QUANEX CORP
10-Q, 1997-06-11
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING MILLS (COKE OVENS)
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<PAGE>
                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549
                                 FORM 10-Q


                                 (Mark One)

           [X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                  OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                 For the quarterly period ended April 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 1-5725


                            QUANEX CORPORATION
                            ------------------
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





            DELAWARE                                            38-1872178
 ------------------------------                             ------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)

              1900 West Loop South, Suite 1500, Houston, Texas 77027
              ------------------------------------------------------
               (Address of principal executive offices and zip code)



       Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (713) 961-4600




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 issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


                Class                         Outstanding at April 30, 1997
- ---------------------------------------      -------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $0.50 per share                 13,728,987


<PAGE>







                                QUANEX CORPORATION
                                      INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                     Page No.
<S>                                                                   <C>
Part I.   Financial Information:

     Item 1:  Financial Statements

              Consolidated Balance Sheets - April 30, 1997 and
                 October 31, 1996 ...................................     1

              Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and Six
                 Months Ended April 30, 1997 and 1996................     2

              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow - Six Months
                 Ended April 30, 1997 and 1996 ......................     3

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............   4-6

     Item 2:  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
              Operations and Financial Condition ....................  7-12

Part II.   Other Information

     Item 5:  Other Information .....................................    13

     Item 6:  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ......................    13

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                         PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements


                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   April 30,         October 31,
                                                     1997                1996
                                                  ----------          ----------
                                                  (Unaudited)          (Audited)
<S>                                                <C>                 <C>
ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents ............................$ 34,809            $ 35,975
  Accounts and notes receivable, net ..............  93,782              90,583
  Inventories .....................................  89,852              89,938
  Deferred income taxes ...........................   9,971              10,019
  Prepaid expenses ................................   1,915                 121
                                                  ----------          ----------
          Total current assets .................... 230,329             226,636

Property, plant and equipment ..................... 656,500             620,058
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ....(302,650)           (284,723)
                                                  ----------          ----------
Property, plant and equipment, net ................ 353,850             335,335

Goodwill, net .....................................  82,793              84,343
Net assets of discontinued operations .............     -                 7,217
Other assets ......................................  17,314              17,152
                                                  ----------          ----------

                                                   $684,286            $670,683
                                                  ==========          ==========


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Notes payable ................................... $   -              $  5,575
  Accounts payable ................................  74,206              73,958
  Income taxes payable ............................  14,827               3,807
  Accrued expenses ................................  44,139              44,286
  Current maturities of long-term debt ............     402                 - 
                                                  ----------          ----------
          Total current liabilities ............... 133,574             127,626

Long-term debt .................................... 214,163             253,513
Deferred pension credits ..........................  11,839              11,827
Deferred postretirement welfare benefits ..........  28,509              28,033
Deferred income taxes .............................  31,571              33,743
Other liabilities .................................  19,812              20,000
                                                  ----------          ----------
          Total liabilities ....................... 439,468             474,742

Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, no par value ...................     -                   -
  Common stock, $.50 par value ....................   6,863               6,795
  Additional paid-in capital ......................  97,464              94,251
  Retained earnings ............................... 142,219              96,623
  Unearned compensation ...........................    (185)               (185)
  Adjustment for minimum pension liability ........  (1,543)             (1,543)
                                                  ----------          ----------
          Total stockholders' equity .............. 244,818             195,941
                                                  ----------          ----------

                                                   $684,286            $670,683
                                                  ==========          ==========
</TABLE>




                                           (1)
<PAGE>
                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                            April 30              April 30
                                       ----------------      ----------------
                                         1997      1996        1997     1996
                                       -------  -------      ------   -------
                                                    (Unaudited)
<S>                                   <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
Net sales............................ $217,058  $174,316    $411,992  $325,463
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of sales......................  187,451   150,994     360,464   284,087
  Selling, general and
     administrative expense..........   12,504    10,950      24,818    21,999
                                       -------   -------     -------   -------
Operating income.....................   17,103    12,372      26,710    19,377
Other income (expense):
  Interest expense...................   (4,917)   (2,260)     (9,768)   (5,140)
  Capitalized interest...............      764        78       1,382       127
  Other, net.........................       85     1,031        (299)    1,163
Income from continuing operations      -------   -------     -------   -------
   before income taxes...............   13,035    11,221      18,025    15,527
Income tax expense...................   (4,561)   (4,713)     (6,308)   (6,522)
                                       -------   -------     -------   -------
Income from continuing operations....    8,474     6,508      11,717     9,005
Income from discontinued operations,
   net of income taxes...............      616     1,624       1,699     3,174
Gain on sale of discontinued
   operations, net of income taxes...   36,290        -       36,290        -
                                       -------   -------     -------   -------                                   
Income before extraordinary charge...   45,380     8,132      49,706    12,179
Extraordinary charge - early
     extinguishment of debt..........       -         -           -     (2,522)
                                       -------   -------     -------   -------
Net income........................... $ 45,380     8,132    $ 49,706     9,657
                                       =======   =======     =======   =======
Earnings per common share:
   Primary:
      Continuing operations.......... $   0.61  $   0.48    $   0.84   $  0.67
      Discontinued operations........     0.04      0.12        0.12      0.23
      Gain on sale of discontinued
         operations..................     2.60        -         2.60        - 
      Extraordinary charge...........       -         -           -      (0.19)
                                       -------   -------     -------   -------
      Total primary net earnings..... $   3.25  $   0.60    $   3.56   $  0.71
                                       =======   =======     =======   =======
   Fully diluted:
      Continuing operations.......... $   0.57  $   0.45    $   0.83   $  0.66
      Discontinued operations........     0.03      0.10        0.10      0.19
      Gain on sale of discontinued
         operations..................     2.18        -         2.18        - 
      Extraordinary charge...........       -         -           -      (0.15)
                                       -------   -------     -------   -------
      Total assuming full dilution... $   2.78  $   0.55    $   3.11   $  0.70
                                       =======   =======     =======   =======

Weighted average shares outstanding:
   Primary...........................   13,965    13,641      13,939    13,614
                                       =======   =======     =======   =======
   Assuming full dilution............   16,661    16,360      16,635    16,353
                                       =======   =======     =======   =======
</TABLE>



                                      (2)
<PAGE>
                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Six Months Ended
                                                                 April 30,
                                                           --------------------
                                                            1997          1996
                                                           ------        ------
                                                               (Unaudited)
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>
Operating activities:
  Net income..............................................$49,706       $ 9,657
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    to cash provided by operating activities:
     Income from discontinued operations.................. (1,699)       (3,174)
     Gain on sale of discontinued operations..............(36,290)           -
     Depreciation and amortization........................ 20,437        17,656
     Deferred income taxes................................ (2,172)       (4,237)
     Deferred pension costs...............................     12          (486)
     Deferred postretirement welfare benefits.............    476           584
                                                           ------        ------
                                                           30,470        20,000
  Changes in assets and liabilities net of effects from
    acquisitions and dispositions:
     Decrease (increase) in accounts and notes receivable  (3,199)        4,512 
     Decrease (increase) in inventory....................      86        (9,190)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.............     248        (7,812)
     Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses.............    (147)          515
     Other, net..........................................  (4,072)        2,326 
                                                           ------        ------
       Cash provided by continuing operations............  23,386        10,351
       Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations  (4,630)        5,500
                                                           ------        ------          
       Cash provided by operating activities.............  18,756        15,851
Investment activities:
  Proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations......  63,900            -
  Capital expenditures of continuing operations
     net of retirements.................................. (36,970)       (8,298)
  Capital expenditures of discontinued operations........    (685)       (3,673)
  Other, net.............................................  (6,169)       (2,781)
                                                           ------        ------
         Cash provided by (used in) investment activities  20,076       (14,752)

          Cash provided by operating and                   ------        ------
               investment activities.....................  38,832         1,099

Financing activities:
  Notes payable borrowings (repayments)..................      -        (10,000)
  Purchase of Senior Notes...............................      -        (44,667)
  Bank borrowings (repayments)........................... (40,000)       50,000
  Common dividends paid..................................  (4,110)       (4,055)
  Other, net.............................................   4,112           684
                                                           ------        ------
          Cash used by financing activities.............. (39,998)       (8,038)

Decrease in cash and equivalents.........................  (1,166)       (6,939)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period..............  35,975        45,205
                                                           ------        ------
Cash and equivalents at end of period.................... $34,809       $38,266
                                                           ======        ======
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest................................................. $10,127       $ 5,369
Income taxes.............................................  11,269           273

</TABLE>







                                      (3)
<PAGE>
                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)

1. Accounting Policies
- ----------------------  
The interim consolidated financial statements of Quanex Corporation and
subsidiaries are unaudited, but include all adjustments which the Company
deems necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position and results
of operations. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Results
of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to
be expected for the full year. All significant accounting policies conform to
those previously set forth in the Company's fiscal 1996 Annual Report on Form
10-K, which is incorporated by reference. Certain amounts for prior periods
have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements
to conform to 1997 classifications.

2. Inventories
- --------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Inventories consist of the following:         April 30,           October 31,
                                                 1997                 1996
                                               -------              -------                                            
                                                      (In thousands)
<S>                                            <C>                  <C>
     Raw materials .........................   $26,307              $28,426
     Finished goods and work in process.....    54,776               52,768
                                               -------              -------
                                                81,083               81,194
     Other..................................     8,769                8,744
                                               -------              -------
                                               $89,852              $89,938
                                               =======              =======

The values of inventories in the consolidated balance sheets are based on the
following accounting methods:

  LIFO......................................   $65,299              $69,234
  FIFO......................................    24,553               20,704
                                               -------              -------
                                               $89,852              $89,938
                                               =======              =======
</TABLE>

With respect to inventories valued using the LIFO method, replacement cost
exceeded the LIFO value by approximately $18 million at April 30, 1997, and
$15 million at October 31, 1996.

3.  Long-Term Debt and Financing Arrangements
- ---------------------------------------------
On July 23, 1996, the Company replaced its $75 million Revolving Credit and
Letter of Credit Agreement with an unsecured $250 million Revolving Credit and
Term Loan Agreement ("Bank Agreement"). The Bank Agreement consists of a
revolving line of credit ("Revolver") and up to two term loans not to exceed
$100 million in the aggregate and repayable at a time selected by the Company
to be no later than July 23, 2004. Any term loan elections reduce the amount
available under the Revolver. The Bank Agreement expires July 23, 2001, and
provides for up to $25 million for standby letters of credit, limited to the
undrawn amount available under the Revolver. All borrowings under the Revolver
bear interest, at the option of the Company, at either (i) the prime rate or
the federal funds rate plus one percent, whichever is higher, or (ii) a
Eurodollar based rate. At April 30, 1997, the Company had $120 million
outstanding under the Revolver and no outstanding term loans.

In December 1995, the Company acquired the remaining $44.7 million principal
amount of its Senior Notes for a purchase price equal to 107.5% of the
principal amount plus accrued interest. The acquisition and related expenses
resulted in an after-tax extraordinary charge of approximately $2.5 million
($4.3 million before tax) in the first quarter of 1996.







                                       (4)

<PAGE>
                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)



4.Discontinued Operations 
- -------------------------
In April 1997, the Company completed the sale of its
LaSalle Steel Company ("LaSalle") subsidiary. LaSalle's results of operations
have been classified as discontinued operations and prior periods have been
restated. For business segment reporting purposes, LaSalle's data was
previously reported as the segment "Cold Finished Steel Bars".

Net sales and income from discontinued operations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                Three Months Ended           Six Months Ended
                                     April 30,                   April 30,
                                -------------------       ---------------------
                                 1997         1996         1997           1996
                                ------       ------       ------         ------
                                                (In thousands)
 <S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
 Net sales...................  $28,485      $44,025      $66,733        $81,650
 Income before income taxes..      949        2,800        2,615          5,472
 Income tax expense..........     (333)      (1,176)        (916)        (2,298)
 Net income..................      616      $ 1,624      $ 1,699        $ 3,174
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              October 31,
                                                 1996
                                            --------------
                                            (In thousands)
   <S>                                         <C>
   Net Assets of Discontinued Operations
   Current assets............................. $36,702
   Property, plant and equipment, net.........  16,211
   Other assets...............................   1,827
   Current liabilities........................ (25,440)
   Deferred pension credits...................  (5,466)
   Deferred postretirement welfare benefits... (27,595)
   Deferred income taxes......................   9,710
   Adjustment for minimum pension liability...   1,268
                                               -------
      Net assets of discontinued operations... $ 7,217
                                               =======
</TABLE>



5.Subsequent Event 
- ------------------
In May 1997, the Company entered into a non-binding letter
of intent to purchase Advanced Metal Forming C.V., a Netherlands based
manufacturer of impact extruded automotive air bag products. The transaction
is subject to various conditions, including the completion of due diligence,
the receipt of all regulatory and governmental approvals and the negotiation
and execution of a definitive agreement. Although there can be no assurance
that the transaction will close, the Company anticipates that the transaction
will close in the Company's fiscal fourth quarter.








                                       (5)
<PAGE>
                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)

6.  Industry Segment Information
- --------------------------------
 Quanex is principally a specialized metals and metal products producer.  The
 company's continuing operations primarily consist of three segments: 
 hot rolled steel bars, steel tubes and aluminum products.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      Corporate
 Three Months Ended          Hot Rolled      Steel      Aluminum          and        Consoli-
 April 30, 1997              Steel Bars      Tubes      Products(1)    Other(2)       dated
 ------------------          ----------    ----------  ----------     ----------    ----------
                                                    (in thousands)
<S>                          <C>            <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>
 Units shipped:
  To unaffiliated companies    145.0 Tons      25.9 Tons  71,946 Lbs.
  Intersegment............       6.2             -            -
                             -------        -------      -------
 Total....................     151.2 Tons      25.9 Tons  71,946 Lbs.
                             =======        =======      =======
 Net Sales:
  To unaffiliated companies  $76,859        $32,231     $107,968            -       $217,058
  Intersegment(3).........     3,630             -          -           $(3,630)        -
                             -------        -------      -------         -------     -------
 Total....................   $80,489        $32,231     $107,968        $(3,630)    $217,058
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
 Operating income (loss)..   $12,796        $ 2,151      $ 4,614        $(2,458)    $ 17,103
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Corporate
 Three Months Ended          Hot Rolled     Steel     Aluminum          and         Consoli-
 April 30, 1996              Steel Bars     Tubes     Products        Other(2)        dated
 ------------------          ----------   ----------  ----------     ----------    ----------
<S>                          <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
 Units shipped:
  To unaffiliated companies    127.7 Tons      24.2 Tons  59,833 Lbs.
  Intersegment............       6.5            -             -
                             -------        -------      -------
 Total....................     134.2 Tons      24.2 Tons  59,833 Lbs.
                             =======        =======      =======
 Net Sales:
  To unaffiliated companies  $69,375        $31,661      $73,280            -       $174,316
  Intersegment(3).........     3,715            -           -           $(3,715)         -
                             -------        -------      -------         -------     -------
 Total....................   $73,090        $31,661      $73,280        $(3,715)    $174,316
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
 Operating income (loss)..   $10,340        $ 2,382      $ 3,766        $(4,116)    $ 12,372
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Corporate
 Six Months Ended            Hot Rolled      Steel     Aluminum          and         Consoli-
 April 30, 1997              Steel Bars      Tubes     Products(1)     Other(2)        dated
 ----------------            ----------   ----------  ----------     ----------    ----------
<S>                         <C>             <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>
 Units shipped:
  To unaffiliated companies    270.5 Tons      49.9 Tons 136,734 Lbs.
  Intersegment............      12.5             -            -
                             -------        -------      -------
 Total....................     283.0 Tons      49.9 Tons 136,734 Lbs.
                             =======        =======      =======
 Net Sales:
  To unaffiliated companies $143,976        $60,288     $207,728           -        $411,992
  Intersegment(3).........     7,367           -            -          $ (7,367)         -
                             -------        -------      -------        -------      -------
 Total....................  $151,343        $60,288     $207,728       $ (7,367)    $411,992
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
 Operating income (loss)..  $ 21,941        $ 2,447     $  8,603       $ (6,281)    $ 26,710
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Corporate
 Six Months Ended            Hot Rolled      Steel     Aluminum          and         Consoli-
 April 30, 1996              Steel Bars      Tubes     Products        Other(2)        dated
 ----------------            ----------   ----------  ----------     ----------    ----------
<S>                         <C>             <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>
 Units shipped:
  To unaffiliated companies    230.9 Tons      47.1 Tons 109,466 Lbs.
  Intersegment............      14.1            -             -
                             -------        -------      -------
 Total....................     245.0 Tons      47.1 Tons 109,466 Lbs.
                             =======        =======      =======
 Net Sales:
  To unaffiliated companies $126,483        $61,811     $137,169           -        $325,463
  Intersegment(3).........     8,158            -            -         $ (8,158)        -
                             -------        -------      -------         -------     -------
 Total....................  $134,641        $61,811     $137,169       $ (8,158)    $325,463
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
 Operating income (loss)..  $ 17,675        $ 4,337     $  5,417       $ (8,052)    $ 19,377
                             =======        =======      =======         =======     =======
</TABLE>

(1) 1997 includes Piper Impact, Inc.
(2) Included in "Corporate and Other" are intersegment eliminations and
    corporate expenses.
(3) Intersegment sales are conducted on an arm's-length basis.

                                      (6)
<PAGE>
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition


Results of Operations

         The Company classifies its operations into three business segments: hot
rolled steel bars, steel tubes and aluminum products. The Company's products are
marketed to the industrial machinery and capital equipment industries, the
transportation industry, the energy processing industry and the residential and
commercial building industries.

         In April 1997, the Company completed the sale of its LaSalle Steel
Company ("LaSalle") subsidiary. LaSalle's results of operations have been
classified as discontinued operations and prior periods have been restated. For
business segment reporting purposes, LaSalle's data was previously classified as
"Cold Finished Steel Bars".

         The Company's hot rolled steel business reflected improvements in net
sales and operating income for the first and second quarters of fiscal 1997 as
compared to the same periods of fiscal 1996. The improvements were due primarily
to higher sales volume. The improved results in the Company's hot rolled steel
business reflect the benefits realized from the Company's capital improvement
programs, which have allowed the Company to increase production, improve quality
and manage manufacturing costs.

         The Company's aluminum products business achieved higher sales and
operating income primarily due to the acquisition in August 1996 of Piper
Impact, Inc. ("Piper Impact") and its higher margin operations. The Company's
Nichols-Homeshield Division was affected by weaker margins between selling
prices and raw material costs. These margins, referred to herein as "price
spreads", are a key financial performance indicator in the aluminum products
business.

         The Company currently expects that overall business levels for the
remainder of fiscal 1997 should be similar to those experienced during 1996.
However, domestic and global market factors will impact the Company and any
slowdown in the U.S. economy could affect demand and pricing for many of the
Company's products. The acquisition of Piper Impact in August 1996 is expected
to result in higher fiscal 1997 sales through the third fiscal quarter and,
assuming no material declines in the markets in which it serves, be accretive to
fiscal 1997 earnings. The sale of LaSalle in April 1997 will affect income for
the remainder of fiscal 1997 by the difference between the amount LaSalle would
have earned and the reduction in interest expense as a result of the repayment
of debt with the net proceeds from the sale. Improved financial results will be
dependent upon, among other things, whether the continued strength of the
economy can be sustained, improvements in the markets which the Company serves
and improvement in the price spreads of aluminum products.















                                       (7)
<PAGE>


Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Continued)

The following table sets forth selected operating data for the Company's four
businesses:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                           April 30,              April 30,
                                      ------------------    ------------------
                                       1997        1996      1997        1996
                                      ------     -------    ------     -------
                                                    (In thousands)
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Hot Rolled Steel Bars:
  Units shipped (Tons)............     151.2      134.2      283.0      245.0
  Net Sales.......................  $ 80,489   $ 73,090   $151,343   $134,641
  Operating income................  $ 12,796   $ 10,340   $ 21,941   $ 17,675
  Depreciation and amortization...  $  3,405   $  4,590   $  6,810   $  9,180
  Identifiable assets.............  $175,381   $170,779   $175,381   $170,779

Steel Tubes:
  Units shipped (Tons)............      25.9       24.2       49.9       47.1
  Net Sales.......................  $ 32,231   $ 31,661   $ 60,288   $ 61,811
  Operating income................  $  2,151   $  2,382   $  2,447   $  4,337
  Depreciation and amortization...  $    617   $    583   $  1,244   $  1,178
  Identifiable assets.............  $ 47,336   $ 43,839   $ 47,336   $ 43,839

Aluminum Products:
  Units shipped (Pounds)..........    71,946     59,833    136,734    109,466
  Net Sales.......................  $107,968   $ 73,280   $207,728   $137,169
  Operating income................  $  4,614   $  3,766   $  8,603   $  5,417
  Depreciation and amortization...  $  5,968   $  3,454   $ 12,038   $  6,937
  Identifiable assets.............  $417,078   $227,862   $417,078   $227,862
</TABLE>

         Consolidated net sales for the three and six months ended April 30,
1997, were $217.1 million and $412.0 million, respectively, representing
increases of $42.7 million, or 25%, and $86.5 million, or 27%, respectively,
when compared to the same periods last year. The improvement principally
reflects the inclusion of Piper Impact sales and improved sales volume in the
Company's hot rolled steel bar business.

         Net sales from the Company's hot rolled steel bar business for the
three and six months ended April 30, 1997, were $80.5 million and $151.3
million, respectively, representing increases of $7.4 million, or 10%, and $16.7
million, or 12%, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year. The
improvements were primarily due to sales volume increases of 13% and 16%,
respectively, for the three and six months ended April 30, 1997, as compared to
the same prior year periods. The hot rolled steel bar business sales volume
increase is principally due to the continued market strength in the durable
goods market, particularly transportation and capital goods, and to the
Company's product quality and delivery performance.

         Net sales from the Company's steel tube business for the three and six
months ended April 30, 1997, were $32.2 million and $60.3 million, respectively,
representing an increase of $570 thousand and a decrease of $1.5 million,
respectively, when compared to the same periods last year. Product pricing
pressure continued, however, demand for mechanical, pipe and heat exchanger
products was improved during the second fiscal quarter of 1997.


                                       (8)

<PAGE>


Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Continued)



         Net sales from the Company's aluminum products business for the three
and six months ended April 30, 1997, were $108.0 million and $207.7 million,
respectively, representing increases of $34.7 million, or 47%, and $70.6
million, or 51%, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year.
These increases are principally due to the acquisition of Piper Impact in August
1996 and were partially offset by substantially lower aluminum prices. Net sales
were also higher for the three and six months ended April 30, 1997, compared to
the same periods last year, due to increased sales volume of aluminum flat roll.

         Consolidated operating income for the three and six months ended April
30, 1997, was $17.1 million and $26.7 million, respectively, representing
increases of $4.7 million, or 38%, and $7.3 million, or 38%, respectively, when
compared to the same periods last year. This increase was primarily due to the
inclusion of Piper Impact's results and improved operating income in the hot
rolled steel bar business.

         Operating income from the Company's hot rolled steel bar business for
the three and six months ended April 30, 1997, was $12.8 million and $21.9
million, respectively, representing increases of $2.5 million, or 24%, and $4.3
million, or 24%, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year.
These improvements were attributable to higher sales for both the quarter and
year-to-date due to increased capacity and strong demand.

         Operating income from the Company's steel tube business for the three
and six months ended April 30, 1997, was $2.2 million and $2.4 million,
respectively, representing decreases of $231,000, or 10%, and $1.9 million, or
44%, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year. Profitability
improved during the second quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to the first quarter
but still remained below prior year levels primarily due to weaker selling
prices and a depressed boiler tube market.

         Operating income from the Company's aluminum products business for the
three and six months ended April 30, 1997, was $4.6 million and $8.6 million,
respectively, representing increases of $848,000, or 23%, and $3.2 million, or
59%, respectively, when compared to the same periods last year. Improvement in
this segment reflects the acquisition of Piper Impact and were offset by lower
aluminum prices.

         Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million,
or 14%, and $2.8 million, or 13%, respectively, for the three and six months
ended April 30, 1997, as compared to the same periods of last year, primarily
due to the inclusion of Piper Impact's selling, general and administrative
expenses.  However, as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and 
administrative expenses were 5.8% and 6.0%, respectively, for the three and six
months ended April 30, 1997, compared to 6.3% and 6.8%, respectively, in the 
same prior year periods.

         Interest expense increased by $2.7 million and $4.6 million,
respectively, for the three and six months ended April 30, 1997, as compared to
the same periods of 1996 primarily as a result of increased bank borrowings
associated with the Piper Impact acquisition. This increased interest expense
was partly offset by decreased expense due to the early extinguishment of the
Company's remaining Senior Notes late in the first quarter of fiscal 1996.

                                       (9)


<PAGE>


Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Continued)



         Income from continuing operations for the three and six months ended
April 30, 1997, was $8.5 million and $11.7 million, respectively, as compared to
$6.5 million and $9.0 million for the same prior year periods. The improvements
were principally attributable to the inclusion of the results of Piper Impact 
and improved results at the Company's MacSteel division. Included in "Other,
net" for the three months ended April 30, 1997 was a life insurance gain of
approximately $400,000. Included in "Other, net" for the three months ended
April 30, 1996, was a $2.3 million pretax gain related to the final recovery of
a business interruption claim. Also included in "Other, net" for the three
months ended April 30, 1996, was $1.5 million resulting from a loss on
abandonment of idle assets. Capitalized interest increased to $764,000 and $1.4
million, respectively, for the three and six months ended April 30, 1997,
compared to $78,000 and $127,000 for the same periods last year due to ongoing
construction related to the expansion programs at MacSteel and Piper Impact.
Income taxes were applied at the Company's expected annual effective rate. The
Company's effective income tax rate was 35% for the first and second quarters of
fiscal 1997 compared to 42% in both prior year periods.

         Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, for the three
and six months ended April 30, 1997, was $616,000 and $1.7 million,
respectively, as compared to $1.6 million and $3.2 million for the same periods
in 1996. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower margins between
selling prices and raw material costs, partly offset by higher sales volume.
Included in net income for the three and six months ended April 30, 1997, is an
after-tax gain of $36.3 million on the sale of discontinued operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

         The Company's principal sources of funds are cash on hand, cash flow
from operations, and borrowings under an unsecured $250 million Revolving Credit
and Term Loan Agreement ("Bank Agreement"). The Bank Agreement consists of a
revolving line of credit ("Revolver") and up to two term loans not to exceed
$100 million in the aggregate and repayable at a date selected by the Company to
be no later than July 23, 2004. Any term loan elections reduce the amount
available under the Revolver. New borrowings under the Bank Agreement may not be
made after July 23, 2001. The Bank Agreement also provides for up to $25 million
for standby letters of credit, limited to the undrawn amount available under the
Revolver. All borrowings under the Revolver bear interest, at the option of the
Company, at either (i) the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus one
percent, whichever is higher, or (ii) a Eurodollar based rate. In the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements,
which effectively converted $100 million of its variable rate debt under the
Bank Agreement to fixed rate. Under these agreements, payments are made based on
a fixed rate ($50 million at 7.025%, and $50 million at 6.755%) and payments are
received on a LIBOR based variable rate (5.53125% at April 30, 1997).
Differentials to be paid or received under the agreements are recognized as
interest expense. Payments under the swap agreements are tied to the interest
periods for the borrowings under the Bank Agreement. The swap agreements mature
in 2003. The Bank Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative
covenants and requirements to maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net
worth, as defined. The Bank Agreement limits the payment of dividends and
certain restricted investments. Under the Bank Agreement, at April 30, 1997,
there were $120 million of outstanding Revolver borrowings and no term loans
outstanding.

                                      (10)



<PAGE>


Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Continued)




      In December 1995, the Company acquired all of its outstanding 10.77%
Senior Notes for a purchase price equal to 107.5% of the principal amount plus
accrued interest. The acquisition and related expenses resulted in an after-tax
extraordinary charge of approximately $2.5 million in the first quarter of 1996.
The acquisition was funded with cash and bank borrowings.

      On June 30, 1995, the Company exercised its right under the terms of its
Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock to exchange such stock for
an aggregate of $84,920,000 of its 6.88% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
June 30, 2007 ("Debentures"). Interest is payable semi-annually on June 30 and
December 31 of each year. The Debentures are subject to mandatory annual sinking
fund payments sufficient to redeem 25% of the Debentures issued on each of June
30, 2005 and June 30, 2006, to retire a total of 50% of the Debentures before
maturity. The Debentures are subordinate to all senior indebtedness of the
Company and are convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of the
Company's common stock at a conversion price of $31.50 per share.

       On August 9, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially
all of the assets of Piper Impact. Piper's assets, net of various liabilities,
were acquired for approximately $130 million in cash, cash equivalents, and 
notes.  This acquisition was financed with existing cash and bank borrowings. 
Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company's Board of Directors approved
additional capital expenditures at Piper totaling approximately $55 million. 
These expenditures are expected to provide the capacity needed to supply major
new customer programs phasing in over the next two years.

       On April 18, 1997, the Company completed the sale of LaSalle for
approximately $65 million in cash. The proceeds were used to pay down the
Company's Revolver.

      At April 30, 1997, the Company had commitments of $22 million for the
purchase or construction of capital assets, primarily relating to the Company's
continued expansions at MacSteel and Piper Impact. The Company plans to fund
these capital expenditures through cash flow from operations and, if necessary,
additional borrowings.

      The Company believes that it has sufficient funds and adequate financial
sources available to meet its anticipated liquidity needs. The Company also
believes that cash flow from operations, cash balances and available borrowings
will be sufficient for the foreseeable future to finance anticipated working
capital requirements, capital expenditures, debt service requirements,
environmental expenditures and dividends.

Operating Activities

         Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended April
30, 1997, was $18.8 million as compared to $15.9 million during the six months
ended April 30, 1996. The increase was principally due to improved income and
higher depreciation, partially offset by increased cash used by discontinued
operations.

Investment Activities

         Net cash provided by investment activities during the six months ended
April 30, 1997, was $20.1 million as compared to cash used in investment
activities of $14.8 million for the same 1996 period. The increase in cash
provided by investment activities was principally due to proceeds from the sale
of LaSalle, and was partly offset by increased capital expenditures and payment
of the remaining notes related to the Piper Impact acquisition. The Company 
estimates that fiscal 1997 capital expenditures will be approximately $70 to
$80 million.
                                      (11)



<PAGE>
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Continued)



Financing Activities

         Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended April 30,
1997, was $40.0 million, principally consisting of $40.0 million of repayments
of bank borrowings from proceeds of the LaSalle sale. Cash used in financing
activities for the six months ended April 30, 1996, was $8.0 million,
principally consisting of $44.7 million for the early extinguishment of
long-term debt, a $10.0 million reduction in notes payable and the payment of
$4.1 million in common dividends and was offset by long-term bank borrowings of
$50.0 million.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

Certain forward looking information contained herein is being provided in
accordance with the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.
Such information is subject to certain assumptions and beliefs based on current
information known to the Company and is subject to factors that could result in
actual results differing materially from those anticipated in the forward
looking statements contained in this report. Such factors include domestic and
international economic activity, prevailing prices of steel and aluminum scrap
and other raw material costs, interest rates, the continuation of countervailing
import duties on certain of the Company's competitors, construction delays,
market conditions for the Company's customers, any material changes in purchases
by the principal customers of AMSCO and Piper Impact, environmental regulations
and changes in estimates of costs for known environmental remediation projects
and situations, world-wide political stability and economic growth, the 
Company's successful implementation of its internal operating plans, performance
issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors, and regulatory changes
and legal proceedings. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the
forward-looking statements contained herein will occur or that objectives will
be achieved.

                                      (12)


<PAGE>














                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


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


On February 27, 1997, the Company held its regular Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting").

At the Annual Meeting, John D. O'Connell, Robert C. Snyder, and Vernon E.
Oechsle were elected as directors for a three year term. The following sets
forth the number of shares that voted for and for which votes were withheld of
each of such persons:

                                              For            Withheld

         John D. O'Connell                11,005,824          858,396
         Robert C. Snyder                 11,008,316          855,902
         Vernon E. Oechsle                11,006,057          858,162

In addition, at the Annual Meeting, the stockholders of the Company ratified the
appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent auditors and
approved to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock, $.50 par
value, from 25,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares.

The ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent auditors
was approved with 11,776,615 votes cast for approval, 25,008 votes cast against,
and 62,594 abstentions. The amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation was approved with 10,718,920 votes cast for approval, 1,078,157
votes cast against, and 67,137 abstentions.



Item 5 - Other Information.


     None


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


     Exhibit 11 - Statement re computation of earnings per share.

     Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

     A Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company on May 5, 1997, regarding the
     completion of the sale of its LaSalle Steel subsidiary and containing
     certain pro forma financial statements of the Company and notes thereto
     regarding the sale.



                                      (13)
<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.


                               QUANEX CORPORATION


                               /s/ Viren M. Parikh
                               -------------------
                               Viren M. Parikh
                               Controller (Chief Accounting Officer)


Date  June 12, 1997
- -------------------
















                                      (14)
<PAGE>


                                                                     EXHIBIT 11


                               QUANEX CORPORATION
                    COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended
                                                         April 30,              April 30,
                                                    -----------------      -----------------
                                                     1996       1995        1996       1995
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
                                                       (Unaudited)            (Unaudited)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Income from continuing operations................. $ 8,474   $  6,508    $ 11,717   $  9,005
Income from discontinued operations, net of
   income taxes...................................     616      1,624       1,699      3,174
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net
   of income taxes................................  36,290         -       36,290         -
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
Income before extraordinary charge................  45,380      8,132      49,706     12,179
Extraordinary charge - early extinguishment of debt    -          -            -      (2,522)
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
Net income........................................ $45,380   $  8,132    $ 49,706   $  9,657
                                                    ======     ======      ======     ======
Weighted average shares
  outstanding-primary.............................  13,965     13,641      13,939     13,614
                                                    ======     ======      ======     ======
Earnings per common share:
  Primary:
   Income from continuing operations..............  $ 0.61     $ 0.48     $  0.84    $  0.67
   Income from discontinued operations............    0.04       0.12        0.12       0.23
   Gain on sale of discontinued operations........    2.60         -         2.60         - 
   Extraordinary charge...........................     -           -           -       (0.19)
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
     Earnings per common share....................  $ 3.25     $ 0.60     $  3.56    $  0.71
                                                    ======     ======      ======     ======



Income from continuing operations.................$  8,474   $  6,508    $ 11,717   $  9,005
Income from discontinued operations, net of
   income taxes...................................     616      1,624       1,699      3,174
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net
   of income taxes................................  36,290         -       36,290         -
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
Income before extraordinary charge................  45,380      8,132      49,706     12,179
Extraordinary charge - early extinguishment of debt     -          -           -      (2,522)
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
Net income........................................  45,380      8,132      49,706      9,657

Interest on 6.88% convertible subordinated
   debentures and amortization of related issuance
   costs, net of applicable income taxes..........     999        891       1,998      1,784
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
Adjusted net income...............................$ 46,379   $  9,023    $ 51,704   $ 11,441

Weighted average shares
  outstanding-primary.............................  13,965     13,641      13,939     13,614
Effect of common stock equivalents
  arising from stock options......................     -           23         -           43
Subordinated debentures assumed converted
  to common stock.................................   2,696      2,696       2,696      2,696
Weighted average shares                             ------     ------      ------     ------
  outstanding-fully diluted.......................  16,661     16,360      16,635     16,353
                                                    ======     ======      ======     ======

Earnings per common share:
  Assuming full dilution:
   Income from continuing operations..............  $ 0.57     $ 0.45     $  0.83    $  0.66
   Income from discontinued operations............    0.03       0.10        0.10       0.19
   Gain on sale of discontinued operations........    2.18         -         2.18         - 
   Extraordinary charge...........................     -           -           -       (0.15)
                                                    ------     ------      ------     ------
     Earnings per common share....................  $ 2.78     $ 0.55     $  3.11    $  0.70
                                                    ======     ======      ======     ======
</TABLE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                                                                     5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
balance sheet as of April 30, 1997 and the income statement for the
three and six months ended April 30, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                                              1,000
       
<S>                                                                 <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                             6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                   OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                                      NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                        APR-30-1997
<CASH>                                                                   34,809
<SECURITIES>                                                                  0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                            93,782
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                  0
<INVENTORY>                                                              89,852
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                        230,329
<PP&E>                                                                  656,500
<DEPRECIATION>                                                          302,650
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                          684,286
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                   133,574
<BONDS>                                                                 214,163
                                                         0
                                                                   0
<COMMON>                                                                  6,863
<OTHER-SE>                                                              237,955
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                            684,286
<SALES>                                                                 411,992
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                        411,992
<CGS>                                                                   360,464
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                           360,464
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                              0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                              0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                        9,768
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                          18,025
<INCOME-TAX>                                                              6,308 
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                      11,717
<DISCONTINUED>                                                            1,699
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                          36,290
<CHANGES>                                                                     0
<NET-INCOME>                                                             49,706
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                             3.560
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                             3.110
        


</TABLE>


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