10-K 1 y74377e10vk.htm FORM 10-K 10-K
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-K
 
     
(Mark One)
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 26, 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 001-31305
 
FOSTER WHEELER AG
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Switzerland
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  98-0607469
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No).
     
Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, New Jersey
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  08809-4000
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(908) 730-4000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
     
(Title of Each Class)   (Name of each exchange on which registered)
Foster Wheeler AG,
Registered Shares, CHF 3.00 par value
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
     
Foster Wheeler AG,
Class A Registered Share Purchase Warrants
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
     
(Title of Each Class)
  (Name of each exchange on which registered)
 
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. þ Yes o No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  o  Yes þ No
 
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. þ Yes o No
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
 
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 Act).  o  Yes þ No
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $9,450,000,000 as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing sale price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market reported for such date. Common shares held as of such date by each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding common shares have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
 
There were 126,416,237 of the registrant’s registered shares issued and outstanding as of February 13, 2009.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
 
Part III incorporates information by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 26, 2008.
 


 

 
FOSTER WHEELER AG
 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K is being filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), by Foster Wheeler AG, a Swiss corporation, as successor to Foster Wheeler Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Pursuant to a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law (the “Scheme of Arrangement”) described in Part I, Item 1, “Business — The Redomestication,” on February 9, 2009 all of the previously outstanding common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and each holder of cancelled Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares received registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG (or cash in lieu of any fractional common shares). As a result of the Scheme of Arrangement, Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG. Pursuant to Rule 12g-3 under the Exchange Act, Foster Wheeler AG is filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which covers the last full fiscal year of Foster Wheeler Ltd. before the succession, as the successor issuer for reporting purposes under the Exchange Act. Certain disclosures relating specifically to Foster Wheeler AG are noted throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
INDEX
 
             
ITEM
      Page
 
1.
  Business     2  
1A.
  Risk Factors     10  
1B.
  Unresolved Staff Comments     21  
2.
  Properties     22  
3.
  Legal Proceedings     24  
4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     24  
 
5.
  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     25  
6.
  Selected Financial Data     28  
7.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     30  
7A.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     72  
8.
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     74  
9.
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     142  
9A.
  Controls and Procedures     142  
9B.
  Other Information     142  
 
10.
  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     143  
11.
  Executive Compensation     143  
12.
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     143  
13.
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     144  
14.
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services     144  
 
15.
  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     145  
 EX-10.8: GUARANTEE FACILITY
 EX-10.26: FIRST AMENDMENT TO 1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
 EX-10.29: FIRST AMENDMENT TO ANNUAL EXECUTIVE SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
 EX-10.37: FIRST AMENDMENT TO OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
 EX-10.41: FORM OF EMPLOYEE NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 EX-10.43: FORM OF EMPLOYEE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
 EX-10.45: FORM OF DIRECTOR NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
 EX-10.47: FORM OF DIRECTOR RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
 EX-10.76: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 EX-10.77: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 EX-21.0: SUBSIDIARIES
 EX-23.1: CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 EX-23.2: CONSENT OF ANALYSIS, RESEARCH & PLANNING CORPORATION
 EX-23.3: CONSENT OF PETERSON RISK CONSULTING LLC
 EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32.2: CERTIFICATION
 
This annual report on Form 10-K 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. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Safe Harbor Statement” for further information.


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PART I
 
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS
 
General
 
Foster Wheeler AG was incorporated under the laws of Switzerland on November 18, 2008 and registered in the commercial register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland on November 25, 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Ltd. Pursuant to a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law, on February 9, 2009 all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and Foster Wheeler AG issued registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares that were cancelled. As a result of the scheme of arrangement, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG, and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG, a holding company that owns the stock of its various subsidiary companies. See “— The Redomestication” for more information regarding the scheme of arrangement and certain related transactions. Except as the context otherwise requires, the terms “Foster Wheeler,” “us” and “we,” as used herein, refers to Foster Wheeler AG and its direct and indirect subsidiaries for the period after the consummation of the scheme of arrangement and Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries for the period before the consummation of the scheme of arrangement. Amounts in Part I, Item 1 are presented in thousands, except for number of employees. In addition, except as the context otherwise requires, the financial statements and other financial information included in this annual report on Form 10-K are those of Foster Wheeler Ltd. as they relate to periods ended prior to the consummation of the scheme of arrangement. Certain disclosures relating specifically to Foster Wheeler AG are noted throughout this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
The redomestication was undertaken in order to establish a corporation more centrally located within Foster Wheeler’s major markets, in a country with a stable and well-developed tax regime as well as a sophisticated financial and commercial infrastructure, and to improve our ability to maintain a competitive worldwide effective corporate tax rate.
 
Business
 
We operate through two business groups: our Global Engineering and Construction Group, which we refer to as our Global E&C Group, and our Global Power Group.
 
Our Global E&C Group, which operates worldwide, designs, engineers and constructs onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas processing facilities, natural gas liquefaction facilities and receiving terminals, gas-to-liquids facilities, oil refining, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities and related infrastructure, including power generation and distribution facilities, and gasification facilities. Our Global E&C Group provides engineering, project management and construction management services, and purchases equipment, materials and services from third-party suppliers and contractors.
 
Our Global E&C Group is also involved in the design of facilities in new or developing market sectors, including carbon capture and storage, solid fuel-fired integrated gasification combined-cycle power plants, coal-to-liquids, coal-to-chemicals and biofuels. Our Global E&C Group owns one of the leading refinery residue upgrading technologies (referred to as delayed coking) and a hydrogen production process used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Additionally, our Global E&C Group has experience with, and is able to work with, a wide range of processes owned by others. Our Global E&C Group performs environmental remediation services, together with related technical, engineering, design and regulatory services.
 
Our Global E&C Group is also involved in the development, engineering, construction, ownership and operation of power generation facilities, from conventional and renewable sources, and of waste-to-energy facilities in Europe. Our Global E&C Group generates revenues from engineering and construction activities pursuant to contracts spanning up to approximately four years in duration and from returns on its equity investments in various power production facilities.
 
Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for electric power generating stations and industrial facilities worldwide. Our steam generating equipment includes


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a full range of technologies, offering independent power producers, utility and industrial clients high-value technology solutions for economically converting a wide range of fuels, including coal, lignite, petroleum coke, oil, gas, biomass and municipal solid waste, into high quality steam and power.
 
Our circulating fluidized-bed steam generator technology, which we refer to as CFB, is ideally suited to burning a very wide range of fuels, including low-quality and “waste-type” fuels, and we believe is generally recognized as one of the cleanest burning solid-fuel technologies available on a commercial basis in the world today.
 
For both our CFB and pulverized coal, which we refer to as PC, steam generators, we offer supercritical once-through-unit designs to further improve the energy efficiency and, therefore, the environmental performance of these units. Once-through supercritical steam generators operate at higher steam pressures than traditional plants, which results in higher efficiencies and lower emissions, including emissions of carbon dioxide, or CO2, which is considered a greenhouse gas.
 
Further, for the longer term, we are actively developing Flexi-Burntm technology for our CFB steam generators. We believe Flexi-Burntm technology will be an important part of an overall strategy for capturing and storing CO2 from coal power plants. This technology will enable our CFB steam generators to operate in “oxygen-firing CO2 capture” mode. In this mode, the CFB combustion process will produce a CO2-rich flue gas which can then be delivered to a storage location while avoiding the need for large, expensive and energy intensive post-combustion CO2 separation equipment.
 
We also design, manufacture and install auxiliary equipment, which includes steam generators for solar thermal power plants, feedwater heaters, steam condensers and heat-recovery equipment. Our Global Power Group also offers a full line of new and retrofit nitrogen-oxide, which we refer to as NOx, reduction systems such as selective non-catalytic and catalytic NOx reduction systems as well as complete low-NOx combustion systems. We provide a broad range of site services relating to these products, including construction and erection services, maintenance engineering, plant upgrading and life extensions.
 
Our Global Power Group also conducts research and development in the areas of combustion, solid, fluid and gas dynamics, heat transfer, materials and solid mechanics. In addition, our Global Power Group owns and operates cogeneration, independent power production and waste-to-energy facilities, as well as power generation facilities for the process and petrochemical industries. Our Global Power Group generates revenues from engineering activities, equipment supply and construction contracts, operating activities pursuant to the long-term sale of project outputs, such as electricity and steam, operating and maintenance agreements, royalties from licensing our technology, and generates equity income from returns on its equity investments in several power production facilities.
 
In addition to these two business groups, which also represent operating segments for financial reporting purposes, we report corporate center expenses and expenses related to certain legacy liabilities, such as asbestos, in the Corporate and Finance Group, which we also treat as an operating segment for financial reporting purposes and which we refer to as the C&F Group.
 
Please refer to Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our operating segments and geographic financial information relating to our U.S. and non-U.S. operations.
 
Products and Services
 
Our Global E&C Group’s services include:
 
  •  Consulting — Our Global E&C Group provides technical and economic analyses and study reports to owners, investors, developers, operators and governments. These services include concept and feasibility studies, market studies, asset assessments, product demand and supply modeling, and technology evaluations.
 
  •  Design and Engineering — Our Global E&C Group provides a broad range of engineering and design-related services. Our design and engineering capabilities include process, civil, structural, architectural,


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  mechanical, instrumentation, electrical, and health, safety and environmental management. For each project, we identify the project requirements and then integrate and coordinate the various design elements. Other critical tasks in the design process may include value engineering to optimize costs, risk and hazard reviews, and the assessment of construction, maintenance and operational requirements.
 
  •  Project Management and Project Control — Our Global E&C Group offers a wide range of project management and project control services for overseeing engineering, procurement and construction activities. These services include estimating costs, project planning and project cost control. The provision of these services is an integral part of the planning, design and construction phases of projects that we execute directly for clients. We also provide these services to our clients in the role of project management or program management consultant, where we oversee, on our client’s behalf, the execution by other contractors of all or some of the planning, design and construction phases of a project.
 
  •  Procurement — Our procurement activities focus on those projects where we also execute the design and engineering work. We manage the procurement of materials, subcontractors and craft labor. Often, we purchase materials, equipment and third-party services on behalf of our client, where the client will pay for the purchased items or services at cost and reimburse us the cost of our associated services plus a margin or fee.
 
  •  Construction/Commissioning and Start-up — Our Global E&C Group provides construction and construction management services on a worldwide basis. Our construction, commissioning and start-up activities focus on those projects where we have performed most of the associated design and engineering work. Depending on the project, we may function as the primary contractor or as a subcontractor to another firm. On some projects, we function as the construction manager, engaged by the customer to oversee another contractor’s compliance with design specifications and contracting terms. In some instances, we have responsibility for commissioning and plant start-up, or, where the client has responsibility for these activities, we provide experts to work as part of our client’s team.
 
  •  Operations and Maintenance — We provide project management, plant operations and maintenance services, such as repair, renovation, predictive and preventative services and other aftermarket services. In some instances, our contracts may require us to operate a plant, which we have designed and built, for an initial period that may vary from a very short period to up to approximately two years.
 
The principal products of our Global Power Group are steam generators, commonly referred to as boilers. Our steam generators produce steam in a range of conditions and qualities, from low-pressure saturated steam to high quality superheated steam at either sub-critical or supercritical conditions (steam pressures above 3,600 pounds-force per square inch absolute). The steam produced by steam generators can be used to produce electricity in power plants, to heat buildings and in the production of many manufactured goods and products, such as paper, chemicals and food products. Our steam generators convert the energy of a wide range of solid and liquid fuels, as well as hot process gases, into steam and can be classified into several types: circulating fluidized-bed, pulverized coal, oil and natural gas, grate, heat recovery steam generators and fully assembled package boilers. The two most significant elements of our product portfolio are our CFB and PC steam generators.
 
Our Global Power Group’s products and services include:
 
  •  Circulating Fluidized-Bed Steam Generators — Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and supplies steam generators that utilize our proprietary CFB technology. We believe that CFB combustion is generally recognized as one of the most commercially viable, fuel-flexible and clean burning ways to generate steam on a commercial basis from coal and many other solid fuels and waste products. A CFB steam generator utilizes air nozzles on the floor and lower side walls of its furnace to mix and fluidize the fuel particles as they burn, resulting in a very efficient combustion and heat transfer process. The fuel and other added solid materials, such as limestone, are continuously recycled through the furnace to maximize combustion efficiency and the capture of pollutants, such as the oxides of sulfur, which we refer to as SOx. Due to the efficient mixing of the fuel with the air and other solid


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  materials and the long period of time the fuel remains in the combustion process, the temperature of the process can be greatly reduced below that of a conventional burning process. This has the added benefit of reducing the formation of NOx, which is another pollutant formed during the combustion process. Due to these benefits, additional SOx and NOx control systems are frequently not needed. The application of supercritical steam technology to CFB technology is the latest technical development. By dramatically raising the pressure of the water as it is converted to steam, supercritical steam technology allows the steam to absorb more heat from the combustion process, resulting in a substantial improvement of approximately 5-15% in the efficiency of an electric power plant. As discussed above, we are actively developing Flexi-Burntm technology for our CFB steam generators. We believe Flexi-Burntm technology will be an important part of an overall strategy for capturing and storing CO2 from coal power plants. We sell our CFB steam generators to clients worldwide.
 
  •  Pulverized Coal Steam Generators — Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and supplies PC steam generators. PC steam generators are commonly used in large coal-fired power plant applications. The coal is pulverized into fine particles and injected through specially designed low NOx burners. Our PC steam generators control NOx by utilizing advanced low-NOx combustion technology and selective catalytic reduction technology, which we refer to as SCR. PC technology requires flue gas desulfurization equipment, which we refer to as FGD, to be installed after the steam generator to capture SOx. We offer our PC steam generators with either conventional sub-critical steam technology or more efficient supercritical steam technology for electric power plant applications. We sell our PC steam generators to clients worldwide.
 
  •  Industrial Steam Generators — Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and supplies industrial steam generators of various types including: CFB, as described above, grate, fully assembled package, field erected oil and gas, waste heat, and heat recovery steam generators. Depending on the steam generator type and application, our industrial boilers are designed to burn a wide spectrum of industrial fuels from high quality oil and natural gas to biomass and “waste type” fuels such as tires, municipal solid waste, waste wood and paper. Our industrial steam generators are designed for ruggedness and reliability.
 
  •  Auxiliary Equipment and Aftermarket Services — Our Global Power Group also manufactures and installs auxiliary and replacement equipment for utility power and industrial facilities, including steam generators for solar thermal power plants, surface condensers, feed water heaters, coal pulverizers, steam generator coils and panels, biomass gasifiers, and replacement parts. Additionally, we install NOx reduction systems manufactured by third-parties. The NOx reduction systems include SCR equipment and low-NOx combustion systems for PC steam generators, which significantly reduce NOx emissions from PC steam generators. Our Global Power Group also performs steam generator modifications and provides engineered solutions for steam generators worldwide.
 
We provide a broad range of site services relating to these products, including construction and erection services, maintenance engineering, plant upgrading and life extension, and plant repowering. Our Global Power Group also conducts research and development in the areas of combustion, fluid and gas dynamics, heat transfer, materials and solid mechanics. In addition, our Global Power Group licenses technology to a limited number of third-parties in select countries or markets.
 
Industries We Serve
 
We serve the following industries:
 
  •  Oil and gas;
 
  •  Oil refining;
 
  •  Chemical/petrochemical;
 
  •  Pharmaceutical;
 
  •  Environmental;


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  •  Power generation; and
 
  •  Power plant operation and maintenance.
 
Customers and Marketing
 
We market our services and products through a worldwide staff of sales and marketing personnel, through a network of sales representatives and through partnership or joint venture arrangements with unrelated third-parties. Our businesses are not seasonal and are not dependent on a limited group of clients. One client accounted for approximately 24%, 12% and 13% of our consolidated operating revenues (inclusive of flow-through revenues) in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively; however, the associated flow-through revenues included in these percentages accounted for approximately 20%, 9% and 11% of our consolidated operating revenues in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No other single client accounted for ten percent or more of our consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2008, 2007 or 2006. Representative clients include state-owned and multinational oil and gas companies, major petrochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical companies, national and independent electric power generation companies, and government agencies throughout the world. The majority of our revenues and new business originates outside of the United States.
 
Licenses, Patents and Trademarks
 
We own and license patents, trademarks and know-how, which are used in each of our business groups. The life cycles of the patents and trademarks are of varying durations. We are not materially dependent on any particular patent or trademark, although we depend on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights to the technologies and know-how used in our proprietary products. As noted above, we have granted licenses to a limited number of companies in select countries to manufacture steam generators and related equipment and certain of our other products. Our principal licensees are located in China, India, Italy and South Korea. Recurring royalty revenues have historically ranged from approximately $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
 
Unfilled Orders
 
We execute our contracts on lump-sum turnkey, fixed-price, target-price with incentives and cost-reimbursable bases. Generally, contracts are awarded on the basis of price, acceptance of certain project-related risks, technical capabilities and availability of qualified personnel, reputation for quality and ability to perform in a timely manner and safety record. On certain contracts our clients may make a down payment at the time a contract is executed and continue to make progress payments until the contract is completed and the work has been accepted as meeting contract guarantees. Our Global Power Group’s products are custom designed and manufactured, and are not produced for inventory. Our Global E&C Group frequently purchases materials, equipment, and third-party services at cost for clients on a cash neutral/reimbursable basis when providing engineering specification or procurement services, referred to as “flow-through” amounts. “Flow-through” amounts are recorded both as revenues and cost of operating revenues with no profit recognized. Our Global E&C Group does not purchase materials and equipment for inventory.
 
We measure our unfilled orders in terms of expected future revenues. Included in future revenues are flow-through revenues, which result when we are performing an engineering or construction contract and purchase materials, equipment or third-party services on behalf of our customers on a reimbursable basis with no profit added to the cost of the materials, equipment or third-party services. We also measure our unfilled orders in terms of Foster Wheeler scope, which excludes flow-through revenues. As such, Foster Wheeler scope measures the component of backlog of unfilled orders with profit potential and represents our services plus fees for reimbursable contracts and total selling price for lump-sum or fixed-price contracts.
 
Please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for a discussion of the changes in unfilled orders, both in terms of expected future revenues and Foster Wheeler scope. See also Item 1A, “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Operations — Projects included in our backlog may be delayed or cancelled, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.”


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Use of Raw Materials
 
We source the materials used in our manufacturing and construction operations from both U.S. and non-U.S. based sources. The procurement of materials, consisting mainly of steel products and manufactured items, is heavily dependent on unrelated third-party sources. These materials are subject to timing of availability and price fluctuations, which we monitor on a regular basis. We have access to numerous global sources and are not dependent on any single source of supply.
 
Compliance with Government Regulations
 
We are subject to certain federal, state and local environmental, occupational health and product safety laws arising from the countries where we operate. We also purchase materials and equipment from third-parties, and engage subcontractors, who are also subject to these laws and regulations. We believe that all our operations are in material compliance with those laws and we do not anticipate any material capital expenditures or material adverse effect on earnings or cash flows as a result of complying with those laws.
 
Employees
 
The following table indicates the number of full-time, temporary and agency personnel in each of our business groups. We believe that our relationship with our employees is satisfactory.
 
                 
    As of  
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Global E&C Group
    11,235       10,498  
Global Power Group
    3,419       3,278  
C&F Group
    75       83  
                 
Total
    14,729       13,859  
                 
 
Competition
 
Many companies compete with us in the engineering and construction business. Neither we nor any other single company has a dominant market share of the total design, engineering and construction business servicing the global businesses previously described. Many companies also compete in the global energy business and neither we nor any other single competitor has a dominant market share.
 
The vast majority of the market opportunities that we pursue are subject to a competitive tendering process, and we believe that our target customers consider the price, acceptance of certain project-related risks, technical capabilities and availability of qualified personnel, reputation for quality and ability to perform in a timely manner and safety record as the primary factors in determining which qualified contractor is awarded a contract. We derive our competitive strength from our reputation for quality of our services and products, technology, worldwide procurement capability, project management expertise, ability to execute complex projects, professionalism, strong safety record and lengthy experience with a wide range of services and technologies.
 
Companies that compete with our Global E&C Group include but are not limited to the following: Bechtel Corporation; Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.; Chiyoda Corporation; Fluor Corporation; Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; JGC Corporation; KBR, Inc.; McDermott International; Saipem S.p.A.; Shaw Group, Inc.; Technip; Técnicas Reunidas, SA; and Worley Parsons Ltd. Companies that compete with our Global Power Group include but are not limited to the following: Aker Kvaerner ASA; Alstom Power; Austrian


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Energy & Environment AG.; The Babcock & Wilcox Company; Babcock Power Inc.; Doosan-Babcock; Hitachi, Ltd.; and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
 
Available Information
 
You may obtain free electronic copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and all amendments to these documents at our website, www.fwc.com, under the heading “Investor Relations” by selecting the heading “SEC Filings.” We make these documents available on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information disclosed on our website is not incorporated herein and does not form a part of this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
You may also read and copy any materials that we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains electronic versions of our filings on its website at www.sec.gov.
 
The Redomestication
 
The scheme of arrangement effectively changed our place of incorporation from Bermuda to the Canton of Zug, Switzerland. The scheme of arrangement was approved by the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. on January 27, 2009 and was sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Bermuda on January 30, 2009. On February 9, 2009, the following steps occurred pursuant to the scheme of arrangement:
 
(1) all fractional common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and Foster Wheeler Ltd. paid to each holder of fractional shares that were cancelled an amount based on the average of the high and low trading prices of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 5, 2009, the business day immediately preceding the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement;
 
(2) all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled;
 
(3) Foster Wheeler Ltd., acting on behalf of its shareholders, issued 1,000 common shares (which constituted all of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares at such time) to Foster Wheeler AG;
 
(4) Foster Wheeler AG increased its share capital and filed amended articles of association reflecting the share capital increase with the Swiss Commercial Register; and
 
(5) Foster Wheeler AG issued registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares that were cancelled.
 
As a result of the scheme of arrangement, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG. In connection with consummation of the scheme of arrangement:
 
  •  pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation governing Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Series B Convertible Preferred Shares, concurrently with the issuance of registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares, Foster Wheeler AG issued to the holders of the preferred shares the number of registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG that such holders would have been entitled to receive had they converted their preferred shares into common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. immediately prior to the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement (with Foster Wheeler Ltd. paying cash in lieu of any fractional common shares otherwise issuable);
 
  •  pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Agreement governing Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Class A Warrants outstanding on the date of the consummation of the scheme of arrangement, Foster Wheeler AG executed a supplemental warrant agreement pursuant to which it assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s


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  obligations under the Warrant Agreement and agreed to issue registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG upon exercise of such warrants in accordance with their terms; and
 
  •  Foster Wheeler AG assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s existing obligations in connection with awards granted under Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s incentive plans and other similar employee awards.
 
We refer to the foregoing transactions together with the steps of the scheme of arrangement as the “Redomestication.”
 
The fiscal year of Foster Wheeler Ltd. is the 52- or 53-week annual accounting period ending the last Friday in December for U.S. operations and December 31 for non-U.S. operations. The fiscal year of Foster Wheeler AG ends on December 31 of each calendar year. As a result of the Redomestication, our fiscal year for purposes of financial statement reporting and our filing obligations with the SEC changed to that of Foster Wheeler AG. Foster Wheeler AG’s fiscal quarters end on the last day of March, June and September.


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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS (amounts in thousands of dollars)
 
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described below. If any of these events occur, our business could be harmed and the trading price of our securities could decline. The following discussion of risks relating to our business should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Safe Harbor Statement.”
 
The categorization of risks set forth below is meant to help you better understand the risks facing our business and is not intended to limit consideration of the possible effects of these risks to the listed categories. Any adverse effects related to the risks discussed below may, and likely will, adversely affect many aspects of our business.
 
Risks Related to Our Operations
 
Our current and future lump-sum or fixed-price contracts and other shared risk contracts may result in significant losses if costs are greater than anticipated.
 
Some of our contracts are fixed-price contracts and other shared-risk contracts that are inherently risky because we agree to the selling price of the project at the time we enter into the contract. The selling price is based on estimates of the ultimate cost of the contract and we assume substantially all of the risks associated with completing the project, as well as the post-completion warranty obligations. Certain of these contracts are lump-sum turnkey projects where we are responsible for all aspects of the work from engineering through construction, as well as commissioning, all for a fixed selling price. As of December 26, 2008, our backlog included $1,381,400 attributable to lump-sum turnkey and other fixed-price contracts, which represented 25% of our total backlog.
 
In addition, we assume the project’s technical risk and associated warranty obligations on all of our contracts and projects, meaning that we must tailor products and systems to satisfy the technical requirements of a project even though, at the time the project is awarded, we may not have previously produced such a product or system. Warranty obligations can range from re-performance of engineering services to modification or replacement of equipment. We also assume the risks related to revenue, cost and gross profit realized on such contracts that can vary, sometimes substantially, from the original projections due to changes in a variety of other factors, including but not limited to:
 
  •  engineering design changes;
 
  •  unanticipated technical problems with the equipment being supplied or developed by us, which may require that we spend our own money to remedy the problem;
 
  •  changes in the costs of components, materials or labor;
 
  •  difficulties in obtaining required governmental permits or approvals;
 
  •  changes in local laws and regulations;
 
  •  changes in local labor conditions;
 
  •  project modifications creating unanticipated costs;
 
  •  delays caused by local weather conditions; and
 
  •  our project owners’, suppliers’ or subcontractors’ failure to perform.
 
These risks may be exacerbated by the length of time between signing a contract and completing the project because most lump-sum or fixed-price projects are long-term. The term of our contracts can be as long as approximately four years. In addition, we sometimes bear the risk of delays caused by unexpected conditions or events. We are subject to penalties if portions of the long-term fixed priced projects are not completed in accordance with agreed-upon time limits. Therefore, significant losses can result from performing


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large, long-term projects on a fixed-price or lump-sum basis. These losses may be material, including in some cases up to or exceeding the full contract value in certain events of non-performance, and could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We may increase the size and number of fixed-price or lump-sum turnkey contracts, sometimes in countries where or with clients with whom we have limited previous experience.
 
We may bid for and enter into such contracts through partnerships or joint ventures with third-parties. This may increase our ability and willingness to bid for increased numbers of contracts and/or increased size of contracts. In addition, in some cases, applicable law and joint venture or other agreements may provide that each joint venture partner is jointly and severally liable for all liabilities of the venture. Entering into these partnerships or joint ventures will expose us to credit and performance risks of those third-party partners, which could have a negative impact on our business and our results of operations if these parties fail to perform under the arrangements.
 
Failure by us to successfully defend against claims made against us by project owners, suppliers or project subcontractors, or failure by us to recover adequately on claims made against project owners, suppliers or subcontractors, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Our projects generally involve complex design and engineering, significant procurement of equipment and supplies and construction management. We may encounter difficulties in the design or engineering, equipment and supply delivery, schedule changes and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, that affect our ability to complete the project in accordance with the original delivery schedule or to meet the contractual performance obligations. In addition, we generally rely on third-party partners, equipment manufacturers and subcontractors to assist us with the completion of our contracts. As such, claims involving project owners, suppliers and subcontractors may be brought against us and by us in connection with our project contracts. Claims brought against us include back charges for alleged defective or incomplete work, breaches of warranty and/or late completion of the project work and claims for cancelled projects. The claims and back charges can involve actual damages, as well as contractually agreed upon liquidated sums. Claims brought by us against project owners include claims for additional costs incurred in excess of current contract provisions arising out of project delays and changes in the previously agreed scope of work. Claims between us and our suppliers, subcontractors and vendors include claims like any of those described above. These project claims, if not resolved through negotiation, are often subject to lengthy and expensive litigation or arbitration proceedings. Charges associated with claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For further information on project claims, please refer to Note 19, “Litigation and Uncertainties,” to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Projects included in our backlog may be delayed or cancelled, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The dollar amount of backlog does not necessarily indicate future earnings related to the performance of that work. Backlog refers to expected future revenues under signed contracts and legally binding letters of intent that we have determined are likely to be performed. Backlog represents only business that is considered firm, although cancellations or scope adjustments may and do occur. Because of changes in project scope and schedule, we cannot predict with certainty when or if backlog will be performed or the associated revenue will be recognized. In addition, even where a project proceeds as scheduled, it is possible that contracted parties may default and fail to pay amounts owed to us. Material delays, cancellations or payment defaults could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Because our operations are concentrated in four particular industries, we may be adversely impacted by economic or other developments in these industries.
 
We derive a significant amount of revenues from services provided to clients that are concentrated in four industries: oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical and power. These industries historically have been,


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and will likely continue to be, cyclical in nature. Consequently, our results of operations have fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate, depending on the demand for our products and services from these industries.
 
Unfavorable economic developments in global or regional economic growth rates or other unfavorable developments in one or more of these industries could adversely affect our clients’ investment plans and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The global credit market crisis is now impacting some of our clients’ investment plans as it affects the availability and cost of financing, as well as our clients’ own financial strategies, which could include cash conservation. In addition, the global economic slowdown is impacting the demand for the products our clients produce, which is causing companies to re-evaluate their investment plans for 2009.
 
Our results of operations and cash flows depend on new contract awards, and the selection process and timing for performing these contracts are not entirely within our control.
 
A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from new contract awards of projects. It is difficult to predict whether and when we will receive such awards due to the lengthy and complex bidding and selection process, which is affected by a number of factors, such as market conditions, financing arrangements, governmental approvals and environmental matters. We often compete with other general and specialty contractors, both U.S. and non-U.S., including large international contractors and small local contractors. The strong competition in our markets requires us to maintain skilled personnel and invest in technology, and also puts pressure on our profit margins. Because of this, we could be prevented from obtaining contracts for which we have bid due to price, greater perceived financial strength and resources of our competitors and/or perceived technology advantages. Alternatively, we may have to agree to lower prices and margins for contracts that we win or we may lose a bid or decide not to pursue a contract if the profit margins are below our minimum acceptable margins based on our risk assessment of the project conditions.
 
Our results of operations and cash flows can fluctuate from quarter to quarter depending on the timing of our contract awards. In addition, certain of these contracts are subject to client financing contingencies and environmental permits, and, as a result, we are subject to the risk that the customer will not be able to secure the necessary financing and approvals for the project, which could result in a delay or cancellation of the proposed project and thereby reduce our revenues and profits.
 
A failure by us to attract and retain key officers, qualified personnel, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Our ability to attract and retain key officers, qualified engineers and other professional personnel, as well as joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors, will be an important factor in determining our future success. The market for these professionals is competitive and we may not be successful in efforts to attract and retain these individuals. Failure to attract or retain these key officers, professionals, joint venture partners, advisors and subcontractors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Our worldwide operations involve risks that may limit or disrupt operations, limit repatriation of cash, increase taxation or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We have worldwide operations that are conducted through U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries, as well as through agreements with joint venture partners. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries, which accounted for approximately 83% of our operating revenues and a majority of our operating cash flows in the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008, have operations located in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and South America. Additionally, we purchase materials and equipment on a worldwide basis and are heavily dependent on unrelated third-party non-U.S. sources for these materials and equipment. Our worldwide


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operations are subject to risks that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including:
 
  •  uncertain political, legal and economic environments;
 
  •  potential incompatibility with non-U.S. joint venture partners;
 
  •  foreign currency controls and fluctuations;
 
  •  energy prices and availability;
 
  •  terrorist attacks;
 
  •  the imposition of additional governmental controls and regulations;
 
  •  war and civil disturbances;
 
  •  labor problems; and
 
  •  interruption or delays in international shipping.
 
Because of these risks, our worldwide operations and our execution of projects may be limited, or disrupted; our contractual rights may not be enforced fully or at all; our non-U.S. taxation may be increased; or we may be limited in repatriating earnings. These potential events and liabilities could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We are subject to anti-bribery laws in the countries in which we operate. Failure to comply with these laws could result in our becoming subject to penalties and the disruption of our business activities.
 
Many of the countries in which we transact business have laws that restrict the offer or payment of anything of value to government officials or other persons with the intent of gaining business or favorable government action. We are subject to these laws in addition to being governed by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act restricting these types of activities. In addition to prohibiting certain bribery-related activity with foreign officials and other persons, these laws provide for recordkeeping and reporting obligations. Our policies mandate compliance with these anti-bribery laws and we have procedures and controls in place to monitor internal and external compliance. However, any failure by us, our subcontractors, agents or others who work for us on our behalf to comply with these legal and regulatory obligations could impact us in a variety of ways that include, but are not limited to, significant criminal, civil and administrative penalties. The failure to comply with these legal and regulatory obligations could also result in the disruption of our business activities.
 
A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any country in which we operate could increase our tax burden and otherwise adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any country in which we operate could result in a higher tax rate on our earnings, which could result in a significant negative impact on our earnings and cash flows from operations. We continue to assess the impact of various U.S. federal and state legislative proposals, and modifications to existing tax treaties between the United States and other countries, that could result in a material increase in our U.S. federal and state taxes. We cannot predict whether any specific legislation will be enacted or the terms of any such legislation. However, if such proposals were to be enacted, or if modifications were to be made to certain existing treaties, the consequences could have a materially adverse impact on us, including increasing our tax burden, increasing costs of our tax compliance or otherwise adversely affecting our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


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Our business may be materially adversely impacted by regional, national and/or global requirements to significantly limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
 
Greenhouse gases that result from human activities, including burning of fossil fuels, have been the focus of increased scientific and political scrutiny and are being subjected to various legal requirements. International agreements, national laws, state laws and various regulatory schemes limit or otherwise regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, and additional restrictions are under consideration by different governmental entities. We derive a significant amount of revenues and contract profits from engineering and construction services provided to clients that own and/or operate a wide range of process plants and from the supply of our manufactured equipment to clients that own and/or operate electric power generating plants. Additionally, we own or partially own plants that generate electricity from burning natural gas or various types of solid fuels. These plants emit greenhouse gases as part of the process to generate electricity or other products. Compliance with the existing greenhouse gas regulation may prove costly or difficult. It is possible that owners and operators of existing or future process plants and electric generating plants could be subject to new or changed environmental regulations that result in significantly limiting or reducing the amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the cost of emitting such gases or requiring emissions allowances. The costs of controlling such emissions or obtaining required emissions allowances could be significant. It also is possible that necessary controls or allowances may not be available. Such regulations could negatively impact client investments in capital projects in our markets, which could negatively impact the market for our manufactured products and certain of our services, and also could negatively affect the operations and profitability of our own electric power plants. This could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we may incur significant costs and penalties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Our operations are subject to U.S., European and other laws and regulations governing the generation, management and use of regulated materials, the discharge of materials into the environment, the remediation of environmental contamination, or otherwise relating to environmental protection. Both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group make use of and produce as wastes or byproducts substances that are considered to be hazardous under these environmental laws and regulations. We may be subject to liabilities for environmental contamination as an owner or operator (or former owner or operator) of a facility or as a generator of hazardous substances without regard to negligence or fault, and we are subject to additional liabilities if we do not comply with applicable laws regulating such hazardous substances, and, in either case, such liabilities can be substantial. These laws and regulations could expose us to liability arising out of the conduct of current and past operations or conditions, including those associated with formerly owned or operated properties caused by us or others, or for acts by us or others which were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time the acts were performed. In some cases, we have assumed contractual indemnification obligations for environmental liabilities associated with some formerly owned properties. The ongoing costs of complying with existing environmental laws and regulations could be substantial. Additionally, we may be subject to claims alleging personal injury, property damage or natural resource damages as a result of alleged exposure to or contamination by hazardous substances. Changes in the environmental laws and regulations, remediation obligations, enforcement actions, stricter interpretations of existing requirements, future discovery of contamination or claims for damages to persons, property, natural resources or the environment could result in material costs and liabilities that we currently do not anticipate.
 
We may lose future business to our competitors and be unable to operate our business profitably if our patents and other intellectual property rights do not adequately protect our proprietary products.
 
Our success depends significantly on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights to the technologies and know-how used in our proprietary products. We rely on patent protection, as well as a combination of trade secret, unfair competition and similar laws and nondisclosure, confidentiality and other contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary technology. However, these legal means afford only limited


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protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep any competitive advantage. We also rely on unpatented proprietary technology. We cannot provide assurance that we can meaningfully protect all our rights in our unpatented proprietary technology, or that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary products or processes or otherwise gain access to our unpatented proprietary technology. We also hold licenses from third-parties that are necessary to utilize certain technologies used in the design and manufacturing of some of our products. The loss of such licenses would prevent us from manufacturing and selling these products, which could harm our business.
 
We rely on our information systems in our operations. Failure to protect these systems against security breaches could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become unavailable for any significant period of time, our business could be harmed.
 
The efficient operation of our business is dependent on computer hardware and software systems. Information systems are vulnerable to internal and external security breaches including by computer hackers and cyber terrorists. The unavailability of the information systems, the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason or any significant breach of security could disrupt our business and could result in decreased performance and increased overhead costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer.
 
Risks Related to Asbestos Claims
 
The number and cost of our current and future asbestos claims in the United States could be substantially higher than we have estimated and the timing of payment of claims could be sooner than we have estimated, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Some of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous lawsuits and out-of-court administrative claims pending in the United States in which the plaintiffs claim damages for alleged bodily injury or death arising from exposure to asbestos in connection with work performed, or heat exchange devices assembled, installed and/or sold, by our subsidiaries. We expect these subsidiaries to be named as defendants in similar suits and that claims will be brought in the future. For purposes of our financial statements, we have estimated the indemnity and defense costs to be incurred in resolving pending and forecasted U.S. claims through fiscal year 2023. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the actual number of future claims brought against us and the cost of resolving these claims could be substantially higher than our estimates. Some of the factors that may result in the costs of asbestos claims being higher than our current estimates include:
 
  •  the rate at which new claims are filed;
 
  •  the number of new claimants;
 
  •  changes in the mix of diseases alleged to be suffered by the claimants, such as type of cancer, asbestosis or other illness;
 
  •  increases in legal fees or other defense costs associated with asbestos claims;
 
  •  increases in indemnity payments;
 
  •  decreases in the proportion of claims dismissed with zero indemnity payments;
 
  •  indemnity payments being required to be made sooner than expected;
 
  •  bankruptcies of other asbestos defendants, causing a reduction in the number of available solvent defendants and thereby increasing the number of claims and the size of demands against our subsidiaries;
 
  •  adverse jury verdicts requiring us to pay damages in amounts greater than we expect to pay in settlements;
 
  •  changes in legislative or judicial standards that make successful defense of claims against our subsidiaries more difficult; or
 
  •  enactment of federal legislation requiring us to contribute amounts to a national settlement trust in excess of our expected net liability, after insurance, in the tort system.


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The total liability recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2008 is based on estimated indemnity and defense costs expected to be incurred through fiscal year 2023. We believe that it is likely that there will be new claims filed after fiscal year 2023, but in light of uncertainties inherent in long-term forecasts, we do not believe that we can reasonably estimate the indemnity and defense costs that might be incurred after fiscal year 2023. Our forecast contemplates that the number of new claims requiring indemnity will decline from year to year. If future claims fail to decline as we expect, our aggregate liability for asbestos claims will be higher than estimated.
 
Since fiscal year-end 2004, we have worked with Analysis Research Planning Corporation, or ARPC, nationally recognized consultants in projecting asbestos liabilities, to estimate the amount of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs. ARPC reviews our asbestos indemnity payments, defense costs and claims activity and compares them to our 15-year forecast prepared at the previous year-end. Based on its review, ARPC may recommend that the assumptions used to estimate our future asbestos liability be updated, as appropriate.
 
Our forecast of the number of future claims is based, in part, on a regression model, which employs the statistical analysis of our historical claims data to generate a trend line for future claims and, in part, on an analysis of future disease incidence. Although we believe this forecast method is reasonable, other forecast methods that attempt to estimate the population of living persons who could claim they were exposed to asbestos at worksites where our subsidiaries performed work or sold equipment could also be used and might project higher numbers of future claims than our forecast.
 
The actual number of future claims, the mix of disease types and the amounts of indemnity and defense costs may exceed our current estimates. We update our forecasts at least annually to take into consideration recent claims experience and other developments, such as legislation and litigation outcomes, that may affect our estimates of future asbestos-related costs. The announcement of increases to asbestos liabilities as a result of revised forecasts, adverse jury verdicts or other negative developments involving asbestos litigation or insurance recoveries may cause the value or trading prices of our securities to decrease significantly. These negative developments could also negatively impact our liquidity, cause us to default under covenants in our indebtedness, cause our credit ratings to be downgraded, restrict our access to capital markets or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The adequacy and timing of insurance recoveries of our asbestos-related costs in the United States is uncertain. The failure to obtain insurance recoveries could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Although we believe that a significant portion of our subsidiaries’ liability and defense costs for asbestos claims will be covered by insurance, the adequacy and timing of insurance recoveries is uncertain. Since fiscal year-end 2005, we have worked with Peterson Risk Consulting, nationally recognized experts in the estimation of insurance recoveries, to annually review our estimate of the value of the settled insurance asset and assist in the estimation of our unsettled asbestos-related insurance asset.
 
The asset recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2008 represents our best estimate of settled and probable future insurance settlements relating to our U.S. liability for pending and estimated future asbestos claims through fiscal year 2023. The insurance asset includes an estimate of the amount of recoveries under existing settlements with other insurers.
 
Certain of our subsidiaries have entered into settlement agreements calling for certain insurers to make lump-sum payments, as well as payments over time, for use by our subsidiaries to fund asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs and, in certain cases, for reimbursement for portions of out-of-pocket costs that we previously have incurred. We entered into three additional settlements in the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008 and we intend to continue to attempt to negotiate additional settlements where achievable on a reasonable basis in order to minimize the amount of future costs that we would be required to fund out of the cash flows generated from our operations. Unless we settle the remaining unsettled insurance asset at amounts significantly in excess of our current estimates, it is likely that the amount of our insurance settlements will not cover all future asbestos-related costs and we will continue to fund a portion of such future costs, which


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will reduce our cash flows and our working capital. Additionally, certain of the settlements with insurance companies during the past several years were for fixed dollar amounts that do not change as the liability changes. Accordingly, increases in the asbestos liability will not result in an equal increase in the insurance asset.
 
Our insurance recoveries may be limited by future insolvencies among our insurers. We have not assumed recovery in the estimate of our asbestos-related insurance asset from any of our currently insolvent insurers. Other insurers may become insolvent in the future and our insurers may fail to reimburse amounts owed to us on a timely basis. If we fail to realize expected insurance recoveries, or experience delays in receiving material amounts from our insurers, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
 
A number of asbestos-related claims have been received by our subsidiaries in the United Kingdom. To date, these claims have been covered by insurance policies and proceeds from the policies have been paid directly to the plaintiffs. The timing and amount of asbestos claims that may be made in the future, the financial solvency of the insurers and the amount that may be paid to resolve the claims, are uncertain. The insurance carriers’ failure to make payments due under the policies could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Some of our subsidiaries in the United Kingdom have received claims alleging personal injury arising from exposure to asbestos in connection with work performed, or heat exchange devices assembled, installed and/or sold, by our subsidiaries. We expect these subsidiaries to be named as defendants in additional suits and claims brought in the future. To date, insurance policies have provided coverage for substantially all of the costs incurred in connection with resolving asbestos claims in the United Kingdom. In our consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2008, we have recorded U.K. asbestos-related insurance recoveries equal to the U.K. asbestos-related liabilities, which are comprised of an estimated liability relating to open (outstanding) claims and an estimated liability relating to future unasserted claims through fiscal year 2023. Our ability to continue to recover under these insurance policies is dependent upon, among other things, the timing and amount of asbestos claims that may be made in the future, the financial solvency of our insurers and the amount that may be paid to resolve the claims. These factors could significantly limit our insurance recoveries, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We require cash repatriations from our non-U.S. subsidiaries to meet our U.S. cash needs related to our asbestos-related and other liabilities and corporate overhead expenses. Our ability to repatriate funds from our non-U.S. subsidiaries is limited by a number of factors.
 
As a holding company, we are dependent on cash inflows from our subsidiaries in order to fund our asbestos-related and other liabilities and corporate overhead expenses. To the extent that our U.S. subsidiaries do not generate enough cash flows to cover our holding company payments and expenses, we are dependent on cash repatriations from our non-U.S. subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that the forecasted non-U.S. cash repatriation will occur as our non-U.S. subsidiaries need to keep certain amounts available for working capital purposes, to pay known liabilities, to comply with covenants and for other general corporate purposes. The repatriation of funds may also subject those funds to taxation. The inability to repatriate cash could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Certain of our various debt agreements impose financial covenants, which may prevent us from capitalizing on business opportunities, which could negatively impact our business.
 
Our senior domestic credit agreement imposes financial covenants on us. These covenants limit our ability to incur indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, make investments and sell assets. These limitations may restrict our ability to pursue business opportunities, which could negatively impact our business.


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We may have significant working capital requirements, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, and cash flows.
 
In some cases, we may require significant amounts of working capital to finance the purchase of materials and in the performance of engineering, construction and other work on certain of our projects before we receive payment from our customers. In some cases, we are contractually obligated to our customers to fund working capital on our projects. Increases in working capital requirements could negatively impact our business, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, we may invest some of our cash in longer-term investment opportunities, including, as described below, the acquisition of other entities or operations, the reduction of certain liabilities such as unfunded pension liabilities and/or repurchases of our outstanding registered shares. To the extent we use cash for such other purposes, the amount of cash available for the working capital needs described above would be reduced.
 
We may invest in longer-term investment opportunities, such as the acquisition of other entities or operations in the engineering and construction industry or power industry. Acquisitions of other entities or operations have risks that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
In 2008, we completed two acquisitions and have been exploring other possible acquisitions within the engineering and construction industry to strategically complement or expand on our technical capabilities or access to new market segments. We have also been exploring possible acquisitions within the power industry to complement our product offering. The acquisition of companies and assets in the engineering and construction and power industries is subject to substantial risks, including the failure to identify material problems during due diligence, the risk of over-paying for assets and the inability to arrange financing for an acquisition as may be required or desired. Further, the integration and consolidation of acquisitions requires substantial human, financial and other resources including management time and attention, and ultimately, our acquisitions may not be successfully integrated and our resources may be diverted. There can be no assurances that we will consummate any such future acquisitions, that any acquisitions we make will perform as expected or that the returns from such acquisitions will support the investment required to acquire them or the capital expenditures needed to develop them.
 
Risk Factors Related to Our Financial Reporting and Corporate Governance
 
If we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis may be adversely affected.
 
Although we had no material weaknesses as of December 26, 2008, we have reported material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the past. There can be no assurance that we will avoid a material weakness in the future. If we have another material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting in the future, it could adversely impact our ability to report our financial results in a timely and accurate manner.
 
Our use of the percentage-of-completion accounting method could result in a reduction or elimination of previously reported profits.
 
A substantial portion of our revenues is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, the earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of contract revenues, costs and profitability. Revisions to estimated revenues and estimated costs can and do result in changes to revenues, costs and profits. For further information on our revenue recognition methodology, please refer to Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts,” to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.


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Registered holders who acquired our shares after the Redomestication must apply for enrollment in our share register as shareholders with voting rights in order to have voting rights; we may deny such registration under certain circumstances.
 
To be able to exercise voting rights, registered holders of our shares who acquired our shares after the Redomestication must apply to us for enrollment in our share register as shareholders with voting rights. Our board of directors may refuse to register holders of shares as shareholders with voting rights based on certain grounds. In particular, under our articles of association, no shareholder will be registered with voting rights for 10% or more of our share capital as recorded in the commercial register. Only shareholders that are registered as shareholders with voting rights on the relevant record date are permitted to participate in and vote at a general shareholders’ meeting. Registered holders who received our shares as a result of the Redomestication are registered as shareholders with voting rights and shareholders who hold in “street name” will be entitled to participate in and vote at a general shareholders’ meeting as a result of holding their shares through Cede & Co.
 
There are provisions in our articles of association that may reduce the voting rights of our registered shares.
 
Our articles of association generally provide that shareholders have one vote for each registered share held by them and are entitled to vote at all meetings of shareholders. However, our articles of association provide that shareholders whose “controlled shares” (as defined in the articles of association) represent 10% or more of our total voting shares are limited to voting one vote less than 10% of the total voting rights of our share capital as registered with the commercial register. This provision is intended to prevent the possibility of our company becoming a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could have certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. persons who own (directly, indirectly or under applicable constructive ownership rules) 10% or more of our voting shares. It may also have an anti-takeover effect by making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors.
 
Following the Redomestication, as a result of the higher par value of our shares, we have less flexibility than we had prior to the Redomestication with respect to certain aspects of capital management.
 
The par value of our shares is CHF 3.00 per share. The par value of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares was $0.01 per share. Under Swiss law, we may not issue our shares below par value. As of February 13, 2009, the closing price of our registered shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $22.75, and CHF 3.00 was equivalent to approximately $2.58 based on a foreign exchange rate of CHF 1.1617 to $1.00 on such date. In the event we need to raise common equity capital at a time when the trading price of our shares is below the par value of the shares, we will be unable to issue shares. In addition, we will not be able to issue options under our various compensation and benefits plans with an exercise price below the par value, which would limit the flexibility of our compensation arrangements.
 
Following the Redomestication, as a result of increased shareholder approval requirements, we have less flexibility than we had before the Redomestication with respect to certain aspects of capital management.
 
Under Bermuda law, Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s directors were able to issue, without shareholder approval, any common shares authorized in Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s memorandum of association that were not issued or reserved. Bermuda law also provides the board of directors with substantial flexibility in establishing the terms of preferred shares. In addition, Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s board of directors had the right, subject to statutory limitations, to declare and pay dividends on Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares without a shareholder vote. Swiss law allows our shareholders to authorize share capital that can be issued by the board of directors without shareholder approval, but our authorization is limited to CHF 189,623,871 divided into 63,207,957 registered shares with a par value of CHF 3.00 per share and must be renewed by the shareholders every two years. Additionally, subject to specified exceptions, including the exceptions described in our articles of association, Swiss law grants preemptive rights to existing shareholders to subscribe for new issuances of shares and other securities. Swiss law also does not provide as much flexibility in the various terms that can attach to different classes of shares. For example, while the board of directors of Foster Wheeler Ltd. could authorize the issuance of preferred stock without shareholder approval, we may not issue preferred stock without the approval of 662/3% of the votes cast and a majority of the par value of the registered shares


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represented at a general meeting of our shareholders. Swiss law also reserves for approval by shareholders many corporate actions over which Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s board of directors had authority. For example, dividends must be approved by shareholders. While we do not believe that the differences between Bermuda law and Swiss law relating to our capital management will have an adverse effect on us, we cannot assure you that situations will not arise where such flexibility would have provided substantial benefits to our shareholders.
 
We are required to declare dividends in Swiss francs and any currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and Swiss francs will affect the dollar value of the dividends we pay.
 
Under Swiss corporate law, we are required to declare dividends, including distributions through a reduction in par value, in Swiss francs. Dividend payments will be made by our transfer agent in U.S. dollars converted at the applicable exchange rate shortly before the payment date. As a result, shareholders will be exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the date used for purposes of calculating the CHF amount of any proposed dividend or par value reduction and the relevant payment date, which will not be shorter than two months and could be as long as a year.
 
We may not be able to make distributions or repurchase shares without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding tax.
 
If we are not successful in our efforts to make distributions, if any, through a reduction of par value or, based on current legislation, after January 1, 2011, pay dividends, if any, out of qualifying additional paid-in capital, then any dividends paid by us will generally be subject to a Swiss federal withholding tax at a rate of 35%. The withholding tax must be withheld from the gross distribution and paid to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration. A U.S. holder that qualifies for benefits under the Convention between the United States of America and the Swiss Confederation for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income, which we refer to as the “U.S.-Swiss Treaty,” may apply for a refund of the tax withheld in excess of the 15% treaty rate (or in excess of the 5% reduced treaty rate for qualifying corporate shareholders with at least 10% participation in our voting stock, or for a full refund in case of qualified pension funds). Payment of a capital distribution in the form of a par value reduction is not subject to Swiss withholding tax. However, there can be no assurance that our shareholders will approve a reduction in par value, that we will be able to meet the other legal requirements for a reduction in par value, or that Swiss withholding rules will not be changed in the future. In addition, over the long term, the amount of par value available for us to use for par value reductions will be limited. If we are unable to make a distribution through a reduction in par value or, based on current legislation, after January 1, 2011, pay a dividend out of qualifying additional paid-in capital, we may not be able to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.
 
We have anti-takeover provisions in our articles of association that may discourage a change of control.
 
Our articles of association contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors. These provisions provide for:
 
  •  The board of directors to be divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. In addition, directors may be removed from office, by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares generally entitled to vote. These provisions of our articles of association may delay or limit the ability of a shareholder to obtain majority representation on the board of directors.
 
  •  Limiting the voting rights of shareholders whose “controlled shares” (as defined in the articles of association) represent 10% or more of our total voting shares to one vote less than 10% of the total voting rights of our share capital as registered with the Swiss commercial register.
 
These provisions could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if the third-party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many shareholders. As a result, shareholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.


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We are a Swiss company and it may be difficult for you to enforce judgments against us or our directors and executive officers.
 
Foster Wheeler AG is a Swiss corporation. As a result, the rights of our shareholders are governed by Swiss law and by our articles of association and organizational regulations. The rights of shareholders under Swiss law may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies of other jurisdictions. A substantial portion of our assets are located outside the United States. It may be difficult for investors to enforce in the United States judgments obtained in U.S. courts against us or our directors based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws. Uncertainty exists as to whether courts in Switzerland will enforce judgments obtained in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, under the securities laws of those jurisdictions or entertain actions in Switzerland under the securities laws of other jurisdictions.
 
ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.


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ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
 
The following table provides the name of each subsidiary that owns or leases materially important physical properties, along with the location and general use of each of our properties as of December 26, 2008, and the business segment in which each property is grouped. All or part of the listed properties may be leased or subleased to other affiliates. All properties are in good condition and adequate for their intended use.
 
                             
Company (Business Segment*)
            Building
    Lease
 
and Location
 
Use
  Land Area     Square Feet     Expires(1)  
 
 
Foster Wheeler Realty Services, Inc. (C&F)
Union Township, New Jersey
  Investment in undeveloped land     203.8 acres              
Union Township, New Jersey
  General office & engineering     29.4 acres       294,000       2022  
Union Township, New Jersey
  Storage and reproduction facilities     10.8 acres       30,400        
Livingston, New Jersey
  Research center     6.7 acres       51,355        
 
Foster Wheeler Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (E&C)
Singapore
  Office & engineering           22,873       2009  
Singapore
  Office & engineering           80,039       2010  
 
Foster Wheeler Bengal Private Limited (E&C)
Kolkata, India
  Office & engineering           29,204       2017  
 
Foster Wheeler Bimas Birlesik Insaat ve Muhendislik A.S. (E&C)
Istanbul, Turkey
  Office & engineering           25,833       2010  
 
Foster Wheeler Chile, S.A. (E&C)
Santiago, Chile
  Office & engineering           16,071       2011  
 
Foster Wheeler France S.A. (E&C)
Paris, France
  Office & engineering           18,008       2011  
Paris, France
  Office & engineering           64,584       2013  
Paris, France
  Warehouse           12,109       2013  
Provence, France
  Office & engineering           11,517       2011  
 
Foster Wheeler India Private Limited (E&C)
Chennai, India
  Office & engineering           9,681       2010  
Chennai, India
  Office & engineering           81,624       2011  
Chennai, India
  Office & engineering           9,854       2012  
Chennai, India
  Office & engineering           9,854       2017  
Kolkata, India
  Office & engineering           39,893       2015  
Kolkata, India
  Office & engineering           35,014       2016  
 
Foster Wheeler International Corporation -Thailand Branch (E&C)
Sriracha, Thailand
  Office & engineering           121,299       2009  
 
Foster Wheeler Italiana S.p.A. (E&C)
Milan, Italy
  Office & engineering           152,764       2011  
Milan, Italy
  Office & engineering           10,764       2012  
Milan, Italy
  Office & engineering           121,870 (2)     2014  
 
Foster Wheeler Limited (England) (E&C)
Glasgow, Scotland
  Office & engineering     2.3 acres       28,798 (2)      
Reading, England
  Office & engineering           76,711       2011  
Reading, England
  Office & engineering     14.0 acres       395,521       2024  
Reading, England
  Investment in undeveloped land     12.0 acres              
Teesside, England
  Office & engineering           18,001       2014  
 
Foster Wheeler South Africa (PTY) Limited (E&C)
Midrand, South Africa
  Office & engineering           55,294       2011  


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Company (Business Segment*)
            Building
    Lease
 
and Location
 
Use
  Land Area     Square Feet     Expires(1)  
 
Foster Wheeler USA Corporation (E&C)
Houston, Texas
  Office & engineering           74,025       2009  
Houston, Texas
  Office & engineering           332,000       2018  
McGregor, Texas
  Storage facilities     15.0 acres       24,000        
 
Foster Wheeler Iberia, S.A. (E&C and GPG)
Madrid, Spain
  Office & engineering     5.5 acres       110,000       2015  
 
Foster Wheeler International Engineering & Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited (E&C and GPG)
Shanghai, China
  Office & engineering           50,490       2009  
Shanghai, China
  Office & engineering           23,924       2010  
 
Foster Wheeler Energi Aktiebolag (GPG)
Norrkoping, Sweden
  Manufacturing & office           38,029       2014  
 
Foster Wheeler Energia Oy (GPG)
Varkaus, Finland
  Manufacturing & office     22.2 acres       366,716        
Varkaus, Finland
  Office & engineering           100,750       2031  
Espoo, Finland
  Office & engineering           14,639       2011  
 
Foster Wheeler Energia Polska Sp. z o.o. (GPG)
Sosnowiec, Poland
  Office & engineering           25,629       (5)
 
Foster Wheeler Energia, S.A. (GPG)
Tarragona, Spain
  Manufacturing & office     25.6 acres       77,794        
 
Foster Wheeler Energy FAKOP Sp. z o.o. (GPG)
Sosnowiec, Poland
  Manufacturing & office     19.5 acres       293,058 (3)     2089  
 
Foster Wheeler International Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited (GPG)
Shanghai, China
  Office & engineering           21,031       2010  
 
Foster Wheeler Power Machinery Company Limited (GPG)
Xinhui, Guangdong, China
  Manufacturing     2.6 acres             (5)
Xinhui, Guangdong, China
  Manufacturing     3.2 acres             2012  
Xinhui, Guangdong, China
  Storage           54,412       2009  
Xinhui, Guangdong, China
  Manufacturing & office     29.2 acres       362,257 (4)     2045  
 
Foster Wheeler Power Systems, Inc. (GPG)
Camden, New Jersey
  Waste-to-energy plant     18.0 acres             2015  
Talcahuano, Chile
  Cogeneration plant-facility site     21.0 acres             2035  
Martinez, California
  Cogeneration plant     6.4 acres             2020  
 
Foster Wheeler Pyropower, Inc. (GPG)
Ridgecrest, California
  Office & storage facilities           10,000       (6)
 
Foster Wheeler Service (Thailand) Limited (GPG)
Rayong, Thailand
  Manufacturing & office     3.15 acres       41,915       2017  
 
 
     
*   Designation of Business Segments:
  E&C  -  Global Engineering & Construction Group
    GPG  -  Global Power Group
    C&F  -  Corporate & Finance Group
 
(1) Represents leases in which Foster Wheeler is the lessee. Properties for which a lease expiration is not indicated are owned.
 
(2) Portion or entire facility leased or subleased to third parties.
 
(3) 53% ownership interest.

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(4) 52% ownership interest.
 
(5) Lease facilities on a month-to-month basis with no contractual termination date.
 
(6) Foster Wheeler Pyropower, Inc. provided notice to terminate the lease in February 2009.
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
For information on asbestos claims and other material litigation affecting us, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Application of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 19, “Litigation and Uncertainties,” to our consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the quarter ended December 26, 2008.
 
At a special court-ordered meeting of common shareholders held on January 27, 2009, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. approved a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law, which is described in Item 1, “Business — The Redomestication,” as well as a related proposal to adjourn the meeting to a later date had there been insufficient votes to approve the scheme of arrangement. The voting results of the special court-ordered meeting of common shareholders were as follows:
 
                                 
                      Broker
 
    For     Against     Abstentions     Non-Votes  
 
Approval of scheme of arrangement
                               
— Number of shareholders casting votes
    904       128       44       0  
— Number of shares cast
    79,315,915       667,631       388,638       0  
Approval of motion to adjourn
    70,777,260       9,228,222       366,702       0  


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PART II
 
 
As a result of the Redomestication described in Item 1, “Business — The Redomestication,” on February 9, 2009 Foster Wheeler AG became the parent company of our group of companies and its registered shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FWLT,” the same symbol under which Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares were previously listed. The share information below relates to sales prices of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares prior to the Redomestication.
 
On January 8, 2008, the shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. approved an increase in its authorized share capital at a shareholders meeting which was necessary in order to effect a two-for-one stock split of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares in the form of a stock dividend to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shareholders in the ratio of one additional Foster Wheeler Ltd. common share in respect of each common share outstanding. As a result of these capital alterations, all references to common share prices, share capital, the number of shares, stock options, restricted awards, per share amounts, cash dividends, and any other reference to shares in this annual report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise noted, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis.
 
On November 29, 2004, the Foster Wheeler Ltd. shareholders approved a series of capital alterations including the consolidation of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s authorized common share capital at a ratio of one-for-twenty and a reduction in the par value of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares and preferred shares. As a result of these capital alterations, all references to common share prices, share capital, the number of shares, stock options, restricted awards, per share amounts, cash dividends, and any other reference to shares in this annual report on Form 10-K, unless otherwise noted, have been adjusted to reflect such capital alterations on a retroactive basis.
 
The following chart lists the quarterly high and low sales prices of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market during our fiscal years 2008 and 2007.
 
                                 
    Fiscal Quarters Ended  
    March 28,
    June 27,
    September 26,
    December 26,
 
    2008     2008     2008     2008  
 
Common share prices:
                               
High
  $ 85.65     $ 79.97     $ 75.00     $ 36.57  
Low
  $ 46.05     $ 55.86     $ 33.10     $ 13.86  
 
                                 
    Fiscal Quarters Ended  
    March 30,
    June 29,
    September 28,
    December 28,
 
    2007     2007     2007     2007  
 
Common share prices:
                               
High
  $ 29.80     $ 55.19     $ 68.40     $ 84.24  
Low
  $ 23.25     $ 28.97     $ 42.17     $ 63.24  
 
We had 2,858 shareholders of record and 126,416,237 registered shares outstanding as of February 13, 2009.
 
We have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends. Our current domestic senior credit agreement contains limitations on our ability to pay cash dividends.


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Performance Graph
 
The stock performance graph below shows how an initial investment of $100 in the common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. would have compared over a five-year period with an equal investment in (1) the S&P 500 Index and (2) industry peer group index that consists of several peer companies (referred to as the “Peer Group”) as defined below.
 
Comparision of Cumulative Total Return
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
In the preparation of the line graph, we used the following assumptions: (i) $100 was invested in each of the common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd., the S&P 500 Index and the Peer Group on December 26, 2003, (ii) dividends, if any, were reinvested, and (iii) the investments were weighted on the basis of market capitalization.
 
                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended
    December 26,
  December 31,
  December 30,
  December 29,
  December 28,
  December 26,
    2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   2008
 
Foster Wheeler Ltd. 
  $ 100.00     $ 70.85     $ 164.20     $ 246.16     $ 697.63     $ 209.29  
S&P 500 Index
    100.00       112.50       118.03       136.67       145.18       87.77  
Peer Group(1)
    100.00       129.64       198.21       241.70       487.76       177.87  
 
 
(1) The following companies comprise the Peer Group: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., Fluor Corporation, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., KBR, Inc., McDermott International, Inc. and Shaw Group, Inc. The Peer Group consists of companies that were compiled by us for benchmarking the performance of our common shares.
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
Foster Wheeler AG was incorporated in Switzerland as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Ltd. on November 25, 2008. In connection with the incorporation, Foster Wheeler Ltd. purchased 33,334 registered shares, par value CHF 3.00 per share, of Foster Wheeler AG on such date for an aggregate purchase price of CHF 100,002 (approximately $82,373.95 at the exchange rate in effect as of November 25, 2008). No underwriting commissions or discounts were paid with respect to the sale of these shares. The sale was made in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.


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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
On September 12, 2008, we announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which we were authorized to repurchase up to $750,000 of the outstanding common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. Prior to the completion of the Redomestication, Foster Wheeler Ltd., as sole shareholder of Foster Wheeler AG, approved a share repurchase program pursuant to which Foster Wheeler AG is authorized to repurchase up to $264,773 of its outstanding registered shares and designate the repurchased shares for cancellation. The amount authorized for repurchase of registered shares under the Foster Wheeler AG program is equal to the amount that remained available for repurchases under the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program as of February 9, 2009, the date of the completion of the Redomestication. The Foster Wheeler AG program replaces the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program, and no further repurchases will be made under the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program. The following table provides information with respect to common share purchases during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2008.
 
                                 
                      Approximate Dollar
 
                Total Number of
    Value of Shares
 
                Shares Purchased as
    that May Yet Be
 
                Part of Publicly
    Purchased Under
 
    Total Number of
    Average Price Paid
    Announced Plans or
    the Plans or
 
Fiscal Month
  Shares Purchased(1)     per Share     Programs     Programs  
 
September 27, 2008 through October 24, 2008
    9,233,394     $ 31.19       9,233,394          
October 25, 2008 through November 21, 2008
                         
November 22, 2008 through December 26, 2008
    7,579,577       19.43       7,579,577          
                                 
Total
    16,812,971     $ 25.89       16,812,971(2 )   $ 264,773  
                                 
 
 
(1) During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2008, we repurchased an aggregate of 16,812,971 common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. in open market transactions pursuant to the repurchase program that was publicly announced on September 12, 2008 and which authorizes us to repurchase up to $750,000 of our outstanding common shares. The Foster Wheeler AG repurchase program, which replaced the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program as of February 9, 2009 (as described above), has no expiration date and may be suspended for periods or discontinued at any time. We did not repurchase any Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares other than through our publicly announced repurchase program.
 
(2) As of December 26, 2008, an aggregate of 18,098,519 shares were purchased for a total of $485,227 since the inception of the repurchase program announced on September 12, 2008.


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ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
FOSTER WHEELER LTD.
COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL STATISTICS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
                                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
 
Statement of Operations Data:
                                       
Operating revenues
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,107,243     $ 3,495,048     $ 2,199,955     $ 2,661,324  
Income/(loss) before income taxes
    623,648 (1)     530,294 (3)     343,693 (4)     (70,181 )(5)     (232,172 )(6)
Provision for income taxes
    (97,028 )(2)     (136,420 )     (81,709 )     (39,568 )     (53,122 )
                                         
Net income/(loss)
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 261,984     $ (109,749 )   $ (285,294 )
                                         
Earnings/(loss) per common share:(7)
                                       
Basic
  $ 3.73     $ 2.78     $ 1.82(8 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (28.92 )
Diluted
  $ 3.68     $ 2.72     $ 1.72(8 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (28.92 )
Shares outstanding:(7)
                                       
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings/(loss) per common share
    141,149,590       141,661,046       132,996,384       93,140,176       9,864,740  
Effect of dilutive securities
    1,954,440       3,087,176       8,221,592       *       *  
                                         
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings/(loss) per common share
    143,104,030       144,748,222       141,217,976       93,140,176       9,864,740  
                                         
 
                                         
    As of  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
    December 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Current assets
  $ 1,790,186     $ 2,044,383     $ 1,389,628     $ 851,523     $ 1,039,458  
Current liabilities
    1,488,614       1,523,773       1,247,603       997,564       1,251,581  
Working capital
    301,572       520,610       142,025       (146,041 )     (212,123 )
Land, buildings and equipment, net
    383,209       337,485       302,488       258,672       280,305  
Total assets
    3,011,254       3,248,988       2,565,549       1,894,706       2,177,699  
Long-term debt (including current installments)
    217,364       205,346       202,969       315,412       570,073  
Total temporary equity
    7,586       2,728       983              
Total shareholders’ equity/(deficit)
    392,562       571,041       62,727       (341,158 )     (525,565 )
 
Other Data:
Unfilled orders (in terms of future revenues), end of year
  $ 5,504,400     $ 9,420,400     $ 5,431,400     $ 3,692,300     $ 2,048,100  
New orders booked (in terms of future revenues)
    4,056,000       8,882,800       4,892,200       4,163,000       2,437,100  
 
 
(1) Includes in fiscal year 2008: a charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 43”; and a net charge of $6,600 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily


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from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023 of $42,700, partially offset by gains of $36,100 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain insurance carriers.
 
(2) Includes in fiscal year 2008: a benefit of $24,100 related to the net impact of deferred tax valuation allowance adjustments at two of our non-U.S. subsidiaries.
 
(3) Includes in fiscal year 2007: gains of $13,500 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; and a charge of $7,400 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2022 and from our rolling 15 year asbestos liability estimate.
 
(4) Includes in fiscal year 2006: net asbestos-related gains of $115,700 primarily from the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; a charge of $15,600 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2021 and from our rolling 15 year asbestos liability estimate; an aggregate charge of $15,000 in conjunction with the voluntary termination of our prior domestic senior credit agreement; and a net charge of $12,500 in conjunction with the debt reduction initiatives completed in April and May 2006.
 
(5) Includes in fiscal year 2005: a charge of $113,700 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset; credit agreement costs associated with our prior domestic senior credit facility of $3,500; and an aggregate charge of $58,300 recorded in conjunction with the exchange offers for our trust preferred securities and our senior notes due 2011, which we refer to as our 2011 senior notes.
 
(6) Includes in fiscal year 2004: a gain of $19,200 on the sales of minority equity interests in special-purpose companies established to develop power plant projects in Europe; a loss of $3,300 on the sale of 10% of our equity interest in a waste-to-energy project in Italy; a charge of $75,800 on the revaluation of asbestos related asset as a result of an adverse court decision in asbestos coverage allocation litigation; a net gain of $15,200 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; restructuring and credit agreement costs of $17,200; a net charge of $175,100 recorded in conjunction with the 2004 equity-for-debt exchange; and charges for severance cost of $5,700.
 
(7) Amounts give retroactive effect to the two-for-one stock split that was effective January 22, 2008 and the one-for-twenty reverse stock split that was effective November 29, 2004.
 
(8) As described further in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K, we completed two common share purchase warrant offer transactions in January 2006. The fair value of the additional shares issued as part of the warrant offer transactions reduced net income attributable to our common shareholders when calculating earnings/(loss) per common share. The fair value of the additional shares issued was $19,445.
 
The impact of potentially dilutive securities such as outstanding stock options, warrants to purchase common shares, and the non-vested portion of restricted common shares and restricted common share units were not included in the calculation of diluted loss per common share in loss periods due to their antidilutive effect.


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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated below. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Safe Harbor Statement
 
This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, other sections of this annual report on Form 10-K and other reports and oral statements made by our representatives from time to time may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our assumptions, expectations and projections about Foster Wheeler AG and the various industries within which we operate. These include statements regarding our expectations about revenues (including as expressed by our backlog), our liquidity, the outcome of litigation and legal proceedings and recoveries from customers for claims, and the costs of current and future asbestos claims and the amount and timing of related insurance recoveries. Such forward-looking statements by their nature involve a degree of risk and uncertainty. We caution that a variety of factors, including but not limited to the factors described under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and the following, could cause business conditions and our results to differ materially from what is contained in forward-looking statements:
 
  •  benefits, effects or results of our redomestication;
 
  •  changes in the rate of economic growth in the United States and other major international economies;
 
  •  changes in investment by the oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical and power industries;
 
  •  changes in the financial condition of our customers;
 
  •  changes in regulatory environments;
 
  •  changes in project design or schedules;
 
  •  contract cancellations;
 
  •  changes in our estimates of costs to complete projects;
 
  •  changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies worldwide;
 
  •  compliance with laws and regulations relating to our global operations;
 
  •  currency fluctuations;
 
  •  war and/or terrorist attacks on facilities either owned by us or where equipment or services are or may be provided by us;
 
  •  interruptions to shipping lanes or other methods of transit;
 
  •  outcomes of pending and future litigation, including litigation regarding our liability for damages and insurance coverage for asbestos exposure;
 
  •  protection and validity of our patents and other intellectual property rights;
 
  •  increasing competition by non-U.S. and U.S. companies;
 
  •  compliance with our debt covenants;
 
  •  recoverability of claims against our customers and others by us and claims by third parties against us; and
 
  •  changes in estimates used in our critical accounting policies.


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Other factors and assumptions not identified above were also involved in the formation of these forward-looking statements and the failure of such other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the areas of risk described above in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by us.
 
In addition, this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains several statements regarding current and future general global economic conditions. These statements are based on our compilation of economic data and analyses from a variety of external sources. While we believe these statements to be reasonably accurate, global economic conditions are difficult to analyze and predict and are subject to significant uncertainty and as a result, these statements may prove to be wrong.
 
We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we make in proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Overview
 
We operate through two business groups — the Global Engineering & Construction Group, which we refer to as our Global E&C Group, and our Global Power Group. In addition to these two business groups, we also report corporate center expenses and expenses related to certain legacy liabilities, such as asbestos, in the Corporate and Finance Group, which we refer to as the C&F Group.
 
Since fiscal year 2007, we have been exploring acquisitions within the engineering and construction industry to strategically complement or expand on our technical capabilities or access to new market segments. During fiscal year 2008, we acquired a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical engineering company as part of our strategy to enhance our positioning in the pharmaceutical marketplace, especially in the U.S., and we acquired the majority of the assets and work force of an engineering design company, with an engineering center in Kolkata, India, which provides engineering services to the petrochemical, refining, upstream oil and gas and power industries. We are also exploring acquisitions within the power industry to complement our product offering. However, there is no assurance that we will consummate acquisitions in the future.
 
Subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008, at a special court-ordered meeting of common shareholders held on January 27, 2009, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. approved a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law. On February 9, 2009, after receipt of the approval of the scheme of arrangement by the Supreme Court of Bermuda and the satisfaction of certain other conditions, the transactions contemplated by the scheme of arrangement were effected. Pursuant to the scheme of arrangement, among other things, all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG, and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG, a holding company that owns the stock of its various subsidiary companies. The steps of the scheme of arrangement together with certain related transactions, which are collectively referred to as the “Redomestication,” effectively changed our place of incorporation from Bermuda to the Canton of Zug, Switzerland. Please refer to Item 1, “Business — Redomestication,” and to Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information related to the Redomestication including summary pro forma financial information as of December 26, 2008.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 Results
 
We earned record net income in fiscal year 2008, driven primarily by strong operating performance from both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group. During fiscal year 2008, we reported net income of


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$526,600 compared to net income of $393,900 in fiscal year 2007. The increase in net income in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, resulted primarily from the following:
 
  •  Increased contract profit of $151,300 mainly driven by the increased volume of operating revenues, excluding flow-through revenues which do not impact contract profit. See “— Results of Operations-Operating Revenues” below for a more detailed discussion of flow-through revenues. Additionally, the contract profit increase included the net impact of the following:
 
  •  A $7,500 commitment fee received in fiscal year 2008 for a contract that our Global Power Group was not awarded.
 
  •  The net impact to contract profit for charges of $6,700 and $30,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information on this legacy project.
 
  •  A $9,600 increase in fiscal year 2007 for the contract profit portion of the favorable resolution of project claims, described below.
 
  •  Income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate fourteen-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008.
 
  •  A net valuation allowance decrease consisting primarily of a reversal of our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and a decrease in our valuation allowance because we recognized earnings in jurisdictions where we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance partially offset by the establishment of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in another of our non-U.S. subsidiaries. Total changes in our valuation allowance contributed to an approximate six-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008.
 
These increases were partially offset by the following:
 
  •  A net asbestos-related provision of $6,600 in our C&F Group in fiscal year 2008 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023 of $42,700 offset by gains of $36,100 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain insurance carriers.
 
  •  A charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 43.” The severance charge results from our efforts to right-size our power business to match anticipated market conditions in fiscal year 2009. The $9,000 charge decreased contract profit by $6,600, increased selling, general and administrative expenses by $2,100 and increased other deductions, net by $300.
 
  •  An increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $37,600 in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, inclusive of $2,100 of severance-related charges described above.
 
  •  A net asbestos-related gain of $6,100 in our C&F Group in fiscal year 2007, related to gains of $13,500 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers and a charge of $7,400 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset.
 
  •  A $14,400 gain in our Global Power Group related to favorable resolution of project claims in fiscal year 2007. The $14,400 gain increased contract profit by $9,600 and interest income by $4,000 and reduced other deductions, net by $800.
 
Additional highlights included the following:
 
  •  Our consolidated operating revenues increased 34% to $6,854,300 in fiscal year 2008, as compared to $5,107,200 in fiscal year 2007. The increase in operating revenues in fiscal year 2008 reflects increased flow-through revenues of $1,376,400 and greater business activity in both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group.


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  •  We generated net cash from operating activities of $428,900.
 
  •  Our consolidated new orders, measured in terms of future revenues, were $4,056,000 in fiscal year 2008, as compared to $8,882,800 in fiscal year 2007.
 
  •  Our consolidated backlog of unfilled orders, measured in future revenues, as of December 26, 2008 was $5,504,400, as compared to $9,420,400 as of December 28, 2007.
 
  •  Our consolidated backlog, measured in terms of Foster Wheeler scope (as defined in the section entitled “— Backlog and New Orders” within this Item 7), as of December 26, 2008 was $2,539,300, as compared to $3,294,600 as of December 28, 2007.
 
Challenges and Drivers
 
Our primary operating focus continues to be booking quality new business and executing our contracts well. The global markets in which we operate are largely dependent on overall economic growth and the resultant demand for oil and gas, electric power, petrochemicals and refined products.
 
In our Global E&C business, long-term demand is forecasted to be strong for the end products produced by our clients, and is expected to continue to stimulate investment by our clients in new and expanded plants. Therefore, attracting and retaining qualified technical personnel to execute the existing backlog of unfilled orders and future bookings will continue to be a management priority. Equally important is ensuring that we maintain an appropriate management infrastructure to integrate and manage the technical personnel. We believe the primary drivers and constraints in our Global E&C market are: global economic growth, our clients’ long-term view of oil and natural gas prices and end product demand, and scope and timing of client investments. See “— Results of Operations-Business Segments-Global E&C Group-Overview of Segment” below for an additional discussion of the challenges and drivers that impact our Global E&C Group, including our view of the current global economic outlook.
 
In our Global Power Group business, we believe the primary drivers and constraints in the global steam generator market are: economic growth, power plant price inflation, concern related to greenhouse gas emissions, entry into new geographic markets, impact of environmental regulation, and capacity constraints of electricity markets. These drivers differ across world regions, countries and provinces. See “— Results of Operations-Business Segments-Global Power Group-Overview of Segment” below for an additional discussion of the challenges and drivers that impact our Global Power Group, including our view of the current global economic outlook.
 
New Orders
 
The Global E&C Group’s new orders, measured in future revenues, decreased to $2,707,500 in fiscal year 2008, as compared to $6,874,600 in fiscal year 2007. These new orders are inclusive of estimated flow-through revenues, as defined below, of $604,600 and $4,723,800 for fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The Global Power Group’s new orders decreased to $1,348,500 in fiscal year 2008, as compared to $2,008,200 in fiscal year 2007. Our new orders in fiscal year 2008 were impacted by the delays we have seen in some of the power markets that we serve.
 
The challenges and drivers for each of our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group are discussed in more detail in the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7.


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Results of Operations:
 
Operating Revenues:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,107,243     $ 3,495,048  
$ Change
    1,747,047       1,612,195          
% Change
    34.2 %     46.1 %        
 
The composition of our operating revenues varies from period to period based on the portfolio of contracts in execution during any given period. Our operating revenues are therefore dependent on our portfolio of contracts, the strength of the various geographic markets and industries we serve and our ability to address those markets and industries.
 
The geographic dispersion of our consolidated operating revenues for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 based upon where the project is being executed, were as follows:
 
                                                         
                2008 vs 2007           2007 vs 2006  
    2008     2007     $ Change     % Change     2006     $ Change     % Change  
 
Asia
  $ 1,575,383     $ 964,006     $ 611,377       63 %   $ 412,984     $ 551,022       133 %
Australasia*
    1,745,039       709,073       1,035,966       146 %     616,700       92,373       15 %
Europe
    1,451,670       1,329,971       121,699       9 %     997,440       332,531       33 %
Middle East
    858,592       1,006,287       (147,695 )     (15 )%     470,746       535,541       114 %
North America
    1,056,209       957,294       98,915       10 %     876,655       80,639       9 %
South America
    167,397       140,612       26,785       19 %     120,523       20,089       17 %
                                                         
Total
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,107,243     $ 1,747,047       34 %   $ 3,495,048     $ 1,612,195       46 %
                                                         
 
 
* Australasia primarily represents Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The increase in operating revenues in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, was driven by our Global E&C Group, which experienced an operating revenue increase of $1,466,000, representing 84% of the consolidated operating revenue increase. The operating revenue increase is the result of our Global E&C Group’s success in meeting the strong market demand in the oil and gas, petrochemical and refining industries that stimulated investment by our customers. In fiscal year 2008, our Global E&C Group operating revenues from these three industries increased by $1,622,500 while operating revenues from the other industries we serve declined by $156,500. Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7 for a discussion of our view of the outlook for the oil and gas, petrochemical and refining industries.
 
Our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues in fiscal year 2008 included $2,914,100 of flow-through revenues. Flow-through revenues increased by $1,377,000 from fiscal year 2007, representing 94% of the increase in our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues and 79% of the increase in consolidated operating revenues. Flow-through revenues and costs result when we purchase materials, equipment or third-party services on behalf of our customer on a reimbursable basis with no profit on the materials, equipment or third-party services and where we have the overall responsibility as the contractor for the engineering specifications and procurement or procurement services for the materials, equipment or third-party services included in flow through costs. Flow-through revenues and costs do not impact contract profit or net earnings.
 
Our Global Power Group, which predominantly serves the power generation industry, contributed $281,100, or 16%, to the increase in consolidated operating revenues in fiscal year 2008. The increase in operating revenues in our Global Power Group was primarily attributable to the execution of projects located in Europe, North America and South America.


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Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7 for further information.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The increase in operating revenues in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, was driven by our Global E&C Group, which experienced an operating revenues increase of $1,462,200, representing 91% of the consolidated operating revenues increase. In fiscal year 2007, our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues increase was driven by the oil and gas, petrochemical and refining industries, the operating revenues from which increased by $1,554,400, while operating revenues from the other industries experienced a slight decline.
 
Our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues in fiscal year 2007 included $1,537,100 of flow-through revenues, an increase in flow-through revenues of $848,300 from fiscal year 2006, representing 58% of the increase in our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues and 53% of the increase in consolidated operating revenues.
 
Our Global Power Group contributed $150,000, or 9%, to the increase in consolidated operating revenues in fiscal year 2007. The increase in operating revenues in our Global Power Group was primarily attributable to the execution of projects located in Europe and Asia.
 
Contract Profit:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 895,646     $ 744,321     $ 507,787  
$ Change
    151,325       236,534          
% Change
    20.3 %     46.6 %        
 
Contract profit is computed as operating revenues less cost of operating revenues. “Flow-through” amounts are recorded both as operating revenues and cost of operating revenues with no contract profit. Contract profit margins are computed as contract profit divided by operating revenues. Flow-through revenues reduce the contract profit margin calculation as they are included in operating revenues without any corresponding impact on contract profit. As a result, we analyze our contract profit margins excluding the impact of flow-through revenues as we believe that this is a more accurate measure of our operating performance.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The increase in contract profit in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, resulted primarily from the net impact of the following:
 
  •  Our Global E&C Group experienced increased contract profit mainly driven by the increased volume of operating revenues. Additionally, our Global E&C Group experienced increased contract profit margins, excluding the impact on contract profit margins of flow-through revenues.
 
  •  Our Global Power Group experienced increased volume of operating revenues and markedly increased contract profit margins in fiscal year 2008, as compared to fiscal year 2007, excluding the items noted below, which impacted contract profit of our Global Power Group.
 
  •  A $7,500 increase in contract profit for a commitment fee received in fiscal year 2008 for a contract that our Global Power Group was not awarded.
 
  •  A $6,600 decrease in contract profit for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112.


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  •  The net impact to contract profit for charges of $6,700 and $30,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
  •  A $9,600 increase in contract profit for a gain in fiscal year 2007 related to the favorable resolution of project claims in our Global Power Group.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The increase in contract profit in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, resulted primarily from the net impact of the following:
 
  •  Our Global E&C Group experienced increased contract profit mainly driven by the increased volume of operating revenues. Additionally, our Global E&C Group experienced increased contract profit margins, excluding the impact on contract profit margins of flow-through revenues.
 
  •  Our Global Power Group experienced increased volume of operating revenues and increased contract profit margins in fiscal year 2007, as compared to fiscal year 2006, excluding the items noted below, which impacted contract profit of our Global Power Group.
 
  •  A $9,600 increase in contract profit for a gain in fiscal year 2007 related to the favorable resolution of project claims in our Global Power Group.
 
  •  The net impact to contract profit for charges of $30,000 and $25,000 in fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7 for further information.
 
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 283,883     $ 246,237     $ 225,330  
$ Change
    37,646       20,907          
% Change
    15.3 %     9.3 %        
 
SG&A expenses include the costs associated with general management, sales pursuit, including proposal expenses, and research and development costs.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The increase in SG&A expenses in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, results from increases in sales pursuit costs of $17,200, general overhead costs of $17,700, research and development costs of $700 and severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112 in our Global Power Group of $2,100. The increase in general overhead costs was primarily attributable to the increased volume of business in fiscal year 2008, which drove an increase in the number of non-technical support staff and related costs. The general overhead costs increase also includes charges related to the settlement of pension obligations for certain former employees of $900. Please refer to Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The increase in SG&A expenses in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, results from increases in sales pursuit costs of $10,300, general overhead costs of $7,400 and research and development costs of $3,200. The increase in SG&A expenses in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, was primarily


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attributable to the increased volume of business in fiscal year 2007, which drove an increase in the number of non-technical support staff and related costs.
 
Other Income, net:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 53,001     $ 61,410     $ 48,610  
$ Change
    (8,409 )     12,800          
% Change
    (13.7 )%     26.3 %        
 
Fiscal Year 2008
 
Other income, net in fiscal year 2008 consisted primarily of $33,400 in equity earnings generated from our ownership interests in build, own and operate projects in Italy and Chile (as described further in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K), a $9,600 gain recognized at our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility from the State of New Jersey’s payment on the project’s debt and a $1,700 gain from an insurance settlement. Our share of equity earnings in certain of our projects in Italy were favorably impacted by $5,700, of which $3,400 related to reporting periods prior to fiscal year 2008, as a result of a regulatory ruling enacted during fiscal year 2008 that provides for reimbursement of costs associated with emission rights. Our share of equity earnings in certain of our projects in Italy were unfavorably impacted by $4,900, as a result of a change in tax rates as it relates to those projects. In addition, our share of equity earnings in our project in Chile increased by $1,600 due to an increase in electric tariff rates when compared to the fiscal year 2007 average electric tariff rates.
 
The decrease in other income, net in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, primarily results from a $6,600 gain on a real estate investment in fiscal year 2007.
 
Fiscal Year 2007
 
Other income, net in fiscal year 2007 consisted primarily of $37,300 in equity earnings generated from our ownership interests, in build, own, and operate projects in Italy and Chile (as described further in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K), a $6,600 gain on a real estate investment and a $9,400 gain recognized at our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility from the State of New Jersey’s payment on the project’s debt.
 
Fiscal Year 2006
 
Other income, net in fiscal year 2006 consisted primarily of $29,300 in equity earnings generated from our ownership interests, in build, own and operate projects in Italy and Chile (as described further in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K), a $1,000 gain on the sale of a previously closed manufacturing facility in Dansville, New York and a $9,200 gain recognized at our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility from the State of New Jersey’s payment on the project’s debt. In the third quarter of 2006, the majority owners of certain of the Italian projects sold their interests to another third-party. Prior to this sale, our equity in the net earnings of these projects was reported on a pretax basis in other income, net and the associated taxes were reported in the provision for income taxes because we and the other partners elected pass-through taxation treatment of the projects under local law. As a direct result of the ownership change arising from the sale, the subject entities were precluded from electing pass-through taxation treatment. As a result, commencing in fiscal year 2006, our equity in the after-tax earnings of these projects is reported in other income, net. This change reduced other income, net and the provision for taxes by $8,600 in fiscal year 2006.


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Other Deductions, net:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 54,382     $ 45,540     $ 45,453  
$ Change
    8,842       87          
% Change
    19.4 %     0.2 %        
 
Fiscal Year 2008
 
Other deductions, net in fiscal year 2008 consisted primarily of $23,100 of legal fees, $16,500 of net foreign exchange losses, $4,300 of bank fees, a $4,200 provision for dispute resolution and environmental remediation costs, $1,500 of consulting fees and $1,400 of fees related to our Redomestication (see “— Overview” above for an additional discussion of our Redomestication), partially offset by a net $(2,400) reduction in tax penalties, which includes $(5,000) of previously accrued tax penalties which were ultimately not assessed. Net foreign exchange losses include the net amount of transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. Fiscal year 2008 net foreign exchange losses primarily resulted from the sharp decline in the value of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
Fiscal Year 2007
 
Other deductions, net in fiscal year 2007 consisted primarily of $3,600 of bank fees, $20,500 of legal fees, $800 of consulting fees, $2,600 of foreign exchange losses, $1,500 of tax penalties and accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits and a $10,100 provision for dispute resolution and environmental remediation costs.
 
Fiscal Year 2006
 
Other deductions, net in fiscal year 2006 consisted primarily of $7,200 of bank fees, $17,300 of legal fees, $4,800 of consulting fees, $1,700 of foreign exchange losses, a $6,400 provision for dispute resolution and environmental remediation costs and a $4,100 charge for tax penalties, partially offset by $(1,300) of bad debt recovery.
 
Interest Income:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 44,743     $ 35,627     $ 15,119  
$ Change
    9,116       20,508          
% Change
    25.6 %     135.6 %        
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The increase in interest income in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, was driven primarily by higher average cash and cash equivalents balances, partially offset by lower interest rates and investment yields.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The increase in interest income in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, was driven primarily by higher average cash and cash equivalents balance with additional benefits from higher interest rates and investment yields.


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Interest Expense:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 17,621     $ 19,855     $ 24,944  
$ Change
    (2,234 )     (5,089 )        
% Change
    (11.3 )%     (20.4 )%        
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The decrease in interest expense in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, resulted primarily from the reduction of our debt on our Camden, New Jersey waste-to-energy facility (as discussed above) and acquisition of our Robbins 1999C bonds in October 2008 (please refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information), partially offset by an increase in interest expense resulting from the increased borrowings under our FW Power S.r.l. special-purpose limited recourse project debt as we continue construction of the electric power generating wind farm projects in Italy.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The decrease in interest expense in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, resulted from the benefits of our debt reduction initiatives completed in the second quarter of 2006.
 
Please refer to Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.
 
Minority Interest in Income of Consolidated Affiliates:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 7,249     $ 5,577     $ 4,789  
$ Change
    1,672       788          
% Change
    30.0 %     16.5 %        
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
Minority interest in income of consolidated affiliates represents third-party ownership interests in the results of our Global Power Group’s Martinez, California gas-fired cogeneration facility and our manufacturing facilities in Poland and the People’s Republic of China. The change in minority interest in income of consolidated affiliates is based upon changes in the underlying earnings of the subsidiaries. The increase in minority interest in income of consolidated affiliates in the fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, primarily resulted from a reallocation of income between us and our minority partner in our Martinez, California facility partially offset by decreased earnings mainly driven by higher natural gas pricing with an incremental benefit from increased electricity sales.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The increase in minority interest in income of consolidated affiliates for 2007 was primarily driven by higher plant availability in 2007 at the Martinez facility. This facility was shut down for two repair outages during 2006.


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Net Asbestos-Related (Provision)/Gain:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ (6,607 )   $ 6,145     $ 100,131  
$ Change
    (12,752 )     (93,986 )        
% Change
    (207.5 )%     (93.9 )%        
 
Fiscal Year 2008
 
In fiscal year 2008, the net asbestos-related provision resulted from an expense of $42,700 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023, partially offset by a gain of $36,100 associated with settlement agreements that our subsidiaries reached with certain insurance carriers.
 
Fiscal Year 2007
 
In fiscal year 2007, the net asbestos-related gain resulted from a gain of $13,500 associated with settlement agreements that our subsidiaries reached with four insurers, partially offset by a net charge of $7,400 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2022 and from our rolling 15 year asbestos liability estimate.
 
Fiscal Year 2006
 
In fiscal year 2006, the net asbestos-related gain resulted from a gain of $96,200 associated with settlement agreements that our subsidiaries reached with four insurers and a gain of $19,500 on our successful appeal of a New York state trial court decision that previously had held that New York, rather than New Jersey, law applies in the coverage litigation with our subsidiaries’ insurers, partially offset by an expense of $15,600 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2021 and from our rolling 15 year asbestos liability estimate.
 
Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.
 
Prior Domestic Senior Credit Agreement Fees and Expenses:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $     $     $ 14,955  
$ Change
          (14,955 )        
% Change
          (100.0 )%        
 
Fiscal Year 2006
 
Our prior domestic senior credit agreement fees and expenses resulted from the voluntary replacement of our prior domestic senior credit agreement with a new domestic senior credit agreement in October 2006. We were required to pay a prepayment fee of $5,000 as a result of the early termination of our prior agreement along with $500 in other termination fees and expenses. The early termination also resulted in the impairment of $9,500 of unamortized fees and expenses paid in 2005 associated with this agreement. In total, we recorded a charge of $15,000 in fiscal year 2006 in connection with the termination of our prior domestic senior credit agreement.


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Loss on Debt Reduction Initiatives:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $     $     $ 12,483  
$ Change
          (12,483 )        
% Change
          (100.0 )%        
 
Fiscal Year 2006
 
The loss on debt reduction initiatives in fiscal year 2006 resulted from the debt reduction activities completed in the second quarter of 2006. The charge to income reflects a loss of $8,200 on the exchange transaction for our 2011 senior notes resulting primarily from the difference between the fair market value of the common shares issued and the carrying value of our 2011 senior notes exchanged, a loss of $3,900 on the redemption of our 2011 senior notes resulting primarily from a make-whole premium payment, and a loss of $200 on the redemptions of our trust preferred securities and our convertible notes resulting primarily from the write-off of deferred charges. The loss on the debt reduction initiatives for fiscal 2006 was offset by an improvement in shareholders’ equity/(deficit) of $58,800, resulting from the issuance of our common shares.
 
Provision for Income Taxes:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 97,028     $ 136,420     $ 81,709  
$ Change
    (39,392 )     54,711          
% Change
    (28.9 )%     67.0 %        
 
Our effective tax rate can fluctuate significantly from period to period and may differ significantly from the U.S. federal statutory rate as a result of income taxed in various non-U.S. jurisdictions with rates different from the U.S. statutory rate and also as a result of our inability to recognize a tax benefit for losses generated by certain unprofitable operations. In addition, SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” requires us to reduce our deferred tax benefits by a valuation allowance when, based upon available evidence, it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of losses (or other deferred tax assets) will not be realized in the future. In periods when operating units subject to a valuation allowance generate pretax earnings, the corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance favorably impacts our effective tax rate. Our effective tax rate is, therefore, dependent on the location and amount of our taxable earnings and the effects of changes in valuation allowances.
 
Fiscal Year 2008
 
Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due principally to the impact of the following:
 
  •  Income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate fourteen-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008; and
 
  •  A valuation allowance decrease consisting of a reversal of our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and a decrease in our valuation allowance because we recognized earnings in jurisdictions where we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance.
 
These factors which reduce the effective tax rate were partially offset by the establishment of a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets in another of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and our inability to recognize a tax benefit for losses subject to valuation allowance in certain other jurisdictions and other permanent differences. Total changes in our valuation allowance contributed to an approximate six-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008.


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Fiscal Year 2007
 
Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2007 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due principally to the impact of the following:
 
  •  Income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate ten-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2007; and
 
  •  A valuation allowance decrease which contributed to an approximate two-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2007. A decrease in our valuation allowance occurred in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2007 because we recognized earnings in jurisdictions where we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance.
 
These variances were partially offset by losses in certain other jurisdictions for which no benefit is recognized (a valuation allowance is established) and other permanent differences.
 
Fiscal Year 2006
 
Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2006 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% due principally to the impact of the following:
 
  •  Income earned in tax jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate, which contributed to an approximate nine-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2006; and
 
  •  A valuation allowance decrease which contributed to an approximate four-percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2006. A decrease in our valuation allowance occurred in the fiscal year ended December 29, 2006 because we recognized earnings in jurisdictions where we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance.
 
These variances were partially offset by losses in certain other jurisdictions for which no benefit is recognized (a valuation allowance is established) and other permanent differences.
 
We monitor the jurisdictions for which valuation allowances against deferred tax assets were established in previous years. On a quarterly basis we evaluate the need for the valuation allowances against deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions. Such evaluation includes a review of all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether a valuation allowance is necessary. If our trend for positive earnings continues in those jurisdictions where we have recorded a valuation allowance (primarily the United States), we may conclude that a valuation allowance is no longer needed.
 
For statutory purposes, the majority of the U.S. federal tax benefits, against which valuation allowances have been established, do not expire until fiscal year 2024 and beyond, based on current tax laws.
 
EBITDA:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 686,067     $ 591,840     $ 399,514  
$ Change
    94,227       192,326          
% Change
    15.9 %     48.1 %        
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The improvement in EBITDA for fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, resulted primarily from the following:
 
  •  Increased contract profit in both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group mainly driven by the increased volume of operating revenues and an incremental benefit from increased contract profit margins in both our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group, excluding the impact on contract


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  profit margins of flow-through revenues. Please refer to the section entitled “— Contract Profit” above for further discussion on contract profit and contract profit margins and the impact of flow-through revenues on the contract profit margin calculation.
 
  •  An increase in our share of equity earnings in certain of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy of $5,700 in fiscal year 2008, of which $3,400 related to reporting periods prior to the fiscal year 2008, as a result of a recently enacted regulatory ruling that provides for reimbursement of costs associated with emission rights.
 
  •  A $7,500 increase in contract profit as a result of a commitment fee received in fiscal year 2008 for a contract that our Global Power Group was not awarded.
 
  •  An increase of $1,600 in our share of equity earnings from one of our Global Power Group’s equity interest investments during fiscal year 2008, due to the impact of an increase in electric tariff rates in Chile when compared to the fiscal year 2007 average electric tariff rates.
 
  •  The net impact to contract profit for charges of $6,700 and $30,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
These increases were partially offset by the following:
 
  •  A $16,500 net foreign exchange loss which primarily resulted from the sharp decline in the value of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
  •  A net asbestos-related provision of $6,600 in our C&F Group in fiscal year 2008, on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023 of $42,700 offset by gains of $36,100 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain insurance carriers. Please refer to the above section entitled “— Net Asbestos-Related (Provision)/Gain,” within this Item 7 for further information.
 
  •  A net asbestos-related gain of $6,100 in our C&F Group in fiscal year 2007, related to gains of $13,500 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers and a charge of $7,400 on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset. Please refer to the above section entitled “— Net Asbestos-Related (Provision)/Gain,” within this Item 7 for further information.
 
  •  A decrease in our share of equity earnings in certain of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy of $4,900 during fiscal year 2008, as a result of a change in tax rates as it relates to those projects.
 
  •  A charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112. The $9,000 charge decreased contract profit by $6,600, increased SG&A expenses by $2,100 and increased other deductions, net by $300.
 
  •  An increase in SG&A expenses of $37,600 in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, inclusive of $2,100 of severance-related charges described above.
 
  •  A $2,200 impairment charge in our Global E&C Group in fiscal year 2008 related to a 15% owned investment in a power project development in Italy carried at cost.
 
  •  A $14,400 gain in our Global Power Group related to favorable resolution of project claims in fiscal year 2007. The $14,400 gain increased contract profit by $9,600 and interest income by $4,000 and reduced other deductions, net by $800.
 
See the individual segment explanations below for additional details.


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Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The improvement in EBITDA for fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, resulted primarily from the following:
 
  •  Increased volumes of business, strong operating performance, and sustained margins by our Global E&C Group and our Global Power Group. Please refer to the section entitled “— Contract Profit” above for further discussion on contract profit margins.
 
  •  A $14,400 gain in our Global Power Group related to favorable resolution of project claims in fiscal year 2007. The $14,400 gain increased contract profit by $9,600 and interest income by $4,000 and reduced other deductions, net by $800.
 
  •  An aggregate charge of $15,000 in fiscal year 2006 in conjunction with the voluntary termination of our prior domestic senior credit agreement and a net charge of $12,500 in conjunction with the debt reduction initiatives completed in April and May 2006.
 
These increases were partially offset by the following:
 
  •  A net asbestos-related gain of $6,100 in our C&F Group in fiscal year 2007 as compared to a net asbestos-related gain of $100,100 in fiscal year 2006. Please refer to the above section entitled “— Net Asbestos-Related (Provision)/Gain,” within this Item 7 for further information.
 
  •  A net impact of $5,000 to contract profit related to charges of $30,000 and $25,000 in fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
Please refer to the section entitled “— Business Segments,” within this Item 7 for further information.
 
EBITDA is a supplemental financial measure not defined in generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. We define EBITDA as income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We have presented EBITDA because we believe it is an important supplemental measure of operating performance. EBITDA, after adjustment for certain unusual and infrequent items specifically excluded in the terms of our current and prior senior credit agreements, is used for certain covenants under our current and prior senior credit agreements. We believe that the line item on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income entitled “net income” is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA. Since EBITDA is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income as an indicator of operating performance or any other GAAP financial measure. EBITDA, as calculated by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. In addition, this measure does not necessarily represent funds available for discretionary use and is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. As EBITDA excludes certain financial information that is included in net income, users of this financial information should consider the type of events and transactions that are excluded. Our non-GAAP performance measure, EBITDA, has certain material limitations as follows:
 
  •  It does not include interest expense. Because we have borrowed money to finance some of our operations, interest is a necessary and ongoing part of our costs and has assisted us in generating revenue. Therefore, any measure that excludes interest expense has material limitations;
 
  •  It does not include taxes. Because the payment of taxes is a necessary and ongoing part of our operations, any measure that excludes taxes has material limitations; and
 
  •  It does not include depreciation and amortization. Because we must utilize property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in order to generate revenues in our operations, depreciation and amortization are necessary and ongoing costs of our operations. Therefore, any measure that excludes depreciation and amortization has material limitations.


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A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income is shown below.
 
                                 
          Global
    Global
    C&F
 
    Total     E&C Group     Power Group     Group(1)  
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2008
                               
EBITDA(2)
  $ 686,067     $ 535,602     $ 239,508     $ (89,043 )
                                 
Less: Interest expense
    (17,621 )                        
Less: Depreciation and amortization
    (44,798 )                        
                                 
Income before income taxes
    623,648                          
Provision for income taxes
    (97,028 )                        
                                 
Net income
  $ 526,620                          
                                 
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2007
                               
EBITDA(3)
  $ 591,840     $ 505,647     $ 139,177     $ (52,984 )
                                 
Less: Interest expense
    (19,855 )                        
Less: Depreciation and amortization
    (41,691 )                        
                                 
Income before income taxes
    530,294                          
Provision for income taxes
    (136,420 )                        
                                 
Net income
  $ 393,874                          
                                 
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2006
                               
EBITDA(4)
  $ 399,514     $ 323,297     $ 95,039     $ (18,822 )
                                 
Less: Interest expense
    (24,944 )                        
Less: Depreciation and amortization
    (30,877 )                        
                                 
Income before income taxes
    343,693                          
Provision for income taxes
    (81,709 )                        
                                 
Net income
  $ 261,984                          
                                 
 
 
(1) Includes general corporate income and expense, our captive insurance operation and the elimination of transactions and balances related to intercompany interest.
 
(2) Includes in fiscal year 2008: increased/(decreased) contract profit of $26,700 from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $46,300 in our Global E&C Group and $(19,600) in our Global Power Group; a charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112; and a net charge of $6,600 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023 of $42,700, partially offset by gains of $36,100 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain insurance carriers.
 
(3) Includes in fiscal year 2007: increased/(decreased) contract profit of $35,100 from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $54,500 in our Global E&C Group and $(19,400) in our Global Power Group; gains of $13,500 in our C&F Group on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; and a charge of $7,400 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2022 and from our rolling 15 year asbestos liability estimate.
 
(4) Includes in fiscal year 2006: (decreased)/increased contract profit of $(5,700) from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $14,700 in our Global E&C Group and $(20,400) in our Global Power Group; net asbestos-related gains of $115,700 in our C&F Group primarily from the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; a charge of $15,600 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2021 and from our rolling 15 year asbestos liability estimate; an aggregate charge of $15,000 in our C&F Group in conjunction with the voluntary termination of our prior


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domestic senior credit agreement; and a net charge of $12,500 in our C&F Group in conjunction with the debt reduction initiatives completed in April and May 2006.
 
Please refer to “Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts” in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding changes in our final estimated contract profits.
 
The accounting policies of our business segments are the same as those described in our summary of significant accounting policies. The only significant intersegment transactions relate to interest on intercompany balances. We account for interest on those arrangements as if they were third-party transactions — i.e. at current market rates, and we include the elimination of that activity in the results of the C&F Group.
 
Business Segments
 
EBITDA, as discussed and defined above, is the primary measure of operating performance used by our chief operating decision maker.
 
Global E&C Group
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Operating revenues
  $ 5,147,227     $ 3,681,259     $ 2,219,104  
$ Change
    1,465,968       1,462,155          
% Change
    39.8 %     65.9 %        
EBITDA
  $ 535,602     $ 505,647     $ 323,297  
$ Change
    29,955       182,350          
% Change
    5.9 %     56.4 %        
 
Results
 
The geographic dispersion of our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 based upon where the project is being executed, were as follows:
 
                                                         
                2008 vs 2007           2007 vs 2006  
    2008     2007     $ Change     % Change     2006     $ Change     % Change  
 
Asia
  $ 1,398,295     $ 800,110     $ 598,185       75 %   $ 317,413     $ 482,697       152 %
Australasia*
    1,731,781       704,121       1,027,660       146 %     615,784       88,337       14 %
Europe
    847,788       851,961       (4,173 )     (0 )%     618,129       233,832       38 %
Middle East
    857,944       1,001,193       (143,249 )     (14 )%     467,294       533,899       114 %
North America
    276,796       253,952       22,844       9 %     137,346       116,606       85 %
South America
    34,623       69,922       (35,299 )     (50 )%     63,138       6,784       11 %
                                                         
Total
  $ 5,147,227     $ 3,681,259     $ 1,465,968       40 %   $ 2,219,104     $ 1,462,155       66 %
                                                         
 
 
* Australasia primarily represents Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands.
 
Please refer to the section entitled, “— Overview of Segment” below for our view of the market outlook for Global E&C Group.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The increase in operating revenues in fiscal year 2008, as compared to fiscal year 2007, reflected increased volumes of work and flow-through revenues as a result of our Global E&C Group’s success in meeting the strong market demand in the oil and gas, petrochemical and refining industries that stimulated investment by our customers. In fiscal year 2008, our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues from these


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three industries increased by $1,622,500, while operating revenues from the other industries we serve declined by $156,500.
 
Please refer to the section entitled, “— Overview of Segment” below for our view of the outlook for the oil and gas, petrochemical and refining industries.
 
Our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues in fiscal year 2008 included $2,914,100 of flow-through revenues. Flow-through revenues increased by $1,377,000 from fiscal year 2007, representing 94% of the increase in our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues. As previously discussed, flow-through revenues and costs do not impact contract profit or net earnings.
 
The increase in our Global E&C Group’s EBITDA in fiscal year 2008, as compared to fiscal year 2007, resulted primarily from the following:
 
  •  Increased contract profit in our Global E&C Group mainly driven by the increased volume of operating revenues, and an incremental benefit from increased contract profit margins, excluding the impact on contract profit margins of flow-through revenues. Please refer to the section entitled “— Contract Profit” above for further discussion on contract profit and contract profit margins.
 
  •  Increased volumes of business due to the strength of the industries served and sustained demand for our products and services in the geographic markets served. This demand is discussed further in the section “— Overview of Segment” below.
 
  •  An increase in our share of equity earnings in certain of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy of $5,700 during the fiscal year 2008, of which $3,400 related to reporting periods prior to the fiscal year 2008, as a result of a regulatory ruling enacted during fiscal year 2008 that provides for reimbursement of costs associated with emission rights.
 
These increases were offset in part by the following:
 
  •  A $14,800 net foreign exchange loss which primarily resulted from the sharp decline in the value of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
  •  A decrease in our share of equity earnings in certain of our Global E&C Group’s projects in Italy of $4,900 during fiscal year 2008, as a result of a change in tax rates as it relates to those projects.
 
  •  A $2,200 impairment charge in our Global E&C Group in fiscal year 2008 related to a 15% owned investment in a power project development in Italy carried at cost.
 
We increased our direct technical manpower, which includes agency workforce, by 2.7% in fiscal year 2008, primarily in our Asian, North American and United Kingdom offices, to continue to address growing market opportunities. The continued increase in operational capacity, meaning the available man-hours that can be applied to projects, enabled our Global E&C Group to address the increased level of market demand during fiscal year 2008, allowing us to increase our volume of work and the associated operating revenues.
 
Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
The increase in operating revenues in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, reflected increased volumes of work at all of our Global E&C Group operating units. In fiscal year 2007, Global E&C Group operating revenues from the oil and gas, petrochemical and refinery industries increased by $1,554,400 while operating revenues from the other industries we served declined by $92,200.
 
Our Global E&C Group’s operating revenues in fiscal year 2007 included $1,537,100 of flow-through revenues, an increase in flow-through revenues of $848,300 from fiscal year 2006, representing 58% of the increase in Global E&C Group operating revenues in the period.
 
The increase in EBITDA in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, resulted primarily from the increased volumes of work at our Global E&C Group operating units. The Global E&C Group experienced sustained margins, excluding the impact on margins of flow-through revenues, compared to fiscal year 2006,


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which caused the increased volumes of work to result in a corresponding increase in EBITDA. We increased our direct technical manpower, which includes agency workforce, by 21% in fiscal year 2007, primarily in our Asian, North American and United Kingdom offices, to continue to address growing market opportunities.
 
Overview of Segment
 
Our Global E&C Group, which operates worldwide, designs, engineers and constructs onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas processing facilities, natural gas liquefaction facilities and receiving terminals, gas-to-liquids facilities, oil refining, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities and related infrastructure, including power generation and distribution facilities, and gasification facilities. Our Global E&C Group is also involved in the design of facilities in new or developing market sectors, including carbon capture and storage, solid fuel-fired integrated gasification combined-cycle power plants, coal-to-liquids, coal-to-chemicals and biofuels. Our Global E&C Group generates revenues from engineering, procurement, construction and project management activities pursuant to contracts spanning up to approximately four years in duration and from returns on its equity investments in various power production facilities.
 
Our Global E&C Group owns one of the leading technologies (delayed coking) used in refinery residue upgrading and a hydrogen production process used in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Additionally, our Global E&C Group has experience with, and is able to work with, a wide range of processes owned by others.
 
The current weakness in the global economy has caused many of our E&C clients to reevaluate the size, timing and scope of their capital spending plans in relation to the kinds of energy and petrochemical projects in which we specialize. The drop in oil and natural gas prices and, to a lesser extent, credit concerns among certain clients, have contributed to this uncertain market tone. As a result, the environment for prospective projects has become somewhat less favorable than it was in fiscal year 2007 and earlier in fiscal year 2008. Specifically, the market in late fiscal year 2008 and early fiscal year 2009 has been characterized by instances of postponement or cancellation of our prospects; resizing of prospective projects to make them more economically viable; intensified competition among E&C contractors; and pricing pressure. While such factors may be pronounced in fiscal year 2009, we believe world demand for energy will continue to grow over the long term and that clients will continue to invest in new and upgraded capacity to meet that demand. In that regard, we have been successful in continuing to book contracts for front-end engineering work, which is frequently the precursor to additional significant contractual work for engineering, procurement and construction. Moreover, we have continued to be successful in booking contracts of varying types and sizes in our key end markets. Our success in this regard is a reflection of our technical expertise, our long-term relationships with clients, and our selective approach in pursuit of new prospects where we believe we have significant differentiators.
 
Global Power Group
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Operating revenues
  $ 1,707,063     $ 1,425,984     $ 1,275,944  
$ Change
    281,079       150,040          
% Change
    19.7 %     11.8 %        
EBITDA
  $ 239,508     $ 139,177     $ 95,039  
$ Change
    100,331       44,138          
% Change
    72.1 %     46.4 %        


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Results
 
The geographic dispersion of our Global Power Group’s operating revenues for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 based upon where the project is being executed, were as follows:
 
                                                         
                2008 vs 2007           2007 vs 2006  
    2008     2007     $ Change     % Change     2006     $ Change     % Change  
 
Asia
  $ 177,088     $ 163,896     $ 13,192       8 %   $ 95,571     $ 68,325       71 %
Australasia*
    13,258       4,952       8,306       168 %     916       4,036       441 %
Europe
    603,882       478,010       125,872       26 %     379,311       98,699       26 %
Middle East
    648       5,094       (4,446 )     (87 )%     3,452       1,642       48 %
North America
    779,413       703,342       76,071       11 %     739,309       (35,967 )     (5 )%
South America
    132,774       70,690       62,084       88 %     57,385       13,305       23 %
                                                         
Total
  $ 1,707,063     $ 1,425,984     $ 281,079       20 %   $ 1,275,944     $ 150,040       12 %
                                                         
 
 
* Australasia primarily represents Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands.
 
Please refer to the section entitled, “— Overview of Segment” below for our view of the market outlook for our Global Power Group.
 
Fiscal Year 2008 vs. Fiscal Year 2007
 
The increase in our Global Power Group’s EBITDA in fiscal year 2008, as compared to fiscal year 2007, resulted primarily in the following:
 
  •  Increased volumes of business executed during the period. Refer to the section “— Overview of Segment” below for a discussion of the strength of the industries served and demand for our products and services.
 
  •  Our Global Power Group experienced improved contract profit margins in fiscal year 2008, as compared to fiscal year 2007, excluding the items noted below, which impacted contract profit of our Global Power Group.
 
  •  A $7,500 increase in contract profit as a result of a commitment fee received in fiscal year 2008 for a contract that our Global Power Group was not awarded.
 
  •  The net impact to contract profit for charges of $6,700 and $30,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
  •  An increase in our share of equity earnings, from one of our Global Power Group’s equity interest investments, of approximately $1,600 during fiscal year 2008, due to the impact of an increase in electric tariff rates in Chile when compared to the fiscal year 2007 average electric tariff rates.
 
These increases were partially offset by the following:
 
  •  A charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112. The severance charge results from our efforts to right-size our power business to match anticipated market conditions in fiscal year 2009. The $9,000 charge decreased contract profit by $6,600, increased SG&A expenses by $2,100 and increased other deductions, net by $300.
 
  •  A $2,200 net foreign exchange loss in fiscal year 2008.
 
  •  EBITDA in fiscal year 2007 includes a $14,400 gain related to favorable resolution of project claims, which increased contract profit by $9,600 and interest income by $4,000 and reduced other deductions, net by $800.


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Fiscal Year 2007 vs. Fiscal Year 2006
 
Our Global Power Group experienced higher levels of EBITDA in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, primarily as a result of the following:
 
  •  Increased volumes of business, sustained demand for our products and services, and increased margins on our contracts executed in North America, Europe and China by our Global Power Group.
 
  •  EBITDA in fiscal year 2007 included a $14,400 gain related to favorable resolution of project claims, which increased contract profit by $9,600 and interest income by $4,000 and reduced other deductions, net by $800.
 
  •  A net charge of $5,000 to contract profit related to charges of $30,000 and $25,000 in fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively, on a legacy project in our Global Power Group. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information.
 
Overview of Segment
 
Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generators for electric power generating stations, district heating plants and industrial facilities worldwide. Our competitive differentiation in serving this market is the ability of our products to efficiently burn a wide range of fuels, singularly or in combination. In particular, our CFB steam generators are able to burn coal grades of varying quality, as well as petroleum coke, lignite, municipal waste, waste wood, biomass, and numerous other materials. Among these fuel sources, coal is the most widely used, and thus the market drivers and constraints associated with coal strongly affect the steam generator market and our Global Power Group’s business. Additionally, our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects auxiliary equipment for electric power generating stations and industrial facilities worldwide and owns and/or operates several cogeneration, independent power production and waste-to-energy facilities, as well as power generation facilities for the process and petrochemical industries.
 
Our Global Power Group’s new order activity, in terms of dollars, was unfavorably affected by several trends in fiscal year 2008 and early fiscal year 2009. Weakness in the global economy reduced the near-term growth in demand for electricity. In addition, political and environmental sensitivity regarding coal-fired boilers caused a number of our Global Power Group’s prospective projects to be postponed or cancelled in fiscal year 2008 as clients experienced difficulty in obtaining required environmental permits or decided to wait for additional clarity in state and federal regulations. This environmental concern has been especially pronounced in the United States and Western Europe and is linked to the view that solid-fuel-fired steam generators contribute to global warming through the discharge of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Credit concerns among certain clients also contributed to the slowed pace of new contract awards in fiscal year 2008. Finally, the recent sharp decline in natural gas prices increased the attractiveness of that fuel, in relation to coal, for the generation of electricity. We believe that a combination of these factors will result in continued weak demand for new solid-fuel steam generators in fiscal year 2009. Longer-term, we believe that world demand for electrical energy will continue to grow and that solid-fuel-fired steam generators will continue to fill a significant portion of this incremental generating capacity. The fuel-flexibility of our CFB steam generators enables them to burn a variety of fuels other than coal and to produce carbon-neutral electricity when fired by biomass. In addition, our steam generators can be designed to incorporate supercritical technology, which significantly improves efficiency and reduces emissions. We are also developing Flexi-BurnTM technology that will enable steam generators to operate in a carbon capture environment.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Fiscal Year 2008 Activities
 
During fiscal year 2008, we generated $428,900 from cash flows from operating activities, we used cash flows for several strategic initiatives totaling $554,700 and we experienced a reduction in cash and cash equivalents of $109,600 due to the effect of exchange rate changes on our cash and cash equivalents, primarily as a result of the sharp decline in the value of the British pound relative to the U.S. dollar. Together, those were the primary drivers of our decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $275,400 during fiscal year 2008.


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Our strategic initiatives were focused on the future growth of our business and reduction of the number of outstanding common shares. Our strategic initiatives included FW Power S.r.l. wind farm construction capital expenditures, acquisition of businesses and the repurchase and retirement of our common shares under our share repurchase program as described in the section entitled “— Outlook” below.
 
The following are the significant increases and decreases in cash and cash equivalents that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008. These cash flows activities are further discussed in the below sections.
 
         
    Cash Flows Impact
 
    Increase/(Decrease)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities
  $ 428,926  
Strategic uses of cash and cash equivalents:
       
Repurchase and retirement of common shares(1)
    (485,589 )
FW Power S.r.l. wind farm construction(2)
    (54,299 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(2)
    (14,856 )
         
Strategic uses of cash flows
    (554,744 )
Other activities, net
    (39,944 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (109,619 )
         
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (275,381 )
         
 
 
(1) See below section entitled “— Cash Flows from Financing Activities” for more information.
 
(2) See below section entitled “— Cash Flows from Investing Activities” for more information.
 
Our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash balances were:
 
                                 
    As of              
    December 26,
    December 28,
             
    2008     2007     $ Change     % Change  
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 773,163     $ 1,048,544     $ (275,381 )     (26.3 )%
Short-term Investments
    2,448             2,448       N/M  
Restricted cash
    22,737       20,937       1,800       8.6 %
                                 
Total
  $ 798,348     $ 1,069,481     $ (271,133 )     (25.4 )%
                                 
 
 
N/M — not meaningful.
 
Of the $798,300 total of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash as of December 26, 2008, $646,000 was held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries.
 
Please refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional details on cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and restricted cash balances.
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ 428,926     $ 428,315     $ 264,959  
$ Change
  $ 611     $ 163,356          
% Change
    0.1 %     61.7 %        
 
Net cash provided by operations in fiscal year 2008 was positively impacted by our strong operating performance which resulted in an increase in net income of $132,700, and a net increase in cash flows of $35,800 from insurance settlements in excess of liability indemnity payments and defense costs (net proceeds


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of $16,800 versus funding of $19,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively), partially offset by a net increase in cash used for mandatory and discretionary contributions to our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans of $25,300 (payments of $105,600 and $80,300 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, which included discretionary contributions of $62,500 and $45,000 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively) and a net reduction in cash flows of $113,600 to fund an increase in working capital (net cash outflow for working capital increase of $55,000 versus net cash inflow generated from a reduction in working capital of $58,600 in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively).
 
The increase in cash provided by operations of $163,300 in fiscal year 2007, compared to fiscal year 2006, results primarily from an increase in net income of $131,900 and cash provided by a reduction in working capital of $58,600 in fiscal year 2007 versus cash provided by a reduction in working capital of $19,700 in fiscal year 2006 (net positive impact on cash flow of $38,900).
 
Our working capital varies from period to period depending on the mix, stage of completion and commercial terms and conditions of our contracts. Working capital in our Global E&C Group tends to rise as the workload of reimbursable contracts increases since services are rendered prior to billing clients while working capital tends to decrease in our Global Power Group when the workload increases as cash tends to be received prior to ordering materials and equipment.
 
The change in working capital in fiscal year 2008, compared to fiscal year 2007, reflects an increase in working capital generated by the increase in workload experienced by our Global E&C Group, partially offset by a decrease in working capital generated by the increase in workload experienced by our Global Power Group. As more fully described below in “— Outlook,” we believe our existing cash balances and forecasted net cash provided from operating activities will be sufficient to fund our operations throughout the next 12 months. Our ability to further increase our cash flows from operating activities in future periods will depend in large part on the demand for our products and services and our operating performance in the future. Please refer to the sections entitled “— Global E&C Group-Overview of Segment” and “— Global Power Group-Overview of Segment” above for our view of the outlook for each of our business segments.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ (128,584 )   $ (45,961 )   $ (25,555 )
$ Change
  $ (82,623 )   $ (20,406 )        
% Change
    179.8 %     79.9 %        
 
The net cash used in investing activities in fiscal year 2008 is attributable primarily to capital expenditures of $103,900 (which included $54,300 of expenditures in FW Power S.r.l. as we continue construction of the electric power generating wind farm projects in Italy), $14,900 for acquisitions, a $7,600 increase in investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates and an increase in restricted cash of $2,800 primarily driven by an increase in debt service reserve funds for FW Power S.r.l. Please refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional details on cash balances.
 
The net cash used in investing activities in fiscal year 2007 is attributable primarily to capital expenditures of $51,300 (which included $13,800 of expenditures in FW Power S.r.l., related to the construction of the electric power generating wind farm projects in Italy), an increase in restricted cash of $900 primarily driven by an increase in funds received from customers which are restricted for use on specific projects and an increase in debt service reserve funds for FW Power S.r.l., a $1,500 payment to purchase a Finnish company that owns patented coal flow measuring technology and a $4,800 payment made in September 2007 related to the FW Power acquisition from 2006, partially offset by a $6,300 return of investment from our unconsolidated affiliates and proceeds from the sale of assets of $7,600.


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The cash used in investing activities in fiscal year 2006 was attributable primarily to capital expenditures of $30,300 and a $6,600 increase in investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by a decrease in restricted cash of $8,900 and proceeds from the sale of assets of $1,900.
 
The capital expenditures in each of the fiscal years related primarily to project construction (including the FW Power S.r.l. electric power generating wind farm projects in Italy noted above), leasehold improvements, information technology equipment and office equipment. The increase in capital expenditures over the three year period has been driven primarily by our Global E&C Group, with particular increases driven by operations in Italy and the United States. Our Global Power Group capital expenditure increase over the three year period was driven primarily by our China and European operations. For further information on capital expenditures by segment, please see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Amount
  $ (466,104 )   $ 35,069     $ (828 )
$ Change
  $ (501,173 )   $ 35,897          
% Change
    (1429.1 )%     N/M          
 
 
N/M — not meaningful
 
The net cash used in financing activities in fiscal year 2008 is attributable primarily to $485,600 (which includes commissions of $400) used to repurchase and retire Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares associated with the share repurchase program described below, distributions by us to minority third-party ownership interests of $9,600 and repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations of $28,700, which includes $19,000 of cash to acquire our 1999C Robbins Bonds (as defined in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K), partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt and project debt of $54,600 and cash provided from exercises of stock options of $2,800.
 
The net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal year 2007 is attributable primarily to cash provided from exercises of stock options and warrants and proceeds from the issuance of special-purpose limited recourse project debt by FW Power S.r.l., partially offset by the repayment of debt and capital lease obligations.
 
The net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal year 2006 is attributable primarily to cash provided from exercises of stock options and warrants, partially offset by the reduction in debt, including our 2011 senior notes, and capital lease obligations and the payment of deferred financing costs in conjunction with our senior credit agreement.
 
Outlook
 
Our liquidity forecasts cover, among other analyses, existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, cash repatriations from non-U.S. subsidiaries, working capital needs, unused credit line availability and claim recoveries and proceeds from asset sales, if any. These forecasts extend over a rolling 12-month period. Based on these forecasts, we believe our existing cash balances and forecasted net cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to fund our operations throughout the next 12 months. Based on these forecasts, our primary cash needs will be to fund working capital, capital expenditures, asbestos liability indemnity and defense costs, acquisitions and up to $264,800 for the remaining portion of our $750,000 share repurchase program described below. The majority of our cash balances are invested in short-term interest bearing accounts with maturities of less than three months. We continue to consider investing some of our cash in longer-term investment opportunities, including the acquisition of other entities or operations in the engineering and construction industry or power industry and/or the reduction of certain liabilities such as unfunded pension liabilities.


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We have performed an evaluation of our credit exposure in response to the current global credit market crisis. The evaluation included analysis of counterparty credit exposure, in general, and specifically related to cash and cash equivalents, bonding and bank guarantees, forward currency contracts, pension assets, insurance assets and clients. We believe that we are well diversified and third-party credit exposure should not expose us to material downside risks. We will continue to closely monitor the global liquidity and credit market crisis and continue to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to limit our exposure.
 
It is customary in the industries in which we operate to provide standby letters of credit, bank guarantees or performance bonds in favor of clients to secure obligations under contracts. We believe that we will have sufficient letter of credit capacity from existing facilities throughout the next 12 months.
 
Our U.S. operating entities do not generate sufficient cash flows to fund our obligations related to corporate overhead expenses and asbestos-related liabilities or to fund the acquisition of our shares under our share repurchase program described below. Consequently, we require cash repatriations from our non-U.S. subsidiaries in the normal course of our operations to meet our U.S. cash needs and have successfully repatriated cash for many years. We believe that we can repatriate the required amount of cash from our non-U.S. subsidiaries and we continue to have access to the revolving credit portion of our domestic senior credit facility, if needed.
 
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, we repatriated cash totaling approximately $384,000 from our non-U.S. subsidiaries primarily to fund our share repurchase program, which is described below.
 
We had net cash inflows of $16,800 as a result of insurance settlement proceeds in excess of the asbestos liability indemnity payments and defense costs during fiscal year 2008. We expect to fund a total of $26,500 of the asbestos liability indemnity and defense costs from our cash flows in fiscal year 2009, net of the cash expected to be received from existing insurance settlements. This estimate assumes no additional settlements with insurance companies or elections by us to fund additional payments. As we continue to collect cash from insurance settlements and assuming no increase in our asbestos-related insurance liability or any future insurance settlements, the asbestos-related insurance receivable recorded on our balance sheet will continue to decrease.
 
During fiscal year 2008, we spent €36,900 (approximately $54,300 at the average exchange rate for fiscal year 2008) in FW Power S.r.l. and we anticipate spending €16,300 (approximately $22,900 at the exchange rate as of December 26, 2008) in fiscal year 2009 as we continue construction of the electric power generating wind farm projects in Italy. We have secured total borrowing capacity under the FW Power S.r.l. credit facilities of €75,400 (approximately $105,700 at the exchange rate as of December 26, 2008).
 
We have a senior credit agreement which provides for a facility of $450,000 and includes a provision which permits future incremental increases of up to $100,000 in total availability under the facility. We had $273,500 and $245,800 of letters of credit outstanding under our domestic senior credit agreement as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. The letter of credit fees now range from 1.50% to 1.60%, excluding a fronting fee of 0.125% per annum. We do not intend to borrow under our domestic senior revolving credit facility during fiscal year 2009. A portion of the letters of credit issued under the domestic senior credit agreement have performance pricing that is decreased (or increased) as a result of improvements (or reductions) in the credit rating assigned to the domestic senior credit agreement by Moody’s Investors Service and/or Standard & Poor’s. However, this performance pricing is not expected to materially impact our liquidity or capital resources in fiscal year 2009.
 
We are not required to make any mandatory contributions to our U.S. pension plans in fiscal year 2009. We expect to make mandatory contributions totaling approximately $24,700 to our non-U.S. pension plans in fiscal year 2009.
 
On September 12, 2008, we announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which we were authorized to repurchase up to $750,000 of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s outstanding common shares. In connection with the Redomestication described in Item 1, “Business — The Redomestication,” Foster Wheeler AG adopted a share repurchase program pursuant to which it is authorized to repurchase up to $264,800 of its outstanding registered shares and designate the repurchased shares for cancellation. The amount authorized for repurchase


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of registered shares under the Foster Wheeler AG program is equal to the amount that remained available for repurchases under the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program as of February 9, 2009, the date of the completion of the Redomestication. The Foster Wheeler AG program replaces the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program, and no further repurchases will be made under the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program. Any repurchases will be made at our discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, share price and other factors. The program does not obligate us to acquire any particular number of shares. The program has no expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Any repurchases made pursuant to the share repurchase program will be funded using our cash on hand. Please refer to Part I, Item 5, for a description of the common shares purchased pursuant to the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program in the fiscal quarter ended December 26, 2008. Cumulatively through February 24, 2009, we have repurchased 18,098,519 shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $485,600 (which includes commissions of $400). We have executed the repurchases in accordance with 10b5-1 repurchase plans as well as other open market purchases. The 10b5-1 repurchase plans allow us to purchase shares at times when we may not otherwise do so due to regulatory or internal restrictions. Purchases under the 10b5-1 repurchase plans are based on parameters set forth in the plans.
 
Effective September 29, 2008, we and the requisite lenders under our domestic senior credit agreement amended the domestic senior credit agreement to (1) allow us to use cash of up to $750,000 to repurchase our outstanding common shares under our share repurchase program, subject to certain conditions, and (2) increase the aggregate amount of permissible capital expenditures from $40,000 to $80,000 for fiscal year 2008 and $70,000 for fiscal years thereafter, subject to certain adjustments that have been reflected in the domestic senior credit agreement since its original execution in September 2006, including, among other items, an exclusion related to capital expenditures that are financed by special-purpose project debt. Please refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for a detailed listing of our special-purpose project debt.
 
On December 18, 2008, Foster Wheeler AG, Foster Wheeler Ltd., certain of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s subsidiaries and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, entered into an additional amendment of our domestic senior credit agreement. The amendment includes a consent of the lenders under the credit agreement to the Redomestication. In addition, the amendment reflects the addition of Foster Wheeler AG as a guarantor of the obligations under the credit agreement and reflects changes relating to Foster Wheeler AG becoming the ultimate parent of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its subsidiaries upon completion of the Redomestication. The amendment became effective upon consummation of the Redomestication on February 9, 2009.
 
We have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends. Our current credit agreement contains limitations on cash dividend payments as well as other restricted payments.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We own several noncontrolling equity interests in power projects in Chile and Italy. Certain of the projects have third-party debt that is not consolidated in our balance sheet. We have also issued certain guarantees for the Chilean project. Please refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information related to these projects.


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Contractual Obligations
 
We have contractual obligations comprised of long-term debt, non-cancelable operating lease commitments, purchase commitments, capital lease commitments and pension funding requirements. Our expected cash flows related to contractual obligations outstanding as of December 26, 2008 are as follows:
 
                                         
          Less than
                More than
 
    Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
 
Long-term debt:
                                       
Principal
  $ 151,600     $ 23,200     $ 42,500     $ 19,900     $ 66,000  
Interest
    50,300       10,000       14,100       9,800       16,400  
Non-cancelable operating lease commitments
    361,900       52,100       79,500       57,200       173,100  
Purchase commitments
    2,952,900       2,878,700       72,800       1,400        
Capital lease obligations:
                                       
Principal
    65,800       1,100       2,900       4,000       57,800  
Interest
    68,700       7,300       13,600       12,400       35,400  
Pension funding requirements — U.S.(1)
    88,000             40,900       47,100        
Pension funding requirements — non-U.S.(1)
    121,700       24,700       49,100       47,900        
                                         
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 3,860,900     $ 2,997,100     $ 315,400     $ 199,700     $ 348,700  
                                         
 
 
(1) Funding requirements are expected to extend beyond five years; however, data for contribution requirements beyond five years are not yet available. These projections assume we do not make any discretionary contributions.
 
The table above does not include payments of our asbestos-related liabilities as we cannot reasonably predict the timing of the net cash outflows associated with this liability beyond 2009. We expect to fund $26,500 of our asbestos liability indemnity and defense costs from our cash flows in fiscal year 2009 net of the cash expected to be received from existing insurance settlements. Please refer to Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.
 
The table above does not include payments relating to our uncertain tax positions as we cannot reasonably predict the timing of the net cash outflows associated with this liability beyond 2009. We expect to pay $5,700 relating to our uncertain tax provisions (including interest and penalties) from our cash flows in fiscal year 2009. Our total liability (including accrued interest and penalties) is $70,300 as of December 26, 2008. Please refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.
 
In certain instances in the normal course of business, we have provided security for contract performance consisting of standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds. As of December 26, 2008, such commitments and their period of expiration are as follows:
 
                                         
                            More than
 
    Total     Less than 1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
 
Bank issued letters of credit and guarantees
  $ 884,600     $ 388,400     $ 323,300     $ 88,500     $ 84,400  
Surety bonds
    29,900                   29,900        
                                         
Total commitments
  $ 914,500     $ 388,400     $ 323,300     $ 118,400     $ 84,400  
                                         
 
Please refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of guarantees.


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Backlog and New Orders
 
The backlog of unfilled orders includes amounts based on signed contracts as well as agreed letters of intent, which we have determined are legally binding and likely to proceed. Although backlog represents only business that is considered likely to be performed, cancellations or scope adjustments may and do occur. The elapsed time from the award of a contract to completion of performance may be up to approximately four years. The dollar amount of backlog is not necessarily indicative of our future earnings related to the performance of such work due to factors outside our control, such as changes in project schedules, scope adjustments or project cancellations. We cannot predict with certainty the portion of backlog to be performed in a given year. Backlog is adjusted quarterly to reflect project cancellations, deferrals, revised project scope and cost, and sales of subsidiaries, if any.
 
Backlog measured in Foster Wheeler scope reflects the dollar value of backlog excluding third-party costs incurred by us on a reimbursable basis as agent or principal, which we refer to as flow-through costs. Foster Wheeler scope measures the component of backlog with profit potential and corresponds to our services plus fees for reimbursable contracts and total selling price for fixed-price or lump-sum contracts.
 
                         
    Global
    Global
       
    E&C Group     Power Group     Total  
 
NEW ORDERS (FUTURE REVENUES) BY PROJECT LOCATION:
Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2008:
                       
North America
  $ 352,500     $ 571,000     $ 923,500  
South America
    153,200       134,300       287,500  
Europe
    981,000       512,800       1,493,800  
Asia
    665,100       117,500       782,600  
Middle East
    216,400       100       216,500  
Australasia and other
    339,300       12,800       352,100  
                         
Total
  $ 2,707,500     $ 1,348,500     $ 4,056,000  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2007:
                       
North America
  $ 212,300     $ 1,028,500     $ 1,240,800  
South America
    30,100       144,100       174,200  
Europe
    845,400       649,600       1,495,000  
Asia
    1,468,500       172,800       1,641,300  
Middle East
    437,700       5,300       443,000  
Australasia and other
    3,880,600       7,900       3,888,500  
                         
Total
  $ 6,874,600     $ 2,008,200     $ 8,882,800  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2006:
                       
North America
  $ 287,000     $ 755,400     $ 1,042,400  
South America
    11,200       85,900       97,100  
Europe
    735,300       268,500       1,003,800  
Asia
    1,307,200       83,700       1,390,900  
Middle East
    1,043,800       1,600       1,045,400  
Australasia and other
    310,800       1,800       312,600  
                         
Total
  $ 3,695,300     $ 1,196,900     $ 4,892,200  
                         


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    Global
    Global
       
    E&C Group     Power Group     Total  
 
NEW ORDERS (FUTURE REVENUES) BY INDUSTRY:
Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2008:
                       
Power generation
  $ 43,500     $ 1,212,100     $ 1,255,600  
Oil refining
    1,523,300             1,523,300  
Pharmaceutical
    110,400             110,400  
Oil and gas
    457,200             457,200  
Chemical/petrochemical
    516,100             516,100  
Power plant operation and maintenance
          136,400       136,400  
Environmental
    24,000             24,000  
Other, net of eliminations
    33,000             33,000  
                         
Total
  $ 2,707,500     $ 1,348,500     $ 4,056,000  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2007:
                       
Power generation
  $ 96,000     $ 1,883,500     $ 1,979,500  
Oil refining
    1,218,400             1,218,400  
Pharmaceutical
    81,800             81,800  
Oil and gas
    4,082,100             4,082,100  
Chemical/petrochemical
    1,356,000             1,356,000  
Power plant operation and maintenance
          124,700       124,700  
Environmental
    15,000             15,000  
Other, net of eliminations
    25,300             25,300  
                         
Total
  $ 6,874,600     $ 2,008,200     $ 8,882,800  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2006:
                       
Power generation
  $ 95,700     $ 1,096,100     $ 1,191,800  
Oil refining
    1,342,200             1,342,200  
Pharmaceutical
    107,600             107,600  
Oil and gas
    444,500             444,500  
Chemical/petrochemical
    1,593,300             1,593,300  
Power plant operation and maintenance
          100,800       100,800  
Environmental
    87,800             87,800  
Other, net of eliminations
    24,200             24,200  
                         
Total
  $ 3,695,300     $ 1,196,900     $ 4,892,200  
                         

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    Global
    Global
       
    E&C Group     Power Group     Total  
 
BACKLOG (FUTURE REVENUES) BY CONTRACT TYPE:
As of December 26, 2008:
                       
Lump-sum turnkey
  $ 10,100     $ 260,900     $ 271,000  
Other fixed-price
    338,400       772,000       1,110,400  
Reimbursable
    3,981,200       153,600       4,134,800  
Eliminations
    (2,900 )     (8,900 )     (11,800 )
                         
Total
  $ 4,326,800     $ 1,177,600     $ 5,504,400  
                         
As of December 28, 2007:
                       
Lump-sum turnkey
  $ 66,500     $ 434,700     $ 501,200  
Other fixed-price
    470,900       978,300       1,449,200  
Reimbursable
    7,289,700       191,200       7,480,900  
Eliminations
    (5,100 )     (5,800 )     (10,900 )
                         
Total
  $ 7,822,000     $ 1,598,400     $ 9,420,400  
                         
As of December 29, 2006:
                       
Lump-sum turnkey
  $ 194,000     $ 256,100     $ 450,100  
Other fixed-price
    454,600       637,600       1,092,200  
Reimbursable
    3,886,600       37,500       3,924,100  
Eliminations
    (33,700 )     (1,300 )     (35,000 )
                         
Total
  $ 4,501,500     $ 929,900     $ 5,431,400  
                         

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    Global
    Global
       
    E&C Group     Power Group     Total  
 
BACKLOG (FUTURE REVENUES) BY PROJECT LOCATION:
As of December 26, 2008:
                       
North America
  $ 212,600     $ 518,800     $ 731,400  
South America
    139,900       130,500       270,400  
Europe
    672,100       436,900       1,109,000  
Asia
    1,140,000       87,400       1,227,400  
Middle East
    341,900       100       342,000  
Australasia and other
    1,820,300       3,900       1,824,200  
                         
Total
  $ 4,326,800     $ 1,177,600     $ 5,504,400  
                         
As of December 28, 2007:
                       
North America
  $ 150,900     $ 742,900     $ 893,800  
South America
    26,200       132,800       159,000  
Europe
    610,700       580,000       1,190,700  
Asia
    2,014,200       137,700       2,151,900  
Middle East
    1,051,900       600       1,052,500  
Australasia and other
    3,968,100       4,400       3,972,500  
                         
Total
  $ 7,822,000     $ 1,598,400     $ 9,420,400  
                         
As of December 29, 2006:
                       
North America
  $ 205,600     $ 459,700     $ 665,300  
South America
    55,700       49,200       104,900  
Europe
    599,800       338,700       938,500  
Asia
    1,269,200       80,000       1,349,200  
Middle East
    1,592,300       800       1,593,100  
Australasia and other
    778,900       1,500       780,400  
                         
Total
  $ 4,501,500     $ 929,900     $ 5,431,400  
                         
 
The foreign currency translation impact on backlog resulted in year-over-year (decreases)/increases of $(1,050,000), $275,100 and $486,600 as of December 26, 2008, December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively.
 

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    Global
    Global
       
    E&C Group     Power Group     Total  
 
BACKLOG (FUTURE REVENUES) BY INDUSTRY:
                       
As of December 26, 2008:
                       
Power generation
  $ 30,500     $ 1,049,500     $ 1,080,000  
Oil refining
    1,497,100             1,497,100  
Pharmaceutical
    50,400             50,400  
Oil and gas
    1,872,700             1,872,700  
Chemical/petrochemical
    856,400             856,400  
Power plant operation and maintenance
          128,100       128,100  
Environmental
    7,200             7,200  
Other, net of eliminations
    12,500             12,500  
                         
Total
  $ 4,326,800     $ 1,177,600     $ 5,504,400  
                         
Foster Wheeler scope in backlog
  $ 1,374,500     $ 1,164,800     $ 2,539,300  
                         
E&C man-hours in backlog (in thousands)
    12,600               12,600  
                         
As of December 28, 2007:
                       
Power generation
  $ 56,400     $ 1,476,600     $ 1,533,000  
Oil refining
    1,633,100             1,633,100  
Pharmaceutical
    41,400             41,400  
Oil and gas
    4,078,600             4,078,600  
Chemical/petrochemical
    1,988,000             1,988,000  
Power plant operation and maintenance
          121,800       121,800  
Environmental
    12,700             12,700  
Other, net of eliminations
    11,800             11,800  
                         
Total
  $ 7,822,000     $ 1,598,400     $ 9,420,400  
                         
Foster Wheeler scope in backlog
  $ 1,709,100     $ 1,585,500     $ 3,294,600  
                         
E&C man-hours in backlog (in thousands)
    13,400               13,400  
                         
As of December 29, 2006:
                       
Power generation
  $ 122,000     $ 812,200     $ 934,200  
Oil refining
    1,736,400             1,736,400  
Pharmaceutical
    106,000             106,000  
Oil and gas
    901,700             901,700  
Chemical/petrochemical
    1,576,800             1,576,800  
Power plant operation and maintenance
          117,700       117,700  
Environmental
    61,700             61,700  
Other, net of eliminations
    (3,100 )           (3,100 )
                         
Total
  $ 4,501,500     $ 929,900     $ 5,431,400  
                         
Foster Wheeler scope in backlog
  $ 1,611,500     $ 916,700     $ 2,528,200  
                         
E&C man-hours in backlog (in thousands)
    11,600               11,600  
                         

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Inflation
 
The effect of inflation on our financial results is minimal. Although a majority of our revenues are realized under long-term contracts, the selling prices of such contracts, established for deliveries in the future, generally reflect estimated costs to complete the projects in these future periods. In addition, many of our projects are reimbursable at actual cost plus a fee, while some of the fixed-price contracts provide for price adjustments through escalation clauses.
 
Application of Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors approve the critical accounting policies.
 
Highlighted below are the accounting policies that we consider significant to the understanding and operations of our business as well as key estimates that are used in implementing the policies.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenues and profits on long-term contracts are recorded under the percentage-of-completion method.
 
Progress towards completion on fixed price contracts is measured based on physical completion of individual tasks for all contracts with a value of $5,000 or greater. For contracts with a value less than $5,000, progress toward completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs (the cost-to-cost method).
 
Progress towards completion on cost-reimbursable contracts is measured based on the ratio of quantities expended to total forecasted quantities, typically man-hours. Incentives are also recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis when the realization of an incentive is assessed as probable. We include flow-through costs consisting of materials, equipment or subcontractor services as both operating revenues and cost of operating revenues on cost-reimbursable contracts when we have overall responsibility as the contractor for the engineering specifications and procurement or procurement services for such costs. There is no contract profit impact of flow-through costs as they are included in both operating revenues and cost of operating revenues.
 
Contracts in process are stated at cost, increased for profits recorded on the completed effort or decreased for estimated losses, less billings to the customer and progress payments on uncompleted contracts.
 
We have numerous contracts that are in various stages of completion. Such contracts require estimates to determine the extent of revenue and profit recognition. We rely extensively on estimates to forecast quantities of labor (man-hours), materials and equipment, the costs for those quantities (including exchange rates), and the schedule to execute the scope of work including allowances for weather, labor and civil unrest. Many of these estimates cannot be based on historical data, as most contracts are unique, specifically designed facilities. In determining the revenues, we must estimate the percentage-of-completion, the likelihood that the client will pay for the work performed, and the cash to be received net of any taxes ultimately due or withheld in the country where the work is performed. Projects are reviewed on an individual basis and the estimates used are tailored to the specific circumstances. In establishing these estimates, we exercise significant judgment, and all possible risks cannot be specifically quantified.
 
The percentage-of-completion method requires that adjustments or re-evaluations to estimated project revenues and costs, including estimated claim recoveries, be recognized on a project-to-date cumulative basis, as changes to the estimates are identified. Revisions to project estimates are made as additional information becomes known, including information that becomes available subsequent to the date of the consolidated financial statements up through the date such consolidated financial statements are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If the final estimated profit to complete a long-term contract indicates a loss, provision is made immediately for the total loss anticipated. Profits are accrued throughout the life of the project based on the percentage-of-completion. The project life cycle, including project-specific warranty commitments, can be up to approximately six years in duration.


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The actual project results can be significantly different from the estimated results. When adjustments are identified near or at the end of a project, the full impact of the change in estimate is recognized as a change in the profit on the contract in that period. This can result in a material impact on our results for a single reporting period. We review all of our material contracts on a monthly basis and revise our estimates as appropriate for developments such as earning project incentive bonuses, incurring or expecting to incur contractual liquidated damages for performance or schedule issues, providing services and purchasing third-party materials and equipment at costs differing from those previously estimated and testing completed facilities, which, in turn, eliminates or confirms completion and warranty-related costs. Project incentives are recognized when it is probable they will be earned. Project incentives are frequently tied to cost, schedule and/or safety targets and, therefore, tend to be earned late in a project’s life cycle.
 
Changes in estimated final contract revenues and costs can either increase or decrease the final estimated contract profit. In the period in which a change in estimate is recognized, the cumulative impact of that change is recorded based on progress achieved through the period of change. There were 33, 38, and 29 separate projects that had final estimated contract profit revisions whose impact on contract profit exceeded $1,000 in fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The changes in final estimated contract profits resulted in a net increase/(decrease) of $26,700, $35,100, and $(5,700) to reported contract profit for fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, relating to the revaluation of work performed on contracts in prior periods. The impact on contract profit is measured as of the beginning of each fiscal year and represents the incremental contract profit or loss that would have been recorded in prior periods had we been able to recognize in those periods the impact of the current period changes in final estimated profits.
 
Asbestos
 
Some of our U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries are defendants in numerous asbestos-related lawsuits and out-of-court informal claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom. Plaintiffs claim damages for personal injury alleged to have arisen from exposure to or use of asbestos in connection with work allegedly performed by our subsidiaries during the 1970s and earlier. The calculation of asbestos-related liabilities and assets involves the use of estimates as discussed below.
 
We believe the most critical assumptions within our asbestos liability estimate are the number of future mesothelioma claims to be filed against us, the number of mesothelioma claims that ultimately will require payment from us or our insurers, and the indemnity payments required to resolve those mesothelioma claims.
 
United States
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had recorded total liabilities of $385,300 comprised of an estimated liability of $158,000 relating to open (outstanding) claims being valued and an estimated liability of $227,300 relating to future unasserted claims through year-end 2023. Of the total, $64,500 is recorded in accrued expenses and $320,800 is recorded in asbestos-related liability on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Since year-end 2004, we have worked with Analysis Research Planning Corporation, or ARPC, nationally recognized consultants in projecting asbestos liabilities, to estimate the amount of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs at year-end for the next 15 years. Based on its review of fiscal year 2008 activity, ARPC recommended that the assumptions used to estimate our future asbestos liability be updated as of fiscal year-end 2008. Accordingly, we developed a revised estimate of our aggregate indemnity and defense costs through fiscal year 2023 considering the advice of ARPC. In fiscal year 2008, we revalued our liability for asbestos indemnity and defense costs through fiscal year 2023 to $385,300, which brought our liability to a level consistent with ARPC’s reasonable best estimate. In connection with updating our estimated asbestos liability and related asset, we recorded a charge of $42,700 in fiscal year 2008 resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023.
 
Our liability estimate is based upon the following information and/or assumptions: number of open claims, forecasted number of future claims, estimated average cost per claim by disease type — mesothelioma, lung cancer, and non-malignancies — and the breakdown of known and future claims into disease type — mesothelioma, lung cancer or non-malignancies. The total estimated liability, which has not been discounted


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for the time value of money, includes both the estimate of forecasted indemnity amounts and forecasted defense costs. Total defense costs and indemnity liability payments are estimated to be incurred through fiscal year 2023, during which period the incidence of new claims is forecasted to decrease each year. We believe that it is likely that there will be new claims filed after fiscal year 2023, but in light of uncertainties inherent in long-term forecasts, we do not believe that we can reasonably estimate the indemnity and defense costs that might be incurred after fiscal year 2023. Historically, defense costs have represented approximately 30% of total defense and indemnity costs. Through December 26, 2008, cumulative indemnity costs paid, prior to insurance recoveries, were approximately $658,000 and total defense costs paid were approximately $286,300.
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had recorded assets of $284,800, which represents our best estimate of actual and probable insurance recoveries relating to our liability for pending and estimated future asbestos claims through fiscal year 2023; $38,200 of this asset is recorded within accounts and notes receivable-other, and $246,600 is recorded as asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. The asbestos-related asset recorded within accounts and notes receivable-other as of December 26, 2008 reflects amounts due in the next 12 months under executed settlement agreements with insurers and does not include any estimate for future settlements. The recorded asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable includes an estimate of recoveries from insurers in the unsettled insurance coverage litigation referred to below based upon the application of New Jersey law to certain insurance coverage issues and assumptions relating to cost allocation and other factors as well as an estimate of the amount of recoveries under existing settlements with other insurers. Such amounts have not been discounted for the time value of money.
 
Since fiscal year-end 2005, we have worked with Peterson Risk Consulting, nationally recognized experts in the estimation of insurance recoveries, to review our estimate of the value of the settled insurance asset and assist in the estimation of our unsettled asbestos insurance asset. Based on insurance policy data, historical claim data, future liability estimates including the expected timing of payments and allocation methodology assumptions we provided them, Peterson Risk Consulting provided an analysis of the unsettled insurance asset as of December 26, 2008. We utilized that analysis to determine our estimate of the value of the unsettled insurance asset as of December 26, 2008.
 
As of December 26, 2008, we estimated the value of our unsettled asbestos insurance asset related to ongoing litigation in New York state court with our subsidiaries’ insurers at $24,800. The litigation relates to the amounts of insurance coverage available for asbestos-related claims and the proper allocation of the coverage among our subsidiaries’ various insurers and our subsidiaries as self-insurers. We believe that any amounts that our subsidiaries might be allocated as self-insurer would be immaterial.
 
An adverse outcome in the pending insurance litigation described above could limit our remaining insurance recoveries and result in a reduction in our insurance asset. However, a favorable outcome in all or part of the litigation could increase remaining insurance recoveries above our current estimate. If we prevail in whole or in part in the litigation, we will re-value our asset relating to remaining available insurance recoveries based on the asbestos liability estimated at that time.
 
We have considered the asbestos litigation and the financial viability and legal obligations of our subsidiaries’ insurance carriers and believe that, except for those insurers that have become insolvent for which a reserve has been provided, the insurers or their guarantors will continue to reimburse a significant portion of claims and defense costs relating to asbestos litigation. The overall historic average combined indemnity and defense cost per resolved claim through December 26, 2008 has been approximately $2.7. The average cost per resolved claim is increasing and we believe will continue to increase in the future.
 
We plan to update our forecasts periodically to take into consideration our experience and other considerations to update our estimate of future costs and expected insurance recoveries. The estimate of the liabilities and assets related to asbestos claims and recoveries is subject to a number of uncertainties that may result in significant changes in the current estimates. Among these are uncertainties as to the ultimate number and type of claims filed, the amounts of claim costs, the impact of bankruptcies of other companies with asbestos claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, as well as potential legislative changes. Increases in the number of claims filed or costs to resolve


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those claims could cause us to increase further the estimates of the costs associated with asbestos claims and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
The following chart reflects the sensitivities in the fiscal year 2008 consolidated financial statements associated with a change in certain estimates used in relation to the U.S. asbestos-related liabilities.
 
         
    Approximate Change
 
Changes (Increase or Decrease) in Assumption:
  in Liability  
 
One-percentage point change in the inflation rate related to the indemnity and defense costs
  $ 21,900  
Twenty-five percent change in average indemnity settlement amount
    59,800  
Twenty-five percent change in forecasted number of new claims
    56,900  
 
Based on the fiscal year-end 2008 liability estimate, an increase of 25% in the average per claim indemnity settlement amount would increase the liability by $59,800 as described above and the impact on expense would be dependent upon available additional insurance recoveries. Assuming no change to the assumptions currently used to estimate our insurance asset, this increase would result in a charge in the statement of operations in the range of approximately 70% to 80% of the increase in the liability. Long-term cash flows would ultimately change by the same amount. Should there be an increase in the estimated liability in excess of this 25%, the percentage of that increase that would be expected to be funded by additional insurance recoveries will decline.
 
Our subsidiaries have been effective in managing the asbestos litigation, in part, because our subsidiaries: (1) have access to historical project documents and other business records going back more than 50 years, allowing them to defend themselves by determining if the claimants were present at the location of the alleged asbestos exposure and, if so, the timing and extent of their presence; (2) maintain good records on insurance policies and have identified and validated policies issued since 1952; and (3) have consistently and vigorously defended these claims which has resulted in dismissal of claims that are without merit or settlement of meritorious claims at amounts that are considered reasonable.
 
United Kingdom
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had recorded total liabilities of $37,800 comprised of an estimated liability relating to open (outstanding) claims of $8,400 and an estimated liability relating to future unasserted claims through fiscal year 2023 of $29,400. Of the total, $2,800 was recorded in accrued expenses and $35,000 was recorded in asbestos-related liability on the consolidated balance sheet. An asset in an equal amount was recorded for the expected U.K. asbestos-related insurance recoveries, of which $2,800 was recorded in accounts and notes receivable-other and $35,000 was recorded as asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. The liability estimates are based on a U.K. House of Lords judgment that pleural plaque claims do not amount to a compensable injury and accordingly, we have reduced our liability assessment. If this ruling was reversed by legislation, the asbestos liability and related asset recorded in the U.K. would be approximately $51,500.
 
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
We have defined benefit pension plans in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Finland and we have other postretirement benefit plans for health care and life insurance benefits in the United States and Canada. The U.S. plans, which are frozen to new entrants and additional benefit accruals, and the Canadian, Finnish and French plans, are non-contributory. The U.K. plan, which is closed to new entrants, is contributory. Additionally, one of our subsidiaries in the United States also has a benefit plan which provides coverage for an employee’s beneficiary upon the death of the employee. This plan has been closed to new entrants since 1988.
 
We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” on December 29, 2006, the last day of fiscal year 2006. SFAS No. 158 requires us to recognize the funded status of each of our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the consolidated balance sheet. SFAS No. 158


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also requires us to recognize any gains or losses, which are not recognized as a component of annual service cost, as a component of comprehensive income, net of tax. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 158, we recorded net actuarial losses, prior service cost/(credits) and a net transition asset as a net charge to accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet. Please refer to Note 8 of the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for more information.
 
The calculations of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, annual service cost and cash contributions required, rely heavily on estimates about future events often extending decades into the future. We are responsible for establishing the assumptions used for the estimates, which include:
 
  •  The discount rate used to calculate the present value of future obligations;
 
  •  The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets;
 
  •  The expected rate of annual salary increases;
 
  •  The selection of the actuarial mortality tables;
 
  •  The annual healthcare cost trend rate (only for the other postretirement benefit plans); and
 
  •  The annual inflation rate.
 
We utilize our business judgment in establishing the estimates used in the calculations of our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities, annual service cost and cash contributions. These estimates are updated on an annual basis or more frequently upon the occurrence of significant events. The estimates can vary significantly from the actual results and we cannot provide any assurance that the estimates used to calculate the defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit liabilities included herein will approximate actual results. The volatility between the assumptions and actual results can be significant.
 
The following table summarizes the estimates used for our defined benefit pension plans for fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006:
 
                                                                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007     December 29, 2006  
    United
    United
          United
    United
          United
    United
       
    States     Kingdom     Other     States     Kingdom     Other     States     Kingdom     Other  
 
Weighted-average assumptions — net periodic benefit cost:
                                                                       
Discount rate
    6.31 %     5.74 %     5.24 %     5.81 %     5.14 %     4.50 %     5.45 %     4.86 %     4.60 %
Long-term rate of return
    7.90 %     6.86 %     7.00 %     8.00 %     6.94 %     7.50 %     8.00 %     6.84 %     7.50 %
Salary growth
    N/A       4.28 %     3.10 %     N/A       3.83 %     2.35 %     N/A       3.84 %     3.21 %
Weighted-average assumptions — projected benefit obligations:
                                                                       
Discount rate
    6.23 %     6.21 %     6.39 %     6.31 %     5.72 %     5.30 %                        
Salary growth
    N/A       3.53 %     3.17 %     N/A       4.12 %     3.47 %                        
 
 
N/A — Not applicable as plan is frozen and future salary levels do not affect benefits payable.
 
The discount rate is developed using a market-based approach that matches our projected benefit payments to a spot yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds. Changes in the discount rate from period-to-period were generally due to changes in long-term interest rates.
 
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is developed using a weighted-average methodology, blending the expected returns on each class of investment in the plans’ portfolios. The expected returns by asset class are developed considering both past performance and future considerations.


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The following tables reflect the sensitivities in the consolidated financial statements associated with a change in certain estimates used in relation to the United States and the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plans. Each of the sensitivities below reflects an evaluation of the change based solely on a change in that particular estimate.
 
                 
    Approximate Increase (Decrease)  
          Impact on 2009
 
    Impact on Liabilities     Benefit Cost  
 
U.S. Pension Plans:
               
One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the discount rate
  $ (3,037 )   $ 19  
One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the discount rate
    3,065       (22 )
One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the expected return on plan assets
          (217 )
One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets
          217  
U.K. Pension Plans:
               
One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the discount rate
  $ (8,896 )   $ (1,289 )
One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the discount rate
    8,896       1,302  
One-tenth of a percentage point increase in the expected return on plan assets
          (656 )
One-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the expected return on plan assets
          656  
 
As of December 26, 2008, our defined benefit pension plans had net actuarial losses of $467,700, which were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet. The net actuarial losses reflect differences between expected and actual plan experience and changes in actuarial assumptions, all of which occurred over time. These net actuarial losses, to the extent not offset by future actuarial gains, will result in increases in our future pension costs depending on several factors, including whether such losses exceed the corridor in which losses are not amortized. The net actuarial losses outside the corridor are amortized over the expected remaining service periods of active participants for the non-U.S. plans (9 years for the U.K. plans, 11 years for the Canadian plan and 19 years for the Finnish plan) and average life expectancy of participants for the U.S. plans (approximately 26 years) since benefits are frozen. In addition, our defined benefit pension plans had prior service costs of $68,500, which were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2008. The prior service costs are amortized over schedules established at the date of each plan change (9 years for the U.K. plans). The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $20,300 and $7,300, respectively.
 
A one-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the funding rates, used for calculating future funding requirements to the U.S. plans through 2013, would increase aggregate contributions over the next five years by approximately $1,400, while an increase by one-tenth of a percentage point would decrease aggregate contributions by approximately $14,300.
 
A one-tenth of a percentage point decrease in the funding rates, used for calculating future funding requirements to the U.K. plans through 2013, would increase aggregate contributions over the next five years by approximately $5,800, while an increase by one-tenth of a percentage point would decrease aggregate contributions by approximately $4,500.


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The following table summarizes the estimates used for our other postretirement benefit plans for fiscal years 2008, 2007, and 2006:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Weighted-average assumptions — net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
                       
Discount rate
    6.23 %     5.73 %     5.39 %
Weighted-average assumptions — accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
                       
Discount rate
    6.28 %     6.20 %        
 
The discount rate is developed using a market-based approach that matches our projected benefit payments to a spot yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds. Changes in the discount rate from period-to-period were generally due to changes in long-term interest rates.
 
As of December 26, 2008, our other postretirement benefit plans had net actuarial losses of $14,200, which were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet. The net actuarial losses outside the corridor are amortized over the average life expectancy of inactive participants (17 years) because benefits are frozen. In addition, our other postretirement benefit plans had prior service credits of $37,300, which were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2008. The prior service credits are amortized over schedules established at the date of each plan change (9 years). The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic postretirement benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $1,000 and $4,600, respectively.
 
Share-Based Compensation Plans
 
Our share-based compensation plans include both restricted awards and stock option awards. Effective December 31, 2005, the first day of fiscal 2006, we adopted the fair value provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, we recognize share-based compensation expense for (i) all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value originally estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, and (ii) all future share-based payment awards based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.
 
Compensation cost for our share-based plans of $15,800, $7,100 and $16,500 was charged against income for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The related income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income was $300, $200 and $300 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We received $2,800, $18,100 and $17,600 in cash from option exercises under our share-based compensation plans for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
As of December 26, 2008, there was $20,800 and $21,800 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and restricted awards, respectively. Those costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 30 months.
 
We estimate the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, which incorporates assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. We then recognize the fair value of each option as compensation cost ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period). The Black-Scholes model incorporates the following assumptions:
 
  •  Expected volatility — we estimate the volatility of our common share price at the date of grant using historical volatility adjusted for periods of unusual stock price activity.


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  •  Expected term — we estimate the expected term of options using the “simplified” method, as outlined in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment.”
 
  •  Risk-free interest rate — we estimate the risk-free interest rate using the U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods equal to the expected term of the options in effect at the time of grant.
 
  •  Dividends — we use an expected dividend yield of zero because we have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends.
 
We estimate pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant using a combination of historical data and demographic characteristics, and we revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.
 
If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of SFAS No. 123R in future periods, the compensation expense that we record under SFAS No. 123R for future awards may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period. There is a high degree of subjectivity involved in selecting the option pricing model assumptions used to estimate share-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123R. Option pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions, are fully transferable and do not cause dilution. Because our share-based payments have characteristics significantly different from those of freely traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect our estimates of fair value, existing valuation models may not provide reliable measures of the fair value of our share-based compensation. Consequently, there is a risk that our estimates of the fair value of our share-based compensation awards on the grant dates may bear little resemblance to the actual value realized upon the exercise, expiration or forfeiture of those share-based payments in the future. Stock options may expire worthless or otherwise result in zero intrinsic value compared to the fair value originally estimated on the grant date and reported in the consolidated financial statements. Alternatively, value may be realized from these instruments that are significantly in excess of the fair value originally estimated on the grant date and reported in the consolidated financial statements.
 
There are significant differences among valuation models. This may result in a lack of comparability with other companies that use different models, methods and assumptions. There is also a possibility that we will adopt different valuation models in the future. This may result in a lack of consistency in future periods and may materially affect the fair value estimate of share-based payments.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
At least annually, we evaluate goodwill for potential impairment, as prescribed by SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” We test for impairment at the reporting unit level as defined in SFAS No. 142. This test is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value, which is estimated based on future cash flows, exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In the fourth quarter of each year, we evaluate goodwill at each reporting unit to assess recoverability, and impairments, if any, are recognized in earnings. An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with determinable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”
 
Goodwill of $50,900 and intangible assets of $12,300 relate to our Global Power Group’s European operations that have experienced a number of performance related issues. Should the performance of this unit deteriorate in the future, it is possible that these amounts could become impaired requiring a write-down of the


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carrying values. In fiscal year 2008, the evaluation indicated that no adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill or intangible assets of our Global Power Group’s European operations was required.
 
In fiscal year 2007, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2,400 based on discounted cash flows in connection with the decision to wind down the operations of one of our U.S. reporting units.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred tax assets/liabilities are established for the difference between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
 
For statutory purposes, the majority of the deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance is provided as of December 26, 2008 do not begin to expire until 2024 or later, based on the current tax laws. We have a valuation allowance of $318,700 recorded as of December 26, 2008.
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48)”, which addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on December 30, 2006, the first day of fiscal year 2007. Under FIN 48, we recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition of the benefit of an uncertain tax position, classification of the unrecognized tax benefits in the balance sheet, accounting for and classification of interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties, accounting in interim periods and disclosures.
 
Our subsidiaries file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including the United States, several U.S. states and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions around the world. Tax returns are also filed in jurisdictions where our subsidiaries execute project-related work. The statute of limitations varies by the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Because of the number of jurisdictions in which we file tax returns, in any given year the statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions may expire without examination within the 12-month period from the balance sheet date. As a result, we expect recurring changes in unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, none of which are expected to be individually significant. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. (including federal, state and local) or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before fiscal year 2003.
 
During fiscal year 2008, we settled a tax audit in the Asia Pacific region which resulted in a $3,200 reduction of unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding reduction in the provision for income taxes. A number of tax years are also under audit by the relevant state and non-U.S. tax authorities. We anticipate that several of these audits may be concluded in the foreseeable future, including in fiscal year 2009. Based on the status of these audits, it is reasonably possible that the conclusion of the audits may result in a reduction of unrecognized tax benefits. However, it is not possible to estimate the impact of this change at this time.
 
As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, we recognized a $4,400 reduction in the opening balance of our shareholders’ equity as of December 30, 2006. This resulted from changes in the amount of tax benefits recognized related to uncertain tax positions and the accrual of interest and penalties.
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had $48,700 of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $48,400 would, if recognized, affect our effective tax rate, before existing valuation allowance considerations.
 
We recognize interest accrued on the unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties on the unrecognized tax benefits in other deductions, net on our consolidated statement of operations. We recorded net interest expense and net penalties totaling $(1,200) and $2,700, in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, of which the net penalties in fiscal year 2008 is net of $5,000 of previously accrued tax penalties which were


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ultimately not assessed. As of December 26, 2008, $21,500 was accrued for the payment of interest and penalties.
 
Accounting Developments
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard is effective for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, in financial statements for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued a partial one-year deferral of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are only subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis. We have elected to defer the application of SFAS No. 157 for our nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis until the fiscal year beginning December 27, 2008, and are in the process of assessing its impact on our financial position and results of operations related to such assets and liabilities. Our financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value consist primarily of the assets or liabilities arising from derivative financial instruments. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141R replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and changes the accounting treatment for business acquisitions. SFAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions of this standard will, among other things, impact the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination (including contingent consideration); exclude transaction costs from acquisition accounting; and change accounting practices for acquired contingencies, acquisition-related restructuring costs, in-process research and development, indemnification assets, and tax benefits. Most of the provisions of SFAS No. 141R apply prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is not permitted. Based on the acquisitions we have completed in the past, the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. If, in the future, we make material acquisitions SFAS No. 141R may have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 amends the accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (often referred to as “minority interest”) and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Under SFAS No. 160, the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is reported as equity in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 also requires that the parent company’s consolidated statement of operations include both the parent and noncontrolling interest share of the subsidiary’s statement of operations. Formerly, the noncontrolling interest share was shown as a reduction of income on the parent’s consolidated statement of operations. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this statement is initially applied; however, presentation and disclosure requirements shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Upon our adoption of SFAS No. 160 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2009, we will (i) reclassify our minority interest liability to a separate section entitled “noncontrolling interests” within total equity on our consolidated balance sheet, which will increase total equity by $28,700, $31,800 and $29,900 as of December 26, 2008, December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively; (ii) remove minority interest expense from the determination of total net income on our consolidated statement of operations, which will increase total net income by $7,200, $5,600 and $4,800 for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2008, December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively; (iii) include minority interest expense in the determination of net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG (as successor parent to Foster Wheeler Ltd. — please see Note 21 to the


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consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information related to the Redomestication) and earnings per registered share, formerly earnings per common share in the consolidated financial statements of Foster Wheeler Ltd., on the consolidated statement of operations, which will correspond to the net income and earnings per common share figures previously reported.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand the effects of derivative instruments and hedging activities on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 changes the disclosure requirements about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Additionally, SFAS No. 161 requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. SFAS No. 161 also requires more information about an entity’s liquidity by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related. Finally, SFAS No. 161 requires cross-referencing within footnotes to enable financial statement users to locate important information about derivative instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We are currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 161 may have on our financial statement disclosures.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FSP FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (FSP FAS 132(R)-1). FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will expand the disclosures regarding investments held by employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans, with the purpose of providing additional information related to the valuation methodologies for these assets similar to the valuation methodologies defined in SFAS No. 157. Additionally, FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will require disclosures on how investment allocation decisions are made as well as significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We will amend our disclosures accordingly in our 2009 consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Interest Rate Risk — We are exposed to changes in interest rates should we need to borrow under our domestic senior credit agreement (there were no such borrowings as of December 26, 2008 and, based on current operating plans and cash flow forecasts, none are expected in fiscal year 2009) and, to a limited extent, under our variable rate special-purpose limited recourse project debt for any portion of the debt for which we have not entered into a fixed rate swap agreement. If average market rates are 100-basis points higher in the next twelve months, our interest expense for such period of time would increase, and our income before income taxes would decrease, by approximately $400. This amount has been determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our variable rate borrowings as of December 26, 2008 and does not reflect the impact of interest rate changes on outstanding debt held by certain of our equity interests since such debt is not consolidated on our balance sheet.
 
Foreign Currency Risk — We operate on a worldwide basis with substantial operations in Europe that subject us to translation risk on the Euro and British pound. As part of our policies we do not hedge translation risk exposure. All significant activities of our non-U.S. affiliates are recorded in their functional currency, which is typically the country of domicile of the affiliate. While this mitigates the potential impact of earnings fluctuations as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, our affiliates do enter into transactions through the normal course of operations in currencies other than their functional currency. We seek to minimize the resulting exposure to foreign currency fluctuations by matching the revenues and expenses in the same currency for our long-term contracts.
 
We further mitigate these foreign currency exposures through the use of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the exposed item, such as anticipated purchases or revenues, back to their


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functional currency. We utilize all such financial instruments solely for hedging, and our company policy prohibits the speculative use of such instruments. However, for financial reporting purposes, these contracts are generally not accounted for as hedges. Please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information. If the counterparties to these contracts fail to perform under the settlement terms of the financial instruments, we could be subject to foreign currency exposure. To minimize this risk, we enter into these financial instruments with financial institutions that are primarily rated “BBB+” or better by Standard & Poor’s (or the equivalent by other recognized credit rating agencies).
 
At December 26, 2008, our primary foreign currency forward exchange contracts are set forth below:
 
                                 
          Hedged Foreign
    Notional Amount of
    Notional Amount of
 
          Currency Exposure
    Forward Buy Contracts
    Forward Sell Contracts
 
Currency Hedged
  Functional
    (in equivalent
    (in equivalent
    (in equivalent
 
(bought or sold forward)   Currency     U.S. dollars)     U.S. dollars)     U.S. dollars)  
 
Euro
    British pound     $ 770     $     $ 770  
      Canadian dollar       1,168       1,168        
      Chilean peso       1,051             1,051  
      Chinese renminbi       1,523             1,523  
Australian dollar
    British pound       12,717             12,717  
British pound
    Singapore dollar       2,488             2,488  
      Thai baht       131       131        
Canadian dollar
    Euro       4,714       4,714        
Chinese renminbi
    U.S. dollar       108,712       108,712        
Polish zloty
    Euro       71,112       71,112        
South African rand
    British pound       3,407             3,407  
U.S. dollar
    British pound       113,103       3,254       109,849  
      Chinese renminbi       22,297             22,297  
      Euro       33,138       14,293       18,845  
                                 
      Total     $ 376,331     $ 203,384     $ 172,947  
                                 
 
The notional amount provides one measure of the transaction volume outstanding as of year-end. Amounts ultimately realized upon final settlement of these financial instruments, along with the gains and losses on the underlying exposures within our long-term contracts, will depend on actual market exchange rates during the remaining life of the instruments. The contracts mature between fiscal years 2009 and 2011. Increases in fair value of the currencies sold forward result in losses while increases in the fair value of the currencies bought forward result in gains. The contracts have been established by various international subsidiaries to sell a variety of currencies and receive their respective functional currency or other currencies for which they have payment obligations to third-parties. Please refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding derivative financial instruments.


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ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Index to Financial Statements
 
         
    Page
 
    75  
    76  
    77  
    78  
    79  
    80  
    82  
    141  


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG:
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its subsidiaries (“the Company”) at December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and the financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A of the Company’s Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for pension and other postretirement benefits in fiscal year 2006. As discussed in Note 1 and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for uncertain tax positions in fiscal year 2007.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Florham Park, New Jersey
February 24, 2009


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Operating revenues
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,107,243     $ 3,495,048  
Cost of operating revenues
    (5,958,644 )     (4,362,922 )     (2,987,261 )
                         
Contract profit
    895,646       744,321       507,787  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (283,883 )     (246,237 )     (225,330 )
Other income, net
    53,001       61,410       48,610  
Other deductions, net
    (54,382 )     (45,540 )     (45,453 )
Interest income
    44,743       35,627       15,119  
Interest expense
    (17,621 )     (19,855 )     (24,944 )
Minority interest in income of consolidated affiliates
    (7,249 )     (5,577 )     (4,789 )
Net asbestos-related (provision)/gain
    (6,607 )     6,145       100,131  
Prior domestic senior credit agreement fees and expenses
                (14,955 )
Loss on debt reduction initiatives
                (12,483 )
                         
Income before income taxes
    623,648       530,294       343,693  
Provision for income taxes
    (97,028 )     (136,420 )     (81,709 )
                         
Net income
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 261,984  
                         
Earnings per common share (see Note 1):
                       
Basic
  $ 3.73     $ 2.78     $ 1.82  
                         
Diluted
  $ 3.68     $ 2.72     $ 1.72  
                         
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
ASSETS
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 773,163     $ 1,048,544  
Short-term investments
    2,448        
Accounts and notes receivable, net:
               
Trade
    608,994       580,883  
Other
    95,633       98,708  
Contracts in process
    241,135       239,737  
Prepaid, deferred and refundable income taxes
    31,667       36,532  
Other current assets
    37,146       39,979  
                 
Total current assets
    1,790,186       2,044,383  
                 
Land, buildings and equipment, net
    383,209       337,485  
Restricted cash
    22,737       20,937  
Notes and accounts receivable — long-term
    1,788       2,941  
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
    210,776       198,346  
Goodwill
    62,165       53,345  
Other intangible assets, net
    59,874       61,190  
Asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable
    281,540       324,588  
Other assets
    82,223       93,737  
Deferred income taxes
    116,756       112,036  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,011,254     $ 3,248,988  
                 
 
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
               
Current installments on long-term debt
  $ 24,375     $ 19,368  
Accounts payable
    365,347       372,531  
Accrued expenses
    303,813       331,814  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
    750,233       744,236  
Income taxes payable
    44,846       55,824  
                 
Total current liabilities
    1,488,614       1,523,773  
                 
Long-term debt
    192,989       185,978  
Deferred income taxes
    66,114       81,008  
Pension, postretirement and other employee benefits
    320,959       290,741  
Asbestos-related liability
    355,779       376,803  
Other long-term liabilities
    157,933       185,143  
Minority interest
    28,718       31,773  
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    2,611,106       2,675,219  
                 
Temporary Equity:
               
Non-vested share-based compensation awards subject to redemption
    7,586       2,728  
                 
TOTAL TEMPORARY EQUITY
    7,586       2,728  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity:
               
Preferred shares:
               
$0.01 par value; authorized: December 26, 2008 — 901,135 shares and December 28, 2007 — 901,943 shares; issued and outstanding: December 26, 2008 — 1,079 shares and December 28, 2007 — 1,887 shares
           
Common shares:
               
$0.01 par value; authorized: December 26, 2008 — 296,007,818 shares and December 28, 2007 — 296,007,011 shares; issued and outstanding: December 26, 2008 - 126,177,611 shares and December 28, 2007 — 143,877,804 shares
    1,262       1,439  
Paid-in capital
    914,063       1,385,311  
Accumulated deficit
    (27,975 )     (554,595 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (494,788 )     (261,114 )
                 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    392,562       571,041  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 3,011,254     $ 3,248,988  
                 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
(in thousands of dollars, except share data)
 
                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount  
 
Preferred Shares:
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
    1,887     $       3,658     $       4,195     $  
Preferred shares converted into common shares
    (808 )           (1,771 )           (537 )      
                                                 
Balance at end of year
    1,079     $       1,887     $       3,658     $  
                                                 
Common Shares:
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
    143,877,804     $ 1,439       138,182,948     $ 1,382       114,924,524     $ 1,150  
Retirement of common shares purchased under common share repurchase program
    (18,098,519 )     (181 )                        
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of common share purchase warrants
    88,762       1       1,801,798       18       16,888,556       169  
Issuance of common shares upon equity-for-debt exchanges
                            2,555,800       26  
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of stock options
    142,038       1       2,976,020       30       3,046,430       30  
Issuance of common shares related to restricted awards
    62,486       1       686,818       7       701,614       7  
Cancellation of common shares upon forfeiture of restricted awards
                            (4,952 )      
Issuance of common shares upon conversion of preferred shares
    105,040       1       230,220       2       70,976        
                                                 
Balance at end of year
    126,177,611     $ 1,262       143,877,804     $ 1,439       138,182,948     $ 1,382  
                                                 
Paid-in Capital:
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
          $ 1,385,311             $ 1,348,800             $ 1,186,943  
Retirement of common shares purchased under common share repurchase program
            (485,408 )                            
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of common share purchase warrants
            413               8,430               75,514  
Issuance of common shares upon equity-for-debt exchanges
                                        58,737  
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of stock options
            2,790               18,046               17,565  
Issuance of common shares related to restricted awards
            (1 )             (7 )             (7 )
Share-based compensation expense-stock options and restricted awards
            10,909               5,350               15,491  
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
            50               4,694               2,915  
Reclassification of unearned compensation balance upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R
                                        (8,358 )
Issuance of common shares upon conversion of preferred shares
            (1 )             (2 )              
                                                 
Balance at end of year
          $ 914,063             $ 1,385,311             $ 1,348,800  
                                                 
Accumulated Deficit:
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
          $ (554,595 )           $ (944,113 )           $ (1,206,097 )
Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48
                          (4,356 )              
                                                 
Balance at beginning of year, as adjusted
            (554,595 )             (948,469 )             (1,206,097 )
Net income for the year
            526,620               393,874               261,984  
                                                 
Balance at end of year
          $ (27,975 )           $ (554,595 )           $ (944,113 )
                                                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
          $ (261,114 )           $ (343,342 )           $ (314,796 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
            (68,747 )             31,939               31,612  
Net (losses)/gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of tax benefit/(provision): 2008 — $3,280; 2007 — $(432); 2006 — $(203))
            (8,645 )             1,331               342  
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans:
                                               
Adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 158 (net of tax benefit: 2006 — $54,364)
                                        (100,587 )
Pension and other postretirement benefits (net of tax benefit/ (provision): 2008 — $8,278; 2007 — $(12,635); 2006 — $(4,674))
            (156,282 )             48,958               40,087  
                                                 
Balance at end of year
          $ (494,788 )           $ (261,114 )           $ (343,342 )
                                                 
Unearned Compensation:
                                               
Balance at beginning of year
          $             $             $ (8,358 )
Reclassification of unearned compensation balance upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R
                                        8,358  
                                                 
Balance at end of year
          $             $             $  
                                                 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
          $ 392,562             $ 571,041             $ 62,727  
                                                 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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(in thousands of dollars)
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net income
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 261,984  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (68,747 )     31,939       31,612  
Net (losses)/gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges (net of tax benefit/(provision): 2008 — $3,280; 2007 — $(432); 2006 — $(203))
    (8,645 )     1,331       342  
Pension and other postretirement benefits (net of tax benefit/ (provision): 2008 — $8,278; 2007 — $(12,635); 2006 — $(4,674))
    (156,282 )     48,958       40,087  
                         
Comprehensive income
  $ 292,946     $ 476,102     $ 334,025  
                         
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars, except share data)
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                       
Net income
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 261,984  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    44,798       41,691       30,877  
Net asbestos-related provision/(gains)
    42,727       7,374       (66,603 )
Loss on debt reduction initiatives
                5,206  
Prior domestic senior credit agreement fees and expenses
                9,488  
Share-based compensation expense-stock options and restricted awards
    15,766       7,095       16,474  
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
    (50 )     (4,694 )     (2,796 )
Deferred tax (benefit)/provision
    (35,060 )     31,937       14,302  
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets
    1,107       (7,657 )     (1,464 )
Equity in the net earnings of partially-owned affiliates, net of dividends
    (10,352 )     (18,897 )     (7,837 )
Other noncash items
    (2,302 )     (669 )     (3,257 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Increase in receivables
    (105,591 )     (83,930 )     (225,158 )
Net change in contracts in process and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
    15,817       25,833       177,350  
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    35,509       123,968       39,908  
(Decrease)/increase in income taxes payable
    (778 )     (7,295 )     27,614  
Decrease in pension, postretirement and other employee benefits
    (89,364 )     (48,403 )     (17,707 )
Net change in asbestos-related assets and liabilities
    (19,362 )     (32,559 )     (27,017 )
Net change in other assets and liabilities
    9,441       647       33,595  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    428,926       428,315       264,959  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (14,856 )     (6,319 )     457  
Change in restricted cash
    (2,800 )     (856 )     8,940  
Capital expenditures
    (103,965 )     (51,295 )     (30,293 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    831       7,567       1,914  
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
    (7,620 )     (1,382 )     (6,573 )
Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates
    2,330       6,324        
Increase in short-term investments
    (2,504 )            
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (128,584 )     (45,961 )     (25,555 )
                         


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of dollars, except share data)
(Continued)
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Repurchase and retirement of common shares
    (485,589 )            
Distributions to minority third-party ownership interests
    (9,625 )     (5,179 )     (3,248 )
Proceeds from common share purchase warrant exercises
    414       8,448       75,683  
Proceeds from stock option exercises
    2,791       18,076       17,595  
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
    50       4,694       2,796  
Payment of deferred financing costs
                (5,710 )
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
    3,658              
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    50,939       15,628       2,138  
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    (28,742 )     (6,598 )     (90,082 )
                         
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
    (466,104 )     35,069       (828 )
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (109,619 )     20,234       21,642  
                         
(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (275,381 )     437,657       260,218  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    1,048,544       610,887       350,669  
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
  $ 773,163     $ 1,048,544     $ 610,887  
                         
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest (net of amount capitalized)
  $ 13,436     $ 13,384     $ 25,102  
                         
Income taxes
  $ 130,147     $ 111,279     $ 38,611  
                         
 
NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
In April 2006, 2,555,800 common shares were exchanged for $50,000 of aggregate principal amount of 2011 senior notes. See Note 6 for information regarding the equity-for-debt exchange.
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


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(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation — The consolidated financial statements include the financial position of Foster Wheeler Ltd., a Bermuda corporation, and its subsidiaries at December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
Subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008, at a special court-ordered meeting of common shareholders held on January 27, 2009, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. approved a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law. On February 9, 2009, after receipt of the approval of the scheme of arrangement by the Supreme Court of Bermuda and the satisfaction of certain other conditions, the transactions contemplated by the scheme of arrangement were effected. Pursuant to the scheme of arrangement, among other things, all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG, a Swiss corporation, and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG, a holding company that owns the stock of its various subsidiary companies. The steps of the scheme of arrangement together with certain related transactions, which are collectively referred to throughout the Notes to the consolidated financial statements as the “Redomestication,” effectively changed our place of incorporation from Bermuda to the Canton of Zug, Switzerland. Please see Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication including summary pro forma financial information as of December 26, 2008.
 
Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and all significant U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries as well as certain entities in which we have a controlling interest. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
Our fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week annual accounting period ending the last Friday in December for U.S. operations and December 31 for non-U.S. operations. For U.S. operations, fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 included 52 weeks. See Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication.
 
Capital Alterations — See above “— Basis of Presentation” and Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication.
 
On January 8, 2008, our shareholders approved an increase in our authorized share capital at a special general meeting of common shareholders. The increase in authorized share capital was necessary in order to effect a two-for-one stock split of our common shares which was approved by our Board of Directors on November 6, 2007. The stock split was effected on January 22, 2008 in the form of a stock dividend to common shareholders of record at the close of business on January 8, 2008 in the ratio of one additional Foster Wheeler Ltd. common share in respect of each common share outstanding. As a result, all references to share capital, the number of shares, stock options, restricted awards, per share amounts, cash dividends, and any other reference to shares in the consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise noted, have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis.
 
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods in which they become known. Significant estimates are used when accounting for long-term contracts including estimates of total costs and customer and vendor claims, employee benefit plan obligations, share-based compensation plans, uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes, and asbestos liabilities and expected recoveries, among others.
 
Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts — Revenues and profits on long-term contracts are recorded under the percentage-of-completion method.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
Progress towards completion on fixed price contracts is measured based on physical completion of individual tasks for all contracts with a value of $5,000 or greater. For contracts with a value less than $5,000, progress toward completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs (the cost-to-cost method).
 
Progress towards completion on cost-reimbursable contracts is measured based on the ratio of quantities expended to total forecasted quantities, typically man-hours. Incentives are also recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis when the realization of an incentive is assessed as probable. We include flow-through costs consisting of materials, equipment or subcontractor services as both operating revenues and cost of operating revenues on cost-reimbursable contracts when we have overall responsibility as the contractor for the engineering specifications and procurement or procurement services for such costs. There is no contract profit impact of flow-through costs as they are included in both operating revenues and cost of operating revenues.
 
Contracts in process are stated at cost, increased for profits recorded on the completed effort or decreased for estimated losses, less billings to the customer and progress payments on uncompleted contracts.
 
At any point, we have numerous contracts in progress, all of which are at various stages of completion. Accounting for revenues and profits on long-term contracts requires estimates of total estimated contract costs and estimates of progress toward completion to determine the extent of revenue and profit recognition. These estimates may be revised as additional information becomes available or as specific project circumstances change. We review all of our material contracts on a monthly basis and revise our estimates as appropriate for developments such as earning project incentive bonuses, incurring or expecting to incur contractual liquidated damages for performance or schedule issues, providing services and purchasing third-party materials and equipment at costs differing from those previously estimated and testing completed facilities, which, in turn, eliminates or confirms completion and warranty-related costs. Project incentives are recognized when it is probable they will be earned. Project incentives are frequently tied to cost, schedule and/or safety targets and, therefore, tend to be earned late in a project’s life cycle.
 
Changes in estimated final contract revenues and costs can either increase or decrease the final estimated contract profit. In the period in which a change in estimate is recognized, the cumulative impact of that change is recorded based on progress achieved through the period of change. There were 33, 38 and 29 separate projects that had final estimated contract profit revisions whose impact on contract profit exceeded $1,000 in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The changes in final estimated contract profits resulted in a net increase/(decrease) of $26,720, $35,150 and $(5,670) to reported contract profit for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relating to the revaluation of work performed on contracts in prior periods. Please see Note 17 for further information related to changes in final estimated contract profits.
 
Claims are amounts in excess of the agreed contract price (or amounts not included in the original contract price) that we seek to collect from customers or others for delays, errors in specifications and designs, contract terminations, disputed or unapproved change orders as to both scope and price or other causes of unanticipated additional costs. We record claims in accordance with paragraph 65 of Statement of Position (“SOP”) 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts”, which states that recognition of amounts as additional contract revenue related to claims is appropriate only if it is probable that the claims will result in additional contract revenue and if the amount can be reliably estimated. Under SOP 81-1, those two requirements are satisfied by the existence of all of the following conditions: the contract or other evidence provides a legal basis for the claim; additional costs are caused by circumstances that were unforeseen at the contract date and are not the result of deficiencies in our performance; costs associated with the claim are identifiable or otherwise determinable and are reasonable in view of the work performed; and the evidence supporting the claim is objective and verifiable. If such


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
requirements are met, revenue from a claim may be recorded only to the extent that contract costs relating to the claim have been incurred. Costs attributable to claims are treated as costs of contract performance as incurred and are recorded in contracts in process. As of December 26, 2008, our consolidated financial statements assumed recovery of commercial claims of $11,200, of which all was expended. As of December 28, 2007, our consolidated financial statements assumed recovery of commercial claims of $22,200, of which $3,700 was yet to be expended.
 
In certain circumstances, we may defer pre-contract costs when it is probable that these costs will be recovered under a future contract. Such deferred costs would then be included in contract costs upon execution of the anticipated contract. We had no deferred pre-contract costs as of December 26, 2008 or December 28, 2007.
 
Certain special-purpose subsidiaries in our global power business group are reimbursed by customers for their costs, including amounts related to principal repayments of non-recourse project debt, for building and operating certain facilities over the lives of the corresponding service contracts.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents of $622,907 and $800,036 were maintained by our non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. These subsidiaries require a portion of these funds to support their liquidity and working capital needs, as well as to comply with required minimum capitalization and contractual restrictions. Accordingly, a portion of these funds may not be readily available for repatriation to U.S. entities.
 
Short-Term Investments — Short-term investments primarily consist of deposits with maturities in excess of three months but less than one year. Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates fair value.
 
Trade Accounts Receivable — Trade accounts receivable represent amounts billed to customers. In accordance with terms under our long-term contracts, our customers may withhold certain percentages of such billings until completion and acceptance of the work performed. Final payments of all such amounts withheld might not be received within a one-year period. In conformity with industry practice, however, the full amount of accounts receivable, including such amounts withheld, are included in current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Trade accounts receivable are continually evaluated for collectibility. Provisions are established on a project-specific basis when there is an issue associated with the client’s ability to make payments or there are circumstances where the client is not making payment due to contractual issues.
 
Contracts in Process and Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts — Under long-term contracts, amounts recorded in contracts in process and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts may not be realized or paid, respectively, within a one-year period. In conformity with industry practice, however, the full amount of contracts in process and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts is included in current assets and current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, respectively.
 
Inventories — Inventories, principally materials and supplies, are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined primarily on the average-cost method. We had inventories of $15,142 and $15,861 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. Such amounts are recorded within other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Land, Buildings and Equipment — Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis using estimated lives ranging from 10 to 50 years for buildings and from 3 to 35 years for equipment. Expenditures for maintenance


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments are capitalized. Upon retirement or other disposition of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses, if any, are reflected in earnings.
 
Restricted Cash — The following table details the restricted cash held:
 
                                                 
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007  
    Non-U.S.     U.S.     Total     Non-U.S.     U.S.     Total  
 
Held by special-purpose entities and restricted for debt service payments
  $ 14,493     $ 286     $ 14,779     $ 5,766     $ 257     $ 6,023  
Held to collateralize letters of credit and bank guarantees
    670             670       6,800             6,800  
Client dedicated accounts
    5,531       1,757       7,288       6,787       1,327       8,114  
                                                 
Total
  $ 20,694     $ 2,043     $ 22,737     $ 19,353     $ 1,584     $ 20,937  
                                                 
 
Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates — We use the equity method of accounting for affiliates in which our investment ownership ranges from 20% to 50% unless significant economic or governance considerations indicate that we are unable to exert significant influence in which case the cost method is used. The equity method is also used for affiliates in which our investment ownership is greater than 50% but we do not have a controlling interest. Currently, all of our significant investments in affiliates that are not consolidated are recorded using the equity method. Affiliates in which our investment ownership is less than 20% and where we are unable to exert significant influence are carried at cost.
 
Intangible Assets — Intangible assets consist principally of goodwill, trademarks and patents. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units on a relative fair value basis at the time of the original purchase price allocation. Patents and trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of 3 to 40 years. Customer relationships and backlog are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of 1 to 12 years.
 
We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This test is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value, which is estimated based on discounted future cash flows, exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, we evaluate goodwill at each reporting unit to assess recoverability, and impairments, if any, are recognized in earnings. An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with determinable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”
 
In July 2008, we acquired the majority of the assets and work force of an engineering design company that has an engineering center in Kolkata, India. In conjunction with the acquisition, we recorded $6,610 of goodwill and $330 of identifiable intangible assets. Please see Note 2 for further information related to this acquisition.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
In February 2008, we acquired a biopharmaceutical engineering company that is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In conjunction with the acquisition, we recorded $5,523 of goodwill and $3,600 of identifiable intangible assets. Please see Note 2 for further information related to this acquisition.
 
We had total net goodwill of $62,165 and $53,345, as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. Of the $62,165 of goodwill as of December 26, 2008, $50,876 is related to our global power business group and $11,289 is related to our global engineering and construction group. The increase in goodwill of $8,820 resulted from an increase of $12,133 related to acquisitions and $(3,313) from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In fiscal year 2008, the fair value of all reporting units exceeded the carrying amounts. In fiscal year 2007, the fair value of all reporting units exceeded the carrying amounts except for a U.S. reporting unit, where a goodwill impairment charge of $2,401 was recorded related to winding down of certain operations.
 
We had total unamortized identifiable intangible assets of $59,874 and $61,190 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. Of the $59,874 of identifiable intangible assets as of December 26, 2008, $56,743 is related to our global power business group and $3,131 is related to our global engineering and construction business group. The following table details amounts relating to our identifiable intangible assets:
 
                                                 
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007  
    Gross
          Net
    Gross
          Net
 
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
 
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amount     Amortization     Amount  
 
Patents
  $ 39,180     $ (23,024 )   $ 16,156     $ 39,375     $ (21,026 )   $ 18,349  
Trademarks
    63,347       (22,543 )     40,804       63,344       (20,503 )     42,841  
Customer relationships and backlog
    3,592       (678 )     2,914                    
                                                 
Total
  $ 106,119     $ (46,245 )   $ 59,874     $ 102,719     $ (41,529 )   $ 61,190  
                                                 
 
Amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets, which is recorded within cost of operating revenues on the consolidated statement of operations, totaled $4,716, $3,649 and $3,581 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to be approximately $4,600 in fiscal year 2009 and approximately $4,300 in each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2013.
 
Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets/liabilities are established for the difference between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
 
We do not make a provision for U.S. federal income taxes on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings if we expect such earnings to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. Unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, that have been, or are intended to be, permanently reinvested (and for which no federal income tax has been provided) aggregated $197,352 as of December 26, 2008. It is not practicable to estimate the additional tax that would be incurred, if any, if these amounts were repatriated.
 
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48)”, which addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under FIN 48, we recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition of the benefit of an uncertain tax position, classification of the unrecognized tax benefits in the balance sheet, accounting for and classification of interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties, accounting in interim periods and disclosures.
 
We recognize interest accrued on the unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties on the unrecognized tax benefits in other deductions, net on our consolidated statement of operations.
 
Foreign Currency — The functional currency of our non-U.S. operations is the local currency of their country of domicile. Assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates with the resulting translation adjustment recorded as a separate component within accumulated other comprehensive loss. Income and expense accounts and cash flows are translated at weighted-average exchange rates for the period. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in other deductions, net on our consolidated statement of operations. The net balance of our foreign currency transaction gains and losses for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net foreign currency transaction losses
  $ (16,543 )   $ (2,640 )   $ (1,719 )
                         
Net foreign currency transaction losses, net of tax
  $ (10,753 )   $ (1,716 )   $ (1,117 )
                         
 
Interest Rate Risk — We use interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate risk associated with some of our variable rate special-purpose limited recourse project debt. Certain of our affiliates in which we have an equity interest also use interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate risk associated with their limited recourse project debt. Upon entering into the swap contracts, we designate the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” We assess at inception, and on an ongoing basis, whether the interest rate swaps are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the project debt. Consequently, we record the fair value of our interest rate swap contracts in our consolidated balance sheet at each balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts are recorded as a component of comprehensive income on our consolidated statement of comprehensive income. As of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, we had net (losses)/gains on the swap contracts of $(6,972) and $1,673, respectively, which were recorded net of tax benefit/(provision) of $2,645 and $(635), respectively, and were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Fair Value Measurements — During the fiscal year 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard is effective for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. In February 2008, the FASB issued a partial one-year deferral of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are only subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis. We have elected to defer the application of SFAS No. 157 for our nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis until the fiscal year beginning December 27, 2008.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
Our financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value consist primarily of the assets or liabilities arising from derivative financial instruments.
 
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize market data or assumptions that we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable.
 
SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined by SFAS No. 157 are as follows:
 
  •  Level 1:  Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
 
  •  Level 2:  Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which may include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 2 instruments are valued based on pricing inputs as of the reporting date.
 
  •  Level 3:  Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant.
 
We maintain a foreign currency risk-management strategy that uses foreign currency forward contracts to protect us from unanticipated fluctuations in cash flows that may arise from volatility in currency exchange rates. We also use interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate risk associated with some of our variable rate debt. The foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts are valued using broker quotations, or market transactions in either the listed or over-the-counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within level 2.
 
The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 26, 2008:
 
         
    December 26,
 
    2008  
 
Assets:
       
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 3,883  
Liabilities:
       
Foreign currency forward contracts
    21,711  
Interest rate swap contracts
    9,617  
 
External Legal Fees — We incurred external legal fees, including those related to project claims, of $23,100, $20,504 and $17,328 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which are recorded in other deductions, net on our consolidated statement of operations. Legal fees, except those associated with our asbestos-related liability, are expensed as incurred.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
Restrictions on Shareholders’ Dividends — We have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends. Our current credit agreement contains limitations on cash dividend payments.
 
Retirement of Common Shares under Common Share Repurchase Program — On September 12, 2008, we announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $750,000 of our outstanding common shares. In connection with the Redomestication, Foster Wheeler AG adopted a share repurchase program pursuant to which it is authorized to repurchase up to $264,800 of its outstanding registered shares and designate the repurchased shares for cancellation. The amount authorized for repurchase of registered shares under the Foster Wheeler AG program is equal to the amount that remained available for repurchases under the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program as of February 9, 2009, the date of the completion of the Redomestication. The Foster Wheeler AG program replaces the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program, and no further repurchases will be made under the Foster Wheeler Ltd. program. Any repurchases will be made at our discretion in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with applicable securities laws and other legal requirements and will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, share price and other factors. The program does not obligate us to acquire any particular number of common shares. The program has no expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
 
All common shares acquired under our common share repurchase program are immediately retired upon purchase. The common share value, on the consolidated balance sheet, is reduced for the par value of the retired common shares. Paid-in capital, on the consolidated balance sheet, is reduced for the excess of fair value and related fees paid above par value for the common shares acquired.
 
Common shares retired under the common share repurchase program reduce the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period when calculating earnings per common share, as described below.
 
Earnings per Common Share — Basic and diluted earnings per common share are computed using net income attributable to common shareholders rather than total net income. As described further in Note 13, we completed two common share purchase warrant offer transactions in January 2006, which increased the number of common shares delivered upon the exercise of our Class A and Class B warrants during the offer period. We issued 747,896 additional common shares as a result of the warrant offers. Since the warrant holders were not necessarily common shareholders prior to the warrant offers, the issuance of the additional shares was not considered a pro rata common share dividend to common shareholders. Rather, the fair value of the additional shares was treated as a preferential distribution to a sub-set of common shareholders. Accordingly, we were required to reduce net income attributable to the common shareholders by the fair value of the additional common shares when calculating earnings per common share for fiscal year 2006. The fair value of the additional shares issued was $19,445, which was determined using the common share price at the time of issuance of the shares.
 
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period, excluding non-vested restricted shares of 82,980, 165,960 and 659,262 as of December 26, 2008, December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively. Restricted shares and restricted share units (collectively, “restricted awards”) are included in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding when such restricted awards vest.
 
Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the combination of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
reporting period and the impact of dilutive securities, if any, such as outstanding stock options, warrants to purchase common shares and the non-vested portion of restricted awards to the extent such securities are dilutive.
 
In profitable periods, outstanding stock options and warrants have a dilutive effect under the treasury stock method when the average common share price for the period exceeds the assumed proceeds from the exercise of the warrant or option. The assumed proceeds include the exercise price, compensation cost, if any, for future service that has not yet been recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, and any tax benefits that would be recorded in paid-in capital when the option or warrant is exercised. Under the treasury stock method, the assumed proceeds are assumed to be used to repurchase common shares in the current period. The dilutive impact of the non-vested portion of restricted awards is determined using the treasury stock method, but the proceeds include only the unrecognized compensation cost and tax benefits as assumed proceeds.
 
The computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net income
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 261,984  
Fair value of additional shares issued as part of warrant offers
                (19,445 )
                         
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 242,539  
                         
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 242,539  
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
    141,149,590       141,661,046       132,996,384  
                         
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 3.73     $ 2.78     $ 1.82  
                         
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 526,620     $ 393,874     $ 242,539  
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
    141,149,590       141,661,046       132,996,384  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Options to purchase common shares
    1,228,170       1,082,254       2,997,096  
Warrants to purchase common shares
    574,591       1,790,072       3,443,376  
Non-vested portion of restricted awards
    151,679       214,850       1,781,120  
                         
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    143,104,030       144,748,222       141,217,976  
                         
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 3.68     $ 2.72     $ 1.72  
                         


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes the common share equivalent of potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded from the denominator used in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share due to their antidilutive effect:
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Common shares issuable under outstanding options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the assumed proceeds were greater than our average common share price for the period
    522,566       347,698       1,372,582  
                         
 
Share-Based Compensation Plans — Our share-based compensation plans are described in Note 12. We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” on December 31, 2005, the first day of fiscal year 2006, using the modified prospective transition method. Under this method, share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 includes compensation expense for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value originally estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” We recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted after December 30, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.
 
We estimate the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. We then recognize the grant date fair value of each option as compensation expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period). The Black-Scholes model incorporates the following assumptions:
 
  •  Expected volatility — we estimate the volatility of our common share price at the date of grant using historical volatility adjusted for periods of unusual stock price activity.
 
  •  Expected term — we estimate the expected term using the “simplified” method, as outlined in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment.”
 
  •  Risk-free interest rate — we estimate the risk-free interest rate using the U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods equal to the expected term of the options in effect at the time of grant.
 
  •  Dividends — we use an expected dividend yield of zero because we have not declared or paid a cash dividend since July 2001 and we do not have any plans to declare or pay any cash dividends.
 
We used the following weighted-average assumptions to estimate the fair value of the options granted for the periods indicated:
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Expected volatility
    57 %     44 %     44 %
Expected term
    3.6 years       3.5 years       4.1 years  
Risk-free interest rate
    1.88 %     3.63 %     4.81 %
Expected dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
 
We estimate the fair value of restricted awards using the market price of our common shares on the date of grant. We then recognize the fair value of each restricted award as compensation cost ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period).


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
We estimate pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant using a combination of historical data and demographic characteristics, and we revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.
 
Recent Accounting Developments — In September 2006, the FASB, issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard is effective for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, in financial statements for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued a partial one-year deferral of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are only subject to fair value measurement on a nonrecurring basis. We have elected to defer the application of SFAS No. 157 for our nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis until the fiscal year beginning December 27, 2008, and are in the process of assessing its impact on our financial position and results of operations related to such assets and liabilities. Our financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value consist primarily of the assets or liabilities arising from derivative financial instruments. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations.” SFAS No. 141R replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” and changes the accounting treatment for business acquisitions. SFAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions of this standard will, among other things, impact the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination (including contingent consideration); exclude transaction costs from acquisition accounting; and change accounting practices for acquired contingencies, acquisition-related restructuring costs, in-process research and development, indemnification assets and tax benefits. Most of the provisions of SFAS No. 141R apply prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is not permitted. Based on the acquisitions we have completed in the past, the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations. If, in the future, we make material acquisitions SFAS No. 141R may have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 amends the accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (often referred to as “minority interest”) and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Under SFAS No. 160, the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is reported as equity in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 also requires that the parent company’s consolidated statement of operations include both the parent and noncontrolling interest share of the subsidiary’s statement of operations. Formerly, the noncontrolling interest share was shown as a reduction of income on the parent’s consolidated statement of operations. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which this statement is initially applied; however, presentation and disclosure requirements shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Upon our adoption of SFAS No. 160 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2009, we will (i) reclassify our minority interest liability to a separate section entitled “noncontrolling interests” within total equity on our consolidated balance sheet, which will increase total equity by $28,700, $31,800 and $29,900 as of December 26, 2008,


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — (Continued)
 
December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively; (ii) remove minority interest expense from the determination of total net income on our consolidated statement of operations, which will increase total net income by $7,200, $5,600 and $4,800 for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2008, December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively; (iii) include minority interest expense in the determination of net income attributable to Foster Wheeler AG (as successor parent to Foster Wheeler Ltd. — please see Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication) and earnings per registered share, formerly earnings per common share in the consolidated financial statements of Foster Wheeler Ltd., on the consolidated statement of operations, which will correspond to the net income and earnings per common share figures previously reported.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand the effects of derivative instruments and hedging activities on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 changes the disclosure requirements about the location and amounts of derivative instruments in an entity’s financial statements, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Additionally, SFAS No. 161 requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. SFAS No. 161 also requires more information about an entity’s liquidity by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related. Finally, SFAS No. 161 requires cross-referencing within the footnotes to enable financial statement users to locate important information about derivative instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We are currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 161 may have on our financial statement disclosures.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FSP-FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (FSP FAS 132(R)-1). FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will expand the disclosures regarding investments held by employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans, with the purpose of providing additional information related to the valuation methodologies for these assets similar to the valuation methodologies defined in SFAS No. 157. Additionally, FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will require disclosures on how investment allocation decisions are made as well as significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We will amend our disclosures accordingly in our 2009 consolidated financial statements.
 
2.  Business Combinations
 
In July 2008, we acquired the majority of the assets and work force of an engineering design company for $6,500, plus up to $1,500 to be paid if certain performance milestones are met over the following two years. This company, which has an engineering center in Kolkata, India, provides engineering services to the petrochemical, refining, upstream oil and gas, and power industries. The purchase price allocation and pro forma information for this acquisition were not material to our consolidated financial statements. This company’s financial results are included within our global engineering and construction business segment.
 
In February 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of a biopharmaceutical engineering company, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for $8,545 plus up to $3,638 to be paid over the following three years if certain conditions are met, plus up to an additional $8,700 to be paid if certain performance milestones are met over the following three years. This company provides design, engineering, manufacture, installation, validation and startup/commissioning services to the life sciences industry. The purchase price allocation and


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
2.  Business Combinations — (Continued)
 
pro forma information for this acquisition were not material to our consolidated financial statements. This company’s financial results are included within our global engineering and construction business segment.
 
In February 2007, we purchased the stock of a Finnish company that owns patented coal flow measuring technology. The purchase price, net of cash acquired was €1,112 (approximately $1,473 at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the acquisition). The purchase price allocation and pro forma financial information for this acquisition were not material to our consolidated financial statements. This company’s financial results are included within our global power business segment.
 
In February 2009, we entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of the offshore engineering division of OPE Holdings Ltd., a Canadian company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and which we refer to as OPE, for a purchase price of $9,000. The purchase price may be increased by $500 if OPE meets certain performance targets during the first year after the closing date. In addition, we have the right to acquire OPE’s interest in OPE Malaysia for a period of 90 days from closing for an exercise price of $2,000. The acquisition is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including approval of OPE’s shareholders and the TSX Venture Exchange. This company will be included within our global engineering and construction business segment.
 
3.  Accounts and Notes Receivable
 
The following table shows the components of trade accounts and notes receivable:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
From long-term contracts:
               
Amounts billed due within one year
  $ 539,423     $ 548,290  
                 
Billed retention:
               
Estimated to be due in:
               
2008
          16,557  
2009
    60,204       4,141  
2010
    13,140       19,749  
2011
    8,902       2,068  
2012
          1,000  
                 
Total billed retention
    82,246       43,515  
                 
Total receivables from long-term contracts
    621,669       591,805  
Other trade accounts and notes receivable
    1,169       1,476  
                 
Trade accounts and notes receivable, gross
    622,838       593,281  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
    (13,844 )     (12,398 )
                 
Trade accounts and notes receivable, net
  $ 608,994     $ 580,883  
                 
 
The following table shows the components of other accounts and notes receivable, net:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Asbestos insurance receivable
  $ 41,012     $ 50,076  
Foreign refundable value-added tax
    30,412       25,071  
Other
    24,209       23,561  
                 
Other accounts and notes receivable, net
  $ 95,633     $ 98,708  
                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
4.  Land, Buildings and Equipment
 
Land, buildings and equipment are stated at cost and are set forth below:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Land and land improvements
  $ 27,842     $ 25,548  
Buildings
    153,689       154,753  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    528,095       541,091  
Construction in progress
    64,064       13,007  
                 
Land, buildings and equipment, gross
    773,690       734,399  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (390,481 )     (396,914 )
                 
Land, buildings and equipment, net
  $ 383,209     $ 337,485  
                 
 
Depreciation expense for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $39,271, $34,576 and $26,191, respectively.
 
We own certain office and manufacturing facilities in Finland that contain asbestos. We are required to remove the asbestos from such facilities if such facilities are significantly renovated or demolished. At present, there are no plans to undertake a major renovation that would require the removal of the asbestos or the demolition of the facilities. We do not have sufficient information to estimate the fair value of the asset retirement obligation because the settlement date or the range of potential settlement dates has not been specified and information is not currently available to apply an expected present value technique. We will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate the fair value of the asset retirement obligation.
 
5.  Equity Interests
 
We own a noncontrolling equity interest in two electric power generation projects, one waste-to-energy project and one wind farm project in Italy and in a refinery/electric power generation project in Chile. We also own a 50% noncontrolling equity interest in an Italian project which generates earnings from royalty payments linked to the price of natural gas. The two electric power generation projects in Italy are each 42% owned by us, the waste-to-energy project is 39% owned by us and the wind farm project is 50% owned by us. The project in Chile is 85% owned by us; however, we do not have a controlling interest in the Chilean project as a result of participating rights held by the minority shareholder. We account for these investments in Italy and Chile under the equity method. The following is summarized financial information for these entities (each as a whole) in which we have an equity interest:
 
                                 
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007  
    Italian
    Chilean
    Italian
    Chilean
 
    Projects     Project     Projects     Project  
 
Balance Sheet Data :
                               
Current assets
  $ 288,387     $ 66,991     $ 294,482     $ 49,353  
Other assets (primarily buildings and equipment)
    618,083       137,007       656,796       146,665  
Current liabilities
    63,227       26,319       72,009       21,044  
Other liabilities (primarily long-term debt)
    535,954       70,950       576,545       81,696  
Net assets
    307,289       106,729       302,724       93,278  
 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
5.  Equity Interests — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007     December 29, 2006  
    Italian
    Chilean
    Italian
    Chilean
    Italian
    Chilean
 
    Projects     Project     Projects     Project     Projects     Project  
 
Income Statement Data:
                                               
Total revenues
  $ 439,455     $ 88,586     $ 319,611     $ 70,427     $ 304,786     $ 43,462  
Gross profit
    95,492       53,161       75,549       42,234       72,070       21,198  
Income before income taxes
    69,208       47,445       56,917       35,391       69,096       15,012  
Net earnings
    29,028       39,379       45,684       30,258       41,365       16,025  
 
Our share of equity in the net earnings of these partially-owned affiliates, which is recorded within other income, net on the consolidated statement of operations, totaled $33,905, $36,445 and $26,640 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Our investment in these equity affiliates, which is recorded within investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates on the consolidated balance sheet, totaled $200,352 and $190,887 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. Distributions of $24,452, $23,784 and $18,149 were received during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
We have guaranteed certain performance obligations of the Chilean project. We have a contingent obligation, which is measured annually based on the operating results of the Chilean project for the preceding year. We did not have a current payment obligation under this guarantee as of December 26, 2008.
 
We also have guaranteed the obligations of our subsidiary under the Chilean project’s operations and maintenance agreement. The guarantee is limited to $20,000 over the life of the operations and maintenance agreement, which extends through 2016. No amounts have ever been paid under the guarantee.
 
In addition, we have provided a $10,000 debt service reserve letter of credit to cover debt service payments in the event that the Chilean project does not generate sufficient cash flows to make such payments. We are required to maintain the debt service reserve letter of credit during the term of the Chilean project’s debt, which matures in 2014. As of December 26, 2008, no amounts have been drawn under this letter of credit.
 
Under the Chilean project’s operations and maintenance agreement, our subsidiary provides services for the management, operation and maintenance of the refinery/electric power generation facility. Our fees for these services were $9,312, $8,309 and $8,276 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were recorded in operating revenues on our consolidated statement of operations. We had a receivable from our partially-owned affiliate in Chile of $12,615 and $6,168 recorded in trade accounts and notes receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively.
 
Our share of the undistributed retained earnings of our equity investees amounted to $107,271 and $87,206 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively.
 
6.  Equity-for-Debt Exchanges
 
In April 2006, we consummated an offer to exchange 2,555,800 of our common shares for $50,000 of outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 2011 senior notes. The exchange reduced the carrying value of our 2011 senior notes by $51,648, representing the aggregate principal amount plus the corresponding premium and improved our shareholders’ equity by $50,567. The exchange resulted in a $58,763 increase in common stock and paid-in capital, which was partially offset by an $8,196 charge to income. The pretax charge, which was substantially non-cash, related primarily to the difference between the carrying value of the 2011 senior notes, including unpaid accrued interest, and the market price of the common shares on the closing date of the exchange.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
7.  Long-term Debt
 
The following table shows the components of our long-term debt:
 
                                                 
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007  
    Current     Long-term     Total     Current     Long-term     Total  
 
Capital Lease Obligations
  $ 1,147     $ 64,641     $ 65,788     $ 1,318     $ 67,095     $ 68,413  
Special-Purpose Limited Recourse Project Debt:
                                               
Camden County Energy Recovery Associates
    9,914       21,865       31,779       9,648       31,779       41,427  
FW Power S.r.l. 
    4,562       88,750       93,312             45,041       45,041  
Energia Holdings, LLC
    4,675       16,426       21,101       4,144       21,101       25,245  
Subordinated Robbins Facility Exit Funding Obligations:
                                               
1999C Bonds at 7.25% interest, due October 15, 2009
    19             19       18       19       37  
1999C Bonds at 7.25% interest, due October 15, 2024
          1,283       1,283             20,491       20,491  
1999D Accretion Bonds at 7% interest, due October 15, 2009
    307             307             286       286  
Intermediate Term Loans in China at 7.02% interest
                      4,107             4,107  
Term Loan in China at 6.57% interest,due December 29, 2008
    3,654             3,654                    
Other
    97       24       121       133       166       299  
                                                 
Total
  $ 24,375     $ 192,989     $ 217,364     $ 19,368     $ 185,978     $ 205,346  
                                                 
 
Domestic Senior Credit Agreement — In October 2006, we executed a five-year domestic senior credit agreement to be used for our U.S. and non-U.S. operations. The senior credit agreement, as amended, provides for a facility of $450,000, and includes a provision which permits future incremental increases of up to $100,000 in total availability under the facility. We can issue up to $450,000 under the letter of credit facility. A portion of the letters of credit issued under the domestic senior credit agreement have performance pricing that is decreased (or increased) as a result of improvements (or reductions) in the credit rating of the domestic senior credit agreement as reported by Moody’s Investors Service and/or Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”). We also have the option to use up to $100,000 of the $450,000 for revolving borrowings at a rate equal to adjusted LIBOR plus 1.50%, subject also to the performance pricing noted above. As a result of the improvement in our S&P credit rating in March 2007, we achieved the lowest possible pricing under the performance pricing provisions of our domestic senior credit agreement. We have maintained our performance pricing through our subsequent credit rating changes.
 
Effective September 29, 2008, we and the requisite lenders under our domestic senior credit agreement amended the domestic senior credit agreement to (1) allow us to use cash of up to $750,000 to repurchase our outstanding common shares under our common share repurchase program, subject to certain conditions, and (2) increase the aggregate amount of permissible capital expenditures from $40,000 to $80,000 for fiscal year 2008 and $70,000 for fiscal years thereafter, subject to certain adjustments that have been reflected in the domestic senior credit agreement since its original execution in September 2006, including, among other items, an exclusion related to capital expenditures that are financed by special-purpose project debt.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
7.  Long-term Debt — (Continued)
 
On December 18, 2008, Foster Wheeler AG, Foster Wheeler Ltd., certain of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s subsidiaries and BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, entered into an amendment of our domestic senior credit agreement. The amendment includes a consent of the lenders under the credit agreement to the Redomestication. In addition, the amendment reflects the addition of Foster Wheeler AG as a guarantor of the obligations under the credit agreement and reflects changes relating to Foster Wheeler AG becoming the ultimate parent of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and its subsidiaries upon completion of the Redomestication. The amendment became effective upon consummation of the Redomestication on February 9, 2009.
 
We paid $5,710 in fees and expenses in conjunction with the execution of our domestic senior credit agreement in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. Such fees and expenses are being amortized to expense over the five-year term of the agreement, commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006.
 
The assets and/or stock of certain of our U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries collateralize our obligations under our domestic senior credit agreement. Our domestic senior credit agreement contains various customary restrictive covenants that generally limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, create liens or other encumbrances on property, sell or transfer certain property and thereafter rent or lease such property for substantially the same purposes as the property sold or transferred, enter into a merger or similar transaction, make investments, declare dividends or make other restricted payments, enter into agreements with affiliates that are not on an arms’ length basis, enter into any agreement that limits our ability to create liens or the ability of a subsidiary to pay dividends, engage in any new lines of business, with respect to Foster Wheeler Ltd., change Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s fiscal year or, with respect to Foster Wheeler Ltd. and one of our holding company subsidiaries, directly acquire ownership of the operating assets used to conduct any business.
 
In addition, our domestic senior credit agreement contains financial covenants requiring us not to exceed a total leverage ratio, which compares total indebtedness to EBITDA, and to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio, which compares EBITDA to interest expense. All such terms are defined in our domestic senior credit agreement. We must be in compliance with the total leverage ratio at all times, while the interest coverage ratio is measured quarterly. We are in compliance with all financial covenants and other provisions of our domestic senior credit agreement.
 
We had $273,463 and $245,765 of letters of credit outstanding under this agreement as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. The letter of credit fees ranged from 1.50% to 1.60% of the outstanding amount, excluding a fronting fee of 0.125% per annum. There were no funded borrowings under this agreement as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007.
 
Prior Domestic Senior Credit Agreement — In March 2005, we entered into a five-year $250,000 senior credit agreement to be used for our U.S. and non-U.S. operations. We voluntarily replaced this senior credit agreement in October 2006. In fiscal year 2006, we recorded a charge of $14,955 in connection with the termination of this agreement.
 
Capital Lease Obligations — We have entered into a series of capital lease obligations, primarily for office buildings. Assets under capital lease obligations are summarized as follows:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Buildings and improvements
  $ 46,258     $ 48,565  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (12,807 )     (11,462 )
                 
Net assets under capital lease obligations
  $ 33,451     $ 37,103  
                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
7.  Long-term Debt — (Continued)
 
The following are the minimum lease payments to be made in each of the years indicated for our capital lease obligations as of December 26, 2008:
 
         
Fiscal years:
       
2009
  $ 8,462  
2010
    8,172  
2011
    8,445  
2012
    8,219  
2013
    8,149  
Thereafter
    93,035  
Less: interest
    (68,694 )
         
Net minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations
    65,788  
Less: current portion of net minimum lease payments
    (1,147 )
         
Long-term portion of net minimum lease payments
  $ 64,641  
         
 
Special-Purpose Limited Recourse Project Debt — Special-purpose limited recourse project debt represents debt incurred to finance the construction of cogeneration facilities, waste-to-energy or wind farm projects in which we are a majority-owner. Certain assets of each project collateralize the notes and/or bonds. Our obligations with respect to this debt are limited to contributing project equity during the construction phase of the projects and the guarantee of the operating performance of our Chilean project.
 
The Camden County Energy Recovery Associates debt represents Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery System Revenue Bonds. The bonds bear interest at 7.5%, due annually December 1, 2004 through 2010, and mature on December 1, 2010. The bonds are collateralized by a pledge of certain revenues and assets of the project, but not the plant. The waste-to-energy project is located in New Jersey.
 
FW Power S.r.l., which is the owner of certain electric power generating wind farms in Italy, had project financing for a wind farm project under a base facility and a value-added tax (“VAT”) facility. The base facility had a variable interest rate based upon the 6-month Euribor plus 1.5% and was repayable semi-annually based upon a pre-defined payment schedule through June 30, 2015. The VAT facility had a variable interest rate based upon the 6-month Euribor plus 0.9% and was repayable semi-annually based upon actual VAT received during commercial operation through December 31, 2010.
 
In December 2007, FW Power S.r.l. refinanced the original base and VAT facilities with new base and VAT facilities, and also secured new base and VAT facilities for a second wind farm project. The new base facilities bear interest at variable rates based upon 6-month Euribor plus a spread varying from 0.8% to 1.1% throughout the life of the debt and are repayable semi-annually based upon a pre-defined payment schedule through December 31, 2019. The new VAT facilities bear interest based upon 6-month Euribor plus a spread of 0.5% and are repayable semi-annually based upon actual VAT received during commercial operation through June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2013.
 
The debt is collateralized by certain revenues and assets of FW Power S.r.l. Our total borrowing capacity under the FW Power S.r.l. credit facilities is €75,350 (approximately $105,686 at the exchange rate as of December 26, 2008).
 
We have executed interest rate swap contracts that effectively convert approximately 90% of the base facilities to a weighted-average fixed interest rate of 4.48%. The swap contracts are in place through the life of the facilities. See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Interest Rate Risk,” for our


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
7.  Long-term Debt — (Continued)
 
accounting policy related to these interest rate swap contracts. The interest rates on the VAT facilities and the portion of the base facilities not subject to the interest rate swap contracts were 3.937% and 3.537%, respectively, as of December 26, 2008.
 
The Energia Holdings, LLC debt bears interest at 11.443%, due annually, and matures on April 15, 2015. The notes are collateralized by certain revenues and assets of a special-purpose subsidiary, which is the indirect owner of our refinery/electric power generation project in Chile.
 
Subordinated Robbins Facility Exit Funding Obligations (“Robbins bonds”) — In connection with the restructuring of debt incurred to finance construction of a waste-to-energy facility in the Village of Robbins, Illinois, we assumed certain subordinated obligations. The subordinated obligations include 1999C Bonds due October 15, 2009 (the “1999C bonds due 2009”), 1999C Bonds due October 15, 2024 (the “1999C bonds due 2024”) and 1999D Accretion Bonds due October 15, 2009 (the “1999D bonds”).
 
The 1999C bonds due 2009 and the 1999C bonds due 2024 bear interest at 7.25% and are subject to mandatory sinking fund reduction prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the redemption date. The total amount of 1999D bonds due on October 15, 2009 is $325.
 
On October 3, 2008 we acquired $19,208 of our 1999C bonds due 2024 for $19,016 of cash, plus accrued and unpaid interest to date. In conjunction with this acquisition, we recorded a gain on the acquisition of $192 in other income, net in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2008.
 
Intermediate Term Loans in China at 7.02% interest (“intermediate term loans”) — In fiscal year 2005, one of our Chinese subsidiaries, which is 52% owned by us and which we consolidate into our financial statements, entered into two intermediate term loans. The intermediate term loans were repaid at their respective scheduled maturity dates in fiscal year 2008.
 
Term Loans in China at 6.57% interest (“China term loan”) — In fiscal year 2008, our Chinese subsidiaries noted above, entered into a term loan with an interest rate of 6.57% and a maturity date of December 29, 2008. Subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008, the term loan was repaid at the scheduled maturity date. Also subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008, our Chinese subsidiaries entered into a new term loan for 20 million CNY (approximately $2,930 at the exchange rate in effect at the inception of the term loan) with an interest rate of 4.86% and which matures on July 6, 2009.
 
Convertible Subordinated Notes at 6.50% interest, due June 1, 2007 (“convertible notes”) — In 2001, we issued convertible notes having an aggregate principal amount of $210,000. In September 2004, we completed an offer to exchange common shares and preferred shares for $206,930 of convertible notes. In June 2006, we executed an open market purchase of $1,000 of outstanding aggregate principal amount of convertible notes. We repaid the remaining $2,070 of convertible notes at the scheduled maturity date of June 1, 2007.
 
Interest Costs — Interest costs incurred in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $16,462, $18,603 and $24,944, respectively.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
7.  Long-term Debt — (Continued)
 
Aggregate Maturities — Aggregate principal repayments and sinking fund requirements of long-term debt, excluding payments on capital lease obligations, over the next five years are as follows:
 
                                                         
    Fiscal Years  
    2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter     Total  
 
Special-Purpose Limited Recourse Project Debt:
                                                       
Camden County Energy Recovery Associates
  $ 9,914     $ 21,865     $     $     $     $     $ 31,779  
FW Power S.r.l. 
    4,562       7,821       7,562       8,353       7,729       57,285       93,312  
Energia Holdings, LLC
    4,675       3,188       2,019       1,912       1,912       7,395       21,101  
Subordinated Robbins Facility Exit Funding Obligations:
                                                       
1999C Bonds at 7.25% interest, due October 15, 2009
    19                                     19  
1999C Bonds at 7.25% interest, due October 15, 2024
                                  1,283       1,283  
1999D Accretion Bonds at 7% interest, due October 15, 2009
    307                                     307  
Term Loan in China at 6.57% interest,due December 29, 2008
    3,654                                     3,654  
Other
    97       24                               121  
                                                         
Total
  $ 23,228     $ 32,898     $ 9,581     $ 10,265     $ 9,641     $ 65,963     $ 151,576  
                                                         
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
We have defined benefit pension plans in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Finland, and we have other postretirement benefit plans for health care and life insurance benefits in the United States and Canada. We also have defined contribution plans in the United States and the United Kingdom. Finally, we have certain other benefit plans including government mandated postretirement programs.
 
We adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” on December 29, 2006, the last day of fiscal year 2006. SFAS No. 158 requires us to recognize the funded status of each of our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on our consolidated balance sheet. SFAS No. 158 also requires us to recognize any gains or losses, which are not recognized as a component of annual service cost, as a component of comprehensive income, net of tax. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 158, we recorded net actuarial losses, prior service cost/(credits) and a net transition asset as a net charge to accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Defined Benefit Pension Plans — Our defined benefit pension plans cover certain full-time employees. Under the plans, retirement benefits are primarily a function of both years of service and level of compensation. The U.S. pension plans, which are frozen to new entrants and additional benefit accruals, and the Canadian, Finnish and French plans are non-contributory. The U.K. plan, which is closed to new entrants, is contributory.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
Defined benefit pension obligations and funded status:
 
                                                                 
    Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2008     Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2007  
    United
    United
                United
    United
             
    States     Kingdom     Other     Total     States     Kingdom     Other     Total  
 
Change in projected benefit obligations:
                                                               
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year
  $ 326,811     $ 903,535     $ 39,280     $ 1,269,626     $ 336,496     $ 876,686     $ 34,175     $ 1,247,357  
Service cost
          10,451       691       11,142             14,073       620       14,693  
Interest cost
    19,962       47,683       1,882       69,527       19,031       45,348       1,671       66,050  
Plan participants’ contributions
          7,067             7,067             8,123             8,123  
Plan amendments
          40,103             40,103                          
Actuarial loss/(gain)
    5,645       (113,437 )     (2,534 )     (110,326 )     (5,690 )     (19,912 )     344       (25,258 )
Benefits paid
    (22,819 )     (32,938 )     (3,518 )     (59,275 )     (23,026 )     (36,507 )     (3,307 )     (62,840 )
Special termination benefits/other
          2,247       (1,818 )     429             (1,213 )           (1,213 )
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
          (235,360 )     (5,519 )     (240,879 )           16,937       5,777       22,714  
                                                                 
Projected benefit obligations at end of year
    329,599       629,351       28,464       987,414       326,811       903,535       39,280       1,269,626  
                                                                 
Change in plan assets:
                                                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    330,238       736,628       25,687       1,092,553       283,857       673,131       22,061       979,049  
Actual return on plan assets
    (97,808 )     (77,216 )     (3,107 )     (178,131 )     24,384       47,760       (20 )     72,124  
Employer contributions
    20,020       82,153       3,433       105,606       45,023       32,404       2,857       80,284  
Plan participants’ contributions
          7,067             7,067             8,123             8,123  
Benefits paid
    (22,819 )     (32,938 )     (3,518 )     (59,275 )     (23,026 )     (36,507 )     (3,307 )     (62,840 )
Other
          1,616       (1,818 )     (202 )           (1,212 )           (1,212 )
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
          (194,829 )     (4,371 )     (199,200 )           12,929       4,096       17,025  
                                                                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    229,631       522,481       16,306       768,418       330,238       736,628       25,687       1,092,553  
                                                                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (99,968 )   $ (106,870 )   $ (12,158 )   $ (218,996 )   $ 3,427     $ (166,907 )   $ (13,593 )   $ (177,073 )
                                                                 
 
We recognized the funded status of our defined benefit pension plans on our consolidated balance sheet as part of:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Other assets
  $     $ 3,839  
Current liabilities
    (589 )     (730 )
Non-current liabilities
    (218,407 )     (180,182 )
                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (218,996 )   $ (177,073 )
                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
We recognized the following amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 467,660     $ 347,580  
Prior service cost
    68,452       33,417  
Net transition asset
    (151 )     (112 )
                 
Total
  $ 535,961     $ 380,885  
                 
 
The estimated net actuarial loss, prior service cost and net transition asset that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are approximately $20,300, $7,300 and $40, respectively.
 
Accumulated benefit obligation:
 
The aggregated accumulated benefit obligation of our defined benefit pension plans was $886,259 and $1,093,005 at December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively.
 
Information for defined benefit pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008(1)     2007(1)(2)  
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 980,644     $ 934,211  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    883,010       761,967  
Fair value of plan assets
    760,251       749,912  
 
 
(1) Balances for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007 do not include information for one of the United Kingdom plans since the plan assets of that plan exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation.
 
(2) Balances for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2007 do not include information for the U.S. plans since the plan assets of these plans had exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost and other changes recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss):
 
                                                                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended
    Fiscal Years Ended
    Fiscal Years Ended
 
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007     December 29, 2006  
    United States     United Kingdom     Other     Total     United States     United Kingdom     Other     Total     United States     United Kingdom     Other     Total  
 
Net periodic benefit cost:
                                                                                               
Service cost
  $     $ 10,451     $ 691     $ 11,142     $     $ 14,073     $ 620     $ 14,693     $     $ 15,590     $ 951     $ 16,541  
Interest cost
    19,962       47,683       1,882       69,527       19,031       45,348       1,671       66,050       18,578       36,079       1,684       56,341  
Expected return on plan assets
    (24,142 )     (46,788 )     (1,594 )     (72,524 )     (22,064 )     (48,200 )     (1,762 )     (72,026 )     (18,125 )     (40,100 )     (1,563 )     (59,788 )
Amortization of transition (asset)/ obligation
          (54 )     93       39             (66 )     93       27             (64 )     87       23  
Amortization of prior service cost
          4,807       19       4,826             5,195       19       5,214             4,941       17       4,958  
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    2,787       16,289       400       19,476       3,285       17,530       479       21,294       4,262       17,239       912       22,413  
                                                                                                 
SFAS No. 87 net periodic benefit cost
    (1,393 )     32,388       1,491       32,486       252       33,880       1,120       35,252       4,715       33,685       2,088       40,488  
SFAS No. 88 cost*
          242       644       886                                     276       21       297  
                                                                                                 
Total net periodic benefit cost/(income)
  $ (1,393 )   $ 32,630     $ 2,135     $ 33,372     $ 252     $ 33,880     $ 1,120     $ 35,252     $ 4,715     $ 33,961     $ 2,109     $ 40,785  
                                                                                                 
Changes recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss):
                                                                                               
Net actuarial (gain)/loss
  $ 127,595     $ 10,674     $ 1,287     $ 139,556     $ (8,008 )   $ (19,435 )   $ 1,927     $ (25,516 )   $     $     $     $  
Plan amendment
          39,861             39,861                                                  
Amortization of transition asset/ (obligation)
          54       (93 )     (39 )           66       (93 )     (27 )                        
Amortization of prior service cost
          (4,807 )     (19 )     (4,826 )           (5,195 )     (19 )     (5,214 )                        
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    (2,787 )     (16,289 )     (400 )     (19,476 )     (3,285 )     (17,530 )     (479 )     (21,294 )                        
                                                                                                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)
  $ 124,808     $ 29,493     $ 775     $ 155,076     $ (11,293 )   $ (42,094 )   $ 1,336     $ (52,051 )   $     $     $     $  
                                                                                                 
Weighted-average assumptions-
net periodic benefit cost:
                                                                                               
Discount rate
    6.31 %     5.74 %     5.24 %             5.81 %     5.14 %     4.50 %             5.45 %     4.86 %     4.60 %        
Long-term rate of return
    7.90 %     6.86 %     7.00 %             8.00 %     6.94 %     7.50 %             8.00 %     6.84 %     7.50 %        
Salary growth
    N/A       4.28 %     3.10 %             N/A       3.83 %     2.35 %             N/A       3.84 %     3.21 %        
Weighted-average assumptions-
projected benefit obligations:
                                                                                               
Discount rate
    6.23 %     6.21 %     6.39 %             6.31 %     5.72 %     5.30 %                                        
Salary growth
    N/A       3.53 %     3.17 %             N/A       4.12 %     3.47 %                                        
 
 
N/A — Not applicable as the plan is frozen and future salary levels do not affect benefits payable.
 
Charges were recorded in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 88, “Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits,” related to the settlement of obligations to former employees in the United Kingdom and Canada of $886 in fiscal year 2008; and the United Kingdom and Canada of $297 in fiscal year 2006.
 
Investment policy:
 
Each of our defined benefit pension plans in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada is governed by a written investment policy. The pension plans in Finland and France have no plan assets.
 
The investment policy of the U.S. plans allocates assets in accordance with the policy guidelines. These guidelines identify target, maximum and minimum allocations by asset class. The target allocation is 72.5% equities and 27.5% fixed-income securities. The minimum and maximum allocations are: 67.5% to 77.5% equities, 22.5% to 32.5% bonds and 0% to 5% cash. We are continually reviewing the investment policy to ensure that the investment strategy is aligned with plan liabilities and projected plan benefit payments.
 
The investment policy of the U.K. plans is designed to respond to changes in funding levels. The bond and equity allocations currently range from 40% bonds and 60% equities to 50% bonds and 50% equities, depending on the funding level.
 
The investment policy of the Canadian plan uses a balanced approach and allocates investments in pooled funds in accordance with the policy’s asset mix guidelines. These guidelines identify target, maximum and minimum allocations by asset class. The target allocation is 50% equities, 45% bonds and 5% cash. The minimum and maximum allocations are: 42.5% to 57.5% equities, 40% to 50% bonds and 2.5% to 7.5% cash.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
Long-term rate of return assumptions:
 
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is developed using a weighted-average methodology, blending the expected returns on each class of investment in the plans’ portfolio. The expected returns by asset class are developed considering both past performance and future considerations. We annually review and adjust, as required, the long-term rate of return for our pension plans. The weighted-average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets has ranged from 7.2% to 7.3% over the past three years.
 
                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Asset allocation by plan:
               
United States:
               
Equities
    58 %     70 %
Fixed-income securities
    41 %     30 %
Other
    1 %     0 %
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
United Kingdom:
               
Equities
    45 %     59 %
Fixed-income securities
    54 %     41 %
Other
    1 %     0 %
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
Canada:
               
Equities
    48 %     49 %
Fixed-income securities
    45 %     44 %
Other
    7 %     7 %
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
 
Contributions:
 
Based on the minimum statutory funding requirements for fiscal year 2009, we are not required to make mandatory contributions to our U.S. pension plans. Based on the minimum statutory funding requirements for fiscal year 2009, we expect to contribute total mandatory contributions of approximately $24,700 to our non-U.S. pension plans.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
Estimated future benefit payments:
 
We expect to make the following benefit payments from our defined benefit pension plans:
 
                                 
          United
             
    United States     Kingdom     Other     Total  
 
2009
  $ 23,294     $ 25,885     $ 3,047     $ 52,226  
2010
    23,428       26,076       3,173       52,677  
2011
    23,606       26,291       3,536       53,433  
2012
    23,948       26,505       2,748       53,201  
2013
    23,825       26,706       3,692       54,223  
2014-2018
    123,651       136,304       15,600       275,555  
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans — Certain employees in the United States and Canada may become eligible for health care and life insurance benefits (“other postretirement benefits”) if they qualify for and commence normal or early retirement pension benefits as defined in the U.S. and Canadian pension plans while working for us.
 
Additionally, one of our subsidiaries in the United States also has a benefit plan, referred to as the Survivor Income Plan (“SIP”), which provides coverage for an employee’s beneficiary upon the death of the employee. This plan, which is accounted for under SFAS No. 112, “Employer’s Accounting for Postemployment Benefits an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 43,” has been closed to new entrants since 1988. Total liabilities under the SIP, which were $14,590 and $14,948 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively, are reflected in the other postretirement benefit obligation and funded status information below because the obligation is measured using the provisions of SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” as amended by SFAS No. 158. The benefit assets of the SIP, which reflect the cash surrender value of insurance polices purchased to cover obligations under the SIP, totaled $5,633 and $5,302 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. The benefit assets are recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and are not reflected in the other postretirement benefit obligation and funded status information below.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
Other postretirement benefit obligation and funded status:
 
                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
               
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 80,160     $ 96,847  
Service cost
    142       139  
Interest cost
    4,623       4,765  
Plan participants’ contributions
    2,180       2,727  
Plan amendment
    1,609        
Actuarial loss/(gain)
    3,680       (13,354 )
Benefits paid
    (9,994 )     (12,176 )
Medicare Part D reimbursement
    220       1,052  
Other
    (156 )     160  
                 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of year
    82,464       80,160  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
           
Plan participants’ contributions
    2,180       2,727  
Employer contributions
    7,594       8,397  
Medicare Part D reimbursement
    220       1,052  
Benefits paid
    (9,994 )     (12,176 )
                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
           
                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (82,464 )   $ (80,160 )
                 
 
We recognized the funded status of our other postretirement benefit plans on our consolidated balance sheet as part of:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Current liabilities
  $ (6,475 )   $ (7,412 )
Non-current liabilities
    (75,989 )     (72,748 )
                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (82,464 )   $ (80,160 )
                 
 
We recognized the following amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 14,162     $ 10,949  
Prior service credit
    (37,276 )     (43,547 )
                 
Total
  $ (23,114 )   $ (32,598 )
                 


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic postretirement benefit cost over the next fiscal year are approximately $1,000 and $4,600, respectively.
 
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost and other changes recognized in comprehensive income/(loss):
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 142     $ 139     $ 157  
Interest cost
    4,623       4,765       5,334  
Amortization of prior service credit
    (4,662 )     (4,762 )     (4,761 )
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    466       952       2,049  
                         
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ 569     $ 1,094     $ 2,779  
                         
Changes recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss):
                       
Net actuarial loss/(gain)
  $ 3,679     $ (13,352 )   $  
Plan amendment
    1,609              
Amortization of prior service credit
    4,662       4,762        
Amortization of net actuarial loss
    (466 )     (952 )      
                         
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)
  $ 9,484     $ (9,542 )   $  
                         
Weighted-average assumptions- net periodic postretirement benefit cost:
                       
Discount rate
    6.23 %     5.73 %     5.39 %
Weighted-average assumptions- accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
                       
Discount rate
    6.28 %     6.20 %        
 
                 
    Pre-Medicare
    Medicare
 
    Eligible     Eligible  
 
Health-care cost trend:
               
2008
    9.20 %     0.00 %
2009
    8.70 %     24.65 %
Decline to 2023
    5.70 %     5.70 %
 
Assumed health-care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement benefit plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
 
                 
    One-Percentage
    One-Percentage
 
    Point Increase     Point Decrease  
 
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
  $ 142     $ (126 )
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
  $ 2,965     $ (2,625 )


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits — (Continued)
 
Contributions:
 
We expect to contribute a total of approximately $6,669 to our other postretirement benefit plans in fiscal year 2009.
 
Estimated future other postretirement benefit payments:
 
We expect to make the following other postretirement benefit payments:
 
         
    Postretirement
 
    Benefits  
 
2009
  $ 6,669  
2010
    7,073  
2011
    7,200  
2012
    7,181  
2013
    7,168  
2014-2018
    34,901  
 
Defined Contribution Plans — Our U.S. subsidiaries have a 401(k) plan for salaried employees. In fiscal year 2008, we matched 100% of employee contributions on the first 6% of eligible base pay, subject to the annual limit on eligible earnings under the Internal Revenue Code. In fiscal year 2007, we matched 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 3% of base pay of employee contributions, subject to the annual Internal Revenue Code limit. In fiscal year 2007 and prior, the 401(k) plan also provided for a discretionary employer contribution, equal to 50% of the second 3% of an employee’s contribution or a maximum of 1.5% of base salary. The discretionary employer contribution was tied to meeting our performance targets for an entire calendar year and having the contribution approved by our Board of Directors. The discretionary employer 401(k) contribution was paid in fiscal years 2007 and 2006. The discretionary employer contribution was discontinued in fiscal year 2008 in connection with the adoption of our new contribution match and eligible base pay limits, described above.
 
In total, our U.S. subsidiaries contributed $8,980, $5,570 and $4,325 to the 401(k) plan in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Beginning in fiscal year 2008, our U.S. subsidiaries also have a Roth 401(k) plan for salaried employees.
 
Effective April 1, 2003, our U.K. subsidiaries commenced a defined contribution plan for salaried employees. Under the defined contribution plan, amounts are credited as a percentage of earnings which percentage can be increased within prescribed limits after five years of membership in the fund if matched by the employee. At termination (up to two years’ service only), an employee may receive the balance in the account. Otherwise at termination or at retirement, an employee receives an annuity or a combination of lump-sum and annuity. Our U.K. subsidiaries contributed $3,449, $2,561 and $1,179 in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, to the defined contribution plan.
 
Other Benefits — Certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries participate in government-mandated indemnity and postretirement programs for their employees. Liabilities of $26,563 and $37,811 were recorded within pension, postretirement and other employee benefits on the consolidated balance sheet at December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively, related to such benefits.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
9.  Guarantees and Warranties
 
We have agreed to indemnify certain third parties relating to businesses and/or assets that we previously owned and sold to such third parties. Such indemnifications relate primarily to potential environmental and tax exposures for activities conducted by us prior to the sale of such businesses and/or assets. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar indemnifications due to the conditional nature of the obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular indemnification.
 
                         
    Maximum
    Carrying Amount of Liability  
    Potential
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    Payment     2008     2007  
 
Environmental indemnifications
    No limit     $ 8,900     $ 6,900  
Tax indemnifications
    No limit     $     $  
 
We also maintain contingencies for warranty expenses on certain of our long-term contracts. Generally, warranty contingencies are accrued over the life of the contract so that a sufficient balance is maintained to cover our aggregate exposure at the conclusion of the project.
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Warranty Liability:
                       
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 87,800     $ 69,900     $ 63,200  
Accruals
    36,000       35,800       27,600  
Settlements
    (7,300 )     (5,700 )     (18,600 )
Adjustments to provisions
    (17,100 )     (12,200 )     (2,300 )
                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 99,400     $ 87,800     $ 69,900  
                         
 
We are contingently liable for performance under standby letters of credit, bank guarantees and surety bonds totaling $914,500 and $818,600 as of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively. These balances include the standby letters of credit issued under the domestic senior credit agreement discussed in Note 7 and from other facilities worldwide. No material claims have been made against these guarantees, and based on our experience and current expectations, we do not anticipate any material claims.
 
We have also guaranteed certain performance obligations in a Chilean refinery/electric power generation project in which we hold a noncontrolling equity interest. See Note 5 for further information.
 
10.  Financial Instruments and Risk Management
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value:
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash — The carrying value of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
 
Short-term Investments — Short-term investments primarily consist of deposits with maturities in excess of three months but less than one year. Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates fair value.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
10.  Financial Instruments and Risk Management — (Continued)
 
Long-term Debt — We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt (including current installments) based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts — We estimate the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts (which are used solely for hedging purposes) by obtaining quotes from financial institutions.
 
Interest Rate Swaps — We estimate the fair value of our interest rate swaps based on quotes obtained from financial institutions.
 
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values — The estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:
 
                                 
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007  
    Carrying
    Fair
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Amount     Value     Amount     Value  
 
Long-term debt
  $ (217,364 )   $ (227,866 )   $ (205,346 )   $ (224,416 )
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had $376,331 of foreign currency forward exchange contracts outstanding. These foreign currency forward exchange contracts mature between 2009 and 2011. The contracts have been established by our various international subsidiaries to sell a variety of currencies and receive their respective functional currencies or other currencies for which they have payment obligations to third-parties.
 
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash equivalents and trade receivables. We place our cash equivalents with financial institutions and we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers comprising our customer base and their dispersion across different business and geographic areas. As of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, we had no significant concentrations of credit risk.
 
11.  Preferred Shares
 
We issued 599,944 preferred shares in connection with our 2004 equity-for-debt exchange. There were 1,079 preferred shares outstanding as of December 26, 2008. Each preferred share is convertible at the holder’s option into 130 common shares, or up to approximately 140,323 additional common shares if all outstanding preferred shares as of December 26, 2008 are converted.
 
The preferred shareholders have no voting rights except in certain limited circumstances. The preferred shares have the right to receive dividends and other distributions, including liquidating distributions, on an as-if-converted basis when and if declared and paid on the common shares. The preferred shares have a $0.01 liquidation preference per share.
 
In connection with the Redomestication, on February 9, 2009 the holders of the preferred shares received the number of registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG that such holders would have been entitled to receive had they converted their preferred shares into common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. immediately prior to the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement (with Foster Wheeler Ltd. paying cash in lieu of any fractional shares otherwise issuable). See Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication.
 
12.  Share-Based Compensation Plans
 
Our share-based compensation plans include both restricted awards and stock option awards. Compensation cost for our share-based plans of $15,766, $7,095 and $16,474, was charged against income for fiscal


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
12. Share-Based Compensation Plans — (Continued)
 
years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The related income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income was $332, $246 and $323 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We received $2,791, $18,076 and $17,595 in cash from option exercises under our share-based compensation plans for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had $20,833 and $21,817 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and restricted awards, respectively. Those costs are expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 30 months.
 
Omnibus Incentive Plan:
 
On May 9, 2006, our shareholders approved the Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”). The Omnibus Plan allows for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-contingent shares, performance-contingent units, cash-based awards and other equity-based awards to our employees, non-employee directors and third-party service providers. The Omnibus Plan effectively replaces our prior share-based compensation plans, and no further options or equity-based awards will be granted under any of the prior share-based compensation plans. The maximum number of shares as to which stock options and restricted stock awards may be granted under the Omnibus Plan is 9,560,000 shares, plus shares that become available for issuance pursuant to the terms of the awards previously granted under the prior compensation plans and outstanding as of May 9, 2006 and only if those awards expire, terminate or are otherwise forfeited before being exercised or settled in full (but not to exceed 10,000,000 shares). Shares awarded pursuant to the Omnibus Plan will be issued out of our authorized but unissued common shares.
 
The Omnibus Plan includes a “change in control” provision, which provides for cash redemption of equity awards issued under the Omnibus Plan in certain limited circumstances. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Accounting Series Release No. 268, “Presentation in Financial Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stocks,” we present the redemption amount of these equity awards issued under the Omnibus Plan as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheet as the equity award is amortized during the vesting period. The redemption amount represents the intrinsic value of the equity award on the grant date. In accordance with FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-98, “Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities,” we do not adjust the redemption amount each reporting period unless and until it becomes probable that the equity awards will become redeemable (upon a change in control event). Upon vesting of the equity awards, we reclassify the intrinsic value of the equity awards, as determined on the grant date, to permanent equity.
 
Prior Share-Based Compensation Plans:
 
In September 2004, our Board of Directors adopted the 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”), which reserved 7,334,730 common shares for issuance. The 2004 Plan provided that shares issued come from our authorized but unissued common shares. The Board of Directors determined the price of the options granted pursuant to the 2004 Plan. The options granted under the 2004 Plan expire up to a maximum of three years from the date granted. As noted above, no further awards will be granted under the 2004 Plan.
 
In October 2001, we granted 130,000 inducement options at an exercise price of $49.85 per share to our chief executive officer in connection with his employment agreement. The options vested 20% each year over the term of his agreement. The price of the options granted pursuant to these agreements was the fair market value on the date of the grant. The options granted under this agreement expire ten years from the date granted.
 
In April 1995, our shareholders approved the 1995 Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”). The 1995 Plan, as amended in April 1999 and May 2002, reserved 530,000 common shares for issuance. The 1995 Plan


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
12. Share-Based Compensation Plans — (Continued)
 
provided that shares issued come from our authorized but unissued or reacquired common stock. The price of the options granted pursuant to this plan could not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The options granted pursuant to the 1995 Plan could not be exercised within one year from the date of grant and no option can be exercised after ten years from the date granted. As noted above, no further awards will be granted under the 1995 Plan.
 
In April 1990, our shareholders approved a Stock Option Plan for Directors of Foster Wheeler (the “Directors Plan”). On April 29, 1997, our shareholders approved an amendment of the Directors Plan, which authorized the granting of options to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock to non-employee directors of Foster Wheeler. The Directors Plan provided that shares issued come from our authorized but unissued or reacquired common stock. The price of the options granted pursuant to this plan could not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The options granted pursuant to the Directors Plan could not be exercised within one year from the date of grant and no option can be exercised after ten years from the date granted. As noted above, no further awards will be granted under the Directors Plan.
 
In connection with the Redomestication, Foster Wheeler AG assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s existing obligations under Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s share-based incentive award programs and similar employee share-based awards. See Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication.
 
Stock Option Awards:
 
A summary of stock option activity for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 is presented below:
 
                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007     December 29, 2006  
          Weighted-
          Weighted-
          Weighted-
 
          Average
          Average
          Average
 
          Exercise
          Exercise
          Exercise
 
    Shares     Price     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
 
Options outstanding at beginning of year
    1,502,476     $ 44.45       4,411,930     $ 20.19       6,568,020     $ 14.50  
Options exercised
    (142,038 )   $ 19.65       (2,976,020 )   $ 6.07       (3,046,430 )   $ 5.78  
Options granted
    1,761,246     $ 26.99       193,326     $ 62.98       991,492     $ 23.17  
Options cancelled or expired
    (44,638 )   $ 251.94       (126,760 )   $ 129.20       (101,152 )   $ 113.98  
                                                 
Options outstanding at end of year
    3,077,046     $ 32.59       1,502,476     $ 44.45       4,411,930     $ 20.19  
                                                 
Options available for grant at end of year
    5,582,611               8,066,938               8,178,784          
                                                 
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the year
  $ 11.21             $ 23.03             $ 9.28          
                                                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
12. Share-Based Compensation Plans — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options as of December 26, 2008:
 
                                                 
                Stock Options Outstanding  
            Weighted-
             
            Average
    Weighted-
    Aggregate
 
      Number
    Remaining
    Average
    Intrinsic
 
Range of Exercise Prices     Outstanding     Contractual Life     Exercise Price     Value  
 
$ 14.83     to   $ 21.43       1,562,838       4.91 years     $ 21.36     $ 3,253,955  
  21.70     to     21.74       561,280       2.63 years       21.73       957,024  
  25.05     to     28.50       296,128       2.96 years       25.27        
  46.90     to     49.85       142,267       2.88 years       49.67        
  53.63     to     67.55       261,377       3.85 years       64.39        
  70.95     to     81.57       149,922       3.95 years       71.84        
  90.00     to     150.63       103,234       0.62 years       121.61        
                                                 
$ 14.83     to   $ 150.63       3,077,046       3.93 years     $ 32.59     $ 4,210,979  
                                                 
 
The following table summarizes our exercisable stock options as of December 26, 2008:
 
                                                 
                Stock Options Exercisable  
            Weighted-
             
            Average
    Weighted-
    Aggregate
 
      Number
    Remaining
    Average
    Intrinsic
 
Range of Exercise Prices     Exercisable     Contractual Life     Exercise Price     Value  
 
$ 14.83     to   $ 21.43       22,008       3.23 years     $ 16.31     $ 156,886  
  21.70     to     21.74       374,587       2.63 years       21.73       638,713  
  25.05     to     28.50       77,952       2.80 years       25.22        
  46.90     to     49.85       132,622       2.82 years       49.81        
  53.63     to     67.55       37,994       2.04 years       56.81        
  70.95     to     81.57       5,000       1.58 years       81.57        
  90.00     to     150.63       91,234       0.54 years       124.45        
                                                 
$ 14.83     to   $ 150.63       741,397       2.41 years     $ 41.80     $ 795,599  
                                                 
 
We calculated intrinsic value for those options that had an exercise price lower than the market price of our common shares as of December 26, 2008. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options and exercisable options as of December 26, 2008 was calculated as the difference between the market price of our common shares and the exercise price of the underlying options for the options that had an exercise price lower than the market price of our common shares at that date. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $7,320, $88,828 and $49,601 determined as of the date of exercise.
 
As of December 26, 2008, there was $20,833 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 30 months.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
12. Share-Based Compensation Plans — (Continued)
 
Restricted Awards:
 
A summary of restricted share activity for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 is presented below:
 
                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007     December 29, 2006  
          Weighted-
          Weighted-
          Weighted-
 
          Average
          Average
          Average
 
          Grant
          Grant
          Grant
 
    Shares     Price     Shares     Price     Shares     Price  
 
Non-vested at beginning of year
    165,960     $ 21.47       659,262     $ 11.32       2,222,362     $ 4.76  
Granted
        $           $       248,940     $ 21.47  
Vested
    (82,980 )   $ 21.47       (493,302 )   $ 7.91       (1,807,088 )   $ 4.67  
Cancelled or forfeited
        $           $       (4,952 )   $ 4.60  
                                                 
Non-vested at end of year
    82,980     $ 21.47       165,960     $ 21.47       659,262     $ 11.32  
                                                 
 
A summary of restricted share unit activity for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 is presented below:
 
                                                 
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26, 2008     December 28, 2007     December 29, 2006  
          Weighted-
          Weighted-
          Weighted-
 
          Average
          Average
          Average
 
          Grant
          Grant
          Grant
 
    Units     Price     Units     Price     Units     Price  
 
Non-vested at beginning of year
    227,430     $ 38.79       868,968     $ 9.30       1,157,096     $ 5.09  
Granted
    768,255     $ 26.68       82,258     $ 62.94       193,412     $ 25.00  
Vested
    (62,486 )   $ 26.31       (686,818 )   $ 5.12       (452,674 )   $ 5.48  
Cancelled or forfeited
    (1,284 )   $ 44.10       (36,978 )   $ 25.05       (28,866 )   $ 5.62  
                                                 
Non-vested at end of year
    931,915     $ 29.63       227,430     $ 38.79       868,968     $ 9.30  
                                                 
 
As of December 26, 2008, there was $21,817 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 29 months. The total fair value of restricted awards vested during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $8,946, $33,408 and $47,085, respectively.
 
13.   Common Share Purchase Warrants
 
In connection with the equity-for-debt exchange consummated in 2004, we issued 4,152,914 Class A common share purchase warrants and 40,771,560 Class B common share purchase warrants. Each Class A warrant entitles its owner to purchase 3.3682 common shares at an exercise price of $4.689 per common share thereunder, subject to the terms of the warrant agreement between the warrant agent and us. In connection with the Redomestication and in accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement, we extended the expiration date of our Class A warrants from September 24, 2009 to October 2, 2009 as a result of the periods from January 27, 2009 until January 30, 2009 and February 3, 2009 until February 6, 2009 when the warrants were not exercisable. Each Class B warrant entitled its owner to purchase 0.1446 common shares at an exercise price of $4.689 per common share thereunder, subject to the terms and conditions of the warrant agreement between the warrant agent and us. The Class B warrants were exercisable on or before September 24, 2007.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
13. Common Share Purchase Warrants — (Continued)
 
In January 2006, we completed transactions that increased the number of common shares to be delivered upon the exercise of our Class A and Class B common share purchase warrants during the offer period and raised $75,336 in net proceeds. The exercise price per warrant was not increased in the offers. Holders of approximately 95% of the Class A warrants and 57% of the Class B warrants participated in the offers resulting in the aggregate issuance of approximately 16,807,000 common shares.
 
Cumulatively through December 26, 2008, 3,971,940 Class A warrants and 38,730,407 Class B warrants have been exercised for 19,728,294 common shares. The number of common shares issuable upon the exercise of the remaining outstanding Class A warrants is approximately 609,557 as of December 26, 2008. The remaining outstanding Class B warrants expired on September 24, 2007.
 
The holders of the Class A warrants are not entitled to vote, to receive dividends or to exercise any of the rights of common shareholders for any purpose until such warrants have been duly exercised. We currently maintain and intend to continue to maintain at all times during which the warrants are exercisable, a “shelf” registration statement relating to the issuance of common shares underlying the warrants for the benefit of the warrant holders, subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement. An initial registration statement became effective on December 28, 2005 and a replacement registration statement was filed and became effective on December 5, 2008.
 
Also in connection with the equity-for-debt exchange consummated in 2004, we entered into a registration rights agreement with certain selling security holders in which we agreed to file a registration statement to cover resales of our securities held by them immediately following the exchange offer. We filed a registration statement in accordance with this agreement on October 29, 2004. The registration statement, which initially became effective on December 23, 2004, must remain in effect until December 23, 2009 unless certain events occur to terminate our obligations under the registration rights agreement prior to that date. If we fail to maintain the registration statement as required or it becomes unavailable for more than two 45-day periods in any consecutive 12-month period, we are required to pay damages at a rate of $13.7 per day for each day that the registration statement is not effective. As of December 26, 2008, the maximum exposure under this provision was approximately $3,700. We have not incurred, and do not expect to incur, any damages under the registration rights agreement.
 
In connection with the Redomestication, Foster Wheeler AG assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s obligations under the warrant agreement and has agreed to issue registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG upon exercise of outstanding warrants in accordance with their stated terms. See Note 21 for further information related to the Redomestication.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
14.   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Below are the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:
 
                                         
    Accumulated
          Pension and Other
             
    Foreign
    Minimum
    Postretirement
    Net (Loss)/Gains on
       
    Currency
    Pension Liability
    Benefit Plan
    Derivatives Designated
       
    Translation
    Adjustments, Net
    Adjustments, Net of
    as Cash Flow Hedges,
    Accumulated Other
 
    Adjustments     of Tax     Tax     Net of Tax     Comprehensive Loss  
 
Balance as of December 30, 2005
  $ (74,168 )   $ (240,628 )   $     $     $ (314,796 )
Other comprehensive income
    31,612       40,087             342       72,041  
Adoption of SFAS No. 158
          200,541       (301,128 )           (100,587 )
                                         
Balance as of December 29, 2006
    (42,556 )           (301,128 )     342       (343,342 )
Other comprehensive income
    31,939             48,958       1,331       82,228  
                                         
Balance as of December 28, 2007
    (10,617 )           (252,170 )     1,673       (261,114 )
Other comprehensive income
    (68,747 )           (156,282 )     (8,645 )     (233,674 )
                                         
Balance as of December 26, 2008
  $ (79,364 )   $     $ (408,452 )   $ (6,972 )   $ (494,788 )
                                         
 
The tax effect related to pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments was a benefit of $104,395, $96,117 and $108,752 as of December 26, 2008, December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively. The tax effect related to (losses)/gains on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was a benefit of $2,645 as of December 26, 2008, and provisions of $635 and $203, as of December 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively.
 
The accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments are not currently adjusted for income taxes as they relate to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.
 
15.   Income Taxes
 
Below are the components of income before income taxes for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 under the following tax jurisdictions:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
U.S. 
  $ 25,715     $ 23,727     $ 68,897  
Non-U.S. 
    597,933       506,567       274,796  
                         
Total
  $ 623,648     $ 530,294     $ 343,693  
                         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
15. Income Taxes — (Continued)
 
The provision for income taxes was as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Current tax expense:
                       
U.S. 
  $ (4,370 )   $ (2,831 )   $ (4,084 )
Non-U.S. 
    (115,541 )     (114,938 )     (55,260 )
                         
Total current
    (119,911 )     (117,769 )     (59,344 )
                         
Deferred tax expense/(benefit):
                       
U.S. 
    8,758       (2,248 )     (3,540 )
Non-U.S. 
    14,125       (16,403 )     (18,825 )
                         
Total deferred
    22,883       (18,651 )     (22,365 )
                         
Total provision for income taxes
  $ (97,028 )   $ (136,420 )   $ (81,709 )
                         
 
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) consist of the following:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Pensions
  $ 81,985     $ 46,484  
Accrued costs on long-term contracts
    25,943       22,919  
Deferred income
    23,525       25,392  
Accrued expenses
    39,749       43,546  
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
    28,602       27,318  
Asbestos claims
    42,720       32,790  
Net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes
    203,978       224,457  
Asset impairments and other reserves
    2,568       2,079  
Other
    5,778       5,159  
                 
Total gross deferred tax assets
    454,848       430,144  
Valuation allowance
    (318,722 )     (294,286 )
                 
Total deferred tax assets
    136,126       135,858  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property, plant and equipment
    (30,449 )     (27,372 )
Goodwill and other intangible assets
    (7,301 )     (19,791 )
Investments
    (20,364 )     (25,845 )
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries
    (8,000 )     (8,000 )
                 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
    (66,114 )     (81,008 )
                 
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 70,012     $ 54,850  
                 
 
Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to the expiration of the various attributes. We believe that it is more likely than not that the remaining net deferred


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
15. Income Taxes — (Continued)
 
tax assets (after consideration of the valuation allowance) will be realized through future earnings and/or tax planning strategies. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could change in the near future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are changed. We have reduced our U.S. and certain non-U.S. tax benefits by a valuation allowance based on a consideration of all available evidence, which indicates that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. During fiscal year 2008, we reversed the valuation allowance that we had previously established for one of our non-U.S. operating units due to improved operational performance and positive evidence that indicates that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets in that jurisdiction will be realized. This valuation allowance reduction was offset by the need to increase the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions. On an overall basis, the valuation allowance increased by $24,436 during fiscal year 2008, primarily as a result of an increase in the deferred tax asset related to the U.S. pension liability (which is recognized in other comprehensive income), partially offset by the net valuation allowance reversals described above.
 
For statutory purposes, the majority of deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance is provided do not begin expiring until fiscal year 2024 or later, based on the current tax laws.
 
Our subsidiaries file income tax returns in numerous tax jurisdictions, including the United States, several U.S. states and numerous non-U.S. jurisdictions around the world. Tax returns are also filed in jurisdictions where our subsidiaries execute project-related work. The statute of limitations varies by the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Because of the number of jurisdictions in which we file tax returns, in any given year the statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions may expire without examination within the 12-month period from the balance sheet date. As a result, we expect recurring changes in unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, none of which are expected to be individually significant. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. (including federal, state and local) or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before fiscal year 2003.
 
During fiscal year 2008, we settled a tax audit in the Asia Pacific region which resulted in a $3,200 reduction of unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding reduction in the provision for income taxes. A number of tax years are also under audit by the relevant state and non-U.S. tax authorities. We anticipate that several of these audits may be concluded in the foreseeable future, including in fiscal year 2009. Based on the status of these audits, it is reasonably possible that the conclusion of the audits may result in a reduction of unrecognized tax benefits. However, it is not possible to estimate the impact of this change at this time.
 
We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on December 30, 2006, the first day of fiscal year 2007. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, we recognized a $4,356 reduction in the opening balance of our shareholders’ equity. This resulted from changes in the amount of tax benefits recognized related to uncertain tax positions and the accrual of interest and penalties.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
15. Income Taxes — (Continued)
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of our unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 52,175     $ 44,786  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    7,859       6,218  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
          8,910  
Reductions for tax provisions for prior years
    (5,668 )     (1,663 )
Settlements
          (2,744 )
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations
    (5,624 )     (3,332 )
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 48,742     $ 52,175  
                 
 
As of December 26, 2008, we had $48,742 of unrecognized tax benefits, of which $48,398 would, if recognized, affect our effective tax rate before existing valuation allowance considerations.
 
We recognize interest accrued on the unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties on the unrecognized tax benefits in other deductions, net on our consolidated statement of operations. We recorded net interest expense and net penalties totaling $(1,193) and $2,700, in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, of which the net penalties in fiscal year 2008 is net of $4,958 of previously accrued tax penalties which were ultimately not assessed. As of December 26, 2008, $21,540 was accrued for the payment of interest and penalties.
 
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory rate to income before income taxes, as a result of the following:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit
    0.5 %     0.1 %     0.3 %
Valuation allowance
    (6.3 )%     (1.8 )%     (3.9 )%
Non-U.S. tax rates different than the statutory rate
    (13.7 )%     (10.4 )%     (9.3 )%
Impact of changes in tax rate on deferred taxes
    0.3 %     1.3 %     0.0 %
Nondeductible loss / nontaxable income
    (0.2 )%     1.6 %     1.7 %
Other
    0.0 %     (0.1 )%     0.0 %
                         
Total
    15.6 %     25.7 %     23.8 %
                         
 
16.   Derivative Financial Instruments
 
We maintain a foreign currency risk-management strategy that uses foreign currency forward contracts to protect us from unanticipated fluctuations in cash flows that may arise from volatility in currency exchange rates between the functional currencies of our subsidiaries and the foreign currencies in which some of our operating purchases and sales are denominated. We utilize these contracts solely to hedge specific foreign currency exposures, whether or not they qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133. Nearly all of these foreign currency forward contracts are used to hedge foreign currency exposures on our long-term contracts on which we recognize revenues, costs and profits on the percentage-of-completion method. During fiscal years


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
16. Derivative Financial Instruments — (Continued)
 
2008, 2007 and 2006, none of the foreign currency forward contracts met the requirements for hedge accounting under SFAS No. 133.
 
As required under SFAS No. 133, the fair values of foreign currency forward contracts are recognized as assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. The gain or loss from the portion of the mark-to-market adjustment related to the completed portion of the underlying contract is included in cost of operating revenues at the same time as the underlying foreign currency cash flows occur. The gain or loss from the remaining portion of the mark-to-market adjustment, specifically the portion relating to the uncompleted portion of the underlying contract is reflected directly in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the mark-to-market adjustment occurs.
 
The incremental gain or loss from the remaining uncompleted portion of our contracts amounted to foreign exchange (losses)/gains of $(11,863), $324 and $7,610 in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively and were recorded on the following line items on the consolidated statement of operations:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
(Increase)/decrease in cost of operating revenues
  $ (11,473 )   $ 465     $ 7,662  
Other deductions, net
    (390 )     (141 )     (52 )
                         
Pretax (loss)/gain
  $ (11,863 )   $ 324     $ 7,610  
                         
 
The mark-to-market adjustments on foreign currency forward exchange contracts for these unrealized gains or losses are recorded in either contracts in process or billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
In fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, we included net cash (outflows)/inflows on the settlement of derivatives of $(8,410), $5,253 and $2,035, respectively, within the “net change in contracts in process and billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” a component of cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
 
We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties. All of these counterparties are significant financial institutions that are primarily rated “BBB+” or better by Standard & Poor’s (or the equivalent by other recognized credit rating agencies). As of December 26, 2008, based on the notional amounts of the forward contracts, $203,384 was owed to us by counterparties and $172,947 was owed by us to counterparties.
 
The maximum term over which we are hedging our exposure to the variability of cash flows is approximately 42 months.
 
We use interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate risk associated with some of our variable rate special-purpose limited recourse project debt. Certain of our affiliates in which we have an equity interest also use interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate risk associated with their limited recourse project debt. See Notes 1 and 7 for further information regarding interest rate swap contracts.
 
17.   Business Segments
 
We operate through two business groups: our Global Engineering and Construction Group (“Global E&C Group”) and our Global Power Group.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
17. Business Segments — (Continued)
 
Global Engineering and Construction Group
 
Our Global E&C Group, which operates worldwide, designs, engineers and constructs onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas processing facilities, natural gas liquefaction facilities and receiving terminals, gas-to-liquids facilities, oil refining, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities and related infrastructure, including power generation and distribution facilities, and gasification facilities. Our Global E&C Group is also involved in the design of facilities in new or developing market sectors, including carbon capture and storage, solid fuel-fired integrated gasification combined-cycle power plants, coal-to-liquids, coal-to-chemicals and biofuels. Our Global E&C Group generates revenues from engineering, procurement and construction and project management activities pursuant to contracts spanning up to approximately four years in duration and from returns on its equity investments in various power production facilities.
 
Our Global E&C Group provides the following services:
 
  •  Design, engineering, project management, construction and construction management services, including the procurement of equipment, materials and services from third-party suppliers and contractors.
 
  •  Environmental remediation services, together with related technical, engineering, design and regulatory services.
 
  •  Development, engineering, procurement, construction, ownership and operation of power generation facilities, from conventional and renewable sources, and waste-to-energy facilities in Europe.
 
Global Power Group
 
Our Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for electric power generating stations and industrial facilities worldwide and owns and/or operates several cogeneration, independent power production and waste-to-energy facilities, as well as power generation facilities for the process and petrochemical industries. Our Global Power Group generates revenues from engineering activities, equipment supply, construction contracts, operating and maintenance agreements, royalties from licensing its technology, and from returns on its investments in several power production facilities.
 
Our Global Power Group’s steam generating equipment includes a full range of technologies, offering independent power producers, utilities and industrial clients high-value technology solutions for converting a wide range of fuels, such as coal, lignite, petroleum coke, oil, gas, biomass and municipal solid waste, into steam, which can be used for power generation, district heating or for industrial processes.
 
Our Global Power Group offers several other products and services related to steam generators:
 
  •  Designs, manufactures and installs auxiliary and replacement equipment for utility power and industrial facilities, including surface condensers, feed water heaters, coal pulverizers, steam generator coils and panels, biomass gasifiers, and replacement parts for steam generators.
 
  •  Nitrogen-oxide (“NOx”) reduction systems and components for pulverized coal steam generators such as, selective catalytic reduction systems, low NOx combustion systems, low NOx burners, primary combustion and overfire air systems and components, fuel and combustion air measuring and control systems and components.
 
  •  A broad range of site services including construction and erection services, maintenance engineering, steam generator upgrading and life extension, and plant repowering.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
17. Business Segments — (Continued)
 
 
  •  Research and development in the areas of combustion, fluid and gas dynamics, heat transfer, materials and solid mechanics.
 
  •  Technology licenses to other steam generator suppliers in select countries.
 
Corporate and Finance Group
 
In addition to these two business groups, which also represent operating segments for financial reporting purposes, we report corporate center expenses and expenses related to certain legacy liabilities, such as asbestos, in the Corporate and Finance Group (“C&F Group”), which we also treat as an operating segment for financial reporting purposes.
 
We conduct our business on a global basis. Our Global E&C Group has accounted for the largest portion of our operating revenues over the last ten years. In fiscal year 2008, our Global E&C Group accounted for 75% of our total operating revenues, while our Global Power Group accounted for 25% of our total operating revenues.
 
The geographic dispersion of our operating revenues for fiscal year 2008, based upon where the project is being executed, was as follows:
 
                                                 
    Global E&C Group     Global Power Group     Total  
          Percentage of
          Percentage of
          Percentage of
 
    Third-Party
    Third-Party
    Third-Party
    Third-Party
    Third-Party
    Third-Party
 
    Revenues     Revenues     Revenues     Revenues     Revenues     Revenues  
 
Asia
  $ 1,398,295       27.1 %   $ 177,088       10.4 %   $ 1,575,383       23.0 %
Australasia*
    1,731,781       33.6 %     13,258       0.8 %     1,745,039       25.5 %
Europe
    847,788       16.5 %     603,882       35.4 %     1,451,670       21.2 %
Middle East
    857,944       16.7 %     648       0.0 %     858,592       12.5 %
North America
    276,796       5.4 %     779,413       45.6 %     1,056,209       15.4 %
South America
    34,623       0.7 %     132,774       7.8 %     167,397       2.4 %
                                                 
Total
  $ 5,147,227       100.0 %   $ 1,707,063       100.0 %   $ 6,854,290       100.0 %
                                                 
 
 
Australasia primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.
 
EBITDA is the primary measure of operating performance used by our chief operating decision maker.
 
One client accounted for approximately 24%, 12% and 13% of our consolidated operating revenues (inclusive of flow-through revenues) in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively; however, the associated flow-through revenues included in these percentages accounted for approximately 20%, 9% and 11% of our consolidated operating revenues in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No other single client accounted for ten percent or more of our consolidated revenues in fiscal years 2008, 2007 or 2006.
 
Identifiable assets by group are those assets that are directly related to and support the operations of each group. Corporate assets are principally cash, investments, real estate and insurance receivables.
 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
17. Business Segments — (Continued)
 
                                 
          Global
    Global
    C&F
 
    Total     E&C Group     Power Group     Group(1)  
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2008
                               
Operating revenues (third-party)
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,147,227     $ 1,707,063     $  
                                 
EBITDA(2)
  $ 686,067     $ 535,602     $ 239,508     $ (89,043 )
                                 
Less: Interest expense
    (17,621 )                        
Less: Depreciation and amortization
    (44,798 )                        
                                 
Income before income taxes
    623,648                          
Provision for income taxes
    (97,028 )                        
                                 
Net income
  $ 526,620                          
                                 
Total assets
  $ 3,011,254     $ 1,755,660     $ 1,403,386     $ (147,792 )
Capital expenditures
  $ 103,965     $ 90,228     $ 11,625     $ 2,112  
Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2007
                               
Operating revenues (third-party)
  $ 5,107,243     $ 3,681,259     $ 1,425,984     $  
                                 
EBITDA(3)
  $ 591,840     $ 505,647     $ 139,177     $ (52,984 )
                                 
Less: Interest expense
    (19,855 )                        
Less: Depreciation and amortization
    (41,691 )                        
                                 
Income before income taxes
    530,294                          
Provision for income taxes
    (136,420 )                        
                                 
Net income
  $ 393,874                          
                                 
Total assets
  $ 3,248,988     $ 1,799,231     $ 1,243,696     $ 206,061  
Capital expenditures
  $ 51,295     $ 42,965     $ 8,055     $ 275  
Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2006
                               
Operating revenues (third-party)
  $ 3,495,048     $ 2,219,104     $ 1,275,944     $  
                                 
EBITDA(4)
  $ 399,514     $ 323,297     $ 95,039     $ (18,822 )
                                 
Less: Interest expense
    (24,944 )                        
Less: Depreciation and amortization
    (30,877 )                        
                                 
Income before income taxes
    343,693                          
Provision for income taxes
    (81,709 )                        
                                 
Net income
  $ 261,984                          
                                 
Capital expenditures
  $ 30,293     $ 22,784     $ 7,464     $ 45  
 
 
(1) Includes general corporate income and expense, our captive insurance operation and the elimination of transactions and balances related to intercompany interest.
 
(2) Includes in fiscal year 2008: increased/(decreased) contract profit of $26,720 from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $46,260 in our Global E&C Group and $(19,540) in our Global Power Group; a charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
17. Business Segments — (Continued)
 
benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112; and a net charge of $6,607 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023 of $42,727 offset by gains of $36,120 on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain insurance carriers.
 
(3) Includes in fiscal year 2007: increased/(decreased) contract profit of $35,150 from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $54,520 in our Global E&C Group and $(19,370) in our Global Power Group; a gain of $13,519 in our C&F Group on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; and a charge of $7,374 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset.
 
(4) Includes in fiscal year 2006: (decreased)/increased contract profit of $(5,670) from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $14,720 in our Global E&C Group and $(20,390) in our Global Power Group; net asbestos-related gains of $115,664 in our C&F Group primarily related to the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers; a charge of $15,533 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset; an aggregate charge of $14,955 in our C&F Group in conjunction with the voluntary termination of our prior domestic senior credit agreement; and a net charge of $12,483 in our C&F Group in conjunction with the debt reduction initiatives completed in April and May 2006.
 
Please refer to “Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts” in Note 1 for further information regarding changes in our final estimated contract profits.
 
The accounting policies of our business segments are the same as those described in our summary of significant accounting policies. The only significant intersegment transactions relate to interest on intercompany balances. We account for interest on those arrangements as if they were third-party transactions — i.e. at current market rates, and we include the elimination of that activity in the results of the C&F Group.
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries:   2008     2007     2006  
 
Global E&C Group
  $ 11,649     $ 19,720     $ 19,056  
Global Power Group
    21,729       17,579       10,551  
C&F Group
                (328 )
                         
Total
  $ 33,378     $ 37,299     $ 29,279  
                         
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
Investments In and Advances to Unconsolidated Subsidiaries:   2008     2007  
 
Global E&C Group
  $ 135,673     $ 130,240  
Global Power Group
    75,099       68,092  
C&F Group
    4       14  
                 
Total
  $ 210,776     $ 198,346  
                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
17. Business Segments — (Continued)
 
Third-party operating revenues as presented below are based on the geographic region in which the contracting subsidiary is located and not the location of the client or job site.
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
Geographic Concentration of Operating Revenues (Third-Party):   2008     2007     2006  
 
Asia
  $ 1,010,232     $ 593,923     $ 272,939  
Australasia*
    1,219,366       504,611       447,696  
Canada
    21,122       21,220       11,588  
Europe
    2,898,987       2,532,984       1,708,973  
Middle East
    557,437       349,237       109,175  
United States
    1,127,212       1,091,599       932,939  
South America
    19,934       13,669       11,738  
                         
Total
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,107,243     $ 3,495,048  
                         
 
 
Australasia primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.
 
In fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, we generated third-party revenues, determined based upon the location of the contracting subsidiary, of $1,308,255, $1,109,862 and $594,305, respectively, in the United Kingdom; $1,170,601, $462,533 and $341,404, respectively, in Australia; $694,847, $384,135 and $144,489, respectively, in Singapore; $501,436, $538,600 and $463,804, respectively, in Italy and $2,716, $2,885 and $3,273 in Switzerland, the Foster Wheeler AG country of domicile.
 
Long-lived assets as presented below are based on the geographic region in which the contracting subsidiary is located.
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
Long-Lived Assets:   2008     2007  
 
Asia
  $ 46,134     $ 37,232  
Australasia*
    2,866       3,968  
Canada
    15       25  
Europe
    331,070       296,109  
Middle East
    74       125  
United States
    262,166       246,234  
South America
    73,699       66,673  
                 
Total
  $ 716,024     $ 650,366  
                 
 
 
Australasia primarily represents Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.
 
As of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, our contracting subsidiaries in Switzerland, the Foster Wheeler AG country of domicile, had long-lived assets of $20 and $24, respectively.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
17. Business Segments — (Continued)
 
Operating revenues by industry were as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
Operating Revenues (Third-Party) by Industry:   2008     2007     2006  
 
Power generation
  $ 1,637,718     $ 1,437,078     $ 1,326,896  
Oil refining
    1,574,426       1,431,810       716,053  
Pharmaceutical
    81,438       155,266       128,510  
Oil and gas
    1,891,490       898,623       680,041  
Chemical/petrochemical
    1,490,168       1,003,136       383,092  
Power plant operation and maintenance
    130,144       120,474       111,154  
Environmental
    29,959       54,878       68,847  
Other, net of eliminations
    18,947       5,978       80,455  
                         
Total
  $ 6,854,290     $ 5,107,243     $ 3,495,048  
                         
 
18.   Operating Leases
 
Certain of our subsidiaries are obligated under operating lease agreements, primarily for office space. In many instances, our subsidiaries retain the right to sub-lease the office space. Rental expense for these leases was $65,644, $54,293 and $37,634 in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Future minimum rental commitments on non-cancelable leases are as follows:
 
         
Fiscal years:
       
2009
  $ 52,144  
2010
    43,528  
2011
    35,927  
2012
    29,226  
2013
    27,937  
Thereafter
    173,145  
         
Total
  $ 361,907  
         
 
We entered into sale/leaseback transactions for an office building in Spain in 2000 and an office building in the United Kingdom in 1999. In connection with these transactions, we recorded deferred gains, which are being amortized to income over the term of the respective leases. The amortization was $4,575, $4,602 and $4,168 for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As of December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007, the balance of the deferred gains was $47,477 and $66,226, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The year-over-year change in the deferred gain balance includes the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
 
19. Litigation and Uncertainties
 

Asbestos
 
Some of our U.S. and U.K. subsidiaries are defendants in numerous asbestos-related lawsuits and out-of-court informal claims pending in the United States and the United Kingdom. Plaintiffs claim damages for


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
personal injury alleged to have arisen from exposure to or use of asbestos in connection with work allegedly performed by our subsidiaries during the 1970s and earlier.
 
United States
 
A summary of our U.S. claim activity is as follows:
 
                         
    Number of Claims  
    Fiscal Years Ended  
    December 26,
    December 28,
    December 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Open claims at beginning of year
    131,340       135,890       164,820  
New claims
    4,950       5,140       8,250  
Claims resolved(1)
    (5,530 )     (9,690 )     (37,180 )
                         
Open claims at end of year
    130,760       131,340       135,890  
Claims not valued in the liability(2)
    (84,830 )     (66,040 )     (47,820 )
                         
Open claims valued in the liability at end of year
    45,930       65,300       88,070  
                         
 
 
(1) Claims resolved in fiscal year 2006 include court dismissals without payment of mass claim filings approximating 22,900 claims.
 
(2) Claims not valued in the liability include claims on certain inactive court dockets, claims over six years old that are considered abandoned and certain other items.
 
Of the approximately 130,760 open claims, our subsidiaries are respondents in approximately 30,400 open claims wherein we have administrative agreements and are named defendants in lawsuits involving approximately 100,360 plaintiffs.
 
All of the open administrative claims have been filed under blanket administrative agreements that we have with various law firms representing claimants and do not specify monetary damages sought. Based on our analysis of lawsuits, approximately 62% do not specify the monetary damages sought or merely recite that the amount of monetary damages sought meets or exceeds the required jurisdictional minimum in the jurisdiction in which suit is filed. Approximately 11% request damages ranging from $1 to $50; approximately 20% request damages ranging from $51 to $1,000; approximately 6% request damages ranging from $1,001 to $10,000; and the remaining 1% request damages ranging from $10,001 to, in a very small number of cases, $50,000.
 
The majority of requests for monetary damages are asserted against multiple named defendants in a single complaint.


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
We had the following U.S. asbestos-related assets and liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of the dates set forth below. Total U.S. asbestos-related liabilities are estimated through year 2023. Although it is likely that claims will continue to be filed after that date, the uncertainties inherent in any long-term forecast prevent us from making reliable estimates of the indemnity and defense costs that might be incurred after that date.
 
                 
    December 26,
    December 28,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Asbestos-related assets recorded within:
               
Accounts and notes receivable-other
  $ 38,200     $ 47,100  
Asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable
    246,600       279,100  
                 
Total asbestos-related assets
  $ 284,800     $ 326,200  
                 
Asbestos-related liabilities recorded within:
               
Accrued expenses
  $ 64,500     $ 72,000  
Asbestos-related liability
    320,800       331,300  
                 
Total asbestos-related liabilities
  $ 385,300     $ 403,300  
                 
 
Since fiscal year-end 2004, we have worked with Analysis, Research & Planning Corporation (“ARPC”), nationally recognized consultants in projecting asbestos liabilities, to estimate the amount of asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs at year-end for the next 15 years. Based on its review of fiscal year 2008 activity, ARPC recommended that the assumptions used to estimate our future asbestos liability be updated as of fiscal year-end 2008. Accordingly, we developed a revised estimate of our aggregate indemnity and defense costs through fiscal year 2023 considering the advice of ARPC. In fiscal year 2008, we revalued our liability for asbestos indemnity and defense costs through fiscal year 2023 to $385,300, which brought our liability to a level consistent with ARPC’s reasonable best estimate. In connection with updating our estimated asbestos liability and related asset, we recorded a charge of $42,700 in fiscal year 2008 resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023.
 
The amount paid for asbestos litigation, defense and case resolution was $70,600, $86,700 and $83,300 in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In fiscal year 2008, proceeds from settlements with our insurers exceeded payments made by $16,800. Through December 26, 2008, total cumulative indemnity costs paid were approximately $658,000 and total cumulative defense costs paid were approximately $286,300.
 
As of December 26, 2008, total asbestos-related liabilities were comprised of an estimated liability of $158,000 relating to open (outstanding) claims being valued and an estimated liability of $227,300 relating to future unasserted claims through fiscal year-end 2023.
 
Our liability estimate is based upon the following information and/or assumptions: number of open claims, forecasted number of future claims, estimated average cost per claim by disease type — mesothelioma, lung cancer and non-malignancies — and the breakdown of known and future claims into disease type — mesothelioma, lung cancer or non-malignancies. The total estimated liability, which has not been discounted for the time value of money, includes both the estimate of forecasted indemnity amounts and forecasted defense costs. Total defense costs and indemnity liability payments are estimated to be incurred through fiscal year 2023, during which period the incidence of new claims is forecasted to decrease each year. We believe that it is likely that there will be new claims filed after fiscal year 2023, but in light of uncertainties inherent in long-term forecasts, we do not believe that we can reasonably estimate the indemnity and defense costs that


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
might be incurred after fiscal year 2023. Historically, defense costs have represented approximately 30% of total defense and indemnity costs.
 
The overall historic average combined indemnity and defense cost per resolved claim through December 26, 2008 has been approximately $2.7. The average cost per resolved claim is increasing and we believe it will continue to increase in the future.
 
The asbestos-related asset recorded within accounts and notes receivable-other as of December 26, 2008 reflects amounts due in the next 12 months under executed settlement agreements with insurers and does not include any estimate for future settlements. The recorded asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable includes an estimate of recoveries from insurers in the unsettled insurance coverage litigation (referred to below) based upon the application of New Jersey law to certain insurance coverage issues and assumptions relating to cost allocation and other factors as well as an estimate of the amount of recoveries under existing settlements with other insurers. Such amounts have not been discounted for the time value of money.
 
Since fiscal year-end 2005, we have worked with Peterson Risk Consulting, nationally recognized experts in the estimation of insurance recoveries, to review our estimate of the value of the settled insurance asset and assist in the estimation of our unsettled asbestos insurance asset. Based on insurance policy data, historical claim data, future liability estimates including the expected timing of payments and allocation methodology assumptions we provided them, Peterson Risk Consulting provided an analysis of the unsettled insurance asset as of December 26, 2008. We utilized that analysis to determine our estimate of the value of the unsettled insurance asset as of December 26, 2008.
 
As of December 26, 2008, we estimated the value of our unsettled asbestos insurance asset related to ongoing litigation in New York state court with our subsidiaries’ insurers at $24,800. The litigation relates to the amounts of insurance coverage available for asbestos-related claims and the proper allocation of the coverage among our subsidiaries’ various insurers and our subsidiaries as self-insurers. We believe that any amounts that our subsidiaries might be allocated as self-insurer would be immaterial.
 
An adverse outcome in the pending insurance litigation described above could limit our remaining insurance recoveries and result in a reduction in our insurance asset. However, a favorable outcome in all or part of the litigation could increase remaining insurance recoveries above our current estimate. If we prevail in whole or in part in the litigation, we will re-value our asset relating to remaining available insurance recoveries based on the asbestos liability estimated at that time.
 
Over the last several years, certain of our subsidiaries have entered into settlement agreements calling for insurers to make lump-sum payments, as well as payments over time, for use by our subsidiaries to fund asbestos-related indemnity and defense costs and, in certain cases, for reimbursement for portions of out-of-pocket costs previously incurred. In fiscal year 2006, our subsidiaries reached agreements to settle their disputed asbestos-related insurance coverage with four of their insurers. Primarily as a result of these insurance settlements, we recorded a gain of $96,200 in fiscal year 2006.
 
In fiscal year 2007, our subsidiaries reached agreements to settle their disputed asbestos-related insurance coverage with four additional insurers, including two in the fourth fiscal quarter. As a result of these settlements, we recorded a gain of $4,900 in the fourth fiscal quarter and $13,500 in fiscal year 2007.
 
In fiscal year 2008, our subsidiaries reached agreements to settle their disputed asbestos-related insurance coverage with three additional insurers. As a result of these settlements, we recorded a gain of $36,100 in fiscal year 2008.


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
We intend to continue to attempt to negotiate additional settlements with insurers where achievable on a reasonable basis in order to minimize the amount of future costs that we would be required to fund out of the cash flows generated from our operations. Unless we settle with the remaining insurers at recovery amounts significantly in excess of our current estimate, it is likely that the amount of our insurance settlements will not cover all future asbestos-related costs and we will be required to fund a portion of such future costs, which will reduce our cash flows and working capital.
 
In fiscal year 2006, we were successful in our appeal of a New York state trial court decision that previously had held that New York, rather than New Jersey, law applies in the above coverage litigation with our subsidiaries’ insurers, and as a result, we increased our insurance asset and recorded a gain of $19,500. On February 13, 2007, our subsidiaries’ insurers were granted permission by the appellate court to appeal the decision to the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court. On October 11, 2007, the New York Court of Appeals upheld the appellate court decision in our favor.
 
Even if the coverage litigation is resolved in a manner favorable to us, our insurance recoveries (both from the litigation and from settlements) may be limited by insolvencies among our insurers. We have not assumed recovery in the estimate of our asbestos insurance asset from any of our currently insolvent insurers. Other insurers may become insolvent in the future and our insurers may fail to reimburse amounts owed to us on a timely basis. Failure to realize the expected insurance recoveries, or delays in receiving material amounts from our insurers, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our cash flows.
 
Based on the fiscal year-end 2008 liability estimate, an increase of 25% in the average per claim indemnity settlement amount would increase the liability by $59,800 and the impact on expense would be dependent upon available additional insurance recoveries. Assuming no change to the assumptions currently used to estimate our insurance asset, this increase would result in a charge in the statement of operations in the range of approximately 70% to 80% of the increase in the liability. Long-term cash flows would ultimately change by the same amount. Should there be an increase in the estimated liability in excess of this 25%, the percentage of that increase that would be expected to be funded by additional insurance recoveries will decline.
 
We had net cash inflows of $16,800 as a result of insurance settlement proceeds in excess of the asbestos liability indemnity payments and defense costs during fiscal year 2008. We expect to fund a total of $26,500 of the asbestos liability indemnity and defense costs from our cash flows in fiscal year 2009, net of the cash expected to be received from existing insurance settlements. This estimate assumes no additional settlements with insurance companies or elections by us to fund additional payments. As we continue to collect cash from insurance settlements and assuming no increase in our asbestos-related insurance liability or any future insurance settlements, the asbestos-related insurance receivable recorded on our consolidated balance sheet will continue to decrease.
 
The estimate of the liabilities and assets related to asbestos claims and recoveries is subject to a number of uncertainties that may result in significant changes in the current estimates. Among these are uncertainties as to the ultimate number and type of claims filed, the amounts of claim costs, the impact of bankruptcies of other companies with asbestos claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, as well as potential legislative changes. Increases in the number of claims filed or costs to resolve those claims could cause us to increase further the estimates of the costs associated with asbestos claims and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
United Kingdom
 
Some of our subsidiaries in the United Kingdom have also received claims alleging personal injury arising from exposure to asbestos. To date, 904 claims have been brought against our U.K. subsidiaries of which 357 remained open as of December 26, 2008. None of the settled claims has resulted in material costs to us.
 
As of December 26, 2008, we recorded total liabilities of $37,800 comprised of an estimated liability relating to open (outstanding) claims of $8,400 and an estimated liability relating to future unasserted claims through year 2023 of $29,400. Of the total, $2,800 was recorded in accrued expenses and $35,000 was recorded in asbestos-related liability on the consolidated balance sheet. An asset in an equal amount was recorded for the expected U.K. asbestos-related insurance recoveries, of which $2,800 was recorded in accounts and notes receivable-other and $35,000 was recorded as asbestos-related insurance recovery receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. The liability estimates are based on a U.K. House of Lords judgment that pleural plaque claims do not amount to a compensable injury and accordingly, we have reduced our liability assessment. If this ruling is reversed by legislation, the total asbestos liability and related asset recorded in the U.K. would be approximately $51,500.
 
Project Claims
 
In the ordinary course of business, we are parties to litigation involving clients and subcontractors arising out of project contracts. Such litigation includes claims and counterclaims by and against us for canceled contracts, for additional costs incurred in excess of current contract provisions, as well as for back charges for alleged breaches of warranty and other contract commitments. If we were found to be liable for any of the claims/counterclaims against us, we would incur a charge against earnings to the extent a reserve had not been established for the matter in our accounts or if the liability exceeds established reserves.
 
Due to the inherent commercial, legal and technical uncertainties underlying the estimation of all of the project claims described herein, the amounts ultimately realized or paid by us could differ materially from the balances, if any, included in our financial statements, which could result in additional material charges against earnings, and which could also materially adversely impact our financial condition and cash flows.
 
Power Plant Arbitration — Eastern Europe
 
In June 2006, we commenced arbitration against a client seeking final payment for our services in connection with two power plants that we designed and built in Eastern Europe. The dispute primarily concerns whether we are liable to the client for liquidated damages (“LDs”) under the contract for delayed completion of the projects. The client contends that it is owed LDs, limited under the contract at approximately €37,600 (approximately $52,700 at the exchange rate in effect as of December 26, 2008), and is retaining as security for these LDs approximately €22,000 (approximately $30,900 at the exchange rate in effect as of December 26, 2008) in contract payments otherwise due to us for work performed. The client contends that it is owed an additional €6,900 (approximately $9,700 at the exchange rate in effect as of December 26, 2008) for the cost of consumable materials it had to incur due to the extended commissioning period on both projects, the cost to relocate a piece of equipment on one of the projects and the cost of various warranty repairs and punch list work. We are seeking payment of the €22,000 (approximately $30,900 at the exchange rate in effect as of December 26, 2008 and which is recorded within contracts in process on the consolidated balance sheet) in retention that is being held by the client for LDs, plus approximately €4,900 (approximately $6,900 at the exchange rate in effect as of December 26, 2008) in interest on the retained funds, as well as approximately €9,100 (approximately $12,800 at the exchange rate in effect as of


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
December 26, 2008) in additional compensation for extra work performed beyond the original scope of the contracts and the client’s failure to procure the required property insurance for the project, which should have provided coverage for some of the damages we incurred on the project related to turbine repairs. In October 2008, a liability award by the arbitration panel in our favor was received. The award includes amounts that are “fixed” and amounts that require substantiation at a hearing on damages, which has not yet been scheduled by the panel. With estimated interest to be awarded at the damages hearing, we believe the fixed amount awarded will be in line with our previously estimated recovery.
 
Power Plant Dispute — Ireland
 
In 2006, a dispute arose with a client because of material corrosion that is occurring at two power plants we designed and built in Ireland, which began operation in December 2005 and June 2006. The boilers at both plants are designed to burn milled peat as the primary fuel, supplied from different local sources. The alkali halides corrosion that is affecting the boiler tubes is fuel related.
 
There is also corrosion occurring to subcontractor-provided emissions control equipment and induction fans at the back-end of the power plants. The corrosion is due principally to the low set point temperature design of the emissions control equipment that was set by our subcontractor.
 
We have identified technical solutions to resolve the boiler tube corrosion and emissions control equipment corrosion and during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008 entered into a settlement with the client under which we will implement the technical solutions in exchange for a full release of all claims related to the corrosion (including a release from the client’s right under the original contract to reject the plants under our availability guaranty) and the client’s agreement to share the cost of the ameliorative work related to the boiler tube corrosion. Accordingly, the client has withdrawn its notice of arbitration that was originally filed in May 2008.
 
Our right to pursue a claim against our subcontractor for the emissions control equipment corrosion has been preserved under the settlement. Due to the potential magnitude of the amounts involved, however, there can be no assurance that we will collect amounts for which our subcontractor may be determined to be liable in the event we elect to proceed with such a claim and, therefore, we have not reflected any assumed recovery.
 
During the fiscal fourth quarter of 2006, we established a contingency of $25,000 in relation to this project. Primarily as a result of the discovery during the fiscal second quarter of 2007 of the more extensive back-end corrosion, the contingency was increased by $30,000 during the fiscal second quarter of 2007. A further charge in the amount of $6,700 has been taken in the fourth quarter of 2008 as a result of the settlement described above.
 
Camden County Waste-to-Energy Project
 
One of our project subsidiaries, Camden County Energy Recovery Associates, LP (“CCERA”) owns and operates a waste-to-energy facility in Camden County, New Jersey (the “Project”). The Pollution Control Finance Authority of Camden County (“PCFA”) issued bonds to finance the construction of the Project and to acquire a landfill for Camden County’s use. Pursuant to a loan agreement between the PCFA and CCERA, proceeds from the bonds were loaned by the PCFA to CCERA and used by CCERA to finance the construction of the facility. Accordingly, the proceeds of this loan were recorded as debt on CCERA’s balance sheet and, therefore, are included in our consolidated balance sheet. CCERA’s obligation to service the debt incurred pursuant to the loan agreement is limited to depositing all tipping fees and electric revenues received with the trustee of the PCFA bonds. The trustee is required to pay CCERA its service fees prior to servicing the PCFA bonds. CCERA has no other debt repayment obligations under the loan agreement with the PCFA.


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
In 1997, the United States Supreme Court effectively invalidated New Jersey’s long-standing municipal solid waste flow rules and regulations, eliminating the guaranteed supply of municipal solid waste to the Project with its corresponding tipping fee revenue. As a result, tipping fees have been reduced to market rate in order to provide a steady supply of fuel to the Project. Since the ruling, those market-based revenues have not been, and are not expected to be, sufficient to service the debt on outstanding bonds issued by the PCFA to finance the construction of the Project.
 
In 1998, CCERA filed suit against the PCFA and other parties seeking, among other things, to void the applicable contracts and agreements governing the Project (Camden County Energy Recovery Assoc. v. N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, et al., Superior Court of New Jersey, Mercer County, L-268-98). Since 1999, the State of New Jersey has provided subsidies sufficient to ensure the payment of each of the PCFA’s debt service payments as they became due. The bonds outstanding in connection with the Project were issued by the PCFA, not by us or CCERA, and the bonds are not guaranteed by either us or CCERA. In the litigation, the defendants have asserted, among other things, that an equitable portion of the outstanding debt on the Project should be allocated to CCERA even though CCERA did not guarantee the bonds.
 
At this time, we cannot determine the ultimate outcome of the foregoing and the potential effects on CCERA and the Project. If the State of New Jersey were to fail to subsidize the debt service, and there were to be a default on a debt service payment, the bondholders might proceed to attempt to exercise their remedies, by among other things, seizing the collateral securing the bonds. We do not believe this collateral includes CCERA’s plant.
 
Environmental Matters
 
CERCLA and Other Remedial Matters
 
Under U.S. federal statutes, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”), the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, and similar state laws, the current owner or operator of real property and the past owners or operators of real property (if disposal of toxic or hazardous substances took place during such past ownership or operation) may be jointly and severally liable for the costs of removal or remediation of toxic or hazardous substances on or under their property, regardless of whether such materials were released in violation of law or whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such substances. Moreover, under CERCLA and similar state laws, persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also be jointly and severally liable for the costs of the removal or remediation of such substances at a disposal or treatment site, whether or not such site was owned or operated by such person, which we refer to as an off-site facility. Liability at such off-site facilities is typically allocated among all of the financially viable responsible parties based on such factors as the relative amount of waste contributed to a site, toxicity of such waste, relationship of the waste contributed by a party to the remedy chosen for the site and other factors.
 
We currently own and operate industrial facilities and we have also transferred our interests in industrial facilities that we formerly owned or operated. It is likely that as a result of our current or former operations, hazardous substances have affected the facilities or the real property on which they are or were situated. We also have received and may continue to receive claims pursuant to indemnity obligations from the present owners of facilities we have transferred, which claims may require us to incur costs for investigation and/or remediation.
 
We are currently engaged in the investigation and/or remediation under the supervision of the applicable regulatory authorities at four of our or our subsidiaries’ former facilities. In addition, we sometimes engage in


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
investigation and/or remediation without the supervision of a regulatory authority. Although we do not expect the environmental conditions at our present or former facilities to cause us to incur material costs in excess of those for which reserves have been established, it is possible that various events could cause us to incur costs materially in excess of our present reserves in order to fully resolve any issues surrounding those conditions. Further, no assurance can be provided that we will not discover additional environmental conditions at our currently or formerly owned or operated properties, or that additional claims will not be made with respect to formerly owned properties, requiring us to incur material expenditures to investigate and/or remediate such conditions.
 
We have been notified that we are a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) under CERCLA or similar state laws at three off-site facilities. At each of these sites, our liability should be substantially less than the total site remediation costs because the percentage of waste attributable to us compared to that attributable to all other PRPs is low. We do not believe that our share of cleanup obligations at any of the off-site facilities as to which we have received a notice of potential liability will exceed $500 in the aggregate. We have also received and responded to a request for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) regarding a fourth off-site facility. We do not know what, if any, further actions USEPA may take regarding this fourth off-site facility.
 
Mountain Top
 
In February 1988, one of our subsidiaries, Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation (“FWEC”), entered into a Consent Agreement and Order with the USEPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PADEP”) regarding its former manufacturing facility in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania. The order essentially required FWEC to investigate and remediate as necessary contaminants, including trichloroethylene (“TCE”), in the soil and groundwater at the facility. Pursuant to the order, in 1993 FWEC installed a “pump and treat” system to remove TCE from the groundwater. It is not possible at the present time to predict how long FWEC will be required to operate and maintain this system.
 
In the fall of 2004, FWEC sampled the private domestic water supply wells of certain residences in Mountain Top and identified approximately 30 residences whose water supply contained TCE at levels in excess of Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The subject residences are located approximately one mile to the southwest of where the TCE previously was discovered in the soils at the former FWEC facility.
 
Since that time, FWEC, USEPA, and PADEP have cooperated in an investigation to, among other things, attempt to identify the source(s) of the TCE in the residential wells. Although FWEC believed the evidence available was not sufficient to support a determination that FWEC was responsible for the TCE in the residential wells, FWEC in October 2004 began providing the potentially affected residences with bottled water. It thereafter arranged for the installation, maintenance, and testing of filters to remove the TCE from the water being drawn from the wells. In August 2005, FWEC entered into a settlement agreement with USEPA whereby FWEC agreed to arrange and pay for the hookup of public water to the affected residences, which involved the extension of a water main and the installation of laterals from the main to the affected residences. The foregoing hookups have been completed, but there may be a limited number of additional hookups in the future. As residences were hooked up, FWEC ceased providing bottled water and filters to them. FWEC is incurring costs related to public outreach and communications in the affected area. FWEC may be required to pay the agencies’ costs in overseeing and responding to the situation. FWEC is likely to incur further costs in connection with a Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study, as well as costs for continuing to monitor the groundwater in the area of the affected residences. FWEC has accrued its best estimate of the cost of the foregoing and it reviews this estimate on a quarterly basis.


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19. Litigation and Uncertainties — (Continued)
 
Other costs to which FWEC could be exposed could include, among other things, FWEC’s counsel and consulting fees, further agency oversight and/or response costs, costs and/or exposure related to potential litigation, and other costs related to possible further investigation and/or remediation. At present, it is not possible to determine whether FWEC will be determined to be liable for some or all of the items described in this paragraph, nor is it possible to reliably estimate the potential liability associated with the items.
 
If one or more third-parties are determined to be a source of the TCE, FWEC will evaluate its options regarding the potential recovery of the costs FWEC has incurred, which options could include seeking to recover those costs from those determined to be a source.
 
In September 2008, FWEC was notified of a potential new claim for personal injuries allegedly related to exposure to TCE in the affected area. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, FWEC resolved the claim for an amount that did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Other Environmental Matters
 
Our operations, especially our manufacturing and power plants, are subject to comprehensive laws adopted for the protection of the environment and to regulate land use. The laws of primary relevance to our operations regulate the discharge of emissions into the water and air, but can also include hazardous materials handling and disposal, waste disposal and other types of environmental regulation. These laws and regulations in many cases require a lengthy and complex process of obtaining licenses, permits and approvals from the applicable regulatory agencies. Noncompliance with these laws can result in the imposition of material civil or criminal fines or penalties. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with existing environmental laws. However, no assurance can be provided that we will not become the subject of enforcement proceedings that could cause us to incur material expenditures. Further, no assurance can be provided that we will not need to incur material expenditures beyond our existing reserves to make capital improvements or operational changes necessary to allow us to comply with future environmental laws.
 
With regard to the foregoing, the waste-to-energy facility operated by our CCERA project subsidiary is subject to certain revisions to New Jersey’s mercury air emission regulations. The revisions make CCERA’s mercury control requirements more stringent, especially when the last phase of the revisions becomes effective in 2012. CCERA’s management believes that the data generated during recent stack testing tends to indicate that the facility will be able to comply with even the most stringent of the regulatory revisions without installing additional control equipment. Even if the equipment had to be installed, CCERA believes that the project’s sponsor would be responsible to pay for the equipment. However, the sponsor may not have sufficient funds to do so or may assert that it is not so responsible. Estimates of the cost of installing the additional control equipment are approximately $30,000 based on our last assessment.


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(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
                                 
    Fiscal Quarters Ended  
    December 26,
    September 26,
    June 27,
    March 28,
 
    2008     2008     2008     2008  
 
Operating revenues
  $ 1,639,189     $ 1,718,355     $ 1,701,022     $ 1,795,724  
Contract profit
    203,199       229,260       246,216       216,971  
Net income
    99,882 (1)     127,920       160,755       138,063  
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.75     $ 0.89     $ 1.12     $ 0.96  
Diluted
  $ 0.75     $ 0.88     $ 1.11     $ 0.95  
Shares outstanding:
                               
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
    132,654,157       144,030,570       143,994,084       143,917,790  
Effect of dilutive securities
    558,673       1,169,026       1,427,266       1,380,724  
                                 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    133,212,830       145,199,596       145,421,350       145,298,514  
                                 
 
                                 
    Fiscal Quarters Ended  
    December 28,
    September 28,
    June 29,
    March 30,
 
    2007     2007     2007     2007  
 
Operating revenues
  $ 1,465,483     $ 1,299,872     $ 1,189,766     $ 1,152,122  
Contract profit
    170,003       197,960       168,846       207,512  
Net income
    78,098 (2)     129,101       71,850       114,825  
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.54     $ 0.91     $ 0.51     $ 0.82  
Diluted
  $ 0.54     $ 0.89     $ 0.50     $ 0.80  
Shares outstanding:
                               
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
    143,540,329       142,517,528       141,078,576       139,507,752  
Effect of dilutive securities
    1,615,072       2,574,936       3,543,466       4,023,304  
                                 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
    145,155,401       145,092,464       144,622,042       143,531,056  
                                 
 
 
(1) Net income for the fiscal quarter ended December 26, 2008 included: increased/(decreased) contract profit of $(1,750) from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $6,540 in our Global E&C Group and $(8,290) in our Global Power Group; a charge of $9,000 in our Global Power Group primarily for severance-related postemployment benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 112; a net charge of $37,345 in our C&F Group on the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset resulting primarily from increased asbestos defense costs projected through year-end 2023; and a benefit of $24,100 related to the net impact of deferred tax valuation allowance adjustments at two of our non-U.S. subsidiaries.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(2) Net income for the quarter ended December 28, 2007 included: increased/(decreased) contract profit of $(3,310) from the regular re-evaluation of final estimated contract profits*: $3,750 in our Global E&C Group and $(7,060) in our Global Power Group; a charge of $7,374 in our C&F Group reflecting the revaluation of our asbestos liability and related asset and a net gain of $4,886 in our C&F Group on the settlement of coverage litigation with certain asbestos insurance carriers.
 
Please refer to “Revenue Recognition on Long-Term Contracts” in Note 1 for further information regarding changes in our final estimated contract profits.
 
21. Redomestication
 
Foster Wheeler AG was incorporated under the laws of Switzerland on November 18, 2008 and registered in the commercial register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland on November 25, 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler Ltd. Subsequent to the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008, at a special court-ordered meeting of common shareholders held on January 27, 2009, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. approved a scheme of arrangement under Bermuda law. On February 9, 2009, after receipt of the approval of the scheme of arrangement by the Supreme Court of Bermuda and the satisfaction of certain other conditions, the transactions contemplated by the scheme of arrangement were effected. Pursuant to the scheme of arrangement, among other things, each holder of whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd., par value $0.01 per share, outstanding immediately before the transaction was effected received registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG, par value CHF 3.00 per share (approximately $2.58 based on the exchange rate as of February 9, 2009, the date when the Redomestication (as defined below) had been completed), on a one-for-one basis in respect of such outstanding Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares (or, in the case of fractional shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd., cash for such fractional shares in lieu of registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG) and additional paid-in capital decreased by the same amount.
 
The scheme of arrangement effectively changed our place of incorporation from Bermuda to the Canton of Zug, Switzerland. The scheme of arrangement was approved by the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. on January 27, 2009 and was sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Bermuda on January 30, 2009. On February 9, 2009, the following steps occurred pursuant to the scheme of arrangement:
 
(1) all fractional common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled and Foster Wheeler Ltd. paid to each holder of fractional shares that were cancelled an amount based on the average of the high and low trading prices of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 5, 2009, the business day immediately preceding the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement;
 
(2) all previously outstanding whole common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. were cancelled;
 
(3) Foster Wheeler Ltd., acting on behalf of its shareholders, issued 1,000 common shares (which constituted all of Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s common shares at such time) to Foster Wheeler AG;
 
(4) Foster Wheeler AG increased its share capital and filed amended articles of association reflecting the share capital increase with the Swiss Commercial Register; and
 
(5) Foster Wheeler AG issued registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares that were cancelled.
 
As a result of the scheme of arrangement, the common shareholders of Foster Wheeler Ltd. became common shareholders of Foster Wheeler AG and Foster Wheeler Ltd. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG, a holding company that owns the stock of its various subsidiary companies.


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
21. Redomestication — (Continued)
 
In connection with consummation of the scheme of arrangement:
 
  •  concurrently with the issuance of registered shares to the holders of whole Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares, Foster Wheeler AG issued to the holders of the preferred shares the number of registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG that such holders would have been entitled to receive had they converted their preferred shares into common shares of Foster Wheeler Ltd. immediately prior to the effectiveness of the scheme of arrangement (with Foster Wheeler Ltd. paying cash in lieu of any fractional common shares otherwise issuable);
 
  •  Foster Wheeler AG executed a supplemental warrant agreement pursuant to which it assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s obligations under the warrant agreement and agreed to issue registered shares of Foster Wheeler AG upon exercise of such warrants in accordance with their terms; and
 
  •  Foster Wheeler AG assumed Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s existing obligations in connection with awards granted under Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s incentive plans and other similar employee awards.
 
We refer to the foregoing transactions together with the steps of the scheme of arrangement as the “Redomestication.”


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FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(amounts in thousands of dollars, except share data and per share amounts)
 
21. Redomestication — (Continued)
 
The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents consolidated shareholders’ equity as of December 26, 2008, actual (Foster Wheeler Ltd.) and as adjusted (Foster Wheeler AG), as if the Redomestication had been completed on December 26, 2008. The pro forma adjustments reflect the completion of the Redomestication, including the increase in par value, the corresponding decrease in additional paid-in capital and the $28 payment of cash for fractional shares using a foreign exchange rate of CHF 1.1618 to $1.00 (the exchange rate in effect on February 9, 2009).
 
                                 
    At December 26, 2008  
          Cancellation of
             
          Common Shares/
    Retirement of
       
          Issuance of
    Fractional Shares
    As Adjusted
 
    Actual     Registered Shares     Acquired     (Unaudited)  
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
                               
Preferred shares:
                               
$0.01 par value; 901,135 and 0 authorized, actual and as adjusted; and 1,079 and 0 issued and outstanding, actual and as adjusted
  $     $     $     $  
Common shares:
                               
$0.01 par value; 296,007,818 and 0 authorized, actual and as adjusted; and 126,177,611 and 0 issued and outstanding, actual and as adjusted
    1,262       (1,262 )            
Registered shares:
                               
CHF 3.00 par value; 0 and 189,474,816 authorized, actual and as adjusted; 0 and 63,158,272 conditionally authorized, actual and as adjusted; and 0 and 126,316,544 issued and outstanding, actual and as adjusted
          326,175             326,175  
Paid-in capital
    914,063       (324,913 )     (28 )     589,122  
Accumulated deficit
    (27,975 )                 (27,975 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (494,788 )                 (494,788 )
                                 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 392,562                     $ 392,534  
                                 
 
The fiscal year of Foster Wheeler Ltd. is the 52- or 53-week annual accounting period ending the last Friday in December for our U.S. operations and December 31 for non-U.S. operations. The fiscal year of Foster Wheeler AG ends on December 31 of each calendar year. As a result of the Redomestication, our fiscal year for purposes of financial statement reporting and our filing obligations with the Securities and Exchange Commission changed to that of Foster Wheeler AG. Foster Wheeler AG’s fiscal quarters end on the last day of March, June and September.


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Foster Wheeler Ltd.
 
(amounts in thousands)
 
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2008  
          Additions
    Additions
             
    Balance at
    Charged to
    Charged to
          Balance at the
 
    Beginning of
    Costs and
    Other
          End of the
 
    Year     Expenses     Accounts     Deductions     Year  
 
Description
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 12,398     $ 6,821     $     $ (5,375 )   $ 13,844  
                                         
Deferred tax valuation allowance
  $ 294,286     $ 6,577     $ 52,386     $ (34,527 )   $ 318,722  
                                         
 
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2007  
          Additions
    Additions
             
    Balance at
    Charged to
    Charged to
          Balance at the
 
    Beginning of
    Costs and
    Other
          End of the
 
    Year     Expenses     Accounts     Deductions     Year  
 
Description
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 7,848     $ 6,109     $     $ (1,559 )   $ 12,398  
                                         
Deferred tax valuation allowance
  $ 282,104     $ 1,186     $ 24,255     $ (13,259 )   $ 294,286  
                                         
 
                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2006  
          Additions
    Additions
             
    Balance at
    Charged to
    Charged to
          Balance at the
 
    Beginning of
    Costs and
    Other
          End of the
 
    Year     Expenses     Accounts     Deductions     Year  
 
Description
                                       
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 10,379     $ 2,317     $     $ (4,848 )   $ 7,848  
                                         
Deferred tax valuation allowance
  $ 260,101     $ 82,136     $ 3,176     $ (63,309 )   $ 282,104  
                                         


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Not applicable.
 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Disclosure Committee and management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded, at the reasonable assurance level, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 26, 2008.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues within a company are detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, has also audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2008, as stated in their report, which appears within Item 8.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting in the quarter ended December 26, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.


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PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Item 10 incorporates information by reference to our definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008.
 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
 
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller and all other senior finance organization employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.fwc.com/corpgov. Any waiver of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for executive officers or directors may be made only by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors and will be promptly disclosed to shareholders. If we make any substantive amendments to this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or grant any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, controller or any person performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website at www.fwc.com/corpgov and/or in a current report on Form 8-K, as required by law and the rules of any exchange on which our securities are publicly traded.
 
A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be obtained upon request, without charge, by writing to the Office of the Secretary, Foster Wheeler AG, Perryville Corporate Park, Clinton, New Jersey 08809-4000.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Item 11 incorporates information by reference to our definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Item 12 incorporates information by reference to our definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008.


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Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table sets forth, as of December 26, 2008, the number of securities outstanding under each of our stock option plans, the weighted-average exercise price of such options and the number of options available for grant under such plans. The following table also sets forth, as of December 26, 2008, the number of restricted share units and restricted stock granted pursuant to our Omnibus Incentive Plan.
 
                         
          Weighted-Average
    Number of Securities Remaining
 
    Number of Securities to
    Exercise Price of
    Available for Future Issuance
 
    be Issued Upon Exercise
    Outstanding
    Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
    of Outstanding Options,
    Options, Warrants
    (excluding securities reflected
 
    Warrants and Rights
    and Rights ($)
    in column (a))
 
Plan Category
  (a)     (b)     (c)  
 
Equity Compensation Plans
                       
Approved by Security Holders:
                       
Omnibus Incentive Plan
    3,794,485     $ 20.65       5,582,611  
1995 Stock Option Plan
    152,460     $ 94.23        
Directors’ Stock Option Plan
    10,800     $ 93.94        
Directors’ Deferred Compensation Program
        $        
Equity Compensation Plans
                       
Not Approved by Security Holders:
                       
Raymond J. Milchovich(1)
    130,000     $ 49.85        
M.J. Rosenthal & Associates, Inc.(2)
    25,000     $ 18.80        
2004 Stock Option Plan(3)
    4,196     $ 14.84        
                         
Total
    4,116,941     $ 24.47       5,582,611  
                         
 
 
(1) Under the terms of his employment agreement, dated October 22, 2001, Mr. Milchovich received an option to purchase 130,000 Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares on October 22, 2001. This option was granted at an exercise price of $49.85 and vested 20% each year over the five-year term of the agreement. The option exercise price is equal to the median of the high and low price of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares on the grant date. The option has a term of 10 years from the date of grant.
 
(2) Under the terms of the consulting agreement with M.J. Rosenthal & Associates, Inc. on May 7, 2002, we granted a nonqualified stock option to purchase 25,000 of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares at a price of $18.80 with a term of 10 years from the date of grant. The exercise price is equal to the mean of the high and low price of Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares on the date of grant. The option is exercisable on or after March 31, 2003. The option, to the extent not then exercised, shall terminate upon any breach of certain covenants contained in the consulting agreement.
 
(3) On November 8, 2005, our non-employee directors were issued options under the 2004 Stock Option Plan to purchase 14,686 Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares at an exercise price of Foster Wheeler Ltd. $14.838 per common share. Such options expire on September 30, 2010. The non-employee director options vested in one-twelfth increments until fully vested on September 30, 2006. As of December 26, 2008, options to purchase 4,196 Foster Wheeler Ltd. common shares at an exercise price of $14.838 per common share remained outstanding.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Item 13 incorporates information by reference to our definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year ended December 26, 2008.
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Item 14 incorporates information by reference to our definitive proxy statement for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the close of the fiscal year ended December 26, 2008.


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PART IV
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report:
 
  (1)  Financial Statements
 
Financial Statements — See Item 8 of this Report.
 
  (2)  Financial Statement Schedules
 
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts — See Item 8 of this Report.
 
All schedules and financial statements other than those indicated above have been omitted because of the absence of conditions requiring them or because the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
 
(3) Exhibits
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Exhibits
 
  3 .1   Articles of Association of Foster Wheeler AG. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  3 .2   Organizational Regulations of Foster Wheeler AG. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  4 .0   Foster Wheeler AG hereby agrees to furnish copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of Foster Wheeler AG and its consolidated subsidiaries to the Commission upon request.
  10 .1   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2004, by and among Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, the guarantors listed therein and each of the purchasers signatory thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 119841), filed on October 20, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .2   Waiver of the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2006, by and among Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, on behalf of themselves and the subsidiary guarantors and Citigroup Global Capital Markets Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .3   Waiver of the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2006, by and among Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler LLC, on behalf of themselves and the subsidiary guarantors and Merrill Lynch Global Allocation Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch International Investment Fund-MLIIF Global Allocation Fund, Merrill Lynch Variable Series Fund, Inc.-Merrill Lynch Global Allocation V.I. Fund, and Merrill Lynch Series Funds, Inc.-Global Allocation Strategy Portfolio. (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .4   Credit Agreement, dated September 13, 2006, among Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler USA Corporation, Foster Wheeler North America Corp., Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, Foster Wheeler International Corporation, and Foster Wheeler Inc., as Borrowers, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, BNP Paribas as Administrative Agent, BNP Paribas Securities Corp. as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, and Calyon New York Branch as Syndication Agent. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated September 13, 2006 and filed on September 14, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .5   Amendment No. 1, dated May 4, 2007, to the Credit Agreement, dated September 13, 2006, between Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler USA Corporation, Foster Wheeler North America Corp., Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, Foster Wheeler International Corporation, Foster Wheeler Inc., Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler Holdings Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and BNP Paribas. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.)


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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Exhibits
 
  10 .6   Amendment No. 2, dated September 29, 2008, to the Credit Agreement, dated September 13, 2006, between Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler Inc., Foster Wheeler USA Corporation, Foster Wheeler North America Corp., Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation and Foster Wheeler International Corporation, as borrowers, Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler Holdings Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and BNP Paribas. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated September 29, 2008 and filed on October 14, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .7   Amendment No. 3, dated December 18, 2008, to the Credit Agreement, dated September 13, 2006, between Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler Inc., Foster Wheeler USA Corporation, Foster Wheeler North America Corp., Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation and Foster Wheeler International Corporation, as borrowers, Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler AG, Foster Wheeler Holdings Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and BNP Paribas. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated December 18, 2008 and filed on December 22, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .8   Guarantee Facility, dated November 21, 2008, among Foster Wheeler Limited, Foster Wheeler Energy Limited, Foster Wheeler World Services Limited, Foster Wheeler (G.B.) Limited and The Bank of Scotland regarding, among other things, a £90,000,000 guarantee facility and a £150,000,000 forward foreign exchange facility.
  10 .9   Corporate Guarantee, dated July 25, 2005, among Foster Wheeler Limited, Foster Wheeler Energy Limited, Foster Wheeler World Services Limited, Foster Wheeler (G.B.) Limited and The Bank of Scotland. (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .10   Form of Debenture, dated July 25, 2005, issued in favor of The Bank of Scotland as Security Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 99.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .11   Lease Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2002, by and among Energy (NJ) QRS 15-10, Inc. and Foster Wheeler Realty Services, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .12   Amendment to the Lease Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2003, between Energy (NJ) QRS 15-10, Inc. and Foster Wheeler Realty Services, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .13   Amendment No. 2, dated as of April 21, 2003, to the Lease Agreement between Energy (NJ) QRS 15-10, Inc. and Foster Wheeler Realty Services, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .14   Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 14, 2003, to the Lease Agreement dated August 16, 2002, between Energy (NJ) QRS 15-10, Inc. and Foster Wheeler Realty Services, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .15   Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2002, made by Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler Ltd., Foster Wheeler Inc., Foster Wheeler International Holdings, Inc. and Energy (NJ) QRS 15-10, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .16   Deed between Foster Wheeler LLC and Foster Wheeler Realty Services, Inc. and CIT Group Inc. (NJ), dated as of March 31, 2003. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .17   Preliminary Agreement for the Sale of Quotas, dated January 31, 2006, between Foster Wheeler Italiana S.p.A., Fineldo S.p.A. and MPE S.p.A. (Filed as Exhibit 10.29 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .18   Warrant Agreement between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, including forms of warrant certificates. (Filed as Exhibit 4.10 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-120076), filed on October 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)

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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Exhibits
 
  10 .19   Supplemental Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2009, by and among Foster Wheeler AG, Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Warrant Agent. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .20   Master Guarantee Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2001, by and among Foster Wheeler LLC, Foster Wheeler International Holdings, Inc. and Foster Wheeler Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .21*   Foster Wheeler Inc. Directors Deferred Compensation and Stock Award Plan, amended and restated effective as of May 25, 2001. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .22*   Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Inc. Directors Deferred Compensation and Stock Award Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .23*   Foster Wheeler Inc. Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s post effective amendment to Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-25945-99), filed on June 27, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .24*   Amendment to Foster Wheeler Inc. Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .25*   1995 Stock Option Plan of Foster Wheeler Inc., as amended and restated as of September 24, 2002. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .26*   First Amendment to the 1995 Stock Option Plan of Foster Wheeler Inc., as amended and restated as of September 24, 2002.
  10 .27*   Second Amendment to the 1995 Stock Option Plan of Foster Wheeler Inc., as amended and restated as of September 24, 2002. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .28*   Foster Wheeler Annual Executive Short-term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .29*   First Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Annual Executive Short-term Incentive Plan.
  10 .30*   Second Amendment to the Annual Executive Short-term Incentive Plan of Foster Wheeler AG. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .31*   Foster Wheeler Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated September 29, 2004 and filed on October 1, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .32*   First Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 13, 2005 and filed on May 16, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .33*   Second Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .34*   Form of First Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Ltd. 2004 Stock Option Plan with respect to non-employee directors. (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 13, 2005 and filed on May 16, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .35*   Form of Amended and Restated Notice of Stock Option Grant with respect to executive officers, officers and key employees. (Filed as Exhibit 99.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 13, 2005 and filed on May 16, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .36*   Foster Wheeler Ltd. Omnibus Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 9, 2006 and filed on May 12, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)

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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Exhibits
 
  10 .37*   First Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Ltd. Omnibus Incentive Plan.
  10 .38*   Second Amendment to the Foster Wheeler Ltd. Omnibus Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .39*   Form of Director’s Stock Option Agreement effective June 16, 2006 by and between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and each of Ralph Alexander, Eugene Atkinson, Diane C. Creel, Robert C. Flexon, Stephanie Hanbury-Brown, Joseph J. Melone and James D. Woods. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated June 14, 2006 and filed on June 16, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .40*   Form of Employee Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement effective November 15, 2006 with respect to certain employees and executive officers. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 15, 2006 and filed on November 17, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .41*   Form of Employee Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement effective May 6, 2008 with respect to certain employees and executive officers.
  10 .42*   Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement effective November 15, 2006 with respect to certain employees and executive officers. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 15, 2006 and filed on November 17, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .43*   Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement effective May 6, 2008 with respect to certain employees and executive officers.
  10 .44*   Form of Director Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement effective November 15, 2006 with respect to non-employee directors. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 15, 2006 and filed on November 17, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .45*   Form of Director Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement effective May 6, 2008 with respect to non-employee directors.
  10 .46*   Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement effective November 15, 2006 with respect to non-employee directors. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 15, 2006 and filed on November 17, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .47*   Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement effective May 6, 2008 with respect to non-employee directors.
  10 .48*   Form of Change of Control Agreement, dated as of May 25, 2001, and entered into by Foster Wheeler Ltd. with executive officers. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .49*   Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers of Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Foster Wheeler Inc., dated as of November 3, 2004. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 3, 2004 and filed on November 8, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .50*   Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers of Foster Wheeler AG, dated as of February 9, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .51*   Form of Notice and Acknowledgement for executive officers of Foster Wheeler AG, dated as of February 9, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .52*   Form of Notice and Acknowledgement for David Wardlaw, dated as of February 9, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Foster Wheeler AG’s Form 8-K, dated February 6, 2009 and filed on February 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .53*   Employment Agreement between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Raymond J. Milchovich, dated as of August 11, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated August 7, 2006 and filed on August 11, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .54*   First Amendment to the Employment Agreement, dated January 30, 2007, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Raymond J. Milchovich. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated January 30, 2007 and filed on February 2, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.)

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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Exhibits
 
  10 .55*   Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement, dated February 27, 2007, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Raymond J. Milchovich. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated February 27, 2007 and filed on March 2, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .56*   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Raymond J. Milchovich. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 6, 2008 and filed on May 12, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .57*   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Raymond J. Milchovich. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 4, 2008 and filed on November 5, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .58*   Stock Option Agreement of Raymond J. Milchovich, dated as of October 22, 2001. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .59*   Employee’s Restricted Stock Award Agreement of Raymond J. Milchovich, dated as of August 11, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated August 7, 2006 and filed on August 11, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .60*   Employee Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement of Raymond J. Milchovich, dated as of August 11, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated August 7, 2006 and filed on August 11, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .61*   Employment Agreement between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Peter J. Ganz, dated as of October 10, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .62*   First Amendment to the Employment Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2006, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Peter J. Ganz. (Filed as Exhibit 99.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated October 5, 2006 and filed on October 10, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .63*   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Peter J. Ganz. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 6, 2008 and filed on May 12, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .64*   Restricted Stock Award Agreement of Peter J. Ganz, dated as of October 24, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .65*   English Translation of Supplemental Employment Agreement, effective as of November 12, 2007, among Foster Wheeler Continental Europe S.r.L., Foster Wheeler Ltd., and Franco Baseotto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 12, 2007 and filed on November 14, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .66*   English Translation of Change of Control Agreement, effective as of November 12, 2007, among Foster Wheeler Continental Europe S.r.L., Foster Wheeler Ltd., and Franco Baseotto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated November 12, 2007 and filed on November 14, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .67*   Employment Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Franco Baseotto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated May 6, 2008 and filed on May 12, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .68*   Unofficial English Translation of Fixed Term Employment Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Continental Europe S.r.L. and Umberto della Sala. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated February 22, 2008 and filed on February 28, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .69*   Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Umberto della Sala. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated February 22, 2008 and filed on February 28, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)

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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Exhibits
 
  10 .70*   Agreement for the Termination of Fixed Term Employment Contract, dated as of September 30, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Continental Europe S.r.L. and Umberto della Sala. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .71*   Fixed Term Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Global E&C S.r.L. and Umberto della Sala. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .72*   First Amendment to the Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Umberto della Sala. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .73*   Employment Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Peter D. Rose. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .74*   Employment Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Beth Sexton. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .75*   Deed of Variation, dated as of October 8, 2008, between Foster Wheeler Energy Limited and David Wardlaw. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Foster Wheeler Ltd.’s Form 8-K, dated October 8, 2008 and filed on October 14, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.)
  10 .76*   Employment Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2009, between Foster Wheeler North America Corp. and Gary T. Nedelka.
  10 .77*   Employment Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2009, between Foster Wheeler Ltd. and Lisa Z. Wood.
  21 .0   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
  23 .1   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  23 .2   Consent of Analysis, Research & Planning Corporation.
  23 .3   Consent of Peterson Risk Consulting LLC.
  31 .1   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Raymond J. Milchovich.
  31 .2   Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Franco Baseotto.
  32 .1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Raymond J. Milchovich.
  32 .2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Franco Baseotto.
 
 
* Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 15(b) of this report.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
FOSTER WHEELER AG
(Registrant)
 
  By: 
/s/  Franco Baseotto
Franco Baseotto
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
 
Date: February 24, 2009
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed, as of February 24, 2009, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, in the capacities indicated.
 
         
Signature
 
Title
 
/s/  Raymond J. Milchovich

Raymond J. Milchovich
(Principal Executive Officer)
  Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
     
/s/  Franco Baseotto

Franco Baseotto
(Principal Financial Officer)
  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
     
/s/  Lisa Z. Wood

Lisa Z. Wood
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  Vice President and Controller
     
/s/  Eugene D. Atkinson

Eugene D. Atkinson
  Director
     
/s/  Steven J. Demetriou

Steven J. Demetriou
  Director
     
/s/  Robert C. Flexon

Robert C. Flexon
  Director
     
/s/  Edward G. Galante

Edward G. Galante
  Director
     
/s/  Stephanie Hanbury-Brown

Stephanie Hanbury-Brown
  Director
     
/s/  Maureen B. Tart-Bezer

Maureen B. Tart-Bezer
  Director
     
/s/  James D. Woods

James D. Woods
  Director


151