form10q.htm
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q

ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
for the quarterly period ended
March 29, 2008
 
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number
001-07283

REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin
39-0875718
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
200 State Street, Beloit, Wisconsin  53511
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(608) 364-8800
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

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 ý   NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer  ý                                                  Accelerated Filer  ¨                                                         Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES ¨  NO ý



32,165,683 Shares, Common Stock, $.01 Par Value (as of April 28, 2008)

 
 

 

REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION

INDEX
 
Page
 
Item 1 -
 
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
Item 2 -
 
 
13
Item 3 -
17
Item 4 -
18
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1 -
18
Item 1A -
18
Item 6 -
19
21
20
   

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Quarterly 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 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;
·  
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 the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008 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 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008.



- 2 -


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Shares Outstanding and Per Share Data)

ITEM I.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
       
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
             
Net Sales
  $ 536,343     $ 418,646  
                 
Cost of Sales
    414,244       321,419  
                 
Gross Profit
    122,099       97,227  
                 
Operating Expenses
    64,487       49,896  
                 
Income From Operations
    57,612       47,331  
                 
Interest Expense
    7,219       5,066  
                 
Interest Income
    384       89  
                 
Income Before Taxes & Minority Interest
    50,777       42,354  
                 
Provision For Income Taxes
    18,012       14,690  
                 
Income Before Minority Interest
    32,765       27,664  
                 
Minority Interest in Income, Net of Tax
    598       851  
                 
Net Income
  $ 32,167     $ 26,813  
                 
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
               
                 
Basic
  $ 1.03     $ 0.87  
                 
Assuming Dilution
  $ 0.97     $ 0.80  
                 
Cash Dividends Declared
  $ 0.15     $ 0.14  
                 
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
               
                 
Basic
    31,316,878       30,814,312  
Assuming Dilution
    33,117,034       33,547,519  
                 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 3 -


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Data)
 
         
(From Audited
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
Statements)
 
ASSETS
 
March 29, 2008
   
December 29, 2007
 
Current Assets:
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 50,531     $ 42,574  
Receivables, less Allowances for Doubtful Accounts of
               
$10,357 in 2008 and $10,734 in 2007
    345,388       297,569  
Inventories
    307,261       318,200  
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
    47,676       35,626  
Deferred Income Tax Benefits
    18,664       34,522  
Total Current Assets
    769,520       728,491  
                 
Property, Plant and Equipment:
               
Land and Improvements
    40,971       31,766  
Buildings and Improvements
    118,354       117,707  
Machinery and Equipment
    453,309       435,792  
Property, Plant and Equipment, at Cost
    612,634       585,265  
Less - Accumulated Depreciation
    (254,106 )     (245,922 )
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    358,528       339,343  
                 
Goodwill
    638,326       654,261  
Intangible Assets, Net of Amortization
    125,869       129,473  
Other Noncurrent Assets
    15,465       10,679  
Total Assets
  $ 1,907,708     $ 1,862,247  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts Payable
    202,462       183,215  
Dividends Payable
    4,675       4,700  
Accrued Compensation and Employee Benefits
    52,362       55,315  
Other Accrued Expenses
    54,345       63,358  
Current Maturities of Debt
    5,243       5,332  
Total Current Liabilities
    319,087       311,920  
                 
Long-Term Debt
    550,694       558,918  
Deferred Income Taxes
    70,210       75,055  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    40,140       27,041  
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
    21,044       20,742  
                 
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
    11,602       10,542  
                 
Shareholders' Investment:
               
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares
               
authorized in 2008 and 2007,
               
32,164,183 shares issued in 2008 and
               
32,105,824 issued in 2007
    322       321  
Additional Paid-In Capital
    337,709       335,452  
Less - Treasury Stock, at cost, 884,100 shares in 2008,
    (19,419 )     (15,228 )
and 774,100 shares in 2007
               
Retained Earnings
    562,384       535,304  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
    13,935       2,180  
Total Shareholders' Investment
    894,931       858,029  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment
  $ 1,907,708     $ 1,862,247  
                 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

- 4 -


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands of Dollars)
       
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 32,167     $ 26,813  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
by operating activities;
               
Depreciation and amortization
    14,152       9,883  
Minority interest
    598       851  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    (452 )     (3,310 )
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net
    70       8  
Stock-based compensation expense
    882       865  
Change in assets and liabilities, net
    (12,551 )     (24,703 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    34,866       10,407  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (13,646 )     (12,163 )
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    374       (565 )
Sale of property, plant and equipment
    1,149       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (12,123 )     (12,728 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net proceeds from short-term borrowing
    -       9,200  
Payments of long-term debt
    (113 )     (225 )
Net repayments under revolving credit facility
    (8,200 )     (200 )
Net proceeds from commercial paper borrowings
    -       125  
Dividends paid to shareholders
    (4,700 )     (4,345 )
Purchases of treasury stock
    (4,191 )     -  
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    1,364       747  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    452       3,310  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (15,388 )     8,612  
                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
    602       275  
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    7,957       6,566  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    42,574       36,520  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 50,531     $ 43,086  
                 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


- 5 -


REGAL BELOIT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 29, 2008
(Unaudited)
 
1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying (a) condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2007, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and (b) unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 29, 2008 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.

It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial results have been made.  Except as otherwise discussed, such adjustments consist of only those of a normal recurring nature.  Operating results for the three months ended March 29, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending December 27, 2008.

2.   SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Short-term marketable investments include investments with maturities of greater than three months and less than one year.  Such marketable investments were classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair market value and classified within Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets.  Mark-to-market gains on such investments are not material.

3.   INVENTORIES

Cost for approximately 70% of the Company’s inventory is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method.  The approximate percentage distribution between major classes of inventories was as follows:

 
March 29, 2008
December 29, 2007
Raw Material
21%
21%
Work in Process
15%
14%
Finished Goods and Purchased Parts
64%
65%

4.      ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

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.

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.

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 purchase price allocations for the Fasco, Jakel, Morrill and Alstom acquisitions are preliminary, pending the finalization of working capital adjustments and further analysis of contingencies.  The combined purchase price, net of cash acquired, was $334.8 million. 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.

- 6 -


5.      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company's comprehensive income for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was as follows (in thousands):
 
   
First Quarter Ending
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
Net income as reported
  $ 32,167     $ 26,813  
Comprehensive income (loss) from:
               
Translation adjustments
    1,323       802  
Changes in fair value of hedging
     activities, net of tax
    10,777       (944 )
Hedging activities reclassified into
               
earnings from accumulated other
               
comprehensive income (“AOCI”),
net of tax
    (440 )     942  
Amortization of net prior service costs
    and actuarial losses
    95       167  
Comprehensive income
  $ 43,922     $ 27,780  
                 
 
6.   WARRANTY COSTS

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 the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
 
     First Quarter Ending  
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
Beginning balance
  $ 9,872     $ 6,300  
Deduct:  Payments
    (1,736 )     (1,614 )
Add:  Provision
    1,839       759  
Translation Adjustment
    (24 )     -  
Ending balance
  $ 9,951     $ 5,445  
                 

7.   BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company operates two strategic businesses that are reportable segments, Mechanical and Electrical (in thousands):
                 
      Mechanical Segment        Electrical Segment   
      First Quarter Ending       
First Quarter Ending 
 
      March 29, 2008        March 31, 2007        March 29, 2008           March 31, 2007   
Net Sales
  $ 55,114     $ 54,594     $ 481,229     $ 364,052  
Income from Operations
    8,066       6,881       49,546       40,450  
% of Net Sales
    14.6 %     12.6 %     10.3 %     11.1 %
Goodwill at end of period
  $ 530     $ 530     $ 637,796     $ 545,657  
                                 

A reclassification of $2.7 million in sales and $0.6 million of income from operations was made to 2007 first quarter results as previously reported to reflect the transfer of certain product sales and related operating income from an Electrical Segment unit to a Mechanical Segment unit due to a first quarter 2008 change in management and reporting of such product sales.

- 7 -

8.   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
Goodwill

As described above in Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, during 2007 the Company acquired four separate businesses.  The purchase price allocations are preliminary, pending the finalization of working capital, 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 $92.0 million was included in goodwill at March 29, 2008 related to the four 2007 acquisitions. During the quarter ended March 29, 2008, the Company completed the fair value analysis of certain property located at the Kolkata, India facility resulting in an increase of the value assigned to property, plant and equipment and a corresponding decrease to goodwill which is included in the table below.
 
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
 
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  $ 653,731     $ 530     $ 654,261  
Acquisition Fair Value Adjustments
    (15,962 )     -       (15,962 )
Translation Adjustments
    27       -       27  
Balance as of March 29, 2008
  $ 637,796     $ 530     $ 638,326  
                         
Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
         
 March 29, 2008
 
 
Asset Description
 
Useful
Life (years)
   
Gross
Value
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Book
Value
 
Non-Compete Agreements
   
3 -5
    $ 5,664     $ 2,827     $ 2,837  
Trademarks
   
3 - 20
      21,363       5,010       16,353  
Patents
   
9 - 10.5
      15,410       5,034       10,376  
Engineering Drawings
   
10
      1,200       397       803  
Customer Relationships
   
10 - 14
      83,020       11,836       71,184  
Technology
   
6 - 10
      26,160       1,844       24,316  
Total
          $ 152,817     $ 26,948     $ 125,869  
                                 
         
December 29, 2007
 
 
Asset Description
 
Useful
Life (years)
   
Gross
Value
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Book
Value
 
Non-Compete Agreements
   
3 - 5
    $ 5,588     $ 2,540     $ 3,048  
Trademarks
   
3 - 20
      18,887       4,752       14,135  
Patents
   
9 - 10.5
      15,410       4,648       10,762  
Engineering Drawings
   
10
      1,200       367       833  
Customer Relationships
   
10 - 14
      84,572       10,325       74,247  
Technology
   
6 - 10
      27,474       1,026       26,448  
Total
          $ 153,131     $ 23,658     $ 129,473  
                                 

During the first quarter of 2008, the Company adjusted certain other intangible assets gross values to reflect purchase accounting fair value adjustments and currency translation adjustments.

Estimated Amortization (in millions)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
$16.1
$16.0
$15.3
$ 14.8
$14.7

- 8 -

 
Amortization expense recorded for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 was $3.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The Company performs an annual evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year for impairment as required by SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.
 
9.  DEBT AND BANK CREDIT FACILITIES

The Company’s indebtedness as of March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007 was as follows (in thousands):
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
December 29, 2007
 
Senior notes
  $ 250,000     $ 250,000  
Revolving credit facility
    174,500       182,700  
Convertible senior subordinated debt
    115,000       115,000  
Other
    16,437       16,550  
      555,937       564,250  
Less:  Current maturities
    (5,243 )     (5,332 )
Non-current portion
  $ 550,694     $ 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”), which margin varies with the ratio of the Company’s consolidated debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as defined in the Agreement.  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.

The Company’s $500.0 million revolving credit facility (“Facility”) permits the Company to borrow at interest rates (3.1% at March 29, 2008) based upon a margin above LIBOR (0.45% at March 29, 2008), which margin varies with the ratio of total funded debt to EBITDA.  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 total debt to our EBITDA as defined in the Facility.

The Notes 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 March 29, 2008.

The Company’s $115.0 million, 2.75% convertible senior subordinated debt is convertible as the closing price of the Company’s common stock exceeded the contingent conversion share price for the specified amount of time.  As a result, holders of the notes may surrender the notes for conversion at any time until the maturing of the bonds in March 2024.  Holders that exercise their right to convert the notes will receive up to the principal amount of the notes in cash, with the balance of the conversion obligation, if any, to be satisfied in shares of Company common stock or cash, at the Company’s discretion.  No notes have been converted into cash or shares of common stock as of March 29, 2008.

As of March 29, 2008, a 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 expires in December 2008.  The borrowings are short-term and bear interest at a margin over LIBOR.
 
- 9 -

 
10.  PENSION PLANS

The Company’s net periodic pension cost is comprised of the following components (in thousands):


   
First Quarter Ending
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
Service cost
  $ 1,003     $ 1,207  
Interest cost
    1,478       1,267  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,393 )     (1,283 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    53       32  
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    126       239  
Net periodic benefit expense
  $ 1,267     $ 1,462  
                 

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost during the 2008 fiscal year is $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, the Company contributed $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to defined benefit pension plans.  The Company expects to contribute an additional $0.8 million, for total contributions of $1.1 million in 2008. The Company contributed a total of $3.3 million in 2007.  The assumptions used in the valuation of the Company’s pension plans and in the target investment allocation have remained the same as those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008.

11.   SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

The Company recognized approximately $0.9 million in share-based compensation expense during both the first quarter of 2008 and 2007.  The total income tax benefit recognized relating to share-based compensation for the three months ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 was approximately $0.5 million and $3.3 million, 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 recipient.  As of March 29, 2008, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was approximately $8.5 million, net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.

The Company was authorized as of March 29, 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 2.8 million shares were available for future grant or payment under the various plans at March 29, 2008.

During the quarter ended March 29, 2008, the Company repurchased 110,000 shares at a total cost of $4.2 million.  There were no shares repurchased in the comparable period of 2007.

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.

There were no share-based awards granted in the first quarter of 2008. The fair value of awards is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
 
- 10 -

A summary of share-based awards (options and SAR’s) as of March 29, 2008 is as follows:

   
 
 
 
Shares
   
 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise
Price
   
Wtd. Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
 
Number of shares:
                       
Outstanding
    1,423,525     $ 31.88       6.2     $ 9.6  
Exercisable
    858,425     $ 26.20       4.9     $ 8.5  
Forfeited
    2,250     $ 45.69                  

Restricted Stock

There were no restricted stock awards during the three-months ended March 29, 2008.  The Company values restricted stock awards at the closing market value of its common stock on the date of grant and restrictions generally lapse three years after the date of grant.
 
12.   INCOME TAXES

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48) as of the beginning of fiscal 2007.   FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by defining criteria that a tax position on an individual matter basis must meet before that position is recognized in the financial statements.  Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting, disclosures and transition.  As a result of adopting FIN 48, the Company determined that approximately $0.6 million (including approximately $0.4 million in estimated interest payments) of tax benefits previously recognized were considered uncertain tax positions; as such these deductions may not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.  This adjustment was reflected as a reduction of retained earnings.

As of the December 29, 2007, the Company had approximately $6.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, $3.2 million of which would affect its effective tax rate if recognized.  As of March 29, 2008, the Company had approximately $6.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, $3.2 million of which would affect its effective tax rate if recognized.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  Federal tax returns from 2004 through 2006 and various state tax returns from 2002 through 2006 remain subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities.  The Company estimates that the unrecognized tax benefits will not change significantly within the next year.

13.   EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

The numerator for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is net income.  The denominator is computed as follows (in thousands):

 
   
First Quarter Ending
 
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted average shares
    31,317       30,814  
Effect of dilutive securities
    1,800       2,734  
Denominator for diluted EPS
    33,117       33,548  
                 

 
b
The “Effect of Dilutive Securities” represents the dilution impact of equity awards and the convertible senior subordinated debt (see Note 9).  The dilutive effect of the convertible senior subordinated debt was 1,409,274 at March 29, 2008 and 2,064,022 at March 31, 2007.

Options for common shares where the exercise price was above the market price at March 29, 2008, totaling approximately 383,500 shares, have been excluded from the calculation of the effect of dilutive securities as the effect of such options is anti-dilutive.  There were 106,000 anti-dilutive option shares outstanding at March 31, 2007.
 

 
 
14.  CONTINGENCIES

On April 26, 2007, the Company received notice that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) has filed an action against the Company 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.  In 1999, the Company and other parties identified as potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) reached an agreement with the U.S. EPA to partially fund the costs of certain response actions taken with respect to this site.  In 2004, the Company received communications from the U.S. EPA indicating that the Company was identified as one of three PRPs regarding additional remedial actions to be taken by the U.S. EPA at this site.  In response, the Company provided to the U.S. EPA its environmental expert’s assessment of the site in 2004.  The Company believes that it is not a PRP with respect to the site in question and intends to defend vigorously the associated claim.  As of March 29, 2008 amounts that have been recorded in the Company’s financial statements related to this contingency are not material.
 
The Company is, from time to time, party to other lawsuits arising from its normal business operations.  It is believed that the outcome of these lawsuits will have no material effect on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations.

15.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company periodically enters into commodity futures and options hedging transactions to reduce the impact of changing prices for certain commodities such as copper and aluminum based upon certain firm commitments to purchase 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 assets of $17.8 million are recorded in other current assets at March 29, 2008.  Derivative commodity liabilities of $6.1 million are recorded in other current liabilities at December 29, 2007.  The unrealized gain (loss) on the effective portion of the contracts of $11.7 million net of tax and ($3.8) million net of tax, as of March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively, was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”).
 
The Company uses a cash flow hedging strategy to protect against an increase in the cost of forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions. As of March 29, 2008, derivative currency assets of $4.7 million and $2.7 million are recorded in other current assets and other non-current assets, respectively.  As of December 29, 2007, derivative currency assets of $3.4 million and $0.1 million are recorded in other current assets and other non-current liabilities, respectively.  The value of the effective portion of the contracts of $4.6 million net of tax and $2.1 million net of tax, as of March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, was recorded in AOCI.

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 March 29, 2008, an interest rate swap liability of $26.8 million was included in other non-current liabilities.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($16.6) million net of tax as of March 29, 2008 was recorded in AOCI.  As of December 29, 2007, an interest rate swap liability of $14.4 million was included in other non-current liabilities.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($8.9) million net of tax as of December 29, 2007 was recorded in AOCI.

The net AOCI balance of ($0.3) million loss at March 29, 2008 is comprised of $14.5 million of net current deferred gains expected to be realized in the next year, and ($14.8) million of net non-current deferred losses.  The impact of hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for all periods presented.

16.  FAIR VALUE

The implementation of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” for financial assets and financial liabilities, 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 No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial  liabilities on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.
 
 
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SFAS No. 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 No. 157 classifies the inputs and 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.  The following table sets for the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for, at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 29, 2008 (in millions):
 
 
Assets:      
Derivative currency contracts
  $ 7.4  
Derivative commodity contracts        
    17.8  
Liabilities:        
Interest rate swap
  $ 26.8  
 
17.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

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 will be reported as part of the Company’s Electrical Segment.  The purchase price was paid in cash ($27.6 million) plus the assumption of approximately $8.0 million in net liabilities.  Additionally, under the terms of the transaction, the Company will pay to the seller up to $8.5 million received by the Company in the future upon the sale of certain real property rights owned by Hwada.

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
 
 OPERATIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Item 2 to “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company” refer collectively to Regal Beloit Corporation and its subsidiaries.

OVERVIEW

Net sales increased 28.1% to $536.3 million from $418.7 million in the first quarter of 2007.  First quarter 2008 sales included $111.9 million of sales related to the four acquired businesses described in Note 4 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net income increased 20.1% to $32.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to $26.8 million in the comparable period last year.  Diluted earnings per share increased 21.3% to $0.97 in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to $0.80 for the comparable period of 2007.
 
 
- 13 -

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

First Quarter 2008 versus First Quarter 2007

Sales for the quarter were $536.3 million, a 28.1% increase over the $418.7 million reported for the first quarter of 2007.  First quarter 2008 sales included $111.9 million of sales related to the four 2007 acquired businesses described in Note 4 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In the Electrical segment, sales increased 32.2%, including the impact of the 2007 acquisitions.  Exclusive of the recently acquired businesses, global generator sales increased 17.5% and industrial motors sales increased 6.8%, offsetting a 3.3% decline in residential HVAC motor sales and a 16.9% decline in commercial motor products used in residential applications.  Sales in the Mechanical segment increased 1.0% from the prior year period.  From a geographic perspective, China-based sales increased 33.1% as compared to the first quarter of 2007.  In total, sales to regions outside of the United States were 25.6% of total sales in comparison to 19.2% for the first quarter of 2007.

The gross profit margin for the first quarter of 2008 was 22.8% as compared to the 23.2% reported for the first quarter of 2007.  Raw material and other inflation, net of the impact of product price increases for the legacy businesses was $7.7 million. This difference was largely offset by the impact of productivity improvements and Lean Six Sigma projects.
 
Operating expenses were $64.5 million (12.0% of sales) in the first quarter of 2008 versus $49.9 million (11.9% of sales) in first quarter of 2007.  Income from operations was $57.6 million versus $47.3 million in the first quarter of 2007.  As a percent of sales, income from operations was 10.7% in the first quarter of 2008 versus 11.3% for the first quarter of 2007.  This decrease reflected increased raw material costs partially offset by contributions from new products, pricing actions, and  productivity.

Net interest expense was $6.8 million versus $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2007.  The increase reflected higher levels of average debt outstanding driven by the acquisitions completed in the second half of 2007.

The tax rate for the quarter was 35.5% versus 34.7% in the prior year period.   The increase in the effective tax rate results from the global distribution of income, increases in certain statutory tax rates in Mexico and China, and the impact of the expiration of the United States Research and Engineering tax credit which has not been extended to 2008.

Net income for the first quarter of 2008 was $32.2 million, an increase of 20.0% versus the $26.8 million reported in same period of 2007.  Fully diluted earnings per share was $0.97 as compared to $0.80 per share reported in the first quarter of 2007.  The average number of diluted shares was 33,117,034 during the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 33,547,519 during the comparable period last year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our working capital was $450.4 million at March 29, 2008, an 8.1% increase from $416.6 million at year-end 2007.  The $33.8 million increase was primarily driven by a $47.8 million increase in net receivables partially offset by a $10.9 decrease in inventory.  The ratio of our current assets to our current liabilities (“current ratio”) was 2.4:1 at March 29, 2008 and 2.3:1 at December 29, 2007.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $34.9 million for the three months ended March 29, 2008 as compared to $10.4 million in the comparable period of 2007.  Net cash used in investing activities was $12.1 million in the first three months of 2008 as compared to the $12.7 million used in the comparable period of the prior year. Additions to property, plant and equipment were $13.6 million in the first three months of 2008, which was $1.5 million more than the comparable period of 2007.  Our cash used in financing activities was $15.4 million for the first three months of 2008 versus $8.6 million provided in the comparable period of 2007.  During the quarter ended March 29, 2008, the Company repurchased 110,000 shares at a total cost of $4.2 million.  There were no shares repurchased in the equivalent period of 2007.

Our outstanding long-term debt decreased from $558.9 million at December 29, 2007 to $550.7 million at March 29, 2008. Of our total long-term debt, $174.5 million was outstanding under our $500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that expires on April 30, 2012 (the “Facility”).  The Facility permits the Company to borrow at interest rates based upon a margin above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which margin varies with the ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“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 total debt to our EBITDA.
 
 
- 14 -

 
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 LIBOR, which margin varies with the ratio of the Company’s consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA as defined in the Agreement.  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.

The Notes 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 March 29, 2008.

In addition to the Facility and the Notes, at March 29, 2008, we also had $115.0 million of convertible senior subordinated debt outstanding at a fixed interest rate of 2.75%, and $16.4 million of other debt.  At March 29, 2008, our borrowing availability under the Facility was $319.8 million based on the Facility’s credit limit.

As of March 29, 2008, a 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 expires in December 2008.  The borrowings are short-term and bear interest at a margin over LIBOR.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Revenue Recognition
We recognized 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 sale price is subject to refund or adjustment, and we assess collectibility 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.

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 with indefinite useful lives annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired.  We use judgment when applying the impairment rules 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 in accordance with SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

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 domestic defined benefit plans are determined with the assistance of actuarial firms.  The actuaries provide us with information and recommendations 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 6.5% for our defined benefit plans as of December 29, 2007.
 
 
 
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.
 
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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 are evaluating the new standard to determine its effect on our financial statements and related disclosures.

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 have not yet determined the impact, if any, of SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items generally on an instrument-by-instrument basis at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.  SFAS 159 is intended to provide entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  The implementation of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”).  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 FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of Statement 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 has not previously adopted SFAS 157.  The Company has chosen to partially adopt SFAS 157 (see Note 16 to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

 
ITEM 3.    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 March 29, 2008, net of interest rate swaps, we had $373.6 million of fixed rate debt and $182.3 million of variable rate debt, the latter subject to interest rate risk.  As a result, interest rate changes impact future earnings and cash flows 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 March 29, 2008, are as follows:

 
 
Instrument
 
 
Notional
Amount
 
 
 
Maturity
 
 
Rate
Paid
 
 
 
Rate Received
 
 
Fair Value
 Gain (Loss)
Swap
 
$150.0 million
 
August 23, 2014
 
5.3%
 
LIBOR (3 month)
 
($15.1) million
Swap
 
$100.0 million
 
August 23, 2017
 
5.4%
 
LIBOR (3 month)
 
($11.7) million

A hypothetical 10% change in our weighted average borrowing rate on outstanding variable rate debt at March 29, 2008, would result in a change in after-tax annualized earnings of approximately $0.3 million.

The Company periodically enters into commodity futures and options 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 (“AOCI”) in each accounting period.  An ineffective portion of the hedge’s change in fair value, if any, is recorded in earnings in the period of change.  The impact due to ineffectiveness was immaterial for all periods included in this report.

The Company periodically enters into commodity futures and options hedging transactions to reduce the impact of changing prices for certain commodities such as copper and aluminum based upon certain firm commitments to purchase 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 assets of $17.8 million are recorded in other current assets at March 29, 2008.  Derivative commodity liabilities of $6.1 million are recorded in other current liabilities at December 29, 2007.  The unrealized gain (loss) on the effective portion of the contracts of $11.7 million net of tax and ($3.8) million net of tax, as of March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, was recorded in AOCI.

The Company uses a cash hedging strategy to protect against an increase in the cost of forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions. As of March 29, 2008, derivative currency assets of $4.7 million and $2.7 million are recorded in other current assets and other non-current assets, respectively.  As of December 29, 2007, derivative currency assets of $3.4 million and $0.1 million (notional value of $213.3 million) are recorded in other current assets and other non-current liabilities, respectively.  The value of the effective portion of the contracts of $4.6 million net of tax and $2.1 million net of tax, as of March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, was recorded in AOCI.

- 17 -

 
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 March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, an interest rate swap liability of $26.8 million and $14.4 million was included in other non-current liabilities, respectively.  The unrealized loss on the effective portion of the contracts of ($16.6) million net of tax as of March 29, 2008 was recorded in AOCI.

The net AOCI balance of ($0.3) million loss at March 29, 2008 is comprised of $14.5 million of net current deferred gains expected to be realized in the next year, and ($14.8) million of net non-current deferred losses.  The impact of hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for all periods presented.
 
ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective  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.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Items 3 and 5 are inapplicable and have been omitted.

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On April 26, 2007, the Company received notice that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) has filed an action against the Company 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.  In 1999, the Company and other parties identified as potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) reached an agreement with the U.S. EPA to partially fund the costs of certain response actions taken with respect to this site.  In 2004, the Company received communications from the U.S. EPA indicating that the Company was identified as one of three PRPs regarding additional remedial actions to be taken by the U.S. EPA at this site.  In response, the Company provided to the U.S. EPA its environmental expert’s assessment of the site in 2004.  The Company believes that it is not a PRP with respect to the site in question and intends to defend vigorously the associated claim.  As of March 29, 2008, amounts that have been recorded in the Company’s financial statements related to this contingency are not material.

The Company is, from time to time, party to other lawsuits arising from its normal business operations.  It is believed that the outcome of these other lawsuits will have no material effect on the Company’s financial position or its results of operations.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

The business and financial results of the Company are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.  The risks and uncertainties have not changed materially from those reported in the 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
 
ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table contains detail related to the repurchase of common stock based on the date of trade during the quarter ended March 29, 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
 
December 30, 2007 to January 31, 2008
    1,447     $ 34.72       -       1,225,900  
                                 
February 1, 2008 to February 29, 2008
    95,000     $ 38.31       95,000       2,130,900 (A)
                                 
March 1, 2008 to March 29, 2008
    15,000     $ 36.72       15,000       2,115,900  
                                 
Total
    111,447               110,000          
______________
(A)  On February 2, 2008, the Company’s Board of Director’s expanded the existing share buyback authorization by an additional one million shares.

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 other previously owned shares of common stock, in each case having a value equal to the exercise price or the amount to be withheld.  During the first quarter of 2008, there were 1,447 shares acquired in connection with equity incentive plans.

During the quarter ended March 29, 2008, the Company repurchased a total of 110,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to existing share repurchase authorizations.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Description
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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
(Registrant)


/s/  David A. Barta                                           
David A. Barta
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

Date:  May 8, 2008

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS




Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Description
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 



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