EXHIBIT 13 Wolohan Lumber Co. 1996 Annual Report IN RECOGNITION OF... Wolohan Lumber Co. recognizes the outstanding service of two former chairmen and presidents and extends our sincere thanks to these gentlemen who have done so much for our Company. 1996 was the last full year these men were active on the Board of Directors. This annual report is a tribute to them. All of us still working at Wolohan Lumber Co. are deeply appreciative of their contributions and are grateful for their legacy. We intend to be good stewards and build upon their solid foundation. [ PHOTO ] Dick Wolohan -- Dick Wolohan was the principal founder of Wolohan Lumber Co. He began his working career at age 16 at Charles Wolohan, Inc., his father's grain-storage and lumber business. In 1944, the Wolohan family purchased a grain elevator in Davison, Mich., which became Dick Wolohan's first full management responsibility. During the post-World War II housing market boom, Dick added lumber to the Davison business. In 1950, Charles Wolohan, Inc. merged with Wickes Corporation. A year later, Dick Wolohan was asked to join Wickes' Saginaw headquarters where he served as vice president and general manager of the Wickes Lumber Division and a member of the Wickes Corporation Board of Directors. In 1964, Dick Wolohan left Wickes to start Wolohan Lumber Co., opening three stores during that first year. Dick saw this Company grow from three small stores to a formidable chain of 62 stores. He served as president and chief executive officer of Wolohan Lumber Co. from 1964 to 1976. In 1976, he became chairman of the board. Dick ceded the responsibilities of chief executive officer to Dave Wallace in 1982 and chairman of the board in 1985. Dick retains a position on the board to date but plans to retire in early 1997. In 1986, Dick Wolohan was nationally recognized by his peers, when he was inducted into the Home Center Industry Hall of Fame. His faith in God, love of family and his ethics are the driving forces in his life and served as an excellent foundation upon which to build a business. [ PHOTO ] Dave Wallace -- Dave Wallace started his business career in 1949 working for Standard Oil Company. In 1963, Dave was introduced to the wood-products industry joining the Wickes Corporation. Leaving Wickes in 1974 with the title of senior vice president, he joined the Grossman's Division of Evans Products Company. Dave was vice president of Grossman's when through a nationwide search he was recruited to join Wolohan Lumber Co. in 1980. He joined Wolohan Lumber Co. as president, chief operating officer and a member of its Board of Directors. In 1980, the retail lumber and building material industry was in turmoil, due primarily to a severe housing recession. Dave faced an enormous challenge. As an innovative leader and with a strong sense of urgency, he built a highly effective team. This team took Wolohan Lumber to a number of successes, including recognition as Retailer of the Year in 1989 by the Building Supply News. He is a man of tremendous integrity, one of many characteristics that made him so compatible with Dick Wolohan. In 1982, Dave became chief executive officer. In addition to his title of president and chief executive officer, Dave became chairman of the board in 1985. During this period, a young talent was emerging as successor. With the help of Dave's mentorship, Jim Wolohan became president and chief operating officer in 1986. Dave ceded the title and responsibility of chief executive officer in 1987 and ultimately chairman in 1994. Dave retained a seat on Wolohan Lumber Co.'s Board until his retirement, late in 1996. COMPANY PROFILE... Wolohan Lumber Co., a full-line retailer of lumber, building materials and related products used primarily for new-home construction and home-improvement and maintenance projects, provides service to both the consumer/do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and contractor (builders and remodelers) customers. Headquartered in Saginaw, Mich., the Company was founded in 1964 with three stores and has grown to 62 stores in the Midwest. Each store provides the customer with a strong offering of quality materials (10,000 to 15,000 items) and competitive prices, with expert and personal service. The retail sales area for most stores ranges from 20,000 to 45,000 square feet with total under-roof storage area averaging about 52,000 square feet. Store locations provide convenient shopping and most are open seven days a week. The Company provides various profit-sharing programs for its eligible employees. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Corporate and Financial Highlights 2 Shareowners' Address 4 Common Stock Data Quarterly Summaries 5 Sales Mix 6 5-Year Performance 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis 10 Reports of Management and Auditors 11 Balance Sheets 12 Statements of Income Statements of Shareowners' Equity 13 Statements of Cash Flows 14 Notes to Financial Statements 20 Corporate Information CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS o Net income increased 65 percent from 1995 to $6.2 million. o The Company ended 1996 with a strong balance sheet highlighted by a sound liquidity position and a low debt ratio. o Capital expenditures of $6 million included the addition of three new stores. o The Company expanded programs related to the training and development of its associates. o The Company increased its ability to provide value-added services by making investments in boom trucks, door-assembly equipment and wall-panelization manufacturing. o A major upgrade to the Company's computer and communication systems was completed in 1996. o The Company continued its transformation to put maximum emphasis and resources on sales and marketing efforts to its target customers. o The infrastructure to support project-related selling was further strengthened in 1996. o Two underperforming stores were closed in 1996 and their assets redeployed. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (In thousands, except per-share amounts, ratios and percentages) 1996 1995 vs vs 1996 1995 1994 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Income Statistics Net sales $430,358 $418,058 $448,840 + 3% (7%) Gross profits 103,375 99,989 108,029 + 3% (7%) Income before income taxes 10,511 6,498 18,268 +62% (64%) Net income 6,171 3,735 11,062 +65% (66%) Per share: Net income .89 .53 1.55 +68% (66%) Dividends .28 .28 .28 -- -- Balance Sheet Statistics Working capital $ 61,689 $ 60,631 $ 64,767 + 2% (6%) Total assets 162,709 162,440 171,047 -- (5%) Long-term debt 19,883 26,674 30,035 (25%) (11%) Total liabilities 54,916 58,084 66,836 (5%) (13%) Shareowners' equity 107,793 104,356 104,211 + 3% -- Book value per share 15.60 14.93 14.58 + 4% 2% Key Ratios and Percentages Current ratio 2.8:1 2.9:1 2.8:1 (3%) 4% Liquidity ratio .44:1 .44:1 .61:1 -- (28%) Gross profit margin 24.0% 23.9% 24.1% -- (1%) Pre-tax profit margin 2.4% 1.6% 4.1% +50% (61%) Return on sales 1.4% 0.9% 2.5% +56% (64%) Return on average assets 3.7% 2.2% 6.4% +68% (66%) Return on beginning shareowners' equity 5.9% 3.6% 11.6% +64% (69%) [ PHOTO ] James L. Wolohan, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer SHAREOWNERS' ADDRESS Wolohan Lumber had a good year in 1996, achieving $430.4 million in sales. This resulted in a 65-percent increase in net income. There were a number of opposing forces in the business environment that counteracted the effect of any single factor. Therefore, our performance in 1996 as a whole was based on our internal ability to execute. The general business climate was good. Inflation was low and consumer confidence was high. The U.S. economy enjoyed a year of slow but steady growth. Housing starts in the Midwest jumped 11 percent. The publication, Random Length, reported that the comparative composite lumber price, December 1996 to December 1995, was up 19 percent. These are all factors that foster prosperity. However, the retail lumber and building material industry is still navigating through some turbulent times. It is consolidating at a rapid pace. Predatory pricing exists in most of our markets and only the strong will survive the battle for market share. The weather for the first two quarters was unusually cold and wet, which slowed construction activity. Comparing December 1996 to December 1995, Random Length reported the composite structural panel price was down 12 percent. The volatility in wood fiber pricing we have seen over the last few years has made it more difficult for us to develop effective pricing strategies. Wood fiber sales are a larger percentage of our sales mix than they are for our national home center competitors. Consequently, the impact of the volatility of wood pricing means substantially more to us than it does to them. These factors tempered the positive aspects of the business environment. The net result was the business climate allowed a prudent, well-managed business to prosper in 1996. For the first six months of 1996, we were trailing 1995's results. Our performance over the last two quarters made the year a success, which bodes well for 1997. During the third quarter, Wolohan Lumber restructured the operations management to be more responsive to our customer base. We eliminated the Vice President of Operations position and added two regional managers. Reporting to the regional managers are five district managers. In addition, we took seven stores that had very different needs and put them under a Special Opportunities Manager. This restructuring greatly improves the supervision of stores by district and regional managers. In turn, this raised the level of accountability at our retail operations, and store performances improved. Our ability to communicate expectations and keep focused on our customers improved significantly. Wolohan Lumber is committed to being the premier building material supplier in the Midwest for single-family home builders, residential remodelers and building-project oriented consumers. We have invested considerable time and resources to distinguish ourselves as offering better value to these three target customer groups. We have established three regional trainer positions to help us develop the most knowledgeable sales staff in the industry. We have flattened our organizational structure to have the regional managers report directly to me. The officers of the Company are in our stores regularly, assisting customers, talking with associates and making sure our focus is on giving our customers good value. Our focus is being responsive to customers' needs and wants. To that end, in 1996 we added seven more door shops, two wall-panel facilities and a millwork shop. 2 We added 7 boom trucks and other pieces of equipment to better serve our customers. We added CAD deck design computers in 32 stores and now offer custom-designed floor plans for new home construction. This orientation to value-added services will continue where we see it as our niche. As we continued to see competitive pressures on gross margin, we vigilantly examined ways to reduce our costs both of overhead and inventory. We are an industry leader in automation: for example, using EDI transactions, wherever possible, is a huge boon to our productivity. In 1996 we installed a sophisticated computer system for inventory replenishment that will give us considerable help with inventory balance and eliminating stock outages. We are taking innovative steps to reduce our landed-cost of quality merchandise and improve inventory balance. This challenge has caused us to examine different channels of distribution. We are always looking for expansion opportunities primarily through acquisition. In 1996 we added stores in Shelbyville, Ind., and Fremont and Vassar, Mich. We closed stores that did not produce a reasonable return on our assets in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Dayton, Ohio. We continue to serve the Dayton market with stores in Kettering and Vandalia. The momentum of the last two quarters of 1996 should propel us toward continued growth in 1997. We expect the business environment to stay about the same for the coming year. Areas of concern would include any downturn in consumer confidence or substantial increase in long-term interest rates. Other than the effect of those two factors, we expect housing starts and material sourcing to be about the same as 1996. Predatory pricing will become more severe and competition more intense in our markets. The real strengths we see in the coming year are the quality of our people, our plan and our ability to execute. 1997 will be our first full year of management restructuring. This should give us greater adaptability and help us read and react more quickly in all 62 of our markets. We are consolidating our buying efforts to take advantage of volume buying incentives. Our buyers are taking a much more active role on the sell-through of the products they buy. Moreover, we are consistently focusing on providing the quality and type of material our three target customer groups desire. This tailoring of products and services to our target customer groups differentiates us in the marketplace. We are narrowing the breadth of our product lines and increasing the depth of our inventory. This process is reducing the number of vendors we have, resulting in two benefits: a stronger relationship with remaining suppliers and greater administrative efficiencies. Furthermore, with the help of sophisticated systems, we are customizing many more of our marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each customer base and store. We are investing in our people. Wolohan Lumber is committed to becoming an employer of choice in each of our markets. Through management and our three regional trainers, we want each associate to view their Wolohan Lumber employment as a long-term relationship. Inculcated into our culture is the understanding that career advancement is a matter of demonstrating skills and abilities. Many members of our management team started by loading trucks or working the sales floor. Our continuing success is tied to attracting and retaining such associates. Wolohan Lumber has been in business for 33 years, and every year we have produced a profit. We have stores in very competitive markets with several, large national and regional home centers. We know the competition will become even more intense in 1997. Our challenge is to differentiate ourselves from our competition on the basis of our quality products, customer service and niche-marketing focus. This will only be accomplished through a strong, motivated associate team. That is why we focus so intensely on training and nurturing our people; they deliver the results. We have a very strong balance sheet. We have a capable management team enthusiastically prepared for expansion. We have the people, we have the financial resources, we have the plan, and given the opportunity, 1997 will be a year of continued growth for Wolohan Lumber Company. /s/ James L. Wolohan James L. Wolohan, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer [ PHOTO ] Curtis J. LeMaster, Vice President - Marketing William E. Stark, Vice President - Human Resources David G. Honaman, Vice President - Administration and Chief Financial Officer Mark H. Hershberger, Director - Purchasing 3 COMMON STOCK DATA 1996 1995 ------------------------------- ---------------------------- Cash Cash Market Range Dividends Market Range Dividends High Low Declared High Low Declared ---- --- --------- ---- --- --------- First Quarter $10-1/4 $ 9-1/4 $ .07 $16-1/4 $14-1/4 $ .07 Second Quarter 11-1/8 9-5/8 .07 15-1/2 11-1/4 .07 Third Quarter 10-5/8 9-7/8 .07 12-3/4 11 .07 Fourth Quarter 13-1/8 10-5/8 .07 11-1/2 8-3/4 .07 Total Year 13-1/8 9-1/4 $ .28 16-1/4 8-3/4 $ .28 The Company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol WLHN. The approximate number of record holders of the Company's common stock at December 28, 1996 was 920. QUARTERLY SUMMARIES (in thousands, except per-share First Second Third Fourth Total amounts) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year ------- ------- ------- ------- ----- 1996 - ---- Net sales $ 73,453 $ 119,193 $ 132,850(1) $ 104,862(1) $ 430,358 Cost of sales 17,784 29,794 31,222 24,575 103,375 Net income: Total (1,570) 3,096 3,486 1,159(2) 6,171 Per share (.22) .44 .50 .17(2) .89 1995 - ---- Net sales $ 75,417 $ 123,089 $ 122,638 $ 96,914 $ 418,058 Cost of sales 18,099 29,269 28,807 23,814 99,989 Net income: Total (737) 2,853 1,561 58 3,735 Per share (.10) .40 .22 .01 .53 1994 - ---- Net sales $ 76,528 $ 133,685 $ 132,624 $ 106,003 $ 448,840 Cost of sales 17,309 32,528 32,283 26,179 108,029 Net income: Total (1,307) 4,705 4,909 2,755 11,062 Per share (.18) .66 .69 .38 1.55 <FN> (1) A change in the fiscal calendar resulted in two fewer days in the third quarter, and one in the fourth quarter of 1996 compared with 1995. (2) Includes a pre-tax LIFO charge of $1.3 million, which reduced earnings per share by 11 cents (a pre-tax LIFO credit of $1.2 million in 1995 increased earnings per share by 10 cents). 4 SALES MIX BY CUSTOMER SEGMENT (in thousands, except percentages) 1996 MIX 1995 MIX ---- --- ---- --- Consumer/DIY $179,747 42% $201,596 48% Contractor Builder and Remodeler 250,611 58% 216,462 52% -------- --- -------- --- Total Sales $430,358 100% $418,058 100% ======== === ======== === BY PRODUCT CATEGORY (PERCENT OF TOTAL SALES) 1996 1995 ---- ---- Dimension Lumber 17.3 14.4 Sheathing Plywood 9.6 10.1 Other Forest Products 11.1 12.5 Building Materials 16.8 15.7 Hardware 5.6 6.3 Home Decorations 2.7 3.1 Millwork 17.1 16.5 Kitchen Cabinets and Vanities 6.0 6.0 Plumbing, Heating and Electrical 6.5 8.0 Trusses and Components 5.4 4.7 Lawn and Garden 1.9 2.7 ---- ---- Total Sales 100 100 ==== ==== Project-oriented sales, such as doors and windows, kitchens and baths, decks, fences and storage buildings, continue to be the focus of the Company for its DIY customers. Knowledgeable sales associates are utilizing up-to-date displays, computerized drawings and special financing programs to enhance and improve the market share of this segment of the Company's sales. Wolohan Lumber Co. will focus on selling more product to its large base of homebuilders and remodelers while also expanding market share by developing new customers. The Company is increasing its investment in value-added services such as computer design, door and window assembly and wall-panelization. These capabilities will help increase market share of builder and remodeler sales. These value-added services demonstrate the Company's commitment to the professional builder. 5 5-YEAR PERFORMANCE (In thousands, except per-share amounts, ratios and percentages) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Income Statistics Net sales $ 430,358 $ 418,058 $ 448,840 $ 380,693 $ 343,938 Gross profits 103,375 99,989 108,029 90,820 89,476 Interest expense 2,457 2,919 3,082 3,391 3,151 Income before income taxes 10,511 6,498 18,268 12,558 16,810 Income taxes 4,340 2,763 7,206 4,074 6,282 Net income 6,171 3,735 11,062 8,484(1) 10,528 Net income per share .89 .53 1.55 1.19(1) 1.48 Cash dividends declared: Amount per share .28 .28 .28 .28 .28 Percent of net income 31.6% 53.2% 18.1% 23.6% 19.0% Average shares outstanding 6,968 7,100 7,146 7,142 7,136 Balance Sheet Statistics Current assets $ 96,722 $ 92,041 $ 100,871 $ 100,999 $ 101,027 Other assets 2,311 2,149 2,174 1,341 1,819 Properties (net) 63,676 68,250 68,002 64,127 53,117 Total assets 162,709 162,440 171,047 166,467 155,963 Working capital 61,689 60,631 64,767 64,131 71,641 Long-term debt 19,883 26,674 30,035 33,503 36,390 Deferred income taxes -- -- 697 1,008 1,691 Total liabilities 54,916 58,084 66,836 71,379 67,467 Shareowners' equity: Amount 107,793 104,356 104,211 95,088 88,496 Amount per share 15.60 14.93 14.58 13.31 12.40 Key Operating Percentages Gross profit margin 24.0% 23.9% 24.1% 23.9% 26.0% Pre-tax profit margin 2.4% 1.6% 4.1% 3.3% 4.9% Return on sales 1.4% 0.9% 2.5% 2.2% 3.1% Return on average assets 3.7% 2.2% 6.4% 4.9% 6.8% Return on average working capital 10.1% 6.0% 17.2% 12.5% 16.7% Return on beginning shareowners' equity 5.9% 3.6% 11.6% 9.6% 13.2% Return on average total invested capital 4.8% 2.8% 8.4% 6.7% 9.2% Key Financial Ratios Sales to average working capital 7.0:1 6.7:1 7.0:1 5.6:1 5.5:1 Sales to average shareowners' equity 4.1:1 4.0:1 4.5:1 4.1:1 4.1:1 Sales to average total invested capital 3.3:1 3.2:1 3.4:1 3.0:1 3.0:1 Current ratio 2.8:1 2.9:1 2.8:1 2.7:1 3.4:1 Quick ratio 1.4:1 1.3:1 1.3:1 1.3:1 2.2:1 Liquidity ratio .44:1 .44:1 .61:1 .60:1 1.5:1 Debt to total assets ratio .12:1 .16:1 .18:1 .20:1 .23:1 Capitalization ratio .16:1 .20:1 .22:1 .26:1 .29:1 Shareowners' equity to total assets ratio .66:1 .64:1 .61:1 .57:1 .57:1 Inventory turnover 6.30 5.89 5.73 5.54 5.47 Asset turnover 2.58 2.47 2.60 2.21 2.22 Stores Number of stores 62 61 60 54 52 <FN> (1) Includes the cumulative effect of a change in the method of accounting for income taxes of $516,000 or 7 cents per share. 6 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net income in 1996 improved to $6.2 million (89 cents per share) from $3.7 million (53 cents per share) in 1995. This 65-percent increase was due to increased sales, a slight improvement in margins and a $2.4-million reduction in store-closing costs. These costs reduced earnings per share 8 cents, compared with 27 cents per share the previous year. The 66-percent decline in net income in 1995 from the previous year was due to lower sales, slightly lower margins and the effect of closing four stores. Sales of $430.4 million in 1996 were 3 percent higher than 1995 sales. This was a result of a 16-percent improvement in contractor builder and remodeler (contractor) sales, offset by an 11-percent decline in consumer/do-it-yourself (DIY) sales. Contractor sales in 1996 were strengthened by strong construction activity. The higher average selling prices of lumber and panels (up approxi- mately 4 percent from 1995 on a weighted-average basis) accounted for some 40-percent of the total sales increase from 1995. The consumer sales decline in 1996 and 1995 was due primarily to increased competition. Sales in 1995 had declined 7 percent from the previous year, a result of an 8-percent decrease in consumer sales and a decline of 6 percent in contractor sales. Sales in 1995 were adversely affected by significantly lower average selling prices of lumber (down approximately 20 percent from 1994), which amounted to roughly half of the total sales decline from 1994. Comparable-store consumer sales declined 12 percent in 1996 and 15 percent in 1995; comparable-store contractor sales rose 12 percent in 1996, after an 8-percent decline in 1995. Total comparable-store sales in 1996 rose 1 percent, compared with a 12-percent drop the previous year. The gross profit margin in 1996 was 24.0 percent, compared with 23.9 percent in 1995 and 24.1 percent in 1994. In 1996, improvements in purchasing and better inventory control raised margins and offset the effects of increased competition and a significant LIFO charge compared with 1995. The LIFO provision was $1,866,000 in 1996, compared with a credit of $1,713,000 in 1995 and a charge of $1,269,000 in 1994. The gross margin in 1996, excluding the provision for LIFO, was 24.5 percent versus 23.5 percent in 1995 and 24.4 percent in 1994. The Company uses the LIFO method of inventory valuation because it results in a more appropriate matching of current costs and current revenues. A number of the Company's competitors use the FIFO method. The following supplemental data is presented to illustrate the comparative effects of FIFO and LIFO accounting on the Company's results. Under FIFO accounting, net income would have been $1.1 million, or 16 cents per share higher for 1996; $1 million, or 14 cents per share lower for 1995; and $800,000, or 11 cents per share higher for 1994. These supplemental FIFO earnings reflect the tax- effected LIFO charge for each year. 7 Income from gains on sale of properties totaled $600,000 in 1996, compared with $300,000 in 1995 and $1.3 million in 1994. The higher gain recognized in 1996 and 1994 was the result of selling a closed facility in each year. Selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding store-closing costs) increased 2 percent in 1996 from 1995, resulting in an expense factor of 19.2 percent in 1996, compared with 19.4 percent and 18.3 percent in 1995 and 1994, respectively. The lower 1996 expense factor was primarily a result of more productive marketing expenditures. Included in 1996 expenditures was approximately $1 million related to the major computer technology upgrade the Company completed that year. The higher expense factor in 1995 was due primarily to additional costs related to marketing efforts, higher bad-debt expense, expenses related to the upgrading of computer technology and higher health-insurance expenses. Expenses related to new store openings and remodels were approximately $500,000 in 1996, $1.1 million in 1995 and $2.3 million in 1994. The closing of two stores in 1996 resulted in costs of $900,000, compared with a $3.3 million expense recorded in 1995 for the closing of four stores (primarily related to expensing portions of future lease payments on longer-term leases and the write-off of leasehold improvements). The $500,000 decrease in interest expense in 1996 reflects the reductions in long-term debt and lower average short-term borrowings compared with 1995. The Company had no short-term borrowings at year-end 1996. Depreciation expense increased $700,000 in 1996 from 1995, due mainly to investments in equipment, including the major upgrade made in computer technology, and three new stores. The increase in depreciation expense in 1995 from 1994 reflects expenditure related to five new stores in 1995, and six in 1994. The effective income tax rate (federal and state combined) was 41.3 percent in 1996, compared with 42.5 percent in 1995 and 39.4 percent in 1994. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 1996 resulted primarily from a decrease in the effective state rate to 7.9 percent from 10.5 percent. FINANCIAL CONDITION-LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Cash and cash equivalents totaled $15.5 million at Dec. 28, 1996, compared with $13.9 million at Dec. 31, 1995, and $22.1 million at Dec. 31, 1994. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $13.6 million in 1996, resulting primarily from net income plus depreciation and a $3.8 million reduction in inventory, offset, in part, by a $7-million increase in accounts receivable, reflecting the strong fourth-quarter contractor sales. Major uses of cash in 1996 were: (1) additions to properties of $6 million, (2) a $4.3-million reduction in long-term debt, (3) dividend payments of $2 million and (4) the purchase and retirement of 100,000 shares of common stock ($1 million). 8 Working capital was $61.7 million at the end of 1996, compared with $60.6 million and $64.8 million at Dec. 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company expects that funds from operations and available lines of credit will be adequate to meet working capital needs and capital expenditures for 1997 (estimated to be $2.5 million, excluding any store acquisitions). The Company has $52 million available in lines of credit arrangements for short-term debt. There were no borrowings under these arrangements at year end 1996, 1995 and 1994. The long-term debt-to-asset ratio was lowered to .12:1 at Dec. 28, 1996 from .16:1 at Dec. 31, 1995 and .18:1 at Dec. 31, 1994. Capital expenditures totaled $6 million in 1996 and included: (1) the addition of three new stores, (2) replacements and additions of equipment at existing stores and (3) hardware and software related to the major computer technology upgrade completed in 1996. Capital expenditures have totaled $61 million over the last five years. Invested capital (long-term debt and shareowners' equity) was 78 percent of total assets at Dec. 28, 1996, compared with 81 percent at Dec. 31, 1995, and 78 percent at Dec. 31, 1994. Shareowners' equity has been the principal financing factor over the years, accounting for 84 percent of invested capital at Dec. 28, 1996, compared with 80 percent at Dec. 31, 1995 and 78 percent at Dec. 31, 1994. EFFECT OF INFLATION The Company does not measure precisely the effect of inflation on its operations; however, it does not believe inflation had a material effect on sales or results of operations. ENVIRONMENTAL The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. While it is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly any future remediation and other compliance effects, in the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental-protection laws will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company. OUTLOOK The Company enters 1997 with a strong balance sheet and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities present in each of its markets. The Company is committed to expanding market share by building on its strengths in wood products, building materials, millwork and kitchens and by being focused on its target customers (project-oriented consumers, remodeling contractors and new-home construction contractors). The Company will continue to place strong emphasis on buying and distribution strategies to improve its competitive position and will work aggressively to lower its operating-expense ratios by focusing on training and more efficient systems. The Company will continue to build on its strengths in 1997 to further improve profitability. WOLOHAN LUMBER CO. GRAPH TITLE 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 - ----------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- SALES (in millions) 303.7 344 380.7 448.8 418.1 430.4 NET INCOME (in millions) 9.3 10.5 8.5 11.1 3.7 6.2 EARNINGS PER SHARE (in dollars) 1.31 1.48 1.19 1.55 0.53 0.89 NET RETURN ON SALES % 3.1 3.1 2.2 2.5 0.9 1.4 GROSS MARGIN % 26.9 26 23.9 24.1 23.9 24.0 WORKING CAPITAL (in millions) 54.1 71.6 64.1 64.8 60.6 61.7 DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO % 29% 41% 35% 29% 26% 18% SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY (in millions) 80 88.5 95.1 104.2 104.4 107.8 EQUITY PER SHARE in dollars 11.21 12.4 13.31 14.58 14.93 15.6 TOTAL ASSETS (in millions) 130.8 156 166.5 171 162.4 162.7 PROPERTIES (NET) (in millions) 49.9 53.1 64.1 68 68.3 63.7 EQUITY TO ASSET RATIO % 0.61 0.57 0.57 0.61 0.64 0.66 9 REPORTS OF MANAGEMENT AND AUDITORS REPORT OF MANAGEMENT The accompanying financial statements of Wolohan Lumber Co., together with the other financial information included in the Annual Report, were prepared by management. The responsibility for the integrity of the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, rests with management. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and, of necessity, include certain amounts which are based on our best estimates and judgments. The other financial information included herein is consistent with that in the financial statements. Wolohan Lumber Co. maintains internal accounting-control systems that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safe-guarded from loss or unauthorized or illegal use and that transactions are executed and recorded in accordance with management authorization. There are limits inherent in all systems of internal control, based on the recognition that costs of such a system should not exceed the benefits to be derived. We believe the Company's system provides an appropriate balance. The Board of Directors, through the Audit Committee of the Board, is responsible for assuring that management fulfills its responsibilities in the preparation of the financial statements. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent auditors and representatives of management to ensure that each is discharging its responsibilities. To ensure complete independence, Ernst & Young LLP has full and free access to meet with the Audit Committee to discuss the results of their examination, the adequacy of internal controls, the quality of financial reporting, and other matters of mutual interest. /s/ David G. Honaman David G. Honaman Vice President-Administration and Chief Financial Officer /s/ Edward J. Dean Edward J. Dean Corporate Controller REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Board of Directors Wolohan Lumber Co. We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Wolohan Lumber Co. as of December 28, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and the related statements of income, shareowners' equity and cash flows for the years ended December 28, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Wolohan Lumber Co. at December 28, 1996 and December 31, 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 28, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and 1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP Detroit, Michigan February 14, 1997 BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per-share amounts) December 28 December 31 1996 1995 ----------- ----------- ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,485 $ 13,919 Trade receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,250 ($862 in 1995) 32,722 26,471 Inventories -- at current cost 59,455 61,375 Reduction to last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost (14,702) (12,836) --------- --------- Inventories at the lower of LIFO cost or market-- Note A 44,753 48,539 Other current assets 3,762 3,112 --------- --------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 96,722 92,041 PROPERTIES - NOTE C Land 10,124 10,104 Land improvements 15,588 15,400 Buildings 53,447 52,665 Equipment 43,352 41,661 Construction in progress 4 923 Less allowances for depreciation (58,839) (52,503) --------- --------- 63,676 68,250 OTHER ASSETS 2,311 2,149 --------- --------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 162,709 $ 162,440 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade accounts payable $ 15,565 $ 15,258 Employee compensation and accrued expenses 12,678 11,810 Current portion of long-term debt 6,790 4,342 --------- --------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 35,033 31,410 LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion - NOTE C 19,883 26,674 SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY - NOTE B Common stock, $1 par value: Authorized - 20,000 shares Outstanding - 6,912 shares (6,989 in 1995) 6,912 6,989 Additional capital 21,828 22,534 Retained earnings 79,053 74,833 --------- --------- TOTAL SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY 107,793 104,356 --------- --------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY $ 162,709 $ 162,440 ========= ========= BOOK VALUE PER SHARE $ 15.60 $ 14.93 <FN> See notes to financial statements. 11 STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands, except per-share amounts FOR THE YEAR ENDED -------------------------------------- DECEMBER 28, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994 ------------ ------------ ------------ NET SALES $430,358 $418,058 $448,840 Cost of sales 326,983 318,069 340,811 -------- -------- -------- Gross Profit 103,375 99,989 108,029 OPERATING EXPENSES Selling, general and administrative 82,718 81,229 82,249 Store closing costs -- Note A 921 3,317 -- Depreciation 9,834 9,160 8,148 -------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses 93,473 93,706 90,397 -------- -------- -------- OPERATING INCOME 9,902 6,283 17,632 Other income (expenses) Interest expense (2,457) (2,919) (3,082) Gain from sale of properties 583 309 1,260 Other 2,483 2,825 2,458 -------- -------- -------- Total other 609 215 636 -------- -------- -------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 10,511 6,498 18,268 Income taxes - Note D 4,340 2,763 7,206 -------- -------- -------- NET INCOME $ 6,171 $ 3,735 $ 11,062 ======== ======== ======== Average shares outstanding 6,968 7,100 7,146 NET INCOME PER SHARE 0.89 0.53 1.55 ======== ======== ======== <FN> See notes to financial statements. STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY (in thousands, except per-share amounts) Total Common Additional Retained Shareowner's Stock Capital Earnings Equity ------ ---------- -------- ------------ BALANCES AT JANUARY 1, 1994 $ 7,142 $ 23,922 $ 64,024 $ 95,088 Net income for 1994 11,062 11,062 Cash dividends - $.28 per share (2,000) (2,000) Shares issued under Long-Term Incentive Plan, including related tax benefit 4 57 61 ------- -------- -------- -------- BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 7,146 23,979 73,086 104,211 Net income for 1995 3,735 3,735 Cash dividends - $.28 per share (1,988) (1,988) Shares issued under Long-Term Incentive Plan, including related tax benefit 11 92 103 Shares purchased and retired (168) (1,537) (1,705) ------- -------- -------- -------- BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 6,989 22,534 74,833 104,356 Net income for 1996 6,171 6,171 Cash dividends - $.28 per share (1,951) (1,951) Shares issued under Long-Term Incentive Plan, including related tax benefit 23 237 260 Shares purchased and retired (100) (943) (1,043) ------- -------- -------- -------- BALANCES AT DECEMBER 28, 1996 $ 6,912 $ 21,828 $ 79,053 $107,793 ======= ======== ======== ======== <FN> See notes to financial statements. 12 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) FOR THE YEAR ENDED -------------------------------------- DECEMBER 28, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 1996 1995 1994 ------------ ------------ ------------ OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income $ 6,171 $ 3,735 $ 11,062 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 9,834 9,160 8,148 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 735 662 387 Deferred income taxes (credit) (514) (1,009) (332) Gain on sale of properties (583) (309) (1,260) Loss on store closings 500 2,389 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in accounts receivable (6,986) (1,172) (1,292) Decrease (increase) in other assets (298) 54 (1,108) Decrease in inventories 3,786 1,467 1,099 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses 943 (7,962) 264 -------- -------- -------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 13,588 7,015 16,968 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Additions to properties (5,968) (11,157) (14,441) Proceeds from the sale of properties 1,283 671 3,678 -------- -------- -------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (4,685) (10,486) (10,763) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from credit lines and long-term debt borrowings 8,000 14,000 13,750 Payments on credit lines and long-term debt (12,343) (14,989) (18,186) Dividends paid (1,951) (1,988) (2,000) Purchases of common stock (1,043) (1,705) -- -------- -------- -------- NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (7,337) (4,682) (6,436) -------- -------- -------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1,566 (8,153) (231) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 13,919 22,072 22,303 -------- -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 15,485 $ 13,919 $ 22,072 ======== ======== ======== <FN> See notes to financial statements. 13 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - WOLOHAN LUMBER CO. NOTE A - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES Organization. The Company is engaged in the retail sale of a full line of lumber and building materials and related items through a chain of 62 (61 in 1995) building supply stores located in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The Company sells to contractor builders and remodelers and to the "do-it-yourself" market consisting principally of homeowners. The volume of residential construction can be volatile and is highly dependent on general economic conditions. A significant decrease in residential construction could have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results. Change in Fiscal Year. Effective with the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company adopted a "4-5-4" fiscal calendar wherein each fiscal quarter contains two four-week periods and one five-week period, with each period beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday. Previously, the Company used calendar months for its fiscal periods. Although the change in fiscal calendar resulted in three fewer days in fiscal 1996, compared with a calendar year, the effect of this calendar change on fiscal 1996 was not material. Use of Estimates. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist principally of money-market funds and short-term tax-exempt securities. Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (last-in, first-out method) or market. Current cost exceeded the LIFO value of inventories by approximately $14,702,000 at Dec. 28, 1996 and $12,836,000 at Dec. 31, 1995. Properties. Properties are stated at cost. Depreciation, which includes amortization of assets recorded as capital leases, is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property for financial reporting purposes and on different lives and methods as required for tax purposes. 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 employee stock options because the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," requires use of option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by Statement 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The results of the pro forma analysis are not presented herein since the effect of applying Statement 123's fair-value method to the Company's stock-based awards results in net income and earnings per share that are not materially different from amounts reported. Start-Up Expenses. Expenses associated with the opening of new stores are charged against income as incurred. Store Closing Costs. During 1996, the Company closed two stores. The cost associated with these closings were $921,000. During 1995, the Company closed four stores. The costs associated with these 14 closings, primarily related to expensing portions of future lease payments on longer term leases and the write-off of leasehold improvements, were $3,317,000. Advertising Expenses. The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $3,690,000, $4,277,000 and $4,412,000 in advertising costs during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Earnings Per Share. Earnings-per-share information is based on the average number of shares outstanding for the period. The assumed issuance of the performance-based incentive share awards and the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options would have an insignificant effect on earnings per share. Employee Benefit Plans. The Company has a 401(k) retirement savings and profit-sharing plan under which eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of their salaries. The Company contributes up to a maximum of $500 per employee per year. In addition, the Company makes profit-sharing contributions to the plan annually at an amount based on a percentage of the Company's pre-tax profits. Profit-sharing contributions approximated $900,000, $525,000 and $1,545,000 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively and contributions to the 401(k) plan were approximately $548,000, $414,000 and $392,000 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company maintains a defined-benefit health-care plan that provides postretirement medical benefits to individuals who retired prior to Aug. 1, 1996 and who met certain age and service requirements at retirement. The plan is contributory with retiree contributions adjusted periodically, such that retirees pay substantially all projected costs of the health-care medical benefits provided by the plan. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS No. 121) entitled "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" in the first quarter of 1996. SFAS No. 121 establishes accounting standards for the recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill. The provisions of this statement require that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In such cases, the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) resulting from the use of the asset are estimated and an impairment loss recognized if the sum of such cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Should such an assessment indicate that the value of a long-lived asset or goodwill may be impaired, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its estimated fair value. The adoption of the provisions of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operation. Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In October 1996, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position 96-1 "Environmental Remediation Liabilities", which provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, display and disclosure of environmental remediation liabilities. The Company will adopt Statement of Position 96-1 in the first quarter of 1997 and, based on current circumstances, does not believe the effect of adoption will be material. 15 NOTE B - SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY AND RELATED MATTERS The Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan was established to enable key employees to participate in the future growth and profitability of the Company by offering them long-term performance-based incentive compensation through issuance of stock options and performance share awards, which are vested based on achievement of performance goals. Performance shares awarded are earned and vested at the rate of 20% per year and become issuable 10 years after date of award. During 1996, 18,100 performance shares (1,800 shares in 1995 and 19,800 in 1994) were awarded, and at Dec. 28, 1996, there were 88,000 performance shares awarded but unissued. In addition to the Long-Term Incentive Plan for key employees, in 1995 the Company adopted a stock option plan for non-employee directors. Stock option transactions and prices are summarized as follows: Number of Option Options Price --------- ------ Options outstanding at January 1, 1993 0 Options granted 87,000 $14.38 Options outstanding at December 31, 1994 87,000 14.38 Options granted 49,000 9.25 - 14.50 Options expired or canceled (10,000) 14.38 Options outstanding at December 31, 1995 126,000 9.25 - 14.50 Options granted 14,300 9.25 - 12.75 Options expired or canceled (17,700) 9.25 - 14.38 Options outstanding at December 28, 1996 122,600 9.25 - 14.50 All options expire 10 years after the date of grant. There are 351,000 shares reserved for future use under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and 42,000 shares reserved for future use under the stock option plan for non-employee directors. Holders of common shares received a distribution of one right for each common share held on Feb. 15, 1990. The rights become exercisable ten days after a person or group acquires or commences a tender or exchange offer that could result in the acquisition of 25% of the Company's common shares (except pursuant to an offer for all shares determined by the non-officer Directors to be fair and in the best interest of the Company and its shareowners). The rights also become exercisable ten days after an acquisition of 10% or more by a person or group deemed by the Board of Directors to have interests adverse to those of the Company and its shareholders. Each right would, subject to certain adjustments and alternatives, entitle the rightholder to purchase common shares of the Company having a market value of $180 at a price equal to 50% of the fair market value of the shares. The rights are non-voting, may generally be redeemed by the Company at a price of 1 cent per right and expire on Feb. 15, 2000. The Company has reserved 6.6 million shares for this stock rights plan. 16 NOTE C - DEBT AND LEASE TRANSACTIONS The Company has available, under lines of credit arrangements with several banks, $52 million in unsecured short-term borrowings. The interest rate applicable when using these lines is dependant upon a variety of formulae which utilize different money rate pricing indexes. In no case does the interest rate exceed the Prime Rate. There are no commitment fees; however, a compensating balance is required for a portion of the total credit lines. These credit arrangements are reviewed annually for change and/or renewal. At year-end 1996 and 1995, there were no borrowings outstanding under these arrangements. Long-term debt consisted of the following obligations (in thousands): December 28, December 31, 1996 1995 ------------ ------------ Unsecured notes to insurance company, due in annual installments ranging from $1,250 to $2,000 with the final payment in 2002. Interest is payable semi-annually at 8.99% $ 9,250 $10,500 Unsecured notes to insurance company, due in annual installments ranging from $1,430 to $4,060 with the final payment in 2002. Interest is payable quarterly at 8.65% 11,500 13,600 Unsecured bank note, due in annual installments of $500, plus interest payable quarterly at a variable rate (8.25% at December 28, 1996) with final payment in 1998 1,000 1,500 Industrial revenue bonds, payable in annual installments ranging from $140 to $160 with the final payment in 2001. Interest payable quarterly at 83% of the Prime Rate 740 880 Michigan Strategic Fund limited obligation revenue bonds, payable in 1997. Interest varies weekly at prevailing market rates for similar tax exempt securities (average of 3.49% for 1996) and is paid quarterly 3,300 3,300 Other 883 1,236 ------- ------- 26,673 31,016 Less amount due in one year 6,790 4,342 ------- ------- Total long-term debt $19,883 $26,674 ======= ======= Properties at Dec. 28, 1996 with a net carrying value of approximately $4,433,000 are pledged as collateral for the revenue bonds. Net properties also include approximately $456,000 relative to capital lease obligations. The capital leases generally transfer ownership of property to the Company at the end of the lease term. Maturities of long-term debt for each of the four years following 1997 approximate $2,740,000 in 1998; $3,680,000 in 1999 and $4,310,000 in 2000 and 2001. The Company made interest payments of $2,452,000 in 1996, $2,925,000 in 1995 and $3,060,000 in 1994. The Company leases certain facilities under various operating leases. The lease expense for such facilities totaled approximately $620,000 in 1996, $650,000 in 1995 and $651,000 in 1994. Future minimum lease payments for each of the next five years approximate $611,000 and aggregate $4,580,000 thereafter. 17 NOTE D - INCOME TAXES Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: (in thousands) December 28, December 31, 1996 1995 ------------ ------------ Deferred tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation $ 279 $ 594 Other 82 395 ------- ------- Total deferred tax liabilities 361 989 Deferred tax assets: Compensation and employee benefits 500 413 Bad debts 483 336 Inventory 154 255 Store closings 712 943 Other 125 141 ------- ------- Total deferred tax assets 1,974 2,088 ------- ------- Net deferred tax assets $ 1,613 $ 1,099 ======= ======= The provisions for income taxes consist of: (in thousands) For the Year Ended ---------------------------------------- December 28, December 31, December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ------------ ------------ ------------ Current: Federal $3,253 $2,605 $5,912 State 1,289 1,167 1,626 Deferred federal and state credit (202) (1,009) (332) ------ ------ ------ Total provision for income taxes $4,340 $2,763 $7,206 ====== ====== ====== A reconciliation of the income tax provision and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34% for 1996 and 1995 and 35% for 1994 to income before taxes, is as follows: For the Year Ended (in thousands) ------------------------------------------- December 28, December 31, December 31, 1996 1995 1994 ------------ ------------ ------------ Computed amount $ 3,574 $ 2,209 $ 6,394 State income taxes, net of federal income tax 833 681 1,031 Tax exempt investment income (74) (161) (102) Other 7 34 (117) ------- ------- ------- Total provision for income taxes $ 4,340 $ 2,763 $ 7,206 ======= ======= ======= The Company made income tax payments of $5,148,000 in 1996, $4,407,000 in 1995 and $7,434,000 in 1994. 18 NOTE E - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and trade accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents including bank money market funds and short-term tax exempt securities. Bank money market funds are on deposit with financial institutions located primarily in Michigan and Company policy is designed to limit exposure to any one institution. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the Company's investment strategy. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited because of the large number of entities comprising the Company's customer base. As of Dec. 28, 1996, the Company's receivables are primarily from customers in the residential construction industry. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates its fair value. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ACCOUNTS PAYABLE. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value. LONG AND SHORT-TERM DEBT. The fair values of the Company's long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows: (in thousands) December 28, December 31, 1996 1995 ------------------- ---------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value -------- ----- -------- ----- Cash and Cash Equivalents $15,485 $15,485 $13,919 $13,919 Accounts Receivable 32,722 32,722 26,471 26,471 Accounts Payable 15,565 15,565 15,258 15,258 Long-Term Debt including current portion 26,673 27,769 31,016 32,752 ======= ======= ======= ======= NOTE F - CONTINGENCIES Various lawsuits arising during the normal course of business are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from these matters will have no significant effect on the Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial position. 19 CORPORATE INFORMATION ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of shareowners of Wolohan Lumber Co. will be held April 24, 1997, 2 p.m. at the Citizens Bank Building, 101 N. Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Mich. You are cordially invited. FORM 10-K Shareowners may obtain a copy of the Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) free of charge by writing to Mr. Edward J. Dean, Corporate Controller, Wolohan Lumber Co., P.O. Box 3235, Saginaw, MI 48605. There are no accounting differences between the financial statements presented in this annual report and those in the Form 10-K report but the Form 10-K report does provide certain supplemental information required by SEC regulations. HEADQUARTERS Wolohan Lumber Co. Administrative Offices 1740 Midland Road P.O. Box 3235 Saginaw, Mich. 48605 (517) 793-4532 COMMON STOCK Wolohan's common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol WLHN. TRANSFER AGENT State Street Bank and Trust Company c/o Boston EquiServe P.O. Box 8200 - Boston, MA 02266-8200 (800) 426-5523 GENERAL COUNSEL Dickinson, Wright, Moon, VanDusen & Freeman 500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 4000 - Detroit, MI 48226 AUDITORS (For the year ended Dec. 27, 1997) Rehmann Robson PC 5800 Gratiot - Saginaw, MI 48603 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James L. Wolohan, 45 Leo B. Corwin, 62 Chairman of the Board, President, Txcor, Inc.; President and Chief Executive Director since 1992 Officer; Director since 1986 Ervin E. Wardlow, 75 Charles R. Weeks, 62 formerly President and a Chairman and formerly Chief Director of K Mart Corp; Executive Officer of Director of Discount Citizens Banking Corp.; Parts Co.; Director since 1996 Director since 1981 Hugo E. Braun, Jr., 64 Lee A. Shobe, 58 Partner, Braun Kendrick formerly President and Finkbeiner, Chief Executive Officer of Attorneys-at-Law; Dow Brands Director since 1984 Director since 1996 F.R. Lehman, 71 formerly Vice President of Dow Chemical U.S.A., General Manager of the Michigan Division; Director since 1989 COMMITTEES Management Review Audit Committee Committee Hugo E. Braun, Jr., Chairman F.R. Lehman, Chairman Leo B. Corwin Hugo E. Braun, Jr. F.R. Lehman Leo B. Corwin Lee A. Shobe Lee A. Shobe Ervin E. Wardlow Ervin E. Wardlow Charles R. Weeks Charles R. Weeks Compensation Committee F.R. Lehman, Chairman Hugo E. Braun, Jr. Charles R. Weeks OFFICERS James L. Wolohan, 45 James R. Krapohl, 51 Chairman of the Board, Treasurer and President and Chief Executive Assistant Secretary Officer Curtis J. LeMaster, 48 Edward J. Dean, 46 Vice President - Marketing Corporate Controller William E. Stark, 48 Mark H. Hershberger, 46 Vice-President - Human Vice President - Purchasing Resources David G. Honaman, 45 Vice President - Administration Secretary and Chief Financial Officer WOLOHAN CUSTOMER SERVICES Computer Design Services In addition to computerized kitchen and deck design, the Company offers custom-designed floor plans for its package-home program and has computerized estimating systems. Assembly And Manufacturing Services Several Wolohan stores have an in-house door shop to assemble exterior steel door systems and pre-hung interior door packages. The Company has a millshop to do custom millwork and two wall-panelization facilities. Delivery Services Wolohan has a fleet of nearly 300 delivery trucks including several boom trucks. The boom trucks provide more capabilities to better serve the customer. Installation Services Wolohan offer installation of decks, sheds, playsets, windows, doors, garage doors and operators, kitchens, fencing, baths and more. Contractor Services Wolohan offers its contractors substantial savings with quality materials, value pricing, on-time delivery, job-site contractor sales representatives and experienced store support coordination. Financing Options Wolohan offers in-house credit to it contractor customers. For the consumer, the Company offers a private-label credit card for small to medium purchases and a loan program for larger projects. CUSTOMER SERVICE GUARANTEES... The cornerstone of our strategic plan is the customer service mission. Our purpose is to assure that the customer remains Number One in our plans and in our actions. Our satisfaction are among the strongest in our industry. If for any reasons a customer is dissatisfied we offer two vehicles to let his concern. The first is an in store self-addressed comment card. The second is published Customer Hotline that lets the customer get directly in touch with Wolohan's Marketing Departments. We provide a strong product offering and many special services to accommodate our customers. We back these products and services with satisfaction guarantees -- guarantees we are proud to offer because we are committed to providing what our customers expect and deserve. These customer-satisfaction guarantees are found in every Wolohan store. 100-PERCENT SATISFACTION GUARANTEE In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with your purchase, just bring it back along with your proof of purchase and we'll make it right with a product exchange or refund. 30-DAY LOWER PRICE REFUND GUARANTEE If an item is advertised and sold by us at a lower price within 30 days of the date you purchased the item, we will honor the lower price and gladly refund the difference to you. Customer Service Satisfaction Guarantee We promise friendly, knowledgeable sales associates... Guaranteed! IN-STOCK GUARANTEE We stock what we advertise. In the event that unexpected demand exceeds our supply, we will give you a 5-percent discount and deliver the item to your home or substitute a comparable item at the sale price. WE WON'T BE UNDERSOLD GUARANTEE Bring in any competitor's current advertising and Wolohan guarantees to match the advertised price on the same in-stock item. [ MAP ] [ LOGO ] Serving customers in 6 states throughout the Midwest... Wolohan Lumber Co. - 1740 Midland Road - P.O. Box 3235 - Saginaw, MI 48605 - (517) 793-4532