EXHIBIT 13.1 The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data for the business conducted by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. (Rawlings or the Company) for the years ended August 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the eight months ended August 31, 1994 and each of the two years ended December 31, 1993. Eight Months Ended Years Ended (Amounts in Years Ended August 31, August 31, December 31, thousands except per 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 share date) INCOME STATEMENT DATE:/1/ Net revenues $147,600 $149,735 $144,141 $81,174 $139,615 $135,810 Operating income 11,880 11,666 11,598 2,935 7,138 12,400 Net income 5,470 5,272 4,584 1,335 3,922 7,112 Net income per share 0.71 0.69 0.60 N/A N/A N/A BALANCE SHEET DATA: Total assets $101,264 $102,252 $97,783 $93,752 $67,616 $71,097 Long-term debt, including current maturities 32,673 38,700 43,900 39,480 1,262 1,762 (1) Net income per share has not been presented for each period because, prior to July 8, 1994, the Company's predecessor was a division of Figgie International, Inc. (the former parent) and had no separately issued equity securities. NET REVENUES BY PRINCIPAL PRODUCT LINE (UNAUDITED) Eight Months Ended Years Ended (Amounts in Years Ended August 31, August 31, December 31, millions) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Equipment: $80.8 $88.3 $86.9 $44.3 $83.7 $83.5 Baseball 28.7 24.2 23.2 13.9 21.7 19.7 Basketball, football and volleyball 16.4 14.3 10.2 5.1 9.9 9.3 Apparel 7.5 7.7 9.5 7.6 9.5 9.2 International 6.5 6.9 6.2 5.6 4.5 4.3 Licensing 7.7 8.3 8.0 4.7 10.3 9.8 Net revenues 147.6 $149.7 $144.1 $81.2 $139.6 $135.8 FINANCIAL CONTENTS Financial Highlights Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Management's Discussion and Notes to Consolidated Analysis of Results of Operations Financial Statements and Financial Condition Consolidated Statements of Income Report of Independent Public Accountants Consolidated Balance Sheets Stockholders Information Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Cautionary Statements Cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from past results, or those contemplated by statements herein regarding matters other than historical fact (i.e., forward- looking statements), are described in, and incorporated by reference from, the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K. YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 Results of Operations Net revenues for the year ended August 31, 1997 (1997) were $147,600,000, or 1.4 percent below net revenues of $149,735,000 for the year ended August 31, 1996 (1996). Lower net revenues from baseball-related products, partially offset by higher net revenues from basketball, football and volleyball equipment and apparel were primarily responsible for the decrease. Net revenues of baseball-related products decreased 8.5 percent resulting from a) lower sales of baseball gloves as a result of significant reductions at two major warehouse club chains who decided to stop selling baseball-related products and to a reduction in net revenues at a third major account, which entered the selling season with excess inventory and b) lower sales of baseballs primarily as a result of reduced net revenues from memorabilia baseballs. In early fiscal 1998, one of the warehouse clubs decided to re-enter the baseball category and has placed an order for shipment in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. Net revenues for basketball, football and volleyball equipment increased 18.6 percent as a result of higher net revenues related to major corporate promotions and increased back-to-school programs. Apparel net revenues increased 14.7 percent as a result of increases in both the custom and stock uniform business. The Company expects continued double digit growth in the apparel category. In September, 1997, the Company purchased the assets of the Victoriaville hockey business which has approximately $14.0 million in annual revenues. The purchase of the Victoriaville hockey business and continued improvement in the overall health of the sport of baseball indicates that double digit growth in net revenues is possible in 1998. Gross margin in 1997 was 30.8 percent, down 0.2 of a point from the 1996 gross margin of 31.0 percent. Increased net revenues of lower margin products including basketball, football and volleyball equipment and apparel were primarily responsible for the decrease. The Company achieved continued improvement in the gross margin on apparel products in 1997 and expects further improvement in 1998. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for 1997 of $33,609,000 were $1,141,000, or 3.3 percent below SG&A expense of $34,750,000 in 1996. As a percent of net revenues, the SG&A expenses in 1997 were 22.8 percent compared to 23.2 percent in 1996. Lower royalties, commissions and advertising and promotion costs were primarily responsible for the decrease. Interest expense of $3,115,000 in 1997 decreased 14.8 percent from $3,656,000 in 1996 as a result of lower average borrowings and average interest rates. The effective tax rate of 37.0 percent in 1997 was 4.9 points higher than the effective tax rate of 32.1 percent in 1996. The increase in the effective tax rate is the result of 1996 including an adjustment for the lower foreign effective tax rates on a portion of the Company's income generated and indefinitely reinvested in Costa Rica. The Company expects the 1998 effective tax rate, based on its current mix of domestic and foreign earnings, to be between 37.0 percent and 38.0 percent. YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996 COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1995 Results of Operations Net revenues for 1996 were $149,735,000, or 3.9 percent higher than net revenues of $144,141,000 for the year ended August 31, 1995 (1995). Higher apparel, baseball, basketball and football and licensing net revenues partially offset by lower international net revenues were primarily responsible for the increase. The 1.6 percent increase in baseball net revenues was the result of an increase in sales of baseballs and protective equipment offset by a decline in sales of baseball gloves. The increase in sales of baseballs was primarily the result of increased memorabilia sales including the Cal Ripken, Jr. and Mickey Mantle commemorative baseballs. The decline in net revenues from baseball gloves was primarily the result of poor retail sell-through in 1995 that resulted in lower orders and shipments of baseball gloves in 1996. Basketball and football net revenues increased 3.9 percent primarily as a result of expanded distribution and increased market share for basketballs. Licensing net revenues increased 11.3 percent as a result of increased sales by virtually every domestic and international licensee. International net revenues declined as a result of a 32.3 percent decline in net revenues in Canada, partially offset by a 26.5 percent increase in international net revenues in countries other than Canada. The decrease in Canada was primarily the result of lower baseball net revenues resulting from reduced popularity of baseball in Canada. In addition, overall retail sales in Canada were slow as a result of less favorable economic conditions than the United States. The other international growth was primarily concentrated in Latin America. Gross margin in 1996 was 31.0 percent, down 0.2 points from the 1995 gross margin of 31.2 percent. Increased net revenues of lower margin products including apparel and basketball and football, along with lower sales of baseball gloves, one of the Company's higher margin products, were primarily responsible for the decrease. The Company achieved improvement in the gross margins on apparel products in 1996. SG&A expenses for 1996 were $34,750,000 or $1,306,000, or 3.9 percent, higher than 1995 SG&A expenses of $33,444,000. As a percent of net revenues, the SG&A expenses in 1996 and 1995 were 23.2 percent. Higher royalties and advertising and promotional costs, partially offset by lower total salaries and wages and professional fees, were primarily responsible for the increase in SG&A expenses. Interest expense of $3,656,000 decreased 3.1 percent as a result of lower average interest rates and lower average borrowings. The effective tax rate of 32.1 percent in 1996 was 7.1 points lower than he effective tax rate of 39.2 percent in 1995. The decrease in the effective tax rate is the result of lower foreign effective tax rates on a portion of the Company's income, generated and indefinitely reinvested in Costa Rica, which reduced the income tax provision by $554,000. Seasonality Net revenues of baseball equipment and team uniforms are highly seasonal. Customers generally place orders with the Company for baseball-related products beginning in August for shipment beginning in November (pre-season orders). These pre- season orders from customers historically represented approximately 65 percent to 75 percent of the customers' anticipated needs for the entire baseball season. The amount of these pre-season orders generally determine the Company's net revenues and profitability between November 1 and March 31. The Company then receives additional orders (fill-in orders) which depend upon customers' actual sales of products during the baseball season (sell-through). Fill-in orders are typically received by the Company between February and May. These orders generally represent approximately 25 to 35 percent of the Company's sales of baseball-related products during a particular season. Pre-season orders for certain baseball-related products from certain customers are not required to be paid until early spring. These extended terms increase the risk of collectibility of accounts receivable. An increasing number of customers are on automatic replenishment systems therefore more orders are received on a ship-at-once basis. This change has resulted in shipments to the customer closer to the time the products are actually sold. This trend has and may continue to have the effect of shifting the seasonality and quarterly results of the Company with higher inventory and debt levels required to meet orders for immediate delivery. The sell-through of baseball- related products also affects the amount of inventory held by customers at the and of the season which is carried over by the customer for sale in the next baseball season. Customers typically adjust their pre-season orders for the next baseball season to account for the level of inventory carried over from the preceding baseball season. Football equipment and team uniforms are both shipped by the Company and sold by retailers primarily in the period between March 1 and September 30. Hockey equipment and uniforms are shipped by the Company primarily in the period from May 1 to October 31. Basketballs and team uniforms generally are shipped and sold throughout the year. Because the Company's sales of baseball-related products exceed those of its other products, Rawlings' business is seasonal, with its highest net revenues and profitability recognized between November 1 and April 30. Interest Rate Management Activates The Company has engaged in interest rate management activities with the objective of limiting exposure to interest rate increases related to the Company's long-term debt and converting a portion of the Company's variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The interest rate management activity objectives are achieved through the use of interest rate swaps as described in Note 8 to the financial statements. Environmental Matters The Company is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws relating to air emissions, water discharges, and the storage, handling, disposal and remediation of petroleum and hazardous substances. Pursuant to these laws, the Company is conducting environmental investigation and remediation activities at its Adirondack facility in Dolgevile, New York with respect to the release of wood pitch into surrounding soil and surface water. The final cost of investigating and remediating the contamination at the Adirondack facility described above cannot be determined until the remediation is complete. However, based on current estimates the Company believes the $893,000 accrued at August 31, 1997 is adequate. The Company further believes that any additional expenses will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operation or cash flows. At this time, the Company does not anticipate incurring additional costs related to other environmental matters that will be material to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by operating activities and the $90,000,000 amended and restated credit agreement with a bank group more fully described in Note 9 to the financial statements. The Company's primary use of cash is to fund its working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements. The Company's working capital requirements are seasonal with higher investments in working capital generally required in the period that begins in August and ends in April of the succeeding year. The change in the timing of orders and shipments to retailers closer to when the products are actually sold to the retailers' customers may increase the amount of working capital required by the Company and may increase required levels of long-term debt. Detailed information on the Company's cash flows is presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Year Ended August 31, 1997 Operating cash flows of $8,551,000 were primarily the result of net income adjusted for non cash charges and lower inventory levels partially offset by lower accounts payable and higher accounts receivable. Operating cash flows were $3,321,000 higher than 1996 primarily as a result of lower inventory levels and a smaller increase in accounts receivable partially offset by a reduction in accounts payable in 1997 compared to an increased in 1996. Investing activities used cash of $2,844,000 primarily for capital expenditures for normal property and plant improvements, the upgrading of certain plants to improve production capacity and efficiency and to upgrade the Company's systems. With the ongoing upgrade of the Company's systems and other planned expenditures for improved production efficiencies the Company expects capital expenditures of $3,000,000 to $3,500,000 in 1998. Financing activities used cash of $5,764,000 which includes a net debt repayment of $6,027,000 partially offset by issuance of common stock of $263,000. The Company believes that cash flow from operations and unused borrowing capacity under the credit agreement should be sufficient to fund its anticipated working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future. However, because future cash flows and the availability of financing depend on a number of factors, including prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors beyond the Company's control, no assurances can be given in this regard. Year Ended August 31, 1996 Operating cash flows of $5,230,000 were primarily the result of net income adjusted for non cash charges partially offset by increased accounts receivable and inventories. Operating cash flows were $1,369,000 higher than 1995 primary as a result of higher net income and changes in various components of working capital. Investment activities used cash of $1,193,000 for capital expenditures for normal property and plant improvements and the upgrading of certain plants to improve production capacity and efficiency. Financing activities used cash of $4,585,000 which included a net debt repayment of $5,200,000 partially offset by issuance of common stock of $340,000 and a final purchase price settlement with the former parent of $275,000. Year Ended August 31, 1995 Operating cash flows of $3,861,000 were primarily the result of net income adjusted for non cash charges partially offset by increased inventories and changes in other components of working capital. Investing activities used cash of $2,119,000 for capital expenditures for normal property and plant improvements and the upgrading of certain Company plants to improve production capacity and efficiency. Financing activities used cash of $1,954,000 which included a payment to the former parent of $6,456,000 partially offset by $4,420,000 of net additional borrowings under the credit agreement. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Years Ended August 31, (Amounts in thousands, except per share date) 1997 1996 1995 Net revenues $147,600 $149,735 $144,141 Cost of goods sold 102,111 103,319 99,099 Gross profit 45,489 46,416 45,042 Selling, general and administrative expenses 33,609 34,750 33,444 Operating income 11,880 11,666 11,598 Interest expense 3,115 3,656 3,773 Other expense, net 83 250 285 Income before income taxes 8,682 7,760 7,540 Provision for income taxes 3,212 2,488 2,956 Net income $ 5,470 $ 5,272 $ 4,584 Net income per share $ 0.71 $ 0.69 $ 0.60 Average number of common shares outstanding 7,712 7,680 7,652 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS August 31, (Amounts in thousands, excepts share and per share data) 1997 1996 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 732 $ 789 Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,627 and $1,498 respectively 32,968 30,090 Inventories 29,781 32,415 Prepaid expenses 935 1,472 Deferred income taxes 4,083 3,162 Total current assets 68,499 69,928 Property, plant and equipment, net 9,802 7,860 Other assets 760 698 Deferred income taxes 22,203 25,766 Total assets $101,264 $102,252 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 59 $ --- Accounts payable 7,856 9,119 Accrued liabilities 9,901 8,461 Total current liabilities 17,816 17,580 Long-term debt, less current maturities 32,614 38,700 Other long-term liabilities 10,637 11,508 Total liabilities 61,067 67,788 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding --- --- Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 7,725,814 and 7,697,527 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 77 77 Additional paid-in capital 26,083 25,820 Retained earnings 14,037 8,567 Stockholders' equity 40,197 34,464 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $101,264 $102,252 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Stock (Amounts in thousands, Additional Retained except share Paid-in Earnings data) Shares Amount Capital (Deficit) Total Balance, August 31, 1994 7,650,081 $77 $25,123 $(1,289) $23,911 Net income -- -- -- 4,584 4,584 Issuance of common stock 6,827 -- 82 -- 82 Balance, August 31, 1995 7,656,908 77 25,205 3,295 28,577 Net income -- -- -- 5,272 5,272 Issuance of common stock 40,619 -- 340 -- 340 Final settlement with former parent -- -- 275 -- 275 Balance, August 31, 1996 7,697,527 77 25,820 8,567 34,464 Net income -- -- -- 5,470 5,470 Issuance of common stock 28,287 -- 263 -- 263 BALANCE, AUGUST 31, 1997 7,725,814 $77 $26,083 $14,037 $40,197 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended August 31, (Amounts in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $5,470 $5,272 $4,584 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,220 1,123 1,008 Gain on sale of equipment (150) -- -- Deferred taxes 2,642 1,857 2,418 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net (2,878) (5,927) (871) Inventories 2,634 (1,069) (3,934) Prepaid expenses 537 135 (397) Other assets (242) 60 (348) Accounts payable (1,263) 2,731 1,097 Accrued liabilities and other 581 1,048 304 Net cash provided by operating activities 8,551 5,230 3,861 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (2,994) (1,193) (2,119) Proceeds from sale of equipment 150 -- -- Net cash used in investing activities (2,844) (1,193) (2,119) Cash flows from financing activities: Net (repayments) borrowings of long-term debt (6,027) (5,200) 4,420 Issuance of common stock 263 340 82 Payment from (to) former parent related to purchase price settlement -- 275 (6,456) Net cash used in financing activities (5,764) (4,585) (1,954) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (57) (584) (212) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 789 1,337 1,549 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 732 $ 789 $ 1,337 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for; Interest $3,159 $3,548 $3,899 Income taxes 383 247 459 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries (Rawlings or the Company). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with a maturity when purchased of three months or less. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost principally determined on a first-in, first-out method. Cost includes materials, labor and overhead. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciation is generally computed on a straight-line basis. The principal rates of depreciation are as follows: Buildings and improvements . . . . . . . . . . 20-30 years Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 years Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 years Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences in reporting income and expenses for tax and financial statement purposes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109). Financial Instruments The fair value of the Company's financial instruments approximate their carrying amounts. Fair value for all financial instruments other than long-term debt, for which no quoted market prices exist, were based on appropriate estimates. The value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. Net Income Per Share Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Segment Reporting The Company is engaged principally in one line of business, the manufacturing, procurement and sale of sporting goods and related products. Reclassification Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform with the current year presentation. Use of Estimates These financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting, which require the use of certain estimates by management, in determining the Company's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Resolution of certain matters could differ significantly from the resolution that is currently expected. 2. Inventories Inventories consist of the following: August 31, 1997 1996 Raw materials $ 5,571 $ 5,624 Work in process 2,027 1,899 Finished goods 22,183 24,892 Inventories $29,781 $32,415 3. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment consists of the following: August 31, 1997 1996 Buildings and improvements $ 5,926 $ 5,412 Machinery and equipment 14,350 12,709 Other 2,697 2,348 Total property, plant and equipment 22,973 20,469 Less - Accumulated depreciation (13,171) (12,609) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 9,802 $ 7,860 4. Supplemental Income Statement Information Set forth below is a comparative summary of certain net revenue and expense items: 1997 1996 1995 Licensing revenues $6,531 $6,880 $6,169 Operating lease expenses 2,300 2,426 2,172 Royalty and licensing expenses 5,028 5,536 4,986 Research and development expenses 54 238 540 5. Foreign Currency Transactions For 1997, 1996 and 1995, the foreign currency transaction gains (losses) included in determining net income were $(25), $(12) and $91, respectively. 6. Income Taxes The income tax provision (benefit) is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 Current: Federal $ 472 $ 564 $ 557 State and other 98 67 (19) Total current 570 631 538 Deferred: Federal 2,464 1,658 2,082 State and other 178 199 336 Total deferred 2,642 1,857 2,418 Total income tax provision $3,212 $2,488 $2,956 A reconciliation between the provision for income taxes computed at the Federal statutory rate and the rate used for financial reporting purposes is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 Amount % Amount % Amount % Expected provisions $3,039 35.0 $2,716 35.0 $2,369 35.0 at the statutory rate State and other taxes, net of federal tax benefit 365 4.2 326 4.2 317 4.2 Lower tax rates on foreign income (118) (1.4) (554) (7.1) -- -- Other (74) (0.8) -- -- -- -- Total income tax provision $3,212 37.0 $2,488 32.1 $2,956 39.2 The significant components of deferred taxes which are included in the accompanying balance sheets are as follows: 1997 1996 Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred Tax Tax Tax Tax Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Intangible assets $23,837 $---- $25,348 $---- Operating loss carryforwards 128 ---- 2,141 ---- Foreign tax credits 1,042 ---- 748 ---- Allowance for doubtful accounts 647 ---- 596 --- Environmental reserve 346 ---- 391 --- Inventory 609 ---- 388 --- Other accruals 904 ---- -- --- Other -- ---- -- 684 Total $27,513 $1,227 $29,612 $ 684 The Company believes a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets as of August 31, 1997 is not necessary. The company's net operating loss carryforwards expire in 2009 and 2010. Income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed income (approximately $1,700) of a foreign subsidiary which the Company does not intend to be remitted to the U.S. 7. Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following: August 31, 1997 1996 Salary, benefits and other taxes $2,976 $3,487 Royalties 2,187 441 Payable to former parent 1,346 1,342 Environmental and other 3,392 3,191 Accrued liabilities $9,901 $8,461 8. Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: August 31, 1997 1996 Credit agreement with banks due 1999, average interest rate of 6.78% and 6.86%, respectively $32,350 $38,700 Obligation under capital lease, average interest rate of 4.90% 323 --- Total debt 32,673 38,700 Less current maturities of long-term debt (59) --- Total long-term debt $32,614 $38,700 In 1997, the Company maintained a $72,000 variable rate unsecured credit agreement with a bank group. In September 1997, the Company amended and restated the unsecured credit agreement with a bank group which, among other matters, increased the facility to $90,000 and extended the maturity date to September 1, 2002. The amended and restated credit agreement, among other matters, requires the Company to meet certain financial covenants including a minimum fixed charge coverage, a required ratio of maximum total debt to total capitalization, a minimum net worth and restrictions on the Company's ability to pay cash dividends to 50% of the Company's net income for the preceding year. The Company is in compliance with these covenants. The available borrowings under the amended credit agreement decline $4,000, $5,000, $6,000 and $7,000 on September 1, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively. As of August 31, 1997 the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $5,375 and available borrowing capacity of $34,275 under the credit agreement with banks. In October 1995 the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with a commercial bank under which the Company receives a floating rate based on three month LIBOR through September 1997 on $25,000 and pays a fixed rate of 6.5%. In October 1997, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate swap agreement with a commercial bank under which the Company receives a floating rate based on three month LIBOR through October 1999 on $30,000 and pays a fixed rate of 6.75%. These transactions effectively convert a portion of the Company's debt from a floating rate to a fixed rate. The Company uses interest rate swaps, with the objective of reducing exposure to increases in short-term interest rates, by fixing the interest rate on a portion of its debt for a period of time. The interest differential, to be paid or received on an interest rate swap, is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense as the differential occurs. 9. Other Long-Term Liabilities In July 1994, Figgie International, Inc. (the former parent) transferred the net assets of the Rawlings Business to the Company. The assets and liabilities transferred to Rawlings were recorded at the predecessor's cost for financial reporting purposes. For tax purposes, the transaction results in a step-up of the basis of the assets transferred determined by the fair value paid by the Company for the Rawlings Business. Under the terms of a tax sharing and separation agreement between the Company and the former parent, the Company is required to pay the former parent 43% of the tax benefits resulting from the step-up in the tax basis of the assets as the benefit of the step-up is realized. The obligation to pay the former parent not expected to be paid in the next year is included in other long-term liabilities. 10. Employee Benefits Company-Sponsored Defined Contribution Plans Beginning December 1, 1994, substantially all US salaried employees and certain US hourly employees are covered by a defined contribution (Section 401(k)) plan that provides funding based on a percentage of compensation. The Company's contributions to the plan were $242, $299 and $183 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Multi-Employer Pension Plans Certain union employees participate in multi-employer defined benefit pension plans. Contributions to the plans were $1,017, $956 and $839 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 11. Stock Options The 1994 Rawlings Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 1994 Incentive Plan) provides for the issuance of up to 625,000 shares of Rawlings common stock upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights, and as restricted stock, deferred stock, stock granted as a bonus or in lieu of other awards and other equity-based awards. The 1994 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (1994 Directors Stock Plan) provides for the issuance of up to 50,000 shares of Rawlings common stock to non-employee directors upon the exercise of stock options or in lieu of director's fees. Stock options granted under the 1994 Incentive plan and the 1994 Directors Stock Plan have exercise prices equal to the market price on the date of grant, vest over three to four years from the date of grant and, once vested, are generally exercisable over ten years following the date of grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in 1997 and 1996 consistent with the provisions of this statement, the Company's net income and net income per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except net income per share): 1997 1996 Net income $4,910 $4,659 Net income per share $ 0.64 $ 0.61 The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1997 and 1996; dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of 54.0%, risk-free interest rate of 6.4% and 6.1% in 1997 and 1996, respectively and expected life based on exercise periods of six years. Option activity is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 Outstanding at beginning of period 483,185 346,610 313,266 Granted 160,378 192,125 84,886 Exercised (1,000) -- -- Cancelled (11,426) (55,550) (51,542) Outstanding at end of period 631,137 483,185 346,610 Shares exercisable 327,541 175,077 87,237 Price of stock options: Granted $8.31-$12.13 $7.88-$9.94 $9.63-$13.88 Exercised $8.00 -- -- Cancelled $9.00-$9.75 $9.00-$13.88 $12.00 Outstanding $7.88-$13.88 $7.88-$13.88 $9.63-$13.88 At August 31, 1997, 42,863 shares of Rawlings common stock were available for future awards under the plans. 12. Related Party Transactions The Company leased office space, through December 1995, from a partnership in which one of the Company's board of directors had a 40% ownership interest. In December 1995, the director sold his 40% ownership interest in the office space. Lease payments made during the period the outside director maintained an ownership interest in the building were $233 and $390 in 1996 and 1995, respectively. 13. Commitments and Contingencies Future minimum payments under noncancelable leases, royalty and licensing agreements as of August 31, 1997 are as follows: Royalty and Operating Licensing Leases Agreements Fiscal 1998 $1,368 $3,855 Fiscal 1999 878 2,979 Fiscal 2000 679 2,511 Fiscal 2001 251 2,482 Fiscal 2002 69 2,317 Thereafter -- 300 Total minimum lease payments $3,245 $14,444 One customer's purchases are 12%, 11% and 10% of net revenues of Rawlings for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. No other customers' purchases were greater than 10% of net revenues. In the normal course of doing business, Rawlings is subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws. Rawlings currently is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in addressing contamination relating to past petroleum and waste storage practices at its facility in Dolgeville, New York. Rawlings believes that the environmental costs accrued as of August 31, 1997 will be incurred over the next several years. Due to the uncertainty of recovery of costs from insurance carriers and other potentially liable third parties, Rawlings has not adjusted its accrual for environmental costs to reflect potential recoveries from third parties. Rawlings is periodically subjected to product liability claims and proceedings involving its patents and other legal proceedings; such proceedings have not had a material adverse effect on Rawlings. In the opinion of management, ultimate liabilities resulting from pending environmental matters and other legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of Rawlings. 14. Subsequent Event In September 1997, the Company acquired the net assets of the Victoriaville hockey business for $14.5 million in cash and the assumption of approximately $2.5 million in current liabilities. The final purchase price is subject to a working capital adjustment based on a formula outlined in the asset purchase agreement. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Stockholders of Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company or Rawlings) as of August 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of Rawlings' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. and subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP St. Louis, Missouri October 6, 1997