BALDOR ELECTRIC CO
10-K, 1997-03-27
MOTORS & GENERATORS
Previous: BALDOR ELECTRIC CO, DEF 14A, 1997-03-27
Next: BALTEK CORP, 10-K, 1997-03-27



<PAGE>
                          UNITED STATES
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      Washington, D.C. 20549

                              FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES          
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934                                  

      For the fiscal year ended:               Commission File Number:
          December 28, 1996                          1-7284          
       -------------------------                ----------------------

           B A L D O R      E L E C T R I C      C O M P A N Y         
      -------------------------------------------------------------
         (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

              Missouri                           43-0168840                
     -------------------------------         ------------------
     (State or other jurisdiction of         (I.R.S. Employer
      incorporation or organization)          Identification No.)

 5711 R. S. Boreham, Jr St, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72908   (501) 646-4711  
- ------------------------------------------------------   ---------------
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)   (Telephone Number)

    Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                            Name of each exchange on
    Title of Each Class                          which registered
- -------------------------                  ---------------------------
Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value                New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock Purchase Rights                 New York Stock Exchange

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

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

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.    [ ] 

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the regis-
trant based on the closing price on February 21, 1997, was $476,165,105.

At February 21, 1997, there were 26,239,308 shares of the registrant's common
stock outstanding.

                     DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1996 (the "Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996"), are
incorporated by reference into Part II.

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held May 3, 1997 (the "1997 Proxy Statement"), are incorporated by reference
into Parts I and III.

<PAGE>

PART I


Item 1.  Business
- -----------------

Baldor Electric Company ("Baldor" or the "Company") was incorporated in
Missouri in 1920.  The Company operates primarily in one industry segment which
includes the design, manufacture, and sale of electric motors and drives.  In
addition to electric motors and drives, products include speed reducers,
industrial grinders, buffers, polishing lathes, stampings, castings, and repair
parts.  Baldor has made several small acquisitions; however, the majority of
its growth has come internally through broadening its markets and product
lines.

Products

Sales of industrial electric motors represented approximately 76% of the
Company's business in 1996, 78% in 1995, and 80% in 1994.  The AC motor product
line presently ranges in size from 1/50 through 800 horsepower.  The DC motor
product line presently ranges from 1/50 through 700 horsepower.

The Company also sells industrial control products, which include servo
products, DC controls, and inverter and vector drives. The Company's line of
adjustable speed controls ranges from 1/50 through 800 horsepower.  With these
products, the Company provides its customers the ability to purchase a "Drive",
which Baldor defines as an industrial motor and an electronic control, from one
manufacturer.  Sales of drives were approximately 22% of total 1996 sales, 20%
of total 1995 sales, and 18% of total 1994 sales.

Baldor's motors and drives are designed, manufactured, and marketed for general
purpose uses ("stock products") and for individual customer requirements and
specifications ("custom products").  Stock product sales represented
approximately 63% of the Company's total sales in 1996, 62% in 1995, and 63%
in 1994.  Most stock product sales are to customers who place orders for
immediate shipment from current inventory.  Custom products generally are
shipped within four weeks from the date of order.  Because of these and other
factors, the Company does not believe that its backlog represents an accurate
indication of future shipments.

Sales and Marketing

The products of the Company are marketed throughout the United States and in
more than 55 foreign countries.  The Company's field sales organization
consists of more than 50 independent manufacturer's representatives, including
25 in the United States. The remainder of the Company's representatives are
located in various parts of the world, including Canada, Europe, Latin America,
Australia, and the Far East.


<PAGE>                             -  2 -                                     

<PAGE>

Custom products and stock products are sold to original equipment manufacturers
("OEMs").  Stock products are also sold to independent distributors for resale,
often as replacement components in industrial machinery which is being
modernized or upgraded for improved performance.

The Company conducts business with a large number of customers and does not
believe that the loss of any single customer would have a material effect on
its total business.

Competition

The Company faces substantial competition in the sales of its products in all
markets served.  Some of the Company's competitors are larger in size or are
divisions of large diversified companies and have substantially greater
financial resources.  The Company competes by providing its customers better
value through product quality and efficiency and better services, including
availability, shorter lead-times, on-time delivery, product literature, and
training. 

The Company is not aware of any industry-wide statistics from which it can
precisely determine its relative position in the industrial electric motor
industry.  In the United States, certain industry statistics are available from
the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Electric Manufacturers
Association.  However, these sources do not include all competitors or all
sizes of motors.  The Company believes that it is a significant factor in the
markets it serves and that its share of the market has increased over the past
several years.

Manufacturing

The Company manufactures many of the components used in its products including
laminations, motor hardware, and aluminum die castings.  Manufacturing many of
its own components permits the Company to better manage cost, quality, and
availability.  In addition to the manufacture of components, the Company's
motor manufacturing operations include machining, welding, winding, assembling,
and finishing operations.

The raw materials necessary for the Company's manufacturing operations are
available from several sources.  These materials include steel, copper wire,
gray iron castings, aluminum, and insulating materials, many of which are
purchased from more than one supplier.  Although some materials are purchased
from a single supplier, the Company believes that alternate sources are avail-
able for such materials.

Research and Development

The Company's design and development of electric motors and drives includes
both the development of products which extend the product lines and the
modification of existing products to meet new application requirements. 
Additional development work is done to improve production methods.  Costs
associated with research, new product development, and product and cost
improvements are treated as expenses when incurred and amounted to
approximately $19,900,000 in 1996, $17,200,000 in 1995, and $14,800,000 in
1994.
<PAGE>                            -  3 -
<PAGE>

Environment

Compliance with laws relating to the discharge of materials into the envi-
ronment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not had
a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or the financial position
of the Company and is not expected to have such an effect.

Employees

At December 28, 1996, the Company had 3,645 employees. 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information regarding executive officers is contained in Part III, Item 10, and
incorporated herein by reference.

International Operations

For each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 1996,
export and international sales revenues have increased and represented 14.5%
of consolidated sales in 1996, 14.0% in 1995, and 13.1% in 1994.  See also Note
H on page 25 of the Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996.

The Company's products are distributed in more than 55 foreign countries,
principally in Canada, Europe, Australia, the Far East, and Latin America.  The
Company's international operations include the Baldor ASR group of companies
which was acquired in 1983.  Baldor ASR has sales offices located in
Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.  Baldor ASR also has
development and manufacturing operations in Germany.  The Company owns majority
interests in Baldor Electric (Far East) Pte. Ltd., located in Singapore, and
Australian Baldor Pty. Limited which has locations in Sydney and Melbourne. 
The Company wholly owns Baldor de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., located in Mexico City. 


The Company believes that it is in a position to act on global opportunities
as they become available.  The Company also believes that there are additional
risks attendant to international operations including currency fluctuations and
possible restrictions on the movement of funds.  However, these risks have not
had a significant adverse effect on the Company's business.


<PAGE>                            -  4 -
<PAGE>

Item 2.  Properties
- -------------------

The Company believes that its facilities, including equipment and machinery,
are in good condition, suitable for current operations, adequately maintained
and insured, and capable of sufficient additional production levels.  The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company's
properties.
                                                                      AREA
LOCATION                 PRIMARY USE                                (SQ. FT.)

Fort Smith, AR        AC motor production                            298,150
                      Distribution and service center                208,000
                      Administration and engineering offices          70,950
                      Aluminum die casting                            76,400

St. Louis County, MO  Metal stamping and engineering toolroom        131,700
                      DC and miscellaneous motor production           55,600

Columbus, MS          AC motor production                            141,000

Westville, OK         AC and DC motor production                     166,300

Fort Mill, SC         DC motor, AC motor                             108,000
                      and tachometer production         

Clarksville, AR       Subfractional motor, gear motor,               166,000
                      and worm-gear speed reducer production

Ozark, AR             AC motor production                             77,300

Five other            Metal stamping and motor, drives, 
domestic locations    and servomotor production                      123,100

Eight foreign         Sales and distribution centers                  37,900
locations             and servodrive production
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   1,660,400

Certain properties listed above (436,200 sq. ft. in the aggregate) are leased,
principally pursuant to Industrial Revenue Bond agreements, and where material,
are accounted for as capitalized lease obligations.  Certain lease agreements
contain purchase options at varying prices and/or renewal options at reduced
rentals for extended additional periods.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
- --------------------------

The Company is party to a number of legal proceedings incidental to its
business, none of which is deemed to be material to its operations or business.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------

Not applicable.


<PAGE>                            -  5 -
<PAGE>

PART II


Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder
Matters
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information under the captions "Dividends Paid", "Common Stock Price Range",
and "Shareholders" on page 29 of the Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996 is
incorporated herein by reference.


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data  
- --------------------------------

Information under the caption "Eleven-Year Summary of Financial Data" only for
years 1992 through 1996 for net sales, net earnings, net earnings per share,
dividends per share, long-term obligations, and total assets on page 14 of the
Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations on pages 18 and 19 of the Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996 is
incorporated herein by reference.


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
- ----------------------------------------------------

The consolidated financial statements of the Company on pages 20 through  26,
the report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors, on page  27, and
the "Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)" on page 21 of the
Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996 are incorporated herein by reference.


Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not applicable.

<PAGE>                            -  6 -
<PAGE>

PART III


Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
- ------------------------------------------------------------

The current executive officers of the Company, each of whom is elected for a
term of one year or until his successor is elected and qualified, are:

                                                               Served as
                                                                Officer
Name                   Age    Position                           Since
- ----                   ---    --------                         ---------
R. S. Boreham, Jr.      72    Chairman of the Board               1961

R. L. Qualls            63    Vice Chairman and                   1986
                              Chief Executive Officer                     

John A. McFarland       45    President                           1990

Robert D. Butler        54    Vice President - Operations         1996

D. Christine Clemons    32    Controller                          1995

Charles H. Cramer       52    Vice President - Personnel          1984

Lloyd G. Davis          49    Chief Financial Officer,            1992
                              Executive Vice President - Finance,
                              Secretary, and Treasurer

Gene J. Hagedorn        49    Vice President - Materials          1994

James R. Kimzey         58    Executive Vice President -          1984 
                              Research and Engineering

Robert L. Null, Jr.     54    Vice President - Manufacturing      1990

Jerry D. Peerbolte      40    Vice President - Marketing          1990


Each of the executive officers, except Robert D. Butler, has served as an
officer or in a management capacity with Baldor Electric Company for the last
five years.  

Mr. Butler, who joined the Company in 1996, previously operated Manufacturing
Services International which provided manufacturing consulting services to
small and medium sized U.S. based companies for more than the previous five
years.

There are no family relationships among the directors or executive officers. 
The information under the caption "Election of Directors" of the 1997 Proxy
Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

<PAGE>                            -  7 -
<PAGE>

Item 11.  Executive Compensation
- --------------------------------

Information contained in the 1997 Proxy Statement under the caption
"Information About the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board" and
information under the caption "Executive Compensation", except for the
information contained in the sub-captions "Report of the Executive and Stock
Option Committees" and "Performance Graph" is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

The security ownership by officers and directors included under the caption
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" of the 1997
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- --------------------------------------------------------

NONE


<PAGE>                            -  8 -
<PAGE>

PART IV


Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) (1) and (2) - The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted      
     as a separate section of this Report at page 13 hereof. 

    (3)Listing of Exhibits

     Exhibit 3(i) - The Restated Articles of Incorporation of Baldor
     Electric Company, effective March 14, 1995, filed as Exhibit 3(i) to
     Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.

     Exhibit 3(ii) - Bylaws of Baldor Electric Company (as amended) dated
     February 6, 1995, filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to Form 10-K for the year
     ended December 31, 1994.


     Exhibit 4(i)(a) - Rights Agreement dated May 6, 1988, between Baldor
     Electric Company and Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A. (formerly
     Wachovia Bank & Trust Company, N.A.), as Rights Agent originally filed
     as Exhibit 1 to Registrant's Form 8-K Current Report, dated May 13,
     1988, and refiled as Exhibit 4(i) to Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1994.

     Exhibit 4(i)(b) - Amendment Number 1 to the Shareholders' Rights
     Agreement dated February 5, 1996 filed as Exhibit 2 to Registrant's
     Form 8-A/A dated March 21, 1996.

     Exhibit 4(iii) - The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Securities and
     Exchange Commission upon request pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of
     Regulation S-K copies of instruments defining the rights of the holders
     of long-term debt of the Registrant and its consolidated affiliates.


     Exhibit (10) - Exhibits 10(iii)(A)(1) through 10(iii)(A)(6) were
     previously submitted as exhibits and are incorporated herein by
     reference:

      -  10(iii)(A)(1)    1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan (originally
                          filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K for year
                          ended December 31, 1981, refiled as Exhibit
                          10.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December
                          28, 1991.)

      -  10(iii)(A)(2)    Officers Compensation Plan (originally filed as
                          Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K for year ended
                          December 31, 1988, and refiled as Exhibit
                          10(iii)(A)(2) to Form 10-K for the year ended
                          December 31, 1994.)
<PAGE>                            -  9 -
<PAGE>

      -  10(iii)(A)(3)    1987 Incentive Stock Plan (originally filed as
                          Appendix A to Registrant's Proxy Statement
                          dated April 3, 1987, and refiled as Exhibit
                          10(iii)(A)(3) to Form 10-K for the year ended
                          December 31, 1994.

      -  10(iii)(A)(4)    1989 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
                          Directors (filed as Exhibit 10 to Form 10-Q for
                          quarter ended September 29, 1990.)

      -  10(iii)(A)(5)(a) 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan (filed as
                          Exhibit A to Registrant's Proxy Statement dated
                          April 4, 1994).

      -  10(iii)(A)(5)(b) Amendment #1 to the 1994 Incentive Stock Option
                          Plan - filed herewith.  

      -  10(iii)(A)(6)    1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
                          Directors (filed as Exhibit A to Registrant's
                          Proxy Statement dated March 28, 1996).



     For a listing of all management contracts and compensatory plans or
     arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K, see
     the exhibits listed above under Exhibit 10.

     Exhibit (11) - Computation of earnings per common share filed herewith.

     Exhibit (13) - Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996. 
     The Annual Report is being filed as an exhibit solely for the purpose
     of incorporating certain provisions thereof by reference.  Portions of 
     the Annual Report not specifically incorporated are not deemed "filed"
     for the purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     Exhibit (21) - Affiliates of the Registrant filed herewith.

     Exhibit (23) - Consent of Independent Auditors filed herewith.

     Exhibit (24) - Powers of Attorney.  Included on signature pages 11 and
     12.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K
     No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter of the
     period covered by this Report.

(c)  Exhibits
     See Exhibit Index at page 16 of this Report.

(d)  Financial Statement Schedules
     The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate
     section of this Report at page 14 hereof.

<PAGE>                            - 10 -
<PAGE>

                                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.


                                        BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY
                                        (Registrant)



                                    By    /s/  R. L. Qualls                    
                                        -------------------------------------  
                                        Vice Chairman and
                                        Chief Executive Officer
                                        (Chief Executive Officer)




Date:  March 27, 1997      
 


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints R. S. Boreham, Jr., R. L. Qualls, and John A.
McFarland, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents,
with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Report and any and all
amendments to this Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and 
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and 
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and 
purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their 
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the 
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<PAGE>                            - 11 -
<PAGE>

      Signature                  Title                           Date    
      ---------                  -----                           ----

/s/ R. S. Boreham, Jr.         Chairman of the Board of       )
- ----------------------------   Directors                      )
R. S. Boreham, Jr.                                            )
                                                              )                
                                                              )
/s/ R. L. Qualls               Vice Chairman, Chief Executive )
- ----------------------------   Officer, and Director          )
R. L. Qualls                   (Principal Executive Officer)  )
                                                              )
                                                              )              
/s/ John A. McFarland          President and Director         )
- ----------------------------                                  )
John A. McFarland                                             ) 
                                                              )
                                                              )
/s/ Lloyd G. Davis             Chief Financial Officer,       )
- ----------------------------   Executive Vice President -     )
Lloyd G. Davis                 Finance, Secretary, and        )                
                               Treasurer (Principal Financial )
                               and Accounting Officer)        )
                                                              )
                                                              )             
/s/ Jefferson W. Asher, Jr.    Director                       ) March 27, 1997
- ----------------------------                                  )
Jefferson W. Asher, Jr.                                       )               
                                                              )                
                                                              )             
/s/ Fred C. Ballman            Director                       )
- ---------------------------                                   )              
Fred C. Ballman                                               )                
                                                              )
                                                              )
/s/ O. A. Baumann              Director                       )
- ----------------------------                                  )
O. A. Baumann                                                 )                
                                                              )
                                                              )             
/s/ Robert J. Messey           Director                       )
- ---------------------------                                   )
Robert J. Messey                                              )              
                                                              )
                                                              )              
/s/ Robert L. Proost           Director                       )
- ----------------------------                                  )
Robert L. Proost                                              )                
                                                              )
                                                              )             
/s/ Willis J. Wheat            Director                       )
- ---------------------------                                   )             
Willis J. Wheat                                               )              

<PAGE>                            - 12 -
<PAGE>



 







                          ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

                      ITEM 14(a)(1) and (2), (c) and (d)

                         LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                         FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

                               CERTAIN EXHIBITS

                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996

                           BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY

                             FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS 




<PAGE>                             - 13 -
<PAGE>


                        FORM 10-K, ITEM 14(a)(1) and (2)
         LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
                   BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES  




The following consolidated financial statements of Baldor Electric Company and
Affiliates, included in the Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996, are
incorporated by reference in Item 8:

   - Consolidated Balance Sheets
       - December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995

   - Consolidated Statements of Earnings
       - for the three years in the period ended December 28, 1996

   - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
       - for the three years in the period ended December 28, 1996

   - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
       - for the three years in the period ended December 28, 1996

   - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


The following consolidated financial statement schedules of Baldor Electric
Company and Affiliates are included in Item 14(d):


   - Schedule II       Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.


<PAGE>                            - 14 -
<PAGE>


                     BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES

                                 SCHEDULE II
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Column A       Column B           Column C             Column D     Column E 
- --------       --------           --------             --------     --------   
                                  Additions
                            -----------------------
                            Charged to   Charged to
               Balance at     Costs        Other                    Balance
               Beginning       and        Accounts     Deductions  at End of
Description    of Period    Expenses      Describe      Describe     Period
- -----------    ---------    --------      --------      --------   ---------
                          (In thousands)                  

Deducted from current assets:

   Allowance for doubtful accounts

    1996         $2,800      $  695        $  295(A)                  $3,200
    1995          2,250         886           336(A)                   2,800
    1994          1,800         623           173(A)                   2,250


Included in current liabilities:

   Anticipated warranty costs

    1996         $4,100      $  400(B)                                $4,500
    1995          3,700         400(B)                                 4,100
    1994          2,750         950(B)                                 3,700


- -----------------
(A)  Net uncollectible accounts written off during year.

(B)  Additions/(reductions) to reserve for anticipated warranty costs, net of  
     expenses incurred.


<PAGE>                            - 15 -
<PAGE>
   


        BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES

                   INDEX OF EXHIBITS



 EXHIBIT
  NUMBER        DESCRIPTION   
 -------        -----------

    2           Omitted - Inapplicable

  3(i)          Omitted - Inapplicable                             

  3(ii)         Omitted - Inapplicable                             

  4(i)          Omitted - Inapplicable
                             
    9           Omitted - Inapplicable

10(iii)(A)(5)(b)Amendment #1 to the 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan - filed
                herewith

   11           Computation of Earnings Per Common Share - filed herewith
    
   12           Omitted - Inapplicable
    
   13           Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996 -
                filed herewith
                                
   16           Omitted - Inapplicable

   18           Omitted - Inapplicable

   21           Affiliates of the Registrant - filed herewith

   22           Omitted - Inapplicable

   23           Consent of Independent Auditors - filed herewith

   24           Powers of Attorney - Included on signature pages 11 and 12

   27           Financial Data Schedules - filed herewith

                                       


<PAGE>                            - 16 -


                        AMENDMENT #1
                            TO THE 
                    BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY
                   1994 INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN


Baldor Electric Company (the "Company") adopted the 1994 Incentive Stock 
Option Plan (the "1994 Plan") to aid in maintaining and developing strong
management capable of assuring the future success of the Company.

WHEREAS, the Section 2(e) of the 1994 Plan currently reads in its entirety as
follows:

  2. (e)  "Eligible Employee" means a salaried employee of the Company or a
          Subsidiary, including a director of the Company or a Subsidiary who
          is a salaried employee of the Company or a Subsidiary.

WHEREAS, the Company now desires to make benefits of the 1994 Plan available 
to any employee of the Company or a Subsidiary.

NOW THEREFORE, the 1994 Plan is hereby amended to re-define the meaning of the
term "Eligible Employee" and Section 2(e) of the 1994 Plan is hereby amended in
its entirety as follows:

  2. (e)  "Eligible Employee" means any employee of the Company or a
          Subsidiary, including a director of the Company or a Subsidiary who
          is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary;






                    EXHIBIT 11
      BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES
     COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

                                                      FISCAL YEAR
                                            ------------------------------
                                            1996         1995         1994 
      
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Primary

  Weighted average shares outstanding     26,318       27,647       27,266

  Dilutive stock options based on the
    treasury stock method using the
    average market price                     899        1,244        1,237
                                          ------       ------       ------
  Total                                   27,217       28,891       28,503
                                          ======       ======       ======

Net Earnings                             $35,173      $32,305      $26,359
                                         =======      =======      =======

Per Share Earnings                         $1.29        $1.12        $0.92
                                           =====        =====        =====

Fully Diluted

  Weighted average shares outstanding     26,318       27,647       27,266

  Dilutive stock options based on the
    treasury stock method using the
    year-end market price, if higher
    than average market price              1,101        1,202        1,345
                                          ------       ------       ------
  Total                                   27,419       28,849       28,611
                                          ======       ======       ======

Net Earnings                             $35,173      $32,305      $26,359
                                         =======      =======      =======

Per Share Earnings                         $1.28        $1.12        $0.92
                                           =====        =====        =====
- ------------------------
Note: Amounts for 1994 have been restated for a three-for-two stock 
      split effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend which was       
      declared during the third quarter 1995.  See Note F to Annual
      Report to Shareholders for 1996.



  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
  Results of Operations
                                                                        

  Results of Operations                                                 
            
  Summary

       Baldor extended its growth trend for the fifth consecutive year
  by posting record sales and earnings for 1996.  A modest 6.3%
  increase in sales was leveraged into an 8.9% increase in net earnings.
  Increased sales and improved productivity, together with a 2.2 million
  share stock repurchase, yielded an earnings per share increase of 
  15.2% -- one way in which Baldor has provided bettervalue for its 
  shareholders.

         The year of 1996 was one of improved balance for Baldor --
  better balance in the inventories of products demanded by our
  customers, better balance in the sales between our OEM and Distributor
  distribution channels, better balance in our production capacity, and a
  more balanced availability of people to serve our customers through the 
  addition of four new North American sales offices.  Financial strength and
  good balance have positioned us to meet the aggressive growth strategies
  that we have set forth in this report. 

  Net Sales

       Baldor reached a record sales level of $502.9 million in 1996, a
  6.3% increase over 1995 sales of $473.1 million.  Sales in 1994 were
  $418.2 million.  Sales to distributor customers in 1996 increased 8.7%,
  while sales to OEM customers in 1996 increased 5.9%, which brings us to a
  balanced mix between selling channels. In 1995, salesto distributors
  increased 14.2% over 1994 levels and OEM sales increased 17.5% over 1994
  levels.  Baldor serves many industries and geographic regions by selling
  to a broad base of distributors and OEMs, both domestically and in more
  than 55 countries around the world.  No single customer accounted for more
  than 4.0% of sales in any year covered by this report.  

       During 1996, we saw modest growth in motor products for pumps,
  blowers, fans, conveyers, and crane and hoist equipment.  Growth in
  1996 was especially good for a number of our products such as Super-E7
  premium-efficient motors,  farm products, and most of our drives products.
  These products grew at over twice our overall rate.  Sales of  products
  introduced in the previous five years accounted for over 25% of 1996 and
  1995 sales. Volume increase accounted for approximately  75% of the 1996
  sales growth. Baldor's last announced price increase was 3.3% in October
  1995.  

       The increase in 1995 sales over 1994 levels was about evenly split 
  between improved pricing, increased volumes, and product mix shifts.  Sales
  of drives grew at more than double the overall 1995 sales growth rate and
  sales of Super-E7 premium-efficient motors were also strong.   

<PAGE>

  Net Earnings

       Net earnings of $35.2 million in 1996 exceeded 1995 net earnings
  of $32.3 million by 8.9%.  Net earnings in 1994 were $26.4 million. 
  A modest sales growth in 1996 was leveraged into a good increase in
  net earnings through improvements in both the manufacturing and the
  sales and administrative areas.

       The gross margin percentage improved to 29.7% in 1996 from 29.3%
  in 1995 and 28.9% in 1994.  Baldor benefited from manufacturing 
  productivity improvements in both 1996 and 1995.  Selling and 
  administrative costs as a percent of sales improved to 16.8%  in 1996 from
  $16.9% in 1995 and 17.3% in 1994.  Baldor continues to increase its sales
  volumes without corresponding increases in administrative support costs. 
  Pre-tax margins improved to 11.4% in 1996 from 11.2% in 1995 and 10.3% in
  1994.  Our tax rate was lowered to 38.5% in 1996 from 39.0% in 1995 and 
  1994.

  International Operations

       Sales from international operations (foreign affiliates and exports)
  were $72.8 million in 1996, up from $66.0 million in 1995 and $54.6 million
  in 1994.  This marks our fifth consecutive year of double-digit sales
  growth in our international operations. Our export sales to many countries
  were particularly strong in 1996, most notably export sales into Canada.
  In addition, we saw good sales increases from our Australian and Latin
  American operations in 1996.  Sales in Europe  were particularly strong for
  both 1995 and 1994, but were essentially flat in 1996. 

       Foreign pre-tax earnings were $2.0 million  in 1996, compared to
  $1.2 million in 1995 and $1.7 million in 1994.  The decline in 1995
  was due primarily to the decline in the Mexican peso that year.


  Environmental Remediation

       Management believes, based on their internal reviews and other
  factors, that the future costs relating to environmental remediation
  and compliance will not have a material effect on the capital
  expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the Company. 




















  Financial Position

  Summary

       In 1996, Baldor continued to strengthen its position  through
  reinvestment in our company -- our  people, our products and
  manufacturing facilities,  and our Company's stock.  In 1996, we
  expanded our manufacturing capacity, continued to make investments in
  training and in research and development,  and  repurchased 2.2
  million shares of Baldor common stock.  In addition, we increased our
  dividend during 1996 -- twice. This makes seven increases in the past
  five years.  

  Investments

       In 1996, Baldor completed a 2.2 million share repurchase.  Two
  million shares were purchased from the estate of the late Mr. G.A.
  Schock in February of 1996.  An additional 200,000 shares were
  purchased on the open market over the course of 1996.  In the fourth
  quarter of 1996, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to
  repurchase an additional 1.0 million shares of Baldor common through
  December 31, 1997. 

<PAGE>

       Investments in property, plant and equipment for 1996 were $23.2
  million, compared to $23.1 million in 1995.  In 1996, we completed an
  84,000 square foot expansion of our Clarksville facility to house our
  expanded gear production, and we completed a 46,000 square foot
  expansion of the finished goods warehouse in Fort Smith.   We also
  leased additional space in Seattle, Washington, to expand our larger
  horsepower drives manufacturing -- all of which contribute to a
  better manufacturing balance to meet our customers' needs.

       In 1996, Baldor also increased its investments in research and
  development to $19.9 million from $17.2 million in 1995 and $14.8
  million in 1994.  Baldor's commitment to research and development
  continues to help it maintain a leadership position in the marketplace
  and to satisfy its customers' needs.  Over the past three years Baldor has
  introduced many new product lines to the marketplace.  We also continue to
  make investments in our existing products for greater performance, energy
  efficiency improvements, and manufacturability.

  Current Liquidity

       Cash flow from operations improved to $42.6 million in 1996 from
  $24.2 million in 1995.  In 1996, we increased inventory and
  receivables only $11.5 million , compared to $26.9 million in 1995. 
  Working Capital was $146.9 million at the end of 1996, compared to
  $145.1 million and $118.6 million at the end of 1995 and 1994,
  respectively.  The current ratio was 3.1 at the end of 1996 compared
  to 3.2 at the end of 1995.  Baldor also has available lines of credit
  of $30 million to support operations.  There were no borrowings
  outstanding under these lines at the end of 1996 or 1995.

  Long-Term Debt and Shareholder's Equity

       Long-term obligations increased to 18.4% of total capitalization
  at the end of 1996.  The increase over the 1995 level of 10.7%
  reflects the mid-term loan that funded the purchase of stock from Mr.
  Schock's estate. The 1996 weighted average interest rate on long-term
  debt was 6.0%. Shareholders' equity decreased from $211.4 million at
  the end of 1995 to $200.3 million at the end of 1996 due to the share
  repurchases.  Return on average shareholders' equity increased to
  17.1% in 1996 from 16.3% in 1995 and from 15.3% in 1994. 

  Dividend Policy

   In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Board of Directors approved a 10%
  increase in the quarterly cash dividend. This was in addition to the
  11% increase approved in the second quarter of 1996. The cash
  dividend was also increased 12.5% in 1995 and 20% in 1994.  These
  increases were in line with Baldor's policy of  making increases
  periodically, as earnings and financial strength warrant, but also of
  reinvesting a major portion of earnings to finance growth opportunities.
  The objective is for shareholders to obtain dividend increases over time
  while also participating in the growth of the Company.

<PAGE>


  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES  

                                                                        
                    
                                             DECEMBER 28        DECEMBER 30
                                                    1996               1995
                                             -----------        -----------
  ASSETS (In thousands)

  CURRENT ASSETS:
       Cash and cash equivalents              $   7,950           $   6,322

       Marketable securities                     17,892              28,487

       Receivables, less allowances
        of $3,200 and $2,800, respectively       80,183              77,768

       Inventories:
         Finished products                       66,528              61,681
         Work-in-process                         13,483              11,978
         Raw materials                           39,162              36,972
                                               --------            --------     
                                                119,173             110,631
         LIFO valuation adjustment(deduction)   (26,786)            (26,942)
                                               --------            --------     
                                                 92,387              83,689
  Other current and deferred tax assets          19,745              15,829 
                                               --------            --------
            TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                218,157             212,095

  OTHER ASSETS                                   11,965              12,296

  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:                              
       Land and improvements                      3,869               3,558
       Buildings and improvements                32,059              29,587
       Machinery and equipment                  166,542             149,069
       Allowances for depreciation and
         amortization (deduction)              (107,106)            (93,143)
                                               --------            --------
            NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND
              EQUIPMENT                          95,364              89,071
                                               --------            --------
                                              $ 325,486           $ 313,462
                                               ========            ========

  See notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>

  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES  

                                                                        
                         
                                             DECEMBER 28        DECEMBER 30
                                                    1996               1995
                                             -----------        -----------     
  (In thousands, except share data)
  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       Accounts payable                       $   20,314         $   18,996
       Employee compensation                       5,932              5,110
       Profit sharing                              7,645              7,168
       Anticipated warranty costs                  4,500              4,100
       Accrued insurance obligations              14,286             12,627
       Other accrued expenses                     16,626             16,080
       Income taxes                                  766              1,967
       Current maturities of 
         long-term obligations                     1,113                978
                                               ---------          ---------
       TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                  71,182             67,026

  LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS                           45,027             25,255

  DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                            8,952              9,804

  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Preferred stock, $0.10 par value
       Authorized shares: 5,000,000
       Issued and outstanding shares: None
     Common stock, $0.10 par value
       Authorized shares: 50,000,000
       Issued shares:
       1996-28,617,688; 1995-28,168,038            2,862              2,817
     Additional capital                           37,112             32,476
     Retained earnings                           207,064            182,354
     Cumulative translation adjustments              346              1,246
     Treasury Stock at Cost
       (2,417,247 shares in 1996 and
        297,741 shares in 1995)                  (47,059)            (7,516)
                                                ---------         ---------
     TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                  200,325            211,377
                                               ---------          ---------
                                              $  325,486         $  313,462
                                               =========          =========

  See notes to consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>


  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES

                                                         
                                                                        
              
                                                  YEARS ENDED 
                                   ---------------------------------------
                                   DECEMBER 28   DECEMBER 30   DECEMBER 31
                                          1996          1995          1994
                                   ---------------------------------------    
  (In thousands, except share data)
                
  Net sales                          $ 502,875     $ 473,103     $ 418,152   
  Other income, net                      2,497         2,596         1,668  
                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
                                       505,372       475,699       419,820
  Costs and expenses:
     Cost of goods sold                353,345       334,306       297,212
     Selling and administrative         84,522        80,019        72,329
     Profit sharing                      7,645         7,168         5,788
     Interest                            2,668         1,260         1,279
                                     ---------     ---------     --------- 
                                       448,180       422,753       376,608

  Earnings Before Income Taxes          57,192        52,946        43,212
  Income taxes                          22,019        20,641        16,853
                                     ---------     ---------     ---------
  NET EARNINGS                       $  35,173     $  32,305     $  26,359
                                     =========     =========     =========

  NET EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE          $1.29         $1.12         $0.92
                                     =========     =========     =========

  Weighted average common shares           
     outstanding                    27,217,741    28,891,293    28,503,273
                                    ==========    ==========    ==========



  See notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>



  SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES

                                                                        
                                                        
                                           QUARTER
                        -------------------------------------------------
                        FIRST      SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH     TOTAL
                        -----      ------      -----     ------     -----

  (In thousands, except share data)

  1996
    Net sales         $121,553    $129,906   $125,111   $126,305  $502,875
    Gross profit        35,811      38,425     37,310     37,984   149,530
    Net earnings         8,327       8,971      8,733      9,142    35,173
    Net earnings per
      common share        0.30        0.33       0.32       0.34      1.29  

  1995
    Net sales         $114,585    $121,839   $120,044   $116,635  $473,103
    Gross profit        33,558      35,698     35,190     34,351   138,797
    Net earnings         7,671       8,261      8,276      8,097    32,305
    Net earnings per
     common share         0.26        0.29       0.29       0.28      1.12


<PAGE>

  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES
                                              
                                                 YEARS  ENDED
                                     ---------------------------------------
                                     DECEMBER 28   DECEMBER 30   DECEMBER 31
                                            1996          1995          1994
                                     ---------------------------------------
  (In thousands)
  Operating activities:
    Net earnings                       $  35,173      $  32,305      $  26,359
    Adjustments to reconcile net                                     
     earnings to net cash provided
     by operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization      17,277         15,583         13,121
       Deferred income taxes              (1,943)        (1,979)       (3,882)
       Changes in operating assets and                               
        liabilities:
          Receivables                     (2,815)        (7,315)      (11,887)
          Inventories                     (8,698)       (19,591)      (10,480)
          Other current assets            (2,826)        (3,020)          (52)
          Accounts payable                 1,318            194         6,113
          Accrued expenses                 7,149          4,967        12,017
          Income taxes                    (1,201)          (810)          656
          Other, net                        (873)         3,851           (70)
                                        ---------      ---------    ---------
  Net cash from operating activities      42,561         24,185        31,895
  
  Investing activities:
    Additions to property, plant
     and equipment                       (23,183)       (23,112)      (22,131)
    Marketable securities purchased      (33,315)       (50,881)      (45,153)
    Marketable securities sold            43,910         48,987        41,388
                                        ---------      ---------     ---------
  Net cash used in
      investing activities               (12,588)       (25,006)      (25,896)

  Financing activities:
    Additional long-term borrowings       38,000                        6,000
    Reduction of long-term obligations   (18,093)          (995)       (1,737)
    Unexpended debt proceeds                 353          5,641        (5,220)
    Dividends paid                       (10,498)        (9,416)       (7,648)
    Stock option plans                     3,902          3,065         4,144
     Common stock repurchased            (42,009)                          
                                        ---------      ---------     ---------
  Net cash used in 
      financing activities               (28,345)        (1,705)       (4,461)
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and
      cash equivalents                     1,628         (2,526)        1,538
  Beginning cash and
      cash equivalents                     6,322          8,848         7,310
                                        ---------      ---------     ---------
  Ending cash and 
      cash equivalents                  $  7,950       $  6,322      $  8,848
                                        =========      =========     =========

  See notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES  

<CAPTION>
                                                                
                                                                           Cumulative      Treasury 
                                 Common Stock     Additional    Retained   Translation     Stock
                                Shares   Amount      Capital    Earnings   Adjustments     (at cost)    Total
                                ------   ------   ----------    --------   -----------    ----------   ---------
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)

  <S>                           <C>      <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>        
  BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994    17,968   $1,809      $20,830    $141,729       $ (835)      $ (2,994)   $160,539

  Stock option plans, net
   of shares exchanged             342       38        5,041                                    (935)      4,144
  Translation adjustments                                                       1,284                      1,284
  Net earnings                                                    26,359                                  26,359
  Securities valuation adjustment,
   net of deferred taxes of $267                                    (416)                                   (416)
  Cash dividends at $0.28                                               
    per common share                                              (7,648)                                 (7,648)
                                 ------   ------   ----------    --------   ----------   --------------   ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994     18,310    1,847       25,871    160,024          449         (3,929)    184,262

  Stock option plans, net
    of shares exchanged             332       47        6,605                                 (3,587)      3,065
  Translation adjustments                                                         797                        797
  Net earnings                                                    32,305                                  32,305
  Securities valuation adjustment,
    net of deferred taxes of $233                                    364                                     364
  Three-for-two common stock
    split effected in the form
    of a 50% stock dividend       9,228      923                    (923)           
  Cash dividends at $0.34 per
    common share                                                  (9,416)                                 (9,416)
                                 ------   ------   ----------    --------   ----------   --------------  ---------
  BALANCE AT DECEMBER 30, 1995   27,870    2,817       32,476    182,354        1,246           (7,516)  211,377

  Stock option plans, net
    of shares exchanged             380       45        5,290                                   (1,433)    3,902
  Translation adjustments                                                        (900)                      (900)
  Net earnings                                                    35,173                                  35,173
  Securities Valuation Adjustment, 
    net of  deferred Taxes of $11                                     35                                      35
  Cash dividends at $0.40
    per common share                                             (10,498)                                (10,498)
  Common stock repurchased       (2,210)                                                       (42,009)  (42,009)
  Contributions to benefit plans    160                  (654)                                   3,899     3,245
                                 ------   ------   ----------    --------   ----------   --------------  ---------
  BALANCE AT DECEMBER 28, 1996   26,200   $2,862      $37,112    $207,064      $  346         $(47,059) $200,325 
                                 ======   ======   ==========    ========   ==========   ==============  =========
  
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES
  December 28, 1996


  NOTE A -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  Line of Business:  The Company operates primarily in one industry
  segment which includes the design, manufacture and sale of electric
  motors and drives.  Use of Estimates:  The preparation of financial
  statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
  principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
  affect the amounts reported in the statements and accompanying notes. 
  Actual results may differ from those estimates.

  Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the
  accounts of the Company and all its affiliates.  Intercompany
  accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

  Fiscal Year:  The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest
  to December 31 which results in a 52- or 53- week year.  Fiscal years
  1996, 1995 and 1994 all contained 52 weeks.

  Cash Equivalents:  Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid
  investments having original maturities of three months or less and
  are valued at cost which approximates market.

  Marketable Securities: All marketable securities are classified as
  available-for-sale and are available to support current operations or
  to take advantage of other investment opportunities.  Those
  securities are stated at estimated fair value based upon market
  quotes.  Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are computed on the
  basis of specific identification and are included in Retained
  Earnings.  Realized gains, realized losses, and declines in value,
  judged to be other-than-temporary, are included in Other Income.  The
  cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification
  method and interest earned is included in Other Income.

  Inventories:  The Company values inventories at the lower of cost or
  market, cost being determined principally by the last-in, first-out
  method (LIFO), except for $14,166,000 in 1996 and $10,836,000 in 1995
  at foreign locations, valued by the first-in, first-out method
  (FIFO).

  Property, Plant and Equipment:  Property, plant and equipment,
  including assets under capital leases, are stated at cost. 
  Depreciation and amortization are computed principally using the
  straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets
  and the remaining term of capital leases, respectively.

  Long-Lived Assets: In fiscal year 1996, the Company adopted Statement
  of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS No. 121), Accounting
  for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
  be Disposed Of.  SFAS No. 121 requires impairment losses to be
  recognized when information indicates the carrying amount of
  long-lived assets, intangibles and any goodwill related to those
  assets will not be recovered through future operations or sale.  SFAS
<PAGE>


  No. 121 was applied prospectively from the date of adoption and the
  effect of adoption was not material.

  Benefit Plans:  The Company has a profit sharing plan covering most
  employees with over two years service.  Baldor contributes 12% of
  earnings before income taxes of participating companies to the Plan. 

  Income Taxes:  Income taxes are provided based on the liability
  method of accounting.  Deferred income taxes are provided for the
  expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the
  basis of assets and liabilities reported for financial and tax
  purposes.

  Net Earnings Per Common Share:  Net earnings per common share are
  computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of
  shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (dilutive stock
  options) outstanding during the year.  Since the dilutive effect of
  common stock options is similar in both calculations, net earnings
  per common share reflects both primary and fully diluted earnings per
  share.

  Stock-Based Compensation: In fiscal year 1996, the Company  adopted
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.123 (SFAS No. 123),
  Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which establishes financial
  accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee
  compensation plans.  SFAS No. 123 requires that the fair value of
  employee stock-based compensation plans be recorded as a component of
  compensation expense as of the grant date or, in lieu of expense
  recognition under SFAS No. 123, companies may follow current guidance
  under Accounting Principals Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), Accounting
  for Stock Issued to Employees.  Companies electing to remain with APB 25
  accounting guidance must provide pro forma disclosures of net income and
  earnings per share as if the fair value based method defined in SFAS
  No. 123 had not been applied.  The Company has elected to continue accounting
  for its stock-based compensation under the provisions of APB 25.  As such, 
  SFAS No. 123 did not have an effect on the Company's reported financial 
  results for 1996.

  Research and Engineering:  Costs associated with research, new
  product development and product cost improvements are treated as
  expenses when incurred and amounted to approximately $19,900,000 in
  1996, $17,200,000 in 1995, and $14,800,000 in 1994.

  Reclassification:  The Company has reclassified the presentation of
  certain prior year information to be consistent with the presentation
  in the current year.













  NOTE B -- LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

  Long-term obligations consist of the following:                
               

                                                        1996     1995    
                                                        ----     ---- 
  (in thousands)
  Industrial Development Bonds:
    due through 1997 at 6.0% fixed rate               $  113   $  245
    due through 2004 at 5.29% fixed rate               5,030    5,525
    due through 2004 at 4.35% variable rate            2,300    2,300
    due through 2004 at 6.0% fixed rate                   57       63
    due through 2004 at 8.25% fixed rate(paid in 1996)          4,365
    due through 2009 at 7.75% fixed rate               3,000    3,000
    due through 2009 at 7.875% fixed rate              7,200    7,200
    due through 2010 at 4.15% variable rate            3,440    3,440
  Notes payable to banks: 
    due March 1, 1999 at 5.85% variable rate          25,000
    due November 1, 2003 at 11.8% (paid in 1996)                   95
                                                     -------  -------    
                                                      46,140   26,233
  Less current maturities                              1,113      978
                                                     -------  -------
                                                     $45,027  $25,255
                                                     =======  =======


  At December 28, 1996, Industrial Development Bond proceeds of
  $6,389,000 are included in Other Assets.  Certain long-term
  obligations are collateralized by property, plant and equipment with
  a net book value of $11,863,000 at December 28, 1996.

  Maturities of long-term obligations during each of the five fiscal
  years ending 2001 are:  1997--$1,113,000; 1998--$1,070,000;
  1999--$26,145,000; 2000--$1,215,000; and 2001--$1,290,000. 
  Industrial Development Bonds include capital lease obligations of
  $3,170,000 at December 28, 1996. Aggregate future minimum capital
  lease payments at December 28, 1996, are $6,187,000 including
  interest of $3,017,000.    


  Certain long-term obligations require, among other things, that the
  Company maintain certain financial ratios and restrict cumulative
  cash dividends and other distributions.  Retained earnings of
  $13,955,000 at December 28, 1996, were unrestricted.  At December 28,
  1996, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling
  $6,709,000.

  Interest paid was $2,988,000 in 1996, $1,730,000 in 1995 and,
  $1,565,000 in 1994. 

  The Company had lines of credit aggregating $30,000,000 available at
  December 28, 1996. These arrangements do not have termination dates
  but are reviewed annually. Interest on these lines of credit is at
  rates mutually agreed upon at the time of borrowing. There were no
  outstanding borrowings under these lines at December 28, 1996.


  NOTE C -- MARKETABLE SECURITIES

  Baldor currently invests in only high-quality, short-term investments
  which it classifies as available-for-sale.  As such, there were no significant
  differences between amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 28,
  1996 or December 30, 1995.  Additionally, because investments are short-term
  and are generally allowed to mature, realized gains and losses for both years
  have been minimal.



  The following table presents the estimated fair value breakdown of
  investments by category:
                                      December 28     December 30
                                             1996            1995
                                      -----------     ----------- 
  (In thousands)
  Municipal debt securities               $12,843         $18,079
  U.S. corporate debt securities            2,925          10,970
  U.S. Treasury & agency securities         7,331           2,938
  Other debt securities                     5,039           4,871
                                      -----------     -----------
                                           28,138          36,858
  Less cash equivalents                    10,246           8,371
                                      -----------     -----------
                                          $17,892         $28,487
                                      ===========     ===========
                    
  The estimated fair value of marketable debt and equity securities at
  December 28, 1996, was $10,799,000 due in one year or less,
  $2,243,000 due in one to three years, and $4,850,000 due after three
  years.  Because of the short-term nature of the investments, expected
  maturities and contractual maturities are normally the same.





  NOTE D -- INCOME TAXES

  The Company made income tax payments of $22,718,000 in 1996,
  $21,643,000 in 1995, and $18,830,000 in 1994.  Income tax expense
  consists of the following:

                                    1996       1995       1994
                                    ----       ----       ----
  (in thousands)       

  Current:     Federal           $19,887    $19,125    $18,679
               State               2,591      2,614      1,757
               Foreign               637        776        566
  Deferred                        (1,096)    (1,874)    (4,149)         
                                 --------   --------   --------
                                 $22,019    $20,641    $16,853          
                                 ========   ========   ========

  Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary
  differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
  for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
  purposes.  The sources of these differences relate primarily to
  depreciation, certain liabilities, and bad debt expense.

  The following table reconciles the difference between the Company's
  effective income tax rate and the federal corporate statutory rate:   
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                           1996     1995     1994
                                           ----     ----     ----       
  Statutory federal income tax rate        35.0%    35.0%    35.0% 
  State taxes, net of federal benefit       3.0      3.3      3.4
  Other                                     0.5      0.7      0.6       
                                           ----     ----     ----
  Effective income tax rate                38.5%    39.0%    39.0%      
       
                                                      

  NOTE E -- FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES

  Hedging of Foreign Exchange Risks

  As a result of having various foreign operations, the Company engages
  in a limited amount of hedging to minimize the effects of fluctuating
  foreign currencies on its intercompany pricing.  The Company's
  investment in foreign currency options is included in Other Current
  Assets at cost, net of realized gains deferred, and is amortized to
  Other Income over the period in which intercompany sales of foreign
  affiliates occur, generally within the following twelve months.

  At December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995, the investments in
  foreign currency derivatives were not significant.  

  Hedging of Copper and Aluminum Requirements

  The Company purchases significant amounts of copper and aluminum, key
  ingredients in its motor production, under short-term firm price
  contracts which are renegotiated annually.  In order to hedge itself
  from exposure to price fluctuations on these two metals, the Company
  purchases various options, the cost of which is carried in Other
  Current Assets, net of realized gains deferred, and is amortized to
  Cost of Goods Sold over the period that the metal is used.

  The net unamortized costs with respect to the Company's metal hedging 
  programs were not material at December 28, 1996, and December 30,
  1995.

<PAGE>


  NOTE F -- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  On August 7, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a
  three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a 50% stock
  dividend payable September 6, 1995, to shareholders of record on
  August 18, 1995.  This resulted in the issuance of 9,228,086
  additional shares of common stock.  All per share and weighted
  average share amounts have been restated to reflect this stock split.

  On February 16, 1996, Baldor purchased 2,000,000 shares of its common
  stock from the estate of Mr. G. A. Shock for $19.00 per share.  This
  purchase was at a discount to the market and was funded with a
  mid-term bank loan.


  The Company maintains a shareholder rights plan intended to encourage
  a potential acquirer to negotiate directly with the Board of
  Directors.  The purpose of the plan is to ensure the best possible
  treatment for all shareholders.  Under the terms of the plan, one
  Common Stock Purchase Right a Right) is associated with each
  outstanding share of common stock.  If an acquiring person acquires
  20% or more of the Baldor common stock then outstanding, the Rights
  become exercisable and would cause substantial dilution. 
  Effectively, each such Right would entitle its holder (excluding the
  20% owner) to purchase shares of Baldor common stock for half of the
  then current market price, subject to certain restrictions under the
  plan. Until a Right is exercised, the holder of the Right is not entitled 
  to any of the benefits of being a shareholder of the Company.  The Rights,
  which expire in May 2008, may be redeemed by the Company at any time
  prior to someone acquiring 20% or more of Baldor's outstanding common
  stock and in certain events thereafter.  

   

  NOTE G -- OPERATING LEASES

  The Company leases certain computers, buildings, and other equipment
  under operating lease agreements.  Related rental expense was
  $4,800,000 in 1996, $4,300,000 in 1995, and $3,900,000 in 1994. 
  Future minimum payments for operating leases having noncancelable
  lease terms in excess of one year are:  1997 -- $2,225,000; 1998 --
  $1,885,000; 1999 -- $1,761,000; 2000 -- $1,681,000; 2001 -- $609,000;
  and decline substantially thereafter.


  NOTE H -- FOREIGN OPERATIONS

  The Company's foreign operations include both export sales and the
  results of its foreign affiliates in Europe, Australia, Singapore and
  Mexico. Consolidated sales, earnings before income taxes and
  identifiable assets consist of the following:






                                      1996      1995      1994
                                      ----      ----      ----          
  (in thousands)
  Net Sales:
    United States Companies      
         Domestic customers       $430,014  $407,078  $363,548
         Export customers           30,831    25,068    21,232
                                  --------  --------  --------
                                   460,845   432,146   384,780
    Foreign Affiliates              42,030    40,957    33,372
                                  --------  --------  --------
                                  $502,875  $473,103  $418,152
                                  ========  ========  ========

  Earnings Before Income Taxes:
     United States Companies      $ 55,160  $ 51,723  $ 41,508
     Foreign Affiliates              2,032     1,223     1,704
                                  --------  --------  --------
                                    57,192  $ 52,946    43,212
                                  ========  ========  ========
  Assets:
     United States Companies      $297,496  $285,381  $261,984
     Foreign Affiliates             27,990    28,081    21,171
                                  --------  --------  --------
                                  $325,486  $313,462  $283,155
                                  ========  ========  ========

  Assets and liabilities of foreign affiliates are translated into U.S.
  dollars at year-end exchange rates.  Income statement items are
  generally translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the
  period.  Translation adjustments are recorded in the Cumulative
  Translation Adjustment account in Shareholders' Equity.


  NOTE I -- STOCK PLANS

  The Company accounts for stock option grants in accordance with APB
  Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related
  interpretations as discussed in more detail below.  Incentive stock
  options to purchase shares at prices not less than the market value
  at the date of grant and non-qualified stock options to purchase
  shares of restricted stock equal to and less than the stock's market
  value at the date of grant have been granted.  The grants made from
  each plan expire ten years from date of grant except for grants made
  from the 1990 plan which expire six years from date of grant.  A
  summary of the Company's current stock option plans is below:

                            PLAN
  PLAN                  ADMINISTRATOR              RECIPIENTS
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  Compensatory Plans    (see note 1)
  1987                  Stock Option Committee     Employees
  1994                  Stock Option Committee     Employees
  1989 (see note 3)     Executive Committee        Non-employee directors
  1996                  Executive Committee        Non-employee directors


  Non-compensatory Plans (see note 2)
  1981 (see note 3)     Board of Directors         Employees
  1990                  Board of Directors         District Managers


  Note 1: Under the 1987 plan and the 1994 plan, incentive stock
  options vest and become fully exercisable at the end of six months or
  three years of continued employment for officers and non-officers,
  respectively.  Grants can include incentive stock options,
  non-qualified stock options, restricted shares, formula price shares,
  and stock appreciation rights. Restrictions on non-qualified stock
  options normally lapse after a period of five years or earlier under
  certain circumstances.  Related compensation expense for the
  non-qualified stock options is amortized over the restriction period.

  Under the 1996 plan, each non-employee director is granted an annual
  grant consisting of a non-qualified stock option to purchase 1,620
  shares at prices equal to the market value at the date of grant and a
  non-qualified stock option to purchase 1,080 shares at prices equal
  to 50% of the market value at the date of grant.  These options
  become exercisable in five equal installments beginning on the
  grant's first anniversary.  Related compensation expense on the
  options granted at 50% of market is amortized over the restriction
  period.

<PAGE>

  Note 2: Under the 1990 plan, only non-qualified options can be
  granted and options vest and become 50% exercisable at the end of one
  year and 100% exercisable at the end of two years.  There are no
  charges to income in connection with the non-compensatory stock
  option plans.

  Note 3: This plan has expired except for unexercised options
  outstanding.

  The alternative fair value accounting provided for under Statement of
  Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), Accounting for
  Stock-Based Compensation, requires the use of option valuation
  models.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model
  which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded
  options.  Traded options have no vesting restrictions and are fully
  transferable.  The Black-Scholes model also requires the input of
  highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
  volatility and the estimated life of the option. The Company's
  employee stock options have characteristics significantly different
  from those of traded options and changes in the subjective input
  assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. 
  Therefore, in management's opinion, the existing models do not
  necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of
  its employee stock options.

  The pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share
  required by SFAS No. 123 has been determined as if the Company had
  accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method
  of SFAS No. 123.  The fair value for these options was estimated as
  of the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with
  the following weighted average assumptions for 1995 and 1996,
  respectively: risk-free interest rates of 7.9% and 5.7%; dividends
  yields of 1.8% for both years; volatility factors of the expected
  market price of the Company's common stock of 19.2% and 20.0%; and
  weighted average expected option life of 7.1 years and 6.4 years.

  For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of
  the options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting
  periods.  The initial impact on pro forma net income and net income
  per share may not be representative of the compensation expense in
  future years when the effect of the amortization of multiple awards
  would be reflected in the pro forma disclosure.

<PAGE>

  A summary of the Company's stock option activity and the Company's
  pro forma earnings information for fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995 follows:

                                                                        
         
                                           1996                   1995   
                                ---------------------    --------------------- 
                                           Weighted                 Weighted
                                        Average Price            Average Price
  STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY         Shares    per Share      Shares    per Share  
  ---------------------         ---------------------    ---------------------
  Total options outstanding:
      Beginning Balance         2,088,629     $ 9.688    2,258,118     $12.120
      Granted                     609,800      18.514      314,100      16.807
      Exercised                  (546,480)      6.587     (461,839)      6.987
      Canceled                    (48,863)     14.468      (21,750)     14.815
                                ----------               ---------- 
      Ending Balance            2,103,086      12.799    2,088,629       9.688
                                ==========               ==========

  Shares available for grant:   7,493,700                7,343,700
  Shares exercisable:           1,358,856                1,602,260
  Shares reserved for 
    future grants:              1,154,630                1,678,967
  
  Weighted average
    remaining contractual life  6.6 years                6.0 years

  Weighted average fair value per share
   of options granted during the year
       At market price                         $5.34                     $6.29
       At less than market price              $10.57                    $10.84


  PRO FORMA INFORMATION (in thousands, except for earnings per share
                         information)

  Pro forma net income                       $33,989                   $31,781
  Pro forma earnings per share                 $1.26                     $1.10


<PAGE>


  REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

  SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES  

  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
  Baldor Electric Company and affiliates as of December 28, 1996 and
  December 30, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
  earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for each of the three
  years in the period ended December 28, 1996.  These financial
  statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our
  responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
  based on our audits.

  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
  auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform
  the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
  statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes
  examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
  disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
  assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
  made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
  statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
  reasonable basis for our opinion.

  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
  fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
  of Baldor Electric Company and affiliates at December 28, 1996 and
  December 30, 1995, and the consolidated results of their operations
  and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
  December 28, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
  principles.



  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
  ----------------------
  Little Rock, Arkansas
  January 31, 1997

<PAGE>



  REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

  Baldor management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of
  the financial information contained in this Annual Report.  The
  accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity
  with generally accepted accounting principles, applying informed
  judgements and estimates where appropriate.

  Baldor maintains a system of internal accounting control that
  provides reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and
  transactions are executed in accordance with management's
  authorization and recorded properly to permit the preparation of
  financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
  principles.

  The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed solely of
  outside directors and is responsible for recommending to the Board
  the independent accounting firm to be retained for the coming year. 
  The Audit Committee meets regularly with the independent auditors,
  with the Director of Audit Services, as well as with Baldor
  management, to review accounting, auditing, internal accounting
  controls and financial reporting matters.  The independent auditors,
  Ernst & Young LLP, and the Director of Audit Services have direct
  access to the Audit Committee without the presence of management to
  discuss the results of their audits.

  Ernst & Young LLP, independent certified public accountants, have
  audited Baldor's financial statements.  Management has made available
  to Ernst & Young LLP all of the Company's financial records and
  related data, as well as the minutes of shareholders' and directors'
  meetings.


           
       ---------------------------         -------------------------
       R. S. Boreham, Jr.                  R. L. Qualls
       Chairman of the Board               Vice Chairman and Chief
                                           Executive Officer


   

       -----------------------------       --------------------------
       John McFarland                      Lloyd G. Davis
       President                           Chief Financial Officer,
                                           Executive Vice
                                           President- Finance, 
                                           Secretary, and Treasurer


      
 <PAGE>



  SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

  DIVIDEND POLICY
  To periodically increase dividends as earnings and financial strength
  warrant, but also to reinvest a major portion of earnings to help
  finance growth opportunities.  The objective being for shareholders
  to obtain dividend increases over time, while also participating in
  the growth of the Company.



  DIVIDENDS PAID                       1996         1995           1994
  1st quarter                          $.09         $.08           $.06
  2nd quarter                           .10          .08            .07
  3rd quarter                           .10          .09            .07
  4th quarter                           .11          .09            .08
                                       ----         ----           ----
  Year                                 $.40         $.34           $.28



  COMMON STOCK PRICE RANGE
  NYSE SYMBOL-BEZ                     1996                1995          
                                -----------         ------------
                              High      Low         High    Low
  1st quarter                 22-3/8    18-1/2      19-1/2  17-1/4
  2nd quarter                 25        19          19-7/8  18-3/8
  3rd quarter                 22-1/2    19-1/8      26-1/2  19-1/8
  4th quarter                 24-3/4    18-5/8      25-1/4  20


  SHAREHOLDERS
  4,568 at December 28, 1996 including shareholders of record and
  employees through benefit plans.


  TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
  Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A.
  Wachovia Shareholder Services
  P.O. Box 8217
  Boston, Massachusetts  02266-8217
  (800) 633-4236


  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
  Ernst & Young LLP
  425 West Capitol - Suite 3600
  Little Rock,  Arkansas 72201


  GENERAL COUNSEL
  Peper, Martin, Jensen, Maichel and Hetlage
  720 Olive Street
  St. Louis, Missouri  63101<PAGE>



  FORM 10-K REPORT
  Shareholders may obtain additional financial information about Baldor
  from the Company's Form 10-K report filed with the Securities and
  Exchange Commission.  Copies are available on request without charge.

  INVESTOR INFORMATION INQUIRIES
  Requests for additional copies of the Annual Report, or other
  materials and information you may wish regarding the condition and
  prospects of the Company, should be directed to:  Investor Relations,
  Baldor Electric Company, P.O. Box 2400, Fort Smith, Arkansas  72902.

  SHAREHOLDERS' ANNUAL MEETING
  The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Baldor Electric Company
  will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 1997, at the Holiday
  Inn, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas  72901.



                                 EXHIBIT 21

                   BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND AFFILIATES
                        AFFILIATES OF THE REGISTRANT

NAME OF AFFILIATE


Baldor of Arkansas                     Arkansas                   100%

Baldor of Nevada, Inc.                 Nevada                     100%

BEC Business Trust                     Massachusetts              100% (1)

Baldor of Texas, L.P                   Texas                      100% (2)

Baldor International, Inc.             U.S.Virgin Islands         100%

Southwestern Die Casting Co.,Inc.      Arkansas                   100%

Baldor Holdings, Inc.                  Delaware                   100%

Baldor de Mexico,S.A.de C.V.           Mexico                     100% (3) 
                                         
Baldor ASR, AG                         Switzerland                100% (3) 
                                         
Baldor ASR GmbH fuer Antriebstechnik   Germany                    100% (3) 
                                                                  
Baldor ASR U.K. Limited                United Kingdom             100% (3) 

Baldor Italia S.R.L.                   Italy                      100% (4) 
                                         
Australian Baldor Pty. Limited         Australia                   60%

Baldor Electric (Far East) PTE. Ltd.   Singapore                   60%

Baldor Electric (Thailand) Ltd.        Thailand                   100% (5) 

Baldor Industrial Automation PTE.Ltd.  Singapore                  100% (5)

Baldor Electric (Indonesia) Ltd.       Indonesia                  100% (5) 
                                     

(1) 100% owned by Baldor of Nevada
(2)  99% owned by BEC Business Trust (LP) and 1% owned by Baldor of        
     Arkansas (GP)
(3) 100% owned by Baldor Holdings, Inc.
(4)  98% owned by Baldor Holdings, Inc., 2% owned by Baldor ASR GmbH fuer
    Antriebstechnik. 
(5) 100% owned by Baldor Electric (Far East) PTE. Ltd.


                      EXHIBIT 23







            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Baldor Electric Company and affiliates of our report dated January 31, 1997,
included in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Baldor Electric Company
and affiliates.   

Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Baldor Electric
Company and affiliates listed in Item 14(a).  This schedule is the 
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion based on our audits.  In our opinion, the financial statement schedule 
referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the 
information set forth therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8, No. 2-77046) pertaining to the Baldor Electric Company 1982 Incentive
Stock Option Plan, (Form S-8, No. 33-16766) pertaining to the Baldor Electric
Company 1987 Incentive Stock Plan, (Form S-8, No. 33-28239) pertaining to the
Baldor Electric Company Employee Savings Plan, (Form S-8, No. 33-36421)
pertaining to the Baldor Electric Company 1989 Stock Option Plan for Non-
Employee Directors and (Forms S-8, No. 33-59281 and No. 33-60731) pertaining
to the Baldor Electric Company 1994 Incentive Stock Plan of our report dated 
January 31, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the proceeding 
paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedules included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Baldor Electric Company and affiliates.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
- ---------------------

Little Rock, Arkansas
March 27, 1997


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
Audited amounts from fiscal year ended December 28, 1996.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000009342
<NAME> BALDOR ELECTRIC COMPANY
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-28-1996             DEC-30-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-28-1996             DEC-30-1995
<CASH>                                            7950                    6322
<SECURITIES>                                     17892                   28487
<RECEIVABLES>                                    83383                   80568
<ALLOWANCES>                                      3200                    2800
<INVENTORY>                                      92387                   83689
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                218157                  212095
<PP&E>                                          202470                  182214
<DEPRECIATION>                                  107106                   93143
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  325486                  313462
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            71182                   67026
<BONDS>                                          45027                   25255
                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                          2862                    2817
<OTHER-SE>                                      197463                  208561
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    325486                  313462
<SALES>                                         502875                  473103
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                505372                  475699
<CGS>                                           353345                  334306
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   448180                  422753
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   695                     886
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                2668                    1260
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  57192                   52946
<INCOME-TAX>                                     22019                   20641
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              35173                   32305
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                     35173                   32305
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.29                    1.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.29                    1.12
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission