1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington,WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM 10 - K
                                       -
                                          
              /x/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

[FEE REQUIRED]

For the fiscal year ended May 31,199631,1997                 Commission File No. 0-4016

                          WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
                          ----------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

               DELAWARE                            31-1189815
               ------------------------                -----------------------------------------                            ----------
       (State of Incorporation)         (IRS Employer Identification No.)

  1205 Dearborn Drive, Columbus, Ohio                                   43085
  ----------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------                                   -----
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

                                 (614) 438-3210
                                 ----------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

        Securities Registered Pursuant To Section 12(b) of the Act: None
                                                                    ----
           Securities Registered Pursuant To Section 12(g) of the Act:

                              Title of each class:
                              -----------------------------------------
 Common Stock, $.01 par value (90,826,161(96,749,759 shares outstanding at August 8, 1996)

     Indicate by check mark if  disclosure of  delinquent  filers  pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of  Registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive  proxy or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part III of this  Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.1997)

         Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.                           YES X NO
                                                                       __---   ---
         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.                                                 [ ]

         The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the Registrant at August 8, 19961997 was $1,398,150,000approximately $1,500,000,000 (computed
by reference to the closing price for such shares on such date).

         Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the
fiscal year ended May 31, 19961997 are incorporated by reference into Part I and
Part II. Portions of the definitive proxy statement furnished to shareholders of
the Registrant in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held
on September 19, 199618, 1997 are incorporated by reference into Part III.


-1-

   2


                                     PART I


Item 1.  -  Business.
- ---------------------

         Worthington Industries, Inc. was initially incorporated in Ohio in
1955. It reincorporated in Delaware in 1986 through a statutory merger.
Worthington Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries are herein referred to as the
"Company." The Company's operations are grouped into three segments: processed
steel products, custom products and cast products. The Company's sales for its
fiscal year ended May 31, 19961997 were $1.48$1.9 billion.

         The Company  through its subsidiaries, is the largest independent flat rolled steel processor in
the United States. The Company's steel processing operations do not make steel,
but rather, they purchase it from steel producers and then process it to exact
specifications for overapproximately 1,700 industrial customers primarily in the
automotive, automotive supply, appliance, electrical, communication,
construction, office furniture, office equipment, agricultural, machinery,
aerospace and leisure time industries. The Company believes it offers the widest
array of steel processing services in the industry,  which include  slitting,  roller  leveling,  cold  reduction,  edge
rolling,  blanking,  coating,  annealing,  pickling  and other  services.industry. The Company currently
operates teneleven steel processing facilities (with its eleventh
near  completion)twelfth under
construction) and is a partner in three steel processing joint ventures, most of which are locatedwith a
concentration in the largest steel consuming region of the United States.

         For the year ended May 31, 1996,1997, net sales of the Company's processed
steel products segment were approximately $1$1.4 billion, representing
approximately 68.5%74.1% of the Company's total fiscal year 19961997 sales. In addition
to steel processing, this segment also includes (i) the Company's pressure
cylinder business which management believes to be the largest producer of
portable low pressure L.P.liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and refrigerant gas
cylinders in North America.


     In  February  1996,America, (ii) the Company  acquiredCompany's metal framing products business,
Dietrich Industries, Inc.
("Dietrich"),which is the nation's largest producer and supplier of
metal framing products for the commercial and residential construction markets.  Dietrichmarkets,
and (iii) the recently acquired automotive body panel business of The
Gerstenslager Company ("Gerstenslager").

         The Company acquired Gerstenslager on February 21, 1997 in a tax-free,
stock-for-stock exchange valued at approximately $113 million and accounted for
as a pooling of interests. Gerstenslager is a large usermajor independent producer of
galvanized  steelaftermarket automotive body panels in the United States. Gerstenslager's sales
in fiscal 1997 were approximately $123 million. Gerstenslager's customers
include domestic automobile and services a product market not previously
supplied by the Company.  Dietrichtruck manufacturers and foreign automotive
transplants. Based in Wooster, Ohio, Gerstenslager employs over 1,000 people and
occupies over 800,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office space.
Under pooling of interests accounting, Gerstenslager has been included in the
processed steel products segment since its acquisition.as if it were always a part of the Company.

                                       2


   3


         The principal stockholder of Gerstenslager was JDEL, Inc., an
investment vehicle of John H. McConnell, the Company's Chairman Emeritus and
Founder, John P. McConnell, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
and their families. In connection with the transaction, the Company received a
fairness opinion from an independent investment banker and approval of the
transaction by a Special Committee of the Company's Board of Directors comprised
of independent directors.

         The Company's other  operations  comprise the custom products and cast
product segments.  Custom productssegment includes Worthington Custom
Plastics, Inc., one of the ten largest plastic injection molding companies in
the United States, which sells primarily to the automotive, lawn and garden,
recreational, appliance, furniture, business equipment, audio equipment, airline
and appliancemedical industries, and Worthington Precision Metals, Inc., which supplies
components primarily for automotive transmission, power steering and brake
applications.

         The Company's cast products businesssegment consists primarily of Buckeye Steel
Castings Company, one of the two largest suppliers of large railcar castings in
the United States and the leading North American designer and producer of
undercarriages for mass transit cars.

         -2-
For information regarding the net sales and revenues, earnings  from
continuing   operations before
income taxes, and identifiable assets attributable to each segment for each of
the last three fiscal years, reference is made to such information appearing on
page 24I-14 of the Company's annual  report1997 Annual Report to shareholders  for  the  year  ended  May  31,  1996Shareholders, which information
is incorporated herein by reference.

         See Note J of the Company's Notes to  the  Company's Consolidated Financial Statements,
which are included inincorporated by reference into Item 8 hereof, for information
concerning the Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

The  Company has taken steps  relative to its  investment  in Rouge Steel
Company which will result in the Company accounting for this investment on the
cost method rather than the equity method  effective for its 1997 fiscal year.
Rouge  contributed  $21.7  million,  $32.1  million,  and $19.4 million to the
Company's pre-tax earnings during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


Processed Steel Products.
- -------------------------

         The Company's processed steel products segment includes its steel
processing businesses, its pressure cylinder business and commencing with its
acquisition in February 1996, the Dietrich  metal framing business. It also includes the
Gerstenslager automotive body panel business. Since Gerstenslager was acquired
in a pooling of interests transaction, its results are included as if it were
always part of the Company. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996,1997, sales of the
processed steel products segment were $1.013$1.418 billion, approximately 68.5%74.1% of the
Company's total sales.

         The Company's steel processing operations are conducted through its
Worthington Steel Company subsidiariesoperations ("Worthington Steel"). Worthington Steel
occupies a niche in the steel industry by focusing on more specialized products
requiring more exact specifications, which typically cannot be supplied as
efficiently

                                        3


   4


by steel mills, metal service centers or steel end users. Worthington Steel is
the largest independent flat rolled steel processor in the United States and
operates teneleven processing facilities, with a concentration in the Michigan,
Ohio and Indiana market, the largest flat rolled steel consuming market in the
United States. The Company's eleventhnewest steel processing facility, located in Delta,
Ohio, started up its slitting and pickling operations late in calendar 1996 and
its hot dipped galvanizing line in April 1997. The Company's twelfth steel
processing facility, located in Decatur, Alabama, is scheduled for start-up late in
calendar 1996.1998.

         Worthington Steel buys coils of wide, open tolerance steel from major
integrated steel mills and mini-mills and processes it to the precise type,
thickness, length, width, shape, temper and surface quality specified by
more
thanapproximately 1,700 industrial customers, principally in the automotive,
automotive supply, appliance, electrical, communications, construction, office
furniture, office equipment, agricultural, machinery and leisure time
industries. The

                                     -3-
 Company purchases and supplies steel based on the specific
orders of customers and does not typically process steel for inventory.
Worthington Steel's computer-aided processing capabilities include among others:
pickling, a chemical process using an acidic solution to remove surface oxide
which develops on hot rolled steel; slitting, which cuts steel to specific
widths; cut-to-length, which flattens the steel and cuts it to exact lengths;
roller leveling, a method of applying pressure to achieve precise flatness
tolerances for steel which is cut into exact lengths; cold reduction, which
achieves close tolerances of thickness and temper by rolling; edge rolling,
which conditions the edges of the steel by imparting round, smooth or knurled
edges; blanking, through which steel is cut into specific shapes; coating, a
means of producing painted,  galvanized orpainting; hot
dipped galvanizing; nickel plated steel;plating; and annealing, a thermal process that
changes the hardness and certain metallurgical characteristics of steel.

         Worthington Steel also "toll processes" steel for the steel mills and
large end users. Toll processing is similar to Worthington's normal steel
processing, except the mill or end user retains the title to the steel and has
the responsibility for selling the product. Toll processing enables the Company
to participate in the market for wide sheet steel and large standard orders,
which is a market generally served by steel mills, rather than by intermediate
steel processors.

         Steel processing is highly competitive. The Company competes with many
other intermediate processors. The Company knows of no other intermediate
processor which offers the same type and extent of technical service support
provided by the Company relating to material testing and application of material
suited to the particular needs of customers (see "Technical Services"). The
Company is unable to gauge, however, the extent to which its technical service
capability has improved its competitive position.

         On February 5, 1996, the Company acquired Dietrich,  the largest supplier
of metal framing  products for the  commercial  and  residential  construction
markets in the United States.  The Company  believes that Dietrich is the only
national supplier of metal framing products and supplies  approximately 35% of
the metal framing products sold in the United States. Dietrich is a large user
of galvanized  steel and services a product market not previously  supplied by
the Company. Dietrich operates nineteen facilities in eleven states.


     The  Company  believes  Dietrich  to be the  largest  and  only  national
supplier of metal  framing  products in the United  States.  It has five large
regional competitors and numerous small, more localized competitors.


     The Company's processed steel products segment also includes  Worthington Cylinder Corporation ("Worthington Cylinders"), is the
nation's largest producer of portable low pressure L.P. gas and refrigerant
cylinders. 

                                       4


   5

Worthington Cylinders' primary products are steel cylinders with refrigerant gas
capacities of 15 to 1,000 lbs. and steel and aluminum cylinders with L.P. gas

                                     -4-

capacities of 4-1/4 to 420 lbs. These cylinders are designed and produced in
accordance with safety requirements prescribed by the U.S. Department of
Transportation which specify materials, design limitations, and marking,
inspection and testing procedures. The cylinders are produced by precision
stamping, deep drawing and welding of component parts to customer
specifications. They are then tested, painted and packaged as required.

         The Company's refrigerant cylinders are used primarily by major
refrigerant gas producers to contain refrigerant gases for use in charging
residential, commercial, automotive and other air conditioning and refrigeration
systems. Reusable steel and aluminum L.P. gas cylinders are sold to
manufacturers of barbecue grills, propane and gas grill distributors, mass
merchandisers, and manufacturers and users of material handling, heating,
cooking and camping equipment. The Company manufactures other low pressure
cylinder products, including recapture and recycling tanks for refrigerant
gases, helium tanks, and cylinders to hold other gases. The Company also
produces high pressure acetylene, industrial, medical, halon and electronic gas
cylinders. While a large percentage of sales are made to major accounts,
Worthington Cylinders has over 2,000 customers. It operates seven manufacturing
facilities located in Ohio, Oklahoma, Georgia,  Alabama and Ontario.Ontario, and a joint venture
facility near Sao Paulo, Brazil.

         The Company has two principal competitors in its major low pressure
cylinder markets, of which management believes the Company has the largest
share. The Company also has two principal competitors in its high pressure
cylinder markets, both of which have a larger share than the Company. However,
the Company otherwise has no reliable information with respect to the size of
any of its various product markets or its relative position therein.

         The Company's metal framing business is carried on by Dietrich
Industries, which was acquired on February 5, 1996. Dietrich is the largest
supplier of metal framing products for the commercial and residential
construction markets in the United States. The Company believes that Dietrich is
the only national supplier of metal framing products and supplies approximately
35% of the metal framing products sold in the United States. It has five large
regional competitors and numerous small, more localized competitors. Dietrich
operates eighteen facilities in thirteen states.

         On February 21, 1997 the Company acquired The Gerstenslager Company, a
leading independent supplier of Class A exterior body panels to the North
American automotive original equipment and service part markets. The Company
believes Gerstenslager to be the largest independent supplier of exposed sheet
metal products for the North American automotive aftermarket. Gerstenslager is
unique in its ability to handle the very large number of low volume parts
managing over 

                                       5


   6

3,000 die sets for component parts on past and current automobile and truck
production models. The Company's largest customers are the domestic automobile
manufacturers. It also serves transplant automobile manufacturers, heavy duty
truck manufacturers, and suppliers to the automotive industry.

         Gerstenslager competes with captive stamping plants owned by the
automotive companies and independent tier one suppliers of current model
components, however these stampers are generally unwilling to keep tooling for
past model service business which has a low volume nature. The Company has a
number of smaller competitors in this market, but believes that Gerstenslager
has the largest share of the automotive aftermarket for exterior body panels.

         The largest customer of the processed steel products segment is General
Motors Corporation, purchasing through decentralized divisions and subsidiaries
and in different geographical areas. (See "Marketing and Competition"). The loss
of General Motors as a customer could have an adverse effect on the segment, but
the Company has no reason to believe that the loss of this customer is likely.

         The Company purchases steel in large quantities, at regular intervals
from major primary producers for its steel processing, pressure cylinder, metal
framing and pressure  cylinderautomotive body panel operations. During the fiscal year ended May
31, 19961997 the Company's major suppliers were Rouge Steel Company (in which the
Company holds a minority equity position), AK Steel Corporation, Bethlehem Steel
Corporation, LTV Steel Corporation, USX Corporation, WCI Steel, Inc., and Weirton
Steel Corporation and Wheeling-Pittsburgh
Steel Corporation. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996,1997, the Company's
major suppliers of aluminum for pressure cylinders were Alumax Aluminum Sales
Corporation Aluminum
Corporation  of  America,  Cressona  Aluminum  Company,  Johnson  Metals,  and Specialty Blanks Incorporated. Management believes that its
supplier relationships are good.

-5-
Custom Products.
- ----------------

         The Company's custom products segment includes its custom plastics
business and its precision metal business. Sales by the custom products segment
totaled $321$380 million for the year ended May 31, 1996,1997, representing approximately
21.7%19.9% of the Company's net sales. The Company's custom plastics business
represents the major portion of these sales.

         The Company's custom plastics business is conducted through Worthington
Custom Plastics, Inc., one of the ten largest producers of injection molded
plastic products in the United States. Historically, sales to the automotive
market havehad dominated the customs plastic business,  although inbusiness. In recent years the Company
has increased sales to manufacturers of appliances, lawn and garden equipment,
audio equipment, business equipment, furniture, recreational products, and other
items.

         On December 3, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the
assets of Plastics Manufacturing, Inc. ("PMI") of Harrisburg, North Carolina,
one of the 

                                       6


   7

largest manufacturers of plastic injection molded and thermoformed parts in the
southeastern United States. With annualized revenues of approximately $80
million, PMI primarily serves the business equipment, commercial airline and
medical industries. The Company believes itthat Worthington Custom Plastics is now one
of the two largest suppliers of injection molded plastic parts for
non-automotive uses.

         Principal custom products are a variety of custom made injection molded
plastic components (both functional and decorative) which, depending on the
customers' needs, can also be painted, assembled, silk screened, vacuum
metalized, hot stamped, roll foiled, vinyl wrapped, foamed in-place and/or
appliqued by the Company. Worthington Custom Plastics operates fivenine plants
located in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina.

         The Company's precision metals business is conducted through
Worthington Precision Metals, Inc. which supplies metal components requiring
extremely precise tolerances for use primarily in the automotive industry for
transmission, power steering and brake applications. This business operates two
facilities located in Ohio and Tennessee.

         The custom products segment relies heavily on sales to General Motors
Corporation, The Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation. The loss of any of
these customers could have an adverse effect on the segment but the Company has
no reason to believe that the loss of any of these customers is likely.

         Plastic resins and bar steel, the major raw materials required by this
segment, are available from many sources.

         The Company has numerous competitors in the sale of its custom
products. This business competes in its markets by seeking to provide
well-engineered, quality products within required delivery terms to meet the
specific needs of its plastic parts and precision metal component customers.

Cast Products.
- --------------

         The Company's cast products segment consists primarily of Buckeye Steel
Castings Company ("Buckeye Steel") which operates the largest single site steel
foundry in the United States. Buckeye Steel manufactures a diverse line of cast
steel products ranging in size from 100 lbs. to 30 tons. These

                                     -6-
 products are
offered to the railroad, mass transit, construction and off highway equipment
markets. The Company believes Buckeye Steel is one of the two largest suppliers
of large railcar castings in the United States and is the leading North American
designer and producer of undercarriages for mass transit cars. The cast products
segment had sales of $144$114 million for the year ended May 31, 1996,1997, representing
approximately 9.7%6.0% of total Company sales.

                                       7


   8

         In general, there are a number of companies involved in the sale of
steel castings; however, there are three major competitors in the sale of
certain railcar castings. The Company's cast products are generally sold under
trademark which is a stylized "Circle B", and the Company utilizes various other
owned and licensed trademarks and patents in connection with its cast products.

         Scrap steel, the major raw material required by the cast products
segment, is purchased from several sources. Supplies of scrap steel have been
adequate, although pricing in the market tends to be volatile. Other raw
materials used by this segment are obtained from a number of major suppliers.

Joint Ventures
- --------------

         The Company is a partnermember in fiveone consolidated and six unconsolidated
joint ventures.

         *-        Spartan Steel Coating, L.L.C., a 52% owned consolidated joint
                  venture with Rouge Steel, is constructing a cold rolled hot
                  dipped galvanizing facility near Monroe, Michigan. This
                  facility is expected to begin operations in mid-1998.

         -        Worthington/Armstrong Venture ("WAVE"), a 50% owned joint
                  venture with Armstrong World Industries, is one of the three
                  leading United States manufacturers of suspended ceiling
                  systems for concealed and lay-in panel ceilings. WAVE operates
                  facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Nevada, Spain, China,
                  and France and expects to expand  into Chinaopen facilities in fiscal year 1997.


     *    TWB Company,England and
                  Michigan.

         -        Worthington Specialty Processing, a 50% owned joint venture
                  Thyssen Stahl of Germany,  is
          locatedwith USX Corporation, operates a plant in Monroe, Michigan. It produces laser welded blanksJackson, Michigan
                  which primarily toll processes for use
          in the auto industry for products such as inner door frames.


     *USX Corporation.

         -        Acerex S.A. de C.V., a 50% owned joint venture with Hylsa S.A.
                  de C.V., is a steel processing company located in Monterrey,
                  Mexico.

         *    Worthington Specialty Processing,-        TWB Company, a 50%33.3% owned joint venture with USX
          Corporation,Thyssen Steel,
                  Rouge Steel, LTV Steel and Bethlehem Steel, is located in
                  Monroe, Michigan. It produces laser welded blanks for use in
                  the auto industry for products such as inner door frames.

         -        Worthington S.A., a 52% owned joint venture with three
                  Brazilian propane producers, operates a plant in Jackson,  Michigan which primarily
          toll processes for USX Corporation.


     *cylinder manufacturing
                  facility near Sao Paulo, Brazil.

                                       8


   9

         -        London Industries, Inc., a 60% owned London, Ohio joint
                  venture with Sumitomo and Nissen Chemitech of Japan, produces
                  injection molded plastics parts, concentrating on sales to
                  foreign transplant automakers.


         -7-
See Note J of the Company's Notes to  the  Company's Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information on these unconsolidated  affiliates of
the Company.joint ventures.

Investment In Rouge Steel
- -------------------------

         The Company also owns a minority interest (28%(27%) in Rouge Steel Company,
an integrated steel mill located in Dearborn, Michigan. This relationship, along
with a long term steel supply agreement, have assured the Company a steady
supply of high quality steel at competitive prices in all market conditions.
Since Worthington acquired its equity position in 1990, Rouge Steel has been the
Company's largest steel supplier.

         TheIn the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company has taken steps  relative toconverted certain of
its Class B common stock of Rouge Steel into Class A common stock of Rouge
Steel, which reduced its voting percentage in Rouge Steel below 20%, and it
resigned from its two seats on the Rouge Steel Board of Directors. As a result,
the Company's investment in Rouge Steel
Company which will result inno longer qualified for the Companyequity method of
accounting for this investment onand was changed to the cost method rather thanfor the equity method  effective for its 1997 fiscal year. Under
the equity method, Rouge Steel had contributed $21.7 million $32.1 million, and $19.4$32.1 million
to the Company's pre-tax earnings during fiscal 1996 and 1995, and
1994, respectively.
Under the cost method of accounting, only dividends received by Worthington from
its Rouge Common Stock are credited to pre-tax earnings.

         In March 1997, the Company issued 5,999,600 DECS SM (Debt Exchangeable
for Common Stock SM). Under the DECS the Company issued $93 million principal
amount of 7-1/4% exchangeable notes due March 1, 2000. At maturity of the Notes,
the principal amount of each DECS will be mandatorily exchanged by Worthington
into shares of Rouge Class A Common Stock (or at the Company's option cash
equivalent for all or part thereof) at a defined exchange rate. The Company's
current Rouge stockholdings are sufficient to settle the DECS liability.

Technical Services.
- -------------------

         The Company employs a staff of engineers and other technical personnel
and maintains fully-equipped, modern laboratories to support its operations. The
facilities enable the Company to verify, analyze and document the physical,
chemical, metallurgical and mechanical properties of its raw materials and
products. Technical service personnel also work in conjunction with the sales
force to determine the types of flat rolled steel and steel castings required
for the particular needs of the Company's customers. In order to provide such
service, the Company maintains a continuing program of developmental engineering
with respect to the 

                                       9


   10

characteristics and performance of its products under varying conditions.
Laboratory facilities are also used to perform the quality control and extensive
testing of all low pressure cylinders required by the regulations of the U. S.
Department of Transportation and associated agencies, as well as varying
customer requirements. The Company also maintains a separate testing facility
for its steel castings operation.

Marketing and Competition.
- --------------------------

         The Company's products and services are sold primarily by Company sales
personnel.

         As a percentage of the Company's consolidated sales and revenues, sales
of steel processing services represented 51%42% for fiscal 1997, 48% for fiscal
1996, 57%and 54% for fiscal 1995, and 59%1995; sales of metal framing products represented 15.6%
for fiscal 1994;1997 and less than 10% in fiscal 1996 and 1995 since it was acquired
in February 1996; sales of pressure cylinders represented 10% for fiscal 1997,
11% for fiscal 1996, and 12% for 1996, 12% for 1995, and 13% for 1994; and1995; sales of custom plastics represented 18%17%
for 1996,fiscal 1997, 17% in 1995,1996, and 17%16% in 1994.


                                     -8-
1995.

         During fiscal year ended May 31, 1996,1997, General Motors Corporation,
purchasing through decentralized divisions and subsidiaries in different
geographical areas, accounted for approximately 14.2%14.0% of the Company's
consolidated sales and revenues.

         The principal methods of competition encountered by the Company are
quality of product, ability to meet delivery requirements of customers, and
price. Geographic proximity to customers has a significant effect upon relative
ability to meet customer delivery schedules and impacts the freight charge
portion of overall product price. See also the information set forth above as to
competition in the various segments.

Environmental Regulation.
- -------------------------

         The Company's manufacturing facilities, generally in common with those
of similar industries making similar products, are subject to many federal,
state and local requirements relating to the protection of the environment. The
Company continually examines ways to reduce emissions and waste and to effect
cost savings related to environmental compliance. Management does not anticipate
that capital expenditures for environmental control facilities required in order
to meet environmental requirements will be material when compared with the
Company's overall capital expenditures.

Employees.
- ----------

         The Company employs approximately 10,00012,000 people.

                                       10


   11

Subsequent Event
- ----------------

         On August 14, 1997, the Company experienced a fire at its steel
processing facility in Monroe, Ohio. The fire significantly damaged the pickling
area of the facility and caused less extensive damage to the remainder of the
plant. The Company has shifted as much business as possible to its other
locations, with the remainder being sent to third party processors. Although the
Company has not yet been able to fully evaluate the damages and the time for
repairs or replacement of the facilities and its equipment, the Company
anticipates that operations will return in stages, with blanking to return
first, slitting second, and pickling over a longer period.

         The Company carries both property damage and business interruption
insurance and as a result, the Company does not expect the fire to have a
material adverse impact on the Company's financial results.

Item 2. - Properties.
- ---------------------

         The Company's corporate offices are located in Columbus, Ohio. Its
principal properties consist of 4652 manufacturing facilities, excluding those of
unconsolidated affiliates  but including the Delta Ohio steel  processing
plant  currently  being  completed.affiliates. These facilities  all of which are well maintained and in good
operating condition, excluding the Monroe, Ohio steel processing facility which
was recently damaged by a fire - see Item 1 under "Subsequent Events." These
facilities contain in excess of 8,000,0009,000,000 sq. ft. in the aggregate and are
adequate to meet the Company's present needs.

         The locations of these facilities are set forth on page 34I-28 of the
Company's annual reportAnnual Report to shareholdersShareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996,1997, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.

         See Item 1 under the heading "Joint Ventures" for the location of the
Company's unconsolidated affiliates.

-9-
Item 3. - Legal Proceedings.
The Company's  subsidiary,  Buckeye Steel Castings Company, has agreed to
settle certain  allegations made by Ohio EPA relating to air pollution matters
at its foundry in Columbus,  Ohio. The primary allegations concern (a) alleged
omissions of fugitive dust from the facility,  mainly related to  malfunctions
of its dust collection systems (i.e.  baghouses) in 1989; (b) alleged failures
to obtain  permits in a timely manner,  primarily  related to periods prior to
1990;  and (c) alleged  failures in prior  years to use  reasonably  available
control  measures to collect  dust inside its  facility.  Although the Company
disputes the alleged violations, it has elected to settle the matter and avoid
costly litigation.


     Under the terms of the  settlement,  the  Company has agreed to (i) pay a
cash settlement of $275,000; (b) make a contribution to the Ohio Department of
Natural  Resources of $65,000;  and (c) undertake  credit  projects  primarily
related to the  replacement  and upgrading of an old dust  collection  system,
which  credit   projects  will  involve   capital   expenditures   aggregating
approximately $1 million over the Company's next two fiscal years.- ----------------------------

         Not Applicable.

Item 4. - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------

         Not applicable.Applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant.
- -------------------------------------

         The following table lists the names, positions held, and ages of all
the executive officers of the Company:

                                       Present
                                                                 Office
Name                   Age    Positions with the Company        Held Since
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John H. McConnell      73     Chairman of the Board
                              and Director                             1955

John P. McConnell      42     Vice Chairman, Chief Executive
                              Officer and Director                     1993

Donald G. Barger, Jr.  53     Vice President-Finance and
                              Chief Financial Officer                  1993

Robert J. Borel        53     Vice President-Engineering               1985

William S. Dietrich    58     President of Dietrich Industries
                              Inc., a subsidiary of the Company
                              and Director                             1996

Edward A. Ferkany      59     Vice President-Processed Steel           1985

Thomas L. Hockman      52     Vice President-Personnel                 1993


                                     -10-11

   Robert J. Klein        59     Executive Vice President-Marketing
                              and Planning and Director                1985

Pete A. Klisares       60     Executive Vice President
                              and Director                             1993

Donal H. Malenick      57     President, Chief Operating
                              Officer and Director                     1976

Charles D. Minor       6912


PRESENT OFFICE NAME AGE POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY HELD SINCE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ John H. McConnell 74 Chairman Emeritus, Founder 1996 John P. McConnell 43 Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 1996 Donald G. Barger, Jr. 54 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer 1993 Robert J. Borel 54 Vice President-Engineering 1985 William S. Dietrich 59 President - Dietrich Industries Inc., a subsidiary of the Company 1997 Edward A. Ferkany 60 Vice President-Processed Steel 1985 Thomas L. Hockman 53 Vice President-Administration 1997 Pete A. Klisares 61 Assistant to the Chairman 1993 Donal H. Malenick 58 President, Chief Operating Officer 1976 Charles D. Minor 70 Secretary and Director 1955 Ralph V. Roberts 50 Vice President-Corporate Development 1997 Mark H. Stier 50 Vice President-Human Resources 1997
The principal employment of Donal H. Malenick, Robert J. Klein, Robert J. Borel and Edward A. Ferkany for more than the last five years has been in their present capacity with the Company. William S. Dietrich has been President of Dietrich Industries for more than the last five years. John H. McConnell was also Chief Executive Officer of the Company from its founding in 1955 until June 1, 1993 at which time he retired as CEO and remained Chairman of the Board. John P. McConnell's principal occupation for more than five years prior to July 1990 had been in various capacities with the Company. In July 1990, he resigned his employment with the Company to become President of JMAC, Inc., a private holding company. John P. McConnell was elected Vice Chairman of the Company in June 1992, and became Chief Executive Officer as of June 1, 1993.1993, and Chairman of the Board in September 1996. John H. McConnell was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from its founding in 1955 until he retired from the position of Chief Executive Officer in 1993 and as Chairman in 1996. Donald G. Barger, Jr. was Vice President-Corporate Controller for B. F. Goodrich Company for more than five years prior to September 1993, when he became Vice President-Finance andPresident, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. 12 13 Thomas L. Hockman was Assistant Treasurer and Manager of Compensation and Benefits for the Company for more than five years prior to becoming Vice President-Personnel in January 1993. He became Vice President-Administration in 1997. Pete A. Klisares was Manufacturing Vice President and General Manager for AT&T for more than five years prior to May 1991 and Executive Director of JMAC, Inc. from May 1991 through December 1991. He became Assistant to the Chairman of the Company in December 1991 and1991. He was named Executive Vice President effective August 1993.1993 and maintained that position until August 1997 when he again assumed the position of Assistant to the Chairman. Charles D. Minor was a partner in the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, counsel to the Company, for more than five years prior to January 1993. In January 1993 he became counsel to that firm. Ralph V. Roberts served as President of Worthington Armstrong Venture, a joint venture between the Company and Armstrong World Industries, Inc. from its formation in June 1992 until he became Vice President Corporate Development in June 1997. Prior to that time, he served in various positions with the Company including as Vice President-General Manager of two of the Company's steel processing facilities. Mark H. Stier was Vice President - General Manager of the Company's subsidiary, The Worthington Steel Company, Porter, Indiana, for more than ten years prior to August 1997, when he became Vice President-Corporate Human Resources of the Company. Prior to that time he had served in various capacities with the Company. Executive officers serve at the pleasure of the directors. John H. McConnell is the father of John P. McConnell. There are no other family relationships among the executive officers of the Company. No arrangements or understandings exist pursuant to which any person has been, or is to be, selected as an officer. -11- PART II Item 5. - Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information called for by this Item 5 is incorporated by reference herein from the information set forth under the caption "Stock Trading, Price and Dividend Information" on pages 32 and 33page I-4 of the Company's annual report1997 Annual Report to shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996.Shareholders. 13 14 Item 6. - Selected Financial Data. - ---------------------------------- The information called for by this Item 6 is incorporated by reference herein from the information presented for each ofon page I-5 under the Company's five most recent fiscal years under "Elevencaption "Five Year Selected Financial Data" set forth on pages 30under the headings "Financial Results" and 31 of the Company's annual report to shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996."Financial Position." Item 7. - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Results of Operations. - ---------------------- The information called for by this Item 7 is incorporated by reference herein from the information set forth under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis" set forth on pages 18, 19 and 20I-6 through I-9 of the Company's annual report1997 Annual Report to shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996.Shareholders. Item 7A. - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Not applicable. Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. - ------------------------------------------------------ The following consolidated financial statements of Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Report of Independent Auditors, included inset forth on pages I-10 through I-27 of the Company's annual report1997 Annual Report to shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996, on pages 20 through 29 thereofShareholders are incorporated herein by reference. Consolidated Balance Sheets--May 31, 19961997 and 19951996 Consolidated Statements of Earnings--Years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 1995 and 19941995. Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity--Years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 1995 and 19941995. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 1995 and 19941995. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Auditors -12- Item 9. - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Disclosure. - --------------------- Not applicable. 14 15 PART III Item 10. - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. - -------------------------------------------------------------- In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference herein from the material under the heading "Election of Directors" contained on pages 2 through 65 of the Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission relating to the Company's annual meetingProxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of shareholdersShareholders to be held on September 19, 1996.18, 1997. The information regarding Executive Officers required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is included in Part I hereof under an appropriate caption. Disclosure required under Item 405 of Regulation S-K is included on page 65 of the proxy statement.Proxy Statement. Item 11. - Executive Compensation. - ---------------------------------- In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference herein from the information contained in the Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission relating to the Company's annual meetingProxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on September 19, 1996Shareholders under the heading "Election of Directors - Compensation of Directors" on pagepages 4 and 5, and under the heading "Executive Compensation" - "Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation" on pages 7 and 8,page 12, "Option Grants" on page 8,13, and "Option Exercises and Holdings" on page 8.pages 13 and 14. Item 12. - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference herein from the material under the headings "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" contained on page 2 and "Election of Directors" contained on pages 2 through 63 and 4 of the Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission relating to the Company's annual meetingProxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on September 19, 1996.Shareholders. Item 13. - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. - ---------------------------------------------------------- In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference herein from footnote 2 to the materialtable under the heading "Election of Directors" contained on pages 2 through 5page 3 and the material under the heading "Gerstenslager Transaction" on page 13 of the Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission relating to the Company's annual meetingProxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on September 19, 1996. -13- Shareholders. PART IV Item 14. - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a)(1) and (2) The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of this report--See List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on page F-1 of this report. 15 16 (3) Listing of Exhibits--See Index to Exhibits beginning on page E-1 of this report. The index to exhibits specifically identifies each management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Form 10-K. (b) A Form 8-K(A) dated April 19, 1996 was filed as Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 1996 to amend Item 7 and includes the following financial statements and information: Financial Statements--Dietrich Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries. Independent Auditors' Report Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1995 Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings - Year Ended December 31, 1995 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Year Ended December 31, 1995 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Unaudited Pro Form Financial Information--Worthington Industries, Inc. Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings - Year Ended May 31, 1995 Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings - Nine months ended February 29, 1996 Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsNone. (c) Exhibits filed with this report are attached hereto. (d) Financial Statement Schedules--The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of this report--See List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on Page F-1. -14- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. Date: August 29, 199627, 1997 By: /s/Donal H. Malenick ____________________________ Donal H. Malenick, PresidentDonald G. Barger -------------------- Donald G. Barger, Jr. Vice President-Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. SIGNATURE DATE TITLE ----------- ------ -------
SIGNATURE DATE TITLE --------- ---- ----- * * Director, Chairman and - ----------------------- Chief Executive Officer John P. McConnell * * Director, Chairman Emeritus - ----------------------- and Founder John H. McConnell * * Director, President and - ----------------------- Chief Operating Officer Donal H. Malenick * * Director, Assistant to the - ----------------------- Chairman of the Board John H. McConnell * * Director, Vice Chairman, John P. McConnell Chief Executive Officer /s/Donal H. Malenick 8/29/96 Director, President, Donal H. Malenick Chief Operating Officer * * Director, Executive Vice Pete A. Klisares President * * Vice President-Finance,
16 17 /s/Donald G. Barger * Vice President, - ----------------------- Chief Financial Officer Donald G. Barger, Jr. * * Director, Secretary - ----------------------- Charles D. Minor * * Director - ----------------------- William S. Dietrich * * Director - ----------------------- Charles R. Carson * * Director - ----------------------- John E. Fisher * * Director - ----------------------- John F. Havens * * Director - ----------------------- Katherine S. LeVeque * * Director - ----------------------- Robert B. McCurry * * Director - ----------------------- Gerald B. Mitchell * * Director - ----------------------- James Petropoulos
*By:/s/Donald G. Barger, Jr. Chief Financial Officer * * Director, Secretary Charles D. Minor * * Director William S. Dietrich * * Director Charles R. Carson -15-Date: 8/27/97 ------------------------- ------- Donald G. Barger, Jr. Attorney-In-Fact 17 * * Director John E. Fisher * * Director John F. Havens * * Director Katherine S. LeVeque * * Director Robert B. McCurry * * Director Gerald B. Mitchell * * Director James Petropoulos *By: /s/Donal H. Malenick Date: 8/29/96 __________________________ Donal H. Malenick Attorney-In-Fact -16- 18 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10K10-K ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2) AND ITEM 14 (d) WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES The following consolidated financial statements of Worthington Industries, Inc., and Subsidiaries, included in the annual reportset forth on pages I-10 through I-27 of the registrantCompany's 1997 Annual Report to its shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996,Shareholders, are incorporated by reference in Item 8: Consolidated Balance Sheets -- May 31, 19961997 and 19951996 Consolidated Statements of Earnings -- Years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 1995 and 19941995 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity -- Years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 1995 and 19941995 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended May 31, 1997, 1996 1995 and 19941995 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Auditors The following consolidated financial statement schedules of Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries are included in Item 14 (d): Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted. F-1 19 SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COL. A COL.B COL.C COL.D COL.E - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additions - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance (1) (2) Balance at (1)DESCRIPTION at Beginning Charged to (2)Cost Charged Deductions - Balance at End DESCRIPTION Beginning of Cost and to Other DescribeDeductions End of of Period Periodand Expenses Accounts - Describe -Describe Period - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year Ended May 31, 1997: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for possible losses on trade accounts receivable $2,792,000 $947,368 $300,000 (C) $139,368 (A) $3,900,000 ========== ======== ======== ========== ========== Year Ended May 31, 1996: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for possible losses on trade accounts receivable $2,397,000$2,411,000 $355,199 $750,000 (B) $724,199 (A) $724,199(B) $2,778,000 =============================================================================$2,792,000 ========== ======== ========= ========== ========== Year Ended May 31, 1995: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for possible losses on trade accounts receivable $2,535,000$2,549,000 $881,866 $0 $1,019,866(B) $2,397,000 ============================================================================= Year Ended May 31, 1994: Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for possible losses on trade accounts receivable $2,351,000 $339,172 $0 $155,172(B) $2,535,000 =============================================================================$152 $1,020,018 (A) $2,411,000 ========== ======== ========= ========== ==========
Note A - Amount from Dietrich acquisition. Note B - Uncollectible accounts charged to the allowance. F-2Note B - Amount from Dietrich acquisition. Note C - Amount from PMI acquisition. Exhibit Number Description20 EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- 3(a) Certificate of Incorporation Incorporatedof Incorporation herein by reference to of Worthington Industries, Inc. to Exhibit 3 of the Company's Annual Inc.Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended August 31, 1994 3(b) Bylaws of Worthington Industries, Incorporated herein by reference Inc. to Industries, Inc. Exhibit 3(b) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1992 4(a) Form of Indenture dated as Incorporated herein by reference to of ______,May 15, 1996 between Exhibit 4 of the Company's the Company and PNC Bank, Registration Statement on Form S-3 Ohio, National Association, filed May 2, 1996 (Registration No. as Trustee, relating to up 333-03087) to $450,000,000 of debt securities 4(b) Form of 7-1/8% Notes due 20072006 4(c) First Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997 between the Company and PNC Bank as Trustee 4(d) 7-1/4% Exchangeable Note Due March 1, 2000 4(e) Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 1997 between the Company and The Bank of Nova Scotia, PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association, Nationsbank, N.A., Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., ABN Amro Bank N.V. and Bank One, N.A. 4(f) Agreement to furnish instruments defining rights of holders of long-termlong- term debt 21 10(a) Amended 1980 Stock Option Plan, Incorporated hereherein by reference to Plan, as amended* to Annex B to the Prospectus filed as part of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 2-80094) 10(b) 1990 Stock Option Plan* Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(d) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1991.1991 10(c) Executive Deferred Compensation Incorporated herein by reference Plan* to Compensation Plan* Exhibit 10(e) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1984 10(d) Deferred Compensation Plan for Incorporated herein by reference to for Directors* Exhibit 10(f) of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1984 10(e) 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan 13 Portions of 1996 Annual Report to security holders incorporated by reference into Form 10-KShareholders 21 Subsidiaries of the Company 23(b)23 Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP 24 Powers of Attorney E-1 27 Financial Data Schedule E-2 EXHIBIT 4(b) Form of 7-1/8% Notes due 2007 NOTE UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE INDIVIDUAL DEBT SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY, THIS GLOBAL SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of the Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to the Issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein. WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. 7-1/8% Note Due May 15, 2006 CUSIP No. 981811AB8 $150,000,000 No. ___ Worthington Industries, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein called the "Issuer", which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to) as obligor, for value received, hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the principal sum of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION and 00/100 DOLLARS on May 15, 2006, and to pay interest thereon from May 24, 1996, or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 in each year, commencing November 15, 1996, at the rate of 7-1/8% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. The Issuer shall also pay interest on overdue principal or installments of interest at such rate. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest, which shall be May 1 or November 1 (whether or not a business day), as the case may be, next preceding such interest payment date. Any interest on this Debt Security which is E-4 payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in the manner provided in the Debt Security and such Indenture shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Registered Holder hereof on the relevant record date, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer to the Person in whose name this Debt Security is registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to the Holder hereof not less than 10 days prior to such special record date, or may be paid by the Issuer on this Debt Security in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which this Debt Security may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, payment of interest on this Debt Security shall be made at the corporate trust office of the Trustee, or at the option of the Issuer, by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled hereto as such address shall appear in the Debt Security Register, or, at the option of the Registered Holder by wire transfer to an account designated by the Registered Holder, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. This Debt Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Issuer (herein called the "Debt Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 15, 1996 (herein called the "Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Issuer and PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitation of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Registered Holders of the Debt Securities and of the terms upon which the Debt Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Debt Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof. This Debt Security is not subject to redemption and is not callable prior to maturity. The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Debt Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Debt Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture. Such provisions shall be applicable to this Debt Security. E-5 If an Event of Default with respect to this Debt Security shall occur and be continuing, the principal of and interest on this Debt Security may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, without notice to any Holder but with the consent of Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such supplemental Indenture, the Company and the Trustee at any time to enter into an Indenture or supplemental Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or of any supplemental Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series. The Indenture also permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, prior to the acceleration of the maturity of the Debt Securities of any series, the Holders of specified percentages in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all the Debt Securities of that series waive any past Default or Event of Default and its consequences for that series specified in the terms thereof. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Debt Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Debt Security and of any Debt Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debt Security. As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Debt Security shall not have the right to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, upon or under or with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of this series and of the continuance thereof and unless the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of this series shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee thereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceedings and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of this series at the time Outstanding. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Debt Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein. E-6 No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Debt Security or other Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this Debt Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Debt Security is registrable in the Debt Security Register, upon surrender of this Debt Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Issuer in any Place of Payment, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Trustee and the Registrar duly executed by the Registered Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of authorized denominations for a like aggregate principal amount. The Debt Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Debt Securities of this series are exchangeable in whole or in part for a like aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities of this series and of like tenor and terms of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, no service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer of Debt Securities, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto. Prior to due presentation for registration of transfer of this Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any payment agent or any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name this Debt Security is registered as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Debt Security be overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, any payment agent or Registrant shall be affected by notice to the contrary. All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to herein by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. E-7 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed under its corporate seal. Dated: May 24, 1996 WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. By: /s/Donald G. Barger, Jr. _______________________________ Donald G. Barger, Jr., Vice President and Chief Financial Officer By: /s/Dale T. Brinkman _______________________________ Dale T. Brinkman, Assistant Secretary ____________________ TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture. PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association As Trustee By: _____________________________________ Authorized Signature E-8 EXHIBIT 4(c) Agreement to furnish instruments defining rights of holders of long-term debt E-9 August 29, 1996 Securities and Exchange Commission Judiciary Plaza 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Re: Worthington Industries, Inc. - Form 10-K Gentlemen: Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is today executing a Form 10-K, Annual Report. Pursuant to the instructions relating to the Exhibits, Worthington Industries, Inc. hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, copies of instruments and agreements defining the rights of holders of its long-term debt and of the long-term debt of its consolidated subsidiaries. Very truly yours, WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. /s/Donal H. Malenick ____________________________ Donal H. Malenick President Enclosures E-10 EXHIBIT 13 PORTIONS OF 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO FORM 10-K E-11 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands, except per share Year Ended May 31 1996 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SALES Net sales $ 1,477,838 $ 1,483,569 $ 1,285,134 Cost of goods sold 1,256,574 1,244,633 1,093,350 ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross Margin 221,264 238,936 191,784 Selling, general and administrative expense 95,123 85,102 72,372 ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating Income 126,141 153,834 119,412 Other income (expense): Miscellaneous income 950 573 389 Interest expense (8,350) (6,036) (3,017) Equity in net income of affiliates - Joint Ventures 7,333 6,216 (555) Equity in net income of affiliate - Rouge 21,729 32,111 19,406 ----------- ----------- ----------- Earnings Before Income Taxes 147,803 186,698 135,635 Income taxes 56,461 70,012 50,782 ----------- ----------- ----------- EARNINGS Net Earnings $ 91,342 $ 116,686 $ 84,853 =========== =========== =========== Average Common Shares Outstanding 90,812 90,730 90,378 EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share $ 1.01 $ 1.29 $ .94 =========== =========== =========== See notes to consolidated financial statements. Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
E-11 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dollars in thousands, except for per share 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMON SHARES Balance at beginning of year $ 908 $ 906 $ 601 Sale of common shares under stock option plan, (116,051 in 1996; 198,144 in 1995; 375,155 in 1994) 1 2 4 Par value of shares issued in connection with share split -- -- 301 Purchase and retirement of common shares, (216,500 in 1996; 1,436 in 1994) (1) -- -- --------- --------- --------- Balance at May 31 $ 908 $ 908 $ 906 --------- --------- --------- ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL Balance at beginning of year $ 102,733 $ 96,427 $ 81,250 Sale of common shares under stock option plan, (116,051 in 1996; 198,144 in 1995; 375,155 in 1994) 1,549 2,569 3,875 Sale of shares under dividend reinvestment plan, (90,561 in 1996; 81,102 in 1995; 74,101 in 1994) 1,820 1,664 1,471 Par value of shares issued in connection with share split -- -- (301) Transactions of unconsolidated affiliate 10 2,073 10,134 Purchase and retirement of common shares, (216,500 in 1996; 1,436 in 1994) (243) -- (2) --------- --------- --------- Balance at May 31 $ 105,869 $ 102,733 $ 96,427 --------- --------- --------- MINIMUM PENSION LIABILITY Balance at beginning of year $ (871) $ (1,674) $ (230) Transactions of unconsolidated affiliate 682 803 (1,444) --------- --------- --------- Balance at May 31 $ (189) $ (871) $ (1,674) --------- --------- --------- TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT Balance at beginning of year $ (146) -- -- Foreign currency translation adjustment (1,102) $ (146) -- --------- --------- --------- Balance at May 31 $ (1,248) $ (146) -- --------- --------- --------- RETAINED EARNINGS Balance at beginning of year $ 487,708 $ 408,234 $ 356,567 Net earnings 91,342 116,686 84,853 Cash dividends declared: (per share: $.450 in 1996; $.410 in 1995; $.367 in 1994) (40,872) (37,212) (33,161) Purchase and retirement of common shares, (216,500 in 1996; 1,436 in 1994) (3,978) -- (25) --------- --------- --------- Balance at May 31 $ 534,200 $ 487,708 $ 408,234 --------- --------- ---------
E-12 See notes to consolidated financial statements. Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dollars in thousands May 31 1996 1995 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,029 $ 2,003 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $2,778 and $2,397 at May 31, 1996 and 1995 224,956 216,443 Inventories Raw materials 128,884 142,738 Work in process and finished products 79,141 58,140 ----------- --------- 208,025 200,878 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 24,031 32,578 ----------- --------- Total Current Assets 476,041 451,902 Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates 138,212 104,764 Intangible Assets 65,256 -- Other Assets 28,280 25,381 Property, Plant and Equipment Land 20,658 11,383 Buildings 154,774 122,073 Machinery and equipment 528,965 427,927 Construction in progress 88,877 27,903 ----------- --------- 793,274 589,286 Less accumulated depreciation 280,938 254,369 ----------- --------- 512,336 334,917 ----------- --------- Total Assets $ 1,220,125 $ 916,964 =========== ========= LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 82,178 $ 87,329 Notes payable -- 38,200 Accrued compensation, contributions to employee benefit plans and related taxes 33,234 31,741 Dividends payable 10,901 9,992 Other accrued items 17,652 8,597 Income taxes 5,829 2,709 Current maturities of long-term debt 1,475 660 ----------- --------- Total Current Liabilities 151,269 179,228 Other Liabilities 17,912 18,055 Long-Term Debt 298,742 53,476 Deferred Income Taxes 112,662 75,873 Contingent Liabilities -- Note G EQUITY Shareholders' Equity Preferred shares, $1.00 par value, authorized-- 1,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding--none -- -- Common shares, $.01 par value, authorized -- 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding-- 1996 --90,830,440 shares; 1995 --90,840,328 shares 908 908 Additional paid-in capital 105,869 102,733 Minimum pension liability of unconsolidated affiliate (189) (871) Foreign currency translation adjustment (1,248) (146) Retained earnings 534,200 487,708 ----------- --------- 639,540 590,332 ----------- --------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 1,220,125 $ 916,964 =========== =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements. Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries E-14 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In thousands Year Ended May 31 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net earnings $ 91,342 $ 116,686 $ 84,853 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 39,222 34,129 32,385 Gain on sale of short-term investments -- -- (911) Provision for deferred income taxes 10,355 15,541 7,911 Equity in undistributed net income of unconsolidated affiliates (25,153) (37,847) (19,345) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 13,456 (26,702) (20,886) Inventories 35,175 (15,996) (25,895) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,443 (7,418) (6,460) Other assets (1,951) 554 (6,576) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (25,990) (11,156) 4,001 Other liabilities (457) (1,390) 11,777 --------- --------- -------- Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 138,442 66,401 60,854 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investment in property, plant and equipment, net (108,996) (61,485) (46,554) Acquisition of Dietrich Industries, net of cash acquired (169,391) -- -- Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (8,315) (10,857) -- Other, net -- -- 1,287 --------- --------- -------- Net Cash Used By Investing Activities (286,702) (72,342) (45,267) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from (payments on) short-term borrowings (38,200) 28,200 10,000 Proceeds from long-term debt 424,774 27,000 -- Principal payments on long-term debt (180,473) (28,490) (1,165) Proceeds from issuance of common shares 3,370 4,235 5,350 Repurchase of common shares (4,222) -- (27) Dividends paid (39,963) (36,276) (33,161) --------- --------- -------- Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities 165,286 (5,331) (19,003) --------- --------- -------- Increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 17,026 (11,272) (3,416) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 2,003 13,275 16,691 --------- --------- -------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 19,029 $ 2,003 $ 13,275 ========= ========= ========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See notes to consolidated financial statements. Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries E-15 INDUSTRY SEGMENT DATA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In thousands May 31 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SALES Net Sales Processed steel products $ 1,013,099 $ 1,028,326 $ 920,199 $ 767,682 $ 668,578 Custom products 321,013 302,096 249,459 241,916 217,731 Cast products 143,726 153,147 115,476 103,644 85,037 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- $ 1,477,838 $ 1,483,569 $ 1,285,134 $ 1,113,242 $ 971,346 =========== =========== =========== =========== ========= EARNINGS Operating Income Processed steel products $ 93,379 $ 112,390 $ 98,062 $ 79,187 $ 70,317 Custom products 18,200 19,754 15,334 20,360 13,948 Cast products 14,562 21,690 6,016 6,544 4,092 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- 126,141 153,834 119,412 106,091 88,357 Miscellaneous income 950 573 389 598 1,289 Interest expense (8,350) (6,036) (3,017) (3,421) (3,986) Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates 29,062 38,327 18,851 4,587 5,440 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- $ 147,803 $ 186,698 $ 135,635 $ 107,855 $ 91,100 =========== =========== =========== =========== ========= ASSETS Identifiable Assets Processed steel products $ 758,836 $ 507,073 $ 471,458 $ 428,891 $ 410,051 Custom products 178,679 165,619 138,015 117,856 105,483 Cast products 71,225 78,099 75,733 69,843 62,350 Corporate 73,173 61,409 61,406 59,674 41,273 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- 1,081,913 812,200 746,612 676,264 619,157 Investment in unconsolidated affiliates 138,212 104,764 51,961 17,945 8,803 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- $ 1,220,125 $ 916,964 $ 798,573 $ 694,209 $ 627,960 =========== =========== =========== =========== ========= DEPRECIATION Depreciation Expense Processed steel products $ 22,054 $ 19,041 $ 19,075 $ 17,745 $ 15,927 Custom products 10,330 8,710 7,047 5,598 5,233 Cast products 4,647 4,362 4,095 3,900 3,879 Corporate 2,191 2,016 2,168 1,961 1,848 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- $ 39,222 $ 34,129 $ 32,385 $ 29,204 $ 26,887 =========== =========== =========== =========== ========= EXPENDITURES Capital Expenditures Processed steel products $ 79,551 $ 31,869 $ 14,693 $ 9,876 $ 28,081 Custom products 17,423 22,254 19,086 12,640 9,345 Cast products 5,427 4,041 6,787 5,283 1,631 Corporate 6,595 3,321 5,988 1,341 6,063 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- $ 108,996 $ 61,485 $ 46,554 $ 29,140 $ 45,120 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ( ) Indicates deduction Corporate expenses are allocated on a consistent basis among industry segments over the five-year period. Earnings are before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting changes. "Capital expenditures" are net of normal disposals and exclude amounts in connection with acquisitions and divestitures. See notes to consolidated financial statements. Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries E-16 Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements NOTE A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company"). Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications were made to prior years' amounts to conform with the 1996 presentation. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 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 purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the specific identification method for steel processing and the first-in, first-out method for all other businesses. Property and Depreciation: Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. Capitalized Interest: Interest is capitalized in connection with construction of qualified assets. Under this policy, interest of $2,085,000 was capitalized in 1996 and $529,000 in 1995. Post Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions: The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 106, "Employer's Accounting for Post Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," effective June 1, 1993. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact on the Company's operating results or financial position. As permitted by Statement 106, the Company elected not to restate the financial statements of prior years. Stock-Based Compensation: During 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based*Management Compensation" effective June 1, 1996. This Statement sets forth standards for accounting for stock-based compensation or allows companies to continue using Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25 with additional disclosures in the notes to consolidated financial statements. It is the Company's intention to continue using APB No. 25 with additional disclosures in the notes beginning in 1997. Statements of Cash Flows: With respect to non-cash activities, the Company recorded its increased equity from the Rouge Steel Company's initial public offering as an increase in investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $3,215,000 in 1995 and $15,451,000 in 1994 and additional paid-in-capital (net of deferred taxes) of $2,073,000 in 1995 and $10,134,000 in 1994. Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended May 31, is as follows: In thousands 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest paid $10,936 $ 6,688 $ 2,973 Income taxes paid 46, 131 60,520 39,957 E-18 Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments: Cash and cash equivalents, other assets, and long-term debt - The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets approximate fair value. The concentration of credit risks from financial instruments, related to the markets discussed in Business Profile on page 3 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, cash flow or future results of operations. NOTE B - Shareholders' Equity On September 16, 1993, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a three-for-two split of the common shares, with distribution of the additional shares on October 22, 1993, to holders of record on October 1, 1993. Also on September 16, 1993, the shareholders adopted an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to increase the authorized number of common shares from 100,000,000 shares to 150,000,000 shares. References in this annual report to per share amounts and to the number of common shares have been adjusted, where appropriate, to give retroactive effect to the share split. The Board of Directors is empowered to determine the issue prices, dividend rates, amounts payable upon liquidation, voting rights and other terms of the preferred shares when issued. NOTE C - Debt Debt at May 31, is summarized as follows: In thousands 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-term notes payable to bank - unsecured -- $38,200 Industrial development revenue bonds and notes $ 13,476 14,136 Notes payable to banks - unsecured -- 13,000 Revolver - unsecured 85,000 27,000 Senior notes due 2006 - unsecured 200,000 -- Other 1,741 -- -------- ------- 300,217 92,336 Less current maturities 1,475 38,860 -------- ------- $298,742 $53,476 ======== ======= The industrial development revenue bonds and notes (IRBs) represent loans to purchase facilities and equipment costing $24,601,000. The IRBs mature serially through 2011 and may be retired in whole or in part at any time. At May 31, 1996, the IRBs have fixed interest rates: $9,945,000 at 5.9% and the remainder at 8.0%. The Company maintains a $150,000,000 revolving credit agreement with five banks, of which $65,000,000 was available on May 31, 1996. The credit agreement is committed through 2001 and has one annual extension option. The rate of interest is determined at the time of borrowing, based upon a choice of options as specified in the agreement, and was 5.6% at May 31, 1996. E-19 During the year ended May 31, 1996, the Company filed a shelf registration for the issuance of up to $450,000,000 of debt securities and issued $200,000,000 of 7.125% Notes due 2006. The majority of the proceeds were used to repay a bridge loan credit facility that was used to finance the acquisition of Dietrich Industries (see Note K). The Company enters into interest rate hedge agreements to manage interest costs and exposure to changing interest rates. At May 31, 1996, agreements were in place that effectively converted $150,000,000 of fixed rate debt to floating. The counterparties to these agreements are major financial institutions. Various debt agreements place restrictions on financial conditions and require maintenance of certain ratios. One of these restrictions limits cash dividends and certain other payments to $3,000,000 plus 75% of net earnings, as defined, subsequent to May 31, 1976. Retained earnings of $347,333,000 were unrestricted at May 31, 1996. Principal payments on long-term debt, including lease purchase obligations, in the next five fiscal years are as follows: 1997 -- $1,475,000; 1998 -- $5,057,000; 1999 -- $720,000; 2000 -- $660,000; 2001 -- $660,000; and thereafter -- $291,645,000. The Company is guarantor on bank loans for four separate joint ventures. The guarantees totaled $30,700,000 at May 31, 1996, and relate to debt with varying maturities. The Company believes the guarantees will not significantly affect the consolidated financial position or future results of operations. NOTE D - Income Taxes Income taxes for the years ended May 31, were as follows: In thousands 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current: Federal $ 38,704 $45,559 $36,907 State and local 7,403 8,912 5,964 Deferred: Federal 10,386 14,382 7,627 State (32) 1,159 284 ======== ======= ======= $ 56,461 $70,012 $50,782 ======== ======= ======= Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Number 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," the liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of May 31 are as follows: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- E-20 In thousands 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets: Allowance for doubtful accounts $1,176 $1,284 Inventory (5,352) 1,375 Accrued expenses 4,317 3,888 Income taxes 2,916 2,460 Other 553 388 --- --- 3,610 9,395 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 73,751 45,426 Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 38,911 30,447 -------- ------- 112,662 75,873 -------- ------- Net deferred tax liability $109,052 $66,478 -------- ------- The reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate were as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.4 3.6 3.0 Other (.2) (1.1) (.6) ----------- ------------ ----------- 38.2% 37.5% 37.4% =========== ============ =========== NOTE E - Employee Benefit Plans Nonunion employees of the Company participate in a current cash profit sharing plan and a deferred profit sharing plan. Contributions to and costs of these plans are determined as a percentge of the Company's pretax income before profit sharing. Certain operations have non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering a majority of their employees qualified by age and service. Company contributions to these plans comply with ERISA's minimum funding requirements. A summary of the components of net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit plans in 1996, 1995 and 1994, and the contributions charged to pension expense for the defined contribution plans follows: In thousands 1996 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Defined benefit plans: Service cost (benefits earned during the period) $ 1,171 $ 1,078 $ 1,089 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 3,330 3,091 2,875 Actual return on plan assets (9,480) (3,884) (1,222) Net amortization and deferral 5,582 283 (2,544) ------- ------- ------- Net pension cost on defined benefit plans 603 568 198 Defined contribution plans 4,307 4,985 3,935 ------- ------- ------- Total pension expense $ 4,910 $ 5,553 $ 4,133 ======= ======= =======
E-21 Pension expense was calculated assuming a weighted average discount rate and an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8%. Plan assets consist principally of listed equity securities and fixed income instruments. The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheet for defined benefit pension plans at May 31: Plans Whose Plans Whose Assets Exceed Accumulated Benefits Accumulated Benefits Exceed Assets In thousands 1996 1995 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Vested $ 37,849 $ 35,546 $ 6,399 $ 6,361 ======== ======== ======= ======= Accumulated $ 38,200 $ 35,945 $ 6,809 $ 6,590 ======== ======== ======= ======= Projected benefit obligation $ 38,200 $ 35,945 $ 6,809 $ 6,590 Plan assets at fair value 52,199 43,922 6,020 5,022 -------- -------- ------- ======= Projected benefit obligation less than (in excess of) plan assets $ 13,999 $ 7,977 $ (789) $(1,568) ======== ======== ======= ======= Comprised of: Accrued pension cost -- -- $ (557) $(1,361) Prepaid pension cost $ 3,244 $ 2,030 (23) -- Unrecognized: Net gain 15,541 10,905 829 60 Prior service cost (6,505) (6,950) (1,292) (1,393) Unrecorded net asset (obligation) at transition, net of amortization 1,718 1,992 (48) (45) Adjustment to recognize minimum liability -- -- 302 1,171 -------- -------- ------- ======= $ 13,999 $ 7,977 $ (789) $(1,568) ======== ======== ======= =======
NOTE F -- Stock Options Under its employee stock option plans, the Company may grant employees incentive stock options to purchase shares at not less than 100% of market value at date of grant or non-qualified stock options at a price determined by the Stock Option Committee. Generally, options are exercisable at the rate of 20% a year beginning one year from date of grant and expire ten years thereafter. The following table summarizes the option plans: In thousands, Price Range Number of Options except per share Per Share 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exercised $4.68- $19.25 116 198 375 At May 31, Granted $19.25-$21.375 501 882 Outstanding $7.11- $21.375 2,174 1,821 1,164 Exercisable 996 1,115 933 Available for grants 3,117 3,618 4,500
The options outstanding at May 31, 1996, were held by 688 persons, had an average exercise price of $15.57 per share and had expiration dates ranging from May 1997 to March 2006. E-22 NOTE G -- Contingent Liabilities The Company is a defendant in certain legal actions. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these actions, which is not clearly determinable at the present time, would not significantly affect the Company's consolidated financial position or future results of operations. NOTE H - Industry Segment Data Industry segment descriptions on page 3, Company locations on page 34, and segment data on page 24 of the annual report are an integral part of these financial statements. Sales for processed steel products and custom products include $209,826,000 in 1996, $204,338,000 in 1995 and $161,602,000 in 1994 to a major automobile manufacturer purchasing through decentralized divisions and subsidiaries in different geographical areas. NOTE I -- Related Party Transactions The Company purchases from and sells to affiliated companies, certain raw materials and services at prevailing market prices. Sales for fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, totaled $51 million, $61 million and $62 million, respectively. Accounts receivable related to these transactions were $10 million and $12 million at May 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Purchases for fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, totaled $167 million, $194 million and $168 million, respectively. Accounts payable related to these transactions included $18 million and $27 million at May 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. NOTE J - Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates The Company's investments in affiliated companies which are not majority owned or controlled are accounted for using the equity method. Investments carried at equity and the percentage interest owned consist of Worthington Specialty Processing, partnership (50%), London Industries, Inc. (60%), Worthington Armstrong Venture, partnership (50%), TWB Company, partnership (50%), Acerex, S.A. de C.V. (50%) and Rouge Steel Company (28%). The market value of the Company's investment in the class A and class B common stock of Rouge at May 31 1996, ($22.25 per share) was approximately $134 million. At May 31, 1996, the Company's share of the underlying net assets of Rouge exceeded the carrying amount included in investment in unconsolidated affiliates of $101,134,000 by $9,106,000. The excess is being amortized into income by increasing equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates using the straight-line method over 12 years. Financial information for affiliated companies accounted for by the equity method is as follows: In thousands 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current assets $ 553,023 $ 569,447 Noncurrent assets 287,247 227,315 Current liabilities 233,441 240,044 Noncurrent liabilities 176,618 167,915 Minority interests 6,404 21,404 Net sales 1,383,343 1,386,824 $1,189,470 Gross margin 122,500 170,234 106,309 Net income $ 88,644 $ 122,116 $ 64,152 E-23 The Company's share of undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates included in consolidated retained earnings was $67,935,000 at May 31, 1996. Note K - Acquisition On February 5, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Dietrich Industries, Inc. for approximately $146 million in cash and $23 million in assumed liabilities, net of cash acquired. Dietrich, based in Pittsburgh, Pa., is involved primarily in the manufacture and sale of metal framing products for the commercial and residential construction markets. The acquisition was accounted for using purchase accounting with results for Dietrich included since the purchase date. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired by approximately $66 million which is being amortized over 40 years. The following pro forma data summarizes the results of operations of the Company for the twelve months ended May 31, 1996 and May 31, 1995, assuming Dietrich was acquired at the beginning of each period presented. In preparing the pro forma data, adjustments have been made to conform Dietrich's accounting policies to those of the Company and to reflect purchase accounting adjustments and interest expense: In thousands, Twelve Months Ended except per share (unaudited) May 31, 1996 May. 31, 1995 - --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Net sales $ 1,660,815 $1,768,931 =========== ========== Net earnings $ 92,503 $ 120,459 =========== ========== Earnings per common share $ 1.02 $ 1.33 =========== ========== The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which would have actually been obtained if the acquisition had occurred on the dates indicated or the results of operations which will be reported in the future. NOTE L - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended May 31, 1996 and 1995: In thousands, Three Months Ended ------------------------------------------------------------ except per share Aug. Nov. Feb. May - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 Net sales $325,736 $354,544 $360,224 $437,334 Gross margin 47,005 53,011 54,289 66,958 Net earnings 21,508 26,188 20,896 22,750 Earnings per share $ .24 $ .29 $ .23 $ .25 1995 Net sales $346,257 $363,276 $370,117 $403,919 Gross margin 52,132 58,008 60,392 68,404 Net earnings 25,448 28,264 28,651 34,323 Earnings per share $ .28 $ .31 $ .32 $ .38 E-24 Report of Management The management of Worthington Industries is responsible for the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances. Management is also responsible for the determination of estimates and judgments used in the financial statements, and the preparation of other financial information included in this annual report to shareholders. The financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors. The management of the Company has established and maintains an accounting system and related internal controls that it believes are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition, that transactions are executed and recorded in accordance with management's authorization and that the financial records are reliable for preparing financial statements. The concept of reasonable assurance is based on the recognition that the cost of a system of internal control must be related to the benefits derived and that the balancing of the factors requires estimates and judgments. Management considers the recommendations of the internal auditors and independent certified public accountants concerning the Company's system of internal control and takes appropriate actions which are cost effective in the circumstances. The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee of Directors who are not members of management. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the Company's management, internal auditors and independent certified public accountants to review matters relating to financial reporting, auditing and internal control. To ensure auditor independence, both the internal auditors and independent certified public accountants have full and free access to the Audit Committee. /s/ John H. McConnell John H. McConnell, Chairman & Founder /s/ John P. McConnell John P. McConnell, Vice Chairman & CEO /s/ Donald G. Barger, Jr. Donald G. Barger, Jr., Vice President-CFO /s/ Michael R. Sayre Michael R. Sayre, Controller E-25 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Shareholders and Board of Directors Worthington Industries, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of May 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 1996. 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 consolidated financial position of Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries at May 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. /s/Ernst & Young LLP _____________________ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Columbus, Ohio June 14, 1996 E-26 SELECTIVE FINANCIAL DATA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In thousands, except per share May 31 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCIAL RESULTS Net Sales $ 1,477,838 $ 1,483,569 $ 1,285,134 $ 1,113,242 $ 971,346 Cost of Goods Sold 1,256,574 1,244,633 1,093,350 938,342 820,587 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- Gross Margin 221,264 238,936 191,784 174,900 150,759 Selling, General & Administrative Expense 95,123 85,102 72,372 68,809 62,402 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- Operating Income 126,141 153,834 119,412 106,091 88,357 Miscellaneous Income 950 573 389 598 1,289 Interest Expense (8,350) (6,036) (3,017) (3,421) (3,986) Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates - Joint Ventures 7,333 6,216 (555) 1,816 1,522 Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliate - Rouge 21,729 32,111 19,406 2,771 3,918 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes and Accounting Changes 147,803 186,698 135,635 107,855 91,100 Income Taxes 56,461 70,012 50,782 39,907 33,069 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes 91,342 116,686 84,853 67,948 58,031 Per Share 1.01 1.29 0.94 0.76 0.65 Depreciation 39,222 34,129 32,385 29,204 26,887 Cash Provided By Operating Activities 138,442 66,401 60,854 65,924 72,905 Cash Dividends Declared 40,872 37,212 33,161 29,329 27,127 Per Share 0.4501 0.4101 0.3669 0.3270 0.3048 Capital Expenditures $ 108,996 $ 61,485 $ 46,554 $ 29,140 $ 45,120 Average Shares Outstanding 90,812 90,730 90,378 89,699 88,990 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ============================================================================================================================ FINANCIAL POSITION Current Assets $ 476,041 $ 451,902 $ 413,116 $ 363,513 $ 311,247 Current Liabilities 151,269 179,228 161,866 139,791 121,008 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- Working Capital 324,772 272,674 251,250 223,722 190,239 Net Fixed Assets 512,336 334,917 307,561 293,392 293,456 Total Assets 1,220,125 916,964 798,573 694,209 627,960 Long-Term Debt 298,742 53,476 54,136 55,626 57,345 Shareholders' Equity 639,540 590,332 503,893 438,188 392,295 Per Share 7.04 6.50 5.56 4.86 4.39 Total Capital $ 938,282 $ 643,808 $ 558,029 $ 493,814 $ 449,640 Shares Outstanding 90,830 90,840 90,561 90,113 89,308 ============================================================================================================================== PERFORMANCE COMPARISON Profitability (After Taxes) Return on Net Sales 6.2% 7.9% 6.6% 6.1% 6.0% Return on Average Total Assets 8.5% 13.6% 11.4% 10.3% 9.7% Return on Average Total Capital 11.5% 19.4% 16.1% 14.4% 13.4% Return on Average Shareholders' Equity 14.9% 21.3% 18.0% 16.4% 15.4% Financial Condition Current Ratio 3.2 X 2.5 X 2.6 X 2.6 X 2.6 X Long-Term Debt/Total Capital 32% 8% 10% 11% 13% Asset Use Inventory Turnover 6.5 X 6.0 X 6.4 X 6.4 X 6.1 X Accounts Receivable/Days Sales 43 46 43 45 47 Growth Net Sales -0.4% 15.4% 15.4% 14.6% 11.5% Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes -21.7% 37.5% 24.9% 17.1% 21.4% Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations Before Accounting Changes -21.7% 37.2% 23.7% 16.9% 20.4% Cash Dividends Declared Per Share 9.7% 11.8% 12.2% 7.3% 12.6%
================================================================================ E-27 SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quarterly Volume, Price and Dividend Information NASDAQ Prices ------------------------- Fiscal 1995 Shares Average Daily Price Earnings Cash Quarter Ended Traded Volume Ratio Range Low High Dividends - --------------------------- --------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------- -------------- August 31 9,542,161 146,802 19-24 $ 17.50 $ 22.00 $ 0.100 November 30 15,776,732 250,424 19-23 $ 19.25 $ 23.50 $ 0.100 February 28 12,795,463 209,762 17-20 $ 18.75 $ 21.75 $ 0.100 May 31 14,825,214 231,643 15-19 $ 18.13 $ 22.38 $ 0.110 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quarterly Volume, Price and Dividend Information NASDAQ Prices ------------------------- Fiscal 1996 Shares Average Daily Price Earnings Cash Quarter Ended Traded Volume Ratio Range Low High Dividends - --------------------------- --------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------- -------------- August 31 17,608,160 270,895 15-18 $ 19.13 $ 23.25 $ 0.110 November 30 25,205,177 400,082 13-16 $ 16.63 $ 20.25 $ 0.110 February 29 18,062,061 291,324 15-18 $ 18.50 $ 22.13 $ 0.110 May 31 14,697,302 229,645 17-20 $ 19.50 $ 22.50 $ 0.120
At May 31, 1996 (10,563 Shareholders) E-27 Shares Trading Shares of Worthington Industries common stock are traded in the over-the-counter market as part of the NASDAQ National Market System. The Company is identified by the NASDAQ symbol "WTHG" and in most newspaper listings as "WorthtnInd." E-28 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Fiscal 1996 was the second best year in the 41 year history of the Company. Net sales of $1.478 billion were comparable to last year's results, while earnings of $91.3 million and earnings per share of $1.01 were off 22% from last year's strong records. Fiscal 1995 net sales of $1.484 billion , net earnings of $116.7 million, and earnings per share of $1.29 were all records, increasing 15%, 38% and 37%, respectively, from fiscal 1994. On February 5, 1996, the Company purchased Dietrich Industries, Inc. for $169 million. Dietrich, based in Pittsburgh, is involved primarily in the manufacture and sale of metal framing products for the commercial and residential construction markets. Results for this metal framing business since the purchase date are included in the Company's financial results. Fiscal 1996 profitability percentages reflected the year's lower earnings. Return on sales was 6.2% for 1996, down from 7.9% in 1995 and 6.6% in 1994. Return on average assets decreased to 8.5% in 1996 from 13.6% in 1995 and 11.4% in 1994 due to the lower earnings and the addition of Dietrich assets. Return on average shareholders' equity decreased to 14.9% from 21.3% in 1995 and 18.0% in 1994. E-29 Fiscal 1996 results were affected by slowing demand in most of the Company's product lines. Margins declined due to the lower volume and lower selling prices used to stimulate demand. Shifts in product mix, designed to increase volume in some lines of business while increasing overall profitability, reduced average selling prices and margins. In fiscal 1995, as the economy continued to expand, the Company benefited from high demand throughout its markets, high volume economies, and the productivity efforts of its employees. The higher sales for 1995 were a result of higher order levels and some selling price increases, as higher raw material costs were generally passed through to customers. Cost of goods sold increased 1% for 1996, reflecting the interplay between the addition of Dietrich in February and lower volume in the Company's other businesses. Manufacturing and direct labor costs also increased due to the same factors. In fiscal 1995, cost of goods sold increased 14%, roughly in line with sales, as higher raw material costs offset the benefits gained from cost reductions, increased productivity, and the leveraging of fixed costs with higher volume. Gross margin decreased 7% in 1996, following a 25% increase in 1995. As a percentage of sales, gross margin was 15.0% in 1996, 16.1% in 1995 and 14.9% in 1994. In 1996, lower volumes in steel processing, steel castings and a mix change in cylinders more than offset Dietrich's contribution to gross margin. In 1995, gross margin improved as the expanding economy provided a more favorable environment for passing raw material cost increases to customers. E-30 Selling, general and administrative (S,G&A) expense as a percentage of sales was 6.4% in 1996, 5.7% in 1995 and 5.6% in 1994. During 1996, higher benefit costs and the addition of Dietrich's costs were only partially offset by decreased profit sharing. Dietrich's cost structure is more S,G&A intensive than that of the Company's other businesses. Fiscal 1995's increase was attributable to higher sales volumes and increased profit sharing distributions resulting from the higher profits. For the reasons discussed above, fiscal 1996 operating income decreased 18%, after a 29% increase in 1995. As a percentage of sales, operating income decreased to 8.5% from 10.4% in 1995 and 9.3% in 1994. Interest expense increased 38% in 1996 following a 100% increase in fiscal 1995. In 1996, both the average debt outstanding and the average interest rate increased. Debt levels rose in 1996 due to the high level of capital spending and the acquisition of Dietrich. During May 1996, the Company issued $200 million of public debt was issued primarily to pay off the bridge loan used to acquire Dietrich. In 1995, both the average debt outstanding and average interest rate increased. The 1995 increase in average debt outstanding was due to the high level of capital spending and increased working capital to support the sales growth. The average interest rate was 6.3% in 1996, up from 6.2% in 1995 and 4.0% in 1994. Interest of $2.1 million was capitalized during 1996. E-31 Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates decreased 24% in 1996. This was primarily due to a decline in equity income from Rouge Steel resulting from competitive pricing pressure in the primary steel industry. Equity in net income from affiliates excluding Rouge, increased 18%. Equity from Worthington Armstrong Venture (WAVE) was up significantly on increased volume in both the U.S. and Europe. TWB made good progress and its operating loss decreased. The Acerex joint venture in Mexico started production in October 1995 and is shipping within Mexico and into the southwest U.S. The majority of 1995's fourfold increase in equity in net income of affiliates came from the equity in Rouge Steel, which benefited from higher steel prices that year. TWB Company, in its startup mode, lost significantly less than in 1994. WAVE contributed to the increased equity in 1995 as demand for its products grew and its plant in France became profitable in its first full year of operation. In fiscal 1997, the Company initiated steps relative to its investment in Rouge which, if completed, would result in the Company accounting for this investment on the cost method instead of the equity method. Rouge contributed $21.7 million, $32.1 million, and $19.4 million to pretax earnings during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. E-32 The effective tax rate rose in fiscal 1996 due to permanent differences which became a larger percentage of pretax earnings. The effective tax rate increased to 38.2% from 37.5% in 1995 and 37.4% in 1994. In 1995, increases in state tax rates and a shift in sales to states with higher rates were partially offset by permanent differences. Processed Steel Products In 1996, the processed steel products segment had its second best year ever, but both sales and operating income were lower than in 1995. Sales of $1.013 billion and operating income of $93.4 million were down 1% and 17%, respectively. Operating income return on sales decreased to 9.2%. Steel processing sales were below last year primarily due to lower volume. Operating margins were lower due to the reduced volume and lower selling prices. Profits were also affected by the General Motors strike during the third quarter and the shutdown of a zinc plating line at the Malvern, Pennsylvania plant in the fourth quarter, which is being replaced by a new nickel plating line. Dietrich's operations, which were included from the date of acquisition only , suffered from pricing pressures, and the traditionally slow winter commercial construction season. Pressure cylinders' sales and earnings were down as increased demand for heating tanks did not fully offset lower shipments of refrigerant cylinders. This shift in product mix also affected margins. E-33 In fiscal 1995, sales of processed steel products rose 12% to $1.028 billion and operating income increased 15% to $112.4 million, setting new records. Return on sales increased to 10.9% from 10.7%. The steel processing operations continued to gain market share and demand remained strong due to the expanding economy, increased auto production and strength in the non-automotive sector. The sales increase was attributable generally to higher volume and, to a lesser extent, higher prices as increases from the steel mills were generally passed through to customers. In pressure cylinders, strong worldwide demand led to higher volumes in most product lines, particularly the largest lines, steel portables and non-refillables. Cylinder sales increase also contained a price factor, as selling prices rose to reflect the increase in steel prices and the higher cost of the newly required "quick connect" valve. In June 1996, the Company purchased SCM Technologies which designs, engineers and manufactures high pressure industrial, medical, halon and electronic gas cylinders. SCM, which is located just outside Windsor, Ontario, will enable the Company to increase its penetration in the high pressure cylinder market. The Company's new steel processing facility in Delta, Ohio is expected to begin operating late in calendar 1996. This plant will have pickling, slitting and hot dipped galvanizing capabilities and will be supported by a supply agreement with the adjacent North Star/BHP mini-mill. This arrangement is expected to complement the supply/equity relationship with Rouge Steel and purchases from other mills. In addition, major capital investments are currently in process in a number of the Company's steel processing operations. E-34 Custom Products Sales for custom products of $321 million were up 6% in fiscal 1996. Operating income decreased 8% to $18.2 million or 5.7% of sales, as better performance by custom plastics was offset by lower results for precision metals. The plastics operations increased sales and earnings due to new automotive and appliance contracts and improvements at the newer facilities in South Carolina and Kentucky. Volume from new jobs increased sales for precision metals above last year, but profits were lower due to inefficiencies caused by startups and specification changes on certain high volume parts. In fiscal 1995, custom products posted record results, as sales increased 21% to $302.1 million and operating income increased 29% to $19.8 million. Return on sales rose to 6.5% from 6.1% in 1994. The plastics operation benefited from high demand for automobiles and non-automotive products. The new plastics facility in St. Matthews, South Carolina, became profitable during the year and the new plant in Lebanon, Kentucky, became profitable in its fourth month of operation. Precision metals sales and profits were also up due to higher production levels and increased experience and productivity on new contracts started in fiscal 1994. E-35 Cast Products During 1996, sales for cast products decreased 6% to $143.7 million and operating income was down 33% to $14.6 million. Railcar demand was down from last year's high levels resulting in a decrease of volume, selling prices and the leveraging of fixed costs. During 1995, sales increased 33% to $153.1 million, while operating income rose 261% to a record $21.7 million. Return on sales increased to 14.2% from 5.2% in 1994. Strong demand for freight railcars drove volume and productivity gains. Liquidity and Capital Resources At May 31, 1996, the Company's balance sheet remained strong. Working capital increased to $324.8 million, representing 27% of total assets and 22% of sales, in line with historic trends. The current ratio increased to 3.2 to 1 from 2.5 to 1 at May 31, 1995. Total debt stood at $300.2 million. Long-term debt was $298.7 million, or 32% of total capital, compared to 8% at the end of fiscal 1995. Cash provided by operating activities was an all-time record reaching $138.4 million, aided by a $13.5 million decrease in accounts receivable and a $35.2 million decrease in inventories, which occurred because of lower raw material costs, better inventory management, and lower sales volume and prices. At fiscal year-end, days sales in accounts receivable and days of inventory were down 3 and 5 days, respectively, from the end of 1995. The funds to purchase Dietrich for a net cash price of $169 million were originally obtained through a $180 million acquisition bridge loan credit facility. The bridge facility was then paid off with the proceeds of a $200 million public debt offering in May 1996. E-36 Dividends paid during 1996 of $40 million were a record for the 28th consecutive year. Capital investment in businesses (capital expenditures and investments in unconsolidated affiliates) totaled $117 million in 1996,a 62% increase from fiscal 1995. The most significant project was the Delta, Ohio steel processing and galvanizing plant. In 1995, the Company entered into a $150 million long-term revolving credit agreement with several banks, replacing a $40 million unsecured line of credit . At May 31, 1996, $65 million of the revolver was unused. The Company's immediate borrowing capacity, plus its cash generated from operations, should be more than sufficient to fund expected normal operating costs, dividends, debt payments and capital expenditures for existing businesses. While there are no specific needs, the Company regularly considers long-term debt issuance as a alternative depending on financial market conditions. The Company believes that environmental issues will not have a material effect on capital expenditures, consolidated financial position or future results of operations. E-37 E-55 COMPANY LOCATIONS: PROCESSED STEEL PRODUCTS CAST PRODUCTS Buckeye Steel Castings Company The Worthington Steel Company Columbus, Ohio Columbus, Monroe & Delta, Ohio Worthington Machine Technology Louisville, Kentucky Columbus, Ohio Rock Hill, South Carolina Baltimore, Maryland Jackson & Taylor, Michigan Midland, Georgia CUSTOM PRODUCTS Malvern, Pennsylvania Porter, Indiana Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc. Mason, Salem & Upper Sandusky, Ohio Worthington Cylinder Corporation St. Matthews, South Carolina Lebanon, Kentucky Columbus, Jefferson & Westerville, Ohio Claremore, Oklahoma Midland, Georgia Worthington Precision Metals, Inc. Guelph, Ontario Mentor, Ohio Citronelle, Alabama Franklin, Tennessee Tilbury, Ontario Dietrich Industries Hammond & LaPorte, Indiana Hicksville, Warren & Aurora, Ohio Ashville, Alabama Baltimore, Maryland Lunenburg, Massachusetts Colton & Stockton, California Phoenix, Arizona Wildwood & Miami, Florida East Brunswick, New Jersey Hutchins, Texas Fredericksburg, Virginia Denver, Colorado Lenexa, Kansas E-30 EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY E-31 EXHIBIT 21 WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Jurisdiction of Subsidiary (1) Incorporation WI Investments, Inc. Delaware Dietrich Industries, Inc. Pennsylvania Subsidiaries of WI Investments, Inc. Worthington Industries, Incorporated Ohio The Worthington Steel Company Indiana The Worthington Steel Company Kentucky The Worthington Steel Company Maryland The Worthington Steel Company Michigan The Worthington Steel Company North Carolina The Worthington Steel Company Pennsylvania NRM Trucking Co. (2) Delaware Worthington Ventures, Inc. (2)(3) Delaware Worthington Steel of Michigan, Inc. Michigan Worthington Cylinder Corporation Ohio Worthington Acetylene Cylinders, Inc. (4) Alabama (d/b/a North American Cylinders, Inc.) Worthington Cylinders of Canada, Inc. (4) Ontario, Canada Steel Cylinder Manufacturing, Limited (5) Ontario, Canada Buckeye Steel Castings Company Ohio Buckeye Energy Company, Inc. (6) Ohio B-I Sales, Inc. (6) Michigan GSI Engineering, Inc. (6) Delaware Buckeye International Development, Inc.(6) Ohio Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc. (6) Ohio Worthington Precision Metals, Inc. (7) Tennessee Worthington Industries of Mexico, S.A. de C.V. Mexico * * * * * * (1) All subsidiaries are 100% owned by the listed parent unless otherwise noted Some minor or non-functioning corporations are not listed (2) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Steel Company (PA) (3) Holding company for Worthington Armstrong Venture (4) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Cylinder Corporation (5) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Cylinders of Canada, Inc. (6) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Buckeye Steel Castings Company (7) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc. E-32 JOINT VENTURES Worthington Specialty Processing (8) Michigan London Industries, Inc. (9) Ohio TWB Company (10) Michigan Worthington Armstrong Venture (11) Delaware Acerex, S.A. de C.V. (12) Mexico * * * * * * (8) 50% Joint Venture with USX Corp.-Partnership owned by Worthington Steel of Michigan (9) 60% owned Joint Venture with Nissen, Sumitomo & Sumitomo Corp. of America - owned by WCP (10) 50% Joint Venture with Thyssen Steel- Partnership owned by Worthington Steel of Michigan (11) 50% Joint Venture with Armstrong Ventures, Inc.-Partnership owned by Worthington Ventures, Inc. (12) 50% Joint Venture with Hylsa S.A. de C.V. & Worthington Industries Mexico, S.A. de C.V. E-33