1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) |X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended August 2, 1997 or |_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ______________ to __________________. Commission file number: 0-15077 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter) DELAWARE 11-2742734 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification incorporation or organization) Number) 277 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10172 (Address of principal executive offices) (212) 371-1500 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES |X| NO |_| APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. SEPTEMBER 1, 1997 18,143,000 Date Number of Shares Page 1 of 14 2 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX PAGE Part I: Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets August 2, 1997 (Unaudited) and May 3, 1997 (Audited) 3 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings 13 weeks ended August 2, 1997 (Unaudited) and 14 weeks ended August 3, 1996 (Unaudited) 4 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 13 weeks ended August 2, 1997 (Unaudited) and 14 weeks ended August 3, 1996 (Unaudited) 5 Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 6 - 8 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 9 - 12 Part II: Other Information 13 Certain statements under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are typically identified by their inclusion of phrases such as "the Company anticipates," "the Company believes" and other phrases of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: general economic and business conditions; competition; political changes in international markets; raw material and other operating costs; costs of capital equipment; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; changes in business strategy or expansion plans; the results of continuing environmental compliance testing and monitoring; quality of management; availability, terms, and development of capital; fluctuating interest rates; and other factors referenced in this Form 10-Q. Page 2 of 14 3 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands except share data) AUGUST 2, MAY 3, 1997 1997 (UNAUDITED) (AUDITED) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,746 $ 3,153 Accounts receivable, net 39,513 38,998 Inventories 42,884 42,291 Deferred tax assets 885 885 Refundable income taxes 3,420 4,621 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,905 4,584 --------- --------- Total Current Assets 94,353 94,532 Property, Plant and Equipment, net 160,558 156,156 Excess of Cost Over the Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired, net 19,044 19,180 Other Assets 11,251 8,010 --------- --------- $ 285,206 $ 277,878 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 23,302 $ 25,653 Accrued expenses 10,721 12,214 Current maturities of long-term debt 15,000 15,000 --------- --------- Total Current Liabilities 49,023 52,867 Long-Term Debt 117,597 106,856 Deferred Credit and Other Long-Term Liabilities 916 713 Deferred Income Taxes 21,895 20,211 --------- --------- Total Liabilities 189,431 180,647 --------- --------- Temporary Equity Relating to Put Options 1,325 875 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Series A preferred stock, $10 par value; 50,000 shares authorized, none issued -- -- Preferred stock, $10 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized none issued -- -- Common stock, $.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 22,561,467 issued and 18,141,333 outstanding in August and 22,501,342 issued and 18,535,156 outstanding in May 226 225 Additional paid-in capital 49,206 49,456 Retained earnings 101,890 95,681 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (2,428) (2,875) Treasury stock (4,420,134 and 3,966,186 shares at cost in August and May) (54,444) (46,131) --------- --------- Total Stockholders' Equity 94,450 96,356 --------- --------- $ 285,206 $ 277,878 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Page 3 of 14 4 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) 13 WEEKS 14 WEEKS ENDED ENDED AUGUST 2, AUGUST 3, 1997 1996 Net Sales $ 100,596 $ 108,121 --------- --------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of Sales 78,087 84,227 Selling, General and Administrative 11,024 11,609 --------- --------- Earnings from Operations 11,485 12,285 Other Income, net 581 229 Interest Expense (2,051) (2,375) --------- --------- Earnings Before Provision for Income Taxes and Loss from Discontinued Operations 10,015 10,139 Provision for Income Taxes 3,806 3,873 --------- --------- Earnings Before Loss from Discontinued Operations 6,209 6,266 Loss from Discontinued Operations -- (127) --------- --------- Net Earnings $ 6,209 $ 6,139 ========= ========= EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION: Earnings from Continuing Operations $ .34 $ .33 Loss from Discontinued Operations -- -- --------- --------- Net Earnings Per Common and Common Equivalent Share $ .34 $ .33 ========= ========= Weighted Average Common and Common Equivalent Shares Outstanding 18,462 18,707 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Page 4 of 14 5 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) 13 WEEKS 14 WEEKS ENDED ENDED AUGUST 2, AUGUST 3, 1997 1996 Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 6,209 $ 6,139 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows provided from operations: Depreciation and amortization 4,322 4,430 Deferred income taxes 1,294 1,105 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (308) 1,342 Inventories (433) (966) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (309) 1,013 Other assets (3,507) (226) Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long term liabilities (2,540) 2,778 -------- -------- Net cash flows provided from operating activities 4,728 15,615 -------- -------- Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Capital Expenditures (7,970) (6,950) Business Acquisitions -- (5,000) -------- -------- Net cash flows used in investing activities (7,970) (11,950) -------- -------- Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net proceeds from (repayments of) long-term borrowings 10,593 (3,558) Purchase of treasury stock (8,313) (2,026) Issuance of common stock 542 1,499 -------- -------- Net cash flows provided from (used in) financing activities 2,822 (4,085) -------- -------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 13 18 -------- -------- (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents (407) (402) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,153 4,479 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2,746 $ 4,077 ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Interest paid, net of capitalized amounts $ 60 $ 2,278 ======== ======== Income taxes paid $ 3,478 $ 2,202 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. Page 5 of 14 6 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, the results of operations, and the changes in cash flows at August 2, 1997 and for all periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in the Company's May 3, 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("1997 Form 10-K"). The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 1998 will be a 52 week year to end May 2, 1998 and the first quarter is a 13 week period which ended August 2, 1997. Fiscal 1997 was a 53 week year ended May 3, 1997 and the first quarter was a 14 week quarter which ended on August 3, 1996. The results of operations for the 13 week period ended August 2, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. 2. INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate is based on estimates of annual amounts of taxable income and other factors. These estimates are updated periodically and any increase or decrease in the provision for income taxes is reflected in the period in which the estimate is changed. 3. INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following: AUGUST 2, 1997 MAY 3, 1997 Raw materials and supplies $14,952 $16,432 Work in process 7,879 8,209 Finished goods 20,053 17,650 ------- ------- $42,884 $42,291 ======= ======= 4. OTHER ASSETS In May 1995, the Company loaned $2.0 million (included in other assets) to its then Vice Chairman (and now present chairman) of the Board and President (the "Executive"). The loan is due on May 4, 2000, and bears interest payable quarterly equal to the Applicable Federal Rate as defined (5.75% at August 2, 1997), adjusted monthly. Page 6 of 14 7 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) The Company agreed to guaranty a portion of an $8.5 million loan made by a bank to the Executive in connection with his purchase of certain real estate. The Company's maximum liability under the guaranty is $3.0 million. The guaranty will terminate at such time as $4.3 million of the loan has been repaid by the Executive provided that: i) the unpaid portion of the loan is less than 75% of the then fair market value of the related real estate which was mortgaged to secure the loan; ii) the Executive's annual compensation meets or exceeds the level of annual compensation at the date of the guaranty; and iii) there are no defaults under the loan agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, a prepayment of $2.0 million must be made in each of November 1997, February 1998 and May 1998 and the remaining balance is due August 1998. In consideration for the Company's guaranty, the Executive agreed to pay to the Company a monthly fee of 1% per annum of the outstanding guaranty amount and to reimburse the Company for expenses incurred in connection with the guaranty. 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES a. Treasury Stock The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of the Company's common stock as follows: DATE OF AUTHORIZATION AUTHORIZED SHARES January 1993 2.0 million December 1995 2.0 million April 1997 1.24 million Shares are authorized for purchase from time to time in the open market, subject to the terms of the Company's credit facility. As of August 2, 1997, approximately 2.05 million shares remain authorized for purchase. b. Temporary Equity Relating to Put Options In April 1997, the Company sold common equity put options on 50,000 shares of its common stock which are exercisable six months from the date of issuance and gave an independent party the right to sell such shares to the Company at a strike price of $17.50 per share. Temporary equity relating to put options on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet represents the amount the Company would be obligated to pay if all the put options were exercised. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company sold additional common equity put options on 25,000 shares of its common stock which are exercisable six months from the date of issuance at a strike price of $18.00. Since August 2, 1997 and through September 1, 1997, the Company sold additional common equity put options on 25,000 shares of its common stock which are exercisable six months from the date of issuance at a strike price of approximately $19.63. Page 7 of 14 8 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) c. New Facility The Company has committed to building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the city of Guangzhou, China. The facility and related equipment will require a capital investment of approximately $40.0 million. Through August 2, 1997, the Company has invested approximately $5.5 million (included in other assets) representing deposits on equipment to be purchased as well as costs associated with design and architecture of the facility. The Company has also invested approximately $1.7 million for a 50 year land lease. The Company expects to spend the remaining $32.8 million during fiscal 1998, and has entered into a construction contract for the facility, as well as contracts with various equipment vendors to provide the related equipment. The Company anticipates paying for this investment with funds generated from operations as well as the existing credit facility. d. Environmental Matters On a continuing basis, the Company monitors its compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. As part of this process the Company cooperates with appropriate governmental authorities to perform any necessary testing and compliance procedures. The Company is not currently aware of any environmental compliance matters that it believes will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. e. 1995 Performance Bonus Plan In July 1995, the Board of Directors approved the 1995 Performance Bonus Plan (the "Plan"), applicable to the Executive. Under the Plan, for each of the five fiscal years of the Company commencing with fiscal year 1996, the Executive will be entitled to a graduated bonus (the "Performance Bonus") based upon a comparison of the Company's earnings from operations plus depreciation and amortization (the "Performance Measure") in that award year with the immediately preceding fiscal year. The size of the Performance Bonus, if any, is tied to the level of the Company's performance, as measured by the Performance Measure. The maximum Performance Bonus payable in respect of any award year under the Plan is $2.0 million. 6. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In March 1997 the Company announced that it would discontinue its transportation business ("Transport"), dispose of the related assets and outsource its future delivery requirements. Transport had provided freight delivery services to the Company as well as to other non-related customers. The Company believes that this transaction will enable management to concentrate more on its core business and reduce the Company's future freight and delivery expenses. During the first quarter of fiscal 1997, Transport's loss from operations was $127 thousand (net of income tax benefit of $79 thousand) and revenues to outside customers were $1.6 million. The net assets of Transport were not material to the Company. Page 8 of 14 9 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 1998 will be a 52 week year to end May 2, 1998 and the first quarter is a 13 week period which ended August 2, 1997. Fiscal 1997 was a 53 week year ended May 3, 1997 and the first quarter was a 14 week quarter which ended on August 3, 1996. In March 1997, the Company disposed of its transportation business ("Shorewood Transport"). The operations of Shorewood Transport have been presented as "Discontinued" in all prior periods. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Sales Net sales for the 13 week period ended August 2, 1997 were $100.6 million compared to net sales of $108.1 million for the corresponding prior 14 week period. After adjusting for the extra week in the prior period, sales were essentially flat when compared to the prior year. Flat sales for the quarter are primarily due to sales to tobacco industry customers not meeting expectations. The Company expects to show sales growth over prior periods during the remainder of fiscal 1998. The Company believes that future sales growth will be generated through continued penetration of its existing markets, and the expanding market of CD-ROM products, as well as its expansion into China. Cost of Sales Cost of sales as a percentage of sales for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 was 77.6% as compared to 77.9% for the corresponding prior period. The decrease in this percentage when compared to the prior year is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies as well as the Company's corporate-wide purchasing program which is continuing to show favorable results. The Company remains sensitive to price competitiveness in the markets that it serves, and in the areas that are targeted for growth and believes that the installation of state-of-the-art printing and manufacturing equipment (and related labor and production efficiencies) will enable it to continue to compete effectively. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 was 11.0% as compared to 10.7% for the corresponding prior period. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales is largely due to increased consulting and professional fees and the increased amortization and costs associated with sales and other contracts. Included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the quarter ended August 2, 1997 is a severance charge related to a restructuring at one of the Company's operating facilities. In addition, certain fixed costs represent a larger percentage of sales due to the 13 week quarter as compared to a 14 week quarter in the prior year. Page 9 of 14 10 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) Investment and Other Income Investment and other income, net, for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 includes approximately $357 thousand gain on the sale of equipment, and approximately $238 thousand of investment income. Foreign exchange losses were not significant. Investment and other income, net for quarter ended August 3, 1996 was primarily related to investment income of $126 thousand and approximately $95 thousand of foreign exchange gains. The Company's exposure to foreign exchange transaction gains or losses relate to the Company's Canadian facilities which have U.S. dollar denominated net assets. The Company believes that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates will not have a material impact on the operations or liquidity of the Company, based upon current and historical levels of working capital at the Canadian facilities.. Interest Expense Interest expense for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 was $2.1 million as compared to $2.4 million for the corresponding prior period. The decrease in interest costs is related to the Company's reduced average level of borrowings. The decreases were partially offset by increases in the Company's interest rate for the first quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to the corresponding prior period and lower amortization of deferred interest income related to a swap. Capitalized interest increased from $120 thousand to $195 thousand, primarily related to the Company's construction of its facility in China. The Company anticipates that the amount of interest to be capitalized in fiscal 1998 will continue to increase as the Company invests more funds into the construction of the China facility. At August 2, 1997, the Company had two outstanding intermediate-term interest rate swap agreements, each relating to approximately $35.0 million of borrowings under the credit facility. Under the first agreement, the Company pays a fixed rate of 6.19% and receives a floating rate based on LIBOR, as determined in three-month intervals. This agreement terminates May 5, 1998. Under the second agreement, the Company pays a fixed rate of 5.98% and receives a floating rate based on LIBOR, as determined in three-month intervals. This agreement terminates November 3, 1997. These transactions effectively change a portion of the Company's interest rate exposure from a floating-rate to a fixed-rate basis. In July 1997, the Company entered into a reversion swap agreement relating to $50.0 million of borrowings under the credit facility. Under the agreement, the Company pays a fixed rate of 5.73% and receives a floating rate based upon LIBOR, as determined in three month intervals. This agreement terminates in April 2002. This transaction effectively changes a portion of the Company's interest rate exposure from a floating-rate to a fixed-rate basis. After the first year, however, the fixed rate reverts back to floating for any three month period during which the LIBOR rate exceeds 6.625%. The rate reverts back to the fixed rate of 5.73% for any subsequent period for which the LIBOR rate drops below 6.625%. Page 10 of 14 11 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements are immaterial to the financial statements of the Company. The Company has used, and may continue to use, interest rate swaps and caps to manage its exposure to fluctuating interest rates under its debt agreements. Income Taxes The effective income tax rate for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 is 38.0% and was 38.2% for the corresponding prior period. These rates reflect a blend of domestic and foreign taxes and are adjusted periodically based upon the estimated annual effective tax rate, which for the entire fiscal year ended May 3, 1997 was 37.9%. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Cash and cash equivalents at August 2, 1997 was $2.7 million as compared to $3.2 million at May 3, 1997, and working capital was $45.3 million as compared to $41.7 million as of the same dates respectively. The current ratio at August 2, 1997 was 1.9 to one and was 1.8 to one at May 3, 1997. The Company's cash balances remain relatively constant as a result of the Company's cash management program whereby collection of accounts receivable are used to retire revolver obligations, and payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses are funded through the revolver obligations. Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 was $11.8 million before changes in operating assets and liabilities as compared to $11.7 million for the corresponding prior period. Cash flows from operations as well as borrowings under the Company's credit facilities were used to support $8.0 million in capital investments. In addition, the Company purchased approximately $8.3 million of treasury stock under the Board of Directors authorized program described below. The Company is in the process of constructing its facility in China. The Company anticipates investing an additional $32.8 million during fiscal 1998 for the construction of this facility and related equipment. Further investment in plant and equipment, in North America, is currently planned to approximate $30.0 million for all of fiscal 1998. The Company anticipates paying for these investments with funds generated from operations as well as the existing credit facility. The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of the Company's common stock as follows: DATE OF AUTHORIZATION AUTHORIZED SHARES January 1993 2.0 million December 1995 2.0 million April 1997 1.24 million Page 11 of 14 12 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) Shares are authorized for purchase from time to time in the open market, subject to the terms of the Company's credit facility. As of August 2, 1997, approximately 2.05 million shares remain authorized for purchase. The Board and management of the Company believe the long-term outlook for the Company to be promising and that the Company's common stock represents an attractive investment opportunity. The treasury stock purchases will be made from time to time as market conditions permit. To fund the China investment, and to facilitate its share repurchase program, the Company entered into a new credit facility with its lending banks increasing its line of credit to $200 million. The new facility consists of $75.0 million of senior term notes and $125.0 million of a long-term revolver which bear interest, at the discretion of the Company, at either the Bank's prime rate or LIBOR plus between 50 and 100 basis points depending upon certain financial ratios. The revolving credit is available, in its entirety, without any borrowing base limitation. At August 2, 1997, the Company had borrowings under this facility of $57.6 million. The senior term notes will be repaid in equal quarterly installments through May, 2002 at which time the revolver will mature. The loan agreement contains covenants related to levels of debt to cash flow, current assets to current liabilities, fixed charge coverage, net worth and investments (including investments in the Company's own common stock), and restricts the amount of retained earnings available for payment of dividends. At August 2, 1997, there was approximately $13.7 million of retained earnings available for the payment of dividends. The Company expects that cash flow from operations together with the borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet the needs of the business. Page 12 of 14 13 SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Part II Item 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Information concerning legal and environmental matters is incorporated by reference from Part I, Footnotes 5(d) of Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements Item 2 CHANGES IN SECURITIES None Item 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None Item 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None Item 5 OTHER INFORMATION None Item 6 EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. Page 13 of 14 14 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. SHOREWOOD PACKAGING CORPORATION (Registrant) by: /s/ Howard M. Liebman ------------------------------------------ Howard M. Liebman Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dated: September 15, 1997 Page 14 of 14