SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C., 20549 FORM 10-K-A ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2000 Commission File Number: 1-9852 CHASE CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Massachusetts 11-1797126 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation of organization) Identification No.) 26 Summer Street, Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02324 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (508) 279-1789 Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock, $.10 par value American Stock Exchange (Title of class) (Name of each exchange on which 						registered) Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.10 par value (Title of class) 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 (229.405 of this chapter) 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. [x] As of October 31,2000, the Company had outstanding 3,989,603 shares of common stock, $.10 par value, which is its only class of common stock; and the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $36,405,000. DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE The registrant's definitive proxy statement (the "Definitive Proxy Statement") to be filed in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 16, 2001, is incorporated by this reference into items 10-13 hereof. Item 1. Business. General Development and Industry Segment. Chase Corporation (the "Company") is a multi-divisional advanced manufacturing company providing industrial products to a wide variety of industries including wire and cable, construction and electronics. During fiscal 1991, the Company implemented a strategy of maximizing the core businesses while seeking future opportunities through selective acquisitions. During 1992, a facility that manufactures tape and related products in Webster, Massachusetts became operational. In April 1992, the Company acquired certain tape product lines and associated assets for cash from The Stewart Group, Ltd. This division, Chase Canada, maintains manufacturing operations in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Effective May 25, 1994, the Company purchased the electrical cable insulation tape product lines and certain associated assets from Haartz Mason, Inc. and these products were folded into the Chase & Sons division. On June 5, 1995, the Company formed a joint venture with The Stewart Group, Ltd. which was called The Stewart Group, Inc. This venture produced a variety of dielectric strength members from composite materials and sold into the fiber optic cable market. The original investment was increased on February 1, 1996 and at that time the Company owned 42% of the venture. It was announced on May 16, 1997 that the majority of the assets related to the original business were sold to Owens Corning. The venture will continue to provide consulting services to Owens Corning while pursuing other market opportunities. On June 29, 1995, certain assets of Fluid Polymers, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada were acquired and then relocated to the Royston facility. On August 7, 1996 the Company announced that it had purchased a 20% interest in DC Scientific and then purchased a controlling interest on January 16, 1997. On January 27, 1999 the Company acquired the remaining interest of DC Scientific Inc. and changed the name to Sunburst Electronic Manufacturing Solutions Inc., (Sunburst EMS). The Company expanded its electronic manufacturing holding on May 26, 1999 with the acquisition of RWA, Inc, Melrose, MA. and acquired the assets of NETCO Automation, Inc. effective February 1, 2000. Northeast Quality Products, Co. Inc., Newburyport, MA, a specialty printer producing custom pressure sensitive labels, was acquired July 29, 1999. There have not been any other material changes or developments since September 1, 2000. As of October 31, 2000 the Company employed approximately 347 people. Products and Markets. The Company's principal products are protective coatings and tape products that are sold by Company salespeople and manufacturers' representatives. These products consist of: (i) insulating and conducting materials for the manufacture of electrical and telephone wire and cable, electrical splicing, and terminating and repair tapes which are marketed to wire and cable manufacturers and public utilities; (ii) protective pipe coating tapes and other protectants for valves, regulators, casings, joints, metals, concrete, and wood that are sold to oil companies, gas utilities, and pipeline companies; (iii) protectants for highway bridge deck metal supported surfaces sold to municipal transportation authorities; (iv)thermo-electric insulation for transformers, motors, and other electrical equipment that are sold to original equipment manufacturers; (v)moisture protective coatings that - 2 - are sold to the electronics industry. The Company's electronic manufacturing group, Sunburst EMS, RWA, Inc. and NETCO Automation, provide circuit board assembly services to electronic goods manufacturers. There are no material seasonal aspects to the Company's business and the Company has introduced no new products or segments requiring an investment of a material amount of the Company's assets. Backlog, Customers and Competition. 	As of October 31, 2000, the backlog of orders believed to be firm was about $12,951,000, of which $9,974,000 was related to our electronic contract-manufacturing group. This compared with a total of $7,888,000 as of October 29, 1999 with $5,949,000 associated with electronic manufacturing. The backlog is not seasonal. Prior to fiscal 1999, no domestic customer accounted for more than ten percent of sales. During fiscal years 2000 and 1999 one customer accounted for approximately 12% and 15%, respectively, of total sales. No material portion of the Company's business is subject to renegotiation or termination of profits or contracts at the election of the government. There are other companies that manufacture or sell products and services similar to those made and sold by the Company. Many of those companies are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company. Competition is principally based on technical performance, service reliability, quality and price. Raw Materials. The Company obtains raw materials from a wide variety of suppliers with alternative sources of all essential materials available within reasonable lead times. Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions. Other than Humiseal, a trademark for moisture protective coatings sold to the electronics industry, Chase BLH2OCK, a trademark for water blocking compound sold to the wire and cable industry, and Rosphalt50, a trademark for an asphalt additive used predominantly on bridge decks for waterproofing protection, there are no material trademarks, licenses, franchises, or concessions. The Company holds various patents, but believes that at this time they are not material to the success of the business. Working Capital and Research and Development. There are no special practices followed by the Company relating to working capital. Approximately $620,000, $618,000,and $574,000 was spent for Company-sponsored research and development during the fiscal years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales. Export sales from continuing domestic operations to unaffiliated third parties were $4,936,000, $4,460,000,and $5,207,000 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company does not anticipate any material change to export sales during fiscal 2001. The Company's products are sold worldwide with no foreign geographic area accounting for more than 10% of revenues. The Company's Canadian operations accounted for 5.4% of consolidated sales and 2.0% of its - 3 - assets. The Company has very limited currency exposure since all invoices, except those from the Canadian operation to Canadian customers, are denominated in US dollars. The Company maintains minimal cash balances in Canada and, other than the currency conversion effects on the fixed assets in Canada, which are deferred and recorded directly in equity per FAS52, and reported in the Statement of Changes in Equity per FAS 130, there are no significant assets held in foreign currencies. The Company does not engage in hedging activities. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses have not been material. Item 1A. Executive Officers of the Registrant. The following table sets forth information concerning the Company's Executive officers. Each officer is selected by the Company's Board of Directors and holds office until his successor is elected and qualified. Name Age Offices Held and Business Experience during Past Five Years. Peter R. Chase 52 Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 1993 and President of the Company since April 1992; Chief Operating Officer of the Company since September 1988. Everett Chadwick,Jr. 59 Treasurer of the Company since September 1993 and Chief Financial Officer since September, 1992; Director of Finance of the Company from April 1991 to August 1993 and Controller of the Company from September 1988 to August 1993. ITEM 2. Properties 	During 1998 the Company purchased a building containing about 5,200 square feet located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts to which it relocated its principle executive office. The Company also rents a modern one-story building of approximately 5,000 square feet in Woodside, New York, which is used by the conformal coatings division. Chase & Sons, a division engaged in the manufacture and sale of electrical protective coatings and tape products, uses offices and plants owned by the Company that are located on seven acres in Randolph, Massachusetts and consist of a three-story building containing about 10,500 square feet and ten one-story buildings, aggregating about 67,000 square feet. Also, this division had previously leased about 25,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Webster, Massachusetts. During March, 2000, the Company executed its option to purchase the facility. This plant manufactures tape and related products for the electronic and telecommunication industries. The Canadian division of the Company is engaged in the process of laminating and slitting film, foils and papers primarily for the wire and cable industry. This division leases about 14,000 square feet of - 4 - manufacturing space in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Royston and Fluid Polymers divisions use offices and a plant, owned by the Company, that are located on three acres in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The facilities consist of thirteen buildings, three of which are used for offices, one of which is rented as a residence and the rest of which are used as manufacturing and warehouse facilities. These facilities, excluding the residence, contain about 44,000 square feet and are used in the manufacture and sale of protective coatings and tape products. 	A subsidiary of the Company, Northeast Quality Products Co., Inc., is a specialty printer producing custom pressure-sensitive labels and leases about 15,000 square foot of space in Newburyport, Ma. Sunburst EMS, RWA, Inc. and NETCO Automation provide electronic manufacturing services. Sunburst EMS leases 35,700 square feet in West Bridgewater, MA. and RWA rents about 21,000 square feet in Melrose, MA. NETCO Automation leases about 7000 square feet in a building located in Haverhill, MA. The above facilities range in age from new to about 100 years, are generally in good condition and, in the opinion of management, adequate and suitable for present operations. The company also owns equipment and machinery that is in good repair and, in the opinion of management, adequate and suitable for present operations. The Company could significantly add to its capacity by increasing shift operations. Availability of machine hours through additional shifts would provide expansion of current product volume without significant additional capital investment. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 	The Company has no material legal matters to report. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders during the fourth quarter of the Company's last fiscal year. PART II Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. The Company's common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange (Symbol CCF). The approximate number of shareholder's of common stock on October 31, 2000 was 1735. The quarterly high and low sales prices for the Company's common stock over the last two years were as follows: - 5 - Year ended August 31, 2000 Year ended August 31, 1999 Sales Price Sales Price Quarter Ended High Low High Low November 30 12 1/2 9 1/8 16 5/8 8 7/8 February 29 & 28 12 1/8 9 13/16 13 1/4 11 May 31 11 3/4 9 5/8 12 1/2 9 1/8 August 31 11 3/8 9 12 3/4 10 3/4 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 2000 1999 1998 1997 	 1996 Net Sales and other $68,551,490 $49,569,430 $46,639,338 $40,991,125 $34,366,029 operating revenues Inc from operations 5,443,923 4,870,677 4,101,643 2,811,460 2,194,985 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture	 326,000 238,000 195,000 195,375 82,965 Minority Participation in Subsidiary 	 - 99,633 107,585 303,680 - Gain in sale of assets from unconsolidated joint venture - - 1,718,425 - - Net Income 5,769,923 5,208,310 6,122,653** 3,312,515 2,277,950 Total Assets 45,352,786 38,984,136 25,261,786 22,635,761 19,786,824 Long-term portion of debt and capital leases 6,273,478 6,508,471 682,576 3,020,708 4,481,071 Per Common Share: Diluted 1.44	 1.30 1.56** .84 .61 Basic 1.46	 1.34 1.58** .84 .61 Cash dividends* 	 .36	 	 .32 .28 .21 .15 *Single annual payments declared and paid subsequent to fiscal year end. ** Includes a non-recurring gain of $1,718,425 ($0.44 per share) related to the sale of certain assets by The Stewart Group, Inc. joint venture. - 6 - Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. SELECTED RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Years Ended August 31, 2000 1999 1998 (Dollars in thousands) Net revenue..............................$68,551 $49,569 $46,639 Net Income from Operations...............$ 5,770 $ 5,208 $ 4,404 Increase in net revenue from previous year...................... Amount............................ $18,982 $ 2,930 $ 5,648 Percentage........................ 38% 6% 14% Increase in net income from Operations from previous year........... $ 562 $ 804 $ 1,091 Percentage of net revenue: Net revenue....................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Expenses: Cost of Sales................ 69.5	 65.9 64.3 Selling, general and 		administrative expenses.... 17.2	18.1 20.8 Other expenses............... 1.4 0.5 0.5 Income from operations before income taxes.......... 11.9 15.5 14.3 Provision for income taxes........ 0.4 5.7 5.5 Income from operations............ 7.9% 9.8% 8.8% Minority participation in subsidiary - .2 .2 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture................ .5 .5 .4 Gain on sales of assets by Unconsolidated joint venture.... - - 3.7 Net Income....................... 8.4%	 10.5% 13.1% - 7 - Overview 	During fiscal 1999, the Company acquired the remaining interest in its subsidiary, Sunburst Electronics Manufacturing Services and also completed its acquisition of RWA, Inc. Effective February 1, 2000 the Company acquired the assets of NETCO Automation, Inc. These companies participate within the electronic manufacturing services industry. To align the requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards with the Company's operational and organizational structure, the Company now has two reportable segments, the Specialized Manufacturing segment and the Electronic Manufacturing Services segment. Results of Operations. Total revenues for fiscal 2000 increased $19 million to $68.6 million, an increase of 38% over the prior year. A significant portion of this increase relates to the Company's electronic contract manufacturing investments. Seventy-five percent of the current year sales increase was attributed to the EMS group. The consolidated compounded rate of revenue growth over the past three years has been 19%. Sales and Operating Profit by Segment Operating Fiscal 2000 Sales Profit % ($-000's) Specialized Manufacturing $ 47,110 $ 10,019 21.3 Electronic Manufacturing Services $ 20,870 $ 1,809 8.7 $ 67,980 $ 11,828 17.4 Fiscal 1999 ($-000's) Specialized Manufacturing $ 43,033 $ 9,182 21.5 Electronic Manufacturing Services $ 6,536 $ 164 2.5 $ 49,248 $ 9,346 19.0 	Prior to the year ended August 31, 1999, the electronic manufacturing services segment accounted for less than 10% of operations and assets. 	Fiscal 1999 revenue increased about 6% to $49.6 million when compared to 1998. A significant portion of that increase related to the Company's improvement within the electronic cable tape market and the benefits received from growth as a result of the investments and acquisitions made in electronic manufacturing services during fiscal 1999. 	The dollar value of cost of products was higher in fiscal 2000 compared to both 1999 and 1998. These increases were mostly volume related. As a percent of sales, cost of products increased to 70.1% in 2000 when compared to 66.3% and 64.9% during 1999 and 1998 respectively. The increase this year as a percent of sales relates to the increased volume and change of business philosophy within our electronic manufacturing service segment. The raw material cost as a percent of sales is typically higher in this market segment than in the Company's more traditional Specialized Manufacturing segment. Also, during the current year, electronic manufacturing service customers require that the Company provide a full service operation. This requires complete ownership and control of inventory, which while improving overall gross margin dollars, it also increased the Company's cost of products as a percent of sales. - 8 - 	When comparing 1999 to 1998, the change as a percent of sales was due to some higher raw material costs, product mix and some selling price erosion created by competitive pressure. 	During fiscal 2001 the Company expects its margins in both segments to be relatively stable as long as current market trends prevail. However, no assurances can be given in this regard. Competitive pressures prevent the Company from recovering any significant amount of related cost increases. 	Selling and administrative expenses increased $2.9 million to $11.8 million during fiscal 2000 compared to fiscal 1999. Expenses in 1999 were lower than 1998 by $800,000. As a percent of sales, expenses were lower by 0.7% and 2.9% respectively, when compared to the prior two years. Fiscal 1999 expenses were lower than fiscal 1998 due to a reduction in certain warranty and administrative related costs associated with a large bridge construction contract and the elimination of the need to further adjust the values of certain investments. The Company will continue to be focused on expense reduction while maintaining and improving the quality of its products and services to the marketplace. 	Interest expense increased to $910,000 in fiscal 2000 as compared to $341,000 and $258,000 respectively against the 1999 and 1998 fiscal years. The increase is related to the borrowing required to complete the investments and acquisitions, as well as the cost of borrowing associated with interest rate adjustments. During fiscal 1998 the Company received the benefit of a large cash dividend that was declared and paid by our joint venture partner, The Stewart Group, Inc. The Company continued to benefit from this cash dividend during fiscal 1998. The Company expects to benefit from solid earnings and favorable borrowing rates from its financial institutions. 	A majority of the earnings improvement this fiscal year as compared to last year was related to the financial benefits received from the investments in the Electronic Manufacturing Services segment primarily concluded over the last few months of fiscal 1999. Sales and profitability from the Company's traditional Specialized Manufacturing group remained solid although somewhat affected by certain economic factors, which created a higher cost structure that had not been passed on to customers. 	When comparing 1999 to 1998 the Company benefited during the last quarter from the acquisition of RWA, Inc. The Company was also able to eliminate the need to adjust the value of certain investments during 1999. 	The effective tax rates for fiscal 2000 when compared to the prior two years are lower. In all three years the Company received the benefit of solid export sales through the Chase Export Corporation subsidiary. Also, effective January 1999, the Company acquired 100% ownership of Sunburst EMS that enabled consolidating of historical losses for income tax purposes. 	Minority participation in subsidiaries during the prior two years represented the Company's 49.9% equity in the losses of Sunburst EMS, Inc. January 1999, the Company acquired 100% ownership of Sunburst EMS. 	The equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures over the past few years is from the Company's 42% ownership position in The Stewart Group Inc., Toronto, Canada. - 9 - 	The gain on sales of assets by unconsolidated joint venture during fiscal 1998 is a non-recurring gain and the result of the sales of certain assets by The Stewart Group, Inc. joint venture to Owens Corning. Liquidity and Sources of Capital 	Cash flow generated from operations was $4,520,000 in 2000 as compared to $3,264,000 and $5,551,000 during 1999 and 1998 respectively. Receivable and inventory increases during both 2000 and 1999 were the result of increased sales and acquisitions. During fiscal 1998 a cash dividend was received from our joint venture partner, The Stewart Group, Inc., which was related to the sale of assets to Owens Corning. 	The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.7 at the end of fiscal 2000 as compared to 1.5 and 1.9 for 1999 and 1998, respectively. 	The unused available long-term credit amounted to $2,740,000 as compared to $5,140,000 at the previous year-end. Current financial resources and anticipated funds from operations are expected to be adequate to meet requirements for funds in the year ahead. Forward-Looking Information 	From time to time, the Company may publish, verbally or in written form, forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, research and development activities and similar matters. In fact, this Form 10-K (or any other periodic reporting documents required by the 1934 Act) may contain forward-looking statements reflecting the current views of the Company concerning potential future events or developments. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act") provides a "safe harbor" for forward- looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the "safe harbor," the Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made by the Company are not guarantees of future performance and that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, but are not limited to, the following: uncertainties relating to economic conditions; uncertainties relating to government and regulatory policies; uncertainties relating to customer plans and commitments; the pricing and availability of equipment, materials and inventories; technological developments; performance issues with key suppliers and subcontractors; worldwide political stability and economic growth; regulatory uncertainties; delays in testing of new products; rapid technology changes and the highly competitive environment in which the Company operates. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Impact of Inflation. Inflation has not had a significant long-term impact on earnings. In the event of significant inflation, the Company's efforts to recover cost increases would be hampered as a result of the competitive nature of its products. - 10 - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Financial statements and supplementary financial information required to be filed hereunder may be located through the List of Financial Statements and Schedules attached to this report. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures. Not applicable. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. Information with respect to the names, ages, positions with the Company, terms of office, periods of service, business experience, and other directorships of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers is incorporated herein by reference to Item 1A of the report and to the Definitive Proxy Statement (under the caption "Election of Directors"). Item 11. Executive Compensation The information required in Item 10 is contained in the Definitive Proxy Statement (under the caption "Executive Compensation"). Such information is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Information regarding the ownership of the Company's common stock by certain beneficial owners and by management is incorporated herein by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement (under the captions "Principal Holders of Voting Securities" and "Election of Director's"). Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. 	Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions with the Company's Directors and Executive Officers is incorporated herein by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Remuneration of Directors and Executive Officers." PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8- 	K 	 See the List of Financial Statements and Schedules included in this report for a list of the financial statements and schedules included with this report and see the Exhibit Index included in this report for a list of the exhibits required to be filed with this report. - 11 - 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. CHASE CORPORATION Date By /s/ Peter R. Chase President and November 21, 2000 Peter R. Chase Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, thisreport has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Capacity Date By /s/ Peter R. Chase President, Chief November 21, 2000 Peter R. Chase Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) By /s/ Everett Chadwick, Jr. Treasurer and Chief November 21, 2000 Everett Chadwick, Jr. Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) By /s/ Edward L. Chase Director November 21, 2000 Edward L. Chase By /s/ Sarah Chase Director November 21, 2000 Sarah Chase By /s/ William H. Dykstra Director November 21, 2000 William H. Dykstra By /s/ George M. Hughes Director November 21, 2000 George M. Hughes By /s/ Ronald Levy Director November 21, 2000 Ronald Levy By /s/ Ernest E. Siegfriedt, Jr. Director November 21, 2000 Ernest E. Siegfriedt, Jr. - 12 - EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description 3.1 Articles of Organization (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,1988) 3.2 By-Laws (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1988) 3.3 Amendment to By-Laws (adding Article IV, Section 7) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1990) 10.1 Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated December 2, 1983 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1990) 10.2 Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated December 2, 1983 by and between the Company and Francis M. Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1990) 10.11 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 26, 1990 by and between the Company and Avon Custom Mixing Service, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 26, 1990) 10.17 Amendment dated April 30, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated December 2, 1983 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,1992) 10.18 Amendment dated April 30, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated November 10, 1987 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase and Claire Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1992) 10.20 Amendment dated August 31, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated December 2, 1983 by and between the Company and Francis M. Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,1992) 10.21 Amendment dated August 31, 1992 to Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated November 10, 1987 by and between the Company and Francis M. Chase and Barbara Chase (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,1992) 10.25 Endorsement Split-Dollar Agreement dated June 8, 1995 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase and Claire Chase. 10.26 Amendment to and Confirmation of Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated June 8, 1995 by and between the Company and Edward L. Chase and Claire Chase. 10.27 Stock Purchase Agreement effective May 25, 1999 by and between the Company and RWA, Inc., (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the - 13 - Company's current report on Form 8K dated 6/8/99 and amended on 8/12/99 to include financials). 22 Subsidiaries of the Company List of Financial Statements and Schedules Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants..................................................................16 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2000 and August 31, 1999......................................................17 Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended August 31, 2000....................19 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended August 31, 2000..........20 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three Fiscal years in the period ended August 31, 2000.....................22 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................23 - 14 - 	CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 	BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS 	CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT 	AUGUST 31, 2000 AND 1999 - 15 - 	INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Shareholders and Board of Directors Chase Corporation Bridgewater, Massachusetts 	We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Chase Corporation and subsidiaries as of August 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each year in the three year period ended August 31, 2000 and the Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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 Chase Corporation and subsidiaries at August 31, 2000 and 1999, and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for each year in the three year period ended August 31, 2000, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and the schedule referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, when read in conjunction with the related financial statements, the information therein set forth. Wellesley, Massachusetts - 16 - 		CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 		CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 		AUGUST 31, 2000 AND 1999 	 		ASSETS 2000 1999 ----------- ---------- CURRENT ASSETS 	 Cash and cash equivalents $ 65,289 $ 185,269 	 Trade receivables, less allowance for 	 Doubtful accounts of $292,443 and $257,049, at August 31, 	 2000 and 1999, respectively 11,880,228 8,870,786 	 Inventories: 	 Finished and in process 1,321,210 2,041,496 	 Raw materials 7,621,750 5,407,813 ---------- ---------- 	 8,942,960 7,449,309 	 Prepaid expenses 376,694 330,710 	 Receivable from related parties 147,000 107,582 	 Deferred income taxes 116,977 90,294 	 ---------- ---------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 21,529,148 17,033,950 		PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 	 Land and improvements 514,423 322,423 	 Buildings 4,625,764 3,587,304 	 Machinery and equipment 16,688,701 14,609,754 	 Construction in progress 559,188 835,445 ---------- ---------- 	 22,388,076 19,354,926 	 Less allowances for depreciation 13,272,188 12,047,487 ---------- ---------- 	 9,115,888 7,307,439 	OTHER ASSETS 	 Excess of cost over net assets of acquired 	 businesses, less amortization of $1,255,344 	 and $595,270 at August 31, 2000 and 1999, 	 respectively 8,731,486 9,304,559 	 Patents, agreements and trademarks, less 	 amortization of $792,213 and $694,530 at 	 August 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively 848,510 946,193 	 Cash surrender value of life insurance, net of 	 loans of $47,618 and $158,049 at August 31, 	 2000 and 1999, respectively 3,473,091 2,931,984 	 Deferred income taxes 172,483 81,266 	 Investments in minority interests 1,208,797 1,044,797 	 Other\ 643,849 333,948 ---------- ---------- 	 15,078,216 14,642,747 ---------- ---------- $45,723,252 $38,984,136 	 =========== =========== 		See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. - 17 - 		LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 2000 1999 CURRENT LIABILITIES 	 Accounts payable $ 5,790,018 $ 4,387,943 	 Notes payable to bank 2,050,726 1,576,477 	 Accrued payroll and other compensation 1,029,506 1,292,816 	 Accrued pension expense - current 231,507 251,273 	 Other accrued expenses 1,297,508 1,164,022 	 Federal Taxes payable (68,452) 53,008 	 Deferred compensation - 41,999 	 Current portion of long-term debt 2,605,284 2,540,457 ---------- ---------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 12,936,097 11,307,995 	LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion 6,569,352 6,508,471 	DEFERRED COMPENSATION 636,849 338,582 	ACCRUED PENSION EXPENSE 351,859 294,023 	COMMITMENTS (See Note G) -	 - 	CONTINGENCIES -	 - 	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 	 First Serial Preferred Stock, 	 par value $1.00 a share: 	 Authorized 100,000 shares; none issued - - 	 Common Stock, par value $.10 a share: 	 Authorized 10,000,000 shares; 	 issued and outstanding 5,073,613 and 	 4,994,928 shares at August 31, 2000 	 and 1999, respectively 507,361 499,493 	 Additional paid-in capital 3,625,023 3,466,834 	 Treasury Stock, 1,088,584 shares of 	 Common Stock at August 31, 2000 and 	 1999 (4,687,565) (4,687,565) 	 Cumulative effect of currency translation (180,073) (188,331) 	 Retained earnings 25,964,349 21,444,634 ---------- ---------- 	 25,229,095 20,535,065 	 __________ ___________ $45,723,252 $38,984,136 	 ========== =========== - 18 - 		CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 		CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 	FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 	 2000 1999 1998 	Revenue: Sales $67,980,176 $49,247,915 $46,228,818 Commissions and other income 546,673 272,320 331,354 Interest	 24,641 49,195 79,166 ---------- ---------- ---------- 68,551,490 49,569,430 46,639,338 Costs and expenses: Costs of products and services sold 47,656,084 32,695,014 30,003,343 Selling, general and administrative Expenses 11,809,638 8,931,753 9,731,083 Bad debt expense-net of recoveries 5,733 (88,940) (5,807) Interest expense 910,499 340,977 258,476 ---------- ---------- ---------- 60,381,954 41,878,804 39,987,095 ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 8,169,536 7,690,626 6,652,243 Income taxes 2,725,613 2,819,949 2,550,600 	 --------- --------- --------- INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 5,443,923 4,870,677 4,101,643 Minority participation in subsidiary - 99,633 107,585 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture 326,000 238,000 195,000 Gain on sales of assets by unconsolidated joint venture - - 1,718,425 --------- --------- ---------- NET INCOME $ 5,769,923 $5,208,310 $6,122,653* ========= ========= ========= Net income per share of Common Stock 	 Basic $1.45 $1.34 $1.58* =========== ========== ======== Fully diluted $1.43 $1.30 $1.56* =========== ========== ======== 	* Includes a non-recurring gain of $1,718,425 ($0.44 per share) related to the sale of certain unconsolidated assets by The Stewart Group, Inc. joint venture. 	 	See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. - 19 - CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 		 	 ADDITIONAL 	 COMMON STOCK 	 PAID-IN	 TREASURY STOCK 		 SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL SHARES AMOUNT Balance at August 31, 1997 4,873,797 $487,380 $3,191,328 1,040,473 $(4,017,850) Cash dividend paid, $0.21 per share	 - -	 - 	 - - adjustment	 - - - - - Exercise stock options 103,853 10,385 80,301 - - Compensatory stock issuance	 - 	 - 98,437 - - Purchase of Treasury Stock	 - 	 - 	 - 31,611 (517,626) Net income	 - 	 - 	 - - - _______________________________________________________ Balance at August 31, 1998	 4,977,650 497,765 3,370,066 1,072,084 $(4,535,476) Cash dividend paid $0.28 per share	 - - - -	 - Currency translation Adjustment - - - - - Exercise of stock options 	 17,278 1,728 (1,728) - - Compensatory stock issuance - - 98,496 -	 - Purchase of Treasury Stock - - - 16,500 (152,089) Net income - - 	 - - - _________________________________________________________ Balance at August 31, 1999 4,994,928 499,493 3,466,834 1,088,584$(4,687,565) Cash dividend paid, $0.32 per share -	 - - - - adjustment - - - - - Exercise of stock Options 78,685 7,868 46,788 - - Compensatory stock Issuance - - 98,496 - - Gain on stock sales - - 12,905 - - Net income - - - - - 	 ________________________________________________________ Balance at August 31, 2000 5,073,613 $507,361 $3,625,023 1,088,584$(4,687,565) ========= ======== ========= ========= ========== See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. - 20 - CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 CUMULATIVE 		 EFFECT OF 	 RETAINED	 CURRENCY	 SHAREHOLDERS' 	 EARNINGS TRANSLATION	 EQUITY Balance at August 31, 1997 $12,014,566 $(122,121) $11,553,303 Cash dividend paid, $0.21 per share (807,180) - (807,180) Currency translation Adjustment - (116,607) (116,607) Exercise of stock options - - 90,686 Compensatory stock Issuance - - 98,437 Purchase of Treasury Stock - - (517,626) Net income 6,122,653 - 6,122,653 ____________________________________________ Balance at August 31, 1998 17,330,039 (238,728) 16,423,666 Cash dividend paid, $0.28 per share	 (1,093,715) - (1,093,715) Currency translation Adjustment - 50,397 50,397 Exercise of stock Options - - - Compensatory stock Issuance - - 98,496 Purchase of Treasury Stock - - (152,089) Net income 5,208,310	 - 5,208,310 ____________________________________________ Balance at August 31, 1999 21,444,634 (188,331) 20,535,065 Cash dividend paid, $0.32 per share (1,250,208) - (1,250,208) Currency translation Adjustment - 8,258 8,258 Exercise of stock Options - - 54,656 Compensatory stock Issuance - - 98,496 Gain on stock sales - - 12,905 Net income 5,769,923 - 5,769,923 ____________________________________________ Balance at August 31, 2000 $25,964,349 $(180,073) $25,229,095 ========== ========= ========== See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. - 21 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 				CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 	 FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2000 1999 1998 Net income $5,769,923 $5,208,310 $6,122,653 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 1,224,701 1,019,715 844,237 Amortization 757,758 371,761 181,442 (Gain) on sale of assets - - (1,718,425) Stock issued for compensation 98,496 98,496 98,437 Change in provision for losses 	 on trade receivables 35,394 (64,086) 48,635 Deferred federal tax (117,900) 9,000 27,815 Revaluation of investments in 	minority interests - (300,000) 470,000 Change in assets and liabilities: Trade receivables (3,044,836) (1,547,854) (247,439) Inventories (1,493,650) (2,712,855) (457,122) Prepaid expenses and other (40,451) 49,352 211,777) Accounts payable 1,402,075 1,539,744 461,809 Accrued expenses 91,754 (716,651) 358,307 Federal taxes payable (121,460) 169,817 (343,725) Deferred compensation (41,999) 139,451 (83,388) TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS (1,250,118) (1,944,110) (571,194) 	 NET CASH FROM OPERATIONS 4,519,805 3,264,200 5,551,459 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds of note receivable (39,418) - 46,111 Capital expenditures including patents 	 and agreements (2,659,962) (3,166,868) (1,158,535) Investment in trusteed assets (309,901) (185,451) (141,497) (Increase)in net cash surrender value (541,106) (508,133) (461,002) Investments in minority interests - (258,002) - Dividend received from joint venture - - 1,757,693 Investment in subsidiaries (141,777) (8,530,570) - __________________________________ (3,692,164)(12,649,024) 42,770 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Increase in long-term debt 12,419,390 8,941,219 200,000 Payments of principal on debt (12,658,613) (862,184) 2,829,452) Net borrowing under line-of-credit 474,249 440,477 473,937 Cash dividends paid	 (1,250,208) (1,093,714) (807,180) Purchase of Common Shares for Treasury - (152,089) (517,626) Cash received on options exercise	 67,561 - 23,595 ___________________________________ (947,621) 7,273,709 (3,456,726) NET CHANGE IN CASH (119,980) (2,111,115) 2,137,503 CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 185,269 2,296,384 158,881 		 ___________________________________ CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 65,289 $ 185,269 $ 2,296,384 ========= ========= ========== See Note M for supplemental cash flow data. 	See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 	 - 22 - 	 CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 			FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies of Chase Corporation ("the Company") and its subsidiaries are as follows: Basis of Presentation 	The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated companies which are at least 20% owned are carried at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings since acquisition. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company uses the U.S. dollar as the functional currency for financial reporting. Products and Markets 	The Company's principal products are protective coatings and tape products that are sold in national and international markets. These products consist of: (i) insulating and conducting materials for the manufacture of electrical and telephone wire and cable, and electrical splicing, terminating and repair tapes which are marketed to wire and cable manufacturers and public utilities; (ii) protective pipe coating tapes and other protectants for valves, regulators, casings, joints, metals, concrete, and wood that are sold to oil companies, gas utilities and pipeline companies; (iii) protectants for highway bridge deck metal supported surfaces which are sold to municipal transportation authorities; (iv) thermo-electric insulation for transformers, motors, and other electrical equipment that are sold to original equipment manufacturers, and (v) moisture protective coatings that are sold to the electronics industry. The Company's electronics manufacturing services group provides assembly and contract manufacturing services to the electronics industry. 	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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 	Cash For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 			 - 23 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 		FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) 	Inventories 	Inventories are stated at first-in, first-out cost, which is not in excess of market. 	Investment in Minority Interests 	The Company makes investments in closely held companies. These investments are recorded on the equity method reflecting the Company's original investment and a proportional interest in the net operations of these companies since no public quotations exist for these investments. The carrying values of these investments are periodically reviewed based upon estimated market values. 	Property, Plant and Equipment 	These assets are reflected at cost. Provisions for depreciation of property, plant and equipment were computed by both straight-line and accelerated methods. 	Expenditures for maintenance repairs and minor renewals have been charged to expense as incurred. Betterments and major renewals have been capitalized. Upon retirement or other disposition of assets, related allowances for depreciation and amortization have been eliminated from the accounts and any resulting profit or loss reflected in consolidated net income. The annual provisions for depreciation have been computed principally in accordance with the following range of rates: 	 Buildings - 4% to 7% 	 Machinery and equipment - 10% to 20% 	Excess of Cost Over Net Assets of Acquired Businesses 	 The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired businesses is being amortized over periods from fifteen to forty years or until the disposal of the acquired business. The carrying value of goodwill is periodically reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. 	Patents and Agreements 	The Company capitalizes costs related to patent applications and technology agreements. The costs of these assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or its statutory life. Capitalized costs are periodically reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. - 24 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 		NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 		FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) 	Pension Plan 	The projected unit credit method is utilized for measuring net periodic pension cost over the employee's service life. 	Stock-Based Compensation 	The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans, rather than the alternative fair value accounting provided for under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Grants of restricted stock are recorded as compensation expense over the vesting period at the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. No compensation expense is recorded for options granted in which the exercise price equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. 	Deferred Compensation 	The net present value of the estimated payments to be made under agreements for deferred compensation is accrued over the period of active employment from the time of the agreement to the anticipated date of retirement. 	Translation of Foreign Currency 	The financial position and results of operations of the Company's Canadian branch are measured using the Canadian dollar as the functional currency. Revenues and expenses of the branch have been translated at average exchange rates. Assets and liabilities have been translated at the year-end exchange rate. Translation gains and losses are being deferred as a separate component of shareholders' equity, unless there is a sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign investments. The Company has no present plans for the sale or Liquidation of its foreign investment. Aggregate foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in determining net income. The amounts of gains and losses were immaterial in 2000, 1999 and 1998. 	Income Taxes The Company has adopted the method of accounting for income taxes of SFAS No. 109. This method compares the tax basis and financial reporting basis of the Company's assets and liabilities and recognizes the related tax benefits and liabilities under enacted tax law. Assets arising from future tax benefits are recognized when it is more likely than not that the Company will have sufficient future taxable income or has had sufficient taxable income in the available carryback period to allow realization of the tax asset. A valuation allowance is provided for potential limitations on the realization of future benefits. - 25 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 		NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 		FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) 	Income Per Share of Common Stock 	Income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding, after giving effect to the number of shares purchased for Treasury and the dilutive effect of stock options. The number of shares used in the computation of basic income per share was 3,985,029 at August 31, 2000, 3,898,735 at August 31, 1999 and 3,874,896 at August 31, 1998. Fully diluted income per share was computed based upon 4,038,745 shares at August 31, 2000, 3,994,472 shares at August 31, 1999 and 3,935,919 shares at August 31, 1998. NOTE B - NOTE RECEIVABLE - RELATED PARTIES 	The Company has a note receivable from Avon Custom Mixing Service, Inc., the purchaser of its Avon Custom Mixing Division, secured by the assets of the purchaser. NOTE C - CASH SURRENDER VALUE OF LIFE INSURANCE 	The Company recognizes cash surrender value in life insurance policies, net of loans secured by the policies, with Aurora National Life Assurance Company, the Manufacturers' Life Insurance Company, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Metropolitan Life Insurance and other carriers of $215,809; $1,617,372; $482,376; $651,055 and $554,097, respectively. Subject to periodic review, the Company intends to maintain these policies through the lives of the insureds. NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT 	Long-term debt consists of the following at August 31, 2000 and 1999: 2000 1999 Note payable to bank $3,100,000	$ 700,000 Term note payable to bank in 20 quarterly payments of $250,000 through May 2004 with interest at the Eurodollar rate plus 1.5% 2,500,000	3,700,000 Term note payable to bank in 20 quarterly payments of $34,500 commencing February 1999 with interest at the Eurodollar rate plus 1.5%. 483,000	 621,000 - 26 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 	FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) 	 2000 1999 Term note payable to an individual in connection with the acquisition of RWA, Inc. with quarterly payments of $250,000 including interest at 7.5% through August 2002 $1,700,000 2,700,000 Term notes payable to bank with principal payments of $12,267 per month with interest at the bank's base rate plus 1/2 percent secured by all assets of Sunburst EMS, Inc. 223,698 396,267 Equipment notes with monthly payments of $7,943 with interest averaging 9.11% secured by manufacturing equipment 182,767 283,036 Equipment notes with monthly payments of $1,624 with interest at 9.75% secured by printing equipment 12,534 22,833 Equipment note with monthly payments of $2,942 with interest at 7.43% secured by manufacturing equipment 108,526 134,708 Equipment note with monthly payments of $11,138 with interest at 7.05% secured by data processing equipment 387,803 491,084 Equipment note with 60 monthly payments of $7,368 with interest at 8.11% secured by manufacturing equipment 364,931 - Equipment note with monthly payments of $935 with interest at 5.82% secured by printing equipment 39,987 - Equipment notes with monthly payments of $5,319 with interest at 12.35% secured by manufacturing equipment 71,390 - _________________________ 9,174,636 9,048,928 Less portion payable within one year classified as a current liability. 2,605,284 2,540,457 		 _________________________ $6,569,352 $6,508,471 ========== ========== - 27 - CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 		FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE D - LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) 	The Company has long-term unsecured credit available up to a maximum amount of $6,000,000 at the bank's base lending rate or, at the option of the Company, at the effective London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for ninety days plus 1.5 percent. The unused available long-term credit amounted to $2,740,000 at August 31, 2000. NOTE E - NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK 	The Company has a short-term credit facility at one half percent over prime with a Canadian bank secured by a letter of credit. 	The Company's Sunburst EMS subsidiary has a revolving line of credit, secured by its assets. 	The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 8.90% and 7.22% at August 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. NOTE F - INCOME TAXES 	A reconciliation of federal income taxes computed at applicable rates of income from continuing operations before income taxes to the amounts provided in the consolidated financial statements is as follows: 	 		 Year Ended August 31, 		 2000 	 1999 1998 	Federal income taxes at applicable 	 rates $2,777,642 $2,614,649 $2,260,405 	Adjustments resulting from the tax 		 effect of: 	 Increase in cash surrender value 	 of life insurance (229,404) (172,765) (191,722) 	 Benefit plans not qualified for 	 deduction from federal tax - 146,905 231,374 	 Net loss of subsidiary not 	 consolidated for tax - (140,231) 43,034 	 State and local taxes net of 	 federal tax effect 347,825 413,531 408,144 	 Foreign dividend received net 	 of foreign tax credit - - (172,878) 	Other	 (170,450) (42,140) (27,757) 	 --------- --------- --------- INCOME TAXES $2,725,613 $2,819,949 $2,550,600 ========= ========= ========= - 28 - CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 			FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE F - INCOME TAXES (Continued) 				Year Ended August 31, 			 2000 1999 1998 	 	Current $2,662,368 $2,828,949 $2,655,595 	Deferred (benefit): 	 Pension expense 23,133 26,185 (19,425) 	 Depreciation (35,127) (32,668) (21,910) 	 Allowance for doubtful accounts 14,157 32,365 19,455 	 Market valuation of investments (16,400) (120,000) 188,000 	 Deferred compensation 118,907 77,287 (73,267) 	 Deferred state taxes 1,230 7,831 (120,668) 	 Reserve 12,000 - _ ________________________________ Total Deferred 117,900 (9,000) (27,815) 	(Benefit) of option exercises credited to shareholders' equity (54,655) - (77,180) _______________________________ $2,725,613 $2,819,949 $2,550,600 ========= ========= ========= 	The timing differences that give rise to the components of net tax assets are as follows at August 31, 2000 and 1999: 		Assets: 2000 1999 		 Reserve for bad debt $ 116,977 $ 102,820 		 Patents and agreements 35,200 35,200 		 Pension accrual 140,743 117,610 		 State tax accrual 28,900 27,670 		 Deferred compensation 254,740 135,833 		 Investments marked to market 161,600 178,000 738,160 597,133 		 Less valuation allowance - 12,000 738,160 585,133 Liabilities: Depreciation 448,700 413,573 Net Assets $ 289,460 $ 171,560 ========== ========== NOTE G - OPERATING LEASES 		The following is a schedule for the next five years of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of August 31, 2000: 				Year Ending August 31, Buildings 		2001 $ 293,324 				2002 152,610 				2003 82,500 				2004 75,625 				2005 - $ 604,059 ========== - 29 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE G - OPERATING LEASES (Continued) 	Total rental expense for all operating leases amounted to $572,623, $519,293, and $563,375 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. NOTE H - SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 	Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for 2000, 1999 and 1998, is as follows: 			 Quarter 2000 First Second Third Fourth Year Net sales $14,827,683 $14,917,478 $18,529,601 $19,705,414 $67,980,176 Gross profit $4,635,238 $4,267,396 $5,162,163 $6,259,295 $20,324,092 Net income	 $1,310,069 $991,182 $1,395,685 $2,072,987 $5,769,923 Net income per common share $.34 $.25 $.35 $.51	 $1.45 ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== 		 Quarter 1999 	 First Second Third Fourth Year Net sales $11,551,910 $10,414,555 $12,928,890 $14,352,560 $49,247,915 Gross profit $4,055,358 $3,329,280 $4,212,522 $4,955,741 $16,552,901 Net income $1,160,808 $833,635 $1,279,970 $1,933,897 $5,208,310 Net income per common share $.30 $.21 $.33 $.50 $1.34 ========== =========== =========== =========== ========== 		 Quarter 1998 	First 	 Second 	 Third 	 Fourth Year Net sales $11,557,583 $10,166,586 $11,830,508 $12,674,141 $46,228,818 Gross profit $4,212,072 $3,253,702 $4,006,118 $4,753,583 $16,225,475 Net income $2,676,264* $720,565 $1,080,714 $1,645,110 $6,122,653* Net income per common share $.68* $.18 $.28 $.44 $1.58* ========== =========== =========== =========== ========== 		* Includes gain on sales of assets by a non-consolidated subsidiary of $1,718,425 ($0.44 per share) - 30 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 		NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 	FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE I - EXPORT SALES AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS 	Export sales from continuing domestic operations to unaffiliated third parties were $4,935,701, $4,459,743 and $5,207,413 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company's products are sold world- wide with no foreign geographic area accounting for more than 10 percent of revenues from continuing operations. The Company's Canadian operations accounted for 5.4 percent of consolidated sales and 2.0 percent of assets. 	Prior to fiscal year 1999, no domestic customer accounted for more than ten percent of sales. During fiscal years 2000 and 1999 one customer accounted for approximately twelve and fifteen percent, respectively, of total sales. NOTE J - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE 	Research and development expense amounted to approximately $620,037, $617,789, and $573,978 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. NOTE K - BENEFITS 	401(K) Plan 	The Company has a deferred compensation plan adopted pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Any qualified employee who has attained age 21 and has been employed by the Company for at least six months may contribute a portion of their salary to the plan and the Company will match 50% of such contribution up to an amount equal to three percent of such employee's yearly salary. The Company's contribution expense was $168,604, $91,219 and $112,418 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. 	Non-Qualified Deferred Savings Plan 	The Company has a non-qualified deferred savings plan covering directors and selected employees. Participants may elect to defer a portion of their compensation for future payment. The plan is funded by trusteed assets that are restricted to the payment of deferred compensation or satisfaction of the Company's general creditors. The Company's liability under the plan was $636,849 at August 31, 2000. Pension Plan 	The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees excluding subsidiaries. Net periodic pension cost was $301,714, $327,266 and $268,149 for the years ended August 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company has a funded, qualified plan and an unfunded supplemental retirement plan designed to maintain benefits for all employees at the plan formula level. The plans provide for pension benefits determined by a participant's years of service and final average compensation. The qualified plan assets consist of separate pooled investment accounts with an insurance company. - 31 - 		CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued) Net pension expense components:	 Year Ended August 31, 2000 1999 1998 	Service cost of benefits earned 	 during the period $289,503 $283,651 $237,130 	Interest cost on projected benefit 	 Obligations 350,585 355,789 321,667 	Return on plan assets (500,035) (334,303) (94,718) 	Net amortization and deferral 149,290 22,129 (195,930) 	 ------- ------- ------- Net periodic pension cost $289,343 $327,266 $268,149 ======= ======= ======= 			The following table sets forth the actuarial present value of benefit obligations and funded status: August 31, 2000 1999 1998 	Accumulated benefit obligations, 	 including vested benefits of 	 $3,049,651, $2,738,122 and 	 $2,843,506 at August 31, 2000, 	 1999 and 1998, respectively $ 3,149,248 $ 2,706,803 $ 2,874,059 ========= ========== ========== 	Projected benefit obligations $(4,939,023) $(4,701,105) $(4,502,041) 	Plan assets at fair value, 	 including prefunded amounts 4,207,214 3,761,924 3,273,542 -------- --------- --------- 	Funded status (731,809) (939,181) (1,228,499) 	Unrecognized net (gain) loss (42,238) 186,130 496,164 	Unrecognized prior service cost 190,681 214,752 255,484 Unamortized net transition assets - (6,997) (13,996) -------- --------- --------- 	(Accrued) pension expense $ (583,366) $ (545,296) $ (490,847) =========== =========== =========== 			 - 32 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 			FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued) 	The net transition assets amount is being amortized at a level rate over 15 years. The actuarial calculations were based on assumptions of a weighted average discount rate of 8.0% and a future rate of increase in compensation levels of 5%. The expected rate of return on plan assets is 10%. Prior service cost arose from the amendment of the plan's benefit schedules to comply with the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA) and adoption of the unfunded supplemental pension plan. 	Deferred Compensation 	Life insurance is provided under a split dollar life insurance agreement whereby the Company will recover the premiums paid from the proceeds of the policies. The Company recognizes an offset to expense for the growth in the cash surrender value of the policies. 	The Company also has an agreement with its former Chairman of the Board, who retired August 31, 1991, that the Company will make ten annual payments of $58,000 to him or his beneficiaries. 	Stock Option Plans 	1995 Stock Option Plan - Effective July 18, 1995, the Company adopted, and the stockholders subsequently approved, a stock award plan and an incentive plan which permit the issuance of options and restricted stock to selected employees and independent directors of the Company. The plans reserve 600,000 shares of Common Stock for grant. 	Under the terms of the 1995 stock option plan, options granted may be either nonqualified or incentive stock options and the exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of a share at the date of grant. The board of directors approved issuance of 450,000 options (at $3.375, based upon the market value at July 18, 1995). The options vest ratably over ten years. In addition, the board of directors granted 250,000 shares of restricted Common Stock to the Company's CEO, Mr. Peter Chase. Compensation expense of approximately $98,000 per year is being recognized over nine years. Other than the restrictions which limit the sale and transfer of these shares, Mr. Chase is entitled to all rights of a shareholder. The grants vest at the end of nine years. If Mr. Chase is not providing services to the Company prior to vesting, the shares revert to the Company. - 33 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 			FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued) 	Stock Option Plans (Continued) 	Options at August 31, 2000: 				 Weighted				 Weighted 			 Average					 Average 			 Exercise	 Exercise	Remaining			 Exercise 	Outstanding	 Prices 	 Price 	Life 	Exercisable	 Price 	 	 	 276,856 $3.375-4.625 $ 3.40 5 years 75,355 $ 3.63 	 10,500 $ 5.09-5.625 $ 5.29 6 years 7,500 $ 5.21 	 15,000 $ 8.75-9.09 $ 8.98 7 years 13,000 $ 9.02 	 5,000 $ 11.83 $11.83 8 years 2,000 $ 11.83 	Stock option plan activity was as follows: 			 Weighted Weighted 			 Average Officers Average 			 Exercise and	 Exercise 		 Directors Price Employees Price Outstanding August 31, 1997 117,000 $3.79 454,000 $ 3.55 Exercisable 71,500 - 96,920 - Grants at market price - - 5,000	 $ 8.75 Exercises	 (16,500) $1.43 (86,526) $ 3.68 Exercises (30,000) $4.63 (2,000) $ 5.63 ------ ------- Outstanding August 31, 1998 70,500 $4.00 370,474	 $ 3.59 Exercisable 40,500 $2.92 57,573 $ 3.43 Grants at market price - - 	5,000	 $11.83 Exercises (19,000) $4.63 (3,000) $ 5.63 ------ ------- Outstanding August 31, 1999 51,500 $3.76 372,474	 $ 3.68 Exercisable 36,500 $3.59	 107,774	 $ 3.73 Grants at market price - - 	 - - Exercises (30,000) $3.14 (86,618) $ 3.79 ------ ------- Outstanding August 31, 2000 21,500 $6.84 285,856	 $ 3.65 Exercisable 21,500 $6.84	 76,355	 $ 3.84 		 - 34 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 			FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE K - BENEFITS (Continued) 	Proforma Disclosures - The Company accounts for stock options issued to directors, officers and employees under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (see Note A). The proforma net income and earnings per share, based upon a Black-Scholes pricing model, using a volatility of 26.57%, a risk- free interest rate of 7.5%, a dividend yield of 4% and an expected life of 5 years, had Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123 been applied, are as follows: August 31, 2000 1999 1998 	Net income $5,711,089 $5,121,614 $6,043,212 	Basic net income per share $1.43 $1.31 $1.56 NOTE L - SEGMENT DATA 	Chase Corporation operates in two business segments, a specialized manufacturing segment consisting of protective coatings and tapes and an electronic manufacturing services segment. Specialized manufacturing products include insulating and conducting materials for wire and cable manufacturers, protective coatings for pipeline applications and moisture protective coatings for electronics and printing services. Electronic manufacturing services include printed circuit board and electro-mechanical assembly services for the electronics industry. Prior to the year ended August 31, 1999, the electronic manufacturing services segment accounted for less than 10% of operations and assets. 				 August 31, 2000 	 August 31, 1999 Electronic Electronic Specialized Manufacturing Specialized Manufacturing Manufacturing Services Manufacturing Services Sales $47,109,676 $20,870,500 $42,711,390 $6,536,525 Operating profit $10,018,565 $ 1,809,332 $ 9,182,016 $ 164,278 Identifiable assets $29,428,664 $ 8,995,454 $24,441,128 $8,067,407 - 35 - 			CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 		 FOR EACH YEAR IN THE THREE YEAR PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2000 NOTE M - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DATA 	Cash paid during the year for: 			 2000 	 1999 	 1998 			Income taxes $2,846,770	$2,817,685	$2,163,812 			Interest $ 706,993	$ 340,591	$ 258,476 NOTE N - INVESTMENT IN MINORITY INTERESTS 	The Company has formed a joint venture, The Stewart Group, Inc., with The Stewart Group, Ltd. of Canada, to produce various products for the fiber optic cable market. Chase Corporation owns a 42% interest in the joint venture at August 31, 2000. NOTE O - ACQUISITIONS 	Effective January 27, 1999, Chase Corporation acquired the outstanding shares of D.C. Scientific, Inc., that it did not previously own. In connection with the acquisition, D.C. Scientific, Inc. changed its name to Sunburst Electronic Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. 	Effective April 30, 1999, the Company acquired RWA, Inc., an electronic manufacturing services company. The Company purchased the stock of RWA, Inc. for cash of $5,000,000 and a note for $2,700,000, discounted at 7.5%. An additional amount may be paid contingent upon the future performance based upon fifty percent of the amount by which average annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization multiplied by four exceeds eight million dollars and a performance consideration based upon net income for the thirty-six months ended May 31, 2002. 	Any amounts due under contingent agreements will be recorded as additions to goodwill. Goodwill is being amortized ratably over fifteen years, subject to period review of anticipated future cash flows from the acquired business. 	Effective August 1, 1999, the Company acquired Northeast Quality Products, Inc. ("NEQP"), a printer of high quality pressure sensitive materials. 	Effective February 1, 2000, the Company acquired the assets and operations of NETCO Automation, Inc., an electronic manufacturing services company specializing in prototyping and rework. - 36 - SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES 	CHASE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES COL. A COL. B 	 COL. C 	 COL. D 	 COL. E 		 BALANCE AT (1)	 (2)(3) BALANCE AT 		 BEGINNING CHARGED TO COSTS CHARGED TO END OF DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD AND EXPENSES	 OTHER ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS PERIOD Year ended August 31, 2000: Allowance for doubtful accounts $257,049 $ 5,733 $ 29,661 $ - $292,443 Year ended August 31, 1999: Allowance for doubtful accounts $201,135 $(88,940) $146,458 $ 1,604 $257,049 Year ended August 31, 1998: Allowance for doubtful accounts $152,500 $ (5,807) $ 57,860 $ 3,418 $201,135 (1) Deductions are charged to accounts receivable when specific accounts are judged to be uncollectible. Reserves are adjusted based on reviews of the risk associated with specific accounts and with the overall collectibility expectations of the total receivables. (2)	$29,661 reserve acquired with the purchase of assets of NETCO Automation, Inc. (3)	$146,458 reserve acquired with purchase of RWA, Inc., $57,860 adjustment to insurance adjustment receivable recorded as prepaid insurance and $25,000 reserve acquired with majority interest in DC Scientific, Inc.. - 37 -