INDEX INC, 10-K405, 1997-03-31

INDEX INC
10-K405, 1997-03-31
INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

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<PAGE> 1
________________________________________________________________________________

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-21513

INDEX, INC.

A TEXAS IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION
CORPORATION NO. 76-0509661

580 WESTLAKE PARK BOULEVARD, SUITE 1100
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77079

Telephone Number (281) 531-4214

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

NONE

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value

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. [X]

Aggregate market value of the voting stock (Common Stock, Series A Preferred
Stock and Series B Preferred Stock) held by non-affiliates of registrant as
of March 25, 1997 $ 5,668,730

Number of shares of registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of March 25, 1997
12,079,350

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of registrant's proxy statement relating to the 1997 annual
meeting of shareholders have been incorporated by reference into Part III
hereof.
________________________________________________________________________________

<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item Page
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PART I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1. BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. PROPERTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

PART II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . 12
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE . . . . . . . . . . 33

PART III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

PART IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
</TABLE>

<PAGE> 3
PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains, in addition to historical
information, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Index, Inc.'s actual results could differ materially. Factors that could cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those
discussed in "Business", "Business--Risk Factors", "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

BACKGROUND

Index, Inc., a Texas corporation ("Index" or the "Company"), was
incorporated in July 1996 to facilitate a reorganization of SEPCO Industries,
Inc., a Texas corporation ("SEPCO"), in anticipation of an acquisition by the
Company as the successor to SEPCO of Newman Communications Corporation, a New
Mexico corporation ("Newman"). On December 4, 1996, the reorganization of
SEPCO (the "SEPCO Reorganization") was effected through a merger of a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company with and into SEPCO pursuant to which the
Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of SEPCO in exchange for shares
of the Company. Immediately following the SEPCO Reorganization, the Company
acquired Newman through a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company
with and into Newman (the "Newman Merger").

Prior to the SEPCO Reorganization, the Company had no operations and
minimal assets. Prior to the Newman Merger, Newman was a non-operating company
with nominal assets. The Newman Merger was effected as a means to increase the
Company's shareholder base. Unless the context otherwise requires, references
to the Company with respect to operations prior to December 4, 1996 shall mean
SEPCO and references to the Company with respect to operations after December
4, 1996 shall mean Index, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

GENERAL

The Company is a distributor of maintenance, repair and operating
supplies and equipment for industrial customers engaged in various businesses,
principally the oil and gas, petrochemical and wood products industries. The
Company currently distributes over 125,000 items, consisting primarily of pumps
and pump accessories, valves and valve automation products and bearings and
power transmission equipment. The Company also provides system design,
fabrication, installation, repair and maintenance services for its customers.
The Company's products currently are distributed from over 30 distribution
centers strategically located throughout the Southwest. The Company's sales
force includes approximately 100 sales representatives.

The Company has been a distributor of industrial supplies in the
Southwest since 1908 when it was founded as a distributor of pumps and pump
products for companies in the agriculture industry. The Company has grown
substantially since that time through the addition of new product lines and
distribution locations. Since 1987, the Company has made various acquisitions
with the objective of expanding its product lines and distribution network.

The Company's strategy is to continue to expand through acquisitions
and internal development. Through future acquisitions, the Company will seek
to take advantage of what it believes to be a trend toward consolidation in the
highly fragmented industrial product distribution industry. The Company
believes that this consolidation is being driven by the customer's desire to
reduce costs through integrated sources of supply which can provide products at
lower costs through volume purchases. The integration of supply also reduces
the customer's need to maintain excess inventories and to coordinate purchasing
needs through numerous small suppliers. The Company intends to meet this
customer demand by engaging in selective acquisitions of small- to medium-sized
independent distributors with complementary or desirable new product lines,
strategic distribution locations and attractive customer bases and manufacturer
relations. The Company also plans to seek acquisitions that will provide it
with the ability to penetrate new geographical markets through the
establishment of distribution bases outside of the Company's current
geographical markets. These acquisitions are expected to be both within the
Southwest and elsewhere in the United States. Although the Company is actively
seeking acquisitions that would meet its strategic

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objectives, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
its efforts. See "--Industry Overview and Business Objectives" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations".

The Company's strategy for internal development also is related to the
consolidation trend in the industry and focused on providing the Company's
customers with an integrated source of supply for a large portion of their
maintenance, repair and operating supply needs. The Company believes that to
compete successfully as the market for industrial suppliers consolidates, it
will be necessary for distributors to provide the customer with a single source
of supply for a majority of their industrial supply needs, either directly
through their own product lines or through alliances, consortiums or joint
ventures. The Company intends to seek to meet this competitive need by
expanding its existing product lines and adding new product lines through
acquisitions, new manufacturing arrangements and alliances and joint ventures
with other suppliers. The Company also intends to begin to actively market to
its customers through one of its subsidiaries, American MRO, Inc. ("AMRO"), a
comprehensive outsourcing program that is designed to provide all aspects of
the maintenance, repair and operating supply procurement and the inventory
management and distribution functions for its customers at the customer's
location.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND BUSINESS OBJECTIVES

The Company estimates that the United States market for industrial
supplies is currently approximately $200 billion annually. The principal
products provided to this market consist of (i) pumps and pump accessories,
(ii) valves and valve automation products, (iii) bearings and power
transmission equipment, (iv) electrical products and (v) general mill supplies
and safety products. The Company currently provides three of these five
classes of products (pumps, valves and bearings and power transmission) and, as
part of its operating strategy, intends to seek acquisitions of distributors
who provide the other two classes of products (electrical and general mills and
safety).

The industrial distribution industry currently is highly fragmented,
and as a result, most industrial customers currently purchase their industrial
supplies through numerous local distribution and supply companies. These
distributors, like the Company, also generally provide the customer with repair
and maintenance services, technical support and application expertise with
respect to their own product lines. Products typically are purchased by the
distributor for resale directly from the manufacturer and warehoused at branch
distribution facilities of the distributor until sold to the customer. The
customer also typically will purchase an amount of product inventory for its
near term anticipated needs and warehouse those products at its industrial site
until the products are used.

The Company believes that the current distribution system for
industrial products in the United States creates inefficiencies at both the
customer and the distributor level through excess inventory requirements and
duplicative cost structures. The Company believes that with increased global
competition and pricing pressures, the current system will need to change and
industrial distributors will need to consolidate to meet their clients'
objectives for faster deliveries and lower costs. Consolidation will provide
those distributors that are able to consolidate the opportunity to better
manage their inventory levels, reduce per unit overhead and selling costs and
improve purchasing power from the manufacturer.

The Company believes that an additional factor underlying the
consolidation trend in the industry is a growing demand for new alternative
distribution programs in which an integrated source of supply is offered to the
customer as a means of simplifying the procurement of industrial supplies and
reducing the customer's own purchasing costs. This integrated source of supply
currently is being provided on a limited basis by the Company and other
distributors through a variety of differing forms of alliances, joint ventures
and consortiums among distributors that are designed to offer the customer a
broader range of products though a centralized source of supply. The Company
expects that while such alliances will continue to grow and be a factor in the
market in the future, the ability of a distributor to provide all or a
substantial portion of the supply needs of the customer will become a central
aspect of competition in the industry in the future.

Industrial supply distributors typically provide professional sales
expertise, engineering expertise, inventory availability, fabrication and
assembly and in-house and field service. The Company believes that the
acquisition of other businesses will not materially affect its ability to
provide these services to its customers on the same basis as smaller
distributors. The Company currently does not intend to eliminate any material
services that may be

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provided by companies which it may acquire, but rather to maintain the same or
higher level of service through acquired personnel and non-duplicative
locations. The Company also believes that the level of service provided to the
customers of the acquired business may be enhanced as a result of the
availability of a broader range of products, the elimination of duplicative
overhead and access to expanded product lines.

The Company's objective for future growth is to take advantage of the
current consolidation and integrated supply trends in the market. In this
regard, the Company intends to seek acquisitions that will both expand its
existing product lines and add new product lines. The Company also intends to
continue to pursue on a selective basis alliances and other similar
arrangements with other distributors that will allow it to provide a more
integrated source of supply to its customers. The Company also has recently
created a new subsidiary, AMRO, to market a comprehensive vendor outsourcing
service through which the Company will perform all aspects of supply
procurement, inventory management and distribution functions for large volume
customers at the customer's industrial site. Although AMRO recently began the
marketing of its services and has not yet generated any revenues, the Company
believes that the services proposed to be provided by AMRO ultimately will
become an important component of the Company's distribution network.

The ability of the Company to implement its strategy for growth will
be dependent on its ability to identify, consummate and assimilate acquisitions
on economic terms, to acquire and successfully integrate new product lines and
to establish and successfully market new integrated forms of supply
arrangements such as those being pursued by AMRO. Although the Company is
actively pursuing acquisitions and integrated supply arrangements that would
meet its strategic objectives, there can be no assurance that the Company will
be successful in these efforts. Further, the ability of the Company to effect
its strategic plans will be dependent on its obtaining financing for its
planned expansions, which there can be no assurance will be available. The
Company plans to examine appropriate methods of financing any such acquisition,
including issuance of additional capital stock, debt or other securities or a
combination of both. If the Company were to issue shares of its capital stock
in any acquisition, such issuance could be dilutive to existing shareholders.

In February 1997, the Company signed a non-binding letter of intent to
purchase Pelican State Supply Company, Inc. ("Pelican"), a general mill supply
company located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Pursuant to the proposed
acquisition, the Company would acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares
of capital stock of Pelican for $1.5 million in cash and 432,286 shares of
Common Stock. The consummation of the acquisition is subject to customary
conditions, including the negotiation and execution of mutually satisfactory
definitive documentation and the completion of a satisfactory due diligence
review by the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company
will consummate the acquisition of Pelican or, if consummated, that the terms
will be as described above.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The Company currently stocks in inventory for distribution more than
125,000 different items for use primarily by customers engaged in the oil and
gas, petrochemical and wood products industries. Other industries served by
the Company include municipalities, food and beverage and construction. The
principal products currently distributed by the Company consist of (i) pumps
and pump accessories, (ii) valves and valve automation products and (iii)
bearings and power transmission equipment. The Company also provides system
design, fabrication, installation and repair and maintenance services for its
customers. The Company's products are distributed from over 30 distribution
centers strategically located throughout the Southwest and sold through a sales
force of approximately 100 sales representatives who operate on a commission
basis.

Pumps and Pump Accessories

The Company's pump products include a full line of (i) centrifugal
pumps for transfer and process service applications, such as petrochemicals,
refining and crude oil production, (ii) rotary gear pumps for low-to
medium-pressure service applications, such as pumping lubricating oils and
other viscous liquids, (iii) plunger and

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piston pumps for high-pressure service applications such as salt water
injection and crude oil pipeline service and (iv) air-operated diaphragm pumps.
The Company also provides various pump accessories. Sales of pumps and pump
accessories accounted for 53%, 56% and 58% of the Company's revenues for years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Valves and Valve Automation

The Company's valve and valve automation products include a full line
of pneumatic, hydraulic and electric actuators for critical or high-pressure
service applications or remote valve operation applications, such as refinery,
offshore and pipeline applications, as well as for applications involving
large-diameter pipe. The Company also provides a full line of manual worm gear
and bevel gear actuators for low-pressure applications not requiring remote
operation, including tank farms, water lines and municipal water systems.
These actuators may be fitted to either multi- or quarter-turn valves. The
Company also supplies various accessories and control equipment, such as
positive displacement gas meters, rupture disc replacement devices, control
valves, limit switches and valve positioners. Sales of valves and valve
automation products accounted for 8%, 9% and 7% of the Company's revenues for
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

Bearings and Power Transmission Equipment

The Company provides a full line of bearings, hoses, seals and power
transmission products. The Company's bearing products include several types of
mounted and unmounted bearings for a variety of applications, ranging from
basic applications such as pumps, motors and conveyors to complex applications.
Hose products distributed by the Company include a large selection of
industrial fittings and stainless steel hoses, hydraulic hoses, Teflon(R) hoses
and expansion joints, as well as hoses for chemical, petroleum, air and water
applications. The Company also distributes seal products, such as O-rings, Vee
packings, retaining rings and other related equipment. Power transmission
products distributed by the Company include speed reducers, flexible coupling
drives, chain drives, sprockets, gears, conveyors, clutches, brakes and hoses.
Sales of bearings, hoses, seals and power transmission equipment accounted for
39%, 35% and 35% of the Company's revenues for years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.

System Design, Fabrication, Installation and Repair and Maintenance Services

In addition to distributing products, the Company provides complete,
customized pumping, valve automation and power transmission system design and
fabrication services through its engineering personnel and fabrication
facilities. The Company also provides training services with respect to the
installation and basic applications of its products as well as around-the-clock
field repair services supported by a fleet of fully equipped service vehicles.

MANUFACTURERS

The Company acquires its products through numerous original equipment
manufacturers. The Company has distribution agreements with these
manufacturers, some of which give the Company exclusive rights to distribute
the manufacturer's products in a specific geographic area. All of the
Company's distribution agreements are subject to cancellation by the
manufacturer upon one year notice or less. No one manufacturer provides
products that account for 10% or more of the Company's revenues. The Company
believes that alternative sources of supply could be obtained in a timely
manner if any distribution agreement were canceled. Accordingly, the Company
does not believe that the loss of any one distribution agreement would have a
material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of
operations. Representative manufacturers of the Company's products include (i)
G.H. Bettis (valve and valve automation products), (ii) Gould's, G&L, Viking,
Wilden and Gaso (pumps and pump products), (iii) SKF, Torrington/Fafnir, Timkin
and NTN (bearings) and (iv) Dodge/Reliance, Falk, Gates, Martin Sprocket, T. B.
Woods, Emerson, Rexnord and Baldor Electric (power transmission products).

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COMPETITION

The Company's business is highly competitive. The Company competes
with a variety of industrial supply distributors, many of which may have
greater financial and other resources than the Company. Many of the Company's
competitors are small enterprises selling to customers in a limited geographic
area. The Company also competes with larger distributors that provide
integrated supply programs such as those offered through the iPower Consortium,
an integrated supply consortium, and outsourcing services similar to those
proposed to be offered by AMRO, some of which may be able to supply their
products in a more efficient and cost-effective manner than the Company. The
Company also competes with direct mail suppliers, large warehouse stores and,
to a lesser extent, manufacturers.

CUSTOMERS

The Company provides its products and services to over 10,000
customers in various industries, principally oil and gas, petrochemicals and
wood products. Other industries include chemicals, pulp and paper, food and
beverage, municipal, construction and general manufacturing.

BACKLOG

The Company typically fills and ships customer orders within 30 to 90
days of receipt of the order and, therefore, maintains no significant backlog.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 459 full-time employees.

INSURANCE

The Company maintains liability and other insurance that it believes
to be customary and generally consistent with industry practice. There can be
no assurance that such insurance will be adequate for the risks involved, that
coverage limits will not be exceeded or that such insurance will apply to all
liabilities. The occurrence of an adverse claim in excess of the coverage
limits maintained by the Company could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition and results of operations.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Many of the Company's products are subject to patents by the
manufacturers thereof. The Company's business, however, is not materially
dependent on any single patent or group of patents or generally upon patent
protection.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to various laws and regulations relating to its
business and operations, and various health and safety regulations as
established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The Company's operations also are subject to federal, state and local
laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment. In recent years, laws and
regulations protecting the environment generally have become more stringent and
have sought to impose greater liability on a larger number of potentially
responsible parties. The Company is not currently aware of any situation or
condition that it believes is likely to have a material adverse effect on its
results of operations or financial condition.

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RISK FACTORS

The Company's expectations with respect to future results of
operations that may be embodied in oral and written forward-looking statements,
including any forward-looking statements that may be contained in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, are subject to risks and uncertainties that must be
considered when evaluating the likelihood of the Company's realization of such
expectations. The Company's actual results could differ materially. Factors
that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited
to, those discussed below.

Substantial Competition

The Company's business is highly competitive. The Company competes
with a variety of industrial supply distributors, some of which may have
greater financial and other resources than the Company. Although many of the
Company's traditional distribution competitors are small enterprises selling to
customers in a limited geographic area, the Company also competes with larger
distributors that provide integrated supply programs such as those offered
through the iPower Consortium and outsourcing services similar to those that
are planned to be offered by AMRO. Some of these large distributors may be
able to supply their products in a more timely and cost-efficient manner than
the Company. The Company's competitors include direct mail suppliers, large
warehouse stores and, to a lesser extent, certain manufacturers. See
"--Competition".

Risks Associated With Implementation of Corporate Strategy

Future results for the Company also will be dependent on the success of
the Company in implementing its acquisition and growth strategy. This strategy
includes taking advantage of a consolidation in the industry and effecting
acquisitions of distributors with complementary or desirable new product lines,
strategic distribution locations and attractive customer bases and manufacturer
relations. The Company's strategy also includes expanding its product lines,
adding new product lines and establishing alliances and joint ventures with
other suppliers in order to provide the Company's customers with a source of
integrated supply. The ability of the Company to implement this strategy will
be dependent on its ability to identify, consummate and assimilate acquisitions
on economic terms, to acquire and successfully integrate new product lines and
to establish and successfully market new integrated forms of supply arrangements
such as that being pursued by AMRO. Although the Company is actively seeking
acquisitions and integrated supply arrangements that would meet its strategic
objectives, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
these efforts. Further, the ability of the Company to effect its strategic
plans will be dependent on its obtaining financing for its planned expansions
and acquisitions. There can be no assurance that such financing will be
available on a timely basis or on terms satisfactory to the Company. The
Company plans to examine appropriate methods of financing any such acquisition,
including issuance of additional capital stock, debt or other securities or a
combination of both. If the Company were to issue shares of its capital stock
in any acquisition, such issuance could be dilutive to existing shareholders.

Dependence on Key Personnel

The Company will continue to be dependent to a significant extent upon
the efforts and ability of David R. Little, its President and Chief Executive
Officer. The loss of the services of Mr. Little or any other executive officer
of the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
condition and results of operations. The Company does not maintain key-man
life insurance on Mr. Little or on the lives of its other executive officers.
In addition, the Company's ability to grow successfully will be dependent upon
its ability to attract and retain qualified management and technical and
operational personnel. The failure to attract and retain such persons could
materially adversely effect the Company's financial condition and results of
operations.

IRS Examination

The Company currently is undergoing an examination of its tax returns
by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), which is asserting claims against the
Company for additional taxes and penalties of approximately $1

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million plus interest of approximately $310,000. The claim relates primarily
to a challenge by the IRS of the Company's use of the LIFO method of accounting
for inventory. Although the Company believes that its LIFO elections were
valid and is pursuing its rights to administrative appeal, an unfavorable
outcome on this matter would result in the payment of additional taxes and
impact the Company's liquidity position. The Company has been engaged in
discussions with representatives of the IRS regarding this matter and has
reserved $30,000 to cover any possible tax liability related to this matter.
See "Legal Proceedings".

Risks Associated With Hazardous Materials

Certain of the Company's activities involve the controlled use of
hazardous materials and chemicals. Although the Company believes that its
safety procedures for handling and disposing of such materials comply with the
standards prescribed by state and federal regulations, the risk of accidental
contamination or injury from these materials cannot be eliminated completely.
In the event of such an accident, the Company could be held liable for any
damages that result and any such liability could exceed the resources of the
Company.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Set forth below is certain information with respect to certain of the
Company's properties. The Company believes that all of these properties are
adequately insured, in good condition and suitable for the uses described below
for the foreseeable future.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate Lease
Size Owned/ Expiration
Location Primary Use (Square Feet) Leased Date
---------------------------- ---------------------- --------------- ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
580 Westlake Park Office 7,276 Leased February 2001
Houston, Texas

6500 Brittmoore Office 88,000 Owned(1)
Houston, Texas

2603 LaBranch Distribution facility 33,000 Owned(1)
Houston, Texas

4302 Creekmont Distribution facility 26,000 Owned(1)
Houston, Texas

Harahan, Louisiana Distribution facility 30,000 Owned(1)

Odessa, Texas Distribution facility 25,000 Owned(1)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Distribution facility 18,000 Leased November 2001

Irving, Texas Distribution facility 15,000 Owned

Hobbs, New Mexico Distribution facility 10,000 Owned

Lufkin, Texas Distribution facility 10,000 Owned

Broussard, Louisiana Distribution facility 10,000 Owned

Longview, Texas Distribution facility 7,000 Owned

Baytown, Texas Distribution facility 7,000 Owned
</TABLE>

- -----------------------------

(1) Property pledged to secure certain indebtedness of the Company.

The Company also leases 25 additional branch distribution facilities
located in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico. These facilities, which
average 5,000 square feet or less in size, generally are leased for a term of
three to five years. The leases provide for periodic specified rental payments
and certain leases are renewable at the option of the Company. The Company
believes that if the leases for any of its facilities were not renewed, other
suitable facilities could be leased with no material adverse effect on its
business, financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is currently undergoing an examination of its tax returns
by the IRS which is asserting claims against the Company for additional taxes
and penalties of approximately $1 million plus interest of approximately
$310,000. This claim relates primarily to a challenge by the IRS of the
Company's use of the LIFO method of accounting for inventory. The Company
believes that its LIFO elections were valid and currently is pursuing its
rights to administrative appeal. The Company has been engaged in discussions
with representatives of the IRS regarding this matter and has reserved $30,000
to cover any possible tax liability related to this matter. Although

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an unfavorable outcome on this matter would result in the payment of additional
taxes and impact the Company's liquidity position, the Company believes that
any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the
Company.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS

Market for the Common Stock

The Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common
Stock"), has been quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. under the symbol "DXPE" since December 27, 1996.
The high sales price of the Common Stock for the period from December 27, 1996,
through December 31, 1996, was $3.75. The low sales price for such period was
$3.25. Prior to December 27, 1996, there was no public market for the Common
Stock.

As of March 25, 1997, the Company's 12,079,350 shares of Common Stock
outstanding were held by 116 stockholders of record and approximately 555
beneficial owners, the Company's 3,366 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, par
value $1 per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), outstanding were held by
six stockholders of record and the Company's 19,500 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock, par value $1 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"),
outstanding were held by five stockholders of record. Each share of Series B
Preferred Stock is convertible at any time into 112 shares of Common Stock,
subject to adjustment in certain events. An additional 3,908,544 shares of
Common Stock are issuable upon surrender of the remaining stock certificates
that formerly represented shares of common stock of SEPCO and Newman.

Dividend Policy

The Company has paid a monthly dividend of $.50 per share on 15,000
shares of convertible preferred stock from October 19, 1995 through December
1995 and $.50 per share on 19,500 shares of convertible preferred stock since
January 1996. The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock provide that the
Company shall pay monthly dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock equal to an
annual rate of 6% of the stated value thereof, $100 per share. The dividends
are payable in cash on the last day of each month. The Company anticipates that
future earnings, except for dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Stock,
will be retained to finance the continuing development of its business.
Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate paying cash dividends on the Common
Stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of any future dividends will be at
the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon, among
other things, future earnings, the success of the Company's business activities,
regulatory and capital requirements, the general financial condition of the
Company and general business conditions.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On December 4, 1996, pursuant to the SEPCO Reorganization and the
Newman Merger, Halter Financial Group, Inc., a consulting firm ("Halter"), and
certain transferees of Halter received an aggregate of 347,391 shares of Common
Stock in exchange for shares of common stock, no par value, of Newman ("Newman
Common Stock"). The shares of Common Stock that Newman and its transferees
received in such exchange were not registered in connection with the SEPCO
Reorganization and the Newman Merger. The shares of Newman Common Stock were
issued to Halter in connection with consulting and related services provided by
Halter in the SEPCO Reorganization and the Newman Merger. The Company
considers these securities to have been exchanged in a transaction not
involving a public offering and, therefore, to be exempt from registration
under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The foregoing
transaction did not involve an underwriter.

10
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Prior to the SEPCO Reorganization and the Newman Merger, the Company
had no operations and its only assets consisted of $1,000 cash. The SEPCO
Reorganization has been accounted for as a recapitalization of SEPCO. The
selected historical consolidated financial data of SEPCO set forth below for
each of the years in the four-year period ended December 31, 1995, have been
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of SEPCO. The
selected historical consolidated selected financial data set forth below for
the year ended December 31, 1996 have been derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company and SEPCO, and assume that the
SEPCO Reorganization had been effected on the first day of the period
presented. This information should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDEX SEPCO
------------- -----------------------------------------------
Year Ended
December 31, Year Ended December 31,
------------- -----------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------
(in thousands except for per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Statements of Earnings Data:
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,208 $111,328 $102,592 $99,353 $96,017
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,117 29,157 27,217 26,792 23,622
Operating income(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,755 4,598 4,150 3,288 1,827
Income before provision for income taxes,
minority interest and change in
accounting principle . . . . . . . . . . . 1,635 3,512 3,038 2,346 620
Minority interest in earnings (loss) of -- -- -- (403) 136
Subsidiaries(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting -- -- -- 882 --
principle(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 890 2,088 1,862 1,843 152
Preferred stock dividend . . . . . . . . . . (119) (23) -- -- --
Net income attributable
to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . 771 2,065 1,862 1,843 152
Net income per common share . . . . . . . . $0.04 $0.12 $0.09 $0.09 $0.01
Common and common equivalent shares
outstanding(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,242 17,224 21,482 20,902 17,913
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDEX SEPCO
------------- -----------------------------------------------
December 31, December 31,
------------- -----------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,612 $23,967 $20,011 $18,402 $17,084
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45,042 43,254 38,163 38,686 37,243
Long-term debt obligations . . . . . . . . . 22,300 21,275 18,461 20,766 19,200
Shareholders' equity(5) . . . . . . . . . . . 10,459 9,688 8,315 6,453 3,665
</TABLE>

(1) Year ended December 31, 1996 includes a one-time charge to compensation
expense of $618,000 for the amendment of book value options to fair
market value options. The Company disposed of approximately $1,100,000
of excess inventory in December 1996 which it had accumulated through
prior acquisitions of product groups that were subject to shelf-life
restrictions. This is a one-time charge not expected to occur in future
years.

(2) In December 1992 and September 1993, SEPCO acquired the remaining shares
of capital stock of two subsidiaries, T.L. Walker Bearing Company and
Southern Engine and Pump Company. The acquisitions eliminated any need
to account for minority interest in earnings of the subsidiaries.

(3) Effective January 1, 1993, SEPCO changed its method of accounting for
income taxes from the deferred method to the liability method required by
FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". As permitted
under the new rules, prior years' financial statements were not restated.
The cumulative effect of adopting Statement 109 as of January 1, 1993 was
to increase net earnings by $882,000.

(4) In August 1990, June 1991 and July 1992, SEPCO acquired three separate
bearing and power transmission companies having revenues of approximately
$25,000,000, $10,000,000 and $7,000,000, respectively, at the time of
their purchase. In 1991, 1992 and 1993, operating income (loss) from
these bearing and power transmission companies was $188,000, ($1,091,000)
and $379,000, respectively.

(5) Number of shares used to compute earnings per share and shareholders'
equity has been restated to reflect the SEPCO Reorganization and Newman
Merger as of the first day of the first period presented.

11
<PAGE> 14

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with the Financial Statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

GENERAL AND BACKGROUND

The Company is a distributor of maintenance, repair and operating
supplies and equipment for industrial customers engaged in various businesses,
principally the oil and gas (transportation and production segments),
petrochemical and wood products industries. The Company also sells its
products to municipalities, food and beverage companies and companies in the
construction industry. The Company's principal products currently consist of
pumps and pump accessories, valves and valve automation products and bearings
and power transmission equipment. The Company also provides system design,
fabrication, installation, repair and maintenance services for its customers.

Demand for the Company's products is subject to changes in the United
States economy in general and economic trends affecting the Company's customers
and the industries in which they compete in particular. Many of these
industries, such as the oil and gas industry, are subject to volatility while
others, such as the petrochemical industry, are cyclical and materially
affected by changes in the economy. As a result, the Company may experience
changes in demand for its products as changes occur in the markets of its
customers. Such was the case in late 1994 when prices for natural gas declined
substantially and resulted in a drop in demand for the Company's valve
automation products used for natural gas transmission.

Future results for the Company also will be dependent on the success of
the Company in implementing its acquisition and growth strategy. This strategy
includes taking advantage of a consolidation in the industry and effecting
acquisitions of distributors with complementary or desirable new product lines,
strategic distribution locations and attractive customer bases and manufacturer
relations. The Company's strategy also includes expanding its product lines,
adding new product lines and establishing alliances and joint ventures with
other suppliers in order to provide the Company's customers with a source of
integrated supply. The ability of the Company to implement this strategy will
be dependent on its ability to identify, consummate and assimilate acquisitions
on economic terms, to acquire and successfully integrate new product lines and
to establish and successfully market new integrated forms of supply
arrangements such as that being pursued by AMRO. Although the Company is
actively seeking acquisitions and integrated supply arrangements that would
meet its strategic objectives, there can be no assurance that the Company will
be successful in these efforts. Further, the ability of the Company to effect
its strategic plans will be dependent on its obtaining financing for its
planned expansions, which there can be no assurance will be available. The
Company plans to examine appropriate methods of financing any such acquisition,
including issuance of additional capital stock, debt or other securities or a
combination of both. If the Company were to issue shares of its capital stock
in any acquisition such issuance would be dilutive to existing shareholders.

SEPCO Reorganization

The Company was incorporated on July 26, 1996, to facilitate a
reorganization of SEPCO in anticipation of an acquisition by the Company as the
successor to SEPCO of Newman. On December 4, 1996, the SEPCO Reorganization
was effected through a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company with
and into SEPCO pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding
shares of SEPCO in exchange for shares of the Company. Immediately following
the SEPCO Reorganization, the Company acquired Newman through the Newman
Merger.

Prior to the SEPCO Reorganization, the Company had no operations and
its only assets consisted of $1,000 cash. The SEPCO Reorganization has been
accounted for as a recapitalization of SEPCO. Prior to the Company's
acquisition of Newman, Newman was a non-operating entity with nominal assets.
The Newman Merger was effected as a means to increase the Company's shareholder
base.

12
<PAGE> 15

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the Company with
respect to historical operations shall mean the Company and SEPCO.

Market Trends

In 1996, the Company's revenues increased 12.5% as compared to 1995.
The revenue increases were reflective of the Company's efforts to expand
operations through acquisitions and internal expansion. In December 1996, the
Company disposed of $1.1 million of excess inventory which it had accumulated
through prior acquisitions of product groups that were subject to shelf-life
restrictions. This is a one-time charge not expected to occur in future years.
Notwithstanding the disposition of inventory, gross profits remained relatively
constant during 1996 compared to 1995 despite increased costs due in part to
the Company's ability to pass on price increases. Offsetting the improvements
in the Company's revenues and gross profits were various one-time costs
incurred during 1996 related to the SEPCO Reorganization and Newman Merger. In
March 1996, the Company converted its outstanding book value options into
market- based options and recognized a $618,000 charge for additional
compensation expense. The Company also incurred $284,000 in expenses relating
to the SEPCO Reorganization and Newman Merger for the year ended December 31,
1996.

Results for 1997 are expected to continue to benefit from the
Company's recent acquisitions and internal development efforts. Although the
Company expects to incur additional selling, general and administrative
expenses associated with its becoming a public company, such expenses are
expected to be less than the expenses and compensation charges incurred during
1996 relating to the SEPCO Reorganization and Newman Merger. The Company also
intends to pursue an active acquisition program. The impact of this program
will be dependent on the timing and nature of any acquisitions actually
effected.

13
<PAGE> 16

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth selected items of the results of
operations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDEX SEPCO
-------------- ---------------------------------------------
Year Ended
December 31, Year Ended December 31,
-------------- ---------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pumps and Pump Products . . . . . . . . . . . $ 65,709 $ 61,630 $ 58,774 $ 56,004
Valve and Valve Automation . . . . . . . . . 10,355 10,198 7,678 8,915
Bearings and Power Transmissions . . . . . . 49,144 39,500 36,140 34,434
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,208 $111,328 $102,592 $99,353
Cost of Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74.3% 73.8% 73.5% 73.0%
Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.7 26.2 26.5 27.0
Selling, General and Administrative Expense . 23.5 22.1 22.5 23.7
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 4.1 4.0 3.3
Other Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 .8 .8 .9
Interest Expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.8
Income Before Taxes, Minority Interest and
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting
Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 3.2 3.0 2.4
Income Tax Expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . .6 1.3 1.1 1.0
Minority Interest in Earnings of Subsidiaries .4
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in
Accounting Principles . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- -- 1.0
Effect of Change in Accounting Principle . . -- -- -- .9
------ ------ ------ ------
Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7% 1.9% 1.9% 1.9%
====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

Year Ended December 31, 1996 compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased 12.5% to
$125.2 million from $111.3 million for the same period in 1995 primarily due to
sales of bearings and power transmission products at locations where pump and
pump parts were sold previously ($4.6 million), revenue attributable to the two
companies acquired in December 1995 and February 1996 ($4.1 million) and from
internal revenue growth ($5.2 million). During 1996, sales of pumps and pump
products increased 6.7% as compared to 1995, while sales of valves and valve
automation products increased 1.6% in 1996 as compared to 1995. Sales of
bearings and power transmission equipment increased 24.5% in 1996 as compared
to 1995.

Gross profits decreased .5% in 1996 compared to 1995. Included in
cost of sales is a one time charge of $1.1 million related to the disposal of
excess inventory in December 1996 which was accumulated through prior
acquisitions of product groups subject to shelf-life restrictions. The
disposal of the inventory thereby reduced the Company's tax liability resulting
in an increase in the Company's current year cash flow. In 1996, the Company
installed what it believes to be a state-of-the-art management information
system designed to manage inventory effectively and significantly minimize any
future accumulation of inventory not salable in the ordinary course of
business. Excluding the [effect of this transaction], gross margins in 1996
would have remained consistent with the previous year.

Selling, general and administrative expense increased as a percentage
of revenues by 1.4% for the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to the
year ended December 31, 1995, due primarily to a one-time charge of $618,000
for additional compensation expense associated with the amendment of certain
book value stock options into market-based stock options, costs associated with
the Company's expansion of bearing and power transmission operations into
locations where only pumps were sold previously, training and education
expenses related to the Company's software conversion and professional fees
associated with the SEPCO Reorganization and Newman Merger. Excluding the
effect of the amendments to the stock options and the other non-recurring
expenses identified

14
<PAGE> 17
above, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues
remained relatively consistent from period to period.

Operating income for 1996 as a percentage of revenues declined to 2.2%
from 4.1% in 1996, due primarily to the compensation expense recorded in
connection with the stock option amendments, interest and other costs
associated with SEPCO's expansion of operations and software conversion,
increased professional fees related to the SEPCO Reorganization, expenses
related to the company's expansion of bearing and power transmission equipment
into locations where only pumps were sold previously and the inventory
disposal.

Interest expense during 1996 increased slightly compared to 1995, due
to average debt increasing during the period as a result of increased working
capital required to support sales. Average interest rates were slightly lower
during 1996 as compared to 1995. Further increases in working capital may be
required to the extent sales and activity levels increase. Any such increases
would be subject to the nature of the increases and the perceived profitability
of any such increases.

The Company's provision for income taxes for 1996 decreased by
$679,000 compared to 1995 due to lower operating income. Included in the 1996
income tax provision was a reserve for the pending IRS examination. See "Item
3. Legal Proceedings".

Net income for 1996 declined by approximately $1.2 million from 1995
due primarily to the effects of the disposition of inventory ($1.1 million),
additional compensation associated with amendments to Company's stock options,
costs associated with the software conversion ($350,000), increased
professional fees associated with the SEPCO Reorganization ($284,000), expenses
related to the Company's expansion of bearing and power transmission equipment
into locations where only pumps were sold previously and a provision for the
pending IRS examination ($30,000).

Year Ended December 31, 1995 compared to Year Ended December 31, 1994

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased 8.5% to $111.3
million from $102.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1994. The increase
in revenues for the 1995 period was primarily attributable to sales of bearings
and transmission products at locations where pump and pump accessories were
previously the only products sold, increased sales of valve automation products
for use in the gas transmission market, increased market penetration for the
Company's bearings and valves, increased market penetration and higher prices.
During the year ended December 31, 1995, sales of pumps and pump products
increased 4.9% over 1994, while sales of valves and valve automation products
increased 32.8% in 1995 over 1994. Sales of bearings and power transmission
equipment increased 9.3% in 1995 over 1994.

Gross profit decreased .3% during the year ended December 31, 1995,
due to higher costs of sales relating to increases in manufacturer pricing
compared to 1994. This relatively small percentage decrease was due to the
inability to pass on manufacturer price increases.

Selling, general and administrative expense for the year ended
December 31, 1995, decreased as a percentage of revenues by .4% as compared to
1994 due primarily to increased revenues.

Operating income for the year ended December 31, 1995, as a percentage
of revenues remained constant with 1994 notwithstanding higher manufacturer
costs due to the Company being able to reduce average selling, general and
administrative expense.

Interest expense for 1995 increased compared to 1994 due to higher
average debt incurred to finance increased sales. The increased levels of
debt, however, were partially offset by lower average borrowing costs during
the year.

15
<PAGE> 18
The provision for income taxes for 1995 increased by $248,000 as
compared to 1994 due primarily to increased pre-tax profits for the year as
compared to the prior year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company generated cash from operating activities of $453,000 in
1996 as compared to a deficit of $59,000 in 1995.

Under the Company's credit facility, all available cash generally is
applied to reduce outstanding borrowings, with operations funded through
borrowings under the credit facility. As a result, at December 31, 1996, the
Company had $.9 million in cash and cash equivalents compared to $1.3 million
at December 31, 1995. The Company's policy is to maintain low levels of cash
and cash equivalents and to use borrowings under its line of credit for working
capital. The Company had $1.5 million available for borrowings under its
working capital line of credit at December 31, 1996. Working capital at
December 31, 1996 was $25.6 million compared to $24.0 million at December 31,
1995. During 1996, the Company collected its trade receivables in
approximately 48 days and turned its inventory approximately five times.

The Company currently has a $20 million secured line of credit with an
institutional lender. The rate of interest is prime plus .5% (8.75% at December
31, 1996). The line of credit is secured by receivables, inventory, and
machinery and equipment and matures January 1999. At December 31, 1996, the
available line of credit was approximately $1.3 million. The facility contains
customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as financial covenants that
require the Company to maintain a positive cash flow and other financial ratios,
such as tangible net worth less than five to one and current assets to current
liabilities greater than two to one. The Company is engaged in discussions with
its lender to amend the line of credit to, among other things, increase the
borrowing base to $25 million and reduce the interest rate. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Company will be successful in securing these
amendments.

The Company had capital expenditures of approximately $2.6 million and
$.7 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Capital expenditures in 1996 were
primarily for the purchase of a facility in Lufkin, Texas ($190,000), leasehold
improvements and furniture and fixtures at the corporate office and for office
equipment and computer automation. Additionally, the Company expended $550,000
for the acquisition of the assets of Austin Bearings during the first quarter
of 1996.

The Company currently is undergoing an examination of its tax returns
by the IRS which is asserting claims against the Company for additional taxes
and penalties of approximately $1 million plus interest of approximately
$310,000. This claim relates primarily to a challenge by the IRS of the
Company's use of the LIFO method of accounting for inventory. The Company
believes that its LIFO elections were valid and currently is pursuing its
rights to administrative appeal. The Company has been engaged in discussions
with representatives of the IRS regarding this matter and has reserved $30,000
to cover any possible tax liability related to this matter. Although an
unfavorable outcome on this matter would result in the payment of additional
taxes and impact the Company's liquidity position, the Company believes that
any liability that may ultimately result from the resolution of this matter
will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the
Company.

The Company believes that cash generated from operations and available
under its credit facility will meet its future ongoing operational and
liquidity needs and capital requirements. Funding of the Company's acquisition

16
<PAGE> 19

program and integrated supply strategy will require capital in the form of the
issuance of additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance
that such financing will be available to the Company or as to the terms
thereof.

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of ", which requires impairment losses to be
recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment
are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those
assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. Statement 121 also addresses
the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed. The
Company adopted Statement 121 in the first quarter of 1996. The adoption of
Statement 121 did not have any material effect on the Company.

The Company currently follows Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") in accounting for its
employee stock options. In October 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", was issued, which
established a fair-value based method of accounting for stock-based
compensation plans. In accordance with the provisions of this new accounting
standard, the Company has elected to continue following the provisions of APB
25 and will include in future financial statements pro forma disclosures for
the new standard.

INFLATION

The Company does not believe the effects of inflation have any
material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition and
attempts to minimize inflationary trends by passing manufacturer price
increases on to the customer whenever practicable.

17
<PAGE> 20
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX

Report of Independent Public Accountants............................ 19

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements-
Consolidated Balance Sheets....................................... 20
Consolidated Statements of Earnings............................... 21
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity................... 22
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows............................. 23
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................ 24

18
<PAGE> 21

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Index, Inc., and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Index, Inc., a
Texas corporation, and subsidiaries as of December 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 December 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 Index, Inc., and
subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
March 24, 1997

19
<PAGE> 22
INDEX, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
---------------------
ASSETS 1996 1995
------ -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ 876 $ 1,492
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts of $210 in 1996 and $200 in 1995 17,125 15,892
Inventories 17,175 16,706
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 539 813
Deferred income taxes 511 170
------- -------
Total current assets 36,226 35,073
------- -------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net 7,818 6,744

OTHER ASSETS:
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
of $1,607 in 1996 and $1,394 in 1995
673 797
Receivable from officers and employees 205 640
Other 120 -
------- -------

998 1,437
------- -------

Total assets $45,042 $43,254
======= =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 1996 1995
------------------------------------ ------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade accounts payable $ 6,963 $ 6,435
Accrued wages and benefits 1,296 1,129
Other accrued liabilities 601 1,419
Current portion of long-term debt 609 1,888
Current portion of subordinated debt 1,145 235
------- -------
Total current liabilities 10,614 11,106

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion 22,300 20,130

SUBORDINATED DEBT, less current portion - 1,145

DEFERRED COMPENSATION 739 380

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 330 205

EQUITY SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION:
Series A preferred stock, 1,496 shares 150 150
Series B convertible preferred stock, 4,500 shares 450 450

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Series A preferred stock, 1/10th vote per share;
$1.00 par value; liquidation preference of $100 per share;
1,000,000 shares authorized, 3,366 shares
issued and outstanding 2 2
Series B convertible preferred stock, 1/10th vote
per share; $1.00 par value; $100 stated value;
liquidation preference of $100 per share;
1,000,000 shares authorized, 19,500 shares
issued and outstanding 15 15
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares
authorized; 15,987,994 shares issued and outstanding 160 160
Paid-in capital 288 288
Retained earnings 9,994 9,223
------- -------
Total shareholders' equity 10,459 9,688
------- -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $45,042 $43,254
======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.

20
<PAGE> 23

INDEX, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SALES $ 125,208 $ 111,328 $ 102,592

COST OF SALES 93,091 82,171 75,375
---------- ---------- ----------

Gross profit 32,117 29,157 27,217

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 29,332 24,559 23,067
---------- ---------- ----------

Operating income 2,785 4,598 4,150

OTHER INCOME 951 867 817

INTEREST EXPENSE (2,101) (1,953) (1,929)
---------- ---------- ----------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,635 3,512 3,038

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 745 1,424 1,176
---------- ---------- ----------

NET INCOME 890 2,088 1,862

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND (119) (23) --
---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 771 $ 2,065 $ 1,862
========== ========== ==========

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ .04 $ .12 $ .09

COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING 17,242 17,224 21,482
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.

21
<PAGE> 24

INDEX, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Series A Series B Common Paid-In Retained
Preferred Preferred Stock Capital Earnings Total
--------- --------- ------ ------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993 $ 2 $- $178 $ 977 $ 5,296 $ 6,453
Issuance of 84,800 shares of common stock - - 1 25 - 26
Acquisition and retirement of 84,800 shares of common stock - - - (26) - (26)
Net income - - - - 1,862 1,862
--- ---- ---- ------- ------- --------

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 2 - 179 976 7,158 8,315
Issuance of 1,436,800 shares of common stock - - 14 218 - 232
Issuance of 4,500 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock - 5 - 445 - 450
Conversion of 3,360,000 shares of common stock to 15,000 shares
of Series B preferred stock - 15 (33) 18 - -

Acquisition and retirement of 2,243,216 shares of common stock
and 2,431 shares of Series A preferred stock - - - (1,167) - (1,167)
Increase in paid-in capital due to reduction of equity subject
to redemption as a result of acquiring 2,431 shares of
Series A preferred stock - - - 243 - 243
Reduction in paid-in capital due to increase in equity subject
to redemption as a result of issuing 4,500 shares of Series
B convertible preferred stock - (5) - (445) - (450)
Dividends paid - - - - (23) (23)
Net income - - - - 2,088 2,088
--- ---- ---- -------- ------- --------

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 2 15 160 288 9,223 9,688
Dividends paid - - - - (119) (119)
Net income - - - - 890 890
--- ---- ---- -------- ------- --------

BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ 2 $15 $160 $ 288 $ 9,994 $ 10,459
=== ==== ==== ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.

22
<PAGE> 25

INDEX, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 890 $ 2,088 $ 1,862
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization 964 965 1,113
Deferred compensation on stock option plans 359 87 146
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes (216) 109 791
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment 7 (11) (16)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities-
Trade accounts receivable (1,233) (1,915) (523)
Inventories (469) (1,288) (467)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 274 (88) 41
Trade accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (123) (6) (302)
---------- ----------- -----------

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 453 (59) 2,645
---------- ----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of Bayou Pumps common stock, net of cash received - 38 -
Purchase of Austin Bearings net assets (329) - -
Purchase of property and equipment (2,271) (739) (319)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 8 177 61
Payments received on notes receivable from officers 435 172 80
Other (120) - -
---------- ----------- -----------

Net cash used in investing activities (2,277) (352) (178)
---------- ----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings from debt 129,379 123,261 109,295
Principal payments on revolving line of credit, long-term and
subordinated debt and notes payable to bank (128,052) (121,867) (111,689)
Issuance of common stock - 232 26
Acquisition of common stock - (589) (26)
Dividends paid in cash (119) (23) -
---------- ----------- -----------

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,208 1,014 (2,394)
---------- ----------- -----------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (616) 603 73

CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,492 889 816
---------- ----------- -----------

CASH AT END OF YEAR $ 876 $ 1,492 $ 889
========== =========== ===========

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for-
Interest $ 2,172 $ 1,901 $ 1,855
========== =========== ===========

Income taxes $ 1,040 $ 1,500 $ 165
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.

23
<PAGE> 26

INDEX, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Basis of Presentation

Index, Inc. (Index or the Company), a Texas corporation, was incorporated on
July 26, 1996, to facilitate a reorganization of SEPCO Industries, Inc.
(SEPCO), a Texas corporation, in anticipation of an acquisition by Index as the
successor to SEPCO of Newman Communications Corporation (Newman), a New Mexico
corporation. On December 4, 1996, the reorganization of SEPCO (the SEPCO
Reorganization) was effected through a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company with and into SEPCO pursuant to which the Company acquired all of
the outstanding shares of SEPCO in exchange for shares of the Company.
Immediately following the SEPCO Reorganization, the Company acquired Newman
through a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company with and into
Newman (the Newman Merger).

Prior to the SEPCO Reorganization, the Company had no operations and its only
assets consisted of $1,000 cash.

Prior to the Company's acquisition of Newman, Newman was a nonoperating entity
with nominal assets. The Newman Merger was effected as a means to increase the
Company's shareholder base.

The equity capitalization of the Company after giving effect to the SEPCO
Reorganization and Newman Merger consists of 15,987,900 shares of common stock,
3,366 shares of Series A preferred stock and 19,500 shares of Series B
convertible preferred stock. The holders of Series A preferred stock are
entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share on all matters presented to a vote of
shareholders generally, voting as a class with the holders of common stock, and
are not entitled to any dividends or distributions other than in the event of a
liquidation of the Company, in which case the holders of the Series A preferred
stock are entitled to a $100 liquidation preference per share. Each share of
the Series B convertible preferred stock is convertible into 112 shares of
common stock and a monthly dividend per share of $0.50. The holders of the
Series B convertible stock are also entitled to a $100 liquidation preference
per share after payment of the distributions to the holders of the Series A
preferred stock and to one-tenth of a vote per share on all matters presented
to a vote of shareholders generally, voting as a class with the holders of the
common stock.

SEPCO Reorganization Accounting Treatment

The SEPCO Reorganization was treated as a recapitalization of SEPCO into the
Company (with respect to the SEPCO merger) and the issuance of the Company's
capital stock for the underlying tangible net assets of Newman (with respect to
the Newman Merger) for accounting and financial statement purposes because,
among other factors, the Company is a recently formed holding company with
nominal net assets, Newman is a nonoperating public shell company with cash as
its primary asset, and the SEPCO shareholders will control the Company after
the SEPCO Reorganization. Accordingly, the historical pre-SEPCO Reorganization
financial statements of the combined Company after the closing will be those of
SEPCO. The retained earnings of SEPCO will be carried forward after the SEPCO
Reorganization and the historical shareholders' equity of SEPCO prior to the
SEPCO Reorganization is retroactively restated for the equivalent number of
shares received in the SEPCO Reorganization.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to the Company with respect
to historical operations shall mean the Company and SEPCO.

24
<PAGE> 27
Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company sells rotating equipment to a diversified customer base in the
southwestern region of the United States. The Company believes no significant
concentration of credit risk exists. The Company continually evaluates the
creditworthiness of its customers' financial positions and monitors accounts on
a periodic basis, but does not require collateral.

Inventory

Inventory consists principally of finished goods and is priced at lower of cost
or market, cost being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Assets are carried on the basis of cost. Provisions for depreciation are
computed at rates considered to be sufficient to amortize the costs of assets
over their expected useful lives. Depreciation and amortization of property,
plant and equipment is computed using principally the straight-line method for
financial reporting purposes. Useful lives assigned to property, plant and
equipment range from three to 20 years. Maintenance and repairs of depreciable
assets are charged against earnings as incurred. Additions and improvements
are capitalized. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the
cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and gains or
losses are credited or charged to earnings.

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," which
requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in
operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets'
carrying amounts. SFAS No. 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived
assets that are expected to be disposed of. The Company adopted SFAS No. 121
in the first quarter of 1996, and the effect of adoption was not material.

Intangibles

Intangibles consist of noncompete and licensing agreements and goodwill. The
noncompete and licensing agreements are amortized over five years, and goodwill
is amortized over five to 15 years. All amortization of intangibles is
computed using the straight-line method.

Federal Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the liability method in accounting for income taxes.
Under this method, deferred taxes are determined based on differences between
financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured
using the enacted marginal tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the
differences reverse.

25
<PAGE> 28
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

A summary of the carrying value and the fair value of financial instruments at
December 31, 1996, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Carrying Fair
Value Value
---------- -----------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash $ 876 $ 876
Notes receivable from officers and employees 205 205
Long-term debt, including current portion 22,919 22,919
Subordinated debt, including current portion 1,145 1,145
</TABLE>

The carrying value of the long-term debt and subordinated debt approximates
fair value based upon the current rates and terms available to the Company for
instruments with similar remaining maturities. The carrying value of the notes
receivable from officers approximates fair value because the interest rate of
the notes (9 percent) is consistent with the interest rate of the Company's
revolving debt and with rates currently available in the market for similar
instruments.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue as products are shipped to the customer.

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.

Reclassifications

Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1996
presentation.

2. ACQUISITION:

Effective December 31, 1995, SEPCO acquired 100 percent of the outstanding
common stock of Bayou Pumps, Inc. The purchase price totaled $500,000 and
consisted of (a) issuance of $450,000 of the Company's Class A convertible
preferred stock and (b) cash of $50,000. The acquisition has been accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, results of
operations of the acquired company are included in the consolidated results of
operations from the acquisition date. Goodwill of $356,000 was recorded on the
acquisition. Pro forma disclosures of operating results are omitted because
the acquired company's operations were not significant.

26
<PAGE> 29
Effective February 2, 1996, SEPCO acquired the net assets of Austin Bearing
Corporation. The purchase price totaled approximately $578,000 and consisted
of (a) a $249,000 note, bearing interest at 9 percent, payable monthly over
five years, and (b) cash of $329,000. The acquisition has been accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, results of operations of
the acquired company are included in the consolidated results of operations
from the date of acquisition. Goodwill of $84,000 was recorded in connection
with the acquisition. Pro forma disclosures of operating results are omitted
because the acquired company's operations were not significant.

3. INVENTORY:

The Company uses the LIFO method of inventory valuation for approximately 75
percent of its inventories as the LIFO method results in a better matching of
current costs and revenues. Remaining inventories are accounting for using the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The reconciliation of FIFO inventory to
LIFO basis is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
---------------------
1996 1995
---------- ---------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Finished goods $ 18,215 $ 18,155
Work in process 2,405 1,798
-------- ---------

Inventories at FIFO 20,620 19,953
Less- LIFO allowance (3,445) (3,247)
-------- ---------

Inventories $ 17,175 $ 16,706
======== =========
</TABLE>

4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment are comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-----------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Land $ 1,421 $ 1,368
Buildings and leasehold improvements 6,298 5,946
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 8,143 6,790
--------- --------
15,862 14,104
Less- Allowances for depreciation and amortization (8,044) (7,360)
--------- --------

$ 7,818 $ 6,744
========= ========
</TABLE>

27
<PAGE> 30
5. LONG-TERM AND SUBORDINATED DEBT:

Long-term and subordinated notes consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
---------------------
1996 1995
--------- ---------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Long-term debt-
Revolving credit agreement $ 18,680 $ 16,891
Note payable to insurance company, 10.125%, collateralized by real property, payable
in monthly installments through December 2006 1,699 1,793
Notes payable to former shareholders, 7% to 10%, unsecured, payable in varying annual
installments - 1,410
Notes payable to credit corporation, 2.25% above prime (10.50% at December 31, 1996),
collateralized by computer equipment, payable in monthly installments 1,459 776
Other 1,071 1,148
-------- --------
22,909 22,018
Less- Current portion 609 1,888
-------- --------
$ 22,300 $ 20,130
======== ========
Subordinated debt-
Notes payable to former shareholders, 12%, unsecured, payable in varying installments
through January 1997 $ 1,145 $ 1,380
Less- Current portion 1,145 235
-------- --------
$ - $ 1,145
======== ========
</TABLE>

The Company has a $20 million secured line of credit with an institutional
lender. The rate of interest is prime plus .50 percent (8.75 percent at
December 31, 1996). The line of credit is secured by receivables, inventory,
and machinery and equipment and matures January 1999. As of December 31, 1996,
the unused line is approximately $1.3 million.

The facility includes loan covenants which, among other things, require
the Company to maintain a positive cash flow and other financial ratios, which
are measured monthly. The maturities of long-term and subordinated debt for
the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

1997 $ 1,754
1998 1,084
1999 18,996
2000 796
2001 307
Thereafter 1,117
-------
$24,054
=======

28
<PAGE> 31
6. INCOME TAXES:

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------------
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- --------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current-
Federal $ 829 $ 1,172 $ 190
State 102 143 195
------- ------- -------
931 1,315 385
Deferred-
Federal
(186) 107 797
State - 2 (6)
------- ------- -------

$ 745 $ 1,424 $ 1,176
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

The difference between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income
tax rate and the provision for income taxes is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31
----------------------
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- --------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income taxes computed at federal statutory income tax rate $ 556 $ 1,194 $ 1,033
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 68 96 125
Nondeductible goodwill amortization 43 51 22
Other 78 83 (4)
------- ------- -------
$ 745 $ 1,424 $ 1,176
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

The net current and noncurrent components of deferred income taxes are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-----------------
1996 1995
------- -------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Net current assets $ 511 $ 170
Net noncurrent liabilities 330 205
------ -----
Net liability (asset) $ (181) $ 35
====== =====
</TABLE>

29
<PAGE> 32
Deferred tax liabilities and assets were comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31
-----------------
1996 1995
------- -------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liability-
Difference between financial and tax depreciation of assets acquired $ 330 $ 214
------ -----

Deferred tax assets-
Amortization of goodwill 3 -
Unamortized rent reduction 42 -
Allowance for doubtful accounts 71 68
Section 263A inventory costs 139 102
Deferred compensation on stock options 251 9
Other 5 -
------ -----
Total deferred tax assets 511 179
------ -----
Net deferred tax liability (asset) $ (181) $ 35
====== =====
</TABLE>

7. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

Prior to the SEPCO Reorganization, as more fully described in Note 1, SEPCO had
agreements with certain holders of common, Series A preferred and Series B
convertible preferred stock that, upon termination of employment, the
shareholders had an obligation to sell and SEPCO had the first opportunity to
buy the stock. SEPCO also had the opportunity to match a higher offer obtained
by the shareholder from another party. The selling price of the stock was at a
price per share equal to the equity per share for the common stock and $100 per
share for the Series A preferred and Series B convertible preferred stock.
Payment may be in the form of cash or a promissory note bearing interest at 10
percent and payable in five equal installments beginning on the first
anniversary date of the note. During 1995, SEPCO purchased 2,243,216 shares of
common stock and 2,431 shares of Series A preferred stock in exchange for a
note payable of $578,000 from a shareholder upon his retirement. Upon the
exchange of SEPCO shares for Index shares pursuant to the plan of
reorganization, the above agreements were terminated.

Stock Options

Prior to and during 1995, the Company issued nonqualified, book value plan
stock options to certain officers of the Company to purchase shares of its
common stock, which had exercise prices equal to the book value of the common
stock at the date of grant. The option agreement allowed the employee to put
the stock acquired back to the Company at the book value at that time. The
Company recognized compensation expense for increases in the book value of the
stock while the options were outstanding. Effective March 31, 1996, the
above-mentioned book value options were converted to fair market value
options once the put option was eliminated. A one-time charge to
compensation of $618,000 was made during the first quarter of 1996. In 1996,
the Company issued nonqualified fair market value stock options to certain
directors of the Company to purchase shares of its common stock which had
exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock at
the date of grant. Additionally, the Company issued options to certain
officers and employees pursuant to the terms of the Company's long-term
incentive plan.

30
<PAGE> 33
Compensation expense related to these option agreements of $618,000, $87,000
and $155,000 was recorded in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. As of December
31, 1996 and 1995, a deferred compensation liability of $739,000 and $380,000,
respectively, has been recorded in conjunction with these option agreements.
Activity during 1996 with respect to the stock options follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Option
Shares Price Per Share
------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding at January 1, 1994 1,606,400 $.17 - $.19
Exercised (84,800) $ .19
------------

Outstanding at December 31, 1994 1,521,600 $.17 - $.19
Granted 4,832,000 $.37 - $.45
Exercised (1,436,800) $.17
Canceled or expired - -
------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995 4,916,800
Granted 480,000 $.58
Exercised -
Canceled or expired -
------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 5,396,800
------------
Options exercisable at end of year 5,396,800
============
</TABLE>

The outstanding options at December 31, 1996, expire between May 31, 1998, and
October 24, 2005, or 90 days after termination of full-time employment. During
1995, the Company purchased 1,436,800 shares acquired by an officer upon
exercise of his options at $0.41 per share.

Stock-Based Compensation

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required
by SFAS No. 123 and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its
stock options under the fair value method as provided therein. The fair value
of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for
options issued in 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6
percent and 6.5 percent; expected lives of five years; no assumed volatility;
and no expected dividends.

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. Set forth below is a
summary of the Company's net income and earnings per share as reported and pro
forma as if the fair value-based method of accounting defined in SFAS No. 123
had been applied. The pro forma information is not meant to be representative
of the effects on reported net income for future years because, as provided by
SFAS No. 123, only the effects of awards granted after January 1, 1995, are
considered in the pro forma calculation. Certain compensation expense related
to the Company's book value stock option plans was recognized in 1996 and 1995.
The effect of such expense has been included in the pro forma disclosures.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------------------------ -----------------------------
As Reported Pro Forma As Reported Pro Forma
----------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income attributable to common shareholders
(in thousands) $ 771 $1,132 $ 2,065 $ 2,072
Net income per common and common equivalent
share .04 .07 .12 .13
</TABLE>

31
<PAGE> 34
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

The Company leases equipment, automobiles and office facilities under various
operating leases. The future minimum rental commitments as of December 31,
1996, for noncancelable leases are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997 $1,172
1998 969
1999 686
2000 357
2001 99
Thereafter 7
------
$3,290
======
</TABLE>

Rental expense for operating leases was $1,417,000, $1,338,000 and $1,084,000
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

The Company is currently undergoing an examination of its tax returns by the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which is asserting claims against the Company
for additional taxes and penalties of approximately $1 million plus interest of
approximately $310,000. This claim relates primarily to a challenge by the IRS
of the Company's use of the LIFO method of accounting for inventory. The
Company believes that its LIFO elections were valid and currently is pursuing
its rights to administrative appeal. Although an unfavorable outcome on this
matter would result in the payment of additional taxes and impact the Company's
liquidity position, the Company believes that any liability that may ultimately
result from the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse
effect on the financial position of the Company. The Company has been engaged
in discussions with representatives of the IRS regarding this matter and has
reserved $30,000 to cover any possible tax liability related to this matter.

9. RETIREMENT PLANS:

SEPCO provides an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) which is eligible to
employees having 1,000 hours of service in 12 consecutive months of employment.
Employer contributions are at the discretion of the board of directors. The
ESOP held 3,205,994 shares of the Company's common stock at December 31, 1996
(see Note 1). The Company contributed and expensed $150,000 in 1996, 1995 and
1994. The Company also offers a 401(k) profit-sharing plan for employees
having 1,000 hours of service in 12 consecutive months of employment. The
Company matches contributions at a rate of 10 percent. The Company contributed
$62,000, $56,000 and $49,000 in the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

32
<PAGE> 35

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

See Item 14(b) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

33
<PAGE> 36
PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Registrant's
Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of the Registrant's shareholders
scheduled to be held June 3, 1997, under the captions "Election of Directors"
and "Executive Compensation", and such information is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Registrant's
Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of the Registrant's shareholders
scheduled to be held June 3, 1997, under the caption "Executive Compensation",
and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Registrant's
Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of the Registrant's shareholders
scheduled to be held June 3, 1997, under the caption "Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management", and such information is incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Registrant's
Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of the Registrant's shareholders
scheduled to be held June 3, 1997, under the caption "Executive Compensation",
and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

34
<PAGE> 37

PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) DOCUMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . 22

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
</TABLE>

(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 4, 1996, and
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission December 19, 1996, to
report the SEPCO Reorganization and Newman Merger.

The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 26, 1996
and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission December 31, 1996,
to report a change in the Company's certifying accountant.

Exhibits designated by the symbol * are filed with this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. All exhibits not so designated are incorporated by
reference to a prior filing as indicated.

Exhibits designated by the symbol + are management contracts or
compensatory plans or arrangements that are required to be filed with
this report pursuant to this Item 14.

<PAGE> 38
Index undertakes to furnish to any stockholder so requesting a copy of
any of the following exhibits upon payment to the Company of the reasonable
costs incurred by Company in furnishing any such exhibit.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
<S> <C>
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission
on October 2, 1996).

3.2 Bylaws (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg.
No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.1 Index, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August
12, 1996).

+10.2 Stock Option Agreement dated effective as of May 7, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and
Kenneth H. Miller (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.3 Stock Option Agreement dated effective as of May 7, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and
Tommy Orr (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.4 Stock Option Agreement dated effective as of May 7, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and
Cletus Davis (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.5 Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated effective as of March 31, 1996, between SEPCO
Industries, Inc. and Jerry J. Jones (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.6 Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated effective as of March 31, 1996, between SEPCO
Industries, Inc. and Bryan H. Wimberly (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August
12, 1996).

+10.7 Amended and Restated Stock Option Agreement dated effective as of March 31, 1996, between SEPCO
Industries, Inc. and David R. Little (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August
12, 1996).

+10.8 Employment Agreement dated effective as of July 15, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and
David R. Little (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.9 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Jerry J.
Jones (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg.
No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).
</TABLE>

36
<PAGE> 39
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
+10.10 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Bryan H.
Wimberly (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Bob Evans
(incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on October 1, 1996).

+10.12 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Gary A.
Allcorn (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg.
No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

10.13 Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated effective as of April 1, 1994, by
and between Barclays Business Credit, Inc. and SEPCO Industries, Inc., as amended by First
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Secured Promissory
Note dated May, 1995, by and between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Shawmut Capital Corporation,
successor-in-interest by assignment to Barclays Business Credit, Inc., as amended by Second
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated April 3, 1996, by
and between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Fleet Capital Corporation, formerly known as Shawmut
Capital Corporation, as amended by Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement dated September 9, 1996, by and between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Bayou
Pumps, Inc. and Fleet Capital Corporation, as amended by Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and
Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated October 24, 1996, by and between SEPCO Industries,
Inc. American MRO, Inc. and Fleet Capital Corporation and as amended by Letter Agreement dated
November 4, 1996, from Fleet Capital Corporation to SEPCO Industries, Inc., Bayou Pumps, Inc.
and American MRO, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on November
6, 1996).

10.14 Promissory Note dated December 31, 1989, in the aggregate principal amount of $149,910.00, made
by David R. Little and payable to SEPCO Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission
on August 12, 1996).

10.15 Promissory Note dated December 31, 1989, in the aggregate principal amount of $58,737.00, made
by David R. Little and payable to SEPCO Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission
on August 12, 1996).

10.16 Vehicle Lease Agreement dated July 28, 1993, by and between World Omni Financial Corp. and
SEPCO Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

10.17 Real Estate Note dated November 8, 1979, by Southern Engine & Pump Company, payable to the
order of Southwestern Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August
12, 1996).

+10.18 SEPCO Industries, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (incorporated by reference to Amendment
No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with
the Commission on August 13, 1996).
</TABLE>

37
<PAGE> 40
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
*11.1 Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings.

21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on October 1, 1996).

*27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>

38
<PAGE> 41
SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.

INDEX, INC.
(Registrant)

By: /s/ DAVID R. LITTLE
-------------------------------------
David R. Little
President and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: March 31, 1997.

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ DAVID R. LITTLE President, Chief Executive March 31, 1997
--------------------------------------------------- Officer and Director (Principal
David R. Little Executive Officer)

/s/ JERRY J. JONES Senior Vice President/Corporate March 31, 1997
--------------------------------------------------- Development and Director
Jerry J. Jones

/s/ GARY A. ALLCORN Senior Vice President/Finance March 31, 1997
--------------------------------------------------- (Principal Financial and
Gary A. Allcorn Accounting Officer)

/s/ BRYAN H. WIMBERLY Director March 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------
Bryan H. Wimberly

/s/ CLETUS DAVIS Director March 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------
Cletus Davis

/s/ KENNETH H. MILLER Director March 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------
Kenneth H. Miller

/s/ THOMAS V. ORR Director March 31, 1997
---------------------------------------------------
Thomas V. Orr
</TABLE>

39
<PAGE> 42
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

3.2 Bylaws (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg.
No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

+10.1 Index, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August
12, 1996).

<PAGE> 43
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
+10.10 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1996, between SEPCO Industries, Inc. and Bryan H.
Wimberly (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on August 12, 1996).

<PAGE> 44
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
*11.1 Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings.

21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company (incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-10021), filed with the Commission on October 1, 1996).

*27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>

- ------------
* Filed herewith.

<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 11.1

STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

DXP Enterprises

Computation of Earnings Per Share

For the Periods Indicated

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Average shares outstanding 15,987,895 15,348,378 19,514,794

Net effect of dilutive stock options -- based
on the treasury stock method using
average market price 1,152,491 750,432 723,344

Adjustment to give effect to shares
optioned to key employees within
12 months of the beginning of each
period presented based on treasury
stock method using estimated market
price upon offering 101,738 1,125,376 1,243,504

Total common and common stock
equivalents 17,242,124 17,224,186 21,481,642

Net income attributable to common shareholders $771,000 $2,065,000 $1,862,000

Net income per common and common equivalent
share(1) $0.04 $0.12 $0.09

- -----------------
(1) Fully diluted earnings per share is the same as the net income per common
and common equivalent share and, therefore, is not presented.

</TABLE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE AUDITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF INDEX, INC. AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000

<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 876
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 17,335
<ALLOWANCES> 210
<INVENTORY> 17,175
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 36,226
<PP&E> 15,862
<DEPRECIATION> 8,044
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 45,042
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 10,614
<BONDS> 24,054
<COMMON> 160
600
17
<OTHER-SE> 10,282
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 45,042
<SALES> 125,208
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 125,208
<CGS> 93,091
<TOTAL-COSTS> 28,381
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,101
<INCOME-PRETAX> 1,635
<INCOME-TAX> 745
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 890
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 890
<EPS-PRIMARY> .04
<EPS-DILUTED> 0

</TABLE>