10-Q 1 form10_q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q



(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

or

(  ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 0-02612


LUFKIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


TEXAS
75-0404410
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
601 SOUTH RAGUET, LUFKIN, TEXAS
75904
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 

(936) 634-2211
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes_X_ No____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer   X   Accelerated filer       Non-accelerated filer      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 
Yes ___No  X  
 
There were 15,045,655 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, outstanding as of May 7, 2007.
















 
 
 
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.
 
LUFKIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
         
   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2007
 
2006
 
Current Assets:
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
84,326
 
$
57,797
 
Receivables, net
   
77,812
   
90,585
 
Inventories
   
94,587
   
85,630
 
Deferred income tax assets
   
8,773
   
7,919
 
Other current assets
   
3,066
   
1,521
 
 Total current assets
   
268,564
   
243,452
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
114,212
   
113,081
 
Prepaid pension costs
   
57,574
   
56,856
 
Goodwill, net
   
11,760
   
11,732
 
Other assets net
   
4,042
   
3,948
 
 Total assets
 
$
456,152
 
$
429,069
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
             
               
Current liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
27,972
 
$
24,375
 
Accrued liabilities:
             
Payroll and benefits 
   
8,532
   
9,810
 
Warranty expenses 
   
3,717
   
3,668
 
Taxes payable 
   
10,776
   
7,665
 
Other 
   
19,000
   
15,977
 
 Total current liabilities
   
69,997
   
61,495
 
               
Deferred income tax liabilities
   
27,998
   
28,022
 
Postretirement benefits
   
8,523
   
8,475
 
Other liabilities
   
5,049
   
2,937
 
               
Shareholders' equity:
             
               
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share; 60,000,000 shares authorized;
             
15,339,591 and 15,322,903 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 
   
15,340
   
15,323
 
Capital in excess par
   
39,681
   
38,173
 
Retained earnings
   
294,830
   
280,198
 
Treasury stock, 395,278 and 395,278 shares, respectively, at cost
   
(4,083
)
 
(4,083
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(1,183
)
 
(1,471
)
 Total shareholders' equity
   
344,585
   
328,140
 
 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
456,152
 
$
429,069
 
               

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
LUFKIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED)
 
(In thousands of dollars, except per share and share data)
 
           
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Sales
 
$
148,081
 
$
133,389
 
               
Cost of Sales
   
108,030
   
97,949
 
               
Gross Profit 
   
40,051
   
35,440
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
14,544
   
12,137
 
               
Operating income 
   
25,507
   
23,303
 
               
Interest income
   
865
   
410
 
Interest expense
   
(34
)
 
(34
)
Other income (expense), net
   
103
   
19
 
               
Earnings before income tax provision 
   
26,441
   
23,698
 
               
Income tax provision
   
8,672
   
8,531
 
               
Net earnings 
   
17,769
   
15,167
 
               
               
Net earnings per share
             
Basic 
 
$
1.19
 
$
1.03
 
Diluted 
 
$
1.17
 
$
1.01
 
               
Dividends per share
 
$
0.21
 
$
0.11
 
               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
             
Basic 
   
14,938,614
   
14,742,279
 
Diluted 
   
15,171,170
   
15,069,752
 
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
LUFKIN INDUSTRIES INC.
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
(In thousands of dollars)
 
           
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net earnings
 
$
17,769
 
$
15,167
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash
             
provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization 
   
3,215
   
2,754
 
Deferred income tax provision 
   
(370
)
 
584
 
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation 
   
(247
)
 
(439
)
Share-based compensation expense 
   
995
   
707
 
Pension income 
   
(808
)
 
(307
)
Postretirement benefits 
   
4
   
187
 
(Gain) loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment 
   
(93
)
 
1
 
Changes in: 
             
 Receivables, net
   
12,936
   
9,851
 
 Inventories
   
(8,737
)
 
(10,306
)
 Other current assets
   
(1,537
)
 
2,345
 
 Accounts payable
   
3,013
   
4,712
 
 Accrued liabilities
   
7,105
   
(3,783
)
Net cash provided by operating activities 
   
33,245
   
21,473
 
               
Cash flows from investing activites:
             
Additions to property, plant and equipment
   
(4,350
)
 
(5,796
)
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment
   
366
   
10
 
Increase in other assets
   
(90
)
 
(285
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,074
)
 
(6,071
)
               
Cash flows from financing activites:
             
Payments on short-term notes payable
   
-
   
(231
)
Dividends paid
   
(3,138
)
 
(1,623
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
   
247
   
439
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
242
   
370
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(2,649
)
 
(1,045
)
               
Effect of translation on cash and cash equivalents
   
7
   
(29
)
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
26,529
   
14,328
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
57,797
   
25,822
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
84,326
 
$
40,150
 
               
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lufkin Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for interim financial statements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America has been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals unless specified, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods included in this report have been included. For further information, including a summary of major accounting policies, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

2. Receivables
The following is a summary of the Company’s receivable balances (in thousands of dollars):

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Accounts receivable
 
$
77,882
 
$
90,508
 
Notes receivable
   
466
   
472
 
Other receivables
   
183
   
292
 
Gross receivables
   
78,531
   
91,272
 
               
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
   
(253
)
 
(215
)
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable
   
(466
)
 
(472
)
Net receivables
 
$
77,812
 
$
90,585
 
               
Bad debt expense related to receivables was $0.0 million and $0.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
3. Other Current Accrued Liabilities
The following is a summary of the Company's other current accrued liabilities balances (in thousands of dollars):


   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Customer prepayments
 
$
13,215
 
$
9,411
 
Deferred compensation plans
   
4,248
   
4,069
 
Accrued professional services
   
925
   
1,057
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
612
   
1,440
 
Total other current accrued liabilities
 
$
19,000
 
$
15,977
 
               
 



4. Property, Plant & Equipment
The following is a summary of the Company's property, plant and equipment balances (in thousands of dollars):

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Land
 
$
3,489
 
$
3,482
 
Land improvements
   
8,843
   
8,543
 
Buildings
   
75,608
   
75,082
 
Machinery and equipment
   
222,431
   
219,783
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
5,090
   
5,007
 
Computer equipment and software
   
14,116
   
14,027
 
Total property, plant and equipment
   
329,577
   
325,924
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(215,365
)
 
(212,843
)
Total property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
114,212
 
$
113,081
 
               

Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment was $3.2 million and $2.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

5. Inventories
Inventories used in determining cost of sales were as follows (in thousands of dollars):

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Gross inventories @ FIFO:
         
Finished goods
 
$
8,103
 
$
6,903
 
Work in progress
   
25,172
   
20,977
 
Raw materials & component parts
   
92,089
   
88,882
 
Total gross inventories @ FIFO
   
125,364
   
116,762
 
Less reserves:
             
LIFO
   
28,926
   
28,888
 
Valuation
   
1,851
   
2,244
 
Total inventories as reported
 
$
94,587
 
$
85,630
 
               

Gross inventories on a FIFO basis before adjustments for reserves shown above that were accounted for on a LIFO basis were $86.8 million and $82.7 million at March 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively.

6. Net Earnings Per Share
Net earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, are illustrated below (in thousands of dollars, except share and per share data):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Numerator:
         
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per
         
share-net earnings
 
$
17,769
 
$
15,167
 
               
Denominator:
             
Denominator for basic net earnings per share
             
weighted-average shares
   
14,938,614
   
14,742,279
 
Effect of dilutive securities: employee stock
             
options
   
232,556
   
327,473
 
Denominator for diluted net earnings per share
             
adjusted weighted-average shares
             
assumed conversions
   
15,171,170
   
15,069,752
 
               
Basic net earnings per share
 
$
1.19
 
$
1.03
 
Diluted net earnings per share
 
$
1.17
 
$
1.01
 
               

Weighted options to purchase a total of 183,736 and 111,500 shares of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively were excluded from the calculation of fully diluted earnings per share because their effect on fully diluted earnings per share for the period were antidilutive.

7. Legal Proceedings
A class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on March 7, 1997, by an employee and a former employee which alleged race discrimination in employment. Certification hearings were conducted in Beaumont, Texas in February 1998 and in Lufkin, Texas in August 1998. In April 1999, the District Court issued a decision that certified a class for this case, which included all black employees employed by the Company from March 6, 1994, to the present. The case was closed from 2001 to 2003 while the parties unsuccessfully attempted mediation. Trial for this case began in December 2003, but was postponed by the District Court and was completed in October 2004. The only claims made at trial were those of discrimination in initial assignments and promotions.

 On January 13, 2005, the District Court entered its decision finding that the Company discriminated against African-American employees in initial assignments and promotions. The District Court also concluded that the discrimination resulted in a shortfall in income for those employees and ordered that the Company pay those employees back pay to remedy such shortfall, together with pre-judgment interest in the amount of 5%. On August 29, 2005, the District Court determined that the backpay award for the class of affected employees would be $3.4 million (including interest to January 1, 2005) and provided a formula for attorney fees that the Company estimates will result in a total not to exceed $2.5 million. In addition to back pay with interest, the District Court (i) enjoined and ordered the Company to cease and desist all racially biased assignment and promotion practices and (ii) ordered the Company to pay court costs and expenses.

The Company has reviewed this decision with its outside counsel and on September 19, 2005, appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. On April 3, 2007, the Company appeared before the appellate court in New Orleans for oral argument in this case. The three justices in this case will now prepare their decision and the Company anticipates that the decision will be issued in the fourth quarter of 2007. The Company believes that after a full and fair review of the evidence, the Court of Appeals will determine that the plaintiffs have not established their claims of discrimination by the Company against the plaintiffs and will enter a decision to that effect and will dismiss the case against the Company. At this time, the Company has concluded that an unfavorable ultimate outcome is not probable. If the District Court’s decision is reversed and remanded for a new trial, the Company will vigorously defend itself on retrial. While the ultimate outcome and impact of these claims against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the resolutions of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position. However, should the Company be unsuccessful in its appeal, the final determination could have a material impact on the Company’s reported earnings, results of operations and cash flows in a future reporting period.

There are various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business pending against or involving the Company wherein monetary damages are sought. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s liability, if any, under such claims or proceedings would not materially affect its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
 
8. Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net income and changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income during the periods presented. The Company’s comprehensive income is as follows (in thousands of dollars):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Net earnings
   
17,769
   
15,167
 
               
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
             
               
Change in foreign currency translation
             
               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
368
   
126
 
               
Defined benefit pension plans:
             
               
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost 
   
142
   
-
 
Amortization of unrecognized transition asset included in net periodic 
             
 benefit cost
   
(232
)
 
-
 
Amortization of unrecognized net loss included in net periodic benefit cost 
   
12
   
-
 
               
Total defined benefit pension plans
   
(78
)
 
-
 
               
Defined benefit postretirement plans:
             
               
Amortization of unrecognized net gain included in net periodic benefit cost 
   
(45
)
 
-
 
               
Total defined benefit postretirement plans
   
(45
)
 
-
 
               
Total other comprehensive income, before tax
   
245
   
126
 
               
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income
   
43
   
-
 
               
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
288
   
126
 
               
Total comprehensive income
 
$
18,057
 
$
15,293
 
               

Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet consists of the following (in thousands of dollars):
 
       
Defined
 
Defined
 
Accumulated
 
   
Foreign
 
Benefit
 
Benefit
 
Other
 
   
Currency
 
Pension
 
Postretirement
 
Comprehensive
 
   
Translation
 
Plans
 
Plans
 
Loss
 
                   
Balance, Dec. 31, 2006
 
$
2,958
 
$
(5,758
)
$
1,329
 
$
(1,471
)
                           
Current-period change
   
368
   
(51
)
 
(29
)
 
288
 
                           
Balance, Mar. 31, 2007
   
3,326
   
(5,809
)
 
1,300
   
(1,183
)
                           

9. Segment Data
The Company operates with three business segments - Oil Field, Power Transmission and Trailer. The three operating segments are supported by a common corporate group. Corporate expenses and certain assets are allocated to the operating segments based primarily upon third-party revenues. Inter-segment sales and transfers are accounted for as if the sales and transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices, as available. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The following is a summary of key segment information (in thousands of dollars):
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
 
                       
       
Power
             
   
Oil Field
 
Transmission
 
Trailer
 
Corporate
 
Total
 
                       
Gross sales
 
$
102,160
 
$
35,067
 
$
13,176
 
$
-
 
$
150,403
 
Inter-segment sales
   
(874
)
 
(1,369
)
 
(79
)
 
-
   
(2,322
)
Net sales
 
$
101,286
 
$
33,698
 
$
13,097
 
$
-
 
$
148,081
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
21,436
 
$
5,110
 
$
(1,039
)
$
-
 
$
25,507
 
Other income (expense), net
   
6
   
93
   
(3
)
 
838
   
934
 
Earnings (loss) before
                               
income tax provision
 
$
21,442
 
$
5,203
 
$
(1,042
)
$
838
 
$
26,441
 
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
 
                       
       
Power
             
   
Oil Field
 
Transmission
 
Trailer
 
Corporate
 
Total
 
                       
Gross sales
 
$
87,494
 
$
31,894
 
$
17,249
 
$
-
 
$
136,637
 
Inter-segment sales
   
(926
)
 
(2,321
)
 
(1
)
 
-
   
(3,248
)
Net sales
 
$
86,568
 
$
29,573
 
$
17,248
 
$
-
 
$
133,389
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
18,824
 
$
4,613
 
$
(134
)
$
-
 
$
23,303
 
Other income (expense), net
   
-
   
(61
)
 
(2
)
 
458
   
395
 
Earnings (loss) before
                               
income tax provision
 
$
18,824
 
$
4,552
 
$
(136
)
$
458
 
$
23,698
 

10. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2007, are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
 
       
Power
         
   
Oil Field
 
Transmission
 
Trailer
 
Total
 
                   
Balance as of 12/31/06
 
$
9,432
 
$
2,300
 
$
-
 
$
11,732
 
                           
Foreign currency translation
   
1
   
27
   
-
   
28
 
Balance as of 3/31/07
 
$
9,433
 
$
2,327
 
$
-
 
$
11,760
 
                           

Goodwill impairment tests were performed in the first quarter of 2007 and no impairment losses were recorded.
 
Intangible Assets
 
Balances and related accumulated amortization of intangible assets are as follows (in thousands of dollars):

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
         
Non-compete agreements
             
Original balance 
 
$
463
 
$
463
 
 Foreign currency translation
   
19
   
20
 
 Accumulated amortization
   
(309
)
 
(285
)
               
Ending balance 
 
$
173
 
$
198
 
               

 11. Stock Option Plans
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123-Revised 2004 (“SFAS 123R”), “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective method. SFAS 123R is a revision of SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and supersedes APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” This Statement requires that the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock based on the grant-date fair value be measured and that the cost be recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair value will be estimated using an option-pricing model. Excess tax benefits, as defined in SFAS 123R, will be recognized as additional paid-in-capital.

Under the modified prospective method, the Company began recognizing expense on January 1, 2006, on any unvested awards granted prior to the adoption date of January 1, 2006, expected to vest over the remaining vesting period of the awards. New awards granted after the adoption date will be expensed pro-ratably over the vesting period of the award.

The Company currently has three stock compensation plans that are affected by SFAS 123R. The 1990 Stock Option Plan, the 1996 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan and the 2000 Incentive Stock Compensation Plan provide for the granting of stock options to officers, employees and non-employee directors at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. The 2000 Incentive Stock Compensation Plan also provides for other forms of stock-based compensation such as restricted stock, but none have been granted to date. Options granted to employees vest over two to four years and are exercisable up to ten years from the grant date. Upon retirement, any unvested options become exercisable immediately. Options granted to directors vest at the grant date and are exercisable up to ten years from the grant date.
 
The following table is a summary of the stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123R for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands of dollars):
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Stock-based compensation expense
 
$
995
 
$
707
 
Tax benefit
   
(368
)
 
(254
)
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
 
$
627
 
$
453
 
               
 
The fair value of each option grant during the first three months of 2007 and 2006 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
           
Expected dividend yield
   
1.38
%
 
0.69
%
Expected stock price volatility
   
42.00% - 45.00
%
 
44.12
%
Risk free interest rate
   
4.81% - 4.85
%
 
4.52
%
Expected life options
   
3 - 5 years
   
5 years
 
Weighted-average fair value per share at grant date
 
$
21.88
 
$
26.97
 

The expected life of options was determined based on the exercise history of employees and directors since the inception of the plans. The expected volatility is based upon the historical weekly and daily stock price for the prior number of years equivalent to the expected life of the stock option. The expected dividend yield was based on the dividend yield of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant. The risk free interest rate was based upon the yield of U.S. Treasuries which terms were equivalent to the expected life of the stock option.

A summary of stock option activity under the plans during the three months ended March 31, 2007, is presented below:
 
           
Weighted-
     
       
Weighted-
 
Average
 
Aggregate
 
       
Average
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
 
       
Exercise
 
Contractual
 
Value
 
Options
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Term
 
($000's)
 
                   
Outstanding at January 1, 2007
   
743,761
 
$
29.06
             
Granted
   
35,000
   
60.97
             
Exercised
   
(16,688
)
 
14.55
             
Forfeited or expired
   
(2,812
)
 
-
             
Outstanding at March 31, 2007
   
759,261
 
$
30.78
   
7.4
 
$
20,293
 
Exercisable at March 31, 2007
   
439,107
 
$
24.34
   
6.6
 
$
14,392
 
                           

As of March 31, 2007, there was $3.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised in the first three months of 2007 was $0.7 million.
12. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. In accordance with FIN 48, the evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step requires determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination or appeals based on the technical merits of the position. The second step requires that a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in an increase in a liability for income taxes payable and/or an increase in a deferred tax liability. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is met and previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer met. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, but earlier adoption is permitted. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, and it did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements. See Footnote 14 for additional information on the adoption of FIN 48.

Management believes the impact of other recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated condensed financial statements upon adoption.

13. Retirement Benefits
The Company has a qualified noncontributory pension plan covering substantially all U.S. employees. The benefits provided by these plans are measured by length of service, compensation and other factors, and are currently funded by trusts established under the plans. Funding of retirement costs for these plans complies with the minimum funding requirements specified by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended. In addition, the Company has two unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation pensions plans for certain U.S. employees. The Pension Restoration Plan provides supplemental retirement benefits. The benefit is based on the same benefit formula as the qualified pension plan except that it does not limit the amount of a participant's compensation or maximum benefit. The Company also provides a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that credits an individual with 0.5 years of service for each year of service credited under the qualified plan. The benefits calculated under the non-qualified pension plans are offset by the participant's benefit payable under the qualified plan. The liabilities for the non-qualified deferred compensation pensions plans are included in "Other current accrued liabilities" and “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
The Company sponsors two defined benefit postretirement plans that cover both salaried and hourly employees. One plan provides medical benefits, and the other plan provides life insurance benefits. Both plans are contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted periodically. The Company accrues the estimated costs of the plans over the employee’s service periods. The Company's postretirement health care plan is unfunded. For measurement purposes, the submitted claims medical trend was assumed to be 9.25% in 1997. Thereafter, the Company’s obligation is fixed at the amount of the Company’s contribution for 1997.

The Company also has qualified defined contribution retirement plans covering substantially all of its U.S. and Canadian employees. For U.S. employees, the Company makes contributions of 75% of employee contributions up to a maximum employee contribution of 6% of employee earnings. Employees may contribute up to an additional 18% (in 1% increments), which is not subject to match by the Company. For Canadian employees, the Company makes contributions of 3%-8% of an employee’s salary with no individual employee match required. All obligations of the Company are funded through March 31, 2007. In addition, the Company provides an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation defined contribution plan for certain U.S. employees. The Company's and individual's contributions are based on the same formula as the qualified contribution plan except that it does not limit the amount of a participant's compensation or maximum benefit. The contribution calculated under the non-qualified defined contribution plan is offset by the Company's and participant's contributions under the qualified plan. The Company’s expense for these plans totaled $0.9 million and $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The liability for the non-qualified deferred defined contribution plan is included in "Other current accrued liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
On December 8, 2003, the “Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003” (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. Measures of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit cost do not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy because the Company’s plan is not actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D and is not expected to receive any subsidy.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (in thousands of dollars)
 
   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
                   
Service cost
 
$
1,369
 
$
1,324
 
$
45
 
$
70
 
Interest cost
   
2,400
   
2,412
   
122
   
176
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(4,388
)
 
(4,081
)
 
-
   
-
 
Amortization of prior service cost
   
141
   
141
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of unrecognized net (gain) loss
   
12
   
130
   
(45
)
 
13
 
Amortization of unrecognized transition asset
   
(232
)
 
(233
)
 
-
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
 
$
(698
)
$
(307
)
$
122
 
$
259
 
                           

Employer Contributions

The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, that it expected to make contributions of $160,000 to its pension plans in 2007. The Company also disclosed that it expected contributions of $772,000 to be made to its postretirement plan in 2007. As of March 31, 2007, the Company has made contributions of $8,000 to its pension plans and has made contributions of $75,000 to its postretirement plan. The Company presently anticipates making additional contributions of $25,000 to its pension plans and $398,000 to its postretirement plan during the last nine months of 2007.
 
14. Adoption of FIN 48

The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”, on January 1, 2007. As of January 1, 2007, the Company had approximately $3,382,000 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this total, $2,898,000 (net of the federal benefit on state issues) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the net effective income tax rate in any future period.
 
The Company has unrecognized tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. These unrecognized tax benefits relate to the capitalization of additional inventory costs and deductions for certain accrued liabilities. The Company has initiated the procedural steps to resolve these uncertain tax positions and estimates the range of possible change to be $500,000 to $600,000.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, Lufkin Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, and various foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal purposes, tax years prior to 2002 are closed to assessment and the 2002 tax year is open to examination only to the extent of certain refund claims filed. The 2003 through 2005 tax years remain open to examination by U.S. federal and state authorities. Statutes for years prior to 2003 remain subject to review in certain US state jurisdictions; however, the outcome of any future audit is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations. The Company also remains subject to income tax examinations in the following material international jurisdictions: Canada (2002-2005), France (2004-2006) and Argentina (2001-2005).

Lufkin’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in administrative costs. The Company had $146,000 accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2006. There were no significant changes to the accrued interest and penalties for the three-month period ending March 31, 2007.

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

General

Lufkin Industries is a global supplier of oil field, power transmission and trailer products. Through its Oil Field segment, the Company manufactures and services artificial reciprocating rod lift equipment and related products, which are used to extract crude oil and other fluids from wells. Through its Power Transmission segment, the Company manufactures and services high-speed and low-speed speed increasing and reducing gearboxes for industrial applications. Through its Trailer segment, the Company manufactures various highway trailers, including flatbed and dump trailers. While these markets are price-competitive, technological and quality differences can provide product differentiation.

The Company’s strategy is to differentiate its products through additional value-added capabilities. Examples of these capabilities are high-quality engineering, customized designs, rapid manufacturing response to demand through plant capacity, inventory and vertical integration, superior quality and customer service, and an international network of service locations. In addition, the Company’s strategy is to maintain a low debt-to-equity ratio in order to quickly take advantage of growth opportunities and pay dividends even during unfavorable business cycles.

In support of the above strategy, the Company has been making capital investments in Oil Field to increase manufacturing capacity and capabilities in its three main manufacturing facilities in Lufkin, Texas, Canada and Argentina. These investments should reduce production lead times and improve quality. Investments also continue to be made to expand the Company’s presence in automation products and international service, as with the recently opened service facility in Oman.

In Power Transmission, the Company continues to expand its gear repair network by opening and expanding facilities in various locations in the US and Canada. The Company is making targeted capital investments to expand capacity and reduce manufacturing lead times as well as certain capital investments targeting cost reductions.

Trends/Outlook

Oilfield
Demand for pumping unit equipment primarily depends on the level of onshore oil well drilling activity as well as the depth and fluid conditions of that drilling. Drilling activity is driven by the available cash flow of the Company’s customers as well as their long-term perceptions of the level and stability of the price of oil. The recent demand for pumping units has also been impacted by the use of artificial lift in natural gas and coal bed methane applications as higher energy prices have made certain extraction methods more economical. In addition, the availability of used pumping unit equipment impacts the demand for new pumping units, especially in the North American market. The higher energy prices experienced since 2004 have increased the demand for new pumping units and related service and products from higher drilling activity, activation of idle wells and the upgrading of existing wells. Lower average energy prices in the latter half of 2006 caused some reduced demand levels for new pumping units in the North American market, especially in Canada, during the first quarter of 2007. While a majority of the segment’s revenues are in North America, international opportunities continue to increase as new drilling increases and existing fields mature, requiring increased use of pumping units for artificial lift.

Power Transmission
Power Transmission services many diverse markets, with high-speed gearing for markets such as petrochemicals, refineries, offshore production and transmission of oil and slow-speed gearing for the gas, rubber, sugar, paper, steel, plastics, mining, cement and marine propulsion, each of which has its own unique set of drivers. Favorable conditions for one market may be unfavorable for another market. Generally, if general global industrial capacity utilizations are not high, then spending on new equipment lags. Also impacting demand are government regulations involving safety and environmental issues that can require capital spending. Recent market demand increases have come from energy-related markets such as refining, petrochemical, drilling, coal, marine and power generation in response to higher global energy prices. Despite recent lower energy prices, these market trends are expected to continue throughout 2007, assuming energy prices stay at recent levels.

Trailer
The Company primarily sells its trailer products in the United States to small and medium size fleet freight-hauling companies through a dealer network. Demand in this market is driven by the available cash flow or financing capabilities of the industry, age of the trailer fleets, changes in government regulations, availability of quality used trailers and the medium-term outlook for freight volumes. The profitability of the freight-hauling market is driven by freight volumes, fuel prices, wage levels and insurance costs. During 2004 and 2005, the freight market improved after several years of low volumes and higher operating cost. Freight-hauling demand and freight pricing increased and aging trailers required replacement. However, the recent demand for van trailers has not increased enough to meet trailer industry capacity, increasing price competition. Van demand has been impacted by freight haulers focusing purchases on new tractors before new diesel emission requirements are required on new tractors beginning in 2007. In light of these market conditions, the Company decided in the third quarter of 2006 not to participate in the van market until market conditions support better operating margins. This will give Trailer the capability to expand manufacturing capacity of flatbed and dump trailers quickly in response to market demand. Recent flatbed and dump trailer demand has decreased due to the decreased activity in the home and road construction markets.

Summary of Results

The Company generally monitors its performance through analysis of sales, gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) and net earnings, as well as debt/equity levels, short-term debt levels, and cash balances.

Overall, sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007, increased to $148.1 million from $133.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, or 11.0%. This growth was primarily driven by increased sales of new oil field equipment, but also by growth in Power Transmission sales. This growth was partially offset by the impact of lower trailer sales from the Company’s previously announced decision not to participate in the trailer van market due to current market conditions.

Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2007, increased to 27.0% from 26.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This gross margin increase was primarily due to the favorable mix effect of increased sales in Oilfield and Power Transmission and reduced Trailer sales. Oilfield and Power Transmission products generally have higher average gross margins than Trailer products. Also, Power Transmission gross margins improved in the first three months of 2007 compared to the first three months of 2006. Additional segment data on gross margin is provided later in this section.

The changes in sales and gross margin primarily drove the changes in net earnings, but net earnings for the first three months of 2007 also benefited from a lower total tax rate. The net tax rate in the three months ended March 31, 2007, was 32.8%, down from 36% in the three months ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to a reduction in tax reserves on items falling out of statute. The Company reported net earnings of $17.8 million or $1.17 per share (diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to net earnings of $15.2 million or $1.01 per share (diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

Debt/equity (long-term debt net of current portion as a percentage of total equity) levels were 0.0% as of March 31, 2007, and March 31, 2006. The Company had no short-term debt at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Cash balances at March 31, 2007, were $84.3 million, up from $57.8 million at December 31, 2006, due to higher net earnings and reduced working capital offsetting capital expenditures and higher dividends.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

The following table summarizes the Company’s sales and gross profit by operating segment (in thousands of dollars):
 
   
Three Months Ended
         
   
March 31,
 
Increase/
 
% Increase/
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
(Decrease)
 
(Decrease)
 
Sales
                 
Oil Field
 
$
101,286
 
$
86,568
 
$
14,718
   
17.0
 
Power Transmission
   
33,698
   
29,573
   
4,125
   
13.9
 
Trailer
   
13,097
   
17,248
   
(4,151
)
 
(24.1
)
Total
 
$
148,081
 
$
133,389
 
$
14,692
   
11.0
 
                           
Gross Profit
                         
Oil Field
 
$
27,974
 
$
24,138
 
$
3,836
   
15.9
 
Power Transmission
   
11,236
   
9,655
   
1,581
   
16.4
 
Trailer
   
841
   
1,647
   
(806
)
 
(48.9
)
Total
 
$
40,051
 
$
35,440
 
$
4,611
   
13.0
 
                           

Oil Field
 
Oil Field sales increased to $101.3 million, or 17.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $86.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Increased sales of new pumping units and service in international markets and increased sales of automation products accounted for a majority of the increase. These increased sales of new pumping units, and related service, were primarily in the Argentina and Middle East/North Africa markets. Sales of automation equipment continued to increase due to market share growth from new product offerings and a large international order. Oil Field’s backlog decreased to $58.1 million as of March 31, 2007, from $88.6 million at March 31, 2006, and $67.1 million at December 31, 2006. This decrease is related to the weaker demand for new pumping units in the North American market.
 
Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of sales) for the Oil Field segment decreased to 27.6% for three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to 27.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, or 0.3 percentage points. This decline was primarily caused by lower plant efficiencies and fixed cost coverage in the US and Canada manufacturing facilities from lower production levels as North American demand for new pumping units has decreased.
 
Direct selling, general and administrative expenses for Oil Field increased to $4.4 million, or 23.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase is due to higher employee-related expenses in support of increased sales volumes and third-party commissions in certain international markets. Direct selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales also increased to 4.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from 4.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

Power Transmission

Sales for the Company’s Power Transmission segment increased to $33.7 million, or 13.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $29.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This growth was the result of increased sales of high-speed units to the energy-related markets, such as power generation and oil and gas production and refining from both the US and France manufacturing facilities. Power Transmission backlog at March 31, 2007, increased to $103.5 million from $67.4 million at March 31, 2006, and $95.6 million at December 31, 2006, primarily from sales of new units for the energy-related markets.

Gross margin for the Power Transmission segment increased to 33.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to 32.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from increased sales of higher-margin high-speed units and improved margins from gear repair.
 
Direct selling, general and administrative expenses for Power Transmission increased to $4.4 million, or 21.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase is due to higher employee-related expenses in support of increased sales volumes. Direct selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 13.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from 12.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
 
Trailer

Trailer sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007, decreased to $13.1 million, or 24.1%, from $17.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This decrease is primarily related to the decline in new van trailer sales. New van sales were impacted by the Company’s decision in 2006 not to take additional orders for van trailers due to poor market conditions. Sales for flatbed and dump trailers were also down due to weakness in the home construction market and low seasonal demand in the road construction market. Backlog for the Trailer segment decreased to $15.9 million at March 31, 2007, compared to $33.6 million at March 31, 2006, and $18.4 million at December 31, 2006. The backlog decrease was primarily from lower van trailer backlog related to the decision to not take additional van trailer orders.
 
Trailer gross margin decreased to 6.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from 9.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2006, or 3.1 percentage points. This decrease was primarily due to plant reconfiguration costs associated with ending van trailer production.

Direct selling, general and administrative expenses for Trailer decreased to $0.5 million, or 21.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, from lower general liability legal and claims expenses. Direct selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales slightly increased to 4.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from 3.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
 
Corporate/Other

Corporate administrative expenses, which are allocated to the segments primarily based on historical third-party revenues, increased to $5.2 million, or 21.5%, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, primarily from the higher employee-related and stock option expenses.
 
Interest income, interest expense and other income and expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007, totaled $0.9 million of income compared to income of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in interest income from higher cash balances.

Pension income, which is reported as a reduction of cost of sales, increased to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, or 163%, compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase is primarily due to lower interest and service costs from the lower projected benefit obligation from March 31, 2006, and higher expected returns due to increases in asset balances. The projected benefit obligation was remeasured lower in the second quarter of 2006. Pension income in 2007 is expected only to increase to approximately $3.2 million from $2.9 million in 2006.
 
The net tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2007, was 32.8% compared to 36.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2006. The net tax rate for the first three months of 2007 was the result of the effective tax rate of 35.0% benefiting from a reduction in tax reserves on items falling out of statute.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has historically relied on cash flows from operations and third-party borrowing to finance its operations, including acquisitions, dividend payments and stock repurchases. The Company believes that its cash flows from operations and its available borrowing capacity under its credit agreements will be sufficient to fund its operations, including planned capital expenditures, dividend payments and stock repurchases, through December 31, 2007.
 
The Company’s cash balance totaled $84.3 million at March 31, 2007, compared to $57.8 million at December 31, 2006. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, net cash provided by operating activities was $33.2 million, net cash used in investing activities totaled $4.1 million and net cash used in financing activities amounted to $2.6 million. Significant components of cash provided by operating activities included net earnings, adjusted for non-cash expenses, of $20.4 million and a decrease in working capital of $12.8 million. This working capital decrease was primarily due to lower receivables from reduced sales levels during the fourth quarter of 2006 and reduced days sales outstanding, as well as the benefit of making no US federal tax payments in the first quarter of 2007. These decreases were partially offset by increased inventory balances from higher production activity in Power Transmission and Oil Field automation products. Net cash used in investing activities included net capital expenditures totaling $4.0 million and an increase in other assets of $0.1 million. Capital expenditures in the first three months of 2007 were primarily for the expansion of manufacturing capacity and efficiency improvements in the Oil Field and Power Transmission segments. Capital expenditures for 2007 are projected to be approximately $30.0 to $35.0 million, primarily for the expansion of manufacturing capacity and equipment replacement for efficiency improvements in the Oil Field and Power Transmission segments and will be funded by operating cash flows. Significant components of net cash used by financing activities included dividend payments of $3.1 million, or $0.21 per share, partially offset by the impact of stock option exercises, including the excess tax benefit from actual gains on stock option exercises of $0.5 million.
 
The Company has a three-year $27.5 million credit facility with a domestic bank (the “Bank Facility”) consisting of an unsecured revolving line of credit that provides up to $17.5 million of committed borrowing along with an additional $10.0 million discretionary line of credit. This Bank Facility expires on December 31, 2008. Borrowings under the Bank Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either the greater of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the base CD rate plus an applicable margin or (iii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus an applicable margin or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus an applicable margin, depending on certain ratios as defined in the Bank Facility. As of March 31, 2007, no debt was outstanding under the Bank Facility and the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the terms of the Bank Facility. Deducting outstanding letters of credit of $6.0 million, $21.5 million of borrowing capacity was available at March 31, 2007.

The Company currently has a stock repurchase plan under which the Company was authorized to spend up to $19.1 million for repurchases of its common stock. Pursuant to this plan, the Company has repurchased a total of 1,656,740 shares of its common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $17.0 million. Repurchased shares are added to treasury stock and are available for general corporate purposes including the funding of the Company’s stock option plans. No shares were repurchased in the first three months of 2007. As of March 31, 2007, the Company held 395,278 shares of treasury stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.1 million. Authorizations of approximately $2.1 million remained at March 31, 2007.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. In accordance with FIN 48, the evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step requires determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination or appeals based on the technical merits of the position. The second step requires that a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in an increase in a liability for income taxes payable and/or an increase in a deferred tax liability. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is met and previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer met. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, but earlier adoption is permitted. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, and it did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements. As of March 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $2,700,000 of total gross unrecognized tax benefits.
 
Management believes the impact of other recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements upon adoption.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of its consolidated statements.

The Company extends credit to customers in the normal course of business. Management performs ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current credit worthiness. An allowance for doubtful accounts has been established to provide for estimated losses on receivable collections. The balance of this allowance is determined by regular reviews of outstanding receivables and historical experience. As the financial condition of customers change, circumstances develop or additional information becomes available, adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required.

Revenue is not recognized until it is realized or realizable and earned. The criteria to meet this guideline are: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. In some cases, a customer is not able to take delivery of a completed product and requests that the Company store the product for defined period of time. The Company will process a Bill-and-Hold invoice and recognize revenue at the time of the storage request if all of the following criteria are met:

l
The customer has accepted title and risk of loss;
l
The customer has provided a written purchase order for the product;
l
The customer, not the Company, requested the product to be stored and to be invoiced under a Bill-and-Hold arrangement. The customer must also provide the business purposes for the storage request;
l
The customer must provide a storage period and future shipping date;
l
The Company must not have retained any future performance obligations on the product;
l
The Company must segregate the stored product and not make it available to use on other orders; and
l
The product must be completed and ready for shipment.
 
The Company has made significant investments in inventory to service its customers. On a routine basis, the Company uses estimates in determining the level of reserves required to state inventory at the lower of cost or market. Management’s estimates are primarily influenced by market activity levels, production requirements, the physical condition of products and technological innovation. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the carrying value of inventory. Also, the Company accounts for a significant portion of its inventory under the LIFO method. The LIFO reserve can be impacted by changes in the LIFO layers and by inflation index adjustments. Generally, annual increases in the inflation rate or the FIFO value of inventory cause the value of the LIFO reserve to increase.

Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value can be recovered through projected undiscounted cash flows, based on expected future operating results. Future adverse market conditions or poor operating results could result in the inability to recover the current carrying value and thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

Goodwill acquired in connection with business combinations represent the excess of consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company performs impairment tests on the carrying value of goodwill at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may be greater than fair value, such as significant underperformance relative to historical or projected operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. The Company’s fair value is primarily determined using discounted cash flows, which requires management to make judgments about future operating results, working capital requirements and capital spending levels. Changes in cash flow assumptions or other factors which negatively impact the fair value of the operations would influence the evaluation and may result in a determination that goodwill is impaired and a corresponding impairment charge.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the book basis and tax basis of the net assets of the Company. In providing for deferred taxes, management considers current tax regulations, estimates of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. Changes in state, federal and foreign tax laws as well as changes in the financial position of the Company could also affect the carrying value of deferred tax assets and liabilities. If management estimates that some or all of any deferred tax assets will expire before realization or that the future deductibility is not probable, a valuation allowance would be recorded.

The Company is subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains insurance coverage for various aspects of its businesses and operations. The Company retains a portion of the insured losses that occur through the use of deductibles. Management regularly reviews estimates of reported and unreported insured and non-insured claims and legal actions and provides for losses through reserves. As circumstances develop and additional information becomes available, adjustments to loss reserves may be required.

The Company sells certain of its products to customers with a product warranty that provides repairs at no cost to the customer or the issuance of credit to the customer. The length of the warranty term depends on the product being sold, but ranges from one year to five years. The Company accrues its estimated exposure to warranty claims based upon historical warranty claim costs as a percentage of sales multiplied by prior sales still under warranty at the end of any period. Management reviews these estimates on a regular basis and adjusts the warranty provisions as actual experience differs from historical estimates or other information becomes available.

The Company offers defined benefit plans and other benefits upon the retirement of its employees. Assets and liabilities associated with these benefits are calculated by third-party actuaries under the rules provided by various accounting standards, with certain estimates provided by management. These estimates include the discount rate, expected rate of return of assets and the rate of increase of compensation and health claims. On a regular basis, management reviews these estimates by comparing them to actual experience and those used by other companies. If a change in an estimate is made, the carrying value of these assets and liabilities may have to be adjusted. The impact of changes in these estimates does not differ significantly from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Forward-Looking Statements and Assumptions 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements and information, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based on management’s beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “schedule,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “project” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to certain events and are subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the Company. Undue reliance should not be place on forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
 
l
oil price volatility;
l
declines in domestic and worldwide oil and gas drilling;
l
capital spending levels of oil producers;
l
the cyclicality of the trailer industry;
l
availability and prices for raw materials;
l
the inherent dangers and complexities of our operations;
l
uninsured judgments or a rise in insurance premiums;
l
the inability to effectively integrate acquisitions;
l
labor disruptions and increasing labor costs;
l
the availability of qualified and skilled labor;
l
disruption of our operating facilities or management information systems;
l
the impact on foreign operations of war, political disruption, civil disturbance, economic and legal sanctions and changes in global trade policies;
l
currency exchange rate fluctuations in the markets in which the Company operates;
l
changes in the laws, regulations, policies or other activities of governments, agencies and similar organizations where such actions may affect the production, licensing, distribution or sale of the Company’s products, the cost thereof or applicable tax rates;
l
costs related to legal and administrative proceedings, including adverse judgments against the Company if the Company fails to prevail in reversing such judgments; and
l
general industry, political and economic conditions in the markets where the Company procures material, components and supplies for the production of the Company’s principal products or where the Company’s products are produced, distributed or sold.
 .
Additional information about risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The forward-looking statements included in this report are only made as of the date of this report and, except as required by securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, invested funds and debt obligations. The book value of accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable are considered to be representative of their fair market value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The Company’s accounts receivable are not concentrated in one customer or industry and are not viewed as an unusual credit risk.
 
The Company does not utilize financial or derivative instruments for trading purposes or to hedge exposures to interest rates, foreign currency rates or commodity prices. Due to the low level of current debt exposure, the Company does not have any significant exposure to interest rate fluctuations. However, if the Company drew on its line of credit under its Bank Facility, the Company would have exposure since the interest rate is variable. In addition, the Company primarily invoices and purchases in the same currency as the functional currency of its operations, which minimizes exposure to currency rate fluctuations.

The Company is exposed to currency fluctuations with debt denominated in U.S. dollars owed to the Company’s U.S. entity by its French and Canadian entities. As of March 31, 2007, this inter-company debt was comprised of (0.3) million euros and $10.6 million Canadian dollars. As of March 31, 2007, if the U.S. dollar strengthened by 10% over these currencies, the net income impact would be $0.6 million of expense and if the U.S. dollar weakened by 10% over these currencies, the net income impact would be $0.6 million of income. Also, certain assets and liabilities, primarily employee and tax related, denominated in the local currency of foreign operations whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar are exposed to fluctuations in currency rates. As of March 31, 2007, if the U.S. dollar strengthened by 10% over these currencies, the net income impact would be $0.0 million of expense and if the U.S. dollar weakened by 10% over these currencies, the net income impact would be $0.0 million of income.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

Based on their evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2007, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Douglas V. Smith, and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, R. D. Leslie, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2007, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.

A class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on March 7, 1997, by an employee and a former employee which alleged race discrimination in employment. Certification hearings were conducted in Beaumont, Texas in February 1998 and in Lufkin, Texas in August 1998. In April 1999, the District Court issued a decision that certified a class for this case, which included all black employees employed by the Company from March 6, 1994, to the present. The case was closed from 2001 to 2003 while the parties unsuccessfully attempted mediation. Trial for this case began in December 2003, but was postponed by the District Court and was completed in October 2004. The only claims made at trial were those of discrimination in initial assignments and promotions.
 
On January 13, 2005, the District Court entered its decision finding that the Company discriminated against African-American employees in initial assignments and promotions. The District Court also concluded that the discrimination resulted in a shortfall in income for those employees and ordered that the Company pay those employees back pay to remedy such shortfall, together with pre-judgment interest in the amount of 5%. On August 29, 2005, the District Court determined that the backpay award for the class of affected employees would be $3.4 million (including interest to January 1, 2005) and provided a formula for attorney fees that the Company estimates will result in a total not to exceed $2.5 million. In addition to back pay with interest, the District Court (i) enjoined and ordered the Company to cease and desist all racially biased assignment and promotion practices and (ii) ordered the Company to pay court costs and expenses.

The Company has reviewed this decision with its outside counsel and on September 19, 2005, appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. On April 3, 2007, the Company appeared before the appellate court in New Orleans for oral argument in this case. The three justices in this case will now prepare their decision and the Company anticipates that the decision will be issued in the fourth quarter of 2007. The Company believes that after a full and fair review of the evidence, the Court of Appeals will determine that the plaintiffs have not established their claims of discrimination by the Company against the plaintiffs and will enter a decision to that effect and will dismiss the case against the Company. At this time, the Company has concluded that an unfavorable ultimate outcome is not probable. If the District Court’s decision is reversed and remanded for a new trial, the Company will vigorously defend itself on retrial. While the ultimate outcome and impact of these claims against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the resolutions of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position. However, should the Company be unsuccessful in its appeal, the final determination could have a material impact on the Company’s reported earnings, results of operations and cash flows in a future reporting period.

There are various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business pending against or involving the Company wherein monetary damages are sought. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s liability, if any, under such claims or proceedings would not materially affect its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
 
Item 1A.   Risks Factors.
 
In addition to other information set forth in this quarterly report, the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect the Company's business, financial condition and/or operating results, should be carefully considered. The risks described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that it currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and/or operating results.



Item 6. Exhibits.


10.1
 
Lufkin Industries, Inc. 2007 Variable Compensation Plan, included as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed February 20, 2007 (File No. 0-02612), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
 
   
*31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
*31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
     
*32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
*32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

* Filed herewith







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

Date: May 10, 2007

LUFKIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
   
By:
/s/ R. D. Leslie
   
 
R.D. Leslie
 
Signing on behalf of the registrant and as
 
Vice President/Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)








Exhibit
Number
 
Description
     
10.1
 
Lufkin Industries, Inc. 2007 Variable Compensation Plan, included as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed February 20, 2007 (File No. 0-02612), which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
     
*31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
*31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
     
*32.1
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
*32.2
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.



* Filed herewith