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  As Of               Filer                 Filing     As/For/On Docs:Pgs              Issuer               Agent

 2/21/06  Snap on Inc                       10-K       12/31/05   11:197                                    897069

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                       HTML  1,247K 
 2: EX-10.A     Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Program        HTML     55K 
 3: EX-10.B     Incentive Stock and Awards Plan                     HTML     64K 
 4: EX-10.F     Directors' 1993 Fee Plan                            HTML     37K 
 5: EX-12       Computation of Ratio                                HTML     16K 
 6: EX-21       Subsidiaries                                        HTML      6K 
 7: EX-23       Consent                                             HTML      5K 
 8: EX-31.1     Certification                                       HTML      9K 
 9: EX-31.2     Certification                                       HTML      9K 
10: EX-32.1     Certification                                       HTML      6K 
11: EX-32.2     Certification                                       HTML      6K 

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

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, or

Commission File Number 1-7724

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  |X|  No  |   |

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes  |   |  No  |X|

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

Indicate by check mark 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 a definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. |X|

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Yes  |   |  No  |X|

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (July 2, 2005) was: $1,977,034,416

The number of shares of Common Stock ($1.00 par value) of the registrant outstanding as of February 15, 2006, was 58,301,841 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information that will be set forth in Snap-on’s Proxy Statement, which is expected to first be mailed to shareholders on or around March 13, 2006, prepared for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for April 27, 2006.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

PART I

Safe Harbor

Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements (i) that include the words “expects,” “plans,” “targets,” “estimates,” “believes,” “anticipates,” or similar words that reference Snap-on Incorporated (“Snap-on” or “the company”) or its management; (ii) specifically identified as forward-looking; or (iii) describing Snap-on’s or management’s future outlook, plans, estimates, objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Snap-on cautions the reader that any forward-looking statements included in this document that are based upon assumptions and estimates were developed by management in good faith and are subject to risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause (and in some cases have caused) actual results to differ materially from those described in any such statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results or regarded as a representation by the company or its management that the projected results will be achieved. For those forward-looking statements, Snap-on cautions the reader that numerous important factors, such as those listed below, as well as those factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Snap-on’s Form 8-K filing dated July 27, 2005, could affect the company’s actual results and could cause its actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, Snap-on.

These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, uncertainties related to estimates, statements, assumptions and projections generally, and the timing and progress with which Snap-on can attain savings from cost reduction actions, including its ability to implement reductions in workforce, achieve improvements in the company’s manufacturing footprint and greater efficiencies in its supply chain, and enhance machine maintenance, plant productivity and manufacturing line set-up and change-over practices, any or all of which could result in production inefficiencies, higher cost and lost revenues. These risks also include uncertainties related to Snap-on’s capability to implement future strategies with respect to its existing businesses, refine its brand and franchise strategies, retain and attract franchisees, further enhance service and value to franchisees and thereby enhance their sales and profitability, introduce successful new products, as well as its ability to withstand disruption arising from natural disasters, planned facility closures or other labor interruptions, litigation challenges and external negative factors including significant changes in the current competitive environment, inflation, interest rates and other monetary and market fluctuations; and the impact of legal proceedings, energy and raw material supply and pricing (including steel and gasoline), the amount, rate and growth of Snap-on’s general and administrative expenses (e.g. health care and/or pension costs), and terrorist disruptions on business. Snap-on disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statement provided in this document.

In addition, investors should be aware that generally accepted accounting principles prescribe when a company should reserve for particular risks, including litigation exposures. Accordingly, results for a given reporting period could be significantly affected if and when a reserve is established for a major contingency. Reported results, therefore, may appear to be volatile in certain accounting periods.

Item 1: Business

Snap-on was incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin in 1920 and reincorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1930. Snap-on is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of high-quality tool, diagnostic, service and equipment solutions for professional tool and equipment users under various brands and trade names. Product lines include a broad range of hand and power tools, tool storage, saws and cutting tools, pruning tools, vehicle service diagnostics equipment, vehicle service equipment, including wheel service, safety testing and collision repair equipment, vehicle service information, business management systems, equipment repair services, and other tool and equipment solutions. Snap-on also derives income from various financing programs to facilitate the sales of its products. Snap-on’s customers include automotive technicians, vehicle service centers, manufacturers, industrial tool and equipment users, and those involved in commercial applications such as construction, electrical and agriculture.

Snap-on markets its products and brands through multiple distribution sales channels in more than 125 countries. Snap-on’s largest geographic markets include the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The originator of the mobile dealer van tool distribution channel in the automotive repair segment, Snap-on also reaches its customers through company direct, distributor and Internet channels.

3

Snap-on’s business segments are based on the organization structure used by management for making operating and investment decisions and for assessing performance. Snap-on’s reportable business segments include: (i) the Snap-on Dealer Group; (ii) the Commercial and Industrial Group; (iii) the Diagnostics and Information Group; and (iv) Financial Services. The Snap-on Dealer Group consists of Snap-on’s business operations serving the worldwide franchised dealer van channel (“franchisees” and/or “dealers”). The Commercial and Industrial Group consists of the business operations providing tools and equipment products and equipment repair services to a broad range of industrial and commercial customers worldwide through direct, distributor and other non-franchised distribution channels. The Diagnostics and Information Group consists of the business operations providing diagnostics equipment, vehicle service information, business management systems, and other solutions for vehicle service to customers in the worldwide vehicle service and repair marketplace. Financial Services consists of the business operations of Snap-on Credit LLC (“SOC”), a consolidated, 50%-owned joint venture between Snap-on and The CIT Group, Inc. (“CIT”), and Snap-on’s wholly owned finance subsidiaries in those international markets where Snap-on has dealer operations. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of segments.

Snap-on evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment revenues and operating earnings, exclusive of financing activities and income taxes. Segment revenues are defined as total revenues, including both external customer revenue and intersegment revenue. Segment operating earnings are defined as segment revenues less cost of goods sold and operating expenses, including restructuring costs. Snap-on accounts for intersegment sales and transfers based primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the respective reportable segment’s operations. Intersegment amounts are eliminated to arrive at consolidated financial results.

Snap-on realigned its business segments during the first quarter of fiscal 2005. The primary changes included the transfer of Snap-on’s technical representative (“tech rep”) support organization from the Snap-on Dealer Group to the Diagnostics and Information Group and the segregation of Snap-on’s general corporate expenses from the operating earnings of the business segments. Prior to fiscal 2005, shared services and general corporate expenses and corporate assets were allocated to the business segments based on segment revenues. Beginning in fiscal 2005, the business segments are charged only for those shared services utilized by the business segment based on an estimate of the value of services provided; general corporate expenses and corporate assets are not allocated to the business segments. Corporate assets consist principally of those assets that are centrally managed including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, pension assets and income taxes, as well as corporate real estate and related assets. Prior-year financial data by segment has been restated to reflect these reportable business segment realignments.

Information Available on the Company’s Website

Additional information regarding Snap-on and its products is available on the company’s website at www.snapon.com. Snap-on is not including the information contained on its website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Snap-on’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Definitive Proxy Statements on Form 14a, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, are made available to the public at no charge, other than an investor’s own internet access charges, through the Investor Information section of the company’s website at www.snapon.com/investor. Snap-on makes such material available on its website as soon as reasonably practical after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Copies of any materials the company files with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 1-800-732-0330. In addition, the company’s (i) charters for the Audit, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and Organization and Executive Compensation committees of the Board of Directors, (ii) Corporate Governance Guidelines, and (iii) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on Snap-on’s website. These documents are also available in print upon written request directed to the Corporate Secretary, 2801 80^th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143.

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Products and Services

Snap-on offers a broad line of products and complementary services that are grouped into two product categories, tools and equipment, described below. Further product line information is not presented as it is not practicable to do so. The following table shows the consolidated net sales of these product categories for the last three years:

The tools product category includes hand tools, power tools and tool storage products. Hand tools include wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, pliers, ratchets, saws and cutting tools, pruning tools, torque measuring instruments and other similar products. Power tools include pneumatic (air), cordless (battery) and corded (electric) tools such as impact wrenches, ratchets, chisels, drills, sanders, polishers and similar products. Tool storage units include tool chests, roll cabinets and other similar products. The majority of products are manufactured by Snap-on, and in completing the product line, other items are purchased from external manufacturers.

The equipment product category includes solutions for the diagnosis and service of automotive and industrial equipment. Products include engine analyzers, air conditioning service equipment, brake service equipment, fluid exchange equipment, wheel balancing and alignment equipment, transmission troubleshooting equipment, safety testing equipment, battery chargers, lifts and hoists, diagnostics equipment, and service and collision repair equipment. Also included are service and repair information products, diagnostic services, business management systems, point-of-sale systems, integrated systems for vehicle service shops, equipment repair services and purchasing facilitation services. Snap-on supports the sale of its diagnostics and vehicle service shop equipment by offering training programs for its customers, primarily focusing on the technologies and the application of specific products developed and marketed by Snap-on.

Tools and equipment are marketed under a number of brand names and trademarks, many of which are well known in the vehicle service and industrial markets served. Some of the major trade names and trademarks and the products and services with which they are associated include the following:

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Snap-on also derives income from financing its products through SOC and through Snap-on’s wholly owned finance subsidiaries. Snap-on utilizes various financing programs to facilitate the sales of its products.

Snap-on established SOC in January 1999 with Newcourt Financial USA Inc., now CIT. SOC provides financial services to Snap-on’s U.S. dealer and customer network and to Snap-on’s industrial and other customers. Beginning in 2004, Snap-on began consolidating SOC on a prospective basis as a result of the January 4, 2004, adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (an interpretation of ARB No. 51).” See Notes 2 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of SOC.

SOC originates loans primarily in three ways. First, extended-term contracts are offered to technicians and shop owners to enable them to purchase tools and equipment on an extended-term payment plan, generally with an average term of 33 months. Second, lease financing is offered to shop owners and managers, both independent and national chains, who purchase equipment items. The duration of lease contracts is often two to five years. Third, financing options are also available to dealers to meet a number of financing needs, including van and truck leases, working capital loans, and loans to enable new dealers to fund the purchase of the franchise. The duration of these contracts can be up to 10 years. The above contracts are generally secured by the underlying tools or equipment financed and other dealer assets.

The majority of finance income is derived from the vehicle service industry in North America. Internationally, Snap-on continues to provide financing directly to its dealer and customer networks through its wholly owned finance subsidiaries.

Sales and Distribution

Snap-on markets and distributes its products and related services principally to professional tool and equipment users around the world. The two largest market sectors are the vehicle service and repair sector and the industrial sector.

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Vehicle Service and Repair Sector

The vehicle service and repair sector has three main customer groups: professional technicians who purchase tools and equipment for themselves; vehicle service and repair shop owners and managers — including independent shops, national chains and automotive dealerships — who purchase equipment for use by multiple technicians within a service or repair facility; and vehicle manufacturers.

Snap-on provides innovative tool and equipment solutions, as well as technical sales support and training, to meet technicians’ evolving needs. Snap-on’s franchised dealer van distribution system offers technicians the convenience of purchasing quality tools with minimal disruption of their work routine. Snap-on also provides owners and managers of shops, where technicians work, with tools, diagnostics equipment, repair and service information, and shop management products. Snap-on provides vehicle manufacturers with products and services including tools, consulting services and facilitation services. Snap-on’s facilitation services include product procurement, distribution and administrative support to customers for their dealership equipment programs.

Major challenges for Snap-on and the vehicle service and repair sector include the increasing rate of technological change within motor vehicles and the resulting impact on the businesses of both our suppliers and customers that is necessitated by such change. Snap-on believes it is a meaningful participant in the market sector for vehicle service and repair.

Industrial Sector

Snap-on markets its products to a wide variety of industrial customers including industrial maintenance and repair operations; manufacturing and assembly facilities; government facilities; schools; and original equipment manufacturers that require instrumentation or service tools and equipment for their products.

Major challenges in the industrial sector include a highly competitive, cost-conscious environment, and a trend toward customers making all of their tool purchases through one integrated supplier. Snap-on believes it is a meaningful participant in the market sector for industrial tools and equipment.

Distribution Channels

Snap-on serves customers primarily through three channels of distribution: the mobile dealer van channel, including the company’s tech rep organization, company direct sales and distributors. The following discussion represents Snap-on’s general approach for each channel, and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Dealers and Tech Reps

In the United States, the majority of sales to the vehicle service and repair sector are conducted through Snap-on’s dealers and its tech rep organization. Snap-on’s dealers primarily serve vehicle service technicians and vehicle service shop owners, generally providing weekly contact at the customer’s place of business. Dealers’ sales are concentrated in hand and power tools, tool storage units and small diagnostic and shop equipment, which can easily be transported in a van and demonstrated during a brief sales call. Dealers purchase Snap-on’s products at a discount from suggested retail prices and resell them at prices established by the dealer. Although some dealers have sales areas defined by other methods, most U.S. dealers are provided a list of places of business that serves as the basis of the dealer’s sales route.

Since 1991, new U.S. dealers, and a majority of the pre-1991 U.S. dealers, have been enrolled as franchisees of Snap-on. In 2001 Snap-on began offering a trial franchise option to potential U.S. dealers that do not meet the franchise qualification requirements.  Trial franchisees typically have less upfront investment and are provided an initial base level of consigned inventory from Snap-on to assist them in gaining experience and building equity toward the future purchase of a standard franchise.  Snap-on also provides certain franchisees the opportunity to add vans to their franchise or to add a limited number of franchises. Snap-on charges nominal initial and ongoing monthly license fees. Through SOC, financing is available to franchised dealers, which includes van and truck leases, working capital loans, and loans to enable new dealers to fund the purchase of the franchise. At 2005 year end, 3,498 U.S. dealers (approximately 95%) were enrolled as franchisees, or employed by franchisees, as compared with 3,726 U.S. dealers (approximately 95%) at year-end 2004.

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Snap-on has replicated its U.S. dealer van method of distribution in certain other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United Kingdom. In many of these markets, as in the United States, purchase decisions are generally made or influenced by professional vehicle service technicians and shop owners. Snap-on markets products in certain other countries through its subsidiary, Snap-on Tools International, LLC, which sells to foreign distributors under license or contract with Snap-on. Internationally, Snap-on offers financing to its franchised dealer and customer networks through its wholly owned finance subsidiaries.

Snap-on supports its dealers with a field organization of regional offices, sales managers, service centers and distribution centers. Snap-on also provides sales and business training, and marketing and product promotion programs, as well as customer and dealer financing programs through SOC and its wholly owned international finance operations, all of which are designed to strengthen dealer sales. In the United States and Canada, the National Franchise Advisory Council and the Snap-on Tools Canadian Franchise Advisory Council, both of which are composed of dealers that are elected by dealers, assist Snap-on in identifying and implementing enhancements to the franchise program.

In the United States, dealers are supported by the tech rep sales force. Tech reps are specialists who demonstrate and sell higher-price-point diagnostics and shop equipment, as well as vehicle service shop management information systems. Tech reps work independently and with dealers to identify and generate sales leads among vehicle service shop owners and managers. Tech reps are Snap-on employees who are compensated primarily on the basis of commission; a dealer receives a brokerage fee from certain sales made by the tech reps to the dealer’s customers. Most products sold through the dealer and tech rep organization are sold under the Snap-on, Blue-Point, Sun and ShopKey brand names.

Company Direct Sales

In the United States, a significant proportion of shop equipment sales under the Sun, John Bean, Wheeltronic, White and Blackhawk brands and information products under the Mitchell1 brand are made by a direct sales force that has responsibility for national accounts. As the vehicle service and repair sector consolidates (with more business conducted by national chains, automotive dealerships and franchised service centers), the company believes these larger organizations can be serviced most effectively by sales people who can demonstrate and sell the full line of equipment and diagnostic products and services. Snap-on also sells these products and services directly to vehicle manufacturers. John Bean, White and Blackhawk brands are sold directly to end customers primarily through sales leads generated from dealers and tech reps.

Snap-on brand tools and equipment are marketed to industrial and governmental customers in the United States through both industrial sales representatives, who are employees, and independent industrial distributors. In most markets outside the United States, industrial sales are conducted through independent distributors. The sales representatives focus on industrial customers whose main purchase criteria are quality and service. At the end of 2005, Snap-on had industrial sales representatives in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico and some European countries, with the United States representing the majority of Snap-on’s total industrial sales.

Distributors

Sales of certain tools and equipment are made through independent vehicle service and industrial distributors who purchase the items from Snap-on and resell them to the end users. Hand tools under the Bahco, Fish and Hook (design), Belzer, Pradines and Lindstrom brands and trade names, for example, are sold through distributors in Europe, North and South America, Asia and certain other parts of the world. Wheel service and other vehicle service equipment are sold through distributors primarily under brands including Hofmann and Kansas Jack. Hand tools under the Irimo, Palmera and Acesa brands and power tools under the Sioux brand, are differentiated from those products sold through the dealer, tech rep and direct sales channels. Sun-branded equipment is marketed through distributors in South America and Asia, and through both a direct sales force and distributors in Europe.

8

E-commerce

Snap-on’s e-commerce development initiatives allow Snap-on to combine the capabilities of the Internet with Snap-on’s existing brand sales and distribution strengths to reach new and under-served customer segments. Snap-on offers current and prospective customers online, around-the-clock access to purchase Snap-on and Blue-Point products through its public Internet website at www.snapon.com. The site features an online catalog containing nearly 14,000 products, including Snap-on hand tools, power tools, tool storage units and diagnostic equipment available to consumers and professionals in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. At the end of 2005, Snap-on had more than 314,000 registered users, including approximately 30,000 industrial accounts. E-commerce and certain other system enhancement initiatives, which are currently under development, are designed to improve productivity and further leverage the one-on-one relationships and service Snap-on has with its current and prospective customers. Through business-to-business and business-to-consumer capabilities, Snap-on and its dealers are enhancing communications with customers on a real-time, 24-hour, 7-day a week basis.

Competition

Snap-on competes on the basis of its product quality and performance, product line breadth and depth, service, brand awareness and imagery, and technological innovation. While no single company competes with Snap-on across all of its product lines and distribution channels, various companies compete in one or more product categories and/or distribution channels.

Snap-on believes that it is a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional tools and equipment, offering the broadest line of these products to the vehicle service industry. The major competitors selling to professional technicians in the automotive service and repair sector through the mobile van channel include MAC Tools (The Stanley Works), Matco (Danaher Corporation), and Cornwell. Snap-on also competes with companies that sell tools and equipment to automotive technicians through non-mobile van distributors including department stores (such as Sears, Roebuck and Co.), home centers (such as Home Depot, Inc. and Lowes Companies, Inc.), auto supply outlets (such as AutoZone, Inc. and The Pep Boys), and tool supply warehouses (such as Stampede and ICN). Within the power tools category, Snap-on’s major competitors include Ingersoll-Rand, Black & Decker Corporation, Bosch, Makita Corporation, Chicago Pneumatic (Atlas Copco), and Milwaukee Electric (TechTronic Industries Co. Ltd.). In the industrial sector, major competitors include Armstrong (Danaher Corporation), Proto (The Stanley Works), Irwin (Newell Rubbermaid), Cooper Industries, and Westward (W.W. Grainger). The major competitors selling diagnostics and shop equipment to shop owners and managers in the vehicle service and repair sector include Corghi S.p.A., Fluke and Hennessy (Danaher Corporation), Robinair (SPX Corporation), OTC, Hunter Engineering, and Rotary Lift and Chief Automotive (Dover Corporation).

Research and Engineering

Research and engineering expenses totaled $50.0 million, $58.2 million and $57.0 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Raw Materials and Purchased Product

Snap-on’s supply of raw materials and purchased components are generally and readily available from numerous suppliers. During 2004 and 2005, Snap-on experienced higher pricing related to certain grades and alloys of steel. While Snap-on believes that steel prices will continue to remain high for 2006, the company does not anticipate experiencing any significant pricing or availability issues with regards to 2006 steel purchases.

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Patents, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property

Snap-on vigorously pursues and relies on patent protection to protect its intellectual property and its position in its markets. As of December 31, 2005, Snap-on and its subsidiaries held over 800 active and pending patents in the United States and over 1,700 active and pending patents outside of the United States. Sales relating to any single patent did not represent a material portion of Snap-on’s revenues in 2005, 2004 or 2003.

Examples of products that have features or designs that benefit from patent protection include wheel alignment systems, wheel balancers, sealed ratchets, electronic torque instruments, ratcheting screwdrivers, emissions-sensing devices, diagnostic equipment and air conditioning equipment.

Much of the technology used in the manufacture of vehicle service tools and equipment is in the public domain. Snap-on relies primarily on trade secret protection to protect proprietary processes used in manufacturing. Methods and processes are patented when appropriate. Copyright protection is also utilized when appropriate.

Trademarks used by Snap-on are of continuing importance to Snap-on in the marketplace. Trademarks have been registered in the United States and more than 100 other countries, and additional applications for trademark registrations are pending. Snap-on vigorously polices proper use of its trademarks. Snap-on’s right to manufacture and sell certain products is dependent upon licenses from others; however, these products under license do not represent a material portion of Snap-on’s sales.

Domain names have become a valuable corporate asset for companies around the world, including Snap-on. Domain names often contain a trademark or service mark or even a corporate name and are often considered intellectual property. The recognition and value of the Snap-on name, trademark, and domain name are core strengths of the company. Snap-on has undertaken an initiative to centralize the administration of all domestic and international domain names, including all registrations and renewals. Snap-on also monitors new developments in top-level domains and country-code domains in order to preserve Snap-on’s right to relevant domain names.

Snap-on is selectively and strategically licensing the Snap-on brand to carefully selected manufacturing and distribution companies, including apparel, work boots and a variety of other goods, in order to build equity and market presence for the company’s strongest brand.

Environment

Snap-on is subject to various environmental laws, ordinances, regulations, and other requirements of government authorities in the United States and other nations. At Snap-on, these environmental liabilities are managed through the Snap-on Environmental, Hygiene, and Safety Management System (“EH & SMS”), which is applied worldwide. The system is based upon continual improvement and is certified to ISO 14001:1996 and OHSAS 18001:1999, verified through Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Certification, Inc.

Snap-on believes that it complies with applicable environmental control requirements in its operations. Expenditures on environmental matters through EH & SMS have not had, and Snap-on does not for the foreseeable future expect them to have, a material effect upon Snap-on’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Employees

At the end of January 2006, Snap-on employed approximately 11,400 people compared to approximately 11,600 people at the end of January 2005. The year-over-year reduction primarily reflects the impact of restructuring-related and management realignment actions at various Snap-on facilities.

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Approximately 3,200 employees, or 28% of Snap-on’s worldwide workforce, are represented by unions and/or covered under collective bargaining agreements. Of these, approximately 1,240 are covered under various European national union agreements that are renewed on an annual basis. Approximately 610 employees are covered under agreements expiring in 2006, including approximately 280 covered under various European national union agreements. In recent years, Snap-on has not experienced any significant work slow-downs, stoppages or other labor disruptions.

The number of covered union employees whose contracts expire within the next five years is approximately 610 in 2006; 1,220 in 2007; 1,040 in 2008; 270 in 2009; and zero in 2010.

There can be no assurance that future contracts with Snap-on’s unions will be renegotiated upon terms acceptable to Snap-on.

Working Capital

As most of Snap-on’s business is not seasonal and its inventory needs are relatively constant, no unusual working capital needs arise during the year. Snap-on does not have a significant backlog of orders at December 31, 2005.

Snap-on’s financial condition and use of working capital are discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Neither Snap-on nor any of its segments, except Financial Services, depend on any single customer, small group of customers or government for any material part of its revenues. As a result of SOC’s relationship with CIT, Snap-on’s Financial Services business segment depends on CIT for more than 10% of its revenues.

Item 1A: Risk Factors

In evaluating the company, careful consideration should be given to the following risk factors, in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect the company’s business, operating results and/or financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in the company’s common stock. In addition to the following disclosures, please refer to the other information contained in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and the related notes.

The success of Snap-on’s mobile van tool distribution business depends on the success of its franchisees.

Approximately 42% of our 2005 net revenues were generated by the Snap-on Dealer Group, which consists of Snap-on’s business operations serving the worldwide franchised dealer van channel. Except in limited circumstances, each of our mobile tool vans is operated by a franchisee pursuant to a franchise agreement. Snap-on’s success is dependent on its relationships with franchisees, individually and collectively, as they are the primary sales and service link between the company and vehicle service and repair technicians, who are an important class of end users for Snap-on’s products and services. If our franchisees are not successful, or if we do not maintain an effective relationship with our franchisees, the delivery of products, the collection of receivables and/or our relationship with end users could be adversely affected and thereby negatively impact our financial results.

In addition, if we are unable to maintain effective relationships with franchisees, the company or the franchisees may choose to terminate the relationship, which may result in (i) open routes in which end-use customers are not provided reliable service; (ii) litigation resulting from termination; and/or (iii) reduced collections or increased write-offs of franchisee receivables owed to Snap-on. As Snap-on has nearly 5,000 franchisees worldwide and most of these franchise relationships are governed by contract, it is not uncommon for litigation to result from the termination of these relationships.

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The steps taken to restructure operations, rationalize operating footprint, lower operating expenses, and achieve greater efficiencies in the supply chain could disrupt business.

In 2006, we expect to take additional steps to drive further efficiencies and reduce costs, some of which could be disruptive to our business. These steps include strategic actions to increase the sustainable success, sales and profitability for Snap-on and its operating segments. These actions, collectively across our operating groups, are focused on the following:

Specific initiatives in each of these areas are underway. Snap-on believes that by executing on these focus areas, along with a continued commitment to new innovative products and rapid continuous improvement to drive lower costs, the company and its franchisees will realize stronger growth and profitability. Failure to succeed in the implementation of any or all of these actions could result in our being unable to achieve our financial goals and could be disruptive to the business.

In addition, reductions to headcount and other cost cutting measures may result in the loss of technical expertise that could adversely affect our research and development efforts and ability to meet product development schedules. Efforts to reduce components of expense could result in the recording of charges for inventory and technology-related write-offs, workforce reduction costs or other charges relating to the consolidation of facilities. If we were to incur a substantial charge to further these efforts, our earnings (or loss) per share would be adversely affected in such period. If we are unable to effectively manage our cost reduction and restructuring efforts, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be harmed.

Information technology infrastructure is critical to supporting business objectives.

We depend heavily on information technology infrastructure to achieve our business objectives. If a problem occurs that impairs this infrastructure, the resulting disruption could impede our ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship in a timely manner, or otherwise carry on business in the normal course. Any such events could cause us to lose customers or revenue and could require us to incur significant expense to remediate.

In association with initiatives to better integrate business units, rationalize operating footprint and improve responsiveness to franchisees and customers, Snap-on is replacing and enhancing its existing global Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) management information system. The integration, implementation and deployment of new information technology processes and a common information infrastructure is expected to cover a period of several years. We could experience disruptions in our business as we implement the system enhancements, including the possibility that the new system may not perform as expected, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

The recognition of impairment charges on goodwill would adversely impact future financial position and results of operations.  

We are required to perform impairment tests on our goodwill balance annually or at any time when events occur, which could impact the value of our business segments. Our determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on a comparison of each of our reporting units’ fair market value with its carrying value. Significant and unanticipated changes could require a provision for impairment in a future period that could substantially affect our reported earnings and reduce our consolidated net worth and shareholders’ equity.

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Business interruptions for franchisees could adversely impact operating results.

Franchisees have historically experienced business interruptions due to adverse weather conditions or other extraordinary events, such as hurricanes in the southern United States and wild fires in California. To the extent our franchisees experience future similar events, our operating results may be adversely impacted.

Exposure to credit risks of customers and resellers may make it difficult to collect receivables and could adversely affect operating results and financial condition.

Industry and economic conditions have the potential to weaken the financial position of some of our customers. If circumstances surrounding our customers’ financial capabilities were to deteriorate, such write-downs or write-offs would negatively affect our operating results for the period in which they occur and, if large, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Failure to maintain effective distribution of products and services could adversely impact revenue, gross margin and profitability.

We use a variety of distribution methods to sell our products and services. Successfully managing the interaction of our distribution efforts to reach various potential customer segments for our products and services is a complex process. Moreover, since each distribution method has distinct risks and gross margins, our failure to implement the most advantageous balance in the delivery model for our products and services could adversely affect our revenue and gross margins and therefore our profitability.

Risks associated with the disruption of manufacturing operations could adversely affect profitability or competitive position.

We manufacture a significant portion of the products we sell. Any prolonged disruption in the operations of our existing manufacturing facilities, whether due to technical or labor difficulties, lack of raw material or component availability, destruction of or damage to any facility (including natural disasters, use and storage of hazardous materials or other events), or other reasons, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The ability to provide financing alternatives to end-user customers and franchisees could adversely impact operating results.

An integral component of Snap-on’s business and profitability is its ability to provide financing alternatives to end-user customers and franchisees. Domestic financing operations are managed through a joint venture with CIT. Historically, CIT has been the exclusive purchaser of the credit and installment financing arranged by SOC. Deterioration of the relationship between the joint venture partners, or if the joint venture should be unexpectedly dissolved, could have an adverse impact on Snap-on’s results of operations and ability to provide financing to end-user customers and franchisees in the United States. In addition, adverse fluctuations in interest rates and/or the ability to provide competitive financing programs to end-user customers and franchisees could negatively affect the level of credit originations and the relationships with franchisees and end-user customers, all of which could have an adverse impact on Snap-on’s revenue and profitability. Further, because of the company’s reliance on the franchised dealer network to generate credit originations, a decline in the number of dealers and/or the amount of end-user customers being serviced by dealers could have an adverse impact on the volume of credit originations and Snap-on’s results of operations.

The global tool and equipment industry is competitive.

We face strong competition in all of our market segments. Price competition in our various industries is intense and pricing pressures from competitors and customers are increasing. In general, as a manufacturer and marketer of premium products and services, the expectations of Snap-on’s customers and its franchisees are high and increasing. Any inability to maintain customer satisfaction could diminish Snap-on’s premium image and its reputation with a resulting lessening of its ability to command premium pricing. We expect that the level of competition will remain high in the future, which could limit our ability to maintain or increase market share or profitability.

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The inability to continue to introduce new products that respond to customer needs and achieve market acceptance could result in lower revenues and reduced profitability.

Sales from new products represent a significant portion of our net sales and are expected to continue to represent a significant component of our future net sales. We may not be able to compete effectively unless we continue to enhance existing products or introduce new products to the marketplace in a timely manner. Product improvements and new product introductions require significant financial and other resources including significant planning, design, development, and testing at the technological, product, and manufacturing process levels. Our competitors’ new products may beat our products to market, be more effective with more features, be less expensive than our products, and/or render our products obsolete. Any new products that we develop may not receive market acceptance or otherwise generate any meaningful net sales or profits for us relative to our expectations based on, among other things, existing and anticipated investments in manufacturing capacity and commitments to fund advertising, marketing, promotional programs, and research and development.

Raw material and energy price fluctuations and shortages (including steel and various fuel sources) could adversely affect the ability to obtain needed manufacturing materials and could adversely affect results of operations.

The principal raw material used in the manufacture of our products is steel, which we purchase in competitive, price-sensitive markets. To meet Snap-on’s high quality standards, our steel needs range from specialized alloys, which are available only from a limited group of approved suppliers, to commodity types of alloys. These raw materials have historically exhibited price and demand cyclicality. Some of these materials have been, and in the future may be, in short supply. As some steel alloys require specialized manufacturing procedures, we could experience inventory shortages if we were required to use an alternative manufacturer on short notice. Additionally, unexpected price increases could result in higher prices to our customers or an erosion of the margins on our products.

We believe our ability to sell our products is also dependent on the number of vehicles on the road, the number of miles driven and the general aging of vehicles. These factors affect the frequency, type and amount of service and repair performed on vehicles by technicians, and therefore affect the demand for the number of technicians, the prosperity of the technicians and, subsequently, the demand they have for our tools, other products and services, and the value they place on those products and services. To the extent that gasoline prices increase, consumers may turn to other, non-gasoline based, methods of transportation, including more frequent use of public transportation. A decrease in the use of gasoline consuming vehicles may lead to fewer repairs and less demand for our products.

Foreign operations are subject to currency exchange and political risks that could adversely affect results of operations.

Approximately 43% of our revenues in 2005 were generated outside of the United States. Future growth rates and success of our business depends in large part on continued growth in our non-U.S. operations, including growth in emerging markets. Numerous risks and uncertainties affect our non-U.S. operations. These risks and uncertainties include political, economic and social instability, including acts of war, civil disturbance or acts of terrorism, local labor conditions, changes in government policies and regulations, including imposition or increases in withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by international subsidiaries, and enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights. We are also affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, inflation rates and interest rates. Additionally, cash generated in non-U.S. jurisdictions may be difficult to transfer to the United States in a tax-efficient manner.

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Failure to adequately protect intellectual property could adversely affect business.

Intellectual property rights are an important and integral component of our business. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Adverse determinations in a judicial or administrative proceeding could prevent us from manufacturing and selling our products or prevent us from stopping others from manufacturing and selling competing products. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Compliance with new regulatory and accounting requirements could adversely impact future financial position and results of operations.

Compliance with future regulatory and accounting requirements, including changes related to the accounting for employee stock option issuances as compensation expense, will have an adverse impact on our operating results. Changes as a result of proposed legislation to reform the funding and reporting of pension plan benefits, as well as changes in market conditions that impact the assumptions used to measure pension liabilities under these plans, could adversely affect our operating results, financial position and cash flows.

As a result of compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as changes to listing standards adopted by the New York Stock Exchange, and the attestation and accounting changes required by the SEC, we are required to implement additional internal controls, improve our existing internal controls, and comprehensively document and test our internal controls. In recent years we have experienced higher costs from additional outside accounting, legal and advisory services to comply with these requirements. Should Snap-on experience a significant deterioration in its internal control environment at a financially significant Snap-on facility or business, the impact of such could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

The inability to successfully defend claims from taxing authorities could adversely affect operating results and financial position.

We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to interpret the income tax laws and rulings in each of those taxing jurisdictions. Due to the subjectivity of tax laws between those jurisdictions, as well as the subjectivity of factual interpretations, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments. Claims from taxing authorities related to these differences could have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial position.

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Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could lead to a loss of revenue or profitability.

Snap-on’s success depends, in part, on the efforts and abilities of its senior management team and other key employees. Their skills, experience and industry contacts significantly benefit our operations and administration. The failure to attract and retain members of our senior management team and other key employees could have a negative effect on our operating results.

Risks associated with acquisition activities could have an adverse impact on results of operations and financial position.

Acquisitions involve risks and uncertainties that can include:

Future acquisitions could cause us to incur additional debt, earnings dilution, contingent liabilities, increased interest expense, and amortization expenses related to intangible assets. Impairment losses on goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life, or restructuring charges, could also occur as a result of acquisitions.

Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2: Properties

Snap-on maintains leased and owned manufacturing, warehouse, distribution and office facilities throughout the world. Snap-on believes that its facilities currently in use are suitable and have adequate capacity to meet its present and foreseeable future demand. Snap-on’s facilities in the United States occupy approximately 3.8 million square feet, of which 70% is owned, including its corporate and general office facility located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Snap-on’s facilities outside the United States also occupy approximately 3.8 million square feet, of which approximately 66% is owned. Certain Snap-on facilities are leased through operating lease agreements. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of operating leases. Snap-on management continually monitors the company’s capacity needs and makes adjustments as dictated by market and other conditions.

The company phased out production at its Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, manufacturing facilities during March 2004. The Mt. Carmel facility, the company’s former corporate office located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and several former sales offices and branch facilities are currently for sale.

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The following table provides information about each of Snap-on’s principal manufacturing locations and distribution centers (exceeding 50,000 square feet) as of December 31, 2005:

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Item 3: Legal Proceedings

On July 23, 2004, Snap-on reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve the government audit, previously discussed in the company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K, relating to two contracts with the U.S. General Services Administration (“GSA”). Snap-on agreed to settle the claims over the interpretation and application of the price reduction and billing provisions of these two contracts for sales from March 1996 through the July 23, 2004, settlement date for $10.0 million. Snap-on remitted the $10.0 million cash settlement to the U.S. Department of Justice on August 5, 2004.

On February 8, 2005, the GSA requested information from Snap-on to evaluate possible administrative action against the company. On