Forward-Looking Statements

These forward- looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events. They reflect our expectations, beliefs, projections and assumptions, are made in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them; however, there can be no assurance that our financial condition or results of operations will meet the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements set forth below. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that in many cases are beyond our control and cannot be predicted or quantified. As a result, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to economic conditions in general, sensitivity to industry conditions, competitive factors such as technology and pricing pressures, business conditions in our particular markets, currency exchange rates, the risk that current economic conditions will negatively impact our ability to satisfy the covenants of our lending agreements, international sales operations, our level of dependence on major customers, increased material costs, risks and costs associated with integrating our acquired businesses, litigation and the risks and that the risks and costs of doing business will exceed our present estimates. A discussion of these and other specific risks is included in Item 1A under the heading "Risk Factors". Forward looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K speak only as of the date of this report or in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. Except for our ongoing obligation to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, we are not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference in this document to reflect events, circumstances or changed assumptions or operating results occurring after the date of this report. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Risk Factors as well as our financial statements and the related notes.

Introduction

We are a worldwide organization and leading designer and manufacturer of hundreds of high-quality brand name AC/DC and DC/DC power supplies, converters, inverters and power management products. We sell our products to original equipment manufacturers, distributors and service providers who value quality, reliability, technology and service. We have hundreds of customers in the communications, networking equipment, server/storage, computer, instrumentation, industrial, renewable energy, and other electronic equipment industries.

Our AC/DC power supplies are typically embedded in our customers' products and convert alternating current to direct current. Our board-mounted DC/DC products provide precise levels of DC power to sensitive electronic components embedded in our customers' equipment. Our power management products also provide precise levels of DC power to sensitive electronic components, but include elements of communications and control. In addition, our power management products are programmable via a graphical user interface and offer our customers significant cost and time savings over traditional DC/DC converters. Our DC power systems, which provide back-up power, are sold primarily to telecommunications and Internet service providers worldwide. Our inverters for renewable energy provide conversion from either wind generators or photovoltaic energy into useable AC power for the grid.

In October 2006, we completed the acquisition of the Power Electronics Group subsidiary of Magnetek, Inc., (the "acquisition" or "acquired business") for approximately $69.4 million plus the assumption of approximately $27.8 million in debt. We financed this acquisition with a $50.0 million term loan and $19.4 million of cash and investments. The acquired business is primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of custom AC/DC products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

and provides us with enhanced capability in the custom AC/DC power supply market, a talented workforce of design engineers located in Europe, and an established low-cost manufacturing facility in China, all of which we expect will continue to enable us to reduce our overall component and manufacturing costs and broaden our product line and product capabilities. Due to the mix of custom products produced by the acquired business for higher volume applications, they tend to generate lower gross margins than we have traditionally experienced. The acquired business also designs renewable energy inverters which have higher margins than custom products.

We are in the process of implementing detailed plans to improve our operational and financial performance, drive long-term growth and profitability, improve on-time delivery, reduce manufacturing inefficiencies, and increase gross margin. The operating framework in which we manage our business and guide our strategies is based on the disciplined management of three business levers:
targeted growth, operational efficiency and capital strategy. Although we have made progress towards our goals in recent periods, there are still many areas in which we believe that we can improve. Based on these plans we have already launched the following initiatives:

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º We entered into a restructuring plan, during 2007, to reduce our fixed spending by approximately $20 million annually by downsizing operations in North America and relocating certain functions to other existing facilities in low-cost locations, and reducing operations and overhead in other foreign locations.

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º We are significantly increasing our presence in Asia to take advantage of a lower cost structure and closer proximity to suppliers and certain major customers.

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º We are addressing supply chain issues, including programs to lower material costs, the acceleration of the transfer of manufacturing to China, and the implementation of new sales and operations planning processes.

We have two main product lines, referred to as "embedded products" and "power systems." Embedded products include AC/DC power supplies, DC/DC converters (including "brick" converters and POL converters), and smart motor control products. Power systems products include DC power systems and renewable energy products.

Critical Accounting Policies

Application of our accounting policies requires management to make judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the financial statements. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments, although differing amounts may be reported if there are changes in the assumptions and estimates. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, restructuring costs, goodwill impairment, impairment costs, depreciation and amortization, sales returns and discounts, warranty costs, uncertain tax positions and the recoverability of deferred tax assets, stock compensation, business combinations and contingencies. Management has identified the following accounting policies as critical to an understanding of our financial statements and as areas most dependent on management's judgment and estimates.

Revenue Recognition-We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title transfer has occurred, the price is fixed or readily determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We recognize revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, "Revenue Recognition." Sales are recorded net of sales returns and discounts, which are estimated at the time of shipment based upon historical data.

We generally recognize revenue at the time of shipment (or at the time of inventory consumption for customers on Vendor Managed Inventory ("VMI") programs) because this is the point at which revenue is earned and realizable and the earnings process is complete. For most shipments, title to

shipped goods transfers at the shipping point, so the risks and rewards of ownership transfer once the product leaves our warehouse. For shipments in which title transfers at a later date, revenue recognition is delayed. Revenue is only recognized when collectibility is reasonably assured. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold. We may charge shipping and handling costs to customers, which are included in revenue.

We offer our distributors a standard agreement which includes payment terms, description of rights to return or exchange product, and price discounts. Under our standard agreement, payment is due within 30 days of shipment of the product to the distributors. The distributor has a right to return only if we discontinue a product that the distributor has on hand. The distributor has a right to exchange up to 5% of the dollar value of products purchased within the prior six-month period, so long as the distributor is currently purchasing at least the equivalent dollar value in new product. Estimated product exchanges or returns are accrued for at the time of the sale based on historical information in accordance with SFAS No. 48, "Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists." Finally, we may give price discounts to a distributor at the time a purchase order is received from the distributor for product that they will sell to a specific customer. The price discount is available for one year following issuance of the purchase order for items listed on the purchase order. We accrue for the estimated price discount at the time revenue is recognized.

We have a joint venture in Asia which, along with certain of our contract manufacturers, may purchase raw components and other goods from Power-One, and sell finished goods back to Power-One as well as to other third parties. We record revenue on sales to the joint venture and contract manufacturers only when the components and goods are for sales to third parties. When the joint venture or contract manufacturers purchase components that will be assembled and sold back to us, no revenue is recorded because the earnings process has not been completed.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill-We review the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets using the methodology prescribed in SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." Management evaluates the Company as a single reporting unit for business and operating purposes as many of the Company's revenue streams are generated by technology related to more than a single long-lived asset, and individual long-lived assets support more than one of our revenue categories. In addition, the majority of our costs are, by their nature, shared costs that are not specifically identifiable with a particular long-lived asset or product line but relate to multiple products. As a result, there is a high degree of interdependency among our cash flows for levels below the consolidated entity and identifiable cash flows for an asset group separate from the consolidated entity are not meaningful. Therefore, the Company's impairment test considered the consolidated entity as a single asset group.

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Upon such an occurrence, recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted net cash flows to which the assets relate, to the carrying amount. If the asset is determined to be unable to recover its carrying value, it is written down to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows, appraised values or other information available in the market, depending on the nature of the assets. Methodologies for determining fair value are inherently based on estimates that may change, such as the useful lives of assets and our cash flow forecasts associated with certain assets. A change in these estimates may result in impairment charges, which would impact our operating results.

We review the carrying value of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets using the methodology prescribed in SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 requires that we not amortize goodwill, but instead subject it to impairment tests on at least an annual basis and whenever circumstances suggest that they may be impaired. These impairment tests are also dependent on management's forecasts, which frequently change. A change in our forecasts may result

in impairment charges. SFAS 142 requires the Company to perform a two-step impairment test. Under the first step of the goodwill impairment test, we are required to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired and we do not perform the second step. If the results of the first step impairment test indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit does not exceed its carrying amount, then the second step of the goodwill impairment test is required. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill.

We determined that we have one reporting unit under SFAS 142. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis at the end of each August fiscal month. The results of the impairment test performed during the year ended December 28, 2008 indicated that the goodwill of the Company was not impaired as the fair value of the Company exceeded its carrying amount, including goodwill. While we believe that our goodwill was not impaired at December 28, 2008, declines in our market capitalization subsequent to the balance sheet date could be an early indication that goodwill may become impaired in the future. As such, it is probable that we will be required to perform an interim goodwill impairment test as of the end of our first quarter of 2009.

Restructuring Charges-We record restructuring charges in accordance with SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Disposal Activities," which requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred, in contrast to the date of an entity's commitment to an exit plan. Restructuring costs were related to the downsizing of operations and primarily consisted of specific charges that had been incurred or were to be incurred with no future economic benefit. These charges included costs related to personnel severance, continuing lease obligations for vacant facilities, and certain contract termination penalties and other shutdown costs. Calculation of the restructuring reserves includes management's judgment regarding closed facilities, which include assumptions about the length of time it will take for facilities to be subleased as well as the likely sublease income amount. Changes in these estimates may impact our operating results.

Income Taxes-We record a deferred income tax asset in jurisdictions where the Company generates a loss. We also record a valuation allowance against these deferred income tax assets in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," when, in management's judgment, it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. We record uncertain tax positions under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48") and apply FSP FIN 48-1, "Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation 48," to clarify when a tax position has been settled under paragraph 10(b) of FIN 48. We recognize in the consolidated financial statements only those tax positions determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions. Under these provisions, we must assume that the taxing authority will examine the income tax position and will have full knowledge of all relevant information. For each income tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold, we then assess the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority. Unrecognized tax positions, if ever recognized in the financial statements, are recorded in the statement of operations as part of the income tax provision.

Inventories-Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Slow moving and obsolete inventory are written down quarterly based on a comparison of on-hand quantities to historical and projected usages. Additionally, reserves for non-cancelable open purchase orders for components we are obligated to purchase in excess of projected usage, or for open purchase orders

where the market price is lower than the purchase order price, are recorded as other accrued expenses on the balance sheet. Calculation of inventory write-downs is based on management's assumptions regarding projected usage of each component, which are subject to changes in market demand.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts-We establish the allowance for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method and also provide a reserve in the aggregate. Our estimates for calculating the aggregate reserve are based on historical information. Any changes to our assumptions or estimates may impact our operating results.

Business Combinations-We account for our acquisitions utilizing the purchase method of accounting. Under the purchase method of accounting, the total consideration paid is allocated to the underlying assets and liabilities, based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of certain acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangible assets in particular, is subjective in nature and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to: estimates of revenue growth rates; estimates of rates of return; royalty rates; and determination of appropriate discount rates. These assumptions are generally made based on available historical information. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

Recent Pronouncements and Accounting Changes-In November 2008, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 08-6, "Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations" ("EITF 08-6"). EITF 08-6 clarifies the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. EITF 08-6 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We are in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of EITF 08-6 on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 08-7, "Accounting for Defensive Intangible Assets" ("EITF 08-7"). EITF 08-7 clarifies the accounting for certain separately identifiable intangible assets which an acquirer does not intend to actively use but intends to hold to prevent its competitors from obtaining access to them. EITF 08-7 requires an acquirer in a business combination to account for a defensive intangible asset as a separate unit of accounting which should be amortized to expense over the period the asset diminishes in value. EITF 08-7 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We are in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of EITF 08-7 on our consolidated financial statements.

On August 27, 2008, the SEC announced that it will issue for comment a proposed roadmap regarding the potential use by U.S. issuers of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). Under the proposed roadmap, the Company could be required in fiscal 2014 to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and the SEC will make a determination in 2011 regarding the mandatory adoption of IFRS. We have not yet assessed the impact that this potential change would have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)." This FSP specifies that issuers that have convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) should separately account for the liability and equity components in a manner that will reflect the entity's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued in fiscal years (and interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2008 (calendar year 2009), and should be applied retrospectively to all past periods presented even if the instrument has matured, has been converted, or has otherwise been extinguished as of the FSP's effective date. We have determined that FSP APB 14-1 does not

currently have a material impact on our financial statements as our existing convertible debt instruments are not required to be settled in cash, nor do they give us an option to settle in cash, upon conversion.

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. 142-3 ("FSP No. 142-3") "Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets." FSP No. 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" to include an entity's historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements, adjusted for entity-specific factors, even when there is likely to be "substantial cost or material modifications." FSP No. 142-3 states that in the absence of historical experience an entity should use assumptions that market participants would make regarding renewals or extensions, adjusted for entity-specific factors. The guidance for determining the useful life of intangible assets included in this FSP will be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after the effective date of January 1, 2009. We are in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of FSP No. 142-3 on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(revised 2007), "Business Combinations". SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations in a number of areas, including the treatment of contingent consideration, contingencies, acquisition costs, in-process research and development and restructuring costs. SFAS No. 141R includes an amendment to SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS No. 141R an acquiring entity is required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 141R also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. SFAS No. 141R applies to us prospectively for business combinations with acquisition dates on or after December 29, 2009. We expect that SFAS No. 141R will have an impact on accounting for business combinations once adopted, but the effect is dependent upon acquisitions at that time.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 also includes an amendment to SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" which applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. This Statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. We adopted SFAS No. 159 effective December 31, 2007 and did not elect the fair value option for any existing eligible items.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements." The Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements, and does not require any new fair value measurements. This Statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The Statement is effective for the fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 for the financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis effective December 31, 2007. FSP No. 157-2 delays the effective date of FAS Statement No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-3, "Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset in a Market that is Not Active." FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of FAS 157 in an inactive market. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, of FSP 157-2 and FSP 157-3 on our consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

The years ended December 28, 2008, December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 represent 52-week years. The following table represents our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented:

                                                 Fiscal Year Ended
                                  December 28,     December 30,     December 31,
                                      2008             2007             2006
      Net sales                           100.0 %          100.0 %          100.0 %
      Cost of goods sold                   79.4             79.5             72.6

      Gross profit                         20.6             20.5             27.4
      Selling, general and
      administrative expense               13.9             14.8             18.9
      Engineering and quality
      assurance expense                     8.5              9.6             11.4
      Amortization of
      intangibles                           0.5              0.9              1.2
      Restructuring costs                     -              0.6              0.1
      Asset impairment                        -              0.2                -

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