form10_q.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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 June 28, 2008

OR

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 0-362

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana
 
35-0827455
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
400 East Spring Street
   
Bluffton, Indiana
 
46714
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(260) 824-2900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES x
NO 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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer x
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
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 x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

   
Outstanding at
Class of Common Stock
 
June 28, 2008
$.10 par value
 
22,891,589 shares

 
- 1 -

 


FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Number
       
Item 1.
Financial Statements
   
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Second Quarter and Six Months  Ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007
 
3
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 28, 2008 and December 29, 2007
 
4
       
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007
 
5
       
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
6-15
       
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
16-20
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
21
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
22
       
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
22
       
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
22
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
22
       
Signatures
   
23
       
Exhibit Index
   
24
       
Exhibits
   
25-28

 
- 2 -

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)


   
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
                       
                         
Net sales
  $ 201,696     $ 152,529     $ 377,706     $ 283,025  
Cost of sales
    136,979       109,216       261,530       200,783  
Gross profit
    64,717       43,313       116,176       82,242  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    38,274       31,806       74,585       61,261  
Restructuring expenses
    0       369       82       1,607  
Operating income
    26,443       11,138       41,509       19,374  
Interest expense
    (2,780 )     (2,196 )     (5,404 )     (3,408 )
Other income/(expense)
    (314 )     921       157       1,219  
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
    (64 )     399       (391 )     646  
Income before income taxes
    23,285       10,262       35,871       17,831  
Income taxes
    8,004       3,622       12,442       6,294  
Net income
  $ 15,281     $ 6,640     $ 23,429     $ 11,537  
                                 
Per share data:
                               
Basic earnings
  $ 0.67     $ 0.29     $ 1.02     $ 0.50  
                                 
Diluted earnings
  $ 0.66     $ 0.28     $ 1.01     $ 0.49  
                                 
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.13     $ 0.12     $ 0.25     $ 0.23  
                                 
                                 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
- 3 -

 

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
June 28,
   
December 29,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and equivalents
  $ 42,835     $ 65,252  
Receivables, less allowances of $2,648 and $2,594, respectively
    116,515       64,972  
Inventories:
               
  Raw materials
    68,146       57,958  
  Work-in-process
    17,374       17,128  
  Finished goods
    114,418       99,974  
  LIFO reserve
    (21,389 )     (18,914 )
      178,549       156,146  
Deferred income taxes
    17,158       17,127  
    Other current assets
    13,566       5,982  
Total current assets
    368,623       309,479  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
               
  Land and buildings
    77,380       64,350  
  Machinery and equipment
    163,595       161,280  
  Furniture and Fixtures
    12,344       12,595  
  Other
    32,011       16,909  
      285,330       255,134  
   Allowance for depreciation
    (128,793 )     (120,203 )
      156,537       134,931  
                 
Intangible assets
    83,424       66,925  
Goodwill
    152,276       140,034  
Deferred income taxes
    691       -  
Other assets
    10,718       10,868  
Total assets
  $ 772,269     $ 662,237  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 41,436     $ 27,986  
Accrued liabilities
    54,551       46,085  
Income taxes
    9,968       6,180  
Current maturities of long-term debt and short-term borrowings
    70,453       10,398  
Total current liabilities
    176,408       90,649  
                 
Long-term debt
    151,621       151,287  
Deferred income taxes
    13,190       11,686  
Employee benefit plan obligations
    23,530       24,713  
Other long-term liabilities
    5,234       5,358  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
    -       -  
                 
Shareowners' equity:
               
Common shares (65,000 shares authorized, $.10 par value)
               
outstanding (22,892 and 23,091, respectively)
    2,289       2,309  
Additional capital
    108,095       105,428  
Retained earnings
    256,333       246,324  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    35,569       24,483  
Total shareowners' equity
    402,286       378,544  
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity
  $ 772,269     $ 662,237  
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
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FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 23,429     $ 11,537  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    12,318       9,976  
Stock-based compensation
    2,196       2,400  
Deferred income taxes
    782       1,095  
Loss on disposals of plant and equipment
    49       464  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (46,106 )     (23,112 )
Inventories
    (17,013 )     (30,411 )
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses
    11,327       (1,583 )
Accrued income taxes
    2,508       (4,258 )
Excess tax from share-based compensation arrangements
    (122 )     (1,169 )
Employee benefit plans
    (1,204 )     1,125  
Other, net
    (6,736 )     (3,559 )
Net cash flows from operating activities
    (18,572 )     (37,495 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (12,566 )     (10,697 )
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
    10       303  
Additions to other assets
    (700 )     (3 )
Purchases of securities
    (9,000 )     (146,700 )
Proceeds from sale of securities
    9,000       124,607  
Cash paid for acquisitions
    (38,331 )     (13,331 )
Proceeds from sale of business
    -       1,310  
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (51,587 )     (44,511 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Additions to short-term debt
    70,000       -  
Repayment of short-term debt
    (10,019 )     -  
Additions to long-term debt
    83       160,000  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (950 )     (60,161 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    353       2,165  
Excess tax from share-based compensation arrangements
    122       1,169  
Purchases of common stock
    (7,813 )     (8,118 )
Reduction of loan to ESOP Trust
    -       200  
Dividends paid
    (5,632 )     (5,308 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
    46,144       89,947  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    1,598       (212 )
Net change in cash and equivalents
    (22,417 )     7,729  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    65,252       33,956  
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 42,835     $ 41,685  
                 
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 8,377     $ 11,740  
Cash paid for interest
  $ 5,580     $ 2,371  
                 
Non-cash items:
               
Additions to property, plant, and equipment, not yet paid
  $ 381     $ 355  
Payable to seller of Healy Systems, Inc.
  $ 1,892     $ 825  
Capital equipment lease
  $ 1,093     $ -  
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 5 -

 
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2007, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 28, 2008 and for the  second quarter and six months ended, June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations.  In the opinion of management, all accounting entries and adjustments (including normal, recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operation for the interim period have been made. Operating results for the second quarter and six months ended June 28, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2009. For further information, including a description of Franklin Electric's critical accounting policies, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Franklin Electric Co., Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007.

2.  ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements that are required or permitted under other accounting pronouncements.  This statement was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company’s adoption of this statement had no impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  The Company also adopted the deferral provisions of SFAS No. 157-2, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.  This statement was effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007.  Upon the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 159, it did not elect the fair value option for any assets or liabilities.  Therefore this statement had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations—a replacement of FASB No. 141.  SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree.  The statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  SFAS No. 141(R) generally applies to acquisitions completed after its effective date.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51.  SFAS No. 160 (a) amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and the deconsolidation of a subsidiary; (b) changes the way the consolidated income statement is presented; (c) establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation; (d) requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated; and (e) requires expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent’s owners and the interests of the non-controlling owners of a subsidiary.  SFAS No. 160 must be applied prospectively; however, the presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied retrospectively to provide comparability in the financial statements.  Early adoption is prohibited.   SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 
- 6 -

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  The statement amends SFAS No. 133 and requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting.  The statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting principle on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) SFAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets. This FSP amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS  No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The intent of this FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS  No. 141(R), Business Combinations, and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is prohibited.  The Company is in the process of determining the impact of adopting this new accounting position on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP.  This statement shall be effective 60 days following the SEC's approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's amendments to AU section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The Company does not believe that this new accounting principle will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

3.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement, which provides a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP.  The adoption of this statement had an immaterial impact on our financial statements.  The Company also adopted the deferral provisions of SFAS No. 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of non-financial assets and liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  SFAS No. 157 expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable  in active markets; and

Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

The Company designates the cash equivalents as Level 1, as they are Money Market accounts backed by Treasury Bills.  As of June 28, 2008, and December 29, 2007, our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
June 28, 2008
   
Quoted prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Cash Equivalents
  $ 17.8     $ 17.8     $ -     $ -  


 
- 7 -

 


   
 
 
 
December 29, 2007
   
Quoted prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable
 Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Cash Equivalents
  $ 36.2     $ 36.2     $ -     $ -  

4.  INVESTMENTS – SECURITIES

As of June 28, 2008 and December 29, 2007 the Company held no investments in financial securities.  Income generated from investments held in the first half of 2008 was included in “Other income (expense)” in the statement of income.  Cash paid for these securities and proceeds from the sale of these securities were included in the “Cash flows from investing activities” section of the cash flows statements.

5. EQUITY INVESTMENTS

The Company holds a 35 percent equity interest in Pioneer Pump, Inc., which is accounted for using the equity method and included in “Other assets” on the face of the balance sheet. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of earnings, losses and dividends. The carrying value of the investment was $7.3 million and $6.9 million as of June 28, 2008, and December 29, 2007, respectively.  The Company’s proportionate share of Pioneer Pump, Inc. earnings, included in “Other income/(expense)” in the Company’s statements of income, was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, for the second quarter ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007.

6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

The carrying amounts of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

(In millions)
 
June 28, 2008
   
December 29, 2007
 
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
Amortized intangibles:
                       
Patents
  $ 6.9     $ (3.5 )   $ 6.3     $ (3.3 )
Supply agreements
    7.2       (5.3 )     7.2       (5.0 )
Technology
    6.8       (1.0 )     6.1       (0.8 )
Customer relationships
    57.6       (4.6 )     48.3       (2.8 )
Other
    2.5       (2.1 )     2.1       (2.0 )
Total
  $ 81.0     $ (16.5 )   $ 70.0     $ (13.9 )
                                 
Unamortized intangibles:
                               
  Trade names
    18.9       -       10.9       -  
Total intangibles
  $ 99.9     $ (16.5 )   $ 80.9     $ (13.9 )

Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the second quarters ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 was $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, $2.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively.  Increases are related to acquisitions.

Amortization expense is projected as follows:

(In millions)
 
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
 
    $ 4.7     $ 4.5     $ 4.4     $ 4.3     $ 4.0  


 
- 8 -

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 28, 2008, are as follows:

(In millions)
 
Water
   
Fueling
       
   
Systems
   
Systems
   
Consolidated
 
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  $ 92.9     $ 47.1     $ 140.0  
Increase in goodwill acquired
    35.2       -       35.2  
Purchase accounting adjustments
    (26.5 )     2.0       (24.5 )
Foreign currency translation
    1.6       -       1.6  
Balance as of June 28, 2008
  $ 103.2     $ 49.1     $ 152.3  

The acquired goodwill in the Water Systems segment was related to the Company’s acquisition of Industrias Schneider SA, in first quarter 2008.

Purchase accounting adjustments included the completed valuation of certain assets and liabilities including property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Pump Brands (Pty) Limited.

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Plans – As of June 28, 2008, the Company maintained three domestic pension plans and one German pension plan.  The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans.

The following table sets forth aggregated net periodic benefit cost for the second quarter and six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007:

(In millions)
 
Pension Benefits
   
Pension Benefits
 
   
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 1.0     $ 1.1     $ 2.1     $ 2.3  
Interest cost
    2.2       2.1       4.5       4.6  
Expected return on assets
    (2.7 )     (2.5 )     (5.4 )     (5.6 )
Loss
    -       -       0.1       0.1  
Prior service cost
    0.2       0.3       0.3       0.7  
Settlement cost
    0.1       -       0.2       -  
Total net periodic benefit cost
  $ 0.8     $ 1.0     $ 1.8     $ 2.1  
                                 

The following table sets forth other benefit cost for the second quarter and six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007:

(In millions)
 
Other Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Service cost
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 0.1  
Interest cost
    0.1       0.2       (0.1 )     0.4  
Obligation/asset
    -       0.1       (0.1 )     0.2  
Loss
    -       -       -       -  
Prior service cost
    -       0.1       -       0.1  
Settlement cost
    -       -       -       -  
Total net periodic benefit cost
  $ 0.1     $ 0.4     $ (0.2 )   $ 0.8  

Through June 28, 2008, the Company made contributions to the plans of $3.1 million.


 
- 9 -

 

8. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate on income before income taxes in 2008 and 2007 varies from the United States statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to the effects of state and foreign income taxes net of federal tax benefits.

9. ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES

As of the beginning of fiscal year 2008, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $2.0 million, excluding accrued interest and penalties.  The unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by $0.2 million for state income tax liabilities based on an evaluation during the first quarter of 2008 and were reduced an additional $0.2 million due to the settlement of a state audit during the second quarter of 2008.  The Company had unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued tax and penalties, of $1.6 million for the six months ended June 28, 2008.  If recognized, the effective tax rate would be affected by the net unrecognized tax benefits of $1.1 million, which is net of a federal benefit of state tax of $0.5 million.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest and operating expense, respectively. The Company accrued approximately $0.1 million for interest and penalties as of June 28, 2008 and approximately $0.2 million as of December 29, 2007.  Interest and penalties recorded during the second quarter ended June 28, 2008 were reduced $0.1 million  related to the settlement of a state audit.  Interest and penalties recorded during 2007 were not considered significant.

The Company is subject to periodic audits by domestic and foreign tax authorities. Currently, the Company is undergoing routine periodic audits in both domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next 12 months as a result of the audits.

For the majority of tax jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.

10. DEBT

On December 14, 2006, the Company entered into an amended and restated unsecured, 60-month $120.0 million revolving credit agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement provides for various borrowing rate options including interest rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus interest spreads keyed to the Company’s ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”).  The Agreement contains certain financial covenants with respect to borrowings, interest coverage, loans or advances and investments, and the Company was in compliance with the covenants as of June 28, 2008 and December 29, 2007.  The Company had $60.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the Agreement at June 28, 2008.  The Company had no outstanding borrowings at December 29, 2007.

 On April 9, 2007, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement (the “Prudential Agreement") in the amount of $175.0 million.  Under the Prudential Agreement, the Company issued notes in an aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million on April 30, 2007 (the “B-1 Notes”) and $40.0 million on September 7, 2007 (the “B-2 Notes).  The B-1 and B-2 Notes bear a coupon of 5.79 percent and have an average life of ten years with a final maturity in 2019.  Principal installments of $30.0 million are payable commencing on April 30, 2015 and continuing to and including April 30, 2019, with any unpaid balance due at maturity.  The Prudential Agreement contains certain financial covenants with respect to borrowings, interest coverage, loans or advances and investments, and the Company was in compliance with the covenants as of June 28, 2008 and December 29, 2007.

The Company also has certain overdraft facilities at its foreign subsidiaries, of which none were outstanding at June 28, 2008 and at December 29, 2007.

 
- 10 -

 

Long-term debt consisted of:

(In millions)
 
June 28,
   
December 29,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Prudential Agreement - - 5.79 percent
  $ 150.0     $ 150.0  
Prudential Agreement - - 6.31 percent, principal payments of $10.0 million due in November 2008 ($2.1 million denominated in JPY at 6/28/08)
    10.0       10.0  
Capital leases
    1.9       0.9  
Other
    0.2       0.8  
Agreement - - average rate for second quarter 2008 was 3.0 percent
               
based on the London Interbank Offered Rates plus an interest spread
    60.0       -  
      222.1       161.7  
Less current maturities
    (70.5 )     (10.4 )
Long-term debt
  $ 151.6     $ 151.3  

The following debt payments are expected to be paid in accordance with the following schedule:

(In millions)
                                         
                                           
   
Total
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
More than 5 years
 
Debt
  $ 220.2     $ 70.0     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 150.2  
Capital leases
    1.9       0.5       0.8       0.3       0.3       -       -  
    $ 222.1     $ 70.5     $ 0.8     $ 0.3     $ 0.3     $ -     $ 150.2  

11. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Following is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income
  $ 15.3     $ 6.6     $ 23.4     $ 11.5  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Basic
                               
Weighted average common shares
    22.9       23.1       23.0       23.1  
                                 
Diluted
                               
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
       Employee and director incentive stock options and awards
    0.3       0.4       0.3       0.4  
                                 
Adjusted weighted average common shares
    23.2       23.5       23.3       23.5  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.67     $ 0.29     $ 1.02     $ 0.50  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.66     $ 0.28     $ 1.01     $ 0.49  
                                 
Anti-dilutive stock options
    0.9       0.3       0.8       0.3  
                                 
Anti-dilutive stock options price range – low
  $ 32.19     $ 40.93     $ 32.19     $ 44.51  
Anti-dilutive stock options price range – high
  $ 48.87     $ 48.87     $ 48.87     $ 48.87  


 
- 11 -

 

12. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income is as follows:
(In millions)
 
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
   
June 28,
   
June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net income
  $ 15.3     $ 6.6     $ 23.4     $ 11.5  
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    6.2       1.2       10.5       1.6  
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax
    0.4       0.4       0.6       1.0  
Comprehensive income, net of tax
  $ 21.9     $ 8.2     $ 34.5     $ 14.1  

Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of the following:
(In millions)
 
June 28,
   
December 29,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 37.7     $ 27.2  
Pension liability adjustment,  net of tax
    (2.1 )     (2.7 )
    $ 35.6     $ 24.5  

13.  SEGMENT INFORMATION

Financial information by reportable business segment is included in the following summary:
(In millions)

 
   
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
 2008
   
June 30,
2007
   
June 28,
2008
   
June 30,
2007
 
   
Net sales to external customers
 
Water Systems
  $ 157.4     $ 120.0     $ 294.1     $ 220.6  
Fueling Systems
    44.3       32.5       83.6       62.4  
Other
    -       -       -       -  
Consolidated
  $ 201.7     $ 152.5     $ 377.7     $ 283.0  
                                 
   
Second Quarter Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 28,
 2008
   
June 30,
2007
   
June 28,
2008
   
June 30,
2007
 
   
Operating income (loss)
 
Water Systems
  $ 26.2     $ 14.2     $ 41.2     $ 25.4  
Fueling Systems
    10.9       6.1       19.9       10.6  
Other
    (10.7 )     (9.2 )     (19.6 )     (16.6 )
Consolidated
  $ 26.4     $ 11.1     $ 41.5     $ 19.4  
                     
   
June 28,
2008
   
   December 29,
          2007
                 
   
Total assets
                 
Water Systems
  $ 495.4     $ 398.6                  
Fueling Systems
    228.3       203.1                  
Other
    48.6       60.5                  
Consolidated
  $ 772.3     $ 662.2                  
                                 

Cash is the major asset group in “Other” of total assets.

 
- 12 -

 

14.  CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

At June 28, 2008, the Company had $2.7 million of commitments primarily for the purchase of machinery and equipment and building expansions.

The Company provides warranties on most of its products. The warranty terms vary but are generally two years from date of manufacture or one year from date of installation. In 2007, the Company began offering an extended warranty program to certain Water Systems customers which will provide warranty coverage up to five years from the date of manufacture. Provisions for estimated expenses related to product warranty are made at the time products are sold or when specific warranty issues are identified. These estimates are established using historical information about the nature, frequency, and average cost of warranty claims, and expected customer returns. The Company actively studies trends of warranty claims and takes action to improve product quality and minimize warranty claims. The Company believes that the warranty reserve is appropriate; however, actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve.

The changes in the carrying amount of the warranty accrual, as recorded in “Accrued liabilities” in the Company’s balance sheet for the six months ended June 30, 2008 are as follows:

(In millions)
     
       
Balance as of December 29, 2007
  $ 9.7  
Accruals related to product warranties
    4.8  
Reductions for payments made
    (4.8 )
Balance as of June 28, 2008
  $ 9.7  

15. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has authorized stock option grants to purchase common stock and common stock awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries under two stock plans. The plans and the original number of authorized shares available for grant are as follows:

     
Authorized Shares
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Option Plan
-
Options
3,600,000
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan
-
Options
1,150,000
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Stock Plan
-
Awards
    150,000

Stock Option Grants
Under each of the above plans, the exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and the options expire ten years after the date of the grant.  Generally, options granted to non-employee directors vest 33 percent a year and become fully vested and exercisable after three years.  Options granted to employees generally vest at 20 or 25 percent a year and become fully vested and exercisable after five years or four years, respectively.  Subject to the terms of the plans, in general, the aggregate option price and any applicable tax withholdings may be satisfied in cash or its equivalent, or by the plan participant’s delivery of shares of the Company’s common stock owned more than six months, having a fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the aggregate option price and/or the applicable tax withholdings.

The fair value of each option award for options granted or vesting after the adoption of FASB 123(R) is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with a single approach and amortized using a straight-line attribution method over the option’s vesting period.  Options granted to retirement eligible employees  are immediately expensed. The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected volatility of its stock; the weighted average expected life, the period of time options granted are expected to be outstanding; and its dividend yield. The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the option are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

 
- 13 -

 

The assumptions used for the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of options granted during the first six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 are as follows:

 
June 28, 2008
June 30, 2007
Risk-free interest rate
2.91 - 3.15%
4.74 – 4.78%
Dividend yield
1.11 - 1.12%
0.65 – 0.67%
Weighted-average dividend yield
1.119%
0.653%
Volatility factor
0.3552 – 0.3714
0.3529 – 0.3701
Weighted-average volatility
0.3691
0.3554
Expected term
5.0 – 6.0 years
5.3 – 6.2 years
Forfeiture rate
3.61%
4.18%

A summary of the Company’s stock option plans activity and related information, for the six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 follows:

(shares in thousands)
   
June 28, 2008
   
June 30, 2007
 
 
 
Stock Options
 
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding beginning of period
    1,252     $ 29.99       1,398     $ 26.65  
Granted
    347       32.45       131       48.87  
Exercised
    (20 )     17.63       (111 )     20.57  
Forfeited
    (2 )     37.67       (31 )     29.38  
Outstanding end of period
    1,577     $ 30.68       1,387     $ 29.17  
Expected to vest after applying forfeiture rate
    1,555     $ 30.60       1,345     $ 28.87  
                                 
Vested and exercisable end of period
    1,025     $ 27.22       928     $ 24.50  

A summary of the weighted average remaining contractual term and aggregate intrinsic value for the six months ended June 28, 2008 is as follows:

 
Stock Options
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(000’s)
 
Outstanding end of period
    5.98     $ 15,510  
Expected to vest after applying forfeiture rate
    5.93     $ 15,403  
                 
Vested and exercisable end of period
    4.43     $ 13,086  

There were 10,000 options granted during the second quarter. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the second quarter ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 was $0.2 million and $0.03 million, respectively.  There were no share-based liabilities paid during the second quarter 2008.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested shares activity and related information, for the six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 follows:

(shares in thousands)
   
June 28, 2008
   
June 30, 2007
 
 
Nonvested Shares
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Nonvested at beginning of period
    416     $ 39.99       556     $ 33.95  
Granted
    347       32.45       131       48.87  
Vested
    (210 )     35.11       (203 )     33.31  
Forfeited
    (2 )     37.67       (26 )     31.66  
Nonvested at end of period
    551     $ 37.11       458     $ 38.63  


 
- 14 -

 

As of June 28, 2008, there was $5.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.76 years.

Stock Awards
Under the Stock Plan, nonemployee directors and employees may be granted stock awards or grants of restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, with vesting for employee awards or grants subject to the employees’ performance of certain goals.  The Stock Plan is an amendment and restatement of the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Key Employee Performance Incentive Stock Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), established in the year 2000.

The stock awards are granted at the market value on the date of grant and the restricted stock awards cliff vest after either 4 or 5 years and the attainment of certain performance goals.  Dividends are paid to the recipient prior to vesting.  Stock awards granted to retirement eligible employees were immediately expensed in 2007 and 2008, while all other stock awards were expensed in a straight line amortization method over the 4 or 5 years.

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock award activity and related information, for the six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 follows:

(shares in thousands)
   
June 28, 2008
   
June 30, 2007
 
 
Nonvested Stock Awards
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant
 Date Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant
 Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested at beginning of period
    61     $ 45.24       40     $ 43.39  
Awarded
    16       36.58       30       47.59  
Vested
    (8 )     40.17       (7 )     43.51  
Forfeited
    (1 )     40.72       (3 )     47.44  
Nonvested at end of period
    68     $ 43.84       60     $ 45.32  

As of June 28, 2008, there was $1.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.19 years.

16.  RESTRUCTURING

The Company has completed Phase II of its Global Manufacturing Realignment Program.  Restructuring expenses, primarily manufacturing equipment relocation and production re-alignment, for the second quarters ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 was $0.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  As of June 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, there was no restructuring reserve in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.




 
- 15 -

 

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

Q2 2008 vs. Q2 2007

OVERVIEW

Sales for the second quarter of 2008 were a record and up by $49.2 million or 32 percent from the same quarter last year.  The increase in sales was primarily related to sales from acquisitions. Acquired businesses were Pump Brands (South Africa), the pump division of Monarch Industries (Canada), Schneider Motobombas (Brazil), and Western Pumps (United States).  Sales and earnings growth was broad based and occurred across virtually all of the Company’s global business units and geographic regions.  Earnings increased in the second quarter primarily due to the higher sales volume.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales
     
Q2 2008
     
Q2 2007
     
2008 v 2007
 
   
Net Sales
 
Water Systems
 
$
157.4
   
$
120.0
   
$
37.4
 
Fueling Systems
   
44.3
     
32.5
     
11.8
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Consolidated
 
$
201.7
   
$
152.5
   
$
49.2
 

Second quarter sales were a record $201.7 million, up $49.2 million or 32 percent compared to $152.5 million in 2007.  Sales from businesses acquired during the last 12 months were $30 million and these businesses achieved organic growth of $4.5 million or 18 percent.  Sales revenue increased by $7.0 million in the quarter due to foreign exchange rate changes.  Overall organic growth for the quarter, including organic growth achieved by acquired businesses and foreign exchange rate changes, was $23.7 million or 16 percent.

Net Sales-Water Systems
The Water Segment represented 78 percent of overall sales.  Water Systems sales worldwide were $157.4 million, up $37.4 million or 31 percent for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period for 2007.  Organic sales growth including organic growth from acquired businesses was 10 percent. This core organic growth occurred in spite of the residential housing industry decline and weak general economic conditions in several key geographic markets. In the United States sales of submersible pumps and motors grew at a double digit pace.  The Company experienced strong sales growth to agricultural customers as farmers invested to expand and upgrade their operations.  The Company also continued to gain share in the submersible pump market.

Net Sales-Fueling Systems
The Fueling Segment represented 22 percent of overall sales.  Fueling Systems sales worldwide were $44.3 million, an increase of $11.8 million or 37 percent for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period for 2007.  All of the sales increase for the quarter was organic.  Fueling revenue growth was led by vapor recovery system sales in California and sales in international markets.

Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 was 67.9 percent and 71.6 percent, respectively. Cost of sales as a percent of net sales decreased in the second quarter of 2008 from 2007 primarily for three reasons; fixed cost leverage which resulted from higher worldwide sales volume combined with controlled increases in the Company’s fixed cost base; a favorable product mix shift as the Company experienced strong sales of large pumps and motors to agricultural customers in a number of global markets and stronger Fueling Systems sales; and reduced promotional pricing activity in the United States.  The Company’s gross profit margin for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 was 32.1 percent and 28.4 percent, respectively.  The Company’s gross profit was $64.7 million, up by $21.4 million and represented an increase of 370 basis points in gross margin from the second quarter of 2007.  Of the increase in gross profit, about $13.6 million was the result of volume, price and sales mix improvements; and about $8.0 million was attributable to the acquisitions. These improvements, however, were partially offset by higher material, freight and warranty expenses netting to the $21.4 million change in gross profit in the quarter versus 2007.

 
- 16 -

 

Restructuring Expenses
There were no restructuring charges in the second quarter of 2008 and there were $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2007.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)
SG&A increased by $6.5 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter last year. The acquisitions added approximately $5.6 million of SG&A  to the Water Systems segment for the second quarter of 2008.  Other SG&A increases were primarily related to higher compensation expenses.  Second quarter SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales declined by 190 basis points versus prior year.

Operating Income
Operating income was a record in the second quarter 2008.
     
Q2 2008
     
Q2 2007
     
2008 v 2007
 
   
Operating income (loss)
 
Water Systems
 
$
26.2
   
$
14.2
   
$
12.0
 
Fueling Systems
   
10.9
     
6.1
     
4.8
 
Other
   
(10.7
)
   
(9.2
)
   
(1.5
)
Consolidated
 
$
26.4
   
$
11.1
   
$
15.3
 

Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income was $26.2 million for the quarter, up $12.0 million or 85 percent versus the second quarter of 2007.  Operating margins improved versus prior year by 480 basis points.  Water Systems segment margin improvements were the result of higher sales volumes, which combined with spending controls, resulted in fixed cost leverage during the quarter.  Water Systems margins also benefited from reduced promotional price activity and favorable product mix shifts.
 
Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income was $10.9 million, an increase of $4.8 million or about 80 percent versus second quarter 2007.  Operating margins improved versus prior year by 590 basis points.  The margin improvement primarily resulted from fixed cost leverage due to higher sales.
 
Operating Income-Other
Other operating income is composed primarily of unallocated general and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expense increases were primarily due to the integration of general and administrative expenses of acquired businesses into the unallocated corporate costs. Other general and administrative increases were related to higher compensation expenses.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $2.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Interest expense increased in 2008 due primarily to debt increases associated with the acquisitions, as well as increased working capital for inventory and accounts receivable.

Other income/(expense)
Included in “Other income/(expense)” for the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 was interest income of $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, primarily derived from short-term investments; and income from equity investments of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  Also included in the second quarter of 2008 was an expense of $0.9 million related to a settlement of a trademark licensing dispute.

Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency-based transactions produced a loss for the second quarter of 2008 of about $0.1 million primarily due to euro rate changes relative to other currencies in Europe.  Foreign currency-based transactions produced a gain for the same quarter of 2007 of $0.4 million due to euro rate changes relative to the U.S. dollar and changes relative to other currencies in Europe.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in the second quarter of 2008 and 2007 was $8.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The projected effective tax rate for the balance of 2008 is 34.7 percent, a decrease from the prior year’s rate of 35.3

 
- 17 -

 

percent.  The effective tax rate differs from the United States statutory rate of 35.0 percent, generally due to foreign income exclusion and due to the effects of state and foreign income taxes, net of federal tax benefits.

Net Income
Net income for the second quarter of 2008 was $15.3 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, compared to 2007 second quarter net income of $6.6 million or $0.28 per diluted share.

First Half of 2008 VS First half of 2007

OVERVIEW

Sales for the first half of 2008 were up from the first half of 2007 by $94.7 million or about 33 percent. The increase in sales was primarily due to acquisitions. Earnings increased in 2008 primarily due to the higher sales and improved margins. The margin has improved due to lower fixed cost spending and fixed cost leverage due to higher sales, favorable product mix shift to Fueling Systems product sales and Water Systems product sales to agricultural customers.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales
     
YTD 6 2008
     
YTD 6 2007
     
2008 v 2007
 
   
Net Sales
 
Water Systems
 
$
294.1
   
$
220.6
   
$
73.5
 
Fueling Systems
   
83.6
     
62.4
     
21.2
 
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Consolidated
 
$
377.7
   
$
283.0
   
$
94.7
 


Net sales for the first half of 2008 were $377.7 million, an increase of $94.7 million or 33 percent compared to the same period of 2007 sales of $283.0 million.  Sales from businesses acquired during the last 12 months were $58.7 million and these businesses achieved organic growth of $9.7 million or 20 percent.

Net Sales-Water Systems
Global Water Systems sales for the first half of 2008 increased by 33 percent from the same period a year ago.  Global Water Systems sales increased organically by 11 percent, including organic growth from acquired businesses versus the first half of 2007.  Volume changes in the first half were consistent with the changes stated above in the second quarter review.

Net Sales-Fueling Systems
Global Fueling Systems sales for the first half of 2008 were $83.6 million, an increase of $21.2 million or 34 percent compared to the same period for 2007.  All of the sales increase for the quarter was organic.  Fueling revenue growth was led by vapor recovery system sales in California and sales in international markets. Changes in selling price increased net sales by less than 5 percent in the first half of 2008.
 
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales for the first half of 2008 and 2007 was 69.2 percent and 70.9 percent, respectively. Correspondingly, the gross profit margin increased to 30.8 percent from 29.1 percent for reasons described above in the second quarter review.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)
SG&A as a percent of net sales for 2008 and 2007 was 19.7 percent and 21.6 percent, respectively. SG&A  spending increased by $13.3 million in 2008 compared to first half of last year. The increase due to the inclusion of acquisitions was $11.6 million for the first half of 2008 compared to last year. Other first half 2008 SG&A increases were related to higher compensation expenses.

Restructuring Expenses
There was $0.1 million in expense during the first quarter 2008 and no restructuring charges in the second quarter of 2008 while there was $1.6 million in the first half of 2007.

 
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Operating Income
Operating income was a record in the first half of 2008.

     
YTD 6 2008
     
YTD 6 2007
     
2008 v 2007
 
   
Operating income (loss)
 
Water Systems
 
$
41.2
   
$
25.4
   
$
15.8
 
Fueling Systems
   
19.9
     
10.6
     
9.3
 
Other
   
(19.6
)
   
(16.6
)
   
(3.0
)
Consolidated
 
$
41.5
   
$
19.4
   
$
22.1
 

Operating Income-Water Systems
Water Systems operating income was $41.2 million for the first half of 2008, up $15.8 million or 62 percent versus the same period a year ago.  Operating margins improved versus prior year by 250 basis points. Water Systems operating income increased on higher sales volume and accretive income from acquisitions.  Other factors affecting the operating income for the Water Systems segment were higher material and freight costs offset by fixed cost spending reductions.

Operating Income-Fueling Systems
Fueling Systems operating income was $19.9 million, an increase of $9.3 million or about 88 percent versus the first half of 2007.  Operating margins improved versus prior year by 680 basis points.  Fueling Systems operating income improved primarily as a result of sales volume increases.

Operating Income-Other
Other operating income is composed primarily of unallocated general and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expense increases were primarily due to the integration of general and administrative expenses of acquired businesses into the unallocated corporate costs.

Interest Expense
Interest expense for the first half of 2008 and 2007 was $5.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Interest expense increased in 2008 due primarily to debt increases associated with the acquisitions, as well as increased working capital for inventory and accounts receivable.

Other income/(expense)
Included in “Other income/(expense)” for the first half of 2008 and 2007 was interest income of $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, primarily derived from short-term investments; and income from equity investments of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  Also included for the first half of 2008 was an expense of $0.9 million related to a settlement of a trademark licensing dispute.

Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency-based transactions produced a loss for the first half of 2008 of about $0.4 million primarily due to euro rate changes relative to other euro currencies and to the U.S. dollar.  Foreign currency-based transactions were a gain in 2007, for the same period, of about $0.6 million.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes in 2008 and 2007 was $12.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively. The effective tax rates for the first half of 2008 and 2007 were 34.7 and 35.3 percent, respectively. The projected effective tax rate for the balance of 2008 is 34.7 percent, a decrease from the prior year’s rate of 35.3 percent.  The effective tax rate differs from the United States statutory rate of 35.0 percent, generally due to foreign income exclusion and due to the effects of state and foreign income taxes, net of federal tax benefits.

Net Income
Net income for the first half of 2008 was $23.4 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, compared to the same half of 2007 net income of $11.5 million or $0.49 per diluted share.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Operating activities consumed approximately $18.6 million of cash during the six months ended June 28, 2008 compared to $37.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The primary source of cash from operations in 2008 was earnings of

 
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$23.4 million. The operating cash flows used in 2008 were primarily related to increases in receivables of $46.1 million and inventory of $17.0 million.  The increase in receivables was primarily due to the strong sales volume in the final weeks of the quarter.  The increase in inventory was primarily in finished goods due to seasonality and anticipated increased demand in fueling and international water markets offset by decreases in the Water Systems inventory in the United States.  The operating cash flow generated for the first half of 2007 was primarily related to net income of $11.5 million.  In 2007, accounts receivable increased approximately $23.1 million primarily due to sales growth, while inventories increased about $30.4 million, primarily in finished goods.

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $51.6 million and $44.5 million in the first half of 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In 2008, the Company paid an aggregate of $38.3 million for acquisitions, net of cash acquired, primarily for Schneider Motobombas in Brazil.  In the first six months of 2007, cash flows used to purchase securities were $22.1 million.  Uses of cash in 2008 and 2007 were also for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, of $12.6 million and $10.7 million, respectively.

Cash flows from financing activities were $46.1 million and $89.9 million in the first half of 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company received proceeds from debt net of repayments of $59.1 million and $99.9 million in the first six months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company paid $5.6 million and $5.3 million in dividends on the Company’s common stock in the first half of 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The Company repurchased $7.8 million of common stock under the Company’s repurchase program in the first half of 2008 and $8.1 million in the first half of 2007.

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first six months of 2008 were $42.8 million compared to $41.7 million for the same period of 2007. The Company’s working capital and current ratio decreased in the first six months of 2008 from year end 2007 due to an increase in the current portion of debt.

On December 14, 2006, the Company entered into an amended and restated unsecured, 60-month, $120.0 million revolving credit agreement (the “Agreement”). The Company had borrowings under the Agreement of $60.0 million at June 28, 2008 and none at December 29, 2007.  The remaining $60.0 million is unrestricted and available for use.

The Company amended and restated an uncommitted shelf agreement with Prudential Capital in the amount of $175.0 million in the second quarter of 2007.  Under the shelf agreement the Company issued notes for $110.0 million on April 30, 2007 and $40.0 million on September 7, 2007 at a fixed rate of 5.79 percent with a 10-year average life. The notes have financial covenants similar to the Company’s other borrowing agreements.  Proceeds of the facility were used to pay down short term variable rate borrowings and will be used to fund future acquisitions and Company stock purchases.

The Company also has certain overdraft facilities at its foreign subsidiaries, of which none were outstanding at June 28, 2008 or at December 29, 2007.

The Company is subject to certain financial covenants with respect to borrowings, interest coverage, working capital, loans or advances, and investments. The Company was in compliance with the covenants as of June 28, 2008 and December 29, 2007.

At June 28, 2008, the Company had $2.7 million of commitments, primarily for the purchase of machinery and equipment and building expansions. Management believes that internally generated funds and existing credit arrangements provide sufficient liquidity to meet these current commitments and existing debt, and finance business growth.

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to the Company’s financial results, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, included but not limited to risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, raw materials and transportation costs, new housing starts, weather conditions, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, technology factors, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Part 1, Item 1A, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto.  These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are based upon information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in bringing to their attention, on a timely basis, material information relating to the Company to be included in the Company’s periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a–15 and 15d–15 under the Exchange Act during the second fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2008 explained that the Company had substantially completed a retrofit program in which it replaced a third party supplied component part in the nozzle of the Enhanced Vapor Recovery Systems installed in California filling stations.  In its discussions with the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) the Company has learned that CARB or other California agencies may pursue administrative or legal proceedings alleging that the circumstances leading to the retrofit program violated California environmental executive orders and statutes.  The proceedings contemplated would have no effect on the Company’s sale of Enhanced Vapor Recovery Systems in California.  The Company does not expect the resolution of these matters, whether before or after any proceeding commences, to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Part 1, Item 1A, in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007.  Additional risks and uncertainties, not presently known to the Company or currently deemed immaterial, could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations or financial condition in the future.

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

(c)  
Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

In April 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution to increase the number of shares remaining for repurchase from 628,692 to 2,300,000 shares. There is no expiration date for the plan. During the second quarter of 2008, the Company did not repurchase any of its stock.  The maximum number of shares that may still be purchased under the Company plan is 1,877,400.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index located on page 24.


 
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SIGNATURES



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



     
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
     
Registrant
       
       
       
       
Date: August 7, 2008
 
By
/s/ R. Scott Trumbull
     
R. Scott Trumbull, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
       
       
Date: August 7, 2008
 
By
/s/ John J. Haines
     
John J. Haines, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


 
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 FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX TO THE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE SECOND QUARTER ENDED JUNE 28, 2008

   
Number
Description
   
3.1
By-Laws of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. as amended July 25, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8K filed on July 29, 2008)
   
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
32.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002
   


 
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