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RBC Bearings INC - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________to _________

Commission file number 333-124824

RBC BEARINGS INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
95-4372080
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
One Tribology Center, Oxford, CT
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
06478
(Zip Code)
 (203) 267-7001
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per Share
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ  No o

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 o  No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 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 þ  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o  No o

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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of  “large accelerated filer,”  “accelerated filer” and  “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  þ
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No þ

 The aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on September 27, 2008 (based on the September 26, 2008 closing sales price of $35.99 of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market) was approximately $784,456,000.
Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock at May 19, 2009:
21,706,256 Shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:
Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement to be filed within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year in connection with the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held September 9, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.



 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
PART I
     
Item 1
Business
 
1
Item 1A
Risk Factors
 
6
Item 1B
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
13
Item 2
Properties
 
14
Item 3
Legal Proceedings
 
14
Item 4
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
14
       
PART II
     
Item 5
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
15
Item 6
Selected Financial Data
 
17
Item 7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
19
Item 7A
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
33
Item 8
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
35
Item 9
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
64
Item 9A
Controls and Procedures
 
64
Item 9B
Other Information
 
67
       
PART III
      
Item 10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
 
Item 11
Executive Compensation
 
 
Item 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
 
Item 13
Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence
 
 
Item 14
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
 
        
PART IV
     
Item 15
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
67
       
Signatures
Signatures
 
71
 


PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
We are an international manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered precision plain, roller and ball bearings. Bearings, which are integral to the manufacture and operation of most machines and mechanical systems, reduce wear to moving parts, facilitate proper power transmission and reduce damage and energy loss caused by friction. While we manufacture products in all major bearing categories, we focus primarily on highly technical or regulated bearing products for specialized markets that require sophisticated design, testing and manufacturing capabilities. We believe our unique expertise has enabled us to garner leading positions in many of the product markets in which we primarily compete. We have been providing bearing solutions to our customers since 1919. Over the past ten years, we have significantly broadened our end markets, products, customer base and geographic reach. We currently have 24 facilities of which 22 are manufacturing facilities in four countries.

The Bearing Industry

The bearing industry is a highly fragmented multi-billion dollar market. Purchasers of bearings include producers of commercial and military aerospace equipment, automotive and commercial truck manufacturers, industrial equipment and machinery manufacturers, agricultural machinery manufacturers and construction, mining and specialized equipment manufacturers.

Demand for bearings in the diversified industrial market is influenced by growth factors in industrial machinery and equipment shipments and nonresidential construction, mining and energy activity. In addition, usage of existing machinery will impact aftermarket demand for replacement bearing products. In the aerospace market, aging of the existing commercial aircraft fleet along with carrier traffic growth determines demand for our bearing solutions. Lastly, activity in the defense market is being influenced by modernization programs necessitating increased spending on new equipment, as well as continued utilization of deployed equipment supporting aftermarket demand for replacement bearings.

Customers and Markets

We serve a broad range of end markets where we can add value with our specialty, precision bearing products and applications. We classify our customers into two principal categories: diversified industrial and aerospace and defense. These principal end markets utilize a large number of both commercial and specialized bearing products. Although we provide a relatively small percentage of total bearing products supplied to each of our overall principal markets, we believe we have leading market positions in many of the specialized bearing product markets in which we primarily compete. Financial information regarding geographic areas is set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 19 “Reportable Segments.”

 
·
Diversified Industrial Market (42% of net sales for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009)
 
We manufacture bearing products for a wide range of diversified industrial markets, including construction and mining, oil and natural resource extraction, heavy truck, packaging and semiconductor machinery. Nearly all mechanical devices and machinery require bearings to relieve friction where one part moves relative to another. Our products target existing market applications in which our engineering and manufacturing capabilities provide us with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Our largest diversified industrial customers include Caterpillar, Komatsu America, National Oilwell Varco, Parker-Hannifin Corporation and various aftermarket distributors including Applied Industrial, Kaman Corporation and Motion Industries. We believe that the diversification of our sales among the various segments of the industrial bearings market reduces our exposure to downturns in any individual market. We believe opportunities exist for growth and margin improvement in this market as a result of the introduction of new products and the expansion of aftermarket sales.

 
·
Aerospace and Defense Market (58% of net sales for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009)
 
We supply bearings for use in commercial and private aircraft. We supply bearings for many of the commercial aircraft currently operating worldwide and are the primary supplier for many of their product lines. This includes military contractors for airplanes, helicopters and missile systems. Commercial aerospace customers generally require precision products, often of special materials, made to unique designs and specifications. Many of our aerospace bearing products are designed and certified during the original development of the aircraft being served, which often makes us the primary bearing supplier for the life of the aircraft.
 
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We manufacture bearing products used by the U.S. Department of Defense and certain foreign governments for use in fighter jets, troop transports, naval vessels, helicopters, gas turbine engines, armored vehicles, guided weaponry and satellites. We manufacture an extensive line of standard products that conform to many domestic military application requirements, as well as customized products designed for unique applications. We specialize in the manufacture of high precision ball and roller bearings, commercial ball bearings and metal-to-metal and self-lubricating plain bearings for the defense market. Our bearing products are manufactured to conform to U.S. military specifications and are typically custom designed during the original product design phase, which often makes us the sole or primary bearing supplier for the life of the product. In addition to products that meet military specifications, these customers often require precision products made of specialized materials to custom designs and specifications. Product approval for use on military equipment is often a lengthy process ranging from six months to six years.

Our largest aerospace and defense customers include Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, General Electric, Goodrich, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Snecma Group, Textron, U.S. Department of Defense, United Technologies and various aftermarket channels. We estimate that over 59% of aerospace net sales are actually used as replacement parts, as bearings are regularly replaced on aircraft in conjunction with routine maintenance procedures. We believe our strong relationships with OEMs help drive our aftermarket sales since a portion of OEM sales are ultimately intended for use as replacement parts. We believe that growth and margin expansion in this segment will be driven primarily by expanding our international presence, new commercial aircraft introductions, and the refurbishment and maintenance of existing commercial aircraft.

In fiscal 2009, 6.5% of our net sales were made directly, and we estimate that approximately an additional 15.9% of our net sales were made indirectly, to the U.S. government. These contracts or subcontracts may be subject to renegotiation of profit or termination of contracts at the election of the government. We, based on experience, believe that no material renegotiations or refunds will be required. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors – Future reductions in U.S. government spending could negatively affect our business.”
 
Products

Bearings are employed to fulfill several functions including reduction of friction, transfer of motion and carriage of loads. We design, manufacture and market a broad portfolio of bearing products. The following table provides a summary of our product segments:

   
Net Sales for the Fiscal Year Ended
   
Segment
 
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
Representative Applications
Plain Bearings
  $ 166,658     $ 154,535     $ 143,907  
·  Aircraft engine controls and landing gear
      (46.8 )%     (46.7 )%     (47.0 )% 
·  Missile launchers
                         
·  Mining and construction equipment
Roller Bearings
  $ 94,428     $ 97,019     $ 92,123  
·  Aircraft hydraulics
      (26.6 )%     (29.4 )%     (30.1 )%
·  Military and commercial truck chassis
                         
·  Packaging machinery and gear pumps
Ball Bearings
  $ 63,625     $ 56,677     $ 50,466  
·  Radar and night vision systems
      (17.9 )%     (17.1 )%     (16.5 )%
·  Airframe control and actuation
                         
·  Semiconductor equipment
Other
  $ 31,085     $ 22,369     $ 19,566  
·  Collets for machine tools
      (8.7 )%     (6.8 )%     (6.4 %)
·  Industrial gears
 
Plain Bearings.  Plain bearings are primarily used to rectify inevitable misalignments in various mechanical components, such as aircraft controls, helicopter rotors, or in heavy mining and construction equipment. Such misalignments are either due to machining inaccuracies or result when components change position relative to each other. Plain bearings are produced with either self-lubricating or metal-to-metal designs and consist of several sub-classes, including rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings and journal bearings. Sales of plain bearings accounted for 46.8% of our net sales in fiscal 2009.
 
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Roller Bearings.  Roller bearings are anti-friction products that utilize cylindrical rolling elements. We produce three main designs: tapered roller bearings, needle roller bearings and needle bearing track rollers and cam followers. We produce medium sized tapered roller bearings used primarily in heavy truck axle applications. We offer several needle roller bearing designs that are used in both industrial applications and certain U.S. military aircraft platforms. These products are generally specified for use where there are high loads and the design is constrained by space considerations. A significant portion of the sales of this product is to the aftermarket. Needle bearing track rollers and cam followers have wide and diversified use in the industrial market and are often prescribed as a primary component in articulated aircraft wings. We believe we are the world's largest producer of aircraft needle bearing track rollers. The sale of roller bearings accounted for 26.6% of our net sales in fiscal 2009.
 
Ball Bearings.  Ball bearings are devices which utilize high precision ball elements to reduce friction in high speed applications. We specialize in four main types of ball bearings: high precision aerospace, airframe control, thin section and industrial ball bearings. High precision aerospace bearings are primarily sold to customers in the defense industry that require more technically sophisticated bearing products, such as missile guidance systems, providing higher degrees of fault tolerance given the criticality of the applications in which they are used. Airframe control ball bearings are precision ball bearings that are plated to resist corrosion and are qualified under a military specification. Thin section ball bearings are specialized bearings that use extremely thin cross sections and give specialized machinery manufacturers many advantages. We produce a general line of industrial ball bearings sold primarily to the aftermarket. Ball bearings accounted for 17.9% of our net sales in fiscal 2009.
 
Other.  Our other products consist primarily of precision mechanical components and machine tool collets. Precision mechanical components are used in all general industrial applications, where some form of movement is required.  Machine tool collets are cone-shaped metal sleeves, used for holding circular or rodlike pieces in a lathe or other machine that provide effective part holding and accurate part location during machining operations. Our other products accounted for 8.7% of our net sales in fiscal 2009.

Product Design and Development

We produce specialized bearings that are often tailored to the specifications of a customer or application. Our sales professionals are highly experienced engineers who collaborate with our customers on a continual basis to develop bearing solutions. The product development cycle can follow many paths which are dependent on the end market or sales channel. The process normally takes between 3-6 years from concept to sale depending upon the application and the market. A common route that is used for major OEM projects begins when our design engineers meet with their customer counterparts at the machine design conceptualization stage and work with them through the conclusion of the product development.

Often, at the early stage, a bearing design concept is produced that addresses the expected demands of the application. Environmental demands are many but normally include load, stress, heat, thermal gradients, vibration, lubricant supply and corrosion resistance, with one or two of these environmental constraints being predominant in the design consideration. A bearing design must perform reliably for a period of time specified by the customer's product objectives.

Once a bearing is designed, a mathematical simulation is created to replicate the expected application environment and thereby allow optimization with respect to these design variables. Upon conclusion of the design and simulation phase, samples are produced and laboratory testing commences at one of our test laboratories. The purpose of this testing phase is not only to verify the design and the simulation model but also to allow further design improvement where needed. Finally, upon successful field testing by the customer, the product is ready for sale.

For the majority of our products, the culmination of this lengthy process is the receipt of a product approval or certification, generally obtained from either the OEM, the Department of Defense or the Federal Aviation Administration, or “FAA,” which allows us to supply the product to the customer. We currently have in excess of 32,800 of such approvals, which often gives us a significant competitive advantage, and in many of these instances we are the only approved supplier of a given bearing product.

Manufacturing and Operations

Our manufacturing strategies are focused on product reliability, quality and service. Custom and standard products are produced according to manufacturing schedules that ensure maximum availability of popular items for immediate sale while carefully considering the economies of lot production and special products. Capital programs and manufacturing methods development are focused on quality improvement and low production costs. A monthly review of product line production performance assures an environment of continuous attainment of profitability goals.
 
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Capacity.  Our plants currently run on a single shift, and light second and third shifts at selected locations, to meet the demands of our customers. We believe that current capacity levels and future annual estimated capital expenditures on equipment up to approximately 4% of net sales should permit us to effectively meet demand levels for the foreseeable future.
 
Inventory Management.  Our increasing emphasis on the distributor/aftermarket sector has required us to maintain greater inventories of a broader range of products than the OEM market historically demanded. This requires a greater investment in working capital to maintain these levels. We operate an inventory management program designed to balance customer delivery requirements with economically optimal inventory levels. In this program, each product is categorized based on characteristics including order frequency, number of customers and sales volume. Using this classification system, our primary goal is to maintain a sufficient supply of standard items while minimizing warehousing costs. In addition, production cost savings are achieved by optimizing plant scheduling around inventory levels and customer delivery requirements. This leads to more efficient utilization of manufacturing facilities and minimizes plant production changes while maintaining sufficient inventories to service customer needs.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

Our marketing strategy is aimed at increasing sales within our two primary markets, targeting specific applications in which we can exploit our competitive strengths. To effect this strategy, we seek to expand into geographic areas not previously served by us and we continue to capitalize on new markets and industries for existing and new products. We employ a technically proficient sales force and utilize marketing managers, product managers, customer service representatives and product application engineers in our selling efforts.

We have accelerated the development of our sales force through the hiring of sales personnel with prior bearing industry experience, complemented by an in-house training program. We intend to continue to hire and develop expert sales professionals and strategically locate them to implement our expansion strategy. Today, our direct sales force is located to service North America, Europe and Latin America and is responsible for selling all of our products. This selling model leverages our relationship with key customers and provides opportunities to market multiple product lines to both established and potential customers. We also sell our products through a well-established, global network of industrial and aerospace distributors. This channel primarily provides our products to smaller OEM customers and the end users of bearings that require local inventory and service. In addition, specific larger OEM customers are also serviced through this channel to facilitate requirements for "Just In Time" deliveries or "Kan Ban" systems. Our worldwide distributor network provides our customers with more than 2,000 points of sale for our products. We intend to continue to focus on building distributor sales volume.

The sale of our products is supported by a well-trained and experienced customer service organization. This organization provides customers with instant access to key information regarding their bearing purchase and delivery requirements. We also provide customers with updated information through our website, and we have developed on-line integration with specific customers, enabling more efficient ordering and timely order fulfillment for those customers.

We store product inventory in five company-owned and operated warehouses located on the East and West coasts of the U.S., and in France and Switzerland. The inventory is located in these warehouses based on analysis of customer demand to provide superior service and product availability.

Competition

Our principal competitors include Kaydon Corporation, New Hampshire Ball Bearings and McGill Manufacturing Company, Inc., although we compete with different companies for each of our product lines. We believe that for the majority of our products, the principal competitive factors affecting our business are product qualifications, product line breadth, service and price. Although some of our current and potential competitors may have greater financial, marketing, personnel and other resources than us, we believe that we are well positioned to compete with regard to each of these factors in each of the markets in which we operate.
 
Product Qualifications.  Many of the products we produce are qualified for the application by the OEM, the U.S. Department of Defense, the FAA or a combination of these agencies. These credentials have been achieved for thousands of distinct items after years of design, testing and improvement. In many cases patent protection presides, in all cases there is strong brand identity and in numerous cases we have the exclusive product for the application.
 
Product Line Breadth.  Our products encompass an extraordinarily broad range of designs which often create a critical mass of complementary bearings and components for our markets. This position allows many of our industrial and aircraft customers the ability for a single manufacturer to provide the engineering service and product breadth needed to achieve a series of OEM design objectives or aftermarket requirements. This ability enhances our value to the OEM considerably while strengthening our overall market position.
 
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Service.  Product design, performance, reliability, availability, quality and technical and administrative support are elements that define the service standard for this business. Our customers are sophisticated and demanding, as our products are fundamental and enabling components to the construction or operation of their machinery. We maintain inventory levels of our most popular items for immediate sale and service with well over 14,000 voice and electronic contacts per month. Our customers have high expectations regarding product availability, and the primary emphasis of our service efforts is to ensure the widest possible range of available products and delivering them on a timely basis.
 
Price.  We believe our products are priced competitively in the markets we serve. We continually evaluate our manufacturing and other operations to maximize efficiencies in order to reduce costs, eliminate unprofitable products from our portfolio and maximize our profit margins. While we compete with larger bearing manufacturers who direct the majority of their business activities, investments and expertise toward the automotive industries, our sales in this industry are only a small percentage of our business. We invest considerable effort to develop our price to value algorithms and we price to market levels where required by competitive pressures.

Suppliers and Raw Materials

We obtain raw materials, component parts and supplies from a variety of sources and generally from more than one supplier. Our principal raw material is steel. Our suppliers and sources of raw materials are based in the U.S., Europe and Asia. We purchase steel at market prices, which fluctuate as a result of supply and demand driven by economic conditions in the  marketplace. For further discussion of the possible effects of changes in the cost of raw materials on our business, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Backlog

As of March 28, 2009, we had order backlog of $179.3 million compared to a backlog of $217.7 million in the prior year. The amount of backlog includes orders which we estimate will be fulfilled within the next 12 months; however, orders included in our backlog are subject to cancellation, delay or other modifications by our customers prior to fulfillment. We sell many of our products pursuant to contractual agreements, single source relationships or long-term purchase orders, each of which may permit early termination by the customer. However, due to the nature of many of the products supplied by us and the lack of availability of alternative suppliers to meet the demands of such customers' orders in a timely manner, we believe that it is not practical or prudent for most of our customers to shift their bearing business to other suppliers.

Employees

We had 1,349 hourly employees and 669 salaried employees as of March 28, 2009, of whom 383 were employed in our European and Mexican operations. As of March 28, 2009, 151 of our hourly employees were represented by unions in the U.S. We believe that our employee relations are satisfactory.

We are subject to three collective bargaining agreements with the United Auto Workers covering substantially all of the hourly employees at our Fairfield, Connecticut, West Trenton, New Jersey and Bremen, Indiana plants. These agreements expire on January 31, 2013, June 30, 2009 and October 31, 2009, respectively.

Intellectual Property

We own U.S. and foreign patents and trademark registrations and U.S. copyright registrations, and have U.S. trademark and patent applications pending. We currently have 106 issued or pending U.S. and foreign patents. We file patent applications and maintain patents to protect certain technology, inventions and improvements that are important to the development of our business, and we file trademark applications and maintain trademark registrations to protect product names that have achieved brand-name recognition among our customers. We also rely upon trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position. Many of our brands are well recognized by our customers and are considered valuable assets of our business. We currently have 190 issued or pending U.S. and foreign trademark registrations and applications. We do not believe, however, that any individual item of intellectual property is material to our business.
 
5


Regulation
 
Product Approvals.  Essential to servicing the aerospace market is the ability to obtain product approvals. We have a substantial number of product approvals in the form of OEM approvals or Parts Manufacturer Approvals, or “PMAs,” from the FAA. We also have a substantial number of active PMA applications in process. These approvals enable us to provide products used in virtually all domestic aircraft platforms presently in production or operation.

We are subject to various other federal laws, regulations and standards. Although we are not presently aware of any pending legal or regulatory changes that may have a material impact on us, new laws, regulations or standards or changes to existing laws, regulations or standards could subject us to significant additional costs of compliance or liabilities, and could result in material reductions to our results of operations, cash flow or revenues.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air and water, the storage, handling and disposal of wastes and the health and safety of employees. We also may be liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or similar state laws for the costs of investigation and clean-up of contamination at facilities currently or formerly owned or operated by us, or at other facilities at which we have disposed of hazardous substances. In connection with such contamination, we may also be liable for natural resource damages, government penalties and claims by third parties for personal injury and property damage. Agencies responsible for enforcing these laws have authority to impose significant civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance. We believe we are currently in material compliance with all applicable requirements of environmental laws. We do not anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental compliance in fiscal 2010.

Investigation and remediation of contamination is ongoing at some of our sites. In particular, state agencies have been overseeing groundwater monitoring activities at our facility in Hartsville, South Carolina and a corrective action plan at our Clayton, Georgia facility. At Hartsville, we are monitoring low levels of contaminants in the groundwater caused by former operations. The state will permit us to cease monitoring activities after two consecutive sampling periods demonstrate contaminants are below action levels. In connection with the purchase of our Fairfield, Connecticut facility in 1996, we agreed to assume responsibility for completing clean-up efforts previously initiated by the prior owner. We submitted data to the state that we believe demonstrates that no further remedial action is necessary although the state may require additional clean-up or monitoring. In connection with the purchase of our Clayton, Georgia facility, we agreed to take assignment of the hazardous waste permit covering such facility and to assume certain responsibilities to implement a corrective action plan concerning the remediation of certain soil and groundwater contamination present at that facility. The corrective action plan is in the early stages. Although there can be no assurance, we do not expect expenses associated with these activities to be material.

Available Information

We file our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The public may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 405 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that are filed by us at http://www.sec.gov.

In addition, this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to all of the foregoing reports and our governance documents, are made available free of charge on our Internet website (http://www.rbcbearings.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. A copy of the above filings will also be provided free of charge upon written request to us.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Cautionary Statement As To Forward-Looking Information
 
This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any projections of earnings, cash flows, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; future growth rates in the markets we serve; increases in foreign sales; supply and cost of raw materials, any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  Forward-looking statements may include the words "may," "estimate," "intend," "continue," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology.
 
6

 
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 
·
Weaknesses and cyclicality in any of the industries in which our customers operate;
 
·
Changes in marketing, product pricing and sales strategies or developments of new products by us or our competitors;
 
·
Future reductions in U.S. governmental spending or changes in governmental programs, particularly military equipment procurement programs;
 
·
Our ability to obtain and retain product approvals;
 
·
Supply and costs of raw materials, particularly steel, and energy resources and our ability to pass through these costs on a timely basis;
 
·
Our ability to acquire and integrate complementary businesses;
 
·
Unexpected equipment failures, catastrophic events or capacity constraints;
 
·
The costs of defending, or the results of, new litigation;
 
·
Our ability to attract and retain our management team and other highly-skilled personnel;
 
·
Increases in interest rates;
 
·
Work stoppages and other labor problems for us and our customers or suppliers;
 
·
Limitations on our ability to expand our business;
 
·
Regulatory changes or developments in the U.S. and foreign countries;
 
·
Developments or disputes concerning patents or other proprietary rights;
 
·
Changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretation or principles;
 
·
Risks associated with operating internationally, including currency translation risks;
 
·
The operating and stock performance of comparable companies;
 
·
Investors’ perceptions of us and our industry;
 
·
General economic, geopolitical, industry and market conditions; and
 
·
Changes in tax requirements (including tax rate changes and new tax laws).

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including under Part I, Item 1. “Business,” Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

We are not under any duty to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this report and any subsequently filed reports are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

Our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition could be materially adversely affected by any of the following risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should carefully consider these risks before investing in shares of our common stock.

Risk Factors Related to Our Company

The bearing industry is highly competitive, and competition could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to grow.

The global bearing industry is highly competitive, and we compete with many U.S. and non-U.S. companies, some of which benefit from lower labor costs and fewer regulatory burdens than us. We compete primarily based on product qualifications, product line breadth, service and price. Certain competitors may be better able to manage costs than us or may have greater financial resources than we have. Due to the competitiveness in the bearing industry we may not be able to increase prices for our products to cover increases in our costs, and we may face pressure to reduce prices, which could materially reduce our revenues, gross margin and profitability. Competitive factors, including changes in market penetration, increased price competition and the introduction of new products and technology by existing and new competitors could result in a material reduction in our revenues and profitability.
 
7


The loss of a major customer could result in a material reduction in our revenues and profitability.

Our top ten customers generated 31% of our net sales during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008. Accordingly, the loss of one or more of those customers or a substantial decrease in such customers' purchases from us could result in a material reduction in our revenues and profitability.

In addition, the consolidation and combination of defense or other manufacturers may eliminate customers from the industry and/or put downward pricing pressures on sales of component parts. For example, the consolidation that has occurred in the defense industry in recent years has significantly reduced the overall number of defense contractors in the industry. In addition, if one of our customers is acquired or merged with another entity, the new entity may discontinue using us as a supplier because of an existing business relationship with the acquiring company or because it may be more efficient to consolidate certain suppliers within the newly formed enterprise. The significance of the impact that such consolidation may have on our business is difficult to predict because we do not know when or if one or more of our customers will engage in merger or acquisition activity. However, if such activity involved our material customers it could materially impact our revenues and profitability.

Weakness in any of the industries in which our customers operate, as well as the cyclical nature of our customers' businesses generally, could materially reduce our revenues and profitability.

The commercial aerospace, mining and construction equipment and other diversified industrial industries to which we sell our products are, to varying degrees, cyclical and tend to decline in response to overall declines in industrial production. Margins in those industries are highly sensitive to demand cycles, and our customers in those industries historically have tended to delay large capital projects, including expensive maintenance and upgrades, during economic downturns. As a result, our business is also cyclical, and the demand for our products by these customers depends, in part, on overall levels of industrial production, general economic conditions and business confidence levels. Downward economic cycles have affected our customers and reduced sales of our products resulting in reductions in our revenues and net earnings. Any future material weakness in demand in any of these industries could materially reduce our revenues and profitability.

In addition, many of our customers have historically experienced periodic downturns, which often have had a negative effect on demand for our products. For example, the severe downturn in 2001 in the aerospace industry resulted in deferrals or cancellations in aircraft orders, which reduced the volume and price of orders placed for products used to manufacture commercial aircraft, including our bearings and other individual parts and components we manufacture. Previous industry downturns have negatively affected, and future industry downturns will negatively affect, our net sales, gross margin and net income.

Future reductions or changes in U.S. government spending could negatively affect our business.

In fiscal 2009, 6.5% of our net sales were made directly, and we estimate that approximately an additional 15.9% of our net sales were made indirectly, to the U.S. government to support military or other government projects. Our failure to obtain new government contracts, the cancellation of government contracts or reductions in federal budget appropriations regarding our products could result in materially reduced revenue. In addition, the funding of defense programs also competes with non-defense spending of the U.S. government. Our business is sensitive to changes in national and international priorities and the U.S. government budget. A shift in government defense spending to other programs in which we are not involved or a reduction in U.S. government defense spending generally could materially reduce our revenues, cash flows from operations and profitability. If we, or our prime contractors for which we are a subcontractor, fail to win any particular bid, or we are unable to replace lost business as a result of a cancellation, expiration or completion of a contract, our revenues or cash flows could be reduced.

Fluctuating supply and costs of raw materials and energy resources could materially reduce our revenues, cash flow from operations and profitability.

Our business is dependent on the availability and costs of energy resources and raw materials, particularly steel, generally in the form of stainless and chrome steel, which are commodity steel products. The availability and prices of raw materials and energy sources may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, suppliers' allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. Although we currently maintain alternative sources for raw materials, our business is subject to the risk of price fluctuations and periodic delays in the delivery of certain raw materials. Disruptions in the supply of raw materials and energy resources could temporarily impair our ability to manufacture our products for our customers or require us to pay higher prices in order to obtain these raw materials or energy resources from other sources, which could thereby affect our net sales and profitability.
 
8

 
We seek to pass through a significant portion of our additional costs to our customers through steel surcharges or price increases. However, even if we are able to pass these steel surcharges or price increases to our customers, there may be a time lag of up to 3 months or more between the time a cost increase goes into effect and our ability to implement surcharges or price increases, particularly for orders already in our backlog. As a result our gross margin percentage may decline, and we may not be able to implement other price increases for our products. We cannot provide assurances that we will be able to continue to pass these additional costs on to our customers at all or on a timely basis or that our customers will not seek alternative sources of supply if there are significant or prolonged increases in the price of steel or other raw materials or energy resources.

Our products are subject to certain approvals, and the loss of such approvals could materially reduce our revenues and profitability.

Essential to servicing the aerospace market is the ability to obtain product approvals. We have a substantial number of product approvals, which enable us to provide products used in virtually all domestic aircraft platforms presently in production or operation. Product approvals are typically issued by the FAA to designated OEMs who are Production Approval Holders of FAA approved aircraft. These Production Approval Holders provide quality control oversight and generally limit the number of suppliers directly servicing the commercial aerospace aftermarket. Regulations enacted by the FAA provide for an independent process (the PMA process), which enables suppliers who currently sell their products to the Production Approval Holders, to sell products to the aftermarket. Our foreign sales may be subject to similar approvals or U.S. export control restrictions. Although we have not lost any material product approvals in the past, we cannot assure you that we will not lose approvals for our products in the future. The loss of product approvals could result in lost sales and materially reduce our revenues and profitability.

Restrictions in our indebtedness agreements could limit our growth and our ability to respond to changing conditions.

The KeyBank Credit Agreement contains a number of restrictive covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to:

 
·
incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock and guarantee indebtedness;
 
·
create liens on our assets;
 
·
pay dividends or make other equity distributions;
 
·
purchase or redeem capital stock;
 
·
create restrictions on payments of dividends or other amounts to us by our restricted subsidiaries;
 
·
make investments;
 
·
merge, consolidate or sell assets;
 
·
engage in activities unrelated to our current business;
 
·
engage in transactions with our affiliates; and
 
·
sell or issue capital stock of certain subsidiaries.

In addition, the KeyBank Credit Agreement contains other financial covenants requiring us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum senior leverage ratios and to satisfy certain other financial conditions. Our KeyBank Credit Agreement prohibits us from incurring capital expenditures of more than $30 million per year. These restrictions could limit our ability to obtain future financings, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities.

As of March 28, 2009, we had $67.0 million of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit of $6.6 million under our $150.0 million KeyBank Credit Agreement. Under the KeyBank Credit Agreement, we had borrowing availability of $76.4 million as of March 28, 2009.

Work stoppages and other labor problems could materially reduce our ability to operate our business.

As of March 28, 2009, approximately 11% of our hourly employees were represented by labor unions in the U.S. and abroad. While we believe our relations with our employees are satisfactory, a lengthy strike or other work stoppage at any of our facilities, particularly at some of our larger facilities, could materially reduce our ability to operate our business. In addition, any attempt by our employees not currently represented by a union to join a union could result in additional expenses, including with respect to wages, benefits and pension obligations. We currently have three collective bargaining agreements, one agreement covering approximately 54 employees will expire in June 2009, one agreement covering approximately 34 employees will expire in October 2009, and one agreement covering approximately 63 employees will expire in January 2013.
 
9

 
Negotiations for the extension of these agreements may result in modifications to the terms of these agreements, and these modifications could cause us to incur increased costs relating to our labor force.

In addition, work stoppages at one or more of our customers or suppliers, including suppliers of transportation services, many of which have large unionized workforces, for labor or other reasons could also cause disruptions to our business that we cannot control, and these disruptions may materially reduce our revenues and profitability.

Our business is capital intensive and may consume cash in excess of cash flows from our operations.

Our ability to remain competitive, sustain our growth and expand our operations largely depends on our cash flows from operations and our access to capital. We intend to fund our cash needs through operating cash flow and borrowings under our KeyBank Credit Agreement, but may require additional equity or debt financing to fund our growth and debt repayment obligations. In addition, we may need additional capital to fund future acquisitions. Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow, and we may not be able to obtain sufficient funds to enable us to pay our debt obligations and capital expenditures or we may not be able to refinance our existing debt on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. See Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity."

Unexpected equipment failures, catastrophic events or capacity constraints may increase our costs and reduce our sales due to production curtailments or shutdowns.

Our manufacturing processes are dependent upon critical pieces of equipment, such as furnaces, continuous casters and rolling equipment, as well as electrical equipment, such as transformers, and this equipment may, on occasion, be out of service as a result of unanticipated failures. In addition to equipment failures, our facilities are also subject to the risk of catastrophic loss due to unanticipated events such as fires, explosions, earthquakes or violent weather conditions. In the future, we may experience material plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of these types of equipment failures or catastrophes. Interruptions in production capabilities will inevitably increase our production costs and reduce sales and earnings for the affected period.

Certain of our facilities are operating at a single shift with light second and third shifts, and additional demand may require additional shifts and/or capital investments at these facilities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to add additional shifts as needed in a timely way and production constraints may result in lost sales. In certain markets we refrain from making additional capital investments to expand capacity where we believe market expansion in a particular end market is not sustainable or otherwise does not justify the expansion or capital investment. Our assumptions and forecasts regarding market conditions in these end markets may be erroneous and may result in lost earnings, potential sales going to competitors and inhibit our growth.

We may not be able to continue to make the acquisitions necessary for us to realize our growth strategy.

The acquisition of businesses that complement or expand our operations has been and continues to be an important element of our business strategy. We frequently engage in evaluations of potential acquisitions and negotiations for possible acquisitions, some of which, if consummated, could be significant to us. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in identifying attractive acquisition candidates or completing acquisitions on favorable terms in the future. Our inability to acquire businesses, or to operate them profitably once acquired, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, cash flow and growth.

The costs and difficulties of integrating acquired businesses could impede our future growth.

We cannot assure you that any future acquisition will enhance our financial performance. Our ability to effectively integrate any future acquisitions will depend on, among other things, the culture of the acquired business matching with our culture, the ability to retain and assimilate employees of the acquired business, the ability to retain customers and integrate customer bases, the adequacy of our implementation plans, the ability of our management to oversee and operate effectively the combined operations and our ability to achieve desired operating efficiencies and sales goals. The integration of any acquired businesses might cause us to incur unforeseen costs, which would lower our future earnings and would prevent us from realizing the expected benefits of these acquisitions.
 
10

 
Even if we are able to integrate future acquired businesses with our operations successfully, we cannot assure you that we will realize all of the cost savings, synergies or revenue enhancements that we anticipate from such integration or that we will realize such benefits within the expected time frame. As a result of our acquisitions of other businesses, we may be subject to the risk of unforeseen business uncertainties or legal liabilities relating to those acquired businesses for which the sellers may not indemnify us. Future acquisitions may also result in potentially dilutive issuances of securities.

We depend heavily on our senior management and other key personnel, the loss of whom could materially affect our financial performance and prospects.

Our business is managed by a small number of key executive officers, including Dr. Michael J. Hartnett. Our future success will depend on, among other things, our ability to keep the services of these executives and to hire other highly qualified employees at all levels.

We compete with other potential employers for employees, and we may not be successful in hiring and retaining executives and other skilled employees that we need. Our ability to successfully execute our business strategy, market and develop our products and serve our customers could be adversely affected by a shortage of available skilled employees or executives.

Our international operations are subject to risks inherent in such activities.

We have established operations in certain countries outside the U.S., including Mexico, France, Switzerland, China and England. Of our 24 facilities, 6 are located outside the U.S., including 4 manufacturing facilities.

Approximately 28% of our net sales were derived from sales directly or indirectly outside the U.S. We expect that this proportion is likely to increase as we seek to increase our penetration of foreign markets, including through acquisitions, particularly within the aerospace and defense markets. Our foreign operations are subject to the risks inherent in such activities such as: currency devaluations, logistical and communications challenges, costs of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, greater difficulties in protecting and maintaining our rights to intellectual property, difficulty in staffing and managing geographically diverse operations, acts of terrorism or war or other acts that may cause social disruption which are difficult to quantify or predict and general economic conditions in these foreign markets. Our international operations may be negatively impacted by changes in government policies, such as changes in laws and regulations (or the interpretation thereof), restrictions on imports and exports, sources of supply, duties or tariffs, the introduction of measures to control inflation and changes in the rate or method of taxation. To date we have not experienced significant difficulties with the foregoing risks associated with our international operations, however, as the size of our international operations has continued to grow, we expect these risks to become increasingly important to our business operations.

Currency translation risks may have a material impact on our results of operations.

Our Swiss operations utilize the Swiss Franc as the functional currency, our French operations utilize the Euro as the functional currency and our English operations utilize the British Pound Sterling as the functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in earnings. Foreign currency transaction exposure arises primarily from the transfer of foreign currency from one subsidiary to another within the group and to foreign currency denominated trade receivables. Unrealized currency translation gains and losses are recognized upon translation of the foreign subsidiaries' balance sheets to U.S. dollars. Because our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our earnings. While we monitor exchange rates, we currently do not have exchange rate hedges in place to reduce the risk of an adverse currency exchange movement. Currency fluctuations have not had a material impact on our financial performance in the past, but such fluctuations may affect our financial performance in the future and we cannot predict the impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations. See Part II, Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exchange Rates."
 
11


We may be required to make significant future contributions to our pension plan.

As of March 28, 2009, we maintained one noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. The plan was overfunded by $0.9 million as of March 28, 2009 and by $0.5 million as of March 29, 2008, which are the amounts by which the accumulated benefit obligations are less than the sum of the fair market value of the plan’s assets. We are required to make cash contributions to our pension plan to the extent necessary to comply with minimum funding requirements imposed by employee benefit laws and tax laws. The amount of any such required contributions is determined based on annual actuarial valuation of the plan as performed by the plan’s actuaries. The amount of future contributions will depend upon asset returns, then-current discount rates and a number of other factors, and, as a result, the amount we may elect or be required to contribute to our pension plan in the future may increase significantly. Additionally, there is a risk that if the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation concludes that its risk with respect to our pension plan may increase unreasonably if the plan continues to operate, if we are unable to satisfy the minimum funding requirement for the plan or if the plan becomes unable to pay benefits, then the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation could terminate the plan and take control of its assets. In such event, we may be required to make an immediate payment to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of all or a substantial portion of the underfunding as calculated by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation based upon its own assumptions. The underfunding calculated by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation could be substantially greater than the underfunding we have calculated because, for example, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may use a significantly lower discount rate. If such payment is not made, then the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation could place liens on a material portion of our assets and the assets of any members of our controlled group. Such action could result in a material increase in our pension related expenses and a corresponding reduction in our cash flow and net income. For additional information concerning our pension plan and plan liabilities, see Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 12 “Pension Plans.”

We may incur material losses for product liability and recall related claims.

We are subject to a risk of product and recall related liability in the event that the failure, use or misuse of any of our products results in personal injury, death, or property damage or our products do not conform to our customers' specifications. In particular, our products are installed in a number of types of vehicle fleets, including airplanes, trains, automobiles, heavy trucks and farm equipment, many of which are subject to government ordered as well as voluntary recalls by the manufacturer. If one of our products is found to be defective, causes a fleet to be disabled or otherwise results in a product recall, significant claims may be brought against us. Although we have not had any material product liability or recall related claims made against us, and we currently maintain product liability insurance coverage for product liability, although not for recall related claims, we cannot assure you that product liability or recall related claims, if made, would not exceed our insurance coverage limits or would be covered by insurance which, in turn, may result in material losses related to these claims, increased future insurance costs and a corresponding reduction in our cash flow and net income.

Environmental regulations impose substantial costs and limitations on our operations, and environmental compliance may be more costly than we expect.

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air and water, the storage, handling and disposal of wastes and the health and safety of employees. These laws and regulations could subject us to material costs and liabilities, including compliance costs, civil and criminal fines imposed for failure to comply with these laws and regulatory and litigation costs. We also may be liable under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or similar state laws, for the costs of investigation and clean-up of contamination at facilities currently or formerly owned or operated by us or at other facilities at which we have disposed of hazardous substances. In connection with such contamination, we may also be liable for natural resource damages, government penalties and claims by third parties for personal injury and property damage. Compliance with these laws and regulations may prove to be more limiting and costly than we anticipate. New laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could cause a material increase in our environmental related compliance costs and a corresponding reduction in our cash flow and net income. Investigation and remediation of contamination at some of our sites is ongoing. Actual costs to clean-up these sites may exceed our current estimates. Although we have indemnities and other agreements for certain pre-closing environmental liabilities from the prior owners in connection with our acquisition of several of our facilities, we cannot assure you that the indemnities will be adequate to cover known or newly discovered pre-closing liabilities.
 
12

 
Our intellectual property and other proprietary rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could adversely affect our business and results of operations; in addition, we may be subject to infringement claims by third parties.

Our ability to compete effectively is dependent upon our ability to protect and preserve the intellectual property and other proprietary rights and materials owned, licensed or otherwise used by us. We have numerous U.S. and foreign patents, trademark registrations and U.S. copyright registrations. We also have U.S. and foreign trademark and patent applications pending. We cannot assure you that our pending trademark and patent applications will result in trademark registrations and issued patents, and our failure to secure rights under these applications may limit our ability to protect the intellectual property rights that these applications were intended to cover. Although we have attempted to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights both in the United States and in foreign countries through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection and non-disclosure agreements, these steps may be insufficient to prevent unauthorized use of our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, particularly in foreign countries where the protection available for such intellectual property and other proprietary rights may be limited. We cannot assure you that any of our intellectual property rights will not be infringed upon or that our trade secrets will not be misappropriated or otherwise become known to or independently developed by competitors. We may not have adequate remedies available for any such infringement or other unauthorized use. We cannot assure you that any infringement claims asserted by us will not result in our intellectual property being challenged or invalidated, that our intellectual property will be held to be of adequate scope to protect our business or that we will be able to deter current and former employees, contractors or other parties from breaching confidentiality obligations and misappropriating trade secrets. In addition, we may become subject to claims which could require us to pay damages or limit our ability to use certain intellectual property and other proprietary rights found to be in violation of a third party's rights, and, in the event such litigation is successful, we may be unable to use such intellectual property and other proprietary rights at all or on reasonable terms. Regardless of its outcome, any litigation, whether commenced by us or third parties, could be protracted and costly and could result in increased litigation related expenses, the loss of intellectual property rights or payment of money or other damages, which may result in lost sales and reduced cash flow and decrease our net income. See Part I, Item 1. "Business—Intellectual Property."
 
Cancellation of orders in our backlog of orders could negatively impact our revenues.

As of March 28, 2009, we had an order backlog of $179.3 million, which we estimate will be fulfilled within the next 12 months. However, orders included in our backlog are subject to cancellation, delay or other modifications by our customers prior to fulfillment. For these reasons, we cannot assure you that orders included in our backlog will ultimately result in the actual receipt of revenues from such orders.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud could harm our business. To date, we have not detected any material weakness or significant deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting. However, we are continuing to evaluate and, where appropriate, enhance our policies, procedures and internal controls. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, civil or criminal penalties or shareholder litigation. In addition, failure to maintain adequate internal controls could result in financial statements that do not accurately reflect our financial condition. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.

Risk Factors Related to our Common Stock

Provisions in our charter documents may prevent or hinder efforts to acquire a controlling interest in us.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions which might benefit our stockholders or  in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management.

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors without stockholder approval. Holders of the common stock may not have preemptive rights to subscribe for a pro rata portion of any capital stock which may be issued by us. In the event of issuance, such preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of us or could impede our stockholders’ ability to approve a transaction they consider in their best interests. Although we have no present intention to issue any new shares of preferred stock, we may do so in the future.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None
 
13


ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

Our principal executive offices are located at One Tribology Center, Oxford, Connecticut 06478. We also use this facility for manufacturing.

We own facilities in the following locations:

Rancho Dominguez, California
 
Bremen, Indiana
Santa Ana, California
 
Plymouth, Indiana
Fairfield, Connecticut
 
Bishopville, South Carolina
Torrington, Connecticut
 
Hartsville, South Carolina
Canton, Georgia
 
Walterboro, South Carolina
Clayton, Georgia
  
Houston, Texas

We have leases in effect with respect to the following facilities:

Location of Leased Facility
 
Lease Expiration Date
 
Location of Leased Facility
 
Lease Expiration Date
Baldwin Park, California
 
April 30, 2013
 
Horsham, Pennsylvania
 
April 14, 2010
Santa Fe Springs, California
 
July 1, 2009
 
Bishopville, South Carolina
 
January 31, 2016
Middlebury, Connecticut
 
June 30, 2010
 
Hartsville, South Carolina
 
September 30, 2014
Oxford, Connecticut
 
September 30, 2014
 
Delemont, Switzerland
 
August 31, 2015
Gloucestershire, England
 
May 21, 2012
 
Houston, Texas
 
June 30, 2012
Reynosa, Mexico
 
June 13, 2013
 
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
 
March 31, 2012
West Trenton, New Jersey
 
February 2, 2012
 
Shanghai, China
 
May 24, 2009
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  
September 30, 2021
  
Les Ulis, France
  
July 31, 2010

We have several small field offices located in various locations to support field sales operations.

We believe that our existing property, facilities and equipment are generally in good condition, are well maintained and adequate to carry on our current operations. We also believe that our existing manufacturing facilities have sufficient capacity to meet increased customer demand. Substantially all of our owned domestic properties and most of our other assets are subject to a lien securing our obligations under our KeyBank Credit Agreement.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are involved in litigation and administrative proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe that any litigation or proceeding in which we are currently involved, either individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, cash flow or prospects.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009.

     EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors normally for a term of one year and until the election of their successors. The executive officers of the company as of May 21, 2009 are as follows:

Name 
 
Age
     
Current Position and Previous Positions During Last Five Years
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett
 
63
 
1992
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Daniel A. Bergeron
 
49
 
2003
2006
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary
Thomas C. Crainer
 
51
 
2003
2008
 
General Manager
Vice President and General Manager
Richard J. Edwards
 
53
 
1996
 
Vice President and General Manager
Thomas J. Williams
 
57
 
2006
 
Corporate General Counsel and Secretary
Thomas M. Burigo
  
57
  
2005
2006
  
Director of Accounting
Corporate Controller

 
14

 

PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Price range of our Common Stock

Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "ROLL." As of May 19, 2009, there were 51 holders of record of our common stock.

The following table shows the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market during the periods indicated:

   
Fiscal 2009
   
Fiscal 2008
 
   
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
First Quarter
  $ 41.20     $ 33.24     $ 42.90     $ 33.70  
Second Quarter
    42.30       29.23       42.67       31.77  
Third Quarter
    35.74       16.03       43.98       33.46  
Fourth Quarter
    22.66       12.18       43.87       27.48  

The last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on May 19, 2009 was $18.67 per share.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not expect to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future. Our current policy is to retain all of our earnings to finance future growth. In addition, covenants in our credit facilities restrict our ability to pay dividends. Any future declaration of dividends will be determined by our board of directors, based upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, debt covenants, tax consequences and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
On June 15, 2007, our board of directors authorized us to repurchase up to $10.0 million of our common stock from time to time on the open market, through block trades, or in privately negotiated transactions depending on market conditions, alternative uses of capital and other factors.  Purchases may be commenced, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. The new program, which does not have an expiration date, replaced a $7.5 million program that expired on March 31, 2007.

Total share repurchases for the three months ended March 28, 2009, all of which were made under this program, are as follows:

Period
 
Total
number
of shares
purchased
   
Average
price paid
per share
   
Number of
shares
purchased 
as part of the
publicly
announced
program
   
Approximate
dollar value
of shares still
available to be
purchased
under the
program
(000’s)
 
12/28/2008– 01/24/2009
        $           $ 6,943  
01/25/2009 – 02/21/2009
    2,980       18.03       2,980       6,889  
02/22/2009 – 03/28/2009
                    $ 6,889  
Total
    2,980     $ 18.03       2,980          

 
15

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we did not issue any common stock that was not registered under the Securities Act.

Equity Compensation Plans

Information regarding equity compensation plans required to be disclosed pursuant to this Item is included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 15 “Stockholders’ Equity-Stock Option Plans” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Performance Graph

The following graph shows the total return to our stockholders compared to a peer group and the Nasdaq Composite over the period from August 10, 2005 (the date of our initial public offering) to March 28, 2009. Each line on the graph assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock on August 10, 2005 or in the respective indices at the closing price on August 10, 2005. The graph then presents the value of these investments, assuming reinvestment of dividends, through the close of trading on March 28, 2009.


   
August 10,
2005
   
April 1,
2006
   
March 31,
2007
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 28,
2009
 
RBC Bearings Incorporated
  $ 100.00     $ 134.25     $ 218.93     $ 237.00     $ 106.02  
Nasdaq Composite Index
    100.00       109.18       115.16       107.74       71.12  
Peer Group
    100.00       124.18       179.46       176.90       107.33  

The peer group consists of Kaydon Corporation, Moog Inc., NN Inc., Precision Industries Castparts Corp., Timken Company and Triumph Group Inc., which in our opinion, most closely represent the peer group for our business segments.

*The cumulative total return shown on the stock performance graph indicates historical results only and is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 
16

 

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth our selected consolidated historical financial and other data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected financial data as of and for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008, March 31, 2007, April 1, 2006 and April 2, 2005 have been derived from our historical consolidated financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected in the future. You should read the data presented below together with, and qualified by reference to, Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements included  in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on  Form 10-K.

 
17

 

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
   
April 1,
2006
   
April 2,
2005
 
   
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                             
Net sales(1)
  $ 355,796     $ 330,600     $ 306,062     $ 274,509     $ 243,016  
Cost of sales
    237,576       217,022       205,953       191,561       174,602  
Gross margin
    118.220       113,578       100,109       82,948       68,414  
Selling, general and administrative(2)
    55,779       48,904       42,256       41,945       32,749  
Other, net
    7.471       1,824       5,934       2,424       3,526  
Operating income
    54,970       62,850       51,919       38,579       32,139  
Interest expense, net
    2,605       3,407       5,780       15,657       19,669  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt(3)
    319       27       3,576       3,771       6,950  
Other non-operating expense (income)
    645       (463 )     (1,504 )     78       (355 )
Income before income taxes
    51,401       59,879       44,067       19,073       5,875  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    16,947       19,685       15,588       6,634       (1,385 )
Net income
    34,454       40,194       28,479       12,439       7,260  
Preferred stock dividends
                      (893 )     (2,280 )
Participation rights of preferred stock in undistributed earnings
                      (630 )     (1,142 )
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 34,454     $ 40,194     $ 28,479     $ 10,916     $ 3,838  
Net income per common share:(4)
                                       
Basic
  $ 1.60     $ 1.87     $ 1.38     $ 0.84     $ 0.62  
Diluted
  $ 1.58     $ 1.84     $ 1.33     $ 0.76     $ 0.35  
Weighted average common shares:(4)
                                       
Basic
    21,570,979       21,457,846       20,579,498       12,931,185       6,202,615  
Diluted
    21,738,812       21,802,711       21,335,307       14,452,264       10,854,584  
Other Financial Data:
                                       
Capital expenditures
  $ 27,583     $ 17,758     $ 16,174     $ 10,341     $ 9,526  

   
As of
 
   
March 28,
   
March 29,
   
March 31,
   
April 1,
   
April 2,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                             
Cash
  $ 30,557     $ 9,859     $ 5, 184     $ 16,126     $ 2,635  
Working capital
    205,904       176,269       138,970       146,612       120,656  
Total assets
    382,067       337,112       273,713       275,923       250,169  
Total debt
    68,151       57,750       59,405       165,747       220,079  
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)
    256,011       223,910       168,171       73,340       (7,759 )

(1)
Net sales were $355.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $330.6 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $25.2 million. Net sales in the compared periods included net sales of $6.6 million for PIC Design (acquired in June 2008), $6.1 million for AID (acquired in March 2008) and $4.8 million for BEMD (acquired in March 2008), all in fiscal 2009.

 
Net sales were $330.6 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $306.1 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of $24.5 million.  Net sales in the compared periods included net sales of  $5.4 million for Phoenix (acquired in May 2007), $2.7 million for CBS (acquired in July 2007), $0.3 million for AID (acquired in March 2008) and $0.3 million for BEMD (acquired in March 2008), all in fiscal 2008.

Net sales were $306.1 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $274.5 million in fiscal 2006, an increase of $31.6 million. Net sales in the compared periods included net sales of $8.4 million in fiscal 2007 for All Power, which was acquired in September 2006.

Net sales were $274.5 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $243.0 million in fiscal 2005, an increase of $31.5 million. Net sales in the compared periods included net sales of $1.7 million in fiscal 2006 for SWP, which was acquired in September 2005.

 
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(2)
Selling, general and administrative expense for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2006 included non-recurring compensation expense of $5.2 million.

(3)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2009 was $0.3 million for the non-cash write-off of deferred financing fees associated with the paydown of $15.5 million of industrial revenue bonds.

 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2007 was $3.6 million for the non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the early termination of the senior credit facility.

 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt of $3.8 million in fiscal 2006 included $1.6 million for non-cash write-off of deferred financing fees and unamortized bond discount associated with retired debt, $1.3 million of redemption premium associated with the retirement of all of our 13% discount debentures in September 2005, $0.5 million of prepayment fees related to the repayment of all of the outstanding balance under our second lien term loan in August 2005 and $0.4 million in interest expense for the 30-day call period related to the early extinguishment of our 13% discount debentures.

 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt of $7.0 million in fiscal 2005 included $4.3 million for non-cash write-off of deferred financing fees associated with retired debt, $1.8 million of redemption premium and $0.9 million of accrued interest for the 30-day call period related to the early extinguishment of $110.0 million of 9 5¤8% senior subordinated notes in July 2004.

(4)
Amounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 reflect the consummation of our secondary public offering in April 2006, which included: (1) the sale by us of 8,989,550 shares of our common stock (5,995,529 sold by certain of our stockholders) at the offering price of $20.50 per share and (2) the repayment of $57.8 million of our Term Loan.

 
Amounts for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2006 reflect the consummation of our initial public offering in August 2005, which included: (1) the sale by us of 7,034,516 shares at the offering price of $14.50 per share, (2) the repayment of all of our $38.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 13% senior subordinated discount debentures due 2009, (3) the repayment of all outstanding indebtedness under our $45.0 million second lien term loan, (4) the addition of $40.0 million to our Term Loan and (5) the redemption of all of our then outstanding Class C and Class D preferred stock for an aggregate redemption price of $38.6 million.

 
Amounts shown for periods prior to August 15, 2005 include shares of both Class A common stock and Class B common stock, all of which were reclassified into a single class of common stock on a one-for-one basis in connection with our initial public offering as of such date.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

We are a well known international manufacturer of highly engineered precision plain, roller and ball bearings. Our precision solutions are integral to the manufacture and operation of most machines and mechanical systems, reduce wear to moving parts, facilitate proper power transmission and reduce damage and energy loss caused by friction. While we manufacture products in all major bearing categories, we focus primarily on the higher end of the bearing market where we believe our value added manufacturing and engineering capabilities enable us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and enhance profitability. We estimate that approximately two-thirds of our net sales during fiscal 2009 were generated by products for which we hold the number one or two market position. We have been providing bearing solutions to our customers since 1919. Over the past ten years, under the leadership of our current management team, we have significantly broadened our end markets, products, customer base and geographic reach. We currently operate 24 facilities of which 22 are manufacturing facilities in four countries.

Demand for bearings generally follows the market for products in which bearings are incorporated and the economy as a whole. Purchasers of bearings include industrial equipment and machinery manufacturers, producers of commercial and military aerospace equipment such as missiles and radar systems, agricultural machinery manufacturers, construction, mining and specialized equipment manufacturers and automotive and commercial truck manufacturers. The markets for our products are cyclical, and general market conditions could negatively impact our operating results. We have endeavored to mitigate the cyclicality of our product markets by entering into sole-source relationships and long-term purchase orders, through diversification across multiple market segments within the aerospace and defense and diversified industrial segments, by increasing sales to the aftermarket and by focusing on developing highly customized solutions.

 
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During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the world economy continued to expand, and we experienced favorable conditions across our two major markets: diversified industrial and aerospace and defense. In our fiscal fourth quarter, we started to experience weaker demand for our diversified industrial products driven by an overall slowdown in most worldwide industrial markets, but particularly in non-residential construction, mining and oil and gas sectors. We expect these conditions to continue through our fiscal 2010.

In the aerospace market a recovery continued, and we believe it is at the late-stages of an extended cycle. Expansion of the commercial aircraft sector, in response to the need of the carriers to upgrade the worldwide fleet, drove increased build schedules at Boeing and Airbus. The defense sector continued to replace and develop its weapons and cargo platforms. This sector demonstrated increased requirements for replacement bearings for combat systems strained by extensive use in harsh environments over the past four years.

Approximately 21% of our costs are attributable to raw materials, a majority of which are related to steel and related products. During the past four years, steel prices have increased to historically high levels, responding to unprecedented levels of world demand. To date, we have generally been able to pass through these costs to our customers through price increases and the assessment of surcharges, although there can be a time lag of up to 3 months or more.

Competition in specialized bearing markets is based on engineering design, brand, lead times and reliability of product and service. These markets are generally not as price sensitive as the markets for standard bearings.

We have demonstrated expertise in acquiring and integrating bearing and precision-engineered component manufacturers that have complementary products or distribution channels and provide significant potential for margin enhancement. We have consistently increased the profitability of acquired businesses through a process of methods and systems improvement coupled with the introduction of complementary and proprietary new products. Since October 1992 we have completed 19 acquisitions which have significantly broadened our end markets, products, customer base and geographic reach.

Sources of Revenue

Revenue is generated primarily from sales of bearings to the diversified industrial market and the aerospace and defense markets. Sales are often made pursuant to sole-source relationships, long-term agreements and purchase orders with our customers. We recognize revenues principally from the sale of products at the point of passage of title, which is at the time of shipment.

Sales to the diversified industrial market accounted for 42% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009. Sales to the aerospace and defense markets accounted for 58% of our net sales for the same period. We anticipate that sales to the aerospace and defense markets will increase as a percentage of our net sales.

Aftermarket sales of replacement parts for existing equipment platforms represented approximately 59% of our net sales for fiscal 2009. We continue to develop our OEM relationships which have established us as a leading supplier on many important aerospace and defense platforms. Over the past several years, we have experienced increased demand from the replacement parts market, particularly within the aerospace and defense sectors; one of our business strategies has been to increase the proportion of sales derived from this sector. We believe these activities increase the stability of our revenue base, strengthen our brand identity and provide multiple paths for revenue growth.

 Approximately 28% of our net sales were derived from sales directly or indirectly outside the U.S. for fiscal 2009, compared to 27% for fiscal 2008. We expect that this proportion will increase as we seek to increase our penetration of foreign markets, particularly within the aerospace and defense sectors. Our top ten customers generated 31% of our net sales in fiscal 2009 and 2008. Out of the 31% of net sales generated by our top ten customers during the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009, 18% of net sales was generated by our top four customers. No single customer was responsible for generating more than 7% of our net sales for the same period.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of sales includes employee compensation and benefits, materials, outside processing, depreciation of manufacturing machinery and equipment, supplies and manufacturing overhead.

 
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During the past four years, our gross margin was impacted by rising raw material prices, in particular, steel and related products. In response, we have, to date, managed to pass on the majority of these price increases of raw materials to our customers through steel surcharges assessed on, or price increases of, our bearing products. However, we have from time to time experienced a time lag of up to 3 months or more in our ability to pass through steel surcharges to our customers, which has negatively impacted our gross margin. We will continue to pass on raw material price increases as competitive conditions allow.

We monitor gross margin performance through a process of monthly operation management reviews. We will develop new products to target certain markets allied to our strategies by first understanding volume levels and product pricing and then constructing manufacturing strategies to achieve defined margin objectives. We only pursue product lines where we believe that the developed manufacturing process will yield the targeted margins. Management monitors gross margins of all product lines on a monthly basis to determine which manufacturing processes or prices should be adjusted.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, expenses relate primarily to the compensation and associated costs of selling, general and administrative personnel, professional fees, insurance, incentive stock compensation, facility costs and information technology. We expect SG&A expenses will decrease in absolute terms as we experience the overall economic slowdown and take responsive action.

Other Expenses

In March 2009, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million. This charge was associated with a change in production capacity for the Class 8 truck market due to continued decline in the build rates for Class 8 trucks.

In December 2008, we completed the consolidation and rationalization of our RBC Linear Precision Products, Inc. subsidiary in Walterboro, South Carolina. This resulted in a total charge of $1.4 million, of which $0.4 million was related to the net disposal and impairment of fixed assets, $0.7 million was for a writedown of excess inventory, $0.2 million for severance costs and $0.1 million for other miscellaneous items.

In December 2007, our RBC Aircraft Products, Inc. subsidiary relocated from a leased to an owned facility within Torrington, Connecticut. Moving expenses related to the relocation of this manufacturing facility resulted in a charge of approximately $0.5 million in fiscal 2008.

In February 2007, our Tyson Bearing Company, Inc. subsidiary closed operations at our Glasgow, Kentucky facility. The production that was conducted at the Tyson facility has been moved to other RBC locations. This consolidation resulted in a charge of approximately $5.1 million in fiscal 2007.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the various components of our consolidated statements of operations, expressed as a percentage of net sales, for the periods indicated that are used in connection with the discussion herein:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Gross margin
    33.2       34.4       32.7  
Selling, general and administrative
    15.7       14.8       13.8  
Other, net
    2.1       0.6       1.9  
Operating income
    15.4       19.0       17.0  
Interest expense, net
    0.7       1.0       1.9  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    0.1             1.2  
Other non-operating expense (income)
    0.2       (0.1 )     (0.5 )
Income before income taxes
    14.4       18.1       14.4  
Provision for income taxes
    4.7       6.0       5.1  
Net income
    9.7 %     12.1 %     9.3 %

 
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Segment Information

We have four reportable product segments: Plain Bearings, Roller Bearings, Ball Bearings and Other. Other consists primarily of precision ball screws and machine tool collets. The following table shows our net sales and operating income with respect to each of our reporting segments plus Corporate for the last three fiscal years:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net External Sales
                 
Plain
  $ 166,658     $ 154,535     $ 143,907  
Roller
    94,428       97,019       92,123  
Ball
    63,625       56,677       50,466  
Other
    31,085       22,369       19,566  
Total
  $ 355,796     $ 330,600     $ 306,062  
Operating Income
                       
Plain
  $ 41,517     $ 40,982     $ 41,163  
Roller
    23,697       28,818       18,766  
Ball
    14,474       14,284       12,523  
Other
    2,375       2,669       2,200  
Corporate
    (27,093 )     (23,903 )     (22,733 )
Total
  $ 54,970     $ 62,850     $ 51,919  

Geographic Information

The following table summarizes our net sales, by shipping location, for the periods shown:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Geographic Revenues
                 
Domestic
  $ 301,413     $ 280,510     $ 265,644  
Foreign
    54,383       50,090       40,418  
Total
  $ 355,796     $ 330,600     $ 306,062  

For additional information concerning our business segments, see Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 19 “Reportable Segments.”

Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Net Sales.  Net sales for fiscal 2009 were $355.8 million, an increase of $25.2 million, or 7.6%, compared to $330.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2008. During fiscal 2009, we experienced net sales growth in three of our four segments, driven by demand across end markets as well as continued efforts to supply new products to existing and new customers. Overall, net sales to aerospace and defense customers grew 18.6% in fiscal 2009 compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by commercial and military aerospace aftermarket, OEM demand and the $11.6 million contribution of newly-acquired divisions AID, BEMD and PIC Design. Net sales to diversified industrial customers decreased 4.6% in fiscal 2009 compared to the same period last year. This decline was offset by the inclusion of our PIC Design acquisition which contributed $5.3 million of net sales to our diversified industrial customers in fiscal 2009.

The Plain Bearings segment achieved net sales of $166.7 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $12.2 million, or 7.8%, compared to $154.5 million for the same period in the prior year. The commercial and military aerospace market grew $13.9 million due to an increase in airframe and aerospace bearing shipments to aircraft manufacturers and continued demand for aftermarket product. The inclusion of AID accounted for $5.9 million of this increase. This increase was offset by a $1.7 million decline in net sales to our diversified industrial customers. This decline was mainly due to a shift in manufacturing capacity in response to growing aerospace demand and lower industrial OEM and aftermarket demand.

The Roller Bearings segment achieved net sales of $94.4 million in fiscal 2009, a decrease of $2.6 million, or 2.7%, compared to $97.0 million for the same period in the prior year. Net sales to the diversified industrial market declined by $3.9 million primarily driven by a continued slowdown in our Class 8 truck market and the overall diversified industrial market offset by an increase of $1.3 million in sales to the aerospace and defense sector.

 
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The Ball Bearings segment achieved net sales of $63.6 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $6.9 million, or 12.3%, compared to $56.7 million for the same period in the prior year. Strong aerospace and defense-related demand contributed an increase of $9.9 million which was offset by a decline of $3.0 million in sales to customers in the diversified industrial markets.

The Other segment, which is focused mainly on the sale of machine tool collets and precision components, achieved net sales of $31.1 million in fiscal 2009, an increase of $8.7 million, or 39.0%, compared to $22.4 million for the same period last year. Contributing to this increase was $11.0 million from the inclusion of BEMD and PIC Design offset by a decrease of $2.3 million in sales of machine tool collets in Europe and a decline in precision ball screws.

Gross Margin.  Gross margin was $118.2 million, or 33.2% of net sales, in fiscal 2009, versus $113.6 million, or 34.4% of net sales, for the comparable period in fiscal 2008. The decrease in our gross margin as a percentage of net sales was mainly driven by start-up costs associated with our expansion into new bearing products of approximately $2.3 million and the inclusion of recent acquisitions which are currently operating at lower gross margin levels.

Selling, General and Administrative.  SG&A expenses increased by $6.9 million, or 14.1%, to $55.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $48.9 million for the same period in fiscal 2008. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $3.4 million for personnel necessary to support increased volume, higher incentive stock compensation expense of $1.2 million, and $2.3 million associated with acquisitions. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 15.7% in fiscal 2009 compared to 14.8% for the same period in fiscal 2008.

Other, net.  Other, net in fiscal 2009 was $7.5 million compared to $1.8 million for the same period in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, other, net included $1.6 million of amortization of intangibles, $1.1 million of plant consolidation and moving expenses primarily related to the consolidation of our Walterboro, South Carolina facility,  a loss on disposal and impairment of fixed assets and intangibles of $4.4 million and bad debt expense of $0.4 million. In fiscal 2008, other, net included $1.3 million of amortization of intangibles, $0.5 million of moving expenses related to the relocation of our aircraft products manufacturing facility and a loss on disposal of fixed assets of $0.4 million, offset by other miscellaneous income of $0.4 million.

Operating Income.  Operating income was $55.0 million, or 15.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2009 compared to $62.9 million, or 19.0% of net sales, in fiscal 2008. Operating income for the Plain Bearings segment was $41.5 million in fiscal 2009, or 24.9% of net sales, compared to $41.0 million for the same period last year, or 26.5% of net sales. The Roller Bearings segment achieved an operating income in fiscal 2009 of $23.7 million, or 25.1% of net sales, compared to $28.8 million, or 29.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2008. This segment was impacted by the non-cash impairment charge of $3.8 million associated with the Class 8 truck market. The Ball Bearings segment achieved an operating income of $14.5 million, or 22.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2009, compared to $14.3 million, or 25.2% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2008. The Other segment achieved an operating income of $2.4 million, or 7.6% of net sales, in fiscal 2009, compared to $2.7 million or 11.9% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2008. The increase in operating income in the Plain and Ball segments was driven primarily by an increase in net sales. The decrease in operating income in the Roller segment was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales to industrial customers.

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense, net decreased by $0.8 million to $2.6 million in fiscal 2009, compared to $3.4 million in fiscal 2008, driven by debt reduction.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt.  For fiscal 2009, loss on early extinguishment of debt was $0.3 million for the non-cash write-off of deferred financing fees associated with the paydown of $15.5 million of industrial revenue bonds.

Other Non-Operating Expense (Income).  In fiscal 2009, we incurred a foreign exchange loss of approximately $1.0 million related primarily to a loan to our Phoenix subsidiary denominated in British Pound Sterling. This was offset by approximately $0.4 million in payments received under the U.S. Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) for 2008.  This compared to $0.3 million in payments received in fiscal 2008 for 2007. The CDSOA distributes antidumping duties paid by overseas companies to domestic firms hurt by unfair trade.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before taxes was $51.4 million in fiscal 2009 compared to income before taxes of $59.9 million in fiscal 2008.

 
23

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in fiscal 2009 was $16.9 million compared to $19.7 million in fiscal 2008.  The effective income tax rate in fiscal 2009 was 33.0% compared to 32.9% in fiscal 2008.

Net Income.  Net income was $34.5 million in fiscal 2009 compared to net income of $40.2 million in fiscal 2008.

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

Net Sales.  Net sales for fiscal 2008 were $330.6 million, an increase of $24.5 million, or 8.0%, compared to $306.1 million for the same period in fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2008, we experienced net sales growth in all our four segments, driven by demand across end markets as well as continued efforts to supply new products to existing and new customers. Overall, net sales to aerospace and defense customers grew 14.5% in fiscal 2008 compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by commercial and military aerospace aftermarket, OEM demand and a full year of All Power which was acquired in fiscal 2007. Net sales to diversified industrial customers grew 1.7% in fiscal 2008 compared to the same period last year.  Reflected in this change, our core markets of construction, mining, semiconductor capital equipment and distribution were up 8.8% offset by a decline in year-over-year volume in our Class 8 truck market. The addition of CBS and Phoenix during fiscal 2008 contributed $8.0 million towards this core growth.

The Plain Bearings segment achieved net sales of $154.5 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $10.6 million, or 7.4%, compared to $143.9 million for the same period in the prior year. The commercial and military aerospace market grew $15.2 million due to an increase in airframe and aerospace bearing shipments to aircraft manufacturers and continued demand for aftermarket product. The inclusion of AID accounted for $0.3 million of this increase. This was offset by a $4.6 million decline in net sales to our diversified industrial customers. This decline was mainly due to a shift in manufacturing capacity in response to growing aerospace demand and lower industrial OEM demand.

The Roller Bearings segment achieved net sales of $97.0 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $4.9 million, or 5.3%, compared to $92.1 million for the same period in the prior year. Net sales to the aerospace and defense market increased by $2.9 million, while the inclusion of Phoenix accounted for $5.3 million of diversified industrial market sales, offset by a decrease of $3.3 million in diversified industrial market sales primarily driven by a continued slowdown in our Class 8 truck market.

The Ball Bearings segment achieved net sales of $56.7 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $6.2 million, or 12.3%, compared to $50.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Of this increase, $2.5 million was driven principally by increased aerospace and defense-related demand. Sales to our customers in the industrial market increased $3.7 million compared to the same period in the prior year. The inclusion of CBS accounted for $2.7 million of the net diversified industrial sales increase.

The Other segment, which is focused mainly on the sale of precision ball screws and machine tool collets, achieved net sales of $22.4 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of $2.8 million, or 14.3%, compared to $19.6 million for the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to increased sales of machine tool collets in Europe. Included in this increase was $0.3 million for the recent acquisition of BEMD.

Gross Margin.  Gross margin was $113.6 million, or 34.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2008, versus $100.1 million, or 32.7% of net sales, for the comparable period in fiscal 2007. The increase in our gross margin as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of an overall increase in volume and a shift in mix toward higher margin products combined with the corresponding effects of efficiency improvements.

Selling, General and Administrative.  SG&A expenses increased by $6.6 million, or 15.6%, to $48.9 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $42.3 million for the same period in fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $5.4 million for personnel necessary to support increased volume, higher stock compensation expense of $0.5 million, and $0.7 million associated with acquisitions. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 14.8% in fiscal 2008 compared to 13.8% for the same period in fiscal 2007.

Other, net.  Other, net in fiscal 2008 was $1.8 million compared to $5.9 million for the same period in fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, other, net included $1.3 million of amortization of intangibles, $0.5 million of moving expenses related to the relocation of our aircraft products manufacturing facility and a loss on disposal of fixed assets of $0.4 million, offset by  other miscellaneous income of $0.4 million. In fiscal 2007, other, net included plant consolidation expenses for both the Tyson and Nice facilities of $3.2 million, a loss on disposal of fixed assets of $2.7 million relating primarily to the Tyson plant consolidation, a gain on the sale of the Nice facility of $0.8 million, amortization of intangibles of $0.7 million and $0.2 million of bad debt expense.

 
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Operating Income.  Operating income was $62.9 million, or 19.0% of net sales, in fiscal 2008 compared to $51.9 million, or 17.0% of net sales, in fiscal 2007. Operating income for the Plain Bearings segment was $41.0 million in fiscal 2008, or 26.5% of net sales, compared to $41.2 million for the same period last year, or 28.6% of net sales. The Roller Bearings segment achieved an operating income in fiscal 2008 of $28.8 million, or 29.7% of net sales, compared to $18.8 million, or 20.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2007. The Ball Bearings segment achieved an operating income of $14.3 million, or 25.2% of net sales, in fiscal 2008, compared to $12.5 million, or 24.8% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2007. The Other segment achieved an operating income of $2.7 million, or 11.9% of net sales, in fiscal 2008, compared to $2.2 million or 11.2% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2007. The increase in operating income in the Roller, Ball and Other segments was driven primarily by an increase in net sales and a shift in mix toward higher margin products. The decrease in operating income in the Plain segment was primarily driven by the decrease in net sales to industrial customers.

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense, net decreased by $2.4 million to $3.4 million in fiscal 2008, compared to $5.8 million in fiscal 2007, driven by debt reduction.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt.  For fiscal 2007, loss on early extinguishment of debt was $3.6 million for non-cash write-off of deferred financing fees.

Other Non-Operating Expense (Income).  In fiscal 2008, we received approximately $0.3 million in payments under the U.S. Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) for 2007.  This compared to $1.2 million in payments received in fiscal 2007 for 2006. The CDSOA distributes antidumping duties paid by overseas companies to domestic firms hurt by unfair trade.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before taxes was $59.9 million in fiscal 2008 compared to income before taxes of $44.1 million in fiscal 2007.

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense in fiscal 2008 was $19.7 million compared to $15.6 million in fiscal 2007.  The effective income tax rate in fiscal 2008 was 32.9% compared to 35.4% in fiscal 2007.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a manufacturing deduction taken in 2008 and benefits related to research and development credits, partially offset by a lower international rate differential.

Net Income.  Net income was $40.2 million in fiscal 2008 compared to net income of $28.5 million in fiscal 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our business is capital intensive. Our capital requirements include manufacturing equipment and materials. In addition, we have historically fueled our growth in part through acquisitions. We have historically met our working capital, capital expenditure requirements and acquisition funding needs through our net cash flows provided by operations, various debt arrangements and sale of equity to investors.

Liquidity

RBCA has a credit agreement (the “KeyBank Credit Agreement”) and related security and guaranty agreements with certain banks, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Co-Lead Arrangers. The KeyBank Credit Agreement provides RBCA with a $150.0 million five-year senior secured revolving credit facility which can be increased by up to $75.0 million, in increments of $25.0 million, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions (including the receipt from one or more lenders of the additional commitment).

Amounts outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement generally bear interest at the prime rate, or LIBOR plus a specified margin, depending on the type of borrowing being made. The applicable margin is based on our consolidated ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA from time to time. Currently, our margin is 0.0% for prime rate loans and 0.625% for LIBOR rate loans. Amounts outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement are due and payable on the expiration date of the credit agreement (June 24, 2011). We can elect to prepay some or all of the outstanding balance from time to time without penalty.

The KeyBank Credit Agreement requires us to comply with various covenants, including among other things, financial covenants to maintain a ratio of consolidated net debt to adjusted EBITDA not to exceed 3.25 to 1, and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio not to exceed 1.5 to 1. As of March 28, 2009, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

 
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The KeyBank Credit Agreement allows us to, among other things, make distributions to shareholders, repurchase our stock, incur other debt or liens, or acquire or dispose of assets provided that we comply with certain requirements and limitations of the credit agreement. Our obligations under the KeyBank Credit Agreement are secured by a pledge of substantially all of our and RBCA’s assets and a guaranty by us of RBCA’s obligations.

On June 26, 2006, we borrowed approximately $79.0 million under the KeyBank Credit Agreement and used such funds to (i) pay fees and expenses associated with the KeyBank Credit Agreement and (ii) repay the approximately $78.0 million balance outstanding under a credit agreement in place at that time. We recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of approximately $3.6 million in fiscal 2007 to write off deferred debt issuance costs associated with the early termination of the Amended Credit Agreement. Deferred financing fees of $0.9 million associated with the KeyBank Credit Agreement were also recorded in fiscal 2007.

On September 10, 2007, we entered into an amendment of the KeyBank Credit Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, the commitment fees payable under the KeyBank Credit Agreement were decreased from a range of 10 to 27.5 basis points, based on our leverage ratio (as defined under the KeyBank Credit Agreement) to a range of 7.5 to 20 basis points.  Further, the margin payable under the KeyBank Credit Agreement for revolving loans that are base rate loans, based on our  leverage ratio, was decreased from a range of 0 to 75 basis points to a range of 0 to 25 basis points.  The margin payable under the KeyBank Credit Agreement for revolving loans that are fixed rate loans, based on our leverage ratio (as defined under the agreement) was decreased from a range of 62.5 to 165 basis points to a range of 37.5 to 115 basis points.  Also, the covenant requiring us to limit capital expenditures (excluding acquisitions) in any fiscal year to an amount not to exceed $20,000 was amended to increase the limit to an amount not to exceed $30,000. As of March 28, 2009, $67.0 million was outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement.  Approximately $6.6 million of the KeyBank Credit Agreement is being utilized to provide letters of credit to secure our obligations relating to certain insurance programs. As of March 28, 2009, we had the ability to borrow up to an additional $76.4 million under the KeyBank Credit Agreement.

On October 27, 2008, Schaublin entered into a new bank credit facility with Credit Suisse which replaced the prior bank credit facility of December 8, 2003 and its amendment of November 8, 2004. This facility provides for up to 4.0 million Swiss francs, or $3.5 million, of revolving credit loans and letters of credit. Borrowings under this facility bear interest at Credit Suisse’s prevailing prime bank rate. As of March 28, 2009, there were no borrowings under the Swiss Credit Facility.

On April 18, 2006, pursuant to a purchase agreement with Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, KeyBanc Capital Markets and Robert W. Baird & Co., we, along with certain of our stockholders, sold 8,989,550 shares of our common stock (5,995,529 sold by certain of our stockholders). The offering yielded us aggregate net proceeds of approximately $57.0 million after payment of the underwriting discount, commissions and offering expenses.  The full amount of the net proceeds were used to prepay outstanding balances under a term loan outstanding at that time.

Our ability to meet future working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements will depend on our future financial performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors, particularly interest rates, cyclical changes in our end markets and prices for steel and our ability to pass through price increases on a timely basis, many of which are outside of our control.  In addition, future acquisitions could have a significant impact on our liquidity position and our need for additional funds.

From time to time we evaluate our existing facilities and operations and their strategic importance to us. If we determine that a given facility or operation does not have future strategic importance, we may sell, partially or completely, relocate production lines, consolidate or otherwise dispose of those operations. Although we believe our operations would not be materially impaired by such dispositions, relocations or consolidations, we could incur significant cash or non-cash charges in connection with them.

Cash Flows
 
Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

In the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009, we generated cash of $44.7 million from operating activities compared to $27.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008. The increase of $17.6 million was mainly a result of a change in operating assets and liabilities of $7.4 million and the net of non-cash charges of $15.9 million offset by a decrease of $5.7 million in net income. The change in working capital investment was primarily attributable to a decrease in accounts receivable, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets and an increase in accounts payable offset by decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities, a decrease in non-current liabilities and an increase in other non-current assets.

 
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Cash used for investing activities for fiscal 2009 included $27.6 million relating to capital expenditures compared to $17.8 million for fiscal 2008. $13.5 million of capital expenditures was associated with the building of a new wind bearing facility in Texas. Investing activities also included $6.3 million relating to the acquisition of PIC Design.

In fiscal 2009, financing activities provided $9.9 million. We received $26.0 million from an increase in our revolving credit facility, $0.2 million from the exercise of stock options and an income tax benefit of $0.1 million related to the exercise of non-qualified stock options. This was offset by the payoff of IRBs for $15.5 million, the repurchase of common stock of $0.6 million, capital lease payments of $0.2 million and payments on notes payable of $0.1 million.

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

In the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008, we generated cash of $27.1 million from operating activities compared to $55.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. The decrease of $28.6 million was mainly a result of an increase of $11.7 million in net income, a change in operating assets and liabilities of $22.1 million and the net of non-cash charges of $18.2 million. The change in working capital investment was primarily attributable to an increase in inventory due to builds related to fiscal 2009 orders, an increase in accounts receivable related to higher sales, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, an increase in non-current assets offset by an increase in accounts payable, an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and an increase in other non-current liabilities.

Cash used for investing activities for fiscal 2008 included $17.8 million relating to capital expenditures compared to $16.2 million for fiscal 2007. Investing activities also included $13.9 million relating to the acquisitions of the Phoenix, CBS, AID and BEMD businesses.

In fiscal 2008, financing activities provided $8.6 million. We received $4.0 million from the exercise of stock options and an income tax benefit of $9.5 million related to the exercise of non-qualified stock options. This was offset by the repurchase of common stock of $2.5 million, a decrease in our revolving credit facility of $1.0 million, the payoff of an IRB for $1.2 million and capital lease payments of $0.2 million.
 
Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 were $27.6 million. $13.5 million of capital expenditures was associated with the building of a new wind bearing facility in Texas. We expect to make capital expenditures of approximately $8.0 to $10.0 million during fiscal 2010 in connection with our existing business and the expansion into the large bearing market segment. We have funded our fiscal 2009 capital expenditures, and expect to fund fiscal 2010 capital expenditures, principally through existing cash, internally generated funds and borrowings under our KeyBank Credit Agreement. We may also make substantial additional capital expenditures in connection with acquisitions.

Obligations and Commitments

The contractual obligations presented in the table below represent our estimates of future payments under fixed contractual obligations and commitments. Changes in our business needs, cancellation provisions and interest rates, as well as actions by third parties and other factors, may cause these estimates to change. Because these estimates are necessarily subjective, our actual payments in future periods are likely to vary from those presented in the table. The following table summarizes certain of our contractual obligations and principal and interest payments under our debt instruments and leases as of March 28, 2009:

   
Payments Due By Period
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than
1 Year
   
1 to
3 Years
   
3 to
5 Years
   
More than
5 Years
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Total debt(1)
  $ 68,151     $ 1,151     $ 67,000     $     $  
Capital lease obligations
    710       253       336       121        
Operating leases
    22,096       4,542       7,508       4,330       5,716  
Interest on fixed rate debt(2)
    3,353       1,392       1,955       6        
Interest on variable rate debt(3)
    1,040       416       624              
Pension and postretirement benefits
    18,223       1,696       3,384       3,505       9,638  
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 113,573     $ 9,450     $ 80,807     $ 7,962     $ 15,354  

 
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(1)
Includes the $67.0 million five-year senior secured revolving credit facility under our KeyBank Credit Agreement and   $1.2 million note payable.

(2)
Interest payments are calculated based on a LIBOR rate of 3.64% (per the interest rate swap agreement) plus the current bank margin per our bank agreement.

(3)
Interest payments are calculated based on beginning of period debt balances that reflect contractual debt amortization over the term of the instruments and assume a constant LIBOR rate of 0.5% plus bank margin per our KeyBank Credit Agreement.  To the extent that actual rates change, our interest rate obligations will change accordingly.

Quarterly Results of Operations

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
Mar. 28,
2009
   
Dec. 27,
2008
   
Sept. 27,
2008
   
Jun. 28,
2008
   
Mar. 29,
2008
   
Dec. 29,
2007
   
Sept. 29,
2007
   
Jun. 30,
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net sales
  $ 83,841     $ 85,281     $ 94,294     $ 92,380     $ 92,138     $ 80,407     $ 78,232     $ 79,823  
Gross margin
    28,946       28,502       30,217       30,555       32,342       27,554       26,237       27,445  
Operating income
    9,961       12,795       15,168       17,046       17,963       15,111       13,995       15,781  
Net income
  $ 6,483     $ 7,700     $ 9,588     $ 10,683     $ 12,039     $ 9,581     $ 8,749     $ 9,825  
Net income per common share:
                                                               
Basic(1)(2)
  $ 0.30     $ 0.36     $ 0.44     $ 0.50     $ 0.56     $ 0.45     $ 0.41     $ 0.46  
Diluted(1)(2)
  $ 0.30     $ 0.35     $ 0.44     $ 0.49     $ 0.55     $ 0.44     $ 0.40     $ 0.45  

(1)
See Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Net Income Per Common Share.”

(2)
Net income per common share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not necessarily equal the total for the year.

 
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) in order to establish a single definition of fair value and a framework for measuring fair value that is intended to result in increased consistency and comparability in fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position FAS 157-2, which delayed by one year the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay pertains to items including, but not limited to, non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of evaluating goodwill for impairment, indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment, and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment.  The adoption of SFAS No. 157 as of the beginning of the 2009 fiscal year did not have a significant impact on the measurement of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities. The Company plans to adopt the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 as of the beginning of its 2010 fiscal year and does not expect SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (“SFAS No. 159”).  This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 at the beginning of fiscal 2009. It did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows as the Company has elected not to measure eligible items at fair value.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.”  SFAS No. 161 applies to all derivative instruments and related hedged items accounted for under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  SFAS No.161 requires entities to provide greater transparency about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flow. To meet those objectives, SFAS No. 161 requires (1) qualitative disclosures about objectives for using derivatives by primary underlying risk exposure (e.g., interest rate, credit or foreign exchange rate) and by purpose or strategy (fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, net investment hedge, and non-hedges), (2) information about the volume of derivative activity in a flexible format the preparer believes is the most relevant and practicable, (3) tabular disclosures about balance sheet location and gross fair value amounts of derivative instruments, income statement and other comprehensive income location and amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments by type of contract (e.g., interest rate contracts, credit contracts or foreign exchange contracts), and (4) disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years or interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  Early application is encouraged, as are comparative disclosures for earlier periods, but neither are required.  The Company currently has only one interest rate swap and has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 161 in  fiscal 2009.

Pending Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 160, “Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.”  These new standards will significantly change the financial accounting and reporting of business combination transactions and noncontrolling (or minority) interests in consolidated financial statements.

In comparison to current practice, the most significant changes to business combination accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 141(R) include requirements to:

 
·
Recognize, with certain exceptions, 100 percent of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in acquisitions of less than a 100 percent controlling interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity.
 
·
Measure acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination at fair value on the acquisition date.
 
·
Recognize contingent consideration arrangements at their acquisition-date fair values, with subsequent changes in fair value generally reflected in earnings.
 
·
With certain exceptions, recognize preacquisition loss and gain contingencies at their acquisition-date fair values.
 
·
Capitalize in-process research and development (IPR&D) assets acquired.
 
·
Expense, as incurred, acquisition-related transaction costs.

 
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·
Capitalize acquisition-related restructuring costs only if the criteria in SFAS No. 146 are met as of the acquisition date.
 
·
Recognize changes that result from a business combination transaction in an acquirer’s existing income tax valuation allowances and tax uncertainty accruals as adjustments to income tax expense.

The premise of SFAS No. 160 is based on the economic entity concept of consolidated financial statements.  Under the economic entity concept, all residual economic interest holders in an entity have an equity interest in the consolidated entity, even if the residual interest is relative to only a portion of the entity (i.e., a residual interest in a subsidiary). Therefore, SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary be displayed in the consolidated statement of financial position as a separate component of equity because the noncontrolling interests meet the definition of equity of the consolidated entity. SFAS No. 141(R) is required to be adopted concurrently with SFAS No. 160 and is effective for business combination transactions for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which for the Company is fiscal 2010.  Early adoption is prohibited. The Company believes the initial adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 160 will not have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, recoverability of intangible assets, income taxes, financing operations, pensions and other postretirement benefits and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 101 "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements as amended by Staff Accounting Bulletin 104.” We recognize revenue upon the passage of title on the sale of manufactured goods, which generally is at time of shipment.
 
Accounts Receivable.  We are required to estimate the collectibility of our accounts receivable, which requires a considerable amount of judgment in assessing the ultimate realization of these receivables, including the current credit-worthiness of each customer. Changes in required reserves may occur in the future as conditions in the marketplace change.
 
Inventory.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is principally determined by the first-in, first-out method. We account for inventory under a full absorption method. We record adjustments to the value of inventory based upon past sales history and forecasted plans to sell our inventories. The physical condition, including age and quality, of the inventories is also considered in establishing its valuation. These adjustments are estimates, which could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economic conditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from our expectations.
 
Goodwill.  Goodwill (representing the excess of the amount paid to acquire a company over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired) and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but instead are tested for impairment annually (performed by us during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year), or when events or circumstances indicate that its value may have declined. This determination of any goodwill impairment is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, we determine the fair value of a reporting unit and compare it to our carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the goodwill's implied fair value. The fair value of our reporting units is calculated by the combination of a present value of future cash flow method and a multiple of EBITDA method. Although no changes are expected as a result of the comparison, if the assumptions management makes regarding estimated cash flows are less favorable than expected, we may be required to record an impairment charge in the future.

 
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Income Taxes.  As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate the income taxes in each jurisdiction in which we operate. This process involves estimating the actual current tax liabilities together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered, and to the extent that we believe that recovery is not more than likely, we are required to establish a valuation allowance. If a valuation allowance is established or increased during any period, we are required to include this amount as an expense within the tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, accrual for uncertain tax positions and any valuation allowance recognized against net deferred tax assets.
 
Pension Plans and Postretirement Health Care.  We have a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering union employees in our Heim division plant in Fairfield, Connecticut, our Bremen subsidiary plant in Plymouth, Indiana and  former union employees of our Tyson subsidiary in Glasgow, Kentucky and Nice subsidiary in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania.

Our pension plan funding policy is to make the minimum annual contribution required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Plan obligations and annual pension expense are determined by independent actuaries using a number of assumptions provided by us including assumptions about employee demographics, retirement age, compensation levels, pay rates, turnover, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate and the amount and timing of claims. Each plan assumption reflects our best estimate of the plan's future experience. The most sensitive assumption in the determination of plan obligations for pensions is the discount rate. The discount rate that we use for determining future pension obligations is based on a review of long-term bonds that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency. The discount rate determined on this basis has increased from 6.00% at March 31, 2007 to 6.25% at March 29, 2008 and to 7.00% at March 28, 2009. In developing the overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption, a building block approach was used in which rates of return in excess of inflation were considered separately for equity securities and debt securities. The excess returns were weighted by the representative target allocation and added along with an appropriate rate of inflation to develop the overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption. The expected long-term rate of return on the assets of our pension plans was 8.5% in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008.

Lowering the discount rate assumption used to determine net periodic pension cost by 1.00% (from 6.25% to 5.25%) would have increased our pension expense for fiscal 2009 by approximately $0.2 million. Increasing the discount rate assumption used to determine net periodic pension cost by 1.00% (from 6.25% to 7.25%) would have had no impact on our pension expense for fiscal 2009.

Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on the assets of our pension plan by 1.00% (from 8.50% to 7.50%) would have increased our pension expense for fiscal 2009 by approximately $0.2 million. Increasing the expected long-term rate of return on the assets of our pension plan by 1.00% (from 8.50% to 9.50%) would have reduced our pension expense for fiscal 2009 by approximately $0.2 million.

Lowering the discount rate assumption used to determine the funded status as of March 28, 2009 by 1.00% (from 7.00% to 6.00%) would have increased the projected benefit obligation of our pension plans by approximately $2.0 million. Increasing the discount rate assumption used to determine the funded status as of March 28, 2009 by 1.00% (from 7.00% to 8.00%) would have reduced the projected benefit obligation of our pension plans by approximately $1.7 million.

Our investment program objective is to achieve a rate of return on plan assets which will fund the plan liabilities and provide for required benefits while avoiding undue exposure to risk to the plan and increases in funding requirements. Our actual target allocation of plan assets was 100 percent short-term investments as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008. In our opinion, there is still uncertainty in the global equity and debt markets and the global financial system. We have developed a new asset allocation strategy for fiscal 2010 and beyond based on a 60% to 80% equity allocation and 20% to 40% fixed income allocation, but until we see stabilization in the global financial markets, we will continue to be vested 100% in short term investments.

One of our foreign operations, Schaublin, sponsors a pension plan for its approximately 154 employees, in conformance with Swiss pension law.  The plan is funded with a reputable (S&P rating AA-) Swiss insurer.  Through the insurance contract, we have effectively transferred all investment and mortality risk to the insurance company, which guarantees the federally mandated annual rate of return and the conversion rate at retirement.  As a result, the plan has no unfunded liability; the interest cost is exactly offset by actual return.  Thus, the net periodic cost is equal to the amount of annual premium paid by us.  For fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, we reported premium payments equal to $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $0.5 million, respectively.

The postretirement health care plans are unfunded and costs are paid as incurred. Postretirement benefit obligations as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 were, respectively, $3.1 million ($2.8 million in “Other non-current liabilities” and $0.3 million in “Current liabilities”) and $2.9 million ($2.6 million in “Other non-current liabilities” and $0.3 million in “Current liabilities”) in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 
31

 

Our expense for the Postretirement Plans was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively, and was calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions.

We use a March 31 measurement date for our plans. We expect to contribute approximately $0.3 million to our postretirement benefit plans in fiscal year 2010.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to all share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based upon the grant-date fair value of the instruments issued over the requisite service period.

The fair value for our options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected weighted-average life (yrs.)
    4.5       5.0       4.9  
Risk-free interest rate
    1.78 %     5.0 %     5.0 %
Expected volatility
    42.8 %     35.4 %     34.4 %

The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because our options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of our options.

Derivative Instruments.  We account for derivative instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. We recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. If the derivative is designated and qualifies as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative is either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. In fiscal 2008, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge a portion of our debt. This instrument qualifies as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the gain or loss on both the hedging instrument and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized currently in other comprehensive income (loss).

 
32

 

Impact of Inflation, Changes in Prices of Raw Materials and Interest Rate Fluctuations

To date, inflation in the economy as a whole has not significantly affected our operations. However, we purchase steel at market prices, which fluctuate as a result of supply and demand in the marketplace. To date, we have generally been able to pass through these price increases through price increases on our products, the assessment of steel surcharges on our customers or entry into long-term agreements with our customers which often contain escalator provisions tied to our invoiced price of steel. However, even if we are able to pass these steel surcharges or price increases to our customers, there may be a time lag of up to 3 months or more between the time a price increase goes into effect and our ability to implement surcharges or price increases, particularly for orders already in our backlog. As a result, our gross margin percentage may decline, and we may not be able to implement other price increases for our products.

Competitive pressures and the terms of certain of our long-term contracts may require us to absorb at least part of these cost increases, particularly during periods of high inflation. Our principal raw material is 440c and 52100 wire and rod steel (types of stainless and chrome steel), which has historically been readily available. Recently, because of extraordinarily high demand for certain grades of steel, suppliers have in some instances allocated certain types of steel in limited quantities to customers. However, to date, we have never experienced a work stoppage due to a supply shortage. We maintain multiple sources for raw materials including steel and have various supplier agreements. Through sole-source arrangements, supplier agreements and pricing, we have been able to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in raw material prices.

Our suppliers and sources of raw materials are based in the U.S., Europe and Asia. We believe that our sources are adequate for our needs in the foreseeable future, that there exist alternative suppliers for our raw materials and that in most cases readily available alternative materials can be used for most of our raw materials.

Because we have indebtedness which bears interest at floating rates, our financial results will be sensitive to changes in prevailing market rates of interest. As of March 28, 2009, we had $68.2 million of indebtedness outstanding, of which $37.0 million bore interest at floating rates after taking into account an interest rate swap agreement that we entered into to mitigate the effect of interest rate fluctuations. Under this agreement, we pay a fixed rate of interest of 3.64% and receive floating rates of interest based on one month LIBOR, as required. This agreement matures on June 24, 2011. Depending upon market conditions, we may enter into additional interest swap or hedge agreements (with counterparties that, in our judgment, have sufficient credit worthiness) to hedge our exposure against interest rate volatility.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks, which arise during the normal course of business from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
 
Interest Rates.  We are exposed to market risk from changes in the interest rates on a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness.  Outstanding balances under our KeyBank Credit Agreement generally bear interest at the prime rate or LIBOR (the London inter-bank offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the applicable LIBOR period) plus a specified margin, depending on the type of borrowing being made.  The applicable margin is based on our consolidated ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA from time to time. As of March 28, 2009, our margin is 0.0% for prime rate loans (prime rate at March 28, 2009 was 3.50%) and 0.625% for LIBOR rate loans (one month LIBOR rate at March 28, 2009 was 1.125%).

Our interest rate risk management objective is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on our net income and cash flow. To achieve our objective, we regularly evaluate the amount of our variable rate debt as a percentage of our aggregate debt. During fiscal 2009 and 2008, our average outstanding variable rate debt, after taking into account the average outstanding notational amount of our interest rate swap agreement, was 54% and 46% of our average outstanding debt, respectively. We manage a significant portion of our exposure to interest rate fluctuations in our variable rate debt through an interest rate swap agreement. This agreement effectively converts interest rate exposure from variable rates to fixed rates of interest. Please read Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies-Derivative Financial Instruments” and Note 10 “Debt”  included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K which outline the principal and notional interest rates, fair values and other terms required to evaluate the expected cash flow from this agreement.

Based on the outstanding amount of our variable rate indebtedness of $37.0 million, a 100 basis point change in interest rate would have changed our interest expense by $0.4 million per year, after taking into account the $30.0 million notional amount of our interest rate swap agreement at March 28, 2009.

 
33

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates.  As a result of increased sales in Europe, our exposure to risk associated with fluctuating currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Swiss Franc and the British Pound Sterling has increased. Our Swiss operations utilize the Swiss Franc as the functional currency, our French operations utilize the Euro as the functional currency and our English operations utilize the British Pound Sterling as the functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in earnings. Approximately 15% of our net sales were denominated in foreign currencies for fiscal 2009 compared to 16% in fiscal 2008. We expect that this proportion is likely to increase as we seek to increase our penetration of foreign markets, particularly within the aerospace and defense markets. Foreign currency transaction exposure arises primarily from the transfer of foreign currency from one subsidiary to another within the group, and to foreign currency denominated trade receivables. Unrealized currency translation gains and losses are recognized upon translation of the foreign subsidiaries’ balance sheets to U.S. dollars. Because our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our earnings. We currently do not have exchange rate hedges in place to reduce the risk of an adverse currency exchange movement. Although currency fluctuations have not had a material impact on our financial performance in the past, such fluctuations may materially affect our financial performance in the future. The impact of future exchange rate fluctuations on our results of operations cannot be accurately predicted.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 
34

 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of RBC Bearings Incorporated

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RBC Bearings Incorporated as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 28, 2009.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of RBC Bearings Incorporated at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 28, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, effective April 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109.”

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of RBC Bearings Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 28, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated May 22, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
May 22, 2009

 
35

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash
  $ 30,557     $ 9,859  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,571 in 2009 and $1,018 in 2008
    63,692       66,137  
Inventory
    134,275       123,820  
Deferred income taxes
    6,677       5,567  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    8,912       9,976  
Total current assets
    244,113       215,359  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    87,697       73,243  
Goodwill
    32,999       31,821  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $5,035 in 2009 and $3,583 in 2008
    12,673       11,404  
Other assets
    4,585       5,285  
Total assets
  $ 382,067     $ 337,112  

See accompanying notes.

 
36

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
  $ 20,525     $ 24,851  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    16,533       13,489  
Current portion of long-term debt
    1,151       750  
Total current liabilities
    38,209       39,090  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    67,000       57,000  
Deferred income taxes
    6,341       6,064  
Other non-current liabilities
    14,506       11,048  
Total liabilities
    126,056       113,202  
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
               
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares: 10,000,000 in 2009 and 2008; none issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares: 60,000,000 in 2009 and 2008; issued and outstanding shares: 21,838,486 in 2009 and 21,782,186 in 2008
    218       218  
Additional paid-in capital
    187,139       184,285  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (3,327 )     1,312  
Retained earnings
    76,142       41,688  
Treasury stock, at cost, 132,230 shares in 2009 and 113,322 shares in 2008
    (4,161 )     (3,593 )
Total stockholders' equity
    256,011       223,910  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 382,067     $ 337,112  

See accompanying notes.

 
37

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Net sales
  $ 355,796     $ 330,600     $ 306,062  
Cost of sales
    237,576       217,022       205,953  
Gross margin
    118,220       113,578       100,109  
Operating expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative
    55,779       48,904       42,256  
Other, net
    7,471       1,824       5,934  
Total operating expenses
    63,250       50,728       48,190  
Operating income
    54,970       62,850       51,919  
Interest expense, net
    2,605       3,407       5,780  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    319       27       3,576  
Other non-operating expense (income)
    645       (463 )     (1,504 )
Income before income taxes
    51,401       59,879       44,067  
Provision for income taxes
    16,947       19,685       15,588  
Net income
  $ 34,454     $ 40,194     $ 28,479  
Net income per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ 1.60     $ 1.87     $ 1.38  
Diluted
  $ 1.58     $ 1.84     $ 1.33  
Weighted average common shares:
                       
Basic
    21,570,979       21,457,846       20,579,498  
Diluted
    21,738,812       21,802,711       21,335,307  

See accompanying notes.

 
38

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Common Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
   
 
Treasury Stock
   
Total
Stockholders'
   
Comprehensive
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Income/(Loss)
   
Deficit)
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Equity
   
Income
 
Balance at April 1, 2006
    16,976,381     $ 170     $ 103,317     $ (3,392 )   $ (26,755 )         $     $ 73,340        
Net income
                            28,479                   28,479     $ 28,479  
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
    2,994,021       30       57,794                               57,824          
Repurchase of common stock
                                  (37,356 )     (1,050 )     (1,050 )        
Stock-based compensation
                767                               767          
Exercise of common stock options
    1,362,917       13       3,077                               3,090          
Issuance of restricted stock
    75,675       1                                     1          
Income tax benefit on IRS settlement
                1,122                               1,122          
Income tax benefit realized on exercise of non-qualified common stock options
                3,412                               3,412          
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $549
                      887                         887       887  
Currency translation adjustments
                      908                         908       908  
Adoption of SFAS No. 158, net of taxes of $377
                      (609 )                           (609 )        
Comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 30,274  
Balance at March 31, 2007
    21,408,994       214       169,489       (2,206 )     1,724       (37,356 )     (1,050 )     168,171          
Net income
                            40,194                   40,194     $ 40,194  
Repurchase of common stock
                                  (70,367 )     (2,308 )     (2,308 )        
Stock-based compensation
                1,255                               1,255          
Exercise of equity awards
    323,942       3       4,036                   (5,599 )     (235 )     3,804          
Change in net prior service cost and actuarial losses, net of tax benefit of $199
                      (322 )                       (322 )     (322 )
Issuance of restricted stock
    49,250       1                                     1          
Change in fair  value of derivatives, net of tax benefit of $288
                      (464 )                       (464 )     (464 )
Income tax benefit on exercise of non-qualified common stock options
                9,505                               9,505          
Currency  translation adjustments
                      4,304                         4,304       4,304  
Adoption of FIN 48
                            (230 )                 (230 )        
Comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 43, 712  
Balance at March 29, 2008
    21,782,186     $ 218     $ 184,285     $ 1,312     $ 41,688       (113,322 )   $ (3,593 )   $ 223,910          
Net income
                            34,454                   34,454     $ 34,454  
Repurchase of common stock
                                  (10,000 )     (336 )     (336 )        
Stock-based compensation
                2,502                               2,502          
Exercise of equity awards
    12,800             253                   (8,908 )     (232 )     21          
Change in net prior service cost and actuarial losses, net of taxes of $144
                      233                         233       233  
Issuance of restricted stock
    43,500                                                    
Change in fair  value of derivatives, net of tax benefit of $360
                      (582 )                       (582 )     (582 )
Income tax benefit on exercise of non-qualified common stock options
                99                               99          
Currency  translation adjustments
                      (4,290 )                       (4,290 )     (4,290 )
Comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 29,815  
Balance at March 28, 2009
    21,838,486     $ 218     $ 187,139     $ (3,327 )   $ 76,142       (132,230 )   $ (4,161 )   $ 256,011          
 
See accompanying notes.

 
39

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
(dollars in thousands)

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
 2009
   
March 29,
 2008
   
March 31,
 2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 34,454     $ 40,194     $ 28,479  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    10,592       9,211       8,933  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (99 )     (9,505 )     (3,412 )
Deferred income taxes
    123       1,110       9,282  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,568       1,254       713  
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount
    234       229       353  
Stock-based compensation
    2,502       1,255       767  
Loss on disposition of assets
    4,383       131       1,917  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt (non-cash portion)
    319       27       3,576  
Other
                (169 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
                       
Accounts receivable
    1,487       (6,241 )     (1,215 )
Inventory
    (11,056 )     (11,737 )     2,489  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,087       (6,996 )     (401 )
Other non-current assets
    (1,446 )     (2,189 )     37  
Accounts payable
    (3,959 )     341       917  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    2,877       6,553       4,738  
Other non-current liabilities
    1,675       3,440       (1,269 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    44,741       27,077       55,735  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (27,583 )     (17,758 )     (16,174 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (6,325 )     (13,896 )     (8,753 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    568       43       3,574  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (33,340 )     (31,611 )     (21,353 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Net increase (decrease) in revolving credit facility
    26,000       (1,000 )     42,000  
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock
                57,824  
Repurchase of common stock
    (569 )     (2,542 )     (1,050 )
Exercise of stock options
    253       4,038       3,090  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    99       9,505       3,412  
Retirement of industrial revenue bonds
    (15,500 )     (1,155 )      
Retirement of term loans
                (144,875 )
Payments on term loans
                (4,654 )
Other, net
    (361 )     (254 )     (1,220 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    9,922       8,592       (45,473 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (625 )     617       149  
Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
Increase (decrease) during the year
    20,698       4,675       (10,942 )
Cash, at beginning of year
    9,859       5,184       16,126  
Cash, at end of year
  $ 30,557     $ 9,859     $ 5,184  
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 2,365     $ 3,065     $ 5,929  
Income taxes
  $ 14,856     $ 11,396     $ 780  

See accompanying notes.

 
40

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

1.           Organization and Business

RBC Bearings Incorporated (the "Company", collectively with its subsidiaries), is a Delaware corporation. The Company operates in four reportable business segments—roller bearings, plain bearings, ball bearings, other and corporate—in which it manufactures roller bearing components and assembled parts and designs and manufactures high-precision roller and ball bearings. The Company sells to a wide variety of original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and distributors who are widely dispersed geographically. In fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, no one customer accounted for more than 7% of the Company's sales. The Company's segments are further discussed in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data,” Note 19 “Reportable Segments.”

2.           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RBC Bearings Incorporated, Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc. (“RBCA”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Industrial Tectonics Bearings Corporation (“ITB”), RBC Linear Precision Products, Inc. (“LPP”), RBC Nice Bearings, Inc. (“Nice”), RBC Precision Products - Bremen, Inc. (“Bremen (MBC)”), RBC Precision Products - Plymouth, Inc. (“Plymouth”), Tyson Bearings, Inc. (“Tyson”), Schaublin Holdings S.A. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Schaublin”), RBC de Mexico S DE RL DE CV (“Mexico”), RBC Oklahoma, Inc. (“RBC Oklahoma”), RBC Aircraft Products, Inc. (“API”), Shanghai Representative office of Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc. (“RBC Shanghai”), RBC Southwest Products, Inc. (“SWP”), All Power Manufacturing Co. (“All Power”), RBC Bearings U.K. Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary Phoenix Bearings Limited (“Phoenix”) and RBC CBS Coastal Bearing Services LLC (“CBS”), as well as its Transport Dynamics (“TDC”), Heim (“Heim”), Engineered Components (“ECD”), A.I.D. Company (“AID”), BEMD Company (“BEMD”) and PIC Design (“PIC Design”) divisions of RBCA. U.S. Bearings (“USB”) is a division of SWP and Schaublin USA is a division of Nice.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has a fiscal year consisting of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to March 31. Based on this policy, fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 each contained 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventories, accrued expenses, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and tax  reserves, pension and postretirement obligations and the valuation of options.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method. A reserve against inventory is recorded for obsolete and slow-moving inventory within each class of inventory.

Shipping and Handling

The sales price billed to customers includes shipping and handling, which is included in net sales. The costs to the Company for shipping and handling are included in cost of sales.

 
41

 


Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, including equipment under capital leases, is provided for by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets or the lease term, if shorter. Depreciation of assets under capital leases is reported within depreciation and amortization. The cost of equipment under capital leases is equal to the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair market value of the leased equipment at the inception of the lease. Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

The estimated useful lives of the Company's property, plant and equipment follows:

Buildings
20-30 years
Machinery and equipment
3-15 years
Leasehold improvements
Shorter of the term of lease or estimated useful life

Recognition of Revenue and Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company recognizes revenue only after the following four basic criteria are met:

 
·
Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
 
·
Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
 
·
The seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
 
·
Collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenue is recognized upon the passage of title, which generally is at the time of shipment. Accounts receivable, net of applicable allowances, is recorded when goods are shipped.

The Company sells to a large number of OEMs and distributors who service the aftermarket. The Company's credit risk associated with accounts receivable is minimized due to its customer base and wide geographic dispersion. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral or charge interest on outstanding amounts. The Company had no concentrations of credit risk with any one customer greater than 12% and 10% of accounts receivables at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company reviews the collectibility of its receivables on an ongoing basis taking into account a combination of factors. The Company reviews potential problems, such as past due accounts, a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer's financial condition, to ensure the Company is adequately accrued for potential loss. Accounts are considered past due based on when payment was originally due. If a customer's situation changes, such as a bankruptcy or creditworthiness, or there is a change in the current economic climate, the Company may modify its estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company will write-off accounts receivable after reasonable collection efforts have been made and the accounts are deemed uncollectible.

Goodwill

Goodwill (representing the excess of the amount paid to acquire a company over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired) and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but instead are tested for impairment annually, or when events or circumstances indicate that its value may have declined. This determination of any goodwill impairment is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the goodwill's implied fair value. The fair value of the Company’s reporting units is calculated by comparing the combination of the net present value of future cash flows method and a market approach method to the reporting units' carrying value. The Company utilizes discount rates determined by management to be similar with the level of risk in its current business model. The Company performs the annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and has determined that, to date, no impairment of goodwill exists. Although no changes are expected, if the actual results of the Company are less favorable than the assumptions the Company makes regarding estimated cash flows, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge in the future.

 
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Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized by the effective interest method over the lives of the related credit agreements.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company utilizes a derivative financial instrument to manage a portion of its interest rate exposure. The Company does not engage in other uses of these financial instruments. For a financial instrument to qualify as a hedge, the Company must be exposed to interest rate or price risk, and the financial instrument must reduce the exposure and be designated as a hedge. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a high correlation between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period.

All derivatives are to be recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. Changes in fair values of derivatives are recorded in each period in comprehensive income, since the derivative is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge.

 
43

 

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, which requires it to recognize a current tax liability or asset for current taxes payable or refundable and a deferred tax liability or asset for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities to the extent that they are realizable. Deferred tax expense (benefit) results from the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year.

Temporary differences relate primarily to the timing of deductions for depreciation, goodwill amortization relating to the acquisition of operating divisions, basis differences arising from acquisition accounting, pension and retirement benefits, and various accrued and prepaid expenses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded at the rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109,” (“FIN 48”), as of the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year.  This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return.  Under FIN 48, the Company first assesses whether it is more likely than not that an individual tax position will be sustained upon examination based on its technical merits. If the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, under the presumption the taxing authority has all relevant information, it is recognized.  The recognized tax position is measured as the largest benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are derecognized in the period in which that threshold is no longer met. Accordingly, the unit of account under FIN 48 is the individual tax position and not a higher level such as the aggregate of the various positions that are encompassed by the total tax return filing.  As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $230 increase in its income tax liabilities and a reduction to the April 1, 2007 beginning balance of retained earnings of $230 (see Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 14 “Income Taxes”).

Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares, dilutive common share equivalents then outstanding using the treasury stock method. Common share equivalents consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.

The table below reflects the calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding for each year presented as well as the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share:

 
44

 

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Net income
  $ 34,454     $ 40,194     $ 28,479  
                         
Denominator:
                       
Denominator for basic net income per common share—weighted-average shares
    21,570,979       21,457,846       20,579,498  
Effect of dilution due to employee stock options
    167,833       344,865       755,809  
Denominator for diluted net income per common share—adjusted weighted-average shares
    21,738,812       21,802,711       21,335,307  
Basic net income per common share
  $ 1.60     $ 1.87     $ 1.38  
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 1.58     $ 1.84     $ 1.33  

At March 28, 2009, 860,700 employee stock options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as the inclusion of these shares would be anti-dilutive.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company assesses the net realizable value of its long-lived assets and evaluates such assets for impairment whenever indicators of impairment are present. For amortizable long-lived assets to be held and used, if indicators of impairment are present, management determines whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount. The amount of asset impairment, if any, is based on the excess of the carrying amount over its fair value, which is estimated based on projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company's average cost of funds. To date, no indicators of impairment exist.

Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale or other means are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations are translated using the average exchange rate prevailing throughout the period. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on translating foreign currency assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), while gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, which were not material for any of the fiscal years presented, are included in other non-operating expense (income). Net income of the Company's foreign operations for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $6,636, $6,950 and $5,767, respectively. Net assets of the Company's foreign operations were $47,081 and $47,155 at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively.

Fair Value of Measurements

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, as it relates to financial assets and financial liabilities, on March 30, 2008. 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 beween market participants at the measurement date (exit price). SFAS No. 157 classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into a hierarchy consisting of three levels. Level 1 inputs represent unadjusted quoted princes in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs represent 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 inputs represent unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. 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 financial assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at March 28, 2009 consist of the Company’s interest rate swap agreement. The Company has measured the fair value of the swap agreement using the income approach. The fair value of this agreement reflects the estimated amount that the Company would pay or receive based on the present value of the expected cash flows derived from market rates and prices. As such, this derivative instrument is classified within Level 2.

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash, accounts receivable, prepaids and other current assets, and accounts payable and accruals approximate their fair value.

The carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings under its KeyBank Credit Agreement and Swiss Credit Facility approximate fair value, as these obligations have interest rates which vary in conjunction with current market conditions.

 
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) that relate to the Company are net income, derivatives, foreign currency translation adjustments and pension plan and postretirement benefits, all of which are presented in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss).

The following summarizes the activity within each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

   
Currency
Translation
   
Fair Value
of
Derivatives
   
Pension and
Postretirement
Liability
   
Total
 
Balance at April 1, 2006
  $ (1,385 )   $     $ (2,007 )   $ (3,392 )
Currency translation
    908                   908  
Minimum pension liability, net of taxes
                887       887  
Adoption of SFAS No. 158, net of taxes
                (609 )     (609 )
Balance at March 31, 2007
    (477 )           (1,729 )     (2,206 )
Currency translation
    4,304                   4,304  
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of taxes
          (464 )           (464 )
Net prior service cost and actuarial losses, net of taxes
                (322 )     (322 )
Balance at March 29, 2008
    3,827       (464 )     (2,051 )     1,312  
Currency translation
    (4,290 )                 (4,290 )
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of taxes
          (582 )           (582 )
Net prior service cost and actuarial losses, net of taxes
                233       233  
Balance at March 28, 2009
  $ (463 )   $ (1,046 )   $ (1,818 )   $ (3,327 )

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to all share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based upon the grant-date fair value of the instruments issued over the requisite service period. The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) in order to establish a single definition of fair value and a framework for measuring fair value that is intended to result in increased consistency and comparability in fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position FAS 157-2, which delayed by one year the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay pertains to items including, but not limited to, non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of evaluating goodwill for impairment, indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment, and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment.  The adoption of SFAS No. 157 as of the beginning of the 2009 fiscal year did not have a significant impact on the measurement of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities. The Company plans to adopt the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 as of the beginning of its 2010 fiscal year and does not expect SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” (“SFAS No. 159”).  This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 at the beginning of fiscal 2009. It did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows as the Company has elected not to measure eligible items at fair value.

 
46

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.”  SFAS No. 161 applies to all derivative instruments and related hedged items accounted for under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  SFAS No.161 requires entities to provide greater transparency about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flow. To meet those objectives, SFAS No. 161 requires (1) qualitative disclosures about objectives for using derivatives by primary underlying risk exposure (e.g., interest rate, credit or foreign exchange rate) and by purpose or strategy (fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, net investment hedge, and non-hedges), (2) information about the volume of derivative activity in a flexible format the preparer believes is the most relevant and practicable, (3) tabular disclosures about balance sheet location and gross fair value amounts of derivative instruments, income statement and other comprehensive income location and amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments by type of contract (e.g., interest rate contracts, credit contracts or foreign exchange contracts), and (4) disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years or interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company currently has only one interest rate swap and has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 161 in  fiscal 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” and SFAS No. 160, “Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.”  These new standards will significantly change the financial accounting and reporting of business combination transactions and noncontrolling (or minority) interests in consolidated financial statements.

In comparison to current practice, the most significant changes to business combination accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 141(R) include requirements to:

 
·
Recognize, with certain exceptions, 100 percent of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in acquisitions of less than a 100 percent controlling interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity.
 
·
Measure acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination at fair value on the acquisition date.
 
·
Recognize contingent consideration arrangements at their acquisition-date fair values, with subsequent changes in fair value generally reflected in earnings.
 
·
With certain exceptions, recognize preacquisition loss and gain contingencies at their acquisition-date fair values.
 
·
Capitalize in-process research and development (IPR&D) assets acquired.
 
·
Expense, as incurred, acquisition-related transaction costs.
 
·
Capitalize acquisition-related restructuring costs only if the criteria in SFAS No. 146 are met as of the acquisition date.
 
·
Recognize changes that result from a business combination transaction in an acquirer’s existing income tax valuation allowances and tax uncertainty accruals as adjustments to income tax expense.

The premise of SFAS No. 160 is based on the economic entity concept of consolidated financial statements.  Under the economic entity concept, all residual economic interest holders in an entity have an equity interest in the consolidated entity, even if the residual interest is relative to only a portion of the entity (i.e., a residual interest in a subsidiary). Therefore, SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary be displayed in the consolidated statement of financial position as a separate component of equity because the noncontrolling interests meet the definition of equity of the consolidated entity. SFAS No. 141(R) is required to be adopted concurrently with SFAS No. 160 and is effective for business combination transactions for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which for the Company is fiscal 2010.  Early adoption is prohibited. The Company believes the initial adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 160 will not have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

3. 
Acquisitions

On June 6, 2008, the Company acquired the assets of Precision Industrial Components LLC (“PIC Design”), a manufacturer and supplier of tight-tolerance, precision mechanical components for use in the motion control industry, located in Middlebury, CT for $6,325 in cash and the assumption of certain liabilities. The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:  accounts receivable ($1,072), inventory ($2,919), other current assets ($64), property, plant and equipment ($1,678), goodwill ($1,168), intangible assets ($885), non-current assets ($57), current liabilities ($1,098) and long-term liabilities ($420).  The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. PIC Design is included in the Other segment.

 
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On March 12, 2008, the Company acquired the assets of A.I.D. Corporation, a manufacturer of integrated bearing assemblies and aircraft components for the commercial and defense aerospace markets, located in Clayton, Georgia for $3,254. The purchase price allocation is as follows: accounts receivable ($420), inventory ($2,094), other current assets ($18), property, plant and equipment ($1,629), intangible assets ($1,211), goodwill ($1,389), current liabilities ($3,257) and long-term liabilities ($250). The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. AID is included in the Plain Bearings segment.

On March 12, 2008, the Company acquired the assets of BEMD, Inc., a machining business of integrated bearing assemblies and aircraft components for the commercial and defense aerospace markets, located in Canton, Georgia for $2,719. The purchase price allocation is as follows: accounts receivable ($318), inventory ($1,275), other current assets ($56), property, plant and equipment ($1,326), intangible assets ($565), current liabilities ($571) and long-term liabilities ($250). The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. BEMD is included in the Other segment.

On July 25, 2007, the Company acquired the assets of Coastal Bearing Services, Inc., for $3,671. Located in Houston, Texas, CBS manufactures, inspects and refurbishes large bearings for the oil and mining industries, as well as other general industrial applications with sizes ranging up to 124 inches in diameter.  The purchase price allocation is as follows: accounts receivable ($644), inventory ($653), other current assets ($86), property, plant and equipment ($825), intangible assets ($1,464), goodwill ($671) and accrued expenses ($672).  The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. CBS is included in the Ball Bearings segment.

On May 22, 2007, the Company acquired the capital stock of Phoenix, a manufacturer of bearings for the steel and mining industries as well as other general industrial applications with bore sizes ranging from 100 millimeters to one meter, located in Gloucestershire, England for $4,739. The purchase price allocation is as follows: accounts receivable ($1,344),  inventory ($881),  other current assets ($385), property, plant and equipment ($550), intangible assets ($3,347), goodwill ($15),   current liabilities ($1,701) and long-term liabilities ($82). The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. Phoenix is included in the Roller Bearings segment

On September 12, 2006, the Company acquired the capital stock of All Power, a manufacturer of highly-engineered precision plain, roller and ball bearings for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries, for $9,926. The purchase price included approximately $8,753 in cash, a $750 note payable and approximately $423 in transaction expenses. The purchase price allocation is as follows: accounts receivable ($1,969), inventory ($1,382), other current assets ($261), property, plant and equipment ($1,614), intangible assets ($3,672), goodwill ($4,708), current liabilities ($1,508) and long-term liabilities ($2,172). The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. All Power, which is located in Santa Fe Springs, California, is included in the plain bearings reportable segment. Goodwill associated with the acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The results of operations subsequent to the effective dates of the acquisitions are included in the results of operations of the Company. Unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of the Company, based upon pre-acquisition unaudited historical information provided for the years ended March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, as if the PIC Design, AID, BEMD, CBS and Phoenix acquisitions took place on April 1, 2007, are as follows:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 357,525     $ 352,417  
Net income
  $ 34,593     $ 41,251  
                 
Net income per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 1.60     $ 1.92  
Diluted
  $ 1.59     $ 1.89  

 
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4. 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts consists of the following:

Fiscal Year Ended
 
Balance at
Beginning of
Year
   
Additions
   
 
Other*
   
Write-offs
   
Balance at
End of Year
 
March 28, 2009
  $ 1,018     $ 702     $ (3 )   $ (146 )   $ 1,571  
March 29, 2008
    867       114       37             1,018  
March 31, 2007
    838       183       39       (193 )     867  

*Acquisition transactions (see Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 3 “Acquisitions”).

5. 
Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method, and are summarized below:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Raw materials
  $ 11,325     $ 11,561  
Work in process
    39,155       38,488  
Finished goods
    83,795       73,771  
    $ 134,275     $ 123,820  

6. 
Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Land
  $ 9,826     $ 8,696  
Buildings and improvements
    33,217       26,247  
Machinery and equipment
    126,942       120,274  
      169,985       155,217  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    82,288       81,974  
    $ 87,697     $ 73,243  

7. 
Restructuring of Operations

In December 2008, the Company completed the consolidation and rationalization of its Walterboro, South Carolina plant. This resulted in a total charge of $1,410 of which $412 was related to the net disposal and impairment of fixed assets, $741 was for impairment of excess inventory, $165 for severance costs and $92 for other miscellaneous items.

In January 2007, the Company began the consolidation of its tapered bearing manufacturing capacity. The Company has discontinued manufacturing tapered bearings in its Glasgow, Kentucky facility and has consolidated the remaining manufacturing into other Company manufacturing facilities. This consolidation resulted in a charge of approximately $5,088 in fiscal 2007. Approximately $2,211 of this charge related to the non-cash disposal of fixed assets. The remaining charge of $2,877 includes termination benefits of approximately $1,153, moving costs of approximately $755, rent of approximately $628 and cleanup and turnover costs of approximately $250. As of March 31, 2007, $1,984 had been paid and $893 had been accrued. This balance was paid in fiscal 2008.

On December 18, 2006, the Company completed the final phase of its Nice consolidation plan with the sale of its facility located in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania. The asset was sold for approximately $3,507 after expenses and the Company realized a gain on the sale of approximately $807 before income taxes.

8. 
Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Goodwill

During fiscal 2009, goodwill increased $1,167 with the acquisition of PIC Design in addition to an $11 adjustment related to the fiscal 2008 acquisition of Phoenix. During fiscal 2008, goodwill increased $2,190 with the acquisitions of CBS ($671) and AID ($1,292) in addition to a $227 adjustment related to the fiscal 2007 acquisition of All Power.

 
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Goodwill balances, by segment, consist of the following:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Roller
  $ 15,684     $ 15,673  
Plain
    15,477       15,477  
Ball
    671       671  
Other
    1,167        
    $ 32,999     $ 31,821  

Intangible Assets

         
March 28, 2009
   
March 29, 2008
 
   
Weighted
Average
Useful Lives
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Product approvals
   
15  
    $ 5,969     $ 965     $ 6,261     $ 604  
Customer relationships and lists
   
10  
      5,214       1,755       4,818       1,382  
Trade names
   
11  
      1,374       575       1,391       446  
Distributor agreements
   
5  
      722       722       722       722  
Patents and trademarks
    12         3,022       219       812       29  
Domain names
   
12  
      437       36              
Other
   
5  
      970       763       983       400  
Total
          $ 17,708     $ 5,035     $ 14,987     $ 3,583  

Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets during fiscal year 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $1,568, $1,254 and $713, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

2010
  $ 1,260  
2011
    1,260  
2012
    1,261  
2013
    1,262  
2014
    1,162  
2015 and thereafter
    6,468  

9. 
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

The significant components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities are as follows:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Employee compensation and related benefits
  $ 6,362     $ 5,592  
Taxes
    1,215       2,198  
Insurance
    1,734       1,134  
Interest rate swap
    1,694       752  
Other
    5,528       3,813  
    $ 16,533     $ 13,489  

10. 
Debt

On June 26, 2006, RBCA terminated the Amended Credit Agreement, and the related credit, security and ancillary agreements, and entered into a credit agreement (the “KeyBank Credit Agreement”) and related security and guaranty agreements with certain banks, KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Co-Lead Arrangers. The KeyBank Credit Agreement provides RBCA with a $150,000 five-year senior secured revolving credit facility which can be increased by up to $75,000, in increments of $25,000, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions (including the receipt from one or more lenders of the additional commitment). Amounts outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement generally bear interest at the prime rate, or LIBOR plus a specified margin, depending on the type of borrowing being made. The applicable margin is based on the Company’s consolidated ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA from time to time. Currently, the Company’s margin is 0.0% for prime rate loans and 0.625% for LIBOR rate loans. Amounts outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement are due and payable on the expiration date of the credit agreement (June 24, 2011). The Company can elect to prepay some or all of the outstanding balance from time to time without penalty. The KeyBank Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various covenants. As of March 28, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The KeyBank Credit Agreement allows the Company to, among other things, make distributions to shareholders, repurchase its stock, incur other debt or liens, or acquire or dispose of assets provided that the Company complies with certain requirements and limitations of the credit agreement. The Company’s obligations under the KeyBank Credit Agreement are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the Company’s and RBCA’s assets and a guaranty by the Company of RBCA’s obligations.

 
50

 

On June 26, 2006, the Company borrowed approximately $79,000 under the KeyBank Credit Agreement and used such funds to (i) pay fees and expenses associated with the KeyBank Credit Agreement and (ii) repay the approximately $78,000 balance outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement.  As of March 28, 2009, $67,000 was outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement. The Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of approximately $3,576 in fiscal 2007 to write off deferred debt issuance costs associated with the early termination of the Amended Credit Agreement. Approximately $6,556 of the KeyBank Credit Agreement is being utilized to provide letters of credit to secure RBCA’s obligations relating to certain insurance programs. As of March 28, 2009, RBCA had the ability to borrow up to an additional $76,444 under the KeyBank Credit Agreement.

On January 8, 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a total notional value of $30,000 to hedge a portion of its variable rate debt. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company pays interest at a fixed rate (3.64%)  and receives interest at variable rates. The maturity date of the interest swap is June 24, 2011. The fair value of this swap at March 28, 2009 was a liability of $1,694 and was included in other current liabilities. This instrument is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the gain or loss on both the hedging instrument and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in other comprehensive income.

On September 10, 2007, the Company and RBCA entered into an amendment of the KeyBank Credit Agreement.  Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, the commitment fees payable under the KeyBank Credit Agreement were decreased from a range of 10 to 27.5 basis points, based on the Company’s leverage ratio (as defined under the KeyBank Credit Agreement) to a range of 7.5 to 20 basis points.  Further, the margin payable under the KeyBank Credit Agreement for revolving loans that are base rate loans, based on the Company’s leverage ratio, was decreased from a range of 0 to 75 basis points to a range of 0 to 25 basis points.  The margin payable under the KeyBank Credit Agreement for revolving loans that are fixed rate loans, based on the Company’s leverage ratio (as defined under the agreement) was decreased from a range of 62.5 to 165 basis points to a range of 37.5 to 115 basis points.  Also, the covenant requiring the Company to limit capital expenditures (excluding acquisitions) in any fiscal year to an amount not to exceed $20,000 was amended to increase the limit to an amount not to exceed $30,000.

On October 27, 2008, Schaublin entered into a new bank credit facility with Credit Suisse (the “Swiss Credit Facility”) which replaced the prior bank credit facility of December 8, 2003 and its amendment of November 8, 2004.  This facility provides for up to 4,000 Swiss francs, or $3,530, of revolving credit loans and letters of credit.  Borrowings under the Swiss Credit Facility bear interest at Credit Suisse’s prevailing prime bank rate.  As of March 28, 2009, there were no borrowings under the Swiss Credit Facility.

During fiscal 1995, the Company entered into a loan agreement with the South Carolina Jobs Economic Development Authority ("SC JEDA") which provided for borrowings up to $10,700 under two industrial development revenue bonds (Series 1994 A and B).  The interest rate is variable and based on the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate. Additionally, during fiscal 2000, the Company entered into a loan agreement with the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank which provided for borrowings up to $4,800 under an industrial development revenue bond (Series 1999) (collectively, "Bonds"). The interest rate on the Bonds is variable and based on the Bond Market Association 7-day Municipal Swap Index. The proceeds from the Bonds are restricted for working capital requirements and capital expenditure purposes. On May 1, 2008, the Company voluntarily paid off the Series 1999 bonds, the principal of which was $4,800. In addition, on June 2, 2008, the Company voluntarily paid off the Series 1994 A and B bonds, the principal amounts of which were $7,700 and $3,000, respectively. The Company recorded a non-cash pre-tax charge of approximately $319 in the period ended March 28, 2009 to write off deferred financing costs associated with the voluntary payoff of the bonds.

 
51

 

The balances payable under all borrowing facilities are as follows:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
KeyBank Credit Agreement
           
Five-year senior secured revolving credit facility; amounts outstanding bear interest at the prime rate or LIBOR, plus a specified margin, depending on the type of borrowing being made (prime rate 3.25% and 5.25% at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively, and LIBOR 0.5% and 2.69% at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively)
  $ 67,000     $ 41,000  
Note Payable, payable through September 2009 (weighted average interest rate was 6.30% at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, respectively)
    1,151       1,250  
                 
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
               
Series 1994 A, bears interest at a variable rate (weighted average interest rate was 5.20% for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008)
          7,700  
Series 1994 B, bears interest at a variable rate (weighted average interest rate was 5.20% for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008)
          3,000  
Series 1999, bears interest at a variable rate (weighted average interest rate was 3.81% for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2008)
          4,800  
Total Debt
    68,151       57,750  
Less: Current Portion
    1,151       750  
Long-Term Debt
  $ 67,000     $ 57,000  

The current portion of long-term debt as of March 28, 2009 includes $401 notes payable related to the acquisitions of AID and BEMD and a $750 note payable related to the All Power acquisition. As of March 29, 2008, the current portion of long-term debt includes a $750 note payable related to the All Power acquisition.

Maturities of debt during each of the following three fiscal years are as follows:

2010
  $ 1,151  
2011
     
2012
    67,000  

11. 
Other Non-Current Liabilities

The significant components of other non-current liabilities consist of:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Non-current pension liability
  $     $ 794  
Other postretirement benefits
    2,848       2,616  
Non-current income tax liability
    8,153       4,231  
Other
    3,505       3,407  
    $ 14,506     $ 11,048  

12. 
Pension Plans

At March 28, 2009, the Company has one consolidated noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering union employees in its Heim division plant in Fairfield, Connecticut, its Bremen subsidiary plant in Plymouth, Indiana and former union employees of the Tyson subsidiary in Glasgow, Kentucky and the Nice subsidiary in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania.

Effective March 31, 2007, the pension plan for the Tyson subsidiary in Glasgow, Kentucky was curtailed in the terms of the Shutdown Agreement between Tyson Bearings Company, Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America (AFL-CIO) Local 7461-01 dated February 6, 2007. No further benefits will accrue against this plan and no new employees will become eligible for participation in the plan. The impact of curtailment was $202, which is included in the net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2007.

Effective May 1, 2006, the pension plan for the Nice subsidiary in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania was frozen in accordance with the terms of the Shutdown Agreement between RBC Nice Bearings, Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America (AFL-CIO) Local 6816-12 dated February 15, 2006. No further benefits will accrue against this plan and no new employees will become eligible for participation in the plan. The impact of curtailment was $97, which is included in the net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2007.

 
52

 

As of March 28, 2009, plan assets are comprised primarily of cash and short-term investments. The plan provides benefits of stated amounts based on a combination of an employee's age and years of service. The Company uses a March 31 measurement date for its plan.

On March 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” SFAS No. 158 required the Company to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the Company’s fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of its defined benefit pension plans in the March 31, 2007 Consolidated Balance Sheet with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income at adoption represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses, unrecognized prior service costs and unrecognized transition obligation remaining from the initial adoption of SFAS No. 87 and SFAS No. 106, all of which were previously netted against the plans’ funded status in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 87 and SFAS No. 106. These amounts will be subsequently recognized as net periodic benefit cost in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy for amortizing these amounts.

The following tables set forth the funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plan and the amount recognized in the balance sheet at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 20,253     $ 18,111  
Service cost
    441       270  
Interest cost
    1,211       1,184  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (1,169 )     2,013  
Benefits paid
    (1,894 )     (1,325 )
Benefit obligation, at measurement date
  $ 18,842     $ 20,253  
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 20,745     $ 16,997  
Actual return on plan assets
    682       2,977  
Employer contributions
    250       2,096  
Benefits paid
    (1,894 )     (1,325 )
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 19,783     $ 20,745  
                 
Over funded status
  $ 941     $ 492  
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
               
Non-current assets
  $ 941     $ 1,287  
Non-current liabilities
          (795 )
Net asset recognized
  $ 941     $ 492  

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
             
Prior service cost
  $ 311     $ 361  
Net actuarial loss
    2,069       2,219  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ 2,380     $ 2,580  

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2010:

Prior service cost
  $ 40  
Net actuarial loss
    10  
Total
  $ 50  

 
53

 

Benefits under the union plans are not a function of employees' salaries; thus, the accumulated benefit obligation equals the projected benefit obligation.

The following table sets forth net periodic benefit cost of the Company's plan for the three fiscal years in the period ended March 28, 2009:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                 
Service cost
  $ 441     $ 270     $ 484  
Interest cost
    1,211       1,184       1,033  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,691 )     (1,474 )     (1,309 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    40       8       28  
Amortization of losses
          163       166  
Additional amount recognized due to curtailment
                299  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 1     $ 151     $ 701  

The assumptions used in determining the net periodic benefit cost information are as follows:

   
FY 2009
   
FY 2008
   
FY 2007
 
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.00 %     5.75 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %     9.00 %

The discount rate used in determining the funded status as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 was 7.00% and 6.25%, respectively.

In developing the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption, a building block approach was used in which rates of return in excess of inflation were considered separately for equity securities and debt securities. The excess returns were weighted by the representative target allocation and added along with an appropriate rate of inflation to develop the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption.

The Company's investment program objective is to achieve a rate of return on plan assets which will fund the plan liabilities and provide for required benefits while avoiding undue exposure to risk to the plan and increases in funding requirements. The Company's target allocation of plan assets was 100 percent short-term investments as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008. In the Company’s opinion, there is still uncertainty in the global equity and debt markets and the global financial system. The Company has developed a new asset allocation strategy for fiscal 2010 and beyond based on a 60% to 80% equity allocation and 20% to 40% fixed income allocation, but until the Company sees stabilization in the global financial markets, it will continue to be vested 100% in short term investments.

The following benefit payments, which reflect future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid. The benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company's benefit obligation at the end of fiscal 2009.

2010
  $ 1,391  
2011
    1,383  
2012
    1,436  
2013
    1,439  
2014
    1,499  
2015-2019
    8,147  

One of the Company’s foreign operations, Schaublin, sponsors a pension plan for its approximately 154 employees in conformance with Swiss pension law.  The plan is funded with a reputable (S&P rating AA-) Swiss insurer.  Through the insurance contract, the Company has effectively transferred all investment and mortality risk to the insurance company, which guarantees the federally mandated annual rate of return and the conversion rate at retirement.  As a result, the plan has no unfunded liability; the interest cost is exactly offset by actual return.  Thus, the net periodic cost is equal to the amount of annual premium paid by the Company.  For fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company made contribution and premium payments equal to $588, $530 and $476, respectively.

 
54

 

The Company also has a defined contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for all of its employees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The plan is funded by eligible participants through employee contributions and by Company contributions which equaled 30% of the first 6% of eligible employee compensation. Employer contributions under this plan amounted to $568, $595 and $328 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company temporarily suspended the employer contribution to this plan.

Effective September 1, 1996, the Company adopted a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") for a select group of highly compensated management employees designated by the Board of Directors of the Company. The SERP allowed eligible employees to elect to defer, until termination of their employment, the receipt of up to 25% of their  salary. In August 2008, the plan was modified, allowing eligible employees to elect to defer up to 75% of their current salary and up to 100% of bonus compensation.  The Company made contributions equal to the lesser of 50% of the deferrals, or 3.5% of the employees' annual salary, which vest in full after one year of service following the effective date of the SERP. Employer contributions under this plan amounted to $131, $175 and $154 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company temporarily suspended the employer contribution to this plan.

13. 
Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company, for the benefit of employees at its Heim, West Trenton and Bremen facilities and former union employees of its Tyson and Nice subsidiaries, sponsors contributory defined benefit health care plans that provide postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to union employees who have attained certain age and/or service requirements while employed by the Company. As a result of the acquisition of PIC Design in fiscal 2009, the Company assumed the postretirement health care and life insurance liability for former employees covered by the existing plan. The plans are unfunded and costs are paid as incurred. Postretirement benefit obligations are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and "Other non-current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for the Tyson subsidiary in Glasgow, Kentucky were curtailed in the terms of the Shutdown Agreement between Tyson Bearing Company, Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America (AFL-CIO) Local 7461-01 dated February 6, 2007. The impact of curtailment was $(437), which was included in net periodic benefit cost (income) for fiscal 2007.

Effective May 1, 2006, the postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for the Nice subsidiary in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania were curtailed in the terms of the Shutdown Agreement between RBC Nice Bearings, Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America (AFL-CIO) Local 6816-12 dated February 15, 2006. Life insurance benefits terminated July 31, 2006. Postretirement medical benefits were available until the contract expired on January 31, 2008. The impact of curtailment was $(131), which was included in net periodic benefit cost (income) for fiscal 2007.

The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 158 to other postretirement benefit plans increased current liabilities by $227, increased non-current liabilities by $332 and increased the loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss by $345, net of deferred tax provision of $214.

The following table set forth the funded status of the Company’s postretirement benefit plans, the amount recognized in the balance sheet at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008:
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 2, 891     $ 2, 694  
Service cost
    49       60  
Interest cost
    200       165  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (154 )     191  
Benefits paid
    (249 )     (219 )
Acquisition
    416        
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 3,153     $ 2,891  
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $     $  
Company contributions
    249       219  
Benefits paid
    (249 )     (219 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $     $  
                 
Funded status, end of year
  $ (3,153 )   $ (2,891 )
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
               
Current liability
  $ (305 )   $ (275 )
Non-current liability
    (2,848 )     (2,616 )
Net liability recognized
  $ (3,153 )   $ (2,891 )
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
               
Prior service cost
  $ 109     $ 138  
Net actuarial loss
    382       603  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ 491     $ 741  
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2010:
               
Prior service cost
  $ 1          
Net actuarial loss
    13          
Total
  $ 14          
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 49     $ 60     $ 112  
Interest cost
    200       165       182  
Prior service cost amortization
    1       (30 )     (45 )
Amount of loss recognized
    22       38       29  
Curtailment gain
                (568 )
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
  $ 272     $ 233     $ (290 )

The Company uses a March 31 measurement date for its plans.

The plans contractually limit the benefit to be provided for certain groups of current and future retirees. As a result, there is no health care trend associated with these groups. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.00% at March 28, 2009 and 6.50% at March 29, 2008. The discount rate used in determining the net periodic benefit cost was 6.50% for fiscal 2009, 6.00% for fiscal 2008 and 6.25% for fiscal 2007. The RP-2000 Combined Mortality Table was used to determine the postretirement net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2009 and 2008; the 1983 Group Annuity Mortality table was used to determine the postretirement net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2007.

The following benefit payments, which reflect future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid. The benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the Company's benefit obligation at the end of fiscal 2009:

2010
  $ 305  
2011
    282  
2012
    283  
2013
    281  
2014
    286  
2015-2019
    1,491  

 
55

 

14. 
Income Taxes

Income before income taxes for the Company's domestic and foreign operations is as follows:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Domestic
  $ 44,011     $ 51,660     $ 37,213  
Foreign
    7,390       8,219       6,854  
    $ 51,401     $ 59,879     $ 44,067  

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Current:
                 
Federal
  $ 14,224     $ 6,781     $ 3,140  
State
    1,326       1,428       2,079  
Foreign
    1,274       1,269       1,087  
      16,824       9,478       6,306  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    22       10,057       9,506  
State
    101       150       (224 )
      123       10,207       9,282  
Total
  $ 16,947     $ 19,685     $ 15,588  

A reconciliation of income taxes computed using the U.S. federal statutory rate to that reflected in operations follows:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Income taxes using U.S. federal statutory rate
  $ 17,990     $ 20,958     $ 15,424  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    1,105       887       1,101  
Domestic production activities deduction
    (842 )     (907 )      
Foreign rate differential
    (1,312 )     (1,699 )     (1,312 )
Other
    6       446       375  
    $ 16,947     $ 19,685     $ 15,588  

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:

   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
           
Postretirement benefits
  $ 1,020     $ 1,106  
Employee compensation accruals
    1,787       1,112  
State net operating losses
    959       1,244  
Inventory
    4,326       3,839  
Stock compensation
    1,536       654  
Pension
    (351 )     (188 )
State tax related to research and development
    1,354       621  
Fair value of derivative
    632       288  
Other
    1,161       615  
Valuation allowance
    (353 )     (424 )
Total deferred tax assets
    12,071       8,867  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property, plant and equipment
    (7,573 )     (5,500 )
Intangible assets
    (4,162 )     (3,864 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
    (11,735 )     (9,364 )
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
  $ 336     $ (497 )

A valuation allowance has been recorded on certain state net operating losses as it is more likely than not that these losses will not be utilized.

 
56

 

The Company has determined that its undistributed foreign earnings of approximately $35,530 at March 28, 2009 will be re-invested indefinitely based upon the need for cash in its foreign operations, potential foreign acquisitions and the Company's inability to remit cash back to the United States under its current foreign debt obligations.  Schaublin has a tax holiday that provides a 75% reduction of the statutory rate relating to its Swiss facility.  This resulted in a tax benefit of approximately $1,200,  $1,400 and $1,200 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.  This tax holiday expires in March 2010.

As the Company’s undistributed earnings in foreign subsidiaries are considered to be reinvested indefinitely, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes has been provided.  Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment of foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries.  Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable due to the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.

At March 28, 2009, the Company has state net operating losses in different jurisdictions at varying amounts up to $11,200, which expire at various dates through 2026. The Company's tax returns are subject to review and examination by various taxing authorities, which could result in changes to accrued tax estimates.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on April 1, 2007.  As a result, the Company recognized an increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $230 and a reduction to the April 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of April 1, 2007, including the cumulative effect of the adoption of FIN 48, is $3,210, substantially all of which represents liabilities that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state or foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ending before March 31, 2002. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination by the Internal Revenue Service for years ending before March 31, 2005.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:

Balance at March 31, 2007
  $ 3,210  
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period
    668  
Balance at March 29, 2008
    3,878  
Increases for tax positions taken during the current period
    3,531  
Balance at March 28, 2009
  $ 7,409  

The increase in tax positions is a result of amended tax returns filed for the research and development tax credits. Included in the balance at March 28, 2009, are $6,867 of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the annual effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes the interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  The Company recognized $243 of interest and penalties on its statement of operations for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2009. The Company had approximately $743 of accrued interest and penalties at March 28, 2009.

The Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly decrease over the next twelve months.

15.           Stockholders' Equity

On April 18, 2006, pursuant to a purchase agreement with Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, KeyBanc Capital Markets and Robert W. Baird & Co., the Company, along with certain of its stockholders, sold 8,989,550 shares of its common stock (5,995,529 sold by certain of its stockholders). The offering yielded the Company aggregate net proceeds of approximately $57,000 after payment of the underwriting discount, commissions and offering expenses.  The full amount of the net proceeds were used to prepay outstanding balances under a term loan outstanding at that time.

 
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Stock Option Plans
 
1998 Stock Option Plan

Effective February 18, 1998, the Company adopted the RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.) 1998 Stock Option Plan. The terms of the 1998 Stock Option Plan provide for the grant of options to purchase up to 8,413,900 shares of common stock to officers and employees of, and consultants (including members of the board of directors) to, the Company and its subsidiaries. Options granted may be either incentive stock options (under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code) or non-qualified stock options. The 1998 Stock Option Plan, which expired on December 31, 2008, has been governed by the Company’s board of directors or a committee to which the board delegates its responsibilities. As of March 28, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase 3,275 shares of common stock granted under the 1998 option plan, all of which were exercisable. As of August 15, 2005, the 1998 Stock Option Plan was frozen and no additional stock options will be awarded pursuant to the plan.

2001 Stock Option Plan

The RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.) 2001 Stock Option Plan was adopted in fiscal 2002 and amended and restated on October 24, 2003. The terms of the 2001 Stock Option Plan provide for the grant of options to purchase up to 1,008,553 shares of common stock to officers and employees of, and consultants (including members of the board of directors) to, the Company and its subsidiaries selected by the CEO to participate in the plan. Options granted may be either incentive stock options (under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code) or non-qualified stock options. The 2001 Stock Option Plan, which expires in July 2011, is to be governed by the Company’s board of directors or a committee to which the board of directors delegates its responsibilities. As of March 28, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase 104,800 shares of common stock granted under the 2001 Stock Option Plan, all of which were exercisable. As of August 15, 2005, the 2001 Stock Option Plan was frozen and no additional stock options will be awarded pursuant to the plan.

2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards. Directors, officers and other employees and persons who engage in services for the Company are eligible for grants under the plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide these individuals with incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to the Company’s success and to enable the Company to attract, retain and reward the best available persons for positions of responsibility.

1,139,170 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in the Company’s corporate structure or in the outstanding shares of common stock. An amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan from 1,139,170 to 1,639,170 was approved by shareholder vote in September 2006. A further amendment to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan from 1,639,170 to 2,239,170 was approved by shareholder vote in September 2007. The Company may grant shares of restricted stock to its employees and directors in the future under the plan. The Company’s compensation committee will administer the plan. The Company’s board of directors also has the authority to administer the plan and to take all actions that the compensation committee is otherwise authorized to take under the plan. The terms and conditions of each award made under the plan, including vesting requirements, is set forth consistent with the plan in a written agreement with the grantee.
 
Stock Options.  Under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the compensation committee or the board may approve the award of grants of incentive stock options and other non-qualified stock options. The compensation committee also has the authority to approve the grant of options that will become fully vested and exercisable automatically upon a change in control. The compensation committee may not, however, approve an award to any one person in any calendar year options to purchase common stock equal to more than 10% of the total number of shares authorized under the plan, and it may not approve an award of incentive options first exercisable in any calendar year whose underlying shares have a fair market value greater than $100,000 determined at the time of grant. The compensation committee will approve the exercise price and term of any option in its discretion; however, the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. In the case of any incentive stock option, the option must be exercised within 10 years of the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive option awarded to a person who owns stock constituting more than 10% of our voting power may not be less than 110% of such fair market value on such date and the option must be exercised within five years of the date of grant. As of March 28, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase 1,404,202 shares of common stock granted under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 670,364 of which were exercisable.

 
58

 

Restricted Stock.  Under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the compensation committee may approve the award of restricted stock subject to the conditions and restrictions, and for the duration that it determines in its discretion. As of March 28, 2009, there were 123,649 shares of restricted stock outstanding.
 
Stock Appreciation Rights.  The compensation committee may approve the grant of stock appreciation rights, or SARs, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the plan. Under the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the exercise price of a SAR must equal the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date the SAR was granted. Upon exercise of a SAR, the grantee will receive an amount in shares of our common stock equal to the difference between the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the SAR, multiplied by the number of shares as to which the SAR is exercised.
 
Performance Awards.  The compensation committee may approve the grant of performance awards contingent upon achievement by the grantee or by the Company, of set goals and objectives regarding specified performance criteria, over a specified performance cycle. Awards may include specific dollar-value target awards, performance units, the value of which is established at the time of grant, and/or performance shares, the value of which is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The value of a performance award may be fixed or fluctuate on the basis of specified performance criteria. A performance award may be paid out in cash and/or shares of common stock or other securities.
 
Amendment and Termination of the Plan.  The board may amend or terminate the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan at its discretion, except that no amendment will become effective without prior approval of the Company’s stockholders if such approval is necessary for continued compliance with the performance-based compensation exception of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code or any stock exchange listing requirements. If not previously terminated by the board, the plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its adoption.
 
A summary of the status of the Company's stock options outstanding as of March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, and changes during the years ended on those dates, is presented below. All cashless exercises of options and warrants are handled through an independent broker.

   
Number Of 
Common Stock
Options
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average
Contractual Life
(Years)
   
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding, March 31, 2007
    1,294,319     $ 15.60              
Awarded
    356,200       32.21              
Exercised
    (323,942 )     12.47              
Outstanding, March 29, 2008
    1,326,577     $ 20.83       6.7     $ 20,381  
Awarded
    198,500       20.44                  
Exercised
    (12,800 )     19.80                  
Outstanding, March 28, 2009
    1,512,277     $ 20.78       5.9     $ 1,564  
                                 
Exercisable, March 28, 2009
    849,679     $ 16.64       5.9     $ 1,564  

The fair value for the Company's options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected weighted-average life (yrs.)
    4.5       5.0       4.9  
Risk-free interest rate
    1.78 %     5.0 %     5.0 %
Expected volatility
    42.8 %     35.4 %     34.4 %

The weighted average fair value per share of options granted was $7.69 in fiscal 2009, $12.79 in fiscal 2008 and $8.70 in fiscal 2007.

The expected weighted-average life assumption was calculated by taking the average of the weighted vesting term and the contractual term of the options. In determining its risk-free interest rate assumption, the Company used the yield on zero-coupon U.S. Treasury strips to extrapolate a forward-yield curve. Finally, since the Company has only been public since August 2005, it used six public companies (in addition to itself), engaged in the manufacture of bearings, for the determination of the volatility.

 
59

 

As of March 28, 2009, there was $5,711 of unrecognized compensation costs related to options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.2 years. The total fair value of options that vested in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $1,592, $1,738 and $0, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $259, $6,925  and $31,523, respectively.

Of the total awards outstanding at March 28, 2009, 1,486,456 are either fully vested or are expected to vest. These shares have a weighted average exercise price of $20.69, an intrinsic value of $1,564, and a weighted average contractual term of 5.9 years.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock outstanding as of March 28, 2009 and changes during the year then ended, is presented below.

   
Number Of 
Restricted Stock
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
Non-vested, March 29, 2008
    107,162     $ 26.99  
Granted
    43,500       20.91  
Vested
    (27,013 )     26.24  
Non-vested, March 28, 2009
    123,649     $ 25.02  

The Company recorded $513 (net of taxes of $268) in compensation in fiscal 2009 related to restricted stock awards. These awards were valued at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance and are being amortized as expense over the applicable vesting period. Unrecognized expense for restricted stock was $2,577 at March 28, 2009. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.0 years.

16.           Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire on various dates through September 2021, with rental expense aggregating $3,945, $3,893 and $3,708 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company also has non-cancelable operating leases for transportation, computer and office equipment, which expire at various dates. Rental expense for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 aggregated $1,341, $1,347 and $1,356, respectively.

Certain of the above leases are renewable while none bear material contingent rent or concession clauses.

The aggregate future minimum lease payments under operating leases are as follows:

2010
  $ 4,542  
2011
    4,163  
2012
    3,345  
2013
    2,346  
2014
    1,984  
2015 and thereafter
    5,716  
    $ 22,096  

As of March 28, 2009, approximately 11% of the Company's hourly employees in the U.S. and abroad were represented by labor unions.

The Company enters into government contracts and subcontracts that are subject to audit by the government. In the opinion of the Company's management, the results of such audits, if any, are not expected to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

In fiscal 2009, 6.5% of the Company’s net sales were made directly, and approximately an additional 15.9% of the Company’s net sales were made indirectly, to the U.S. government.

 
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The Company is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air and water, the storage, handling and disposal of wastes and the health and safety of employees. The Company also may be liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or similar state laws for the costs of investigation and cleanup of contamination at facilities currently or formerly owned or operated by the Company, or at other facilities at which the Company may have disposed of hazardous substances. In connection with such contamination, the Company may also be liable for natural resource damages, government penalties and claims by third parties for personal injury and property damage. Agencies responsible for enforcing these laws have authority to impose significant civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance. The Company believes it is currently in material compliance with all applicable requirements of environmental laws. The Company does not anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental compliance in fiscal years 2010 or 2011.

Investigation and remediation of contamination is ongoing at some of the Company's sites. In particular, state agencies have been overseeing groundwater monitoring activities at the Company's facilities in Hartsville, South Carolina and Fairfield, Connecticut. At Hartsville, the Company is monitoring low levels of contaminants in the groundwater caused by former operations. The state will permit the Company to cease monitoring activities after two consecutive sampling periods demonstrate contaminants are below action levels. In connection with the purchase of the Fairfield, Connecticut facility in 1996, the Company agreed to assume responsibility for completing clean-up efforts previously initiated by the prior owner. The Company submitted data to the state that the Company believes demonstrates that no further remedial action is necessary, although the state may require additional clean-up or monitoring. In connection with the purchase of the Company’s Clayton, Georgia facility, the Company agreed to take assignment of the hazardous waste permit covering such facility and to assume certain responsibilities to implement a corrective action plan concerning the remediation of certain soil and groundwater contamination present at that facility.  The corrective action plan is in the early stages. Although there can be no assurance, the Company does not expect any of those to be material.

The Company received notice in 2003 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the Company had been named a potentially responsible de minimis party for past disposal of hazardous substances at the Operating Industries, Inc. Landfill in Monterey, Calif. Any such disposal would have been conducted prior to the Company's ownership, and the Company notified the former owners of a potential claim for indemnification based on the indemnity described above. The Company is currently negotiating a de minimis settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and expects that any settlement, even if the Company is unsuccessful in obtaining indemnification, will not be material to its financial position or results of operations.

There are various claims and legal proceedings against the Company relating to its operations in the normal course of business, none of which the Company believes is material to its financial position or results of operations. The Company currently maintains insurance coverage for product liability claims.

17.           U.S. Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) Payment

On December 12, 2008, the Company received approximately $377 in payments under the U.S. Continued Dumping and Subsidy Act (CDSOA) for 2008. On December 7, 2007, the Company received approximately $255 in payments under the CDSOA for 2007. In addition, on December 1, 2006, the Company received approximately $1,229 in payments under the CDSOA for 2006. The CDSOA distributes antidumping duties paid by overseas companies to qualified domestic firms hurt by unfair trade. These payments have been classified below Operating Income in “Other non-operating expense (income)” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

18.           Other Operating Expense, Net

Other operating expense, net is comprised of the following:

   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Loss on disposition of assets
  $ 4,377     $ 131     $ 1,917  
Plant consolidation and moving costs
    1,081       481       3,188  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    394       114       183  
Amortization of intangibles
    1,568       1,254       713  
Other expense (income)
    51       (156 )     (67 )
    $ 7,471     $ 1,824     $ 5,934  

 
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19.           Reportable Segments

The Company operates through operating segments for which separate financial information is available, and for which operating results are evaluated regularly by the Company's chief operating decision maker in determining resource allocation and assessing performance. Those operating segments with similar economic characteristics and that meet all other required criteria, including nature of the products and production processes, distribution patterns and classes of customers, are aggregated as reportable segments. Certain other operating segments do not exhibit the common attributes mentioned above and do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure, and their information is combined and disclosed as "Other". There is also a segment reflecting corporate charges.

The Company has four reportable business segments engaged in the manufacture and sale of the following:
 
Roller Bearings.  Roller bearings are anti-friction bearings that use rollers instead of balls. The Company manufactures four basic types of roller bearings: heavy duty needle roller bearings with inner rings, tapered roller bearings, track rollers and aircraft roller bearings.
 
Plain Bearings.  Plain bearings are produced with either self-lubricating or metal-to-metal designs and consists of several sub-classes, including rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings and journal bearings. Unlike ball bearings, which are used in high-speed rotational applications, plain bearings are primarily used to rectify inevitable misalignments in various mechanical components.

Ball Bearings.  The Company manufactures four basic types of ball bearings: high precision aerospace, airframe control, thin section and commercial ball bearings which are used in high-speed rotational applications.

Other.  Other consists of four minor operating locations that do not fall into the above segmented categories. The Company produces precision ground ball bearing screws that offer repeatable positioning accuracy in machine tools, transfer lines, robotic handling and semiconductor equipment. The Company’s precision machine tool collets  provide effective part holding and accurate part location during machining operations. Additionally, the Company provides machining for integrated bearing assemblies and aircraft components for the commercial and defense aerospace markets and tight-tolerance, precision mechanical components for use in the motion control industry.

Corporate.  Corporate consists of expenses incurred at the corporate office.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” Segment performance is evaluated based on segment net sales, operating income and total assets. Items not allocated to segment operating income include corporate administrative expenses and certain other amounts. Identifiable assets by reportable segment consist of those directly identified with the segment's operations. Corporate assets consist of cash, fixed assets and certain prepaid expenses.

 
62

 
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
March 28,
2009
   
March 29,
2008
   
March 31,
2007
 
Net External Sales
                 
Roller
  $ 94,428     $ 97,019     $ 92,123  
Plain
    166,658       154,535       143,907  
Ball
    63,625       56,677       50,466  
Other
    31,085       22,369       19,566  
    $ 355,796     $ 330,600     $ 306,062  
Operating Income
                       
Roller
  $ 23,697     $ 28,818     $ 18,766  
Plain
    41,517       40,982       41,163  
Ball
    14,474       14,284       12,523  
Other
    2,375       2,669       2,200  
Corporate
    (27,093 )     (23,903 )     (22,733 )
    $ 54,970     $ 62,850     $ 51,919  
Total Assets
                       
Roller
  $ 94,391     $ 88,053     $ 64,491  
Plain
    218,922       203,201       168,350  
Ball
    52,075       37,303       27,417  
Other
    8,952       11,773       7,595  
Corporate
    7,727       (3,218 )     5,860  
    $ 382,067     $ 337,112     $ 273,713  
Capital Expenditures
                       
Roller
  $ 5,885     $ 10,611     $ 10,872  
Plain
    3,001       3,919       2,502  
Ball
    17,793       2,084       1,374  
Other
    750       1,065       1,007  
Corporate
    154       79       419  
    $ 27,583     $ 17,758     $ 16,174  
Depreciation & Amortization
                       
Roller
  $ 3,635     $ 3,363     $ 3,355  
Plain
    5,466       4,534       3,653  
Ball
    907       732       601  
Other
    1,441       1,299       1,238  
Corporate
    711       537       799  
    $ 12,160     $ 10,465     $ 9,646  
Geographic External Sales
                       
Domestic
  $ 301,413     $ 280,510     $ 265,644  
Foreign
    54,383       50,090       40,418  
    $ 355,796     $ 330,600     $ 306,062  
Geographic Long-Lived Assets
                       
Domestic
  $ 84,082     $ 69,975     $ 57,910  
Foreign
    3,615       3,268       3,299  
    $ 87,697     $ 73,243     $ 61,209  
Intersegment Sales
                       
Roller
  $ 10,393     $ 8,298     $ 8,512  
Plain
    1,846       1,417       1,017  
Ball
    7,793       7,105       5,053  
Other
    19,283       17,093       14,825  
    $ 39,315     $ 33,913     $ 29,407  

All intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation.

 
63

 

ITEM 9.  CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company performed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. No changes were made to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s management believes that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 28, 2009.

 
64

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of RBC Bearings Incorporated is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is supported by written policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (ii) 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 the Company’s management and directors; and (iii) 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 28, 2009 as required by Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 28, 2009.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 28, 2009 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on the following page.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Oxford, Connecticut
May 22, 2009

 
65

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of RBC Bearings Incorporated

We have audited RBC Bearings Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 28, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). RBC Bearings Incorporated’s management is responsible 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 Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 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, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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, RBC Bearings Incorporated maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 28, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of RBC Bearings Incorporated as of March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended March 28, 2009, and our report dated May 22, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
May 22, 2009

 
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ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

The information called for by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of Form 10-K will be included in our Proxy Statement for our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which the Company intends to file within 120 days after the close of its fiscal year ended March 28, 2009 and which is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) 
1. Financial Statements

The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 28, 2009, March 29, 2008, and March 31, 2007

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a) 
2. Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is presented in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(a) 
3. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

Certain of the following exhibits have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such exhibits are identified by the parenthetical references following the listing of each such exhibit and are incorporated herein by reference. The Company’s Commission file number is 333-124824.

Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Document
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of RBC Bearings Incorporated dated August 13, 2005 as filed with Amendment No. 4 to RBC Bearings Incorporated's Registration Statement on Form S-1, file No. 333-124824 (the "Registration Statement") dated August 8, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
3.2
 
Bylaws of RBC Bearings Incorporated, as filed as Exhibit 3.3 to Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated August 8, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
 
67

 
4.1
 
Form of stock certificate for common stock, as filed as Exhibit 4.3 to RBC Bearings Incorporated's Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated August 4, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
4.2
 
Form of Amended and Restated Warrants to Purchase Common Stock, as filed as Exhibit 4.7 to RBC Bearing Incorporated’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated March 15, 2006, is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
4.3
 
Amended and Restated Warrants to Purchase Class B Supervoting Common Stock, as filed as Exhibit 4.8 to RBC Bearing Incorporated’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated March 15, 2006, is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.1
 
Stock Option Plan of RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.), dated as of February 18, 1998 with form of agreement filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.2
 
Form of Stock Transfer Restriction Agreement between RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.) and certain of its stockholders filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.3
 
Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option Plan of RBC Bearings Incorporated (f/k/a Roller Bearing Holding Company, Inc.), dated October 24, 2003 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.4
 
Form of RBC Bearings Inc. 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 4.6 to RBC Bearing Incorporated’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 dated November 18, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.5
 
Agreement of Lease between Robear West Trenton Associates, L.P. and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., dated February 10, 1999, for West Trenton, New Jersey premises filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.6
 
First Amendment to Office Lease, dated July 26, 2004, between Robear West Trenton Associates, L.P. and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc. filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.7
 
Indenture of Lease dated March 31, 2004 between Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., and Raymond Hunicke, LLC, a Connecticut limited liability company filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.8
 
Executed counterpart of the Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1994, between Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., Heller Financial, Inc. and Mark Twain Bank filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.9
 
Loan Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1994, between the South Carolina Job—Economic Development Authority and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc. with respect to the Series 1994A Bonds filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.10
 
Trust Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1994, between the South Carolina Job—Economic Development Authority and Mark Twain Bank, as Trustee, with respect to the Series 1994A Bonds filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.11
 
Loan Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1994, between the South Carolina Job—Economic Development Authority and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., with respect to the Series 1994B Bonds filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.12
 
Trust Indenture, dated as of September 1, 1994, between the South Carolina Job—Economic Development Authority and Mark Twain Bank, as Trustee, with respect to the Series 1994B Bonds filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.13
 
Collective Bargaining Agreement between Heim, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, U.A.W., and Amalgamated Local 376, U.A.W., expires January 31, 2008 filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.14
 
Collective Bargaining Agreement between Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc. and the International Union U.A.W. and its Local 502, expires June 30, 2007 filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
 
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10.15
 
Collective Bargaining Agreement between Tyson Bearing Company, Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO, Local 7461- 01, expires June 13, 2008, as filed as Exhibit 10.18 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated July 26, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.16
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2005, between the Company and Michael J. Hartnett, Ph.D filed as Exhibit 10.19 to Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement dated August 8, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.17
 
Amended and Restated Promissory Note, dated as of December 15, 2000, for $500,000, made by Michael J. Hartnett, Ph.D. and payable to Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.18
 
Loan Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1999, by and between California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.19
 
Indenture Of Trust, dated as of April 1, 1999, between California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.20
 
Tax Regulatory Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1999, by and among California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.21
 
Lease Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1999, between Schaublin SA and RBC Schaublin SA filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.22
 
Lease Agreement dated May 17, 2004 by and between Shadowmoss Properties, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company and Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.23
 
Credit Agreement, dated December 8, 2003, between Credit Suisse and Schaublin SA filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.24
 
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated November 8, 2004, between Credit Suisse and Schaublin SA filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 11, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.25
 
Letter Agreement by and among RBC Bearings Incorporated, Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc. Whitney & Co. and Dr. Michael J. Hartnett dated June 17, 2005, as filed as Exhibit 10.36 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated July 26, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.26
 
Second Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement by and among RBC Bearings Incorporated, Whitney RBHC Investor, LLC, Whitney V.L.P., Dr. Michael J. Hartnett and Hartnett Family Investments, L.P. dated February 6, 2003 filed as Exhibit 10.37 to Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement dated August 9, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.27
 
Amendment No. 1 dated August 13, 2005 to the Second Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement by and among RBC Bearings Incorporated, Whitney RBHC Investors, LLC, Whitney V.L.P., Dr. Michael J. Hartnett and Hartnett Family Investments, L.P. dated February 6, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10.38 to Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement dated August 9, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.28
 
Purchase Agreement dated August 9, 2005 filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated August 15, 2005 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.29
 
Purchase Agreement dated April 11, 2006 filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated April 13, 2006 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.30
 
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2006, among Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., RBC Bearings Incorporated, the Lenders named therein, KeyBank National Association, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated July 18, 2006 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.31
 
Parent Guaranty, dated as of June 26, 2006, by RBC Bearings Incorporated, in favor of KeyBank National Association, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K dated July 18, 2006 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.32
 
Security Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2006, among Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., RBC Bearings Incorporated, the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined therein), and KeyBank National Association, filed as Exhibit 99.3 to Form 8-K dated July 18, 2006 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
 
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10.33
 
RBC Bearings Incorporated 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated as of August 29, 2007) filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2007 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.34
 
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 10, 2007 by and between Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc., RBC Bearings Incorporated and KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent and Lender filed as Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K dated September 10, 2007 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
10.35
 
Agreement between RBC Heim Bearings and Local No. 376 International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America effective February 1, 2008 filed as Exhibit 10.5 on Form 10-Q dated February 7, 2008 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
14.1
 
Code of Ethics of the Registrant filed as Exhibit 14 to Form 10-Q dated February 14, 2006 is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
     
21
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant. Filed herewith.
     
23
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. Filed herewith.
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
     
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* Filed herewith.
     
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* Filed herewith.

*           This certification accompanies this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 
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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.

 
RBC Bearings Incorporated
   
(Registrant)
     
 
By:
/s/ Dr. Michael J. Hartnett
   
Name:
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett
   
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
   
Date:
May 27 , 2009

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature
 
Title
     
/s/ Dr. Michael J. Hartnett
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Michael J. Hartnett
 
(Principal Executive Officer and Chairman)
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ Daniel A. Bergeron
 
Chief Financial Officer
Daniel A. Bergeron
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ Thomas Burigo
 
Corporate Controller
Thomas Burigo
   
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ Richard R. Crowell
 
Director
Richard R. Crowell
   
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ William P. Killian
 
Director
William P. Killian
   
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ Alan B. Levine
 
Director
Alan B. Levine
   
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ Dr. Amir Faghri
 
Director
Dr. Amir Faghri
   
Date:  May 27, 2009
   
     
/s/ Dr. Thomas J. O’Brien
 
Director
Dr. Thomas J. O'Brien
   
Date:  May 27, 2009
   

 
71