BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO
10-Q, 1997-08-06
CUTLERY, HANDTOOLS & GENERAL HARDWARE
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<PAGE>

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                                    UNITED STATES
                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

                                      FORM 10-Q


                [X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                        OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                     For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997

                                          OR

               [  ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                        of the securities exchange act of 1934

      For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________


                            Commission file number 0-1489
                               BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.
                (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                  DELAWARE                                91-0144790
        (State or other jurisdiction of                 (I.R.S. Employer
       incorporation or organization)                 Identification No.)

     P.O. BOX 50444, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA                    46250
  (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:      (317) 849-2250


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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common, as of July 18, 1997.

    SERIES A COMMON STOCK    86,469 SHARES
    SERIES B COMMON STOCK    300,000 SHARES


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


<PAGE>

                                        INDEX

                                                                    Page No.
                                                                    --------
Part I.  Financial Information
- -------------------------------

Item 1.  Financial Statements

       Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
       three months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                       3

       Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the
         six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                       4

       Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1997
         and December 31, 1996                                       5-6

       Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'
         Equity at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996                 7

       Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
         six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                       8

       Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements         9-10

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                       11


Part II. Other Information
- --------------------------

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings                                            12

Item 5.  Other Information                                            12

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                             12


Signature                                                             13
- ----------

                                          2
<PAGE>

                                 BEST LOCK COMPANIES
                         BEST LOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
     BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. ( A NON-OPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
        FRANK E. BEST, INC. (A NON-OPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                     (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Three Months Ended June 30
                                                                        ------------------------------
                                                                              1997             1996
                                                                        ---------------  --------------
<S>                                                                     <C>              <C>
NET SALES                                                               $  32,588,076    $  30,410,905

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                         16,741,715       15,907,047
                                                                         ------------     ------------
GROSS MARGIN                                                               15,846,361       14,503,858

OPERATING EXPENSES
  Selling                                                                   8,403,635        8,084,088
  Engineering, general and administrative                                   5,142,482        4,847,752
                                                                         ------------     ------------
  Total operating expenses                                                 13,546,117       12,931,840
                                                                         ------------     ------------

OPERATING INCOME                                                            2,300,244        1,572,018

  Interest expense                                                           (266,517)        (278,229)
  Other income, net                                                           107,341           33,440
                                                                         ------------     ------------
INCOME before provision for income taxes                                    2,141,068        1,327,229

  Provision for income taxes                                                  925,496          583,535
                                                                         ------------     ------------
NET INCOME, Best Lock Corporation and Subsidiary                            1,215,572          743,694

  Minority interest in net income, Best Lock Corporation and Subsidiary      (252,819)        (159,535)
  Corporate - Best Universal Lock Co. (expense)                               (42,530)         (22,180)
                                                                         -------------     ------------
NET INCOME, Best Universal Lock Co. and Subsidiaries                          920,223          561,979

  Minority interest in net income, Best Universal Lock Co. and Subsidiaries  (186,982)         (94,638)
  Corporate - Frank E. Best, Inc. income (expense)                               (617)          10,041
                                                                         ------------     ------------
NET INCOME, Frank E. Best, Inc. and Subsidiaries                        $     732,624    $     477,382
                                                                         ------------     ------------
                                                                         ------------     ------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           Best Universal Lock Co.
                                                            Best Lock    --------------------------      Frank E.
Earnings per common share, three months ended:             Corporation     Series A        Series B     Best, Inc.
                                                         -------------   -----------    -----------   ------------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>
June 30, 1997                                            $      10.08    $      2.56    $      2.56   $       2.69
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------

June 30, 1996                                            $       6.11    $      1.56    $      1.56   $       1.73
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------

Weighted average shares outstanding, three months ended:
June 30, 1997                                              120,649.45      59,592.91     300,000.00     272,386.47
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------

June 30, 1996                                              121,653.85      60,739.31     300,000.00     275,408.89
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------
                                                          -----------     ----------     ----------    -----------

</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          3
<PAGE>

                         BEST LOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
     BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. ( A NON-OPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
        FRANK E. BEST, INC. (A NON-OPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
                                     (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Six Months Ended June 30
                                                                                    ------------------------------
                                                                                        1997             1996
                                                                                    -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>
NET SALES                                                                           $  65,638,007    $  57,697,992

COST OF GOODS SOLD                                                                     34,143,462       31,343,152
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
GROSS MARGIN                                                                           31,494,545       26,354,840

OPERATING EXPENSES
  Selling                                                                              16,620,427       16,769,279
  Engineering, general and administrative                                              10,328,472        9,555,929
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
  Total operating expenses                                                             26,948,899       26,325,208
                                                                                     ------------     ------------

OPERATING INCOME                                                                        4,545,646           29,632

  Interest expense                                                                       (533,104)        (578,518)
  Other income, net                                                                       171,958          114,992
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
INCOME (LOSS) before provision for income taxes                                         4,184,500         (433,894)

  Provision (benefit) for income taxes                                                  1,788,959          (85,809)
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS), Best Lock Corporation and Subsidiary                                 2,395,541         (348,085)

  Minority interest in net (income) loss, Best Lock Corporation and Subsidiary           (498,268)          74,763
  Corporate - Best Universal Lock Co. (expense)                                           (50,447)         (28,628)
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS), Best Universal Lock Co. and Subsidiaries                             1,846,826         (301,950)

  Minority interest in net (income) loss, Best Universal Lock Co. and Subsidiaries    $  (340,637)       $  50,837
  Corporate - Frank E. Best, Inc. income                                                   21,340           31,107
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS), Frank E. Best, Inc. and Subsidiaries                                 1,527,529         (220,006)
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
                                                                                     ------------     ------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Best Universal Lock Co.
                                                           Best Lock     --------------------------     Frank E.
Earnings (loss) per common share, six months ended:       Corporation     Series A       Series B      Best, Inc.
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------   ------------
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
June 30, 1997                                           $       19.86   $       5.14   $       5.14   $       5.61
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------

June 30, 1996                                           $       (2.86)  $      (0.84)  $      (0.84)  $      (0.80)
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------

Weighted average shares outstanding, six months ended:
June 30, 1997                                              120,651.64      59,614.99     300,000.00     272,397.62
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------

June 30, 1996                                              121,653.85      60,739.31     300,000.00     275,408.89
                                                         ------------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         ------------    -----------    ----------------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          4
<PAGE>


      BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. (A NONOPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                     (Unaudited)

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

                                                     June 30       December 31
                                                      1997            1996
                                                  ------------   -------------
CURRENT ASSETS
   Cash and cash equivalents                      $  1,900,270   $  2,099,876
   Trade receivables
      Direct                                        15,575,310     15,453,983
      Sales representatives and other                3,051,225      2,486,882
      Allowance for uncollectible accounts            (254,735)      (244,866)
   Estimated refundable income taxes                    50,953         51,632
   Current portion of notes receivable                  12,045         64,909
   Inventories                                      14,375,937     13,779,015
   Prepaid income taxes                              2,703,401      3,224,592
   Prepaid expenses and other                          304,751        490,872
                                                   -----------    -----------
         Total current assets                       37,719,157     37,406,895
                                                   -----------    -----------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost
   Land and buildings                               13,997,582     13,989,015
   Machinery and equipment                          27,539,692     27,557,030
   Tooling                                           8,761,287      8,536,128
   Furniture, fixtures and other                    12,522,447     12,255,748
   Construction work-in-progress                     1,206,100        184,311
                                                   -----------    -----------

                                                    64,027,108     62,522,232
   Less - accumulated depreciation                 (38,228,358)   (35,634,924)
                                                   -----------    -----------
         Total property, plant and equipment        25,798,750     26,887,308
                                                   -----------    -----------

OTHER ASSETS
   Long-term notes receivable                        3,303,799      3,303,799
   Other assets                                      1,096,083      1,188,736
                                                   -----------    -----------

         Total assets                            $  67,917,789  $  68,786,738
                                                   -----------    -----------
                                                   -----------    -----------

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          5
<PAGE>

      BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. (A NONOPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                     (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                           June 30      December 31
                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                        ------------   -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Current portion of retirement benefit obligations                     $  1,343,307   $  1,364,671
  Trade accounts payable                                                   2,903,665      2,685,231
  Customer advances                                                        1,852,845      1,849,175
  Accrued liabilities  
     Income taxes                                                            938,493        929,850
     Property and other taxes                                                926,437        876,670
     Payroll and vacation                                                  3,207,254      4,413,772
     Accrued medical claims                                                  765,000        750,000
     Accrued warranty                                                        723,289        998,835
     Other                                                                   574,099      1,167,936
                                                                         -----------    -----------
       Total current liabilities                                          13,234,389     15,036,140
                                                                         -----------    -----------

LONG-TERM DEBT                                                            14,000,000     15,000,000
RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATION                                              3,021,007      3,213,399
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                      2,321,729      2,305,265
                                                                         -----------    -----------
        Total liabilities                                                 32,577,125     35,554,804
                                                                         -----------    -----------

MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARIES                                          9,789,835      9,549,301
                                                                         -----------    -----------

COMMON STOCK REDEEMABLE UNDER STOCK BONUS PLAN                             1,868,537      1,868,537
                                                                         -----------    -----------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
   Capital stock
      Series A common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized;
       59,536.31 shares outstanding                                        1,102,579      1,102,579

      Series B common stock, no par value,
       300,000 shares authorized and outstanding                                   1              1
                                                                         -----------    -----------
         Total capital stock                                               1,102,580      1,102,580

   Accumulated earnings                                                   35,205,007     33,312,959

   Cumulative translation adjustment                                        (193,374)      (181,052)

   Common stock redeemable under Stock Bonus Plan                         (1,868,537)    (1,868,537)

   Treasury stock                                                        (10,563,384)   (10,551,854)
                                                                         -----------    -----------
       Total shareholders' equity                                         23,682,292     21,814,096
                                                                         -----------    -----------
       Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                         67,917,789     68,786,738
                                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                                         -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          6
<PAGE>


      BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. (A NONOPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                     (Unaudited)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 June 30        December 31
                                                                   1997            1996
                                                                ------------    ------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
CAPITAL STOCK
   Series A common stock, no par value,
     100,000 shares authorized; 59,536.31 shares outstanding    $  1,102,579   $  1,102,579

   Series B common stock, no par value,
     300,000 shares authorized and outstanding                             1              1
                                                                ------------   ------------
      Total capital stock                                          1,102,580      1,102,580
                                                                ------------   ------------

ACCUMULATED EARNINGS
   Balance at beginning of year                                   33,312,959     31,080,417
   Net income - (six months ended June 30, 1997
      and twelve months ended December 31, 1996)                   2,054,829      2,925,320
   Cash dividends (see below)                                              -       (478,268)
   Additional minimum liability for pension                         (162,781)      (214,510)
                                                                ------------   ------------
   Balance at end of year                                         35,205,007     33,312,959
                                                                ------------   ------------

COMMON STOCK REDEEMABLE UNDER STOCK BONUS PLAN                    (1,868,537)    (1,868,537)
                                                                ------------   ------------

CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT                                   (193,374)      (181,052)
                                                                ------------   ------------

TREASURY STOCK
   Balance at beginning of year                                  (10,551,854)   (10,386,881)
   Shares purchased                                                  (11,530)      (164,973)
                                                                ------------   ------------
   Balance at end of period                                      (10,563,384)   (10,551,854)
                                                                ------------   ------------
      Total shareholders' equity                               $  23,682,292  $  21,814,096
                                                                ------------   ------------
                                                                ------------   ------------

Cash dividends per share
   Preferred                                                   $           -  $           -
   Series A common                                                         -           1.68
   Series B common                                                         -           1.11
                                                                ------------   ------------
                                                                ------------   ------------
   Series B common                                                         -           1.10
                                                                ------------   ------------
                                                                ------------   ------------

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          7
<PAGE>

      BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. (A NONOPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                     (Unaudited)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Six Months Ended June 30
                                                               ----------------------------
                                                                    1997            1996
                                                               -------------  -------------
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Cash received from customers                                 $  64,944,969  $  54,696,581
  Cash paid to suppliers and employees                           (60,898,867)   (55,399,091)
  Interest received                                                  249,761        140,718
  Interest paid                                                     (562,149)      (676,276)
  Income taxes refunded (paid)                                    (1,269,419)     1,390,651
                                                                ------------   ------------
    Net cash provided by operating activities                      2,464,295        152,583
                                                                ------------   ------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures, net                                       (1,640,134)      (730,790)
                                                                ------------   ------------
    Net cash used in investing activities                         (1,640,134)      (730,790)
                                                                ------------   ------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Borrowings against secured line of credit                        3,900,000     25,000,000
  Payments on secured line of credit                              (4,900,000)   (24,380,843)
  Purchase of treasury stock                                         (15,530)             -
                                                                 ------------   ------------
    Net cash provided by (used in)
      financing activities                                        (1,015,530)       619,157
                                                                ------------   ------------

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                               (8,237)        (4,719)
                                                                ------------   ------------

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                             (199,606)        36,231
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                     2,099,876      1,389,827
                                                                ------------   ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                      $  1,900,270   $  1,426,058
                                                                ------------   ------------
                                                                ------------   ------------


RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income (loss)                                             $  1,846,826    $  (301,950)
  Adjustments-
    Depreciation and amortization                                  2,835,416      2,733,028
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable                       96,655         51,326
    Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment                     15,321         66,821
    Minority interest related to current year earnings (loss)        498,268        (74,763)
    Deferred income taxes                                            537,655      1,142,688
  Changes in assets and liabilities-
    (Increase) decrease in
      Accounts and notes receivable                                 (630,557)    (3,042,506)
      Refundable income taxes                                            680        853,928
      Inventories                                                   (600,671)       917,492
      Prepaid expenses                                                91,121        (23,538)
      Other assets                                                   (69,720)       (65,059)
    Increase (decrease) in
      Accounts payable, customer advances and accrued liabilities (1,746,291)    (1,027,769)
      Income taxes payable                                             8,842       (453,720)
      Retirement benefit obligation                                 (213,756)      (623,395)
      Additional minimum liability for pension                      (205,494)             -
                                                                ------------   ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                       $  2,464,295     $  152,583
                                                                ------------   ------------
                                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


                                          8
<PAGE>

                                 BEST LOCK COMPANIES

                         BEST LOCK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
      BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO. (A NONOPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES
        FRANK E. BEST, INC. (A NONOPERATING HOLDING COMPANY) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have not been
audited by independent accountants.  In the opinion of the Company's management,
the financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary to fairly present the
results of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1997
and 1996, the Company's financial position at June 30, 1997 and December 31,
1996, and the cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996.
These adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  Inventory values at interim
reporting dates are based upon estimates of the annual adjustments for taking
physical inventory and for the change in cost of LIFO inventories.

    Certain notes and other information have been omitted from the interim
financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's 1996 Form 10-K.

    The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of future financial results.

    The condensed consolidated financial statements for each parent company in
the Best Lock Companies (the Company) include their respective subsidiaries as
indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Percent Owned
       Parent Company                     Subsidiaries                  as of June 30, 1997
       --------------                     ------------                  -------------------
<S>                                      <C>                             <C>
 Frank E. Best, Inc.                Best Universal Lock Co.                    83%
    (Best)

 Best Universal Lock                Best Lock Corporation                      79%
    Co. (Universal)

 Best Lock                          Best Universal Locks Limited (Canada)     100%
  Corporation (Lock or the Company)
</TABLE>


                                          9
<PAGE>

2.  INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 1997 was 43.2 percent, compared
with 44.0 percent for the second quarter of 1996.  The decrease relates
primarily to a decrease in state tax expense.  The effective tax rates for the
six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 were 42.8 percent and (19.8),
respectively.  The change is due to an increase in nondeductible items and the
opposing impact these items have on the tax rate (increases income tax expense
in 1997, but decreases the tax benefit in 1996). The effective tax rates are
higher than the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 34% due to a higher tax rate in
Canada and state income taxes.


3.  FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

    The Company entered into a $25.0 million line of credit agreement on
February 15, 1995, which was amended effective May 1, 1997, December 31, 1996
and December 31, 1995.  The agreement expires on May 1, 1999 and bears interest
at a variable rate, based upon the prime rate or LIBOR, at the Company's
election.  The line of credit is secured by a blanket lien on all accounts and
notes receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, and intangible assets with
a negative pledge on real estate.  The agreement contains financial covenants
including those relating to debt service coverage, tangible net worth, and
liabilities to tangible net worth.  As of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996,
the Company was in compliance with all required covenants.

4.  RECLASSIFICATIONS

    Certain reclassifications have been made to the statement of income and
balance sheet for the prior periods to conform to the current period
presentation.


                                          10
<PAGE>

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

Since Frank E. Best, Inc. and Best Universal Lock Co. are non-operating parents
of Best Lock Corporation, a discussion of Best Lock Corporation's business is
necessary in order to understand the character and development of the total
enterprise.  As the variations between the financial statements of these three
companies are not significant, the discussion and analysis of Best Lock
Corporation is representative of all.  The following, therefore, is a discussion
of the business of Best Lock Corporation (the Company).

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

Sales for the second quarter of 1997 were $2.2 million higher than the same
period of 1996.  Higher sales from the distribution division (BLS) to end users
accounted for the majority of the increase, mainly due to higher sales of
electronic access control products. Sales from the manufacturing division (BLM)
to independent distributors and Authorized Contract Construction Dealers were
flat compared to the same period of 1996.

The gross margin on sales improved to 48.6% of sales, compared to 47.7% in the
prior year. Margins were impacted favorably by $252,000 in the second quarter of
1997 due to a change in the Company's method for accounting for vacation
benefits.  Prior to 1997, vacation was earned in one year and taken in the next.
Effective in 1997, vacation will be earned and taken in the same year.

Operating income increased $728,000 to 7.1% of sales from 5.2% for the same
period in 1996, mainly due to the higher sales and improved gross margin
percentage.  Selling, general and administrative, and engineering expenses
increased $614,000 in the second quarter of 1997 over the second quarter of
1996.  Expenditures that increased in the second quarter of 1997 over the prior
year were salaries, wages and fringe benefits ($1.4 million), repairs and
maintenance ($136,000), rent ($125,000), and seminars and training ($120,000).
These higher expenses were offset by lower professional fees of approximately
$770,000 and the change in the method for accounting for vacation, described
above, which lowered selling, general and administrative, and engineering
expenses by $368,000 during the second quarter of 1997.  This change will result
in a one-time benefit to cost of goods sold and selling, general and
administrative, and engineering expenses of the Company of  approximately $2.2
million for the year.

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 1997 was 43.2 percent, compared
with 44.0 percent for the second quarter of 1996.  The decrease relates
primarily to a decrease in state tax expense.

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

Sales for the six months ended June 30, 1997 increased by $7.9 million, or 13.8%
over the prior year.  Higher sales from the manufacturing division (BLM) to
independent distributors and Authorized Contract Construction Dealers accounted
for approximately $2.4 million of the increase.  The remainder of the increase
resulted from higher sales from the distribution division (BLS) to end users.


                                          11
<PAGE>

The gross margin on sales for the first six months of 1997 was 48.0% of sales,
compared to 45.7% of sales for the first six months of 1996.  The change in the
method for accounting for vacation, described above, positively impacted margins
by $420,000 during the first six months of 1997.  Higher absorption of fixed
costs in the BLM division, due to increased sales, also contributed to the
increased margin percentage.

Operating income increased to 6.9% of sales in the six months ended June 30,
1997, from .1% of sales in the six months ended June 30, 1996.  The higher sales
and improved gross margin were the main reasons for the increase.  Selling,
general and administrative, and engineering expenses were $624,000 higher for
the six month period, compared to the prior year, due to higher expenditures for
salaries and wages, commissions, and seminars and training of approximately
$320,000, $100,000 and $375,000, respectively.  In addition, the Company began
leasing personal computers in late 1996 that had previously been purchased.  The
impact of this change resulted in approximately $200,000 in additional rent
expense during the first six months of 1997.  These higher expenses were offset
by a decrease in professional fees of approximately $400,000 in the six months
ended June 30, 1997.

The effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 were
42.8 percent and (19.8), respectively.  The change is due to an increase in
nondeductible items and the opposing impact these items have on the tax rate
(increases income tax expense in 1997, but decreases the tax benefit in 1996).

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's liquidity continues to be strong for the first six months of 1997.
Working capital at June 30, 1997 increased by approximately $2.1 million from
December 31, 1996 and the current ratio increased to 2.9:1 at June 30, 1997 from
2.5:1 at December 31, 1996.  Despite the increased working capital needs of the
business, the Company was able to invest $1.6 million in capital additions,
reduce borrowings by $1.0 million, and reduce the debt to net worth ratio from
55% to 48%.  Inventory turns declined slightly to 4.9 in the first six months of
1997, compared to 5.7 in the first six months of 1996.  Capital spending is
projected to total  approximately $4.0 million for the year.  The Company plans
to meet its 1997 working capital and capital expenditure requirements through
funds from operations and from its existing credit facility.


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Reference is made to Item 3 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.  There have been no new legal proceedings initiated during
the quarter, nor has there been a change in status or termination of any
previously reported legal proceeding.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION
None.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
NONE.


                                          12
<PAGE>

                                      SIGNATURE


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.







                                       BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.
                                       -----------------------
                                            (Registrant)


Date:  August 6, 1997             By:
     ------------------                /s/ Stephen J. Cooper
                                           -----------------
                                               Treasurer

                                       /s/ Paula J. Tinkey
                                           ---------------
                                              Controller


                                          13




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                       1,900,270
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               18,638,580
<ALLOWANCES>                                   254,735
<INVENTORY>                                 14,375,937
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            37,719,157
<PP&E>                                      6,402,7108
<DEPRECIATION>                              38,228,358
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              67,917,789
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       13,234,389
<BONDS>                                     14,000,000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                     1,102,580
<OTHER-SE>                                  22,579,712
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                67,917,789
<SALES>                                     65,638,007
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            65,638,007
<CGS>                                       34,143,462
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               61,092,361
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               909,861
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                96,655
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             533,104
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              3,736,679
<INCOME-TAX>                                 1,788,959
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          1,846,826
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 1,846,826
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     5.14
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     5.14
        

</TABLE>


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