BEMIS CO INC
10-Q, 1998-11-16
CONVERTED PAPER & PAPERBOARD PRODS (NO CONTANERS/BOXES)
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<PAGE>


                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                          
                               Washington, DC  20549
                                          
                                          
                                     FORM 10-Q
                                          
                                          
                   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                        THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                          
                 For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 1998
                           Commission File Number 1-5277
                                          
                                          
                                BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                          

                    Missouri                                 43-0178130
          (State or other jurisdiction of                  (IRS Employer
           incorporation or organization)                Identification No.)

         222 South 9th Street, Suite 2300
              Minneapolis, Minnesota                         55402-4099
     (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (612) 376-3000


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has:  (1) 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, and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                         YES  X      NO ____

     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

     52,364,501 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, on November 2, 1998


<PAGE>

                           PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The financial statements enclosed as Exhibit 19, are incorporated by 
reference into this Form 10-Q.

     In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all 
adjustments necessary to a fair statement of the results for the nine months 
ended September 30, 1998.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
        FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THIRD QUARTER 1998

     Net sales for the third quarter of both 1998 and 1997 were $465.5 
million. Net income increased 9.2 percent to $27.8 million for the third 
quarter of 1998 compared to the same quarter in 1997.  The previously 
announced acquisition of Techy International S.A., a Belgian flexible 
packaging company, was successfully completed as of June 30, 1998, and has 
added positively to third quarter results.

     Third quarter 1998 net sales for the flexible packaging line of business 
increased 0.9 percent to $350.7 million compared to the same quarter in 1997. 
Operating profits increased 20.7 percent to $43.2 million.  Excluding 
noncomparable operating results of business acquisitions and dispositions for 
the flexible packaging line of business, net sales showed an increase of 0.3 
percent and operating profit showed an increase of $8.3 million, or 23.3 
percent.  Third quarter 1998 net sales for the pressure sensitive materials 
line of business decreased 2.7 percent to $114.8 million compared to the same 
quarter in 1997, while operating profits decreased 33.6 percent to $11.0 
million. Excluding noncomparable business activity of business unit 
acquisitions, net sales for the Company declined 0.4 percent while operating 
income for the Company increased 5.2 percent compared to the third quarter of 
1997.

     Within the flexible packaging line of business, net sales of flexible 
plastic packaging products grew 4.4 percent in the third quarter of 1998 
compared to the third quarter of 1997, while profitability improved 
significantly due to higher unit volumes, manufacturing efficiencies, and 
reduced waste.  Sales levels continue to be adversely affected by lower raw 
material prices which reduce selling prices, although margins remain largely 
unaffected.  The paper packaging products reported lower sales and profits 
for the third quarter compared with the third quarter of 1997, but improved 
results compared with the second quarter of 1998.

     During the third quarter, the Company repurchased 949,800 shares of its 
common stock pursuant to a long-standing Board of Directors approval which 
was increased by an additional one million shares in September 1998.

     The $0.5 million increase in research and development expense during the 
third quarter of 1998 is split proportionally between the Company's two lines 
of business.

                                       - 2 -

<PAGE>

                           PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Increasing debt levels resulting from business unit acquisitions 
principally account for the $0.6 million, or 11.5 percent, rise in interest 
expense in the current quarter compared to the third quarter of 1997.

     Other income decreased $1.0 million compared to the third quarter of 
1997 largely due to cost associated with plant consolidations of our 
Brazilian joint venture which is accounted for on an equity basis.

     The decrease in minority interest in net income reflects the lower 
performance of the pressure sensitive materials business compared with the 
very strong results reported in the third quarter of 1997.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998

     Net sales for the nine-month period of 1998 decreased 2.4 percent to 
$1.39 billion compared to the same period in 1997.  Net income was $79.9 
million for 1998 compared to $73.3 million for the same nine-month period in 
1997, an increase of 9.0 percent.

     Net sales for the flexible packaging line of business decreased 2.7 
percent to $1.03 billion with operating profits increasing 19.8 percent to 
$124.1 million compared to the same nine-month period in 1997.  Net sales for 
the pressure sensitive materials line of business decreased 1.6 percent to 
$355.9 million with operating profits decreasing 23.7 percent to $37.0 
million compared to the same nine-month period in 1997.  Excluding 
noncomparable operating results of business unit acquisitions and 
dispositions, net sales for the flexible packaging line of business showed a 
decrease of $1.8 million, or 0.2 percent, with operating profits increasing 
$22.8 million, or 22.3 percent. Excluding noncomparable operating results of 
business unit acquisitions and dispositions, net sales for the pressure 
sensitive materials line of business showed a decrease of $4.0 million, or 
1.1 percent, with operating profits decreasing $11.1 million, or 23.0 
percent.  Excluding noncomparable operating results of business unit 
acquisitions and dispositions from the first nine months of 1998 and 1997, 
net sales for the Company showed a decrease of $5.8 million, or 0.4 percent, 
and operating income for the Company showed an increase of $11.7 million, or 
7.8 percent.

     Higher debt levels resulting principally from business unit acquisitions 
account for the $2.2 million, or 15.2 percent, rise in interest expense 
compared to the first nine months of 1997.  Other income for the nine-month 
period of 1998 decreased $0.4 million largely due to cost associated with 
plant consolidations of our Brazilian joint venture which is accounted for on 
an equity basis.  The decrease in minority interest in net income for the 
nine-month period of 1998 results from the lower performance of the Company's 
pressure sensitive materials line of business.

EUROPEAN COMMON CURRENCY (EURO)

     The European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and a new currency, the 
"euro", will begin in Europe on January 1, 1999.  This is a significant and 
critical element in the European Union's (EU) plan to blend the economies of 
the EU's member states into one integrated market, with unrestricted and 
unencumbered trade and commerce across borders.  Eleven of the fifteen member 
EU countries will initially participate.  Other member states may join in the 
years to come.

                                       - 3 -

<PAGE>

     On January 1, 1999, the European Central Bank (ECB) will establish fixed 
conversion rates between the new euro and existing currencies (legacy 
currencies) of participating member countries of the EMU.  The euro will then 
trade on currency exchanges and be available for noncash transactions on a 
"no compulsion, no prohibition" basis, coexisting with the legacy currencies 
through January 1, 2002.  During this transition period, currency conversion 
rates no longer will be computed directly from one legacy currency to 
another.  Instead, a "triangulation" process must be applied with any amount 
denominated in a legacy currency first converted into a euro amount and then 
into the second legacy currency.  Beginning on January 1, 2002, the ECB will 
issue euro-denominated bills and coins for use in cash transactions.  On or 
before July 1, 2002, the participating countries will withdraw all legacy 
bills and coins and use the euro as their legal currency.

     The principal impact on the Company will be experienced by its 
operations whose functional currency is the existing currency (legacy 
currency) of a participating member country of the EMU.  The "triangulation" 
process and the resulting single currency denomination (the euro) will impact 
the information technology infrastructure, accounting record keeping 
requirements, and cross-border purchasing and selling. The Company recognizes 
that failure to timely resolve internal Euro issues could result, in a worst 
case, in the Company's European operations' inability to obtain raw materials 
in a timely manner, reductions, delays, or cancellations of customer orders, 
delays in payments by customers for products shipped, or a general inability 
to record, track, and consummate business transactions.  Any or all of these 
events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, 
financial condition, and results of operations.

     The Company has selected and is in the process of installing new 
computer software which is euro-compliant (also Year 2000 compliant) and 
expects that procedures and systems will be in place as of January 1999 to 
support the implementation of the euro.  The costs of these efforts, which is 
expected to total $1.5 million, will be incurred principally in the fourth 
quarter and include both expense and capital items.  The overall effect on 
the Company's international operations, principally its pressure sensitive 
line of business, is not expected to be material.  In addition, the increased 
"price and cost transparency" expected to result from a single currency for a 
larger integrated market, is expected to lower material cost and lower costs 
associated with currency transactions, however, selling prices may be 
adversely affected.  The net impact on operating results is not known.

YEAR 2000 ISSUE

     In late-1992, the Company began to set direction for upgrading all of 
its information technology (IT) systems with a focus on significant 
enhancement of IT support at the division level.  It was the Company's 
intention to replace legacy IT systems with hardware and software that 
reflected the current state of technology.  Principal objectives of this 
major effort were to significantly improve the quality and usefulness of 
computerized information management systems, to improve employee and 
manufacturing efficiencies, and to notably enhance the quality of service to 
customers, suppliers, and employees.  "Year 2000 compliant," was one of many 
necessary attributes of any system considered. Computers and related 
equipment, computer software, and other office and manufacturing equipment 
utilizing microprocessors that use only two digits to identify a year in a 
date field may be unable to accurately process certain date-based information 
at or after the Year 2000.  This is commonly referred to as the "Year 2000 
issue."

                                       - 4 -                                  

<PAGE>

     The Company, like commerce in general, is highly dependent on 
computerized systems or controls for the administrative recording of business 
transactions, for the administrative control and actual manufacture of 
products it sells, and for the efficient interaction between third parties 
such as suppliers, customers, banks, and employees.  The Company recognizes 
that failure to timely resolve internal Year 2000 issues could result, in a 
worst case, in the Company's inability to obtain raw materials in a timely 
manner, reductions in the quality or quantity of materials obtained, 
reductions, delays, or cancellations of customer orders, delays in payments 
by customers for products shipped, or a general inability to record, track, 
and consummate business transactions.  Any or all of these events could have 
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and 
results of operations.

     The Company is addressing its Year 2000 issue in three areas: (1) IT 
system applications, (2) non-IT systems, including engineering and 
manufacturing equipment applications, and (3) relationships with third 
parties.

     The Company has conducted an assessment of its company-wide Year 2000 
issue surrounding its IT systems.  Since the initial assessment in late-1992, 
concurrent efforts have been underway to evaluate, select, and implement 
third party supplied or internally developed software for company-wide or 
division-wide applications.  Currently, a portion of nearly all new major 
software applications is in daily operation.  Internally developed software 
is Year 2000 compliant, and where third party supplied software is not Year 
2000 compliant the Company has received assurance of such compliance once the 
updated software version is released and installed.  While the current stages 
of completion for these concurrent efforts vary, the Company believes that 
implementation will be complete and Year 2000 compliant by mid-1999.

     The Company is nearing the completion of the initial assessment of the 
Year 2000 issue surrounding its non-IT systems, including engineering and 
manufacturing equipment applications.  While the Company expects to complete 
this assessment during the fourth quarter of 1998, Year 2000 remediation and 
testing of already identified problem applications and devices has begun.  
This Company-wide effort is being centrally coordinated with actual 
assessment, remediation, and implementation assigned to identified 
individuals at each manufacturing, warehouse, or office site.  While the 
degree of effort and extensiveness of remediation will vary by site, it is 
expected that all sites will be Year 2000 compliant by mid-1999.

     Finally, the Company is continuing to examine its relationship with 
third parties whose failure to become Year 2000 compliant in a timely manner, 
if at all, could have a material effect on the Company.  The Company has been 
in contact with significant vendors and customers with respect to such 
companies' Year 2000 compliance programs and status.  In addition, follow-up 
conversations have been conducted with key customers and vendors.  The 
Company currently is in the process of evaluating this effort and expects to 
request more detailed and updated information from its principal suppliers 
and customers over the next several months.

     The Company is beginning to develop contingency plans to address the 
effects of the failure of the Company or any of its principal suppliers, 
customers, or other third parties to become Year 2000 compliant in a timely 
manner.  While the initial contingency plan development is expected to be 
completed during the fourth quarter of 1998, it is expected that this plan 
will be updated throughout 

                                       - 5 -

<PAGE>

1999 as required by changes in events, facts, and circumstances surrounding 
the Company's Year 2000 compliance efforts as well as that of its principal 
suppliers, customers, and other third parties.

     Most business units meet at least monthly to review progress and plans. 
Senior level representatives from the various concurrent implementation and 
remediation teams meet at least quarterly with senior level Company 
management to assess progress, to assure a coordinated effort where required, 
and to verify a continued Company-wide focus toward a satisfactory resolution 
of the Company's Year 2000 issue. The Company is utilizing both internal and 
external resources to meet its timetable for becoming Year 2000 compliant.

     Since late-1992, when the Company began to set direction for upgrading 
all of its IT systems in the normal course of business, the Company has made 
capital investments in certain third party software and hardware systems to 
address the financial and operational needs of the business.  These systems, 
which will improve the efficiencies and productivity of the replaced systems, 
have been, or will be certified Year 2000 compliant by the vendors and have 
been or will be installed by mid-1999.  To date all of these capital projects 
were part of the Company's long term strategic capital plan and their timing 
was not accelerated as a result of the Year 2000 issue.  Total expenditures 
for the remediation of "embedded chip exposures" in manufacturing equipment 
and facilities together with the unexpected replacement of selected computer 
equipment is estimated to total $2.4 million, of which approximately $0.2 
million has been incurred in the first nine months of 1998.  This effort is 
expected to be completed by mid-1999. All expenditures are made from 
internally generated funds and have not had a negative impact on the 
Company's capital expenditure program.

     The following "Safe Harbor Statement" is made pursuant to the Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Certain of the statements 
contained in the body of this report are forward-looking statements (rather 
than historical facts) that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could 
cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the 
forward-looking statements.  With respect to such forward-looking statements, 
the Company seeks the protections afforded by the Private Securities 
Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements are based on 
management's current plans and expectations and are subject to a number of 
uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those described in such statements.  Such uncertainties and risks 
include, but are not limited to, the following items.  The cost of the 
projects and the dates on which the Company believes it will become 
euro-compliant and Year 2000 compliant are based on management's best 
estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future 
events, including the continued availability of certain resources, third 
party modification plans, and other factors.  However, there can be no 
guarantee that these estimates will be achieved, and actual results could 
differ materially from those anticipated.  There can be no assurance that the 
Company will be able to identify all aspects of its business that are subject 
to euro-compliance problems and Year 2000 problems, or identify Year 2000 
problems of customers or suppliers that affect the Company's business, or to 
develop and refine a truly effective and inclusive contingency plan.  There 
also can be no assurance that the Company's software vendors are correct in 
their assertions that the software is euro-compliant and Year 2000 compliant, 
or that the Company's estimate of the cost of systems preparation for 
euro-compliance and Year 2000 compliance will prove ultimately to be 
accurate. The preceding list of uncertainties is not intended to be 
exhaustive.

                                       - 6 -

<PAGE>

                           PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


FINANCIAL CONDITION

     A statement of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 1998, is
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      MILLIONS
                                                                                      --------

     <S>                                                                              <C>
     CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
        Net income................................................................    $    79.9
        Non-cash items:
            Depreciation and amortization.........................................         68.3     
            Minority interest.....................................................          2.8     
            Deferred income taxes, non-current portion............................          2.7    
            Net increase in working capital items net of effects of 
                 acquisitions.....................................................         (0.7)   
            Net change in deferred charges and credits............................         (1.0)  
            Other.................................................................          0.4
                                                                                      ---------
     Net cash provided by operating activities....................................        152.4    
                                                                                      ---------
     CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
        Additions to property and equipment.......................................        (95.5)
        Business acquisitions.....................................................        (46.3)
        Proceeds from sales of property and equipment.............................          1.9   
                                                                                      ---------
     Net cash used in investing activities........................................       (139.9)
                                                                                      ---------
     CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
        Change in long-term debt..................................................         62.6
        Change in short-term debt.................................................         (0.3)   
        Cash dividends paid.......................................................        (35.2)   
        Subsidiary dividends to minority stockholders.............................         (1.8)  
        Common stock purchased for the treasury...................................        (35.7)
        Stock incentive programs and related tax effect...........................          7.4
                                                                                      ---------
     Net cash used by financing activities........................................         (3.0) 
                                                                                      ---------
     Effect of exchange rates on cash.............................................          0.2   
                                                                                      ---------
     Net increase in cash.........................................................    $     9.7   
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                      ---------
</TABLE>

                                       - 7 -
<PAGE>

                            PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
        EXHIBITS 
        (a)    The following documents are filed as part of this report:
               3(a)  Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant,
                     as amended. (1)
               3(b)  By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended. (2)
               4(a)  Rights Agreement, dated as of August 3, 1989, between
                     the Registrant and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National
                     Association. (3)
               4(b)  Form of Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995, between
                     the Registrant and First Trust National Association,
                     as Trustee. (4)
              10(a)  Bemis Company, Inc. 1987 Stock Option Plan. *(5)
              10(b)  Bemis Company, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. *(6)
              10(c)  Bemis Company, Inc. 1984 Stock Award Plan .*(2)
              10(d)  Bemis Retirement Plan, as amended effective January 1,
                     1994.*(2)
              10(e)  Bemis Company, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan dated
                     October 20, 1988.*(2)
              10(f)  Bemis Executive Incentive Plan dated April 1, 1990.*(2)
              10(g)  Bemis Company, Inc. Long Term Deferred Compensation
                     Plan.*(2)
              10(h)  Bemis Company, Inc. 1997 Executive Officer Performance
                     Plan. *(1)
              10(i)  Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Registrant,
                     the Banks Listed therein and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
                     of New York, as Agent, originally dated as of August 1,
                     1986, Amended and Restated as of August 1, 1991, as amended
                     by amendment No. 1 dated as of May 1, 1992, as amended by
                     Amendment No. 2 dated December 1, 1992, as amended by 
                     Amendment No. 3 dated January 22, 1993, as amended by
                     Amendment No. 4 dated March 15, 1994, as amended by
                     Amendment No. 5 dated June 1, 1994; and as amended by
                     Amendment No. 6 dated February 1, 1995. (2)
              19     Financial Statements Furnished to Security Holders.
              27     Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR electronic filing only).

        (b)    There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the third quarter
               ended September 30, 1998.
     _____________

               *Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement filed
                pursuant to Rule 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K under the
                Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
               (1)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive
                    Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
                    Commission on March 18, 1997 (File No. 1-5277)
               (2)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report
                    on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File
                    No. 1-5277).
               (3)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form 8-A dated August 4, 1989
                    (File No. 0-1387).
               (4)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report
                    on Form  8-K dated June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-5277).
               (5)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-50560).
               (6)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-80666).

                                       - 8 -

<PAGE>

                                     SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                        BEMIS COMPANY, INC.





Date  November 3, 1998                           /s/ Gene C. Wulf
      ----------------                  -----------------------------------
                                        Gene C. Wulf, Vice President
                                              and Controller





Date  November 3, 1998                      /s/ Benjamin R. Field,III
      ----------------                  -----------------------------------
                                        Benjamin R. Field, III, Senior Vice
                                         President, Chief Financial Officer
                                                and Treasurer


                                       - 9 -

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT INDEX 

EXHIBIT   DESCRIPTION                                     FORM OF FILING
- -------   -----------                                     --------------
3(a)      Restated Articles of Incorporation of the 
          Registrant, as amended. (1)
3(b)      By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended. (2)
4(a)      Rights Agreement, dated as of August 3, 1989, 
          between the Registrant and Norwest Bank 
          Minnesota, National Association. (3)
4(b)      Form of Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995, 
          between the Registrant and First Trust 
          National Association, as Trustee. (4)
10(a)     Bemis Company, Inc. 1987 Stock Option Plan.* (5)
10(b)     Bemis Company, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.* (6)
10(c)     Bemis Company, Inc. 1984 Stock Award Plan.* (2)
10(d)     Bemis Retirement Plan, as amended effective 
          January 1, 1994.* (2)
10(e)     Bemis Company, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan 
          dated October 20, 1988.* (2)
10(f)     Bemis Executive Incentive Plan dated 
          April 1, 1990.* (2)
10(g)     Bemis Company, Inc. Long Term Deferred 
          Compensation Plan.* (2)
10(h)     Bemis Company, Inc. 1997 Executive Officer 
          Performance Plan.* (1)
10(i)     Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among 
          the Registrant, the Banks Listed therein 
          and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York 
          as Agent, originally dated as of August 1, 1986,
          Amended and Restated as of August 1, 1991, as 
          amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of May 1, 
          1992, as amended by Amendment No. 2 dated 
          December 1, 1992, as amended by Amendment No. 3
          dated January 22, 1993, as amended by Amendment 
          No. 4 dated March 15, 1994, as amended by 
          Amendment No. 5 dated June 1, 1994; and as 
          amended by Amendment No. 6 dated February
          1, 1995. (2)
19        Reports Furnished to Security Holders.          Filed Electronically
27        Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR electronic
          filing only).                                   Filed Electronically

     _______________


       * Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement filed pursuant
            to Rule 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K under the Securities
            Exchange Act of 1934.
     (1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy
            Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
            March 18, 1997 (File No. 1-5277).
     (2)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
            10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-5277).
     (3)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
            on Form 8-A dated August 4, 1989 (File No. 0-1387).
     (4)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
            8-K dated June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-5277).
     (5)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
            on Form S-8 (File No. 33-50560).
     (6)  Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement
            on Form S-8 (File No. 33-80666).


                                       - 10 -


<PAGE>

               EXHIBIT 19 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FURNISHED TO SECURITY HOLDERS

                            BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                           (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                        Three Months Ended            Nine Months Ended
                                                           September 30                 September 30
                                                      ---------------------     --------------------------
                                                        1998         1997          1998           1997
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Net sales..........................................   $465,497     $465,533     $1,387,583     $1,422,340
Costs and expenses:
   Cost of products sold...........................    365,078      372,489      1,091,047      1,131,660
   Selling, general, and
    administrative expenses........................     45,055       43,519        138,053        145,217
   Research and development........................      2,994        2,537          9,015          9,253
   Interest expense................................      5,467        4,903         16,334         14,175
   Other (income) costs, net.......................        535         (423)          (407)          (837)
   Minority interest in net income.................        814        1,296          2,777          3,809
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
Income before income taxes.........................     45,554       41,212        130,764        119,063

   Taxes based on income - cash....................     16,895       15,152         48,170         43,779
   Taxes based on income - deferred................        905          648          2,730          2,021
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
Net income.........................................   $ 27,754     $ 25,412     $   79,864     $   73,263
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------

Basic earnings per share of common stock...........   $    .52     $    .48     $     1.50     $     1.38
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------

Diluted earnings per share of common stock.........   $    .52     $    .47     $     1.49     $     1.36
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
Cash dividends paid per
 share of common stock.............................   $    .22     $    .20     $      .66     $      .60
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
Average common shares and common
 stock equivalents outstanding.....................     53,303       53,976         53,554         53,942
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------
                                                      --------     --------     ----------     ----------

</TABLE>


<PAGE>

               EXHIBIT 19 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FURNISHED TO SECURITY HOLDERS

                           BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Sep 30        Dec 31
                         ASSETS                              1998          1997
                         ------                          ----------    -----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
Cash...............................................      $   23,561     $   13,827
Accounts receivable - net..........................         231,842        233,547
Inventories........................................         206,777        221,576
Prepaid expenses and deferred charges..............          38,761         47,443
                                                         ----------     ----------
         Total current assets......................         500,941        516,393
                                                         ----------     ----------

Property and equipment, net........................         716,013        685,227

Excess of cost of investments in
 subsidiaries over net assets acquired.............         162,865        150,632
Other assets.......................................          37,478         10,315
                                                         ----------     ----------
         Total.....................................         200,343        160,947
                                                         ----------     ----------
TOTAL ASSETS.......................................      $1,417,297     $1,362,567
                                                         ----------     ----------
                                                         ----------     ----------

              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current portion of long-term debt.....................   $    2,179     $    2,173
Short-term borrowings.................................        2,122          2,105
Accounts payable......................................      165,746        195,346
Accrued salaries and wages............................       32,067         34,892
Accrued income and other taxes........................       23,861         16,671
                                                         ----------     ----------
         Total current liabilities....................      225,975        251,187

Long-term debt, less current portion..................      379,447        316,791
Deferred taxes........................................       66,777         64,066
Other liabilities and deferred credits................       55,667         56,876
                                                         ----------     ----------
         Total liabilities............................      727,866        688,920
                                                         ----------     ----------

Minority interest.....................................       34,698         33,762
Stockholders' equity:
    Common stock (59,056,047 and 58,643,557 shares)...        5,905          5,864
    Capital in excess of par value....................      181,909        174,562
    Retained income...................................      671,268        626,584
    Other comprehensive income (loss).................       (7,794)        (6,263)
    Common stock held in treasury (6,625,846 and 
     5,676,046 shares)...............................     (196,555)      (160,862)
                                                         ----------     ----------
         Total stockholders' equity...................      654,733        639,885
                                                         ----------     ----------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY............   $1,417,297     $1,362,567
                                                         ----------     ----------
                                                         ----------     ----------
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

               EXHIBIT 19 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FURNISHED TO SECURITY HOLDERS

                             BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            Nine Months Ended
                                                               September 30
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1998          1997
                                                         ---------      --------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income............................................   $  79,864      $ 73,263
Non-cash items:
    Depreciation and amortization.....................      68,290        60,727
    Minority interest in net income...................       2,777         3,809
    Deferred income taxes, non-current portion........       2,741         1,635
    Undistributed earnings of affiliated companies....         500
    (Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment.....        (107)          135
                                                         ---------      --------
Cash provided by operations...........................     154,065       139,569

Changes in working capital, net of effects of
 acquisitions and dispositions........................        (687)       (5,242)
Net change in deferred charges and credits............        (957)       (8,718)
                                                         ---------      --------

Net cash provided by operating activities.............     152,421       125,609
                                                         ---------      --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment...................     (95,456)     (117,456)
Business acquisition..................................     (46,319)       (6,945)
Business divestiture..................................                    27,984
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment..........       1,868         1,762
Other.................................................                       (25)
                                                         ---------      --------

Net cash used in investing activities.................    (139,907)      (94,680)
                                                         ---------      --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Change in long-term debt excluding debt assumed
 in business acquisitions.............................     62,656         15,911
Change in short-term debt ............................       (305)           525
Cash dividends paid...................................    (35,180)       (31,823)
Subsidiary dividends to minority stockholders.........     (1,835)        (1,835)
Common stock purchased for the treasury...............    (35,693)        (3,730)
Stock incentive programs and related tax effects......      7,388             52
                                                         ---------      --------

Net cash used by financing activities.................     (2,969)       (20,900)
                                                         ---------      --------

Effect of exchange rates on cash......................         189          (945)
                                                         ---------      --------

Net increase in cash..................................   $   9,734      $  9,084
                                                         ---------      --------
                                                         ---------      --------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


         EXHIBIT 19 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FURNISHED TO SECURITY HOLDERS

                       BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 PERIODS PRIOR TO 1998 HAVE BEEN REVISED TO REFLECT PROVISIONS OF SFAS NO. 130

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      Capital In                Other        Common       Total
                                                              Common  Excess Of   Retained  Comprehensive  Stock Held  Stockholder's
              (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)                       Stock   Par Value    Income   Income (Loss)  In Treasury   Equity
- ------------------------------------------------------------  ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  -------------
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31, 1994................................  $5,572  $  101,290  $446,132      ($1,474)   ($ 133,493) $    418,027
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Net income for 1995.........................................                        85,210                                   85,210
Translation adjustment for 1995.............................                                      5,211                       5,211
Pension liability adjustment, net of $2,975 tax benefit.....                                      4,853                       4,853
                                                                                                                       ------------
Total comprehensive income..................................                                                                 95,274
                                                                                                                       ------------
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $.64 per share.........                       (33,175)                                 (33,175)
Stock incentive programs and related tax effects............      28       3,421                                              3,449
Common stock transactions related to an
  acquisition of a subsidiary company.......................     181      42,408                               (4,961)       37,628
Purchase of 330,300 shares of common stock..................                                                   (8,395)       (8,395)
                                                                              
                                                                              
               
                                                                              
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1995................................  $5,781  $  147,119  $498,167     $  8,590    ($ 146,849) $    512,808
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Net income for 1996.........................................                       101,081                                  101,081
Translation adjustment for 1996.............................                                     (3,917)                     (3,917)
Pension liability adjustment, net of $948 tax benefit.......                                      1,546                       1,546
                                                                                                                       ------------
Total comprehensive income..................................                                                                 98,710
                                                                                                                       ------------
Cash dividends paid on common stock $.72 per share..........                       (37,830)                                 (37,830)
Stock incentive programs and related tax effects............       2         310                                                312
Common stock transactions related to an
  acquisition of a subsidiary company.......................       7       2,052                                              2,059
Purchase of 292,000 shares of common stock..................                                                   (8,962)       (8,962)
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1996................................  $5,790  $  149,481  $561,418    $   6,219    ($ 155,811) $    567,097
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Net income for 1997.........................................                       107,584                                  107,584
Translation adjustment for 1997.............................                                    (11,109)                    (11,109)
Pension liability adjustment, net of $842 tax benefit.......                                     (1,373)                     (1,373)
                                                                                                                       ------------
Total comprehensive income..................................                                                                 95,102
                                                                                                                       ------------
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $.80 per share.........                       (42,418)                                 (42,418)
Stock incentive programs and related tax effects............       4          47                                                 51
Common stock transactions related to an
  acquisition of a subsidiary company.......................      70      25,034                                             25,104
Purchase of 139,429 shares of common stock..................                                                   (5,051)       (5,051)
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Balance at December 31, 1997................................  $5,864  $  174,562  $626,584    ($  6,263)   ($ 160,862) $    639,885
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Net income for first nine months of 1998....................                        79,864                                   79,864
Translation adjustment for first nine months of 1998........                                     (1,531)                     (1,531)
                                                                                                                       ------------
Total comprehensive income..................................                                                                 78,333
                                                                                                                       ------------
Cash dividends paid on common stock, $.66 per share.........                       (35,180)                                 (35,180)
Stock incentive programs and related tax effects............      41       7,347                                              7,388
Purchase of 949,800 shares of common stock..................                                                  (35,693)      (35,693)
                                                              ------  ----------  --------  -------------  ----------  ------------
Balance at September 30, 1998...............................  $5,905  $  181,909  $671,268    ($  7,794)   ($ 196,555) $    654,733
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

               EXHIBIT 19 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FURNISHED TO SECURITY HOLDERS

                             BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The accompanying  unaudited consolidated financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for 
interim financial  information and with the  instructions to Form 10-Q and 
Article 10 of Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly,  they  do not  include  all the  
information  and footnotes  necessary for a comprehensive  presentation of 
financial position and results of operation.

         It is  management's  opinion,  however,  that all material  
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been made which 
are necessary for a fair financial statement presentation.  The results for 
the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be 
expected for the year.

         For further information, refer to the consolidated financial 
statements and footnotes  included in the Company's annual report on Form 
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

         In the  first  quarter  of  1998,  the  Company  adopted  Statement  
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income" 
(SFAS 130),  which  establishes  standards for reporting and display of  
comprehensive income  and its  components.  In  accordance  with SFAS  130,  
the  Company  has displayed  the   components   of  "Other   comprehensive   
income   (loss)"  and "Comprehensive  income," net of their related tax 
effects,  in the  accompanying Consolidated  Statement  of  Stockholder's  
Equity.  The  net  foreign  currency translation  adjustment and components 
thereof have no tax effect as the Company makes no provision for U.S. income 
taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are 
indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. All prior-period  data has 
been  reclassified to conform with the provisions of SFAS 130.

TAXES BASED ON INCOME

         The Company's 1998 effective tax rate of 39 percent differs from 
the federal statutory rate of 35 percent primarily due to state and local 
income taxes.


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          23,561
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  231,842
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    206,777
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               500,941
<PP&E>                                       1,123,424
<DEPRECIATION>                                 407,411
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,417,297
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          225,975
<BONDS>                                        379,447
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         5,905
<OTHER-SE>                                     648,828
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,417,297
<SALES>                                      1,387,583
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,387,583
<CGS>                                        1,091,047
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,091,047
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (407)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,334
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                130,764
<INCOME-TAX>                                    50,900
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             79,864
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    79,864
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.50
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.49
        

</TABLE>


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