UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 1, 2011
 
OR
 
¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from           to           .
 
Commission File Number:  333-124824

RBC Bearings Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Date 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 x   No ¨

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 ¨  No x
 
As of January 31, 2011, RBC Bearings Incorporated had 22,074,211 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
  
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Part I -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
3
     
ITEM 1.
Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
3
ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 
 
Operations
13
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
21
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
22
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
22
     
Part II - OTHER INFORMATION
23
     
ITEM 1.
Legal Proceedings
23
ITEM 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
23
ITEM 6.
Exhibits
24
 
 
2

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements
 
RBC Bearings Incorporated
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
   
January 1,
 2011
   
April 3, 
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 52,705     $ 21,389  
Short-term investments
    8,070       7,234  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,562 at January 1, 2011 and $1,242 at April 3, 2010
    53,243       53,978  
Inventory
    139,588       136,366  
Deferred income taxes
    7,982       6,249  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    5,936       9,287  
Total current assets
    267,524       234,503  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    87,953       89,537  
Goodwill
    34,713       34,713  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $7,420 at January 1, 2011 and $6,354 at April 3, 2010
    12,231       12,665  
Other assets
    5,524       4,537  
Total assets
  $ 407,945     $ 375,955  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 20,306     $ 18,897  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    14,689       11,439  
Current portion of long-term debt
    30,617       1,453  
Total current liabilities
    65,612       31,789  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    750       37,000  
Deferred income taxes
    6,130       5,922  
Other non-current liabilities
    16,990       17,697  
Total liabilities
    89,482       92,408  
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares: 10,000,000 at January 1, 2011 and April 3, 2010; none issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares: 60,000,000 at January 1, 2011 and April 3, 2010; issued and outstanding shares: 22,053,411 at January 1, 2011 and 21,902,761 shares at April 3, 2010
    221       219  
Additional paid-in capital
    195,777       189,496  
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)
    2,399       (1,672 )
Retained earnings
    125,528       100,527  
Treasury stock, at cost, 183,676 shares at January 1, 2011 and 170,338 shares at April 3, 2010
    (5,462 )     (5,023 )
Total stockholders' equity
    318,463       283,547  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 407,945     $ 375,955  

See accompanying notes.

 
3

 

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

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
   
January 1,
 2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
Net sales
  $ 81,258     $ 67,481     $ 246,727     $ 194,870  
Cost of sales
    55,294       47,042       167,272       135,434  
Gross margin
    25,964       20,439       79,455       59,436  
Operating expenses:
                               
Selling, general and administrative
    13,328       11,936       38,808       34,687  
Other, net
    432       364       508       1,594  
Total operating expenses
    13,760       12,300       39,316       36,281  
Operating income
    12,204       8,139       40,139       23,155  
Interest expense, net
    375       394       1,165       1,323  
Other non-operating expense (income
    456       (202 )     1,273       (442 )
Income before income taxes
    11,373       7,947       37,701       22,274  
Provision for income taxes
    3,987       2,698       12,700       7,554  
Net income
  $ 7,386     $ 5,249     $ 25,001     $ 14,720  
Net income per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.34     $ 0.24     $ 1.16     $ 0.68  
Diluted
  $ 0.33     $ 0.24     $ 1.14     $ 0.68  
Weighted average common shares:
                               
Basic
    21,690,144       21,596,344       21,641,997       21,590,362  
Diluted
    22,113,754       21,768,570       22,027,525       21,735,512  

See accompanying notes.

 
4

 

RBC Bearings Incorporated
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
January 1,
2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 25,001     $ 14,720  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    8,712       7,971  
Excess tax benefits from deferred compensation
    (824 )     (29 )
Deferred income taxes
    (1,665 )     (3,847 )
Amortization of intangible assets
    1,055       984  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    220       154  
Stock-based compensation
    3,040       2,278  
(Gain) loss on disposition or sale of assets
    (1,066 )     29  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
    1,506       18,548  
Inventory
    (2,355 )     (1,937 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    3,407       3,766  
Other non-current assets
    (453 )     (1,411 )
Accounts payable
    1,125       (4,682 )
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    3,750       (2,318 )
Other non-current liabilities
    (1,078 )     747  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    40,375       34,973  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (7,252 )     (7,508 )
Purchase of short-term investments
    (1,693 )     (6,263 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
          (1,924 )
Proceeds from sale or maturities of short-term investments
    857        
Proceeds from sale of assets
    2,379        
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,709 )     (15,695 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net decrease in revolving credit facility
    (7,000 )     (15,000 )
Exercise of stock options
    2,420       7  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    824       29  
Repurchase of common stock
    (439 )     (788 )
Financing fees paid in connection with senior credit facility
    (1,389 )      
Other, net
    (273 )     (440 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (5,857 )     (16,192 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    2,507       514  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents:
               
Increase during the period
    31,316       3,600  
Cash, at beginning of period
    21,389       30,557  
Cash, at end of period
  $ 52,705     $ 34,157  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 916     $ 1,168  
Income taxes
  $ 9,287     $ 7,475  
See accompanying notes.

 
5

 

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

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by RBC Bearings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The April 3, 2010 fiscal year end balance sheet data have been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The interim financial statements included with this report have been prepared on a consistent basis with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 3, 2010.

These statements reflect all adjustments, accruals and estimates consisting only of items of a normal recurring nature, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations for the interim periods presented.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. The nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009 each include 39 weeks. The amounts shown are in thousands, unless otherwise indicated.

Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements.” This ASU establishes the accounting and reporting guidance for arrangements including multiple revenue-generating activities.  This ASU provides amendments to the criteria for separating deliverables, measuring and allocating arrangement consideration to one or more units of accounting. The amendments in this ASU also establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. Significantly enhanced disclosures are also required to provide information about a vendor’s multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements, including information about the nature and terms, significant deliverables, and its performance within arrangements. The amendments also require disclosure of the significant judgments made and changes to those judgments and how the application of the relative selling-price method affects the timing or amount of revenue recognition. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in the fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early application is permitted. The Company evaluated this new ASU and has determined that it will not have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of its financial results.

1.  Acquisition and Disposition

On September 29, 2009, RBC Lubron Bearing Systems, Inc. acquired certain assets of Lubron Bearing Systems, a manufacturer of highly engineered self-lubricating bearings used in bridge building, power generation, subsea oil production and earthquake seismic isolation, located in Huntington Beach, California for $2,976. The purchase price included $1,943 in cash, a $775 note payable and the assumption of certain liabilities. The purchase price allocation is as follows: inventory ($103), fixed assets ($829), goodwill ($1,713) and intangible assets ($331).  The products associated with the acquisition are complementary with products already provided by other Company businesses. Lubron is included in the Plain Bearings segment. Proforma net sales and net income inclusive of Lubron are not materially different from the amounts as reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

On June 28, 2010, RBC France SAS, a subsidiary of Schaublin SA, sold certain assets relating to its J. Bovagnet sales branch. The assets sold included the trade name, inventory, equipment, and a building. Simultaneously, Schaublin SA entered into a long-term distribution agreement for the continued distribution of Schaublin products by the J. Bovagnet sales operation into a defined territory. A gain in the amount of $1.1 million was realized from the sale of the assets in the three month period ended July 3, 2010.

 
6

 

2.  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 and 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 period presented as well as the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
   
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
                         
Net income
  $ 7,386     $ 5,249     $ 25,001     $ 14,720  
                                 
Denominator for basic net income  per common share—weighted-average shares outstanding
    21,690,144       21,596,344       21,641,997       21,590,362  
Effect of dilution due to employee stock options and unvested restricted stock shares
    423,610       172,226       385,528       145,150  
Denominator for diluted net income per common share — weighted-average shares outstanding
    22,113,754       21,768,570       22,027,525       21,735,512  
                                 
Basic net income per common share
  $ 0.34     $ 0.24     $ 1.16     $ 0.68  
                                 
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 0.33     $ 0.24     $ 1.14     $ 0.68  

Basic weighted-average common shares do not include 107,645 and 132,225 unvested restricted stock shares at January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively.

At January 1, 2011, 33,000 employee stock options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as the inclusion of these shares would be anti-dilutive.  1,144,700 such options were excluded at December 26, 2009.

3.  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.

4.  Short-term Investments

Short-term investments include corporate bonds that are classified as available-for-sale expected to be sold within the next twelve months.  These bonds, with an amortized basis of $7,670 and $7,043 at January 1, 2011 and April 3, 2010 respectively, and with maturity dates ranging from March 2011 to November 2016, were measured at fair value by using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  The impact of these investments on results of operations and financial position was not significant.

 
7

 
 
5.  Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method, and are summarized below:
   
January 1,
 2011
   
April 3,
2010
 
Raw materials
  $ 12,227     $ 10,392  
Work in process
    44,301       42,622  
Finished goods
    83,060       83,352  
    $ 139,588     $ 136,366  

6.  Intangible Assets

         
January 1, 2011
   
April 3, 2010
 
    
Weighted 
Average 
Useful 
Lives
   
Gross 
Carrying 
Amount
   
Accumulated 
Amortization
   
Gross 
Carrying 
Amount
   
Accumulated 
Amortization
 
Product approvals
  15     $ 6,116     $ 1,700     $ 6,083     $ 1,383  
Customer relationships and lists
  10       5,545       2,466       5,538       2,144  
Trade names
  11       1,382       806       1,380       709  
Distributor agreements
  5       722       722       722       722  
Patents and trademarks
  13       4,472       812       3,884       530  
Domain names
  12       437       113       437       80  
Other
  5       977       801       975       786  
Total
          $ 19,651     $ 7,420     $ 19,019     $ 6,354  

Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 was $357 and $1,055, respectively. For the three and nine month periods ended December 26, 2009, amortization expense was $340 and $984, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the remaining three months of fiscal 2011, the four succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

2011
  $ 355  
2012
    1,425  
2013
    1,427  
2014
    1,330  
2015
    1,329  
2016 and thereafter
    6,365  
 
 
8

 
7.  Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1,
2011
   
December 26,
2009
   
January 1,
2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
Net income
  $ 7,386     $ 5,249     $ 25,001     $ 14,720  
Net prior service pension cost and actuarial losses, net of taxes
    (73 )      16       (212 )      48  
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of taxes
     155        83        391        237  
Unrealized loss on investments, net of taxes
    (30 )     5       (71 )     77  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    1,196       (831 )     3,963       2,539  
Total comprehensive income
  $ 8,634     $ 4,522     $ 29,072     $ 17,621  

8.  Debt

The balances payable under all borrowing facilities are as follows:
   
January 1,
 2011
   
April 3,
2010
 
JP Morgan Credit Agreement, five-year senior secured revolving credit facility; amounts outstanding bear interest at LIBOR (0.3125% at January 1, 2011), plus a specified margin
  $ 30,000     $  
KeyBank Credit Agreement, five-year senior secured revolving credit facility; amounts outstanding bear interest at LIBOR (0.25% at April 3, 2010), plus a specified margin
          37,000  
Note payable
    1,367       1,453  
Total debt
    31,367       38,453  
Less: current portion
    30,617       1,453  
Long-term debt
  $ 750     $ 37,000  

On November 30, 2010, the Company and RBCA terminated the previous credit agreement and the related credit, security and ancillary agreements, and entered into a new credit agreement (the “JP Morgan Credit Agreement”) and related security and guaranty agreements with certain banks, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and KeyBank National Association as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Book Runners. The JP Morgan Credit Agreement provides RBCA, as borrower, with a $150,000 five-year senior secured revolving credit facility which can be increased by up to $100,000, 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 JP Morgan 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 upon the Company’s consolidated ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA from time to time. As of January 1, 2011, the Company’s margin is 0.5% for prime rate loans and 1.5% for LIBOR rate loans.

On November 30, 2010, the Company borrowed approximately $30,000 under the JP Morgan Credit Agreement and used such funds to repay the approximately $30,000 balance outstanding under the KeyBank Credit Agreement. Amounts outstanding under the new credit agreement are generally due and payable on the expiration date of November 30, 2015. The Company may elect to prepay some or all of the outstanding balance from time to time without penalty.

 
9

 

The JP Morgan Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various covenants, including among other things, financial covenants to maintain the following: (1) a ratio of consolidated net debt to adjusted EBITDA not to exceed 3.25 to 1; and (2) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio not to exceed 1.5 to 1. The 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 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 January 1, 2011 and April 3, 2010 was a liability of $488 and $1,131 respectively, included in other current liabilities, and was measured using observable market inputs such as yield curves.  Based on these inputs, the swap is classified as a Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. This instrument is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings contemporaneously with the earnings effect of the hedged transaction.  Earnings effect and the hedged item are reported in interest expense.

It is the Company’s intent to pay off the $30,000 outstanding under the revolving credit facility when the interest rate swap agreement matures in June 2011. As a result, the $30,000 borrowing is included in the current portion of long-term debt.

9.  Income Taxes

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, 2004.  A U.S. federal tax examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 was completed during the three month period ended July 3, 2010. As a result of the audit, the Company recognized certain previously unrecognized tax benefits of $481 in the three month period ended July 3, 2010 on the basis that the related tax positions have been effectively settled. The Company maintains reserves for certain other unrecognized tax benefits of $2,525 related to this matter based on management’s judgment that the related tax positions have not yet been effectively settled. Management expects such tax positions to be settled by the end of the Company’s fiscal year ending March 31, 2012.

The effective income tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009 were 35.1% and 33.9% and 33.7% and 33.9%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 of  33.7% includes the reversal of unrecognized tax benefits of $481 associated with the conclusion of the Company’s IRS audit.  The effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 without this discrete item would have been 35.2%.  The effective income tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 are different from the U.S. statutory rate due to a special manufacturing deduction in the U.S., which decreases the rates, and state income taxes which increase the rates.  In addition to the above, the effective tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended December 26, 2009 are different from the U.S. statutory rate due to a tax holiday relating to the Schaublin facility in Switzerland, which decreases the rates.  This holiday expired in March 2010.

10.         Segment Information

The Company has three 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.

 
10

 

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.

Certain other operating segments do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure and their information is combined and disclosed as "Other".

Other.  Other consists of three minor operating locations that do not fall into the above segmented categories. 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.

Segment performance is evaluated based on segment net sales and operating income. Items not allocated to segment operating income include corporate administrative expenses and certain other amounts.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
   
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
  Net External Sales
                       
Roller
  $ 24,988     $ 18,955     $ 73,280     $ 51,834  
Plain
    39,919       32,717       123,515       93,979  
Ball
    9,561       10,112       30,537       33,724  
Other
    6,790       5,697       19,395       15,333  
    $ 81,258     $ 67,481     $ 246,727     $ 194,870  
Operating Income
                               
Roller
  $ 6,996     $ 4,946     $ 20,371     $ 14,779  
Plain
    9,929       7,083       33,630       18,845  
Ball
    838       1,127       2,268       4,633  
Other
    1,367       646       4,309       761  
Corporate
    (6,926 )     (5,663 )     (20,439 )     (15,863 )
    $ 12,204     $ 8,139     $ 40,139     $ 23,155  
  Geographic External Sales
                               
Domestic
  $ 69,852     $ 56,643     $ 214,363     $ 164,895  
Foreign
    11,406       10,838       32,364       29,975  
    $ 81,258     $ 67,481     $ 246,727     $ 194,870  
  Intersegment Sales
                               
Roller
  $ 3,099     $ 1,894     $ 8,589     $ 6,255  
Plain
    457       431       1,308       1,131  
Ball
    297       768       958       3,471  
Other
    4,158       3,657       13,595       11,229  
    $ 8,011     $ 6,750     $ 24,450     $ 22,086  
 
All intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation.

 
11

 

11.  Pension and Postretirement Plans

The Company has one consolidated noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering union employees in its Heim division plant in Fairfield, Connecticut and 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.

The following table illustrates the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension benefits:

   
Pension Benefits
 
    
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
   
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 84     $ 82     $ 252     $ 246  
Interest cost
    303       321       909       961  
Expected return on plan assets
    (381 )     (393 )     (1,143 )     (1,180 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    13       10       39       30  
Amortization of losses
    103       4       309       16  
Total net periodic benefit cost
  $ 122     $ 24     $ 366     $ 73  

The Company made a voluntary contribution of $500 to the pension plan in the nine month period ended January 1, 2011. The Company made no contributions to the pension plan in the nine month period ended December 26, 2009.

The Company, for the benefit of employees at its Heim, West Trenton and PIC Design facilities and former union employees of its Tyson, Bremen 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.

The following table illustrates the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s other postretirement benefits:

   
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
    
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
   
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26,
2009
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 9     $ 11     $ 27     $ 33  
Interest cost
    37       49       110       147  
Prior service cost amortization
    1       9       2       27  
Amount of loss recognized
    1       2       4       3  
Total net periodic benefit cost
  $ 48     $ 71     $ 143     $ 210  
 
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One of the Company’s foreign operations, Schaublin, sponsors a pension plan for its approximately 132 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 the three and nine month periods ended January 1, 2011, the Company made contribution and premium payments equal to $176 and $443, respectively.  For the three and nine month periods ended December 26, 2009, the contribution and premium payments equaled $161 and $484, respectively.

ITEM 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Cautionary Statement As To Forward-Looking Information
 
The information in this discussion contains “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 which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. All statements other than statements of historical facts, included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects and plans and objectives of management are “forward-looking statements” as the term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.  We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.  Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:  (a) the bearing industry is highly competitive, and this competition could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to grow; (b) the loss of a major customer could result in a material reduction in our revenues and profitability; (c) 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; (d) future reductions or changes in U.S. government spending could negatively affect our business; (e) fluctuating supply and costs of raw materials and energy resources could materially reduce our revenues, cash flow from operations and profitability; (f) our products are subject to certain approvals, and the loss of such approvals could materially reduce our revenues and profitability; (g) restrictions in our indebtedness agreements could limit our growth and our ability to respond to changing conditions; (h) work stoppages and other labor problems could materially reduce our ability to operate our business; (i) our business is capital intensive and may consume cash in excess of cash flow from our operations; (j) unexpected equipment failures, catastrophic events or capacity constraints may increase our costs and reduce our sales due to production curtailments or shutdowns; (k) we may not be able to continue to make the acquisitions necessary for us to realize our growth strategy; (l) the costs and difficulties of integrating acquired businesses could impede our future growth; (m) we depend heavily on our senior management and other key personnel, the loss of whom could materially affect our financial performance and prospects; (n) our international operations are subject to risks inherent in such activities; (o) currency translation risks may have a material impact on our results of operations; (p) we may be required to make significant future contributions to our pension plan; (q) we may incur material losses for product liability and recall related claims; (r) environmental regulations impose substantial costs and limitations on our operations, and environmental compliance may be more costly than we expect; (s) 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; (t) cancellation of orders in our backlog of orders could negatively impact our revenues; (u) 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; and (v) provisions in our charter documents may prevent or hinder efforts to acquire a controlling interest in us. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is contained in our periodic filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the risks identified under the heading “Risk Factors” set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 3, 2010.  Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statement.  The following section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, which appears elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

 
13

 
 
Overview

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 25 facilities, of which 23 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 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.

Outlook

Backlog, as of January 1, 2011, was $180.0 million versus $155.6 million as of December 26, 2009. Management believes that operating cash flows and available credit under the credit facility will provide adequate resources to fund internal and external growth initiatives for the foreseeable future.

 
14

 

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.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
    
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26, 
2009
   
January 1, 
2011
   
December 26, 
2009
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                       
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Gross margin
    32.0       30.3       32.2       30.5  
Selling, general and administrative
    16.4       17.7       15.7       17.8  
Other, net
    0.6       0.5       0.2       0.8  
Operating income
    15.0       12.1       16.3       11.9  
Interest expense, net
    0.5       0.6       0.5       0.7  
Other non-operating expense (income)
    0.5       (0.3 )     0.5       (0.2 )
Income before income taxes
    14.0       11.8       15.3       11.4  
Provision for income taxes
    4.9       4.0       5.2       3.9  
Net income
    9.1       7.8       10.1       7.5  
  
Three Month Period Ended January 1, 2011 Compared to Three Month Period Ended December 26, 2009

Net Sales.  Net sales for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 were $81.3 million, an increase of $13.8 million, or 20.4%, compared to $67.5 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. During the three month period ended January 1, 2011, we experienced a net sales increase in two of our three reportable segments, driven by the current economic recovery across our end markets in the diversified industrial sector. Net sales to diversified industrial customers grew 44.0% in the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to the same period last fiscal year.  This is mainly the result of strong orders in construction and mining, semiconductor, military vehicles and the general industrial markets.  Net sales to aerospace and defense customers increased 2.6% in the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to the same period last fiscal year.

The Plain Bearings segment achieved net sales of $39.9 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, an increase of $7.2 million, or 22.0%, compared to $32.7 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Net sales to diversified industrial customers increased $4.6 million in this market sector, combined with an increase in net sales to aerospace and defense customers of $2.6 million compared with the prior fiscal year.  The improvement in the diversified industrial market was attributable to demand for military vehicles combined with overall demand in the construction and mining and general industrial markets.

The Roller Bearings segment achieved net sales of $25.0 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, an increase of $6.0 million, or 31.8%, compared to $19.0 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Of this increase, net sales to the industrial sector contributed $5.4 million combined with a slight increase of $0.6 million in net sales to aerospace and defense customers.  This increased net sales in the industrial sector was primarily attributable to improved order activity in the construction and mining and general industrial markets.

The Ball Bearings segment achieved net sales of $9.6 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 5.4%, compared to $10.1 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Net sales to the aerospace and defense sector contributed $2.0 million to this decline which was offset by an increase of $1.5 million in the diversified industrial sector.  Aerospace and defense was negatively impacted by continued slowness in the business jet market and the general aerospace aftermarket which was offset by stronger order activity from the general industrial markets.

 
15

 
The Other segment, which is focused mainly on the sale of machine tool collets and precision mechanical components, achieved net sales of $6.8 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, an increase of $1.1 million, or 19.2%, compared to $5.7 million for the same period last fiscal year.

Gross Margin.  Gross margin was $26.0 million, or 32.0% of net sales, for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, versus $20.4 million, or 30.3% of net sales, for the comparable period in fiscal 2010. The increase in our gross margin as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of improvement in overall volume offset by costs of $0.6 million associated with new large bearing product lines.

Selling, General and Administrative.  SG&A expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 11.7%, to $13.3 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $11.9 million for the same period in fiscal 2010. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased to 16.4% for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to 17.7% for the three month period ended December 26, 2009. The increase of $1.4 million was primarily attributable to personnel-related cost increases, higher incentive stock compensation expense of $0.2 million, and an increase in professional fees.

Other, net.  Other, net for the three month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively, was expense of $0.4 million.  For the three month period ended January 1, 2011, other, net consisted of $0.3 million of amortization of intangibles and $0.1 million of restructuring costs. For the three month period ended December 26, 2009, other, net consisted of $0.3 million of amortization of intangibles and $0.1 million of restructuring and moving costs, including severance costs and the consolidation of our Houston, Texas facilities.

Operating Income. The increase in operating income in two of our three reportable segments was driven primarily by the current recovery in our industrial business.

Operating income was $12.2 million, or 15.0% of net sales, for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $8.1 million, or 12.1% of net sales, for the three month period ended December 26, 2009. Operating income for the Plain Bearings segment was $9.9 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, or 24.9% of net sales, compared to $7.1 million for the same period last year, or 21.6% of net sales. Our Roller Bearings segment achieved an operating income for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 of $7.0 million, or 28.0% of net sales, compared to $4.9 million, or 26.1% of net sales, for the three month period ended December 26, 2009.  Our Ball Bearings segment reported operating income of $0.8 million, or 8.8% of net sales, for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, compared to $1.1 million, or 11.1% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2010. Our Other segment achieved an operating income of $1.4 million, or 20.1% of net sales, for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, compared to $0.6 million, or 11.3% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2010.

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense, net remained flat at $0.4 million in the three month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively.

Other Non-Operating Expense.  We received approximately $0.2 million in the three month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively, in payments under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) which distributes antidumping duties paid by overseas companies to domestic firms hurt by unfair trade. We also incurred losses of $0.7 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011, mainly the result of foreign exchange activity.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before taxes increased by $3.5 million, to $11.4 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $7.9 million for the three month period ended December 26, 2009.

 
16

 

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 was $4.0 million compared to $2.7 million for the three month period ended December 26, 2009. Our effective income tax rate for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 was 35.1% compared to 33.9% for the three month period ended December 26, 2009.  The effective income tax rate for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 is different from the U.S. statutory rate due to a special manufacturing deduction in the U.S., which decreases the rate, and state income taxes which increase the rate.  In addition to the above, the effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 26, 2009 is different from the U.S. statutory rate due to a tax holiday relating to the Schaublin facility in Switzerland, which decreases the rate.  This holiday expired in March 2010.

Net Income.  Net income increased by $2.2 million to $7.4 million for the three month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $5.2 million for the three month period ended December 26, 2009.

Nine Month Period Ended January 1, 2011 Compared to Nine Month Period Ended December 26, 2009

Net Sales.  Net sales for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 were $246.7 million, an increase of $51.8 million, or 26.6%, compared to $194.9 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year. During the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, we experienced a net sales increase in two of our three reportable business segments, driven by the current economic recovery across our end markets in the diversified industrial sector. Net sales to diversified industrial customers grew 72.8% in the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to the same period last fiscal year.  This is mainly the result of strong orders in construction and mining, semiconductor, military vehicles and the general industrial markets.  The inclusion of our Lubron acquisition contributed $2.3 million to the increased net sales to diversified industrial customers.  Net sales to aerospace and defense customers declined 2.8% in the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to the same period last fiscal year, mainly driven by a continued slowness in the business jet market and in the general aerospace aftermarket.

The Plain Bearings segment achieved net sales of $123.5 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, an increase of $29.5 million, or 31.4%, compared to $94.0 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.   Net sales to diversified industrial customers increased $23.3 million combined with a $3.9 million increase in net sales to aerospace and defense customers compared with the same period in the prior fiscal year.  This segment was favorably impacted by stronger demand for military vehicles combined with continued improvement in construction and mining and the general industrial markets.  In addition, the inclusion of our Lubron acquisition contributed $2.3 million to the increase in net sales to diversified industrial customers.

The Roller Bearings segment achieved net sales of $73.3 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, an increase of $21.5 million, or 41.4%, compared to $51.8 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  Of this increase, net sales to the industrial sector contributed $18.9 million combined with an increase of $2.6 million in net sales to aerospace and defense customers.  This performance was favorably impacted by growth in the construction and mining markets, as well as increased activities by general industrial distributors.

The Ball Bearings segment achieved net sales of $30.5 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 9.5%, compared to $33.7 million for the same period in the prior fiscal year.  Net sales to the aerospace and defense sector contributed $9.4 million to this decline which was offset by an increase of $6.2 million in the diversified industrial sector.  Aerospace and defense was negatively impacted by continued slowness in the business jet market and the general aerospace aftermarket offset by increased order activity from the general industrial markets.

The Other segment, which is focused mainly on the sale of machine tool collets and precision mechanical components, achieved net sales of $19.4 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, an increase of $4.1 million, or 26.5%, compared to $15.3 million for the same period last fiscal year.

Gross Margin.  Gross margin was $79.5 million, or 32.2% of net sales, for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, versus $59.4 million, or 30.5% of net sales, for the comparable period in fiscal 2010. The increase in our gross margin as a percentage of net sales was primarily the result of improvement in overall volume offset by costs of $2.1 million associated with new large bearing product lines.

 
17

 
Selling, General and Administrative.  SG&A expenses increased by $4.1 million, or 11.9%, to $38.8 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $34.7 million for the same period in fiscal 2010. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased to 15.7% for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to 17.8% for the comparable period last fiscal year. The increase of $4.1 million was primarily attributable to personnel-related cost increases, higher incentive stock compensation expense of $0.8 million, and an increase in professional fees.

Other, net.  Other, net for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 decreased by $1.1 million, to $0.5 million compared to $1.6 million for  the comparable period in fiscal 2010. For the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, other, net consisted of a net gain of $1.1 million on the sale of assets offset by $1.0 million of amortization of intangibles, $0.4 million of bad debt expense and $0.2 million of restructuring costs. For the nine month period ended December 26, 2009, other, net consisted of $1.0 million of amortization of intangibles and $0.7 million of restructuring and moving costs offset by miscellaneous income of $0.1 million.

Operating Income. The increase in operating income in two of our three reportable segments was driven primarily by the current recovery in our industrial business.

Operating income was $40.1 million, or 16.3% of net sales, for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $23.2 million, or 11.9% of net sales, for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009. Operating income for the Plain Bearings segment was $33.6 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, or 27.2% of net sales, compared to $18.8 million for the same period last year, or 20.1% of net sales. Our Roller Bearings segment achieved an operating income for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 of $20.4 million, or 27.8% of net sales, compared to $14.8 million, or 28.5% of net sales, for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009.  Our Ball Bearings segment achieved an operating income of $2.3 million, or 7.4% of net sales, for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, compared to $4.6 million, or 13.7% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2010. Our Other segment achieved an operating income of $4.3 million, or 22.2% of net sales, for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, compared to $0.8 million, or 5.0% of net sales, for the same period in fiscal 2010.

Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense, net decreased by $0.1 million to $1.2 million in the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, compared to $1.3 million in the same period last fiscal year, mainly driven by a combination of lower interest rates and debt.

Other Non-Operating Expense (Income). We received approximately $0.2 million in the nine month periods ended January 1, 2011 and December 26, 2009, respectively, in payments under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA) which distributes antidumping duties paid by overseas companies to domestic firms hurt by unfair trade. We also incurred losses of $1.5 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to gains of $0.2 million for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009, mainly the result of foreign exchange activity.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before taxes increased by $15.4 million, to $37.7 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $22.3 million for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009.

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 was $12.7 million compared to $7.6 million for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009. Our effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 was 33.7% compared to 33.9% for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009.  The effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 of 33.7% includes the reversal of unrecognized tax benefits of $0.5 million associated with the conclusion of the Company’s IRS audit.  The effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 without this discrete item would have been 35.2%. The effective income tax rate for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 is different from the U.S. statutory rate due to a special manufacturing deduction in the U.S., which decreases the rate, and state income taxes which increase the rate.  In addition to the above, the effective tax rate for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009 is different from the U.S. statutory rate due to a tax holiday relating to the Schaublin facility in Switzerland, which decreases the rate.  This holiday expired in March 2010.

 
18

 
Net Income.  Net income increased by $10.3 million to $25.0 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $14.7 million for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

On November 30, 2010, we terminated our previous credit agreement and the related credit, security and ancillary agreements, and entered into a new credit agreement (the “JP Morgan Credit Agreement”) and related security and guaranty agreements with certain banks, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and KeyBank National Association as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Book Runners. The JP Morgan Credit Agreement provides us, as borrower, with a $150.0 million five-year senior secured revolving credit facility which can be increased by up to $100.0 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).

On November 30, 2010, we borrowed approximately $30.0 million under the JP Morgan Credit Agreement and used such funds to repay the approximately $30.0 million balance outstanding under the former KeyBank Credit Agreement.

Amounts outstanding under the JP Morgan 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 0.5% for prime rate loans and 1.5% for LIBOR rate loans. We may elect to prepay some or all of the outstanding balance from time to time without penalty.

Amounts outstanding under the JP Morgan Credit Agreement are due and payable on its expiration date (November 30, 2015). However, it is the Company’s intent to pay off the $30.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility when the interest rate swap agreement matures in June 2011. As a result, the $30.0 million borrowing is included in the current portion of long-term debt.

The JP Morgan 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 JP Morgan 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.  As of January 1, 2011, $30.0 million was outstanding under the JP Morgan Credit Agreement.  Approximately $6.0 million of the JP Morgan Credit Agreement is being utilized to provide letters of credit to secure our obligations relating to certain insurance programs. As of January 1, 2011, we had the ability to borrow up to an additional $114.0 million under the JP Morgan Credit Agreement.

On October 27, 2008, Schaublin S.A. entered into a new bank credit facility with Credit Suisse (the “Swiss Credit Facility”) which provides for up to 4.0 million Swiss francs, or $4.2 million, 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 January 1, 2011, there were no borrowings under the Swiss Credit Facility.

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.  For the nine months ended January 1, 2011, 13,338 shares have been repurchased at a cost of $0.4 million. As of January 1, 2011, 146,320 shares have been repurchased under this plan for an aggregate cost of $4.4 million.

 
19

 
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

Nine Month Period Ended January 1, 2011 Compared to the Nine Month Period Ended December 26, 2009

In the nine month period ended January 1, 2011, we generated cash of $40.4 million from operating activities compared to $35.0 million for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009. The increase of $5.4 million was mainly a result of an increase in net income of $10.3 million and an increase in non-cash charges of $1.9 million offset by an increase in net operating assets and liabilities of $6.8 million.

Cash used for investing activities for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 included $7.3 million related to capital expenditures and $0.8 million, net, for the purchase of short-term investments.  This was offset by $2.4 million of proceeds from the sale of certain assets of our J. Bovagnet sales brand. In the nine month period ended December 26, 2009, investing activities included $7.5 million of capital expenditures, $3.8 million of which was associated with the building of a new wind bearing facility in Texas, $6.3 million for the purchase of short-term investments and $1.9 million related to the acquisition of Lubron.

Financing activities used $5.9 million in the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 compared to $16.2 million for the nine month period ended December 26, 2009, primarily for debt reduction. The nine month period ended January 1, 2011 included the $37.0 million repayment on our prior credit facility, $1.4 million in financing fees in connection with our new credit facility, $0.4 million for the repurchase of common stock and $0.3 million in other miscellaneous payments. This was offset by $30.0 million borrowing on our new credit facility, $2.4 million from the exercise of stock options and $0.8 million in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures were $7.3 million for the nine month period ended January 1, 2011.  We expect to make capital expenditures of approximately $10.0 to $12.0 million during fiscal 2011 in connection with our existing business. We intend to fund our fiscal 2011 capital expenditures principally through existing cash, internally generated funds and borrowings under our JP Morgan Credit Agreement. We may also make substantial additional capital expenditures in connection with acquisitions.

Obligations and Commitments
 
As of January 1, 2011, there were no material changes in capital lease, operating lease or pension and postretirement obligations as compared to such obligations and liabilities as of April 3, 2010.  In the nine months ended January 1, 2011, we repaid $37.0 million of our prior outstanding credit facility and borrowed $30.0 million on our new JP Morgan credit facility.

 
20

 

Other Matters

Critical Accounting Estimates

Preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. We believe the most complex and sensitive judgments, because of their significance to the Consolidated Financial Statements, result primarily from the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our fiscal 2010 Annual Report, incorporated by reference in our fiscal 2010 Form 10-K, describe the significant accounting estimates and policies used in preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results in these areas could differ from management’s estimates. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.

ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure 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 portion of our outstanding indebtedness. Outstanding balances under our JP Morgan 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 January 1, 2011, our margin is 0.5% for prime rate loans (prime rate at January 1, 2011 was 3.25%) and 1.5% for LIBOR rate loans (one month LIBOR rate at January 1, 2011 was 0.3125%).

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. As of January 1, 2011, our average outstanding variable rate debt, after taking into account the $30.0 million notional amount of our interest rate swap agreement, was 0% of our average outstanding debt. 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.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. 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 13% of our net sales were denominated in foreign currencies in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to 15% in the same period last fiscal year. 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 cash deposits and trade receivables. The impact of such transactions and assets is recorded in non-operating expense on the income statement. 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. As of January 1, 2011, we do not have exchange rate hedges in place to reduce the risk of an adverse currency exchange movement. Currency 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.

 
21

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

ITEM 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of January 1, 2011. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of January 1, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were (1) designed to ensure that information relating to our Company required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and (2) effective, in that they 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.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the nine month period ended January 1, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

 
22

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  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 1A.  Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes to our risk factors and uncertainties during the nine month period ended January 1, 2011. For a discussion of the Risk Factors, refer to Part I, Item 2, “Cautionary Statement As To Forward-Looking Information,” contained in this report and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended April 3, 2010.

ITEM 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

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 January 1, 2011 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)
 
10/03/2010–10/30/2010
                    $ 5,906  
10/31/2010–11/27/2010
    9,077       34.95       9,077       5,589  
11/28/2010–01/01/2011
                    $ 5,589  
Total
    9,077      $ 34.95       9,077          
 
 
23

 

ITEM 6.          Exhibits

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
31.01
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
31.02
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
32.01
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).*
32.02
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).*


*           This certification accompanies this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 
24

 

SIGNATURES

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
RBC Bearings Incorporated
 
   
(Registrant)
 
       
 
By:
/s/ Michael J. Hartnett
 
   
Name:
Michael J. Hartnett
 
   
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
Date:
February 10, 2011
 
         
 
By:
/s/ Daniel A. Bergeron
 
   
Name:
Daniel A. Bergeron
 
   
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
 
   
Date:
February 10, 2011
 
  
 
25

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
31.01
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
31.02
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
32.01
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).*
32.02
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(b).*
   
*           This certification accompanies this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 
26

 
Exhibit 31.01
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Michael J. Hartnett, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of RBC Bearings Incorporated;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including any consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; and

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 
 
Date: February 10, 2011
By:
/s/ Michael J. Hartnett
 
   
Michael J. Hartnett
   
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 

Exhibit 31.02
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Daniel A. Bergeron, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of RBC Bearings Incorporated;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including any consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; and

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 
 
Date: February 10, 2011
By:
/s/ Daniel A. Bergeron
 
   
Daniel A. Bergeron
   
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 

Exhibit 32.01
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C SECTION 1350
 
The undersigned, Michael J. Hartnett, the President and Chief Executive Officer of RBC Bearings Incorporated (the “Company”), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, hereby certifies that:
 
(i) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 1, 2011 of the Company (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Dated:  February 10, 2011
 
 
/s/ Michael J. Hartnett
 
 
Michael J. Hartnett
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 
Exhibit 32.02
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
 
The undersigned, Daniel A. Bergeron, Chief Financial Officer, of RBC Bearings Incorporated (the “Company”), pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, hereby certifies:
 
(i) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 1, 2011 of the Company (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Dated: February 10, 2011
 
 
/s/ Daniel A. Bergeron
 
 
Daniel A. Bergeron
 
Chief Financial Officer