.
 
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired in business combinations.  We review goodwill and other intangibles at least annually for impairment and any excess in carrying value over the estimated fair value is charged to the results of operations.  A reduction in net income resulting from the write down or impairment of goodwill would affect financial results and could have a material and adverse impact upon the market price of our common stock. If the current worldwide economic downturn continues, it could result in circumstances, such as a sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization or a decrease in our forecasted cash flows such that they are insufficient, indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill may be impaired.  If we are required to record a significant change to earnings in our consolidated financial statements because an impairment of goodwill is determined, our results of operations will be adversely affected.
 
Our leverage could adversely affect our financial health and make us vulnerable to adverse economic and industry conditions.
 
We have incurred indebtedness that is substantial relative to our shareholders’ investment.  Our indebtedness has important consequences.  For example, it could:
 
·  
make it difficult for us to fulfill our obligations under our credit and other debt agreements;
·  
make it more challenging for us to obtain additional financing to fund our business strategy and acquisitions, debt service requirements, capital expenditures and working capital;
·  
increase our vulnerability to interest rate changes and general adverse economic and industry conditions;
·  
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to finance acquisitions and to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts and other general corporate activities;
·  
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our markets; and
·  
place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that have less debt.
 
 
Page 10


In addition, our credit facility and senior notes require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial condition tests, which may require that we take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives.  If an event of default under the credit facility or senior notes the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the applicable agreement, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable, and a cross default could occur under the terms of our senior subordinated convertible notes allowing the trustee or the holders of the notes to declare the principal amount of the notes, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable.
 
We are subject to litigation, including product liability and warranty claims, that may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
 
We are, from time to time, a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations, including product warranty and liability claims, contract disputes and environmental, asbestos, employment and other litigation matters.  We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage.  While we currently maintain general liability and product liability insurance coverage in amounts that we believe are adequate, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain this insurance on acceptable terms or that this insurance will provide sufficient coverage against potential liabilities that may arise.  Any claims brought against us, with or without merit, may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations as a result of potential adverse outcomes, the expenses associated with defending such claims, the diversion of our management’s resources and time and the potential adverse effect to our business reputation.
 
The Company has numerous pension plans and future legislation or regulations intended to reform the funding and reporting of pension benefit plans could adversely affect our operating results and cash flows, as could changes in market conditions that impact the assumptions we use to measure our liabilities under these plans.
 
Legislators and agencies of the U.S. government have proposed legislation and regulations to amend, restrict or eliminate various features of, and mandate additional funding of, pension benefit plans. If legislation or new regulations are adopted, we may be required to contribute additional cash to these plans, in excess of our current estimates. Market volatility in interest rates, investment returns and other factors could also adversely affect the funded status of our pension plans and require that we contribute additional cash to these plans. Moreover, future changes to the accounting and reporting standards related to pension plans could create significant volatility in our operating results.
 
Cyclicality adversely affects us.
 
Our business is cyclical and dependent on industrial and consumer spending and is therefore impacted by the strength of the economy generally, interest rates and other factors.  Economic factors adversely affecting OEM production and consumer spending could adversely impact us.  During periods of expansion in OEM production, we generally have benefited from increased demand for our products.  Conversely, during recessionary periods, we have been adversely affected by reduced demand for our products.
 
In our HVAC motor business, we depend on revenues from several significant customers, and any loss, cancellation or reduction of, or delay in, purchases by these customers may have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Several significant customers of our HVAC motors business represent a significant portion of our revenues.  Our success will depend on our continued ability to develop and manage relationships with these customers.  We expect that significant customer concentration will continue for the foreseeable future in our HVAC motor business.  Our dependence in the HVAC motor business on sales from a relatively small number of customers makes our relationship with each of these customers important to our business.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain significant customers.  Some of our customers may in the future shift some or all of their purchases of products from us to our competitors or to other sources.  The loss of one or more of our largest customers, any reduction or delay in sales to these customers, our inability to develop relationships successfully with additional customers, or future price concessions that we may make could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Our sales of products incorporated into HVAC systems are seasonal and affected by the weather; mild or cooler weather could have an adverse effect on our operating performance.
 
Many of our motors are incorporated into HVAC systems that OEMs sell to end users.  The number of installations of new and replacement HVAC systems or components is higher during the spring and summer seasons due to the increased use of air conditioning during warmer months.  Mild or cooler weather conditions during the spring and summer season often result in end users deferring the purchase of new or replacement HVAC systems or components.  As a result, prolonged periods of mild or cooler weather conditions in the spring or summer season in broad geographical areas could have a negative impact on the demand for our HVAC motors and, therefore, could have an adverse effect on our operating performance.  In addition, due to variations in weather conditions from year to year, our operating performance in any single year may not be indicative of our performance in any future year.
 
 
Page 11


Our dependence on, and the price of, raw materials may adversely affect our profits.
 
The principal raw materials used to produce our products are copper, aluminum and steel.  We source raw materials on a global or regional basis, and the prices of those raw materials are susceptible to significant price fluctuations due to supply/demand trends, transportation costs, government regulations and tariffs, changes in currency exchange rates, price controls, the economic climate and other unforeseen circumstances.  If we are unable to pass on raw material price increases to our customers, our future profitability may be materially adversely affected.
 
We increasingly manufacture our products outside the United States, which may present additional risks to our business.
 
As a result of our recent acquisitions, a significant portion of our net sales are attributable to products manufactured outside of the United States, principally in Mexico, India, Thailand and China.  Approximately 11,700 of our over 17,600 total employees and 20 of our 40 principal manufacturing facilities are located outside the United States.  International operations generally are subject to various risks, including political, societal and economic instability, local labor market conditions, the imposition of foreign tariffs and other trade restrictions, the impact of foreign government regulations, and the effects of income and withholding taxes, governmental expropriation and differences in business practices.  We may incur increased costs and experience delays or disruptions in product deliveries and payments in connection with international manufacturing and sales that could cause loss of revenue.  Unfavorable changes in the political, regulatory, and business climate in countries where we have operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We may be adversely impacted by an inability to identify and complete acquisitions.
 
A substantial portion of our growth has come through acquisitions, and an important part of our growth strategy is based upon acquisitions.  We may not be able to identify and successfully negotiate suitable acquisitions, obtain financing for future acquisitions on satisfactory terms or otherwise complete acquisitions in the future.  If we are unable to successfully complete acquisitions, our ability to grow our company significantly will be limited.
 
The success of the Company is highly dependent on qualified and sufficient staffing. Our failure to attract or retain qualified personnel could lead to a loss of revenue or profitability.
 
Our success depends, in part, on the efforts and abilities of our senior management team and key employees. Their skills, experience and industry contacts significantly benefit our operations and administration. The failure to attract or retain members of our senior management team and key employees could have a negative effect on our operating results.
 
The Company’s operations are highly dependent on information technology infrastructure and failures could significantly affect our business.
 
We depend heavily on our information technology infrastructure in order to achieve our business objectives. If we experience a problem that impairs this infrastructure, such as a computer virus, a problem with the functioning of an important IT application, or an intentional disruption of our IT systems by a third party, the resulting disruptions could impede our ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on our business in the ordinary course. Any such events could cause us to lose customers or revenue and could require us to incur significant expense to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns.
 
We are in the process of introducing a global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that will redesign and deploy a common information system over a period of several years. As we implement the ERP system, the new system may not perform as expected. This could have an adverse effect on our business.
 
We may be adversely affected by environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
 
We are subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety and have incurred and will continue to incur capital and other expenditures to comply with these regulations.  Failure to comply with any environmental regulations could subject us to future liabilities, fines or penalties or the suspension of production.  In addition, we are currently involved in some remediation activities at certain sites.  If unexpected obligations at these or other sites or more stringent environmental laws are imposed in the future, we could be adversely affected.
 
We may suffer losses as a result of foreign currency fluctuations.
 
The net assets, net earnings and cash flows from our foreign subsidiaries are based on the U.S. dollar equivalent of such amounts measured in the applicable functional currency.  These foreign operations have the potential to impact our financial position due to fluctuations in the local currency arising from the process of re-measuring the local functional currency in the U.S. dollar.  Any increase in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the value of the local currency will adversely affect our revenues from our foreign operations when translated into U.S. dollars.  Similarly, any decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the value of the local currency will increase our development costs in foreign operations, to the extent such costs are payable in foreign currency, when translated into U.S. dollars.
 
 
Page 12

 
The operations and success of the Company can be impacted by natural disasters, terrorism, acts of war, international conflict, political and governmental actions which could harm our business.
 
Natural disasters, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international conflicts, and the actions taken by the United States and other governments in response to such events could cause damage or disrupt our business operations, our suppliers, or our customers, and could create political or economic instability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Although it is not possible to predict such events or their consequences, these events could decrease demand for our products, could make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver products, or could disrupt our supply chain.  The Company may also be impacted by actions by foreign governments, including currency devaluation, tariffs and nationalization, where our facilities are located which could disrupt manufacturing and commercial operations.
 
The Company is subject to tax laws and regulations in many jurisdictions and the inability to successfully defend claims from taxing authorities related to our current and/or acquired businesses could adversely affect our operating results and financial position.
 
We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to interpret the income tax laws and rulings in each of those taxing jurisdictions. Due to the subjectivity of tax laws between those jurisdictions as well as the subjectivity of factual interpretations, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments. Claims from taxing authorities related to these differences could have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial position.
 
Our stock may be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility.
 
The market price of shares of our common stock may be volatile.  Among the factors that could affect our common stock price are those discussed above under “Risks Factors” as well as:
 
·  
quarterly fluctuation in our operating income and earnings per share results;
·  
decline in demand for our products;
·  
significant strategic actions by our competitors, including new product introductions or technological advances;
·  
fluctuations in interest rates;
·  
cost increases in energy, raw materials or labor;
·  
changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports by analysts; and
·  
domestic and international economic and political factors unrelated to our performance.
 
In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.  These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
 
ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.
 
ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES
 
We have manufacturing, sales and service facilities throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, India, China, Australia, Thailand and Europe.
 
Our Electrical segment currently includes 50 manufacturing, service and distribution facilities, of which 34 are principal manufacturing facilities.  The Electrical segment’s present operating facilities contain a total of approximately 6.6 million square feet of space of which approximately 31% are leased.
 
Our Mechanical segment currently includes 12 manufacturing, service and distribution facilities, of which six are principal manufacturing facilities.  The Mechanical segment’s present operating facilities contain a total of approximately 1.1 million square feet of space of which approximately 3% are leased.
 
At December 27, 2008, the Mechanical segment had two buildings and the Electrical segment had one building totaling approximately 0.5 million square feet that were available for sale due to consolidation of manufacturing in other locations.
 
Our principal executive offices are located in Beloit, Wisconsin in an owned approximately 54,000 square foot office building.  We believe our equipment and facilities are well maintained and adequate for our present needs.
 
 
Page 13


ITEM 2 – PROPERTIES CONTINUED
 
Location
Square Footage
Status
Description of Use
Electrical Segment
     
Wuxi, China (2)
725,220
Owned
Manufacturing
Kolkata, India
584,830
Owned
Manufacturing
Wausau, WI
498,329
Owned
Manufacturing
Reynosa, Mexico
346,293
Owned
Manufacturing
Juarez, Mexico
339,631
Owned
Manufacturing
Springfield, MO
325,355
Owned
Manufacturing
Eldon, MO (2)
276,180
Owned
Manufacturing & Warehouse
Piedras Negras, Mexico (3)
244,048
Leased
Manufacturing
Cassville, MO
238,838
Owned
Manufacturing
Monterrey, Mexico (2)
235,624
Leased
Manufacturing
Shanghai, China
226,000
Leased
Manufacturing
Indianapolis, IN
220,832
Leased
Warehouse
Faridabad, India
220,000
Leased
Manufacturing
Changzhou, China
195,540
Owned
Manufacturing
Lebanon, MO
186,900
Owned
Manufacturing
Arnhem, The Netherlands (3)
162,096
Leased
Warehouse
Bangkok, Thailand
157,175
Owned
Manufacturing
Pharr, TX
125,000
Leased
Warehouse
Lincoln, MO
120,000
Owned
Manufacturing
Blytheville, AR
107,000
Leased
Manufacturing
West Plains, MO
106,000
Owned
Manufacturing
Black River Falls, WI
103,000
Owned
Manufacturing
All Other (23)
861,077
(1)
(1)
Mechanical Segment
     
Liberty, SC
173,516
Owned
Manufacturing
Aberdeen, SD
164,960
Owned
Manufacturing
Shopiere, WI
132,000
Owned
Manufacturing
Union Grove, WI
122,000
Owned
Manufacturing
All Other (8)
533,176
(2)
(2)
(1)Less significant manufacturing, service and distribution and engineering facilities located in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia: Electrical leased square footage 2,079,670.
(2)  Mechanical leased square footage 36,492.
 
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
On December 18, 2008, the Company entered into a consent decree with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) to resolve the matters alleged by the U.S. EPA in an action filed against the Company in April 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois seeking reimbursement of the U.S. EPA’s unreimbursed past and future remediation costs incurred in cleaning up an environmental site located near a former manufacturing facility of the Company in Illinois. The Company does not believe that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to the site in question and did not admit any fault or liability in the consent decree with respect to the allegations made by the U.S. EPA in this matter. Under the terms of the consent decree, the U.S. EPA withdrew the action filed against the Company and the Company agreed to make a monetary payment, which included contributions from other involved parties. The payment to be made by the Company is not material.
 
The Company is, from time to time, party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations, including product warranty and liability claims, contract disputes and environmental, asbestos, employment and other litigation matters.  The Company’s products are used in a variety of industrial, commercial and residential applications that subject us to claims that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage.  The Company accrues for anticipated costs in defending against such lawsuits in amounts that we believe are adequate, and the Company does not believe that the outcome of any such lawsuit will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations.
 
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter ended December 27, 2008.
 
 
Page 14


PART II
 
ITEM 5 -  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
The Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value (“Common Stock”), is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RBC.”   The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing sales prices for the Common Stock for the period from January 1, 2007 through December 27, 2008.  The Company submitted its Section 303A.12(a) CEO Certification to the NYSE on May 6, 2008.
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Price Range
   
Price Range
 
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividends
 Declared
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividends
Declared
 
1st Quarter
  $ 44.95     $ 33.94     $ 0.15     $ 51.68     $ 43.51     $ 0.14  
2nd Quarter
    47.54       35.82       0.16       49.94       43.76       0.15  
3rd Quarter
    49.37       39.95       0.16       56.93       47.29       0.15  
4th Quarter
    42.52       26.07       0.16       53.10       43.82       0.15  
 
The Company has paid 194 consecutive quarterly dividends through January 2009.  The number of registered holders of Common Stock as of February 17, 2009 was 621.
 
The following table contains detail related to the repurchase of common stock based on the date of trade during the quarter ended December 27, 2008.
 
 
 
 
2008
Fiscal Month
 
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased
   
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
   
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Be Purchased
Under the Plan or
Programs
 
September 28 to November 1
    -     $ -       -       2,115,900  
                                 
November 2 to November 29
    -       -       -       2,115,900  
                                 
November 30 toDecember 27
    -       -       -       2,115,900  
                                 
Total
    -               -          

Under the Company’s equity incentive plans, participants may pay the exercise price or satisfy all or a portion of the federal, state and local withholding tax obligations arising in connection with plan awards by electing to a) have the Company withhold shares of common stock otherwise issuable under the award, b) tender back shares received in connection with such award or c) deliver previously owned shares of common stock, in each case having a value equal to the exercise price or the amount to be withheld.
 
The Board of Directors has approved repurchase programs of up to three million common shares of Company stock. Management is authorized to effect purchases from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company  repurchased 884,100 shares at an average purchase price of $21.96 per share under this program as of December 27, 2008.  A total of 110,000 of these shares were repurchased in the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008 for a total cost of $4.2 million.
 
Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain information relating to the Company's equity compensation plans.
 
Stock Performance
 
The following information in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.
 
 
Page 15


The following graph compares the hypothetical total shareholder return (including reinvestment of dividends) on an investment in (1) the Common Stock of the Company, (2) the Standard & Poor’s Small Cap 600 Index and (3) the Standard & Poor’s 600 Electrical Components and Equipment Index for the period December 31, 2003 through December 27, 2008.  In each case, the graph assumes the investment of $100.00 on December 31, 2003.
 
Comparison Graph
 
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Regal-Beloit Corporation
132.69
166.94
250.64
217.29
166.85
S&P SmallCap 600 Index
122.65
132.07
152.04
151.59
99.65
S&P 600 Electrical Components & Equipment
120.66
134.05
181.43
200.86
125.45

ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The selected statement of income data for the years ended December 27, 2008, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 and the balance sheet data at December 27, 2008, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The selected statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are derived from audited financial statements not included herein.

   
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 27
   
December 29
   
December 30
   
December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Net Sales
  $ 2,246,249     $ 1,802,497     $ 1,619,545     $ 1,428,707     $ 756,557  
Income  from Operations
    230,431       206,060       194,017       134,572       55,162  
Net Income
    128,587       118,347       109,806       69,557       30,435  
Total Assets
    2,023,496       1,862,247       1,437,559       1,342,554       1,352,052  
Long-term Debt
    561,190       558,918       323,946       386,332       547,350  
Shareholders' Investment
    825,328       858,029       749,975       647,996       538,179  
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
                                       
Basic
    4.10       3.79       3.56       2.34       1.24  
Assuming Dilution
    3.87       3.49       3.28       2.25       1.22  
Cash Dividends Declared
    0.63       0.59       0.55       0.51       0.48  
Shareholders' Investment
    26.33       27.46       24.31       21.84       21.87  
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in 000's):
                                       
Basic
    31,343       31,252       30,847       29,675       24,603  
Assuming Dilution
    33,251       33,921       33,504       30,879       24,904  
___________________________
 
·  
Total shareholders’ equity of $749,975 at year-end 2006 includes an $5.8 million reduction from the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Plans: an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).”  See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
·  
The significant increase in sales and income from 2004 to 2005 was driven by the Company’s purchase of the Commercial AC motor and HVAC motor and capacitor businesses from General Electric Company in late 2004.
 
 
Page 16

 
ITEM 7 -MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
OVERVIEW
 
Regal Beloit Corporation seeks to deliver strong, consistent business results and superior shareholder returns by providing value added  products to our customers who serve the commercial, industrial, and residential markets. 
 
To this end, we are focused on two product segments: Electrical and Mechanical. Within these segments, we follow a closely defined business strategy to develop and increase market leadership positions in key product categories and improve financial performance.   On an ongoing basis, we focus on a variety of key indicators to monitor business performance. These indicators include organic and total sales growth (including volume and price components), market share, gross profit margin, operating profit, net income and earnings per share, and measures to optimize the management of working capital, capital expenditures, cash flow and return on capital. The monitoring of these indicators, as well as our corporate governance practices (including the Company’s Code of Conduct), are used to ensure that business health and strong internal controls are maintained.
 
To achieve our financial objectives, we are focused on initiatives to drive and fund growth. We seek to capture significant opportunities for growth by identifying and meeting customer needs within our core categories and identifying category expansion opportunities. These product needs are met through extensive product research and development efforts as well as through a disciplined acquisition strategy. Growth opportunities are emphasized that offer stronger market growth potential as a result of geographic based expansion, technology or industry expansion. The investments needed to fund our growth are developed through continuous, corporate-wide initiatives to lower costs and increase effective asset utilization. We also prioritize investments toward higher return on capital businesses.  Our management team is compensated based on a modified Economic Value Added (EVA) program which reinforces our capital allocation disciplines which drives capital allocation to increase shareholder value.  Our key metrics include: total sales growth, organic sales growth, operating margin percent, free cash flow as a percent of net income and return on invested capital (ROIC).
 
Given the global economic slowdown, continued competitive marketplace and highly fluctuating raw material and energy costs, we anticipate that the near-term operating environment will remain challenging. However, we anticipate that our acquisitions, new products and the impact of our Lean Six Sigma program will provide additional funds for investment in support of key categories and new product development.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
2008 versus 2007
 
Net Sales
 
Worldwide sales for year ended December 27, 2008 were $2.246 billion, a 24.6% increase over the $1.802 billion reported for the year ended for December 29, 2007.  Full year 2008 sales included $404.5 million of incremental sales from the businesses acquired in 2007 and 2008 (see Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
In the Electrical segment, sales increased 28.2% including the impact of the acquisitions noted above.  Exclusive of the acquired businesses, Electrical segment sales are up 2.2%. Sales for the HVAC motor business continued to be negatively impacted by the weak housing markets, including new home construction and sales of existing homes.  Also, we believe that the replacement nature of our HVAC motors was negatively impacted by the lack of credit availability for homeowners who may have elected to repair HVAC systems rather than a full replacement. Sales for the full year 2008 for the HVAC business decreased 1.1%. We saw strength in sales of commercial and industrial motors and our power generation products throughout the majority of 2008, with global weakness in demand developing in the third and fourth quarters.  Sales of commercial and industrial motors increased approximately 2.8% for the full year 2008.  Sales of power generation products increased 21.9% for the same period.

Sales in the Mechanical segment increased 1.7% from the prior year period. Individual business results varied significantly depending on the strength of their end markets. Sales in the commercial and industrial product lines remained relatively strong throughout the year.  This strength was largely offset by weak sales in our Richmond Gear operation, which are dependent on consumer spending on discretionary auto and marine products.
 
From a geographic perspective, Asia-based sales increased 62.6% as compared to 2007.  In total, sales to regions outside of the United States were 27.1% of total sales for 2008 in comparison to 21.7% for 2007.
 
Gross Profit
 
The gross profit margin for the year ended December 27, 2008 was 22.3% as compared to the 22.9% reported for 2007. Higher material costs had a significant impact on 2008 partially offset by the contribution from new products, productivity efforts, pricing actions, and product mix.  The raw material cost increases resulted primarily from increases in the cost of copper and steel.  The gross profit margin for the Electrical segment reflected these impacts and decreased to 21.5% from 22.0% in 2007. Mechanical segment gross profit margin increased to 29.0% in 2008 from 28.7% in the prior year.
 

 
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Operating Expenses
 
Operating expenses were $270.2 million (12.0% of sales) in the  year-ended December 27, 2008 versus $207.3 million (11.5% of sales) in 2007. The $62.9 million increase is driven by the full year impact of 2007 acquisitions and the 2008 acquisitions. Electrical segment operating expenses were 11.9% of sales in 2008 and 11.1% of sales in 2007.  Mechanical operating expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 13.3% from 13.8% in 2007.
 
Income from Operations (Operating Profit)
 
Income from operations was $230.4 million versus $206.1 million in the comparable period of 2007.  As a percent of sales, income from operations was 10.3% for the year ended December 27, 2008 versus 11.4% in the comparable period of 2007.  Electrical segment income from operations increased 12.9% to $191.5 million from $169.7 million in 2007 driven by the acquired businesses. As a percent of sales, Electrical segment operating income decreased to 9.6% in 2008 from 10.9% in 2007. This decrease reflected lower operating profit margins from the acquired businesses, and significantly increased raw material costs partially offset by contributions from new products, pricing actions, and productivity. Mechanical segment income from operations increased 7.0% to $38.9 million in 2008 from $36.4 million in 2007. As a percent of sales, Mechanical segment operating income increased to 15.7% in 2008 from 14.9% in 2007. Individual business results varied significantly based on the strength of their end markets.
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
Net interest expense was $26.2 million versus $21.1 million in the comparable period of 2007.  The increase is driven by higher levels of average debt outstanding driven by the acquisitions completed since August 2007.
 
Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rate for the year ended December 27, 2008 was 35.4% versus 34.4% in the prior year period.  The increase in the effective tax rate results from the global distribution of income and increases in certain statutory tax rates in Mexico and China. (See also Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Net Income
 
Net income for the year ended December 27, 2008 was $128.6 million, an increase of 8.7% versus the $118.3 million reported in the comparable period of 2007.  Fully diluted earnings per share was $3.87 as compared to $3.49 per share reported in 2007.  The average number of diluted shares was 33,250,689 during the year ended December 27, 2008 as compared to 33,920,886 during the comparable period last year.
 
2007 versus 2006
 
Net Sales
 
Worldwide sales for the year ended December 29, 2007 were $1.802 billion, an 11.3% increase from the $1.620 billion reported for 2006. Net sales for 2007 included $129.7 million of sales related to the four businesses acquired during 2007 (see Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Sales in the Electrical segment were $1.559 billion, up 11.9% from the $1.393 billion for 2006.  Sales for the HVAC motor business were negatively impacted by several factors including weak housing markets and strong 2006 comparables impacted by the legislated SEER 13 efficiency requirement which was effective on January 23, 2006.  We saw strength in sales of commercial and industrial motors that have benefited from overall economic strength. Net sales in the Electrical segment for 2007 included $129.7 million of sales related to the four businesses acquired during 2007 (see Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Sales in the Mechanical segment were $243.5 million, up 7.3% from the $227.0 million for 2006.  Sales for this segment in 2006 included approximately $7.1 million of sales related to the Company’s cutting tools business.  Substantially all of the assets of the Company’s cutting tools business were sold in May 2006.   Individual division results varied significantly with several divisions benefiting from the continued strength of the industrial economy.
 
Gross Profit
 
Our gross profit margin was 22.9% in 2007 as compared to 24.0% in 2006. The decrease in gross profit margin during 2007 was driven by the lower margins on acquired businesses and increases in material costs, particularly copper and aluminum, partially offset by productivity and Lean Six Sigma projects.  The spot price of copper was particularly volatile in 2007, ranging from around $2.40 to over $3.75 per pound.  The increase in material costs was offset by the benefits from productivity and Lean Six Sigma projects.  The gross profit margin for the Electrical segment reflected these impacts and decreased to 22.0% from 23.5% in 2006.  Mechanical segment gross profit margin increased to 28.7% from 27.4% in 2006 primarily as a result of productivity projects.
 
 
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Operating Expenses
 
Operating expenses as a percentage of sales were 11.5% in 2007 as compared to 12.1% in 2006.  The decrease in operating expense as a percent of sales resulted from leveraging of fixed costs on the higher sales levels.  Electrical segment operating expenses were 11.1% of sales in 2007 and 11.6% of sales in 2006.  Mechanical operating expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 13.8% from 14.8% in 2006.
 
Income from Operations (Operating Profit)
 
In 2007, operating profit increased 6.2% to $206.1 million from the $194.0 million reported in 2006.  As a percent of sales, operating profit decreased to 11.4% of sales for 2007 from 12.0% in 2006.  The decrease is driven by the lower profit margins on the 2007 acquired businesses and the impact of higher material costs.  Electrical segment income from operations increased 2.7% in 2007 to $169.7 million from $165.3 million in 2006, and operating income margin decreased to 10.9% in 2007 from 11.9% in 2006.  Electrical segment operating profit was negatively impacted by the acquired businesses, and increases in raw material costs, particularly copper and aluminum.  Mechanical segment income from operations increased 26.5% to $36.3 million in 2007 from $28.7 million in 2006.  The Mechanical segment operating income margin for 2007 improved to 14.9% from 12.6% in 2006.  The results of the Mechanical segment reflect the positive impacts of increased volume and price increases, partially offset by increases in raw material costs.  
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
Interest expense, net was $21.1 million in 2007 compared with $19.2 million in 2006. In August 2007, we issued $250.0 million of senior notes which increased our average outstanding debt levels. Higher average debt levels resulted in increased interest expense in 2007.
 
Income Taxes
 
The effective income tax rate for 2007 was 34.4% compared with 35.5% in 2006.  The lower 2007 effective rate is primarily driven by a change in the mix of earnings, with more profits earned in lower taxed foreign jurisdictions.
 
Net Income
 
Net income was $118.3 million in 2007 or $3.49 per share on a diluted basis compared with $109.8 million in 2006 or $3.28 per share.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our working capital was $430.3 million at December 27, 2008, an increase of 3.3% from $416.6 million at year-end 2007.  The 2008 acquisitions added $18.0 million of working capital in 2008.  At December 27, 2008 our current ratio, the ratio of our current assets to current liabilities, was 2.0:1 versus 2.3:1 at the previous year-end.
 
Cash flow provided by operating activities (“operating cash flow”) was $154.2 million in 2008, a $46.4 million decrease from 2007.   The decrease was driven by a combined $55.9 million decrease in net cash provided from Receivables, Inventory and Accounts Payable. These working capital components used $16.3 million of operating cash in 2008 versus a combined $39.6 million provided in 2007. The $21.1 million decrease in net cash flow used in Current Liabilities and Other is driven by a $56.9 million net change  in deferred tax assets related to derivative instruments. Partially offsetting these increases was a $15.0 million increase in combined depreciation and amortization in 2008. Cash flow used in investing activities was $99.7 million in 2008, $274.0 million less than in 2007 driven by the $287.9 million lower acquisitions in 2008. Capital spending increased to $52.2 million in 2008 from $36.6 million a year earlier.  Our commitments for property, plant and equipment as of December 27, 2008 were approximately $9.2 million.  We believe that our present facilities, augmented by planned capital expenditures, are sufficient to provide adequate capacity for our operations in 2009.
 
Cash flow used in financing activities was ($31.4) million in 2008 compared to $177.5 million provided by financing activities in 2007.  Our total debt increased by $12.2 million in 2008 driven by acquisitions.  We paid $19.4 million in dividends to shareholders in 2008, with our quarterly dividend increasing from $.15 to $.16 per share starting with the second quarter dividend payment.
 
During 2007, in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company issued and sold $250.0 million of Senior notes (“the Notes”).  The Notes were sold pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and among the Company and the purchasers of the Notes.  The Notes were issued and sold in two series:  $150.0 million in Floating Rate Series 2007A Senior Notes, Tranche A, due August 23, 2014, and $100.0 million in Floating Rate Series 2007A Senior Notes, Tranche B, due August 23, 2017.  The Notes bear interest at a margin over the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).  These interest rates also vary as LIBOR varies. The Agreement permits the Company to issue and sell additional note series, subject to certain terms and conditions described in the Agreement, up to a total of $600.0 million in combined Notes.
 
 
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The Company’s $500.0 million revolving credit facility, (“the Facility”)  permits the Company to borrow at interest rates (1.2% at December 27, 2008)  based upon a margin above LIBOR, which margin varies with the ratio of senior funded debt (total debt excluding convertible debt) to EBITDA, as defined in the Facility.  These interest rates also vary as LIBOR varies.  We pay a commitment fee on the unused amount of the Facility, which also varies with the ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA.
 
On June 16, 2008, the Company entered into a Term Loan Agreement (“Term Loan”) with certain financial institutions, whereby the Company borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $165.0 million. The Term Loan matures in June 2013, and borrowings under the Term Loan generally bear interest at a variable rate equal to (i) a margin over the LIBOR, which margin varies depending on whether certain criteria are satisfied, or (ii) the alternate base rate as defined in the agreement.  At December 27, 2008, the interest rate of 3.2% was based on a margin over LIBOR
 
The Notes, the Term Loan and the Facility require us to meet specified financial ratios and to satisfy certain financial condition tests.  We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 27, 2008.
 
In August, 2007 the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk. (See also Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements)
 
There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at December 27, 2008 or December 29, 2007.  Total commercial paper outstanding cannot exceed $50.0 million under the terms of the Facility.  The Facility provides the liquidity backstop for outstanding commercial paper.  Accordingly, the combined outstanding balances of the Facility and commercial paper cannot exceed $500.0 million.
 
The Company, at December 27, 2008, also had $115.0 million of convertible senior subordinated notes outstanding, which were issued on April 5, 2004.  The notes, which are unsecured and due in 2024, bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.75% for five years, and may increase thereafter at .25% of the average trading price of a note if certain conditions are met.  The Company may not call the notes for five years, and the note holders may only put the notes back to the Company at approximately the 5th, 10th and 15th year anniversaries of the issuance of the notes.  In  2004, the Company amended the indenture to eliminate its option to issue stock upon a conversion request, and require the Company to pay only cash up to the $115.0 million par value of the notes.  The Company retained the option to either pay cash, issue its stock or a combination thereof, for value above par, which is above the $25.56 stock conversion price.  The fair value of these notes at December 27, 2008 was approximately $154.0 million as compared to the fair value at December 29, 2007 of $204.1 million.  The Company has sufficient long term liquidity in its Facility ($469.6 million at December 27, 2008) to repay any notes put back to the Company by their holders.
 
As part of the 2008 acquisition of Hwada (see Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements), the Company assumed $21.6 million of short term notes payable to banks. At December 27, 2008, the balance of Hwada notes payable was approximately $11.0 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 6.2%.
 
At December 27, 2008 a foreign subsidiary of the Company had outstanding short-term borrowings of $4.1 million, denominated in local currency with a weighted average interest rate of 3.4%.  As of December 29, 2007, this subsidiary had outstanding borrowings of $5.0 million denominated in U.S. dollars.  The 2007 borrowings were made under a $15.0 million unsecured credit facility which expired in December 2008.
 
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on certain of its short-term and long-term debt obligations used to finance our operations and acquisitions.  At December 27, 2008, net of interest rate swaps, we had $388.7 million of fixed rate debt and $187.8 million of variable rate debt. The variable rate debt is primarily under our Facility with an interest rate based on a margin above LIBOR.  As a result, interest rate changes impact future earnings and cash flow assuming other factors are constant.  A hypothetical 10% change in our weighted average borrowing rate on outstanding variable rate debt at December 27, 2008 would result in a change in net income of approximately $0.3 million.
 
Predominately, all of our expenses are paid in cash, often with payment term provisions that include early payment discounts and time elements.  We believe that our ability to generate positive cash flow, coupled with our available revolver balance will be sufficient to fund our operations for the foreseeable future.  We continue to act to reduce our investment in working capital through improved and enforced payment terms and operational efficiencies.  Additionally, we believe that our capital expenditures for maintenance of equipment and facilities will be consistent with prior levels and not present a funding challenge.

We are in compliance with all of our debt covenants at the end of 2008.  We believe that we will continue to be in compliance with these covenants for the foreseeable future as we believe that we will continue to reduce outstanding debt balances during fiscal year 2009 and maintain an appropriate level of EBITDA.  However, our EBITDA performance is dependent our financial performance in these uncertain and challenging market conditions which developed in 2008 and have continued into 2009.

 
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We will, from time to time, maintain positive cash balances which may be used to fund operations, repay outstanding debt and will be available for other investments which may include acquisitions of businesses or product lines, dividends, investments in new product development programs and the repurchase of our commons shares.

Our projections are based on all information known to the Company, which may change based on global economic events, our financial performance, actions by our customers and competitors and other factors discussed in Item 1A, Rick Factors.
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and payments due by period as of December 27, 2008 (in millions):
 
Payments due by Period
 
Debt
Including
Estimated*
Interest Payments
   
Operating
Leases
   
Pension
Obligations
   
Purchase
and Other
Obligations
   
Total
Contractual
Obligations
 
Less than 1 Year
  $ 38.1     $ 16.0     $ 12.8     $ 160.6     $ 227.5  
1 - 3 Years
    154.2       19.4                       173.6  
3 - 5 Years
    221.2       10.6                       231.8  
More than 5 Years
    286.4       3.8                       290.2  
Total
  $ 699.9     $ 49.8     $ 12.8     $ 160.6     $ 923.1  

NOTE: The timing and future spot prices affect the settlement values of the Company’s hedge obligations related to commodities, currency and interest rate swap agreements.  Accordingly, these obligations are not included above in the table of contractual obligations. The timing of settlement of the Company’s FIN48 liabilities cannot be reasonably determined and they are not included above in the table of contractual obligations.  Future pension obligation payments after 2009 are subject to revaluation based on changes in the benefit population and/or changes in the value of pension assets based on market conditions that are not determinable as of December 27, 2008.
 
*Variable rate debt based on December 27, 2008 rates.
 
We utilize blanket purchase orders (“blankets”) to communicate expected annual requirements to many of our suppliers. Requirements under blankets generally do not become “firm” until a varying number of weeks before our scheduled production. The purchase obligations shown in the above table represent the value we consider “firm”.
 
At December 27, 2008, the Company had outstanding standby letters of credit totaling approximately $10.4 million. We had no other material commercial commitments.
 
The Company did not have any material variable interest entities as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007.  Other than disclosed in the table above and the previous paragraph, the Company had no other material off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires us to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  We believe the following critical accounting policies could have the most significant effect on our reported results.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenue when all of the following have occurred:  an agreement of sale exists; pricing is determinable; collection is reasonably assured; and product has been delivered and acceptance has occurred according to contract terms.
 
We use contracts and customer purchase orders to determine the existence of an agreement of sale.  We use shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable, to verify delivery.  We assess whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment, and we assess collectability based on the creditworthiness of the customer as well as the customer’s payment history.
 
Returns, Rebates and Incentives
 
Our primary incentive program provides distributors with cash rebates or account credits based on agreed amounts that vary depending on the end user or original equipment manufacturing (OEM) customer to whom our distributor ultimately sells the product.  We also offer various other incentive programs that provide distributors and direct sale customers with cash rebates, account credits or additional products and services based on meeting specified program criteria.  Certain distributors are offered a right to return product, subject to contractual limitations.
 
 
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We record accruals for customer returns, rebates and incentives at the time of revenue recognition based primarily on historical experience.  Adjustments to the accrual may be required if actual returns, rebates and incentives differ from historical experience or if there are changes to other assumptions used to estimate the accrual.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets or Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable through future cash flows.  We evaluate the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired.  When applying the impairment rules we use estimates to determine when an impairment is necessary.  Factors that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance relative to historical or forecasted operating results, a significant decrease in the market value of an asset or significant negative industry or economic trends.  We perform our annual impairment test as of the end of the October fiscal month each year in accordance with SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.
 
Derivatives
 
The Company periodically enters into commodity hedging transactions to reduce the impact of changing prices for certain commodities such as copper and aluminum based upon forecasted purchases of such commodities.  The Company also uses a cash hedging strategy to protect against an increase in the cost of forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions. Finally, we also have certain LIBOR-based floating rate borrowings that expose the Company to variability in interest rates that have been swapped into a pay fixed/receive LIBOR based interest rate swap agreement.
 
The Company accounts for derivative instruments based on SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The fair value of derivatives is recorded on the balance sheet based on level 2 inputs as defined in SFAS 133. See Note 11 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Retirement Plans
 
Approximately half of our domestic employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans with the remaining employees covered by defined contribution plans.  Most of our foreign employees are covered by government sponsored plans in the countries in which they are employed.  Our obligations under our defined benefit pension plans are determined with the assistance of actuarial firms.  The actuaries make certain assumptions regarding such factors as withdrawal rates and mortality rates.  The actuaries also provide us with information and recommendations from which management makes further assumptions on such factors as the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate on benefit obligations and where applicable, the rate of annual compensation increases.
 
Based upon the assumptions made, the investments made by the plans, overall conditions and movement in financial markets, particularly the stock market and how actual withdrawal rates, life-spans of benefit recipients and other factors differ from assumptions, annual expenses and recorded assets or liabilities of these defined benefit plans may change significantly from year to year.  Based on our annual review of actuarial assumptions as well as historical rates of return on plan assets and existing long-term bond rates, we set the long-term rate of return on plan assets at 8.25% and an average discount rate at approximately 6.9% for our defined benefit pension plans as of December 27, 2008.  (See also Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Income Taxes
 
We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular examinations by various U.S. Federal, state and foreign jurisdictions for various tax periods.  Our income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which we do business.  Due to the subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in tax laws between those jurisdictions as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments.
 
Additional information regarding income taxes is contained in Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“APB 14-1”), which requires that convertible debt securities, that upon conversion may be settled by the issuer fully or partially in cash, be split into a debt and equity component.  APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied retroactively to all past periods presented.  The Company will adopt APB 14-1 upon its effective date, which will have a material impact on the reported values of debt and equity.  The adoption of APB 14-1 will reduce historical diluted earnings per share from 2004 through 2008 by approximately $.07 to $.09 per share in each year, respectively. The 2009 impact of APB 14-1 will be a reduction of diluted earnings of approximately $.02 per share.
 
 
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In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”).  FSP 142-3 intends to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations”, which is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2008.  We will adopt the new standard in our financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”), which requires expanded disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities.  SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with earlier adoption permitted.  We will adopt the new standard in our financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), effective prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase and accounting for transaction costs.  Additionally, SFAS 141R determines what information must be disclosed to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  The Company will adopt SFAS 141R upon its effective date as appropriate for any future business combinations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests (NCI) and classified as a component of equity.  This new consolidation method will significantly change the accounting for transactions with minority interest holders.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  We will adopt the new standard in our financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements.  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company is eligible for the delay as it had not previously adopted SFAS 157.  The Company chose to partially adopt SFAS 157, as permitted (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). On October 10, 2008 the FASB issued FSP 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active (“FSP 157-3”), which amends SFAS 157 by incorporating “an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset.” We believe that our valuations of financial assets at December 27, 2008 reflect the considerations of FSP 157-3.
 
Further discussion of the Company’s accounting policies is contained in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
We are exposed to market risk relating to the Company’s operations due to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices of purchased raw materials.  We manage the exposure to these risks through a combination of normal operating and financing activities and derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, commodity cash flow hedges and foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
 
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on certain of its short-term and long-term debt obligations used to finance our operations and acquisitions.  At December 27, 2008, net of interest rate swaps, we had $388.7 million of fixed rate debt and $187.8 million of variable rate debt.  As a result, interest rate changes impact future earnings and cash flow assuming other factors are constant.  The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from exposure to interest rate risk on forecasted variable rate interest payments.  Details regarding the instruments, as of December 27, 2008, are as follows:
 

 
 
Instrument
 
Notional
Amount
 
 
Maturity
 
Rate
Paid
 
 
 
Rate Received
 
Fair Value
  (Loss)
Swap
$150.0 million
August 23, 2014
    5.3 %
LIBOR (3 month)
($25.4) million
Swap
$100.0 million
August 23, 2017
    5.4 %
LIBOR (3 month)
($24.2) million

A hypothetical 10% change in our weighted average borrowing rate on outstanding variable rate debt at December 27, 2008, would result in a change in after-tax annualized earnings of approximately $0.3 million.

 
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The Company periodically enters into commodity hedging transactions to reduce the impact of changing prices for certain commodities, such as copper and aluminum.  Contract terms of commodity hedge instruments generally mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation.
 
We are also exposed to foreign currency risks that arise from normal business operations.  These risks include the translation of local currency balances of foreign subsidiaries, intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries and transactions denominated in foreign currencies.  Our objective is to minimize our exposure to these risks through a combination of normal operating activities and the utilization of foreign currency contracts to manage our exposure on the transactions denominated in currencies other than the applicable functional currency.  Contracts are executed with creditworthy banks and are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries.  It is our policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.  We do not hedge our exposure to the translation of reported results of foreign subsidiaries from local currency to United States dollars.
 
All hedges are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in each accounting period.  An ineffective portion of the hedges change in fair value, if any, is recorded in earnings in the period of change.  
 
The Company periodically enters into commodity hedging transactions to reduce the impact of changing prices for certain commodities such as copper and aluminum based upon forecasted purchases of such commodities.  These transactions are designated as cash flow hedges and the contract terms of commodity hedge instruments generally mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation.  Derivative commodity liabilities of ($62.1) million are recorded in Hedging Obligations at December 27, 2008.  Derivative commodity liabilities of ($6.1) million are recorded in Hedging Obligations at December 29, 2007.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($32.9) million net of tax and ($3.8) million net of tax, as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively, was recorded in AOCI.  At December 27, 2008, the Company had an additional ($13.6) million, net of tax, of derivative commodity losses on closed hedge instruments in AOCI that will be realized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings.
 
The Company uses a cash hedging strategy to protect against an increase in the cost of forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions.  As of December 27, 2008, derivative currency liabilities of ($30.8) million are recorded in Hedging Obligations. At December 29, 2007 derivative currency assets (liabilities) of $3.4 million and ($0.1) million were recorded in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Hedging Obligations, respectively.  The unrealized (loss) gain on the effective portion of the contracts of ($20.1) million net of tax and $2.1 million net of tax, as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, was recorded in AOCI. At December 27, 2008, the Company had an additional ($1.6) million, net of tax of derivative currency losses on closed hedge instruments in AOCI that will be realized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings.
 
The Company has LIBOR-based floating rate borrowings, which expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates.  The Company has entered into pay fixed/receive LIBOR-based floating interest rate swaps to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk.  These interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges against forecasted LIBOR-based interest payments.  As of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, an interest rate swap liability of ($49.6) million and ($14.4) million was included in Hedging Obligations, respectively.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($30.7) million and ($8.9) million, net of tax as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007 respectively, was recorded in AOCI.
 
The net AOCI balance of ($98.9) million loss at December 27, 2008 is comprised of ($60.4) million of net current deferred losses expected to be realized in the next year, and ($38.5) million net non-current deferred losses.  The impact of hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for all periods presented.
 
 
Page 24


ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
   
1st Quarter
   
2nd Quarter
   
3rd Quarter
   
4th Quarter
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Sales
  $ 536,343     $ 418,646     $ 606,316     $ 459,795     $ 620,607     $ 449,374     $ 482,983     $ 474,682  
Gross Profit
    122,099       97,227       131,177       103,876       132,797       106,714       114,607       105,536  
Income from
                                                               
Operations
    57,612       47,331       67,494       60,055       65,734       53,375       39,591       45,299  
Net Income
    32,167       26,813       38,076       36,523       36,906       31,239       21,438       24,042  
Earnings Per Share:
                                                               
Basic
    1.03       0.87       1.21       1.15       1.18       1.00       0.68       0.77  
Assuming Dilution
    0.97       0.80       1.14       1.06       1.09       0.92       0.67       0.71  
Weighted Average Number of
                                                         
Shares Outstanding:
                                                               
Basic
    31,317       30,814       31,306       31,547       31,357       31,321       31,393       31,326  
Assuming Dilution
    33,117       33,548       33,526       34,178       33,716       34,104       32,623       33,840  
                                                                 
Net Sales
                                                               
Electrical
    473,793       357,256       541,055       395,643       556,529       389,502       427,265       416,562  
Mechanical
    62,550       61,390       65,261       64,152       64,078       59,872       55,718       58,120  
                                                                 
Income from Operations
                                                               
Electrical
    47,565       39,123       57,894       48,736       56,597       44,167       29,476       37,663  
Mechanical
    10,047       8,208       9,600       11,319       9,137       9,208       10,115       7,636  
 
 
Page 25


MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The management of Regal Beloit Corporation (the “Company”) is responsible for the accuracy and internal consistency of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and footnotes contained in this annual report.
 
The Company’s management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Regal Beloit Corporation operates under a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  The internal accounting control system is evaluated for effectiveness by management and is tested, monitored and revised as necessary.  All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
 
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2008.  In making its assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.  Based on the results of its evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that, as of December 27, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2008 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
 
February 25, 2009
 
 
Page 26


  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Regal Beloit Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Regal Beloit Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ investment, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 27, 2008. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Regal-Beloit Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 27, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 27, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 25, 2009

 
Page 27


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Shares Outstanding and Per Share Data)
 
   
For the Year Ended
       
   
December 27,
   
December 29,
   
December 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net Sales
  $ 2,246,249     $ 1,802,497     $ 1,619,545  
                         
Cost of Sales
    1,745,569       1,389,144       1,230,174  
                         
Gross Profit
    500,680       413,353       389,371  
                         
Operating Expenses
    270,249       207,293       195,354  
                         
Income From Operations
    230,431       206,060       194,017  
                         
Interest Expense
    27,709       22,056       19,886  
                         
Interest Income
    1,479       933       711  
                         
Income Before Taxes & Minority Interest
    204,201       184,937       174,842  
                         
Provision For Income Taxes
    72,225       63,683       62,051  
                         
Income Before Minority Interest
    131,976       121,254       112,791  
                         
Minority Interest in Income, Net of Tax
    3,389       2,907       2,985  
                         
Net Income
  $ 128,587     $ 118,347     $ 109,806  
                         
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
                       
                         
Basic
  $ 4.10     $ 3.79     $ 3.56  
                         
Assuming Dilution
  $ 3.87     $ 3.49     $ 3.28  
                         
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
                       
                         
 Basic
    31,343,330       31,252,145       30,846,854  
                         
Assuming Dilution
    33,250,689       33,920,886       33,504,190  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
Page 28


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
 
ASSETS
 
December 27,
   
December 29,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current Assets:
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 65,250     $ 42,574  
Receivables, less Allowances
               
of $11,145 in 2008 and of $10,734 in 2007
    311,654       297,569  
Inventories
    359,918       318,200  
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
    49,266       35,626  
Deferred Income Tax Benefits
    75,174       34,522  
Total Current Assets
    861,262       728,491  
Property, Plant and Equipment:
               
Land and Improvements
    39,982       31,766  
Buildings and Improvements
    127,018       117,707  
Machinery and Equipment
    457,063       435,792  
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost
    624,063       585,265  
Less - Accumulated Depreciation
    (265,691 )     (245,922 )
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    358,372       339,343  
                 
Goodwill
    672,475       654,261  
Intangible Assets, Net of Amortization
    120,784       129,473  
Other Noncurrent Assets
    10,603       10,679  
Total Assets
  $ 2,023,496     $ 1,862,247  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts Payable
  $ 202,456     $ 183,215  
Dividends Payable
    5,024       4,700  
Accrued Compensation and Employee Benefits
    64,207       55,315  
Other Accrued Expenses
    63,457       57,287  
Hedging Obligations
    80,578       6,071  
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
    15,280       5,332  
Total Current Liabilities
    431,002       311,920  
                 
Long-Term Debt
    561,190       558,918  
Deferred Income Taxes
    71,715       75,055  
Hedging Obligations
    61,958       14,493  
Pension and other Post Retirement Benefits
    43,768       20,742  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    16,881       12,548  
                 
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
    11,654       10,542  
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 9)
               
                 
Shareholders' Investment:
               
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized,
               
32,282,395 issued in 2008,
               
32,105,824 issued in 2007
    323       321  
Additional Paid-In Capital
    342,712       335,452  
Less-Treasury Stock, at cost, 884,100 shares in 2008
               
and 774,100 shares in 2007
    (19,419 )     (15,228 )
Retained Earnings
    644,141       535,304  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (142,429 )     2,180  
Total Shareholders' Investment
    825,328       858,029  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment
  $ 2,023,496     $ 1,862,247  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Page 29

 
REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
 
   
Common Stock $.01 Par Value
   
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained Earnings
   
Unearned Compensation
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
  $ 315     $ 316,426     $ (15,228 )   $ 343,161     $ (657 )   $ 3,979     $ 647,996  
                                                         
Net Income
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 109,806     $ -     $ -     $ 109,806  
Dividends Declared ($.55 per share)
    -       -       -       (16,996 )     -       -       (16,996 )
Reclassification of Unearned Compensation due to adoption
of SFAS 123(R)      
    -       657       -       -       657       -       -  
Stock Options Exercised, including income tax benefit and
share cancellations    
    3       9,801       -       -       -       -       9,804  
Stock-based Compensation
    -       3,572       -       -       -       -       3,572  
Pension and Post Retirement Benefit Adjustment, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       (5,838 )     (5,838 )
Other Comprehensive Income (see detail Comprehensive
Income Statement)
    -       -       -       -       -       1,631       1,631  
Balance, December 30, 2006
  $ 318     $ 329,142     $ (15,228 )   $ 435,971     $ -     $ (228 )   $ 749,975  
                                                         
FIN 48 Cumulative effect adjustment (Note 8)
    -       -       -       (560 )     -       -       (560 )
Adjusted Balance at December 31, 2006   $ 318     $ 329,142     $ (15,228   $ 435,111     $ -     $ (228   $ 749,415  
                                                         
Net Income
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 118,347     $ -     $ -     $ 118,347  
Dividends Declared ($.59 per share)
    -       -       -       (18,454 )     -       -       (18,454 )
Stock Options Exercised, including income tax benefit and
share cancellations
    3       2,469       -       -       -       -       2,472  
Stock-based Compensation
    -       3,841       -       -       -       -       3,841  
Other Comprehensive Income (see detail Comprehensive
Income Statement)
    -       -       -       -       -       2,408       2,408  
Balance, December 29, 2007
  $ 321     $ 335,452     $ (15,228 )   $ 535,304     $ -     $ 2,180     $ 858,029  
                                                         
Net Income
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 128,587     $ -     $ -     $ 128,587  
Dividends Declared ($.63 per share)
    -       -       -       (19,750 )     -       -       (19,750 )
Purchases of 110,000 shares of treasury stock
    -       -       (4,191 )     -       -       -       (4,191 )
Stock Options Exercised, including income tax benefit and
share cancellations
    2       2,680       -       -       -       -       2,682  
Stock-based Compensation
    -       4,580       -       -       -       -       4,580  
 Other Comprehensive Loss (see detail Comprehensive
Income Statement)
    -       -       -       -       -       (144,609     (144,609 ) 
Balance, December 27, 2008
  $ 323     $ 342,712     $ (19,419 )   $ 644,141     $ -     $ (142,429 )   $ 825,328  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
Page 30


 REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
   
For the Year Ended
 
   
December 27,
2008
   
December 29,
2007
   
December 30,
2006
 
Net Income
  $ 128,587     $ 118,347     $ 109,806  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
                       
Pension and Post Retirement benefits net of tax (benefit) expense
                 
of ($8,441), $1,549 and $553
    (13,773 )     2,850       902  
Currency translation adjustments
    (42,484 )     13,135       2,488  
Change in fair value of hedging activities net of tax (benefit)
                       
expense of ($45,570), ($5,924) and $351
    (74,351 )     (9,664 )     572  
Hedging Activities Reclassified into Earnings from Other
                       
Comprehensive Income (Loss) net of tax expense (benefit)
                       
of $733, ($2,398), and ($1,429)
    1,195       (3,913 )     (2,331 )
Deferred Losses on Closed Hedge Contracts, net of tax
                       
benefit of ($9,313)
    (15,196 )     -       -  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (144,609 )     2,408       1,631  
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  $ (16,022 )   $ 120,755     $ 111,437  
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
Page 31


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
   
For the Year Ended
 
   
December 27,
   
December 29,
   
December 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net Income
  $ 128,587     $ 118,347     $ 109,806  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash
                       
Provided from Operating Activities:
                       
Depreciation
    45,963       36,915       30,823  
Amortization
    15,638       9,704       6,859  
Stock-based Compensation
    4,580       3,841       3,572  
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes
    7,903       7,091       5,376  
Minority Interest in Earnings of Subsidiaries
    3,389       2,907       2,985  
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-based Compensation
    (2,463 )     (6,712 )     (3,949 )
Losses (Gains) on Sales of Property, Plant and Equipment
    124       564       (1,889 )
Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisitions:
                       
Receivables
    15,092       1,246       (17,935 )
Inventories
    (8,882 )     18,002       (47,146 )
Accounts Payable
    (22,553 )     20,316       16,969  
Current Liabilities and Other
    (33,179 )     (11,595 )     (11,923 )
Net Cash Provided from Operating Activities
    154,199       200,626       93,548  
                         
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment
    (52,209 )     (36,628 )     (52,545 )
Business Acquisitions,  Net of Cash Acquired
    (49,702 )     (337,643 )     (10,962 )
Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment
    2,238       637       20,189  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (99,673 )     (373,634 )     (43,318 )
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Long-Term Debt Proceeds
    165,200       250,000       8,500  
Net (Payments) Proceeds from Short-Term Borrowings
    (11,820 )     5,000       -  
Payments of Long-Term Debt
    (324 )     (382 )     (1,294 )
Net (Repayments) Proceeds from Commercial Paper Borrowings
    -       (49,000 )     24,000  
Net Repayments Under Revolving Credit Facility
    (162,700 )     (14,500 )     (69,900 )
Proceeds from the Exercise of Stock Options
    2,880       2,190       6,942  
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-based Compensation
    2,463       6,712       3,949  
Financing Fees Paid
    (454 )     (1,706 )     -  
Distributions to Minority Partners
    (3,044 )     (2,741 )     (2,538 )
Purchases of Treasury Stock
    (4,191 )     -       -  
Dividends Paid to Shareholders
    (19,426 )     (18,099 )     (16,627 )
Net Cash (Used in) Provided from Financing Activities
    (31,416 )     177,474       (46,968 )
                         
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH:
    (434 )     1,588       511  
                         
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    22,676       6,054       3,773  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    42,574       36,520       32,747  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 65,250     $ 42,574     $ 36,520  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                 
Cash Paid During the Year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 26,877     $ 20,789     $ 20,185  
Income Taxes
    68,653       50,186       72,694  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
Page 32

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
For The Three Years Ended December 27, 2008
 
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
Regal Beloit Corporation (the “Company”) is a United States-based multinational corporation. The Company reports in two segments, the Electrical segment, with its principal line of business in electric motors and power generation products and the Mechanical segment, with its principal line of business in mechanical products which control motion and torque. The principal markets for the Company’s products and technologies are within the United States.
 
The Company operates on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31.  All fiscal years contained herein were 52 weeks.
 
(2) ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries.  In addition, the Company has a 50/50 joint venture in China that is consolidated as over half of the joint venture sales are to Regal Beloit Corporation owned entities.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
 
Use of Estimates
 
Management’s best estimates of certain amounts are required in preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue upon transfer of title, which generally occurs upon shipment of the product to the customer.  The pricing of products sold is generally supported by customer purchase orders, and accounts receivable collection is reasonably assured at the time of shipment.  Estimated discounts and rebates are recorded as a reduction of sales in the same period revenue is recognized. Product returns and credits are estimated and recorded at the time of shipment based upon historical experience.  Shipping and handling costs are recorded as revenue when billed to the customers.
 
Research and Development
 
The Company performs research and development activities relating to new product development and the improvement of current products.  Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments which are readily convertible to cash, present insignificant risk of changes in value due to interest rate fluctuations and have original or purchased maturities of three months or less.
 
Receivables
 
Receivables are stated at estimated net realizable value.  Receivables are comprised of balances due from customers and other non-trade receivables such as value added tax, employee advances, deposits with vendors and other receivables, net of estimated allowances.  In determining collectability, historical trends are evaluated and specific customer issues are reviewed to arrive at appropriate allowances.
 
Inventories
 
The approximate percentage distribution between major classes of inventory at year end is as follows:
 
             
   
2008
   
2007
 
Raw Material and Work in Process
    29 %     35 %
Finished Goods and Purchased Parts
    71 %     65 %

Inventories are stated at cost, which is not in excess of market. Cost for approximately 63% of the Company's inventory at December 27, 2008 and 71% in 2007, was determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. If all inventories were valued on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, they would have increased by $75.0 million and $47.1 million as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively. Material, labor and factory overhead costs are included in the inventories.
 
The Company reviews it’s inventories for excess and obsolete products or components.  Based on an analysis of historical usage and management’s evaluation of estimated future demand, market conditions and alternative uses for possible excess or obsolete parts, reserves are recorded or changed.
 
 
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Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, Plant and Equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided principally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives (3 to 40 years) of the depreciable assets.  Accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes.  
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles result from the acquisition of existing businesses by the Company.  In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized; however it is tested for impairment at least annually with any resulting adjustment charged to the results of operations.  Amortization of Other Intangibles with definite lives is recorded over the estimated life of the asset.
 
Earnings per Share (EPS)
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed and disclosed under SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”.  Diluted earnings per share is computed based upon earnings applicable to common shares divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the effect of other dilutive securities.  Options for common shares where the exercise price was above the market price have been excluded from the calculation of effect of dilutive securities shown below.  The amount of these shares was 914,050 for 2008, 177,500 for 2007, and -0- for 2006.  The following table reconciles the basic and diluted shares used in the per share calculations for the three years ended December 27, 2008 (in thousands):
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Denominator for basic EPS
 
31,343
 
31,252
 
30,847
Effect on dilutive securities
 
1,908
 
2,669
 
2,657
Denominator for diluted EPS
 
33,251
 
33,921
 
33,504

Retirement Plans
 
Approximately half of our domestic employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans with the remaining employees covered by defined contribution plans.  Most of our foreign employees are covered by government sponsored plans in the countries in which they are employed.  Our obligations under our defined benefit pension plans are determined with the assistance of actuarial firms.  The actuaries make certain assumptions regarding such factors as withdrawal rates and mortality rates.  The actuaries also provide us with information and recommendations from which management makes further assumptions on such factors as the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate on benefit obligations and where applicable, the rate of annual compensation increases.
 
Based upon the assumptions made, the investments made by the plans, overall conditions and movement in financial markets, particularly the stock market and how actual withdrawal rates, life-spans of benefit recipients and other factors differ from assumptions, annual expenses and recorded assets or liabilities of these defined benefit plans may change significantly from year to year.  Based on our annual review of actuarial assumptions as well as historical rates of return on plan assets and existing long-term bond rates, we set the long-term rate of return on plan assets at 8.25% and an average discount rate at approximately 6.9% for our defined benefit pension plans as of December 27, 2008.  (See also Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Income Taxes
 
We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular examinations by various U.S. Federal, state and foreign jurisdictions for various tax periods.  Our income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which we do business.  Due to the subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in tax laws between those jurisdictions as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
For those operations using a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ investment.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
 
Property, Plant and Equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  The Company assesses these assets for impairment when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying value.  If we determine an asset is impaired, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds fair value.  Such analyses necessarily involve significant estimates.
 
 
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Product Warranty Reserves
 
The Company maintains reserves for product warranty to cover the stated warranty periods for its products. Such reserves are established based on an evaluation of historical warranty experience and specific significant warranty matters when they become known and can reasonably be estimated.
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments and pension liability adjustments are included in shareholder’s investment under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The components of the ending balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income are as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
 
Translation adjustments
  $ (21,204 )   $ 21,280  
Hedging activities, net of tax
    (98,932 )     (10,580 )
Pension and post retirement benefits, net of tax
    (22,293 )     (8,520 )
Total
  $ (142,429 )   $ 2,180  

Derivative Instruments
 
SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended, requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and establishes criteria for designation and effectiveness of the hedging relationships.  Any fair value changes are recorded in net earnings or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
 
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in certain raw material commodity pricing, fluctuations in the cost of forecasted foreign currency transactions, and variability in interest rate exposure on floating rate borrowings. These derivative instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges.   (See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Legal and Environmental Claims
 
The Company records expenses and liabilities when the Company believes that an obligation of the Company on a specific matter is probable and there is a basis to reasonably estimate the value of the obligation. This methodology is used for environmental matters and legal claims that are filed against the Company from time to time. The uncertainty that is associated with such matters frequently requires adjustments to the liabilities previously recorded.
 
Life Insurance Policies
 
The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain officers and management which name the Company as beneficiary. The total face value of these policies was $10.7 million at December 27, 2008 and $10.6 million at December 29, 2007. The cash surrender value, net of policy loans, was $2.9 million and $2.3 million at December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively, and is included as a component of Other Noncurrent Assets.
 
Fair Values
 
The fair values of cash equivalents, receivables, inventories, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses approximate the carrying values due to the short period of time to maturity.  The fair value of long-term debt is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates, except for the convertible senior subordinated debt discussed in Note 5, and the fair value of derivative instruments is determined based on quotes.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In May 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that May Be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“APB 14-1”), which requires that convertible debt securities, that upon conversion may be settled by the issuer fully or partially in cash, be split into a debt and equity component.  APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2008 and must be applied retroactively to all past periods presented.  The Company will adopt APB 14-1 upon its effective date, which will have a material impact on the reported values of debt and equity. The adoption of APB 14-1 will reduce historical diluted earnings per share from 2004 through 2008 by approximately $.07 to $.09 per share. The 2009 impact of APB 14-1 is a reduction of diluted earnings of approximately $.02 per share.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”).  FSP 142-3 intends to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations”, which is effective for fiscal years (and interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2008.  We will adopt the new standard in our financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
 
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In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”), which requires expanded disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities.  SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with earlier adoption permitted.  We will adopt the new standard in our financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 141 (Revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R), effective prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase and accounting for transaction costs.  Additionally, SFAS 141R determines what information must be disclosed to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  The Company will adopt SFAS 141R upon its effective date as appropriate for any future business combinations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51. SFAS 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests (NCI) and classified as a component of equity.  This new consolidation method will significantly change the accounting for transactions with minority interest holders.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  We will adopt the new standard in our financial statements and related disclosures beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements.  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company is eligible for the delay as it had not previously adopted SFAS 157.  The Company chose to partially adopt SFAS 157, as permitted (see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). On October 10, 2008 the FASB issued FSP 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active (“FSP 157-3”), which amends SFAS 157 by incorporating “an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset.” We believe that our valuations of financial assets at December 27, 2008 reflect the considerations of FSP 157-3.
 
(3) ACQUISITIONS
 
The results of operations for acquired businesses are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the dates of acquisition.  The following acquisitions for 2008 and 2007 were not considered to be material business combinations.
 
2008 Acquisitions
 
On April 25, 2008 the Company acquired Joyce Court Holdings Ltd. and Grand Delight Investments Ltd., sole shareholders of Wuxi Hwada Motor Co. and Wuxi New Hwada Motor Co. (collectively “Hwada”) located in Wuxi, China.  Hwada is a leading designer and manufacturer of Integral IEC and NEMA electric motors, which are used in various industrial applications such as compressor, pump, paper and steel processing and power plants.  Approximately 50% of Hwada’s product sales are in the China industrial markets.  The business is reported as part of the Company’s Electrical segment.
 
On September 30, 2008, the Company acquired Dutchi Motors B.V.  (“Dutchi”) located in Arnhem, The Netherlands.  Dutchi is a leading distributor of industrial motors in Western and Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia and the Middle East.  Dutchi is one of the largest distributors of the Company’s Hwada motor products, which was purchased in April, 2008.  The Dutchi business is reported as part of the Company’s Electrical segment.
 
The purchase price allocations for the Hwada and Dutchi acquisitions totaled $54.0 million, net of cash acquired and are preliminary, pending the finalization of working capital adjustments, fair valuations and further analysis of contingencies. Additionally, under the terms of the Hwada acquisition, the Company will pay to the seller up to $8.5 million received in the future upon the sale of certain real property rights owned by Hwada.  The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was assigned to goodwill.  Adjustments to the estimated fair values may be recorded during the allocation period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition.
 
 
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2007 Acquisitions
 
On August 31, 2007, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets comprising the commercial and industrial division of the Fasco Motor business (“Fasco”) from Tecumseh Products, Inc. and certain of its affiliates.  On August 31, 2007, the Company also separately acquired the stock of Jakel Incorporated (“Jakel”).  Both of the acquired businesses manufacture and market motors and blower systems for a variety of air moving applications including alternative fuel systems, water heaters, heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and other commercial products.
 
The acquisitions of Fasco and Jakel extend our product offerings, strengthen our management team, and provide opportunities for synergies and cost savings.  The results of operations of Fasco and Jakel are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on September 1, 2007 as part of the Electrical segment.
 
On October 12, 2007, the Company acquired Morrill Motors (“Morrill”).  The acquired business is a leading designer and manufacturer of fractional horsepower motors and components for the commercial refrigeration and freezer markets.  Included in the motor offering are technology based variable speed products.  The purchase price was paid in cash, subject to final working capital and other customary post close adjustments.  The results of operations for Morrill are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on October 13, 2007 as part of the Electrical segment.
 
On October 29, 2007, the Company acquired Alstom motors and fans business (“Alstom”) in India.  The business is located in Kolkata, India and manufactures and markets a full range of low and medium voltage industrial motors and fans for the industrial and process markets in India.  Alstom is noted for high quality process duty motors with a full range from 1 to 3500 hp.  The purchase price was paid in cash.  The results of operations of Alstom are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning on October 30, 2007 as part of the Electrical segment.
 
The purchase price allocations for the Fasco, Jakel, Morrill and Alstom acquisitions have been finalized during 2008.  The combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, was $331.1 million. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was assigned to goodwill.
 
The Company’s summarized unaudited proforma results of operations as if the four 2007 acquisitions had been effective at the beginning of fiscal 2006 are as follows (in thousands, except earnings per share):
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net Sales
  $ 2,113,947     $ 2,109,008  
Income Before Taxes
    193,449       173,971  
Net Income
    123,937       109,244  
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock-Assuming Dilution
  $ 3.65     $ 3.26  

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of the 2007 acquisitions as of the date of acquisition.
 
(In millions)
     
Current Assets
  $ 133.1  
Property, Plant and Equipment
    88.8  
Intangible Assets subject to Amortization (11 year weighted-average useful life)
    92.4  
Other Noncurrent Assets
    1.0  
Goodwill
    107.6  
Total Assets Acquired
  $ 422.9  
Liabilities
  $ 80.9  
Deferred Taxes
    10.9  
Total Liabilities Assumed
  $ 91.8  
Net Assets Acquired
  $ 331.1  
 
(4) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
Goodwill
 
SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” establishes financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets.  The Company has elected to perform its annual test for impairment during the fourth quarter. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of the reporting units and based upon reasonable assumptions of cash flows and cost of capital, concluded that there continues to be no impairment of goodwill.
 
During 2008, the Company finalized the goodwill related to the four 2007 acquisitions.  Adjustments during the preliminary period included final valuations of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other contingencies.
 
 
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As described above in Note 3 the Consolidated Financial Statements, during 2008 the Company acquired two separate businesses, Hwada Motors and Dutchi Motors.  The purchase price allocations are preliminary, pending the finalization of working capital, fair valuations and further analysis of contingencies.  The excess of purchase price over estimated fair value was assigned to goodwill.  Adjustments to the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired may be recorded during the allocation period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition.  A preliminary allocation of $22.5 million was included in goodwill at December 27, 2008 related to the two 2008 acquisitions.
 
The Company believes that substantially all of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The following information presents changes to goodwill during the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
   
Electrical
Segment
   
Mechanical
Segment
   
Total
Company
 
Balance, December 30, 2006
  $ 545,622     $ 530     $ 546,152  
Net Acquisitions and Fair Value Adjustments
    107,945       -       107,945  
Translation Adjustments
    164       -       164  
Balance, December 29, 2007
  $ 653,731     $ 530     $ 654,261  
Net Acquisitions and Fair Value Adjustments
    21,201       -       21,201  
Translation Adjustments
    (2,987 )     -       (2,987 )
Balance, December 27, 2008
  $ 671,945     $ 530     $ 672,475  

Intangible Assets
 
The preliminary amortizable intangible assets related to the two 2008 acquisitions (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) are included below.
 
Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

Gross Intangibles
 
Asset Description
 
Useful Life
(years)
 
December 29, 2007
 
Net Acquisitions
and Fair Value
Adjustments
   
Translation Adjustments
 
December 27, 2008
 
Non-Compete Agreements
    5     $ 5,588     $ -     $ 179     $ 5,767  
Trademarks
    3 - 21       18,887       745       (142 )     19,490  
Patents
    10       15,410       -       -       15,410  
Engineering Drawings
    10       1,200       -       -       1,200  
Customer Relationships
    10 - 15       84,572       9,348       (1,287 )     92,633  
Technology
    6 - 11       27,474       (1,742 )     (293 )     25,439  
Total Gross Intangibles
          $ 153,131     $ 8,351     $ (1,543 )   $ 159,939  
                                         
Accumulated Amortization
 
Asset Description
 
Useful Life
(years)
 
December 29, 2007
 
Amortization
   
Translation Adjustments
 
December 27, 2008
 
Non-Compete Agreements
    5     $ (2,540 )   $ (1,147 )   $ (68 )   $ (3,755 )
Trademarks
    3 - 21       (4,752 )     (1,300 )     26       (6,026 )
Patents
    10       (4,648 )     (1,542 )     -       (6,190 )
Engineering Drawings
    10       (367 )     (120 )     -       (487 )
Customer Relationships
    10 - 15       (10,325 )     (8,451 )     151       (18,625 )
Technology
    6 - 11       (1,026 )     (3,186 )     140       (4,072 )
Total Accumulated Amortization
          $ (23,658 )   $ (15,746 )   $ 249     $ (39,155 )
                                         
Intangible Assets, Net of Amortization
    $ 129,473                     $ 120,784  

Estimated Amortization (in millions)
 
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
$ 14.4
$ 13.7
$ 13.3
$ 13.0
$ 13.0
 
 
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(5)  DEBT AND BANK CREDIT FACILITIES
 
The Company’s indebtedness as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007 was as follows (in thousands):
 
   
December 27,
   
December 29,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Senior notes
  $ 250,000     $ 250,000  
Term Loan
    165,000       -  
Revolving credit facility
    20,000       182,700  
Convertible senior subordinated debt
    115,000       115,000  
Other
    26,470       16,550  
      576,470       564,250  
Less:  Current maturities
    (15,280 )     (5,332 )
Non-current portion
  $ 561,190     $ 558,918  

During 2007, in a private placement exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company issued and sold $250.0 million of senior notes (the “Notes”).  The Notes were sold pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and among the Company and the purchasers of the Notes.  The Notes were issued and sold in two series:  $150.0 million in Floating Rate Series 2007A Senior Notes, Tranche A, due August 23, 2014, and $100.0 million in Floating Rate Series 2007A Senior Notes, Tranche B, due August 23, 2017.  The Notes bear interest at a margin over the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) .  These interest rates also vary as LIBOR varies.  The Agreement permits the Company to issue and sell additional note series, subject to certain terms and conditions described in the Agreement, up to a total of $600.0 million in combined Notes.
 
On June 16, 2008, the Company entered into a Term Loan Agreement (“Term Loan”) with certain financial institutions, whereby the Company borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $165.0 million. The Term Loan matures in June 2013, and borrowings generally bear interest at a variable rate equal to (i) a margin over LIBOR, which margin varies depending on whether certain criteria are satisfied, or (ii) the alternate base rate as defined in the agreement.  At December 27, 2008, the interest rate of 3.2% was based on a margin over LIBOR.  The proceeds from the Term Loan were used to reduce the balance on the Company’s revolving credit facility.
 
The Company’s $500.0 million revolving credit facility (“the Facility”) permits the Company to borrow at interest rates (1.2% at December 27, 2008) based upon a margin above LIBOR, which margin varies with the ratio of senior funded debt to EBITDA as defined in the Facility.  These interest rates also vary as LIBOR varies.  We pay a commitment fee on the unused amount of the Facility, which also varies with the ratio of our senior funded debt to our EBITDA.
 
There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at December 27, 2008 or December 29, 2007.  Total commercial paper outstanding cannot exceed $50.0 million under the terms of the Facility.  The Facility provides the liquidity backstop for outstanding commercial paper.  Accordingly, the combined outstanding balances of the Facility and commercial paper cannot exceed $500.0 million.
 
The average balance outstanding under the Facility in 2008 was $83.4 million and in 2007 was $182.0 million.  The average interest rate paid under the Facility was 2.9% in 2008 and 5.7% in 2007.  The Company also paid an unused commitment fee under the Facility.  The Company had $469.6 million of available borrowing capacity under the Facility at December 27, 2008.
 
The Notes, the Term Loan and the Facility require us to meet specified financial ratios and to satisfy certain financial condition tests.  We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 27, 2008.
 
In August, 2007 the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk.  (See also Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
As part of the 2008 acquisition of Hwada (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), the Company assumed $21.6 million of short term notes payable to banks. At December 27, 2008, the balance of Hwada notes payable was approximately $11.0 million, and the weighted average interest rate was 6.2%.
 

The Company, at December 27, 2008, also had $115.0 million of convertible senior subordinated notes outstanding, which were issued on April 5, 2004.  The notes, which are unsecured and due in 2024, bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.75%  for five years, and may increase thereafter at ..25% of the average trading price of a note if certain conditions are met.  The Company may not call the notes for five years, and the note holders may only put the notes back to theCompany at approximately the 5th, 10th and 15th year anniversaries of the issuance of the notes.  In  2004, the Company amended the indenture to eliminate its option to issue stock upon a conversion request, and require the Company to pay only cash up to the $115.0 million par value of the notes.  The Company retained the option to either pay cash, issue its stock or a combination thereof, for value above par, which is above the $25.56 stock conversion price.  The fair value of these notes at December 27, 2008 was approximately $154.0 million as compared to the fair value at December 29, 2007 of $204.1 million.  In the table below, the maturity of these convertible notes is shown in 2012 as they may be converted based on a formula related to our stock price, but are not considered current as our Facility provides sufficient long term liquidity to repay any notes put back to the Company by their holders.
 
 
Page 39

 
At December 27, 2008 a foreign subsidiary of the Company had outstanding short-term borrowings of $4.1 million, denominated in local currency with a weighted average interest rate of 3.4%. At December 29, 2007, this foreign subsidiary of the Company had outstanding borrowings of $5.0 million denominated in U.S. dollars.  The borrowings were made under a $15.0 million unsecured credit facility which expired in December 2008.
 
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):
 
Year
     
2009
  $ 15,280  
2010
    183  
2011
    165  
2012
    135,304  
2013
    165,318  
Thereafter
    260,220  
Total
  $ 576,470  
 
(6)  RETIREMENT PLANS
 
The Company has a number of retirement plans that cover most of its domestic employees. Most foreign employees are covered by government sponsored plans in the countries in which they are employed.  The domestic employee plans include defined contribution plans and defined benefit pension plans. The defined contribution plans provide for Company contributions based, depending on the plan, upon one or more of participant contributions, service and profits. Company contributions to defined contribution plans totaled $4.8 million, $3.8 million and $3.3 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Benefits provided under defined benefit pension plans are based, depending on the plan, on employees’ average earnings and years of credited service, or a benefit multiplier times years of service. Funding of these qualified defined benefit pension plans is in accordance with federal laws and regulations.  The actuarial valuation measurement date for pension plans is as of fiscal year end for all periods.
 
The Company’s defined benefit pension assets are invested in equity securities and fixed income investments based on the Company’s overall strategic investment direction as follows:
 
   
Target
 
   
Allocation
   
Return
 
Equity investments
    75 %     9-10 %
Fixed income
    25 %     5.5-6.5 %
Total
    100 %     8.25 %

The Company’s investment strategy for its defined benefit pension plans is to achieve moderately aggressive growth, earning a long-term rate of return sufficient to allow the plans to reach fully funded status. Accordingly, allocation targets have been established to fit this strategy, with a heavier long-term weighting of investments in equity securities. The long-term rate of return assumptions consider historic returns and volatilities adjusted for changes in overall economic conditions that may affect future returns and a weighting of each investment class.
 
The defined benefit pension plan assets were invested as follows:
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Equity investments
    74 %     76 %
Fixed income
    26 %     24 %
Total
    100 %     100 %

As of December 30, 2006 the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.”
 
 
Page 40


The following table presents a reconciliation of the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
           
Obligation at beginning of period
  $ 100,205     $ 86,268  
Service cost
    4,051       4,019  
Interest cost
    5,831       5,877  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    184       (4,520 )
Plan amendments
    (2,844 )     1,313  
Benefits paid
    (4,306 )     (3,993 )
Foreign currency translation
    (2,927 )     105  
Other - acquired plan
    2,845       11,136  
Obligation at end of period
  $ 103,039     $ 100,205  
                 
Change in fair value of plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
  $ 78,285     $ 61,901  
Actual return on plan assets
    (20,822 )     5,898  
Employer contributions
    4,793       3,343  
Benefits paid
    (4,306 )     (3,993 )
Foreign currency translation
    (2,634 )     -  
Other - acquired plan
    2,747       11,136  
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
  $ 58,063     $ 78,285  
                 
Funded status
  $ (44,976 )   $ (21,920 )

In accordance with SFAS No. 158, the Company recognized the funded status of its defined benefit pension plans on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Other Accrued Expenses
  $ (1,208 )   $ (1,178 )
Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits
    (43,768 )     (20,742 )
    $ (44,976 )   $ (21,920 )
                 
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 34,240     $ 11,651  
Prior service cost
    1,719       2,132  
    $ 35,959     $ 13,783  

The 2006 after tax adjustment for additional minimum pension liability resulted in other comprehensive income of $.9 million.
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $98.2 million and $90.0 million at December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively.
 
The following table presents information for defined benefit pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets (in thousands):
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 103,039     $ 32,257  
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 98,172     $ 27,092  
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 58,063     $ 11,147  

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the projected benefit obligation at year end:
 
   
2008
 
2007
Discount rate
 
6.86%
to
6.95%
 
6.36%
to
6.68%
Expected long-term rate of return of assets
     
8.25%
     
8.25%

 
Certain of our defined benefit pension plan obligations are based on years of service rather than on projected compensation percentage increases.  For those plans that use compensation increases in the calculation of benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost, the Company used an assumed rate of compensation increase of 3.0% for the years ended December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007.
 
 
Page 41


Net periodic pension benefit costs for the defined benefit pension plans were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Service cost
  $ 4,051     $ 4,019     $ 9,043  
Interest cost
    5,831       5,877       4,425  
Expected return on plan assets
    (5,482 )     (5,802 )     (4,903 )
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    716       954       1,108  
Amortization of prior service cost
    199       214       128  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 5,315     $ 5,262     $ 9,801  
 
For the year ended December 27, 2008, the net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that was amortized into periodic pension benefit cost was $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
 
The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the 2009 fiscal year are $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
 
As permitted under paragraph 26 of SFAS No. 87, the amortization of any prior service cost is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plans.
 
The following assumptions were used to determine net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 27, 2008, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Discount rate
6.36%
to
6.68%
 
5.89%
to
6.00%
 
5.75%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
   
8.25%
     
8.5%
 
8.75%

The Company estimates that in 2009, it will make contributions in the amount of $12.8 million to fund its defined benefit pension plans.
 
The following pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in millions):
 
 
Year
 
Expected
Payments
 
2009
  $ 4.7  
2010
    5.0  
2011
    5.6  
2012
    5.9  
2013
    7.5  
 2014-2018
  $ 43.2  

(7)   SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
Under SFAS 123(R), the Company recognized approximately $4.6 million, $3.8 million and $3.6 million in share-based compensation expense in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Company recognizes compensation expense on grants of share-based compensation awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of each award.  As of December 27, 2008, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was approximately $11.0 million, net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.  The total income tax benefit recognized relating to share-based compensation for the year ended December 27, 2008 was approximately $2.5 million.
 
On April 20, 2007, shareholders approved the 2007 Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”), which authorized an additional 2.5 million shares for issuance under the 2007 Plan.  Under the 2007 Plan and the Company’s 2003 and 1998 stock plans, the Company was authorized as of December 27, 2008 to deliver up to 5.0 million shares of common stock upon exercise of non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options, or upon grant or in payment of stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock.  Approximately 2.4 million shares were available for future grant or payment under the various plans at December 27, 2008.
 
On April 20, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation that increased the number of shares of common stock that the Company is authorized to issue from 50.0 million shares to 100.0 million shares.  Each authorized share is accompanied by one Common Stock Purchase Right.
 
 
Page 42


Share-based Incentive Awards
 
The Company uses several forms of share-based incentive awards including non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options and stock appreciation rights (SAR’s).  All grants are made at prices equal to the fair market value of the stock on the grant dates, and expire ten years from the grant date.
 
The per share weighted average fair value of share-based incentive awards granted (options and SAR’s) was $14.68 and $17.13 for the years ended December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively.  The fair value of the awards for the years ended December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007 were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions; expected life of seven years; risk-free interest rate of 3.7% and 4.6%; expected dividend yield of 1.4% and 1.2%; and expected volatility of 32.0% and 31.9%, respectively.
 
The average risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury security rates in effect as of the grant date.  The expected dividend yield is based on the projected annual dividend as a percentage of the estimated market value of our common stock as of the grant date.  The Company estimated the expected volatility using a weighted average of daily historical volatility of our stock price over the expected term of the award.  The Company estimated the expected term using historical data adjusted for the estimated exercise dates of unexercised awards.
 
Following is a summary of share-based incentive plan grant activity (options and SAR’s) for the three fiscal years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
Shares
   
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price
   
Wtd. Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)
 
Number of shares under option:
                       
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
    1,798,317     $ 23.27              
Granted
    287,750       38.17              
Exercised
    (453,142 )     20.70              
Forfeited
    (30,200 )     24.75              
Outstanding at December 30, 2006
    1,602,725       26.64       5.2     $ 35.2  
Exercisable at December 30, 2006
    956,016       23.16       3.3       28.1  
                                 
Outstanding at December 30, 2006
    1,602,725     $ 26.64                  
Granted
    315,750       46.24                  
Exercised
    (424,850 )     24.20                  
Forfeited
    (8,850 )     47.01                  
Outstanding at December 29, 2007
    1,484,775       31.40       5.9     $ 20.6  
Exercisable at December 29, 2007
    741,108       24.03       4.6       15.5  
                                 
Outstanding at December 29, 2007
    1,484,775     $ 31.40                  
Granted
    306,000       42.30                  
Exercised
    (329,000 )     23.77                  
Forfeited
    (18,150 )     35.35                  
Outstanding at December 27, 2008
    1,443,625       35.46       7.1     $ 5.3  
Exercisable at December 27, 2008
    660,792       27.82       5.6       4.9  

The amount of options expected to vest is materially consistent with those outstanding and not yet exercisable.
 
The table below presents share-based compensation activity for the three fiscal years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in millions):
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
  $ 6.3     $ 9.6     $ 11.4  
Cash received from stock option exercises
    2.9       2.2       6.9  
Income tax benefit from the exercise of stock options
    2.5       6.7       3.9  
Total fair value of stock options vested
    6.5       6.8       7.5  
 
 
Page 43


Restricted Stock
 
The Company also granted restricted stock awards to certain employees.  The Company restrictions lapse two to three years after the date of the grant.  The Company values restricted stock awards at the closing market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
 
A summary of restricted stock activity for the three fiscal years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006:
 
   
Shares
   
Wtd. Avg.
Share
Fair Value
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)
 
Restricted stock balance at December 31, 2005:
    44,175     $ 26.72     $ 1.2  
Granted
    49,500       37.31       4.2  
Restricted stock balance at December 30, 2006:
    93,675     $ 32.31     $ 5.4  
Granted
    35,750       42.03       1.7  
Vested
    (33,975 )     25.76       (3.3 )
Restricted stock balance at December 29, 2007:
    95,450     $ 38.27     $ 3.8  
Granted
    32,850       42.28       1.4  
Vested
    (10,200 )     29.75       (0.3 )
Restricted stock balance at December 27, 2008:
    118,100     $ 41.72     $ 4.9  

Shareholders’ Rights Plan
 
On January 28, 2000, the Board of Directors approved a Shareholders’ Rights Plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to this Plan, one common share purchase right is included with each outstanding share of common stock. In the event the rights become exercisable, each right will initially entitle its holder to buy one-half of one share of the Company’s common stock at a price of $60 per share (equivalent to $30 per one-half share), subject to adjustment. The rights will become exercisable if a person or group acquires, or announces an offer for, 15% or more of the Company’s common stock.  In this event, each right will thereafter entitle the holder to purchase, at the right’s then-current exercise price, common stock of the Company or, depending on the circumstances, common stock of the acquiring corporation having a market value of twice the full share exercise price. The rights may be redeemed by the Company at a price of one-tenth of one cent per right at any time prior to the time a person or group acquires 15% or more, of the Company’s common stock.   The rights expire on January 28, 2010 unless otherwise extended.
 
Treasury Stock
 
The Board of Directors has approved repurchase programs of up to 3,000,000 common shares of Company stock. Management is authorized to effect purchases from time to time in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Through December 27, 2008, the Company has repurchased 884,100 shares at an average purchase price of $21.96 per share.  During the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008 the Company repurchased 110,000 shares for a total cost of $4.2 million.
 
(8)   INCOME TAXES
 
Income before income taxes and minority interest consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
United States
  $ 170,075     $ 153,140     $ 152,244  
Foreign
    34,126       31,797       22,598  
Total
  $ 204,201     $ 184,937     $ 174,842  

The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Current
                 
   Federal
  $ 45,187     $ 44,666     $ 45,756  
   State
    7,795       5,255       5,844  
   Foreign
    11,340       6,671       5,075  
      64,322       56,592       56,675  
Deferred
    7,903       7,091       5,376  
Total
  $ 72,225     $ 63,683     $ 62,051  

 
Page 44


A reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate reflected in the consolidated statements of income follows:
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Federal statutory tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    2.6       2.0       2.2  
Domestic production activities deduction
    (0.9 )     (1.0 )     (0.6 )
Other, net
    (1.3 )     (1.6 )     (1.1 )
Effective tax rate
    35.4 %     34.4 %     35.5 %

Deferred taxes arise primarily from differences in amounts reported for tax and financial statement purposes.  The Company’s net deferred tax assets as of December 27, 2008 of $3.5 million is classified on the consolidated balance sheet as a net current deferred income tax benefit of $75.2 million and a net non-current deferred income tax liability of $71.7 million.  The components of this net deferred tax assets (liability) are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
December 27,
2008
   
December 29,
2007
 
Accrued employee benefits
  $ 29,697     $ 19,108  
Bad debt reserve
    3,078       1,931  
Warranty reserve
    3,085       2,844  
Inventory
    6,506       3,044  
Derivative instruments
    63,347       6,484  
Other
    12,080       9,158  
Deferred tax assets
    117,793       42,569  
                 
Property related
    (39,155 )     (26,239 )
Intangible items
    (61,022 )     (46,054 )
Convertible debt interest
    (14,157 )     (10,644 )
Other
    -       (165 )
Deferred tax liabilities
    (114,334 )     (83,102 )
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ 3,459     $ (40,533 )
 
Following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):
 
   
December 27,
2008
   
December 29,
2007
 
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year
  $ 6.8     $ 6.3  
Gross increases - tax positions in prior periods
    -       0.2  
Gross increases - tax positions in the current period
    0.3       0.3  
Unrecognized tax benefits end of year
  $ 7.1     $ 6.8  

Of the $7.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits at the end of 2008, approximately $3.5 million would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized.
 
Potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense.  During the years ended December 27, 2008, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, the Company recognized approximately $.2 million, $.3 million and $.6 million in net interest expense, respectively.  The Company had approximately $1.1 million and $.9 million of accrued interest included in the tax contingency reserve as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively.
 
Due to statute expirations, approximately $5.2 million of the unrecognized tax benefits, including accrued interest, could reasonably change in the coming year.
 
With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state/local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004, and the Company is not material.
 
The Company has approximately $3.4 million of Net Operating Losses in various jurisdictions which expire over a period up to 15 years.
 
At December 27, 2008 the estimated amount of total unremitted non-U.S. subsidiary earnings was $50.7 million.  No U.S. deferred taxes have been provided on the undistributed non-U.S. subsidiary earnings because they are considered to be permanently invested.
 
 
Page 45


(9)   CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
 
On December 18, 2008, the Company entered into a consent decree with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) to resolve the matters alleged by the U.S. EPA in an action filed against the Company in April 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois seeking reimbursement of the U.S. EPA’s unreimbursed past and future remediation costs incurred in cleaning up an environmental site located near a former manufacturing facility of the Company in Illinois. The Company does not believe that it is a potentially responsible party with respect to the site in question and did not admit any fault or liability in the consent decree with respect to the allegations made by the U.S. EPA in this matter. Under the terms of the consent decree, the U.S. EPA withdrew the action filed against the Company and the Company agreed to make a monetary payment, which included contributions from other involved parties. The payment to be made by the Company is not material.
 
The Company is, from time to time, party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations, including product warranty and liability claims, contract disputes and environmental, asbestos, employment and other litigation matters.  The Company’s products are used in a variety of industrial, commercial and residential applications that subject us to claims that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage. The Company accrues for anticipated costs in defending against such lawsuits in amounts that we believe are adequate, and the Company does not believe that the outcome of any such lawsuit will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations.
 
The Company recognizes the cost associated with its standard warranty on its products at the time of sale. The amount recognized is based on historical experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs for 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 9,872     $ 6,300  
Acquisitions
    316       4,089  
Payments
    (7,431 )     (6,583 )
Provision
    8,268       6,066  
Translation
    (3 )     -  
Balance, end of year
  $ 11,022     $ 9,872  

(10)   LEASES AND RENTAL COMMITMENTS
 
Rental expenses charged to operations amounted to $16.3 million in 2008, $13.3 million in 2007 and $7.5 million in 2006. The Company has future minimum rental commitments under operating leases as shown in the following table:
 
Year
 
(In Millions)
 
2009
  $ 16.0  
2010
    11.3  
2011
    8.1  
2012
    7.0  
2013
    3.6  
Thereafter
    3.8  
 
(11)  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The Company periodically enters into commodity hedging transactions to reduce the impact of changing prices for certain commodities such as copper and aluminum based upon forecasted purchases of such commodities.  These transactions are designated as cash flow hedges and the contract terms of commodity hedge instruments generally mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation.  At December 27, 2008 the Company has commodity cash flow hedges outstanding up to February, 2010. Derivative commodity liabilities of ($62.1) million are recorded in Hedging Obligations at December 27, 2008.  Derivative commodity liabilities of ($6.1) million are recorded in Hedging Obligations at December 29, 2007.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($32.9) million net of tax and ($3.8) million net of tax, as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively, was recorded in AOCI.  At December 27, 2008, the Company had an additional ($13.6) million, net of tax, of derivative commodity losses on closed hedge instruments in AOCI that will be realized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings.
 
The Company uses a cash hedging strategy to protect against an increase in the cost of forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions.  At December 27, 2008 the Company has currency cash flow hedges outstanding up to December, 2011. As of December 27, 2008, derivative currency liabilities of ($30.8) million are recorded in Hedging Obligations.  At December 29, 2007 derivative currency assets (liabilities) of $3.4 million and ($0.1) million were recorded in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets and Hedging Obligations, respectively. The unrealized(loss) gain on the effective portion of the contracts of ($20.1) million net of tax and $2.1 million net of tax, as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, was recorded in AOCI. At December 27, 2008, the Company had an additional ($1.6) million, net of tax, of derivative currency losses on closed hedge instruments in AOCI that will be realized in earnings when the hedged items impact earnings.
 
 
Page 46

 
The Company has LIBOR-based floating rate borrowings, which expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates.  The Company has entered into pay fixed/receive LIBOR-based floating interest rate swaps to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk.  These interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges against forecasted LIBOR-based interest payments.
 
Details regarding the instruments, as of December 27, 2008, are as follows:
 
 
 
Instrument
 
 
Notional
Amount
 
 
 
Maturity
 
 
Rate
Paid
 
 
 
Rate Received
 
 
Fair Value
  (Loss)
Swap
 
$150.0 million
 
August 23, 2014
 
5.3%
 
LIBOR (3 month)
 
($25.4) million
Swap
 
$100.0 million
 
August 23, 2017
 
5.4%
 
LIBOR (3 month)
 
($24.2) million

As of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, an interest rate swap liability of ($49.6) million and ($14.4) million was included in Hedging Obligations, respectively.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($30.7) million and ($8.9) million, net of tax as of December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007 respectively, was recorded in AOCI.
 
The net AOCI balance of ($98.9) million loss at December 27, 2008 is comprised of ($60.4) million of net current deferred losses expected to be realized in the next year, and ($38.5) million net non-current deferred losses.
 
(12) FAIR VALUE
 
The implementation of SFAS 157 “Fair Value Measurements” for financial assets and financial liabilities, on December 30, 2007, the first day of the 2008 fiscal year, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.  The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
 
SFAS 157, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  SFAS 157 classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:
 
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
   
Level 2
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or
   
 
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
   
 
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
   
Level 3
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

The Company uses the best available information in measuring fair value.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The Company has determined that our financial assets and liabilities are level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  Following are the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 27, 2008 (in millions):
 
Liabilities
     
Hedging Obligations - current
     
Derivative currency contracts
  $ 18.8  
Derivative commodity contracts
    61.8  
Hedging Obligations – long term
       
Derivative currency contracts
  $ 12.0  
Derivative commodity contracts
    0.3  
Interest rate swaps
    49.6  
 
 
Page 47


(13)  INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The following sets forth certain financial information attributable to our business segments for the fiscal years ended 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively:
 
                               
(In Thousands)
 
   
Net Sales
   
Income From
Operations
   
Identifiable
Assets
   
Capital
Expenditures
   
Depreciation
and
Amortization
 
2008
                             
Electrical
  $ 1,998,642     $ 191,532     $ 1,896,959     $ 45,186     $ 56,337  
Mechanical
    247,607       38,899       126,537       7,023       5,264  
Total
  $ 2,246,249     $ 230,431     $ 2,023,496     $ 52,209     $ 61,601  
                                         
2007
                                       
Electrical
  $ 1,558,963     $ 169,689     $ 1,747,213     $ 31,675     $ 41,604  
Mechanical
    243,534       36,371       115,034       4,953       5,015  
Total
  $ 1,802,497     $ 206,060     $ 1,862,247     $ 36,628     $ 46,619  
                                         
2006
                                       
Electrical
  $ 1,392,583     $ 165,323     $ 1,309,916     $ 46,028     $ 32,715  
Mechanical
    226,962       28,694       127,643       6,517       4,967  
Total
  $ 1,619,545     $ 194,017     $ 1,437,559     $ 52,545     $ 37,682  

Our Electrical segment manufactures and markets AC and DC commercial, industrial and HVAC electric motors ranging in size from sub-fractional to small integral horsepowers to larger commercial and industrial motors from 50 through 6500 horsepower.  We offer thousands of stock models of electric motors in addition to the motors we produce to specific customer specifications. We also produce and market precision servo motors, electric generators ranging in size from five kilowatts through four megawatts, automatic transfers switches and paralleling switchgear to interconnect and control electric power generation equipment. Additionally, our Electrical segment markets a line of AC and DC adjustable speed drives. We manufacture capacitors for use in HVAC systems, high intensity lighting and other applications. We sell our Electrical segment’s products to distributors, original equipment manufacturers and end users across many markets.
 
Our Mechanical segment includes a broad array of mechanical motion control products including: standard and custom worm gear, bevel gear, helical gear and concentric shaft gearboxes; marine transmissions; high-performance after-market automotive transmissions and ring an pinions; custom gearing; gearmotors; manual valve actuators, and electrical connecting devices. Our gear and transmission related products primarily control motion by transmitting power from a source, such as a motor or engine, to an end use, such as a conveyor belt, usually reducing speed and increasing torque in the process. Our valve actuators are used primarily in oil and gas, water distribution and treatment and chemical processing applications. Mechanical products are sold original equipment manufacturers, distributors and end users across many industry segments.
 
The Company evaluates performance based on the segment’s income from operations. Corporate costs have been allocated to each segment based primarily on the net sales of each segment. The reported net sales of each segment are from external customers.  The Company’s products manufactured and sold outside the United States were approximately 24%, 17% and 9% of net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Export sales from U.S. operations were approximately 3%, 5% and 7% in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
We had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated sales for the year ended December 27, 2008. We had one customer that accounted for between10% and 15% of our consolidated net sales in the fiscal years ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2008, an Electrical segment business was moved to the Mechanical segment due to a management reporting change, and prior period segment information has been restated.  The impact of the change was not material.
 
ITEM 9 –   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
                    FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
 
 
Page 48


ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the year ended December 27, 2008.  Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 27, 2008 to ensure that (a) information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
 
Changes in Internal Controls. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 27, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
See the information in the sections Election of Directors, Board of Directors and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in the 2009 Proxy Statement.  Information with respect to the executive officers of the Company appears in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all our directors, officers and employees.  The code is available on our website, along with our current Corporate Governance Guidelines, at www.regal-beloit.com.  The code of business conduct and ethics and our Corporate Governance Guidelines are also available in print to any shareholder who requests a copy in writing from the Secretary of Regal Beloit Corporation.  We intend to disclose through our website any amendments to, or waivers from, the provisions of these codes.
 
ITEM 11 – EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
See the information in the sections Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Executive Compensation, and Director Compensation sections of the 2009 Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
See the information in the section Stock Ownership in the 2009 Proxy.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information about our equity compensation plans as of December 27, 2008.
 
Plan category
Number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column) (2)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
1,443,625
$35.46
2,379,407
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
-
-
Total
1,443,625
$35.46
2,379,407

(1)Represents options to purchase our common stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights granted under our 1991 Flexible Stock Incentive Plan, 1998 Stock Option Plan, 2003 Equity Incentive Plan and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
(2)  Excludes 118,100 shares of restricted common stock previously issued under our 2003 Equity Incentive Plan and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan for which the restrictions have not lapsed.
 
 
Page 49


ITEM 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
See the information in The Board of Directors section of our 2009 Proxy.
 
ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
See the information in Proposal 2:  Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s Independent Auditors for 2009 section of our 2009 Proxy.
 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)
 1.
Financial statements - The financial statements listed in the accompanying index to financial statements and financial statement schedule are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 2.
Financial statement schedule - The financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index to financial statements and financial statement schedule are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 3. Exhibits - The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
(b) 
Exhibits- see the Index to Exhibits on Pages 54 - 56.
 
(c) 
See (a) 2. above

 
Page 50


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.
 
 
REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
 
 
By:
/s/ DAVID A. BARTA
   
David A. Barta
   
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
     
/s/ HENRY W. KNUEPPEL
Chief Executive Officer and Director
February 25, 2009
Henry W. Knueppel
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
/s/ MARK J. GLIEBE
Chief Operating Officer and Director
February 25, 2009
Mark J. Gliebe
(Principal Operating Officer)
 
     
/s/ DAVID A. BARTA
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
February 25, 2009
David A. Barta
(Principal Accounting & Financial Officer)
 
     
/s/ CHRISTOPHER L. DOERR
Director
February 25, 2009
Christopher L. Doerr
   
     
/s/ THOMAS J. FISCHER
Director
February 25, 2009
Thomas J. Fischer
   
     
/s/ DEAN A. FOATE
Director
February 25, 2009
Dean A. Foate
   
     
/s/ G. FREDERICK KASTEN, JR.
Director
February 25, 2009
G. Frederick Kasten, Jr.
   
     
/s/ RAKESH SACHDEV
Director
February 25, 2009
Rakesh Sachdev
   
     
/s/ CAROL N. SKORNICKA
Director
February 25, 2009
Carol N. Skornicka
   
     
/s/ CURTIS W. STOELTING
Director
February 25, 2009
Curtis W. Stoelting
   

 
Page 51


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION

Index to Financial Statements
And Financial Statement Schedule

     
Page(s) In
     
Form 10-K
(1)
Financial Statements:
   
   
       
     
   
       
   
       
     
   
       
     
   
       
     
   
       
   
       
     
Page(s) In
     
Form 10-K
(2)
   
   

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 
Page 52


SCHEDULE II

REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                               
   
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
   
Balance
Beginning
of Year
   
Charged to
Expenses
   
Deductions(a)
   
Adjustments(b)
   
Balance
End
of Year
 
Allowance for receivables:
                             
Year ended December 27, 2008
  $ 10,734     $ 4,260     $ (3,365 )   $ (484 )   $ 11,145  
Year ended December 29, 2007
  $ 5,886     $ 1,304     $ (437 )   $ 3,981     $ 10,734  
Year ended December 30, 2006
  $ 2,653     $ 2,983     $ (667 )   $ 917     $ 5,886  
                                         
Allowance for product warranty reserves:
                                 
Year ended December 27, 2008
  $ 9,872     $ 8,268     $ (7,431 )   $ 313     $ 11,022  
Year ended December 29, 2007
  $ 6,300     $ 6,066     $ (6,583 )   $ 4,089     $ 9,872  
Year ended December 30, 2006
  $ 5,679     $ 7,106     $ (6,485 )   $ -     $ 6,300  










 












________________________________
(a) Deductions consist of write offs charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts and warranty claim costs.
(b) Adjustments related to acquisitions and divestitures and translation.

 
Page 53


EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Description
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger among the Registrant, REGAL-BELOIT Acquisition Corp., and Marathon Electric Manufacturing Corporation dated as of February 26, 1997, as amended and restated March 17, 1997 and March 26, 1997. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 10, 1997 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
2.2
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2000, as amended by First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2000, among Regal Beloit Corporation, LEC Acquisition Corp., LEESON Electric Corporation (“LEESON”) and LEESON’S Shareholders. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2000 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
2.3
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and General Electric Company. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2004 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
2.4
 
Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and General Electric Company. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2004 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
2.5
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and General Electric Company. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
2.6
 
Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and General Electric Company. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
2.7
 
Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2007, by and among Regal Beloit Corporation, Tecumseh Products Company, Fasco Industries, Inc. and Motores Fasco de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2007]
 
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of Regal Beloit Corporation, as amended through April 20, 2007. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Regal Beloit Corporation. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.1
 
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, and Amended and Restated Bylaws of Regal Beloit Corporation [Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto]
 
4.2
 
Indenture, dated April 5, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on June 21, 2004 (Reg. No. 333-116706)]
 
4.3
 
First Supplemental Indenture, dated December 9, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2004 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.4
 
Form of 2.75% Convertible Senior Subordinated Note due 2024 (included in Exhibit 4.2).
 
4.5
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 5, 2004, among Regal Beloit Corporation, Banc of America Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on June 21, 2004 (Reg. No. 333-116706)]
 
4.6
 
Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2000, between Regal Beloit Corporation and BankBoston, N.A. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (Reg. No. 1-7283) filed January 31, 2000]
 
4.7
 
Amendment to Rights Agreement, effective as of June 11, 2002, between Regal Beloit Corporation and BankBoston, N.A. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31, 2000]
 
4.8
 
Second Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A filed on November 18, 2004 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
 
 
 
Page 54

 
Exhibit Number
   
Exhibit Description
4.9
 
Third Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2004, between Regal Beloit Corporation and EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A filed on January 6, 2005 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.10
 
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2007, among Regal Beloit Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 30, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.11
 
First Amendment, dated as of August 23, 2007, to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 30, 2007, by and among Regal Beloit Corporation, various financial institutions and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.12
 
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2007, by and among Regal Beloit Corporation and Purchasers listed in Schedule A attached thereto. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.13
 
Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2007, from certain subsidiaries of Regal Beloit Corporation. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2007] (File No. 001-07283)]
 
4.14
 
Term Loan Agreement, dated as of June 16, 2008, between Regal Beloit Corporation, various Financial Institutions, US Bank, National Association, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., JP Morgan Securities Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC. [Incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 4.1 to Regal Beloit’s Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2008 (File No. 001-2783)]
 
10.1*
 
1991 Flexible Stock Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.2*
 
1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-84779)]
 
10.3*
 
2003 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.4*
 
Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to Regal Beloit Corporation's definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 annual meeting of shareholders held April 20, 2007 (File No. 1-07283))
 
10.5*
 
Form of Key Executive Employment and Severance Agreement between Regal Beloit Corporation and each of Henry W. Knueppel, Mark J. Gliebe and David A. Barta. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007. (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.6*
 
Form of Key Executive Employment and Severance Agreement between Regal Beloit Corporation and each of Paul J. Jones and Terry R. Colvin. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007. (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.7*
 
Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grant. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.  (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.8*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.  (File No. 001-07283)]
 
 
 
 
Page 55

 
  Exhibit Number
 
 
Exhibit Description
10.9*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Regal Beloit Corporation 2003 Equity Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007. (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.10*
 
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under the Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.11*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.12*
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.13*
 
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement under the Regal Beloit Corporation 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.14*
 
Target Supplemental Retirement Plan for designated Officers and Key Employees, as amended and restated.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2009  (File No. 001-07283)]
 
10.15*
 
Form of Participation Agreement for Target Supplemental Retirement Plan.  [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Regal Beloit Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.  (File No. 001-07283)]
 
12
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
21
 
Subsidiaries of Regal Beloit Corporation.
 
23
 
Consent of Independent Auditors.
 
31.1
 
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
31.2
 
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
99.2
 
Proxy Statement of Regal Beloit Corporation for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
   
[The Proxy Statement for the 2009 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.  Except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.]
 
________________________
*  A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 
Page 56