LANCASTER COLONY CORP
10-K, 1996-09-24
CANNED, FROZEN & PRESERVD FRUIT, VEG & FOOD SPECIALTIES
Previous: LAMSON & SESSIONS CO, S-8, 1996-09-24
Next: LEGGETT & PLATT INC, POS AM, 1996-09-24



<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
 X       ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
- ---      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

                     FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
- ---      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the transition period from................. to .................

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-4065-1

                          LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
           OHIO                                    13-1955943
(State or other jurisdiction of                  (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                 Identification No.)

37 WEST BROAD STREET, COLUMBUS, OHIO                  43215
 (Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)
                                  614-224-7141
                         (Registrant's telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                               Title of each class
                               -------------------
                      COMMON STOCK--NO PAR VALUE PER SHARE
(INCLUDING SERIES A PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS)

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

         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
                                              ---      ---

         The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates on
August 30, 1996 was approximately $824,957,000.

         As of August 30, 1996, there were approximately  29,468,000 shares of 
Common Stock, no par value per share, outstanding.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference to
this annual report: Registrant's 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders - Parts I,
II and IV. Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
November 18, 1996; to be filed - Part III. The 1996 Annual Report to
Shareholders and 1996 Proxy Statement shall be deemed to have been "filed" only
to the extent portions thereof are expressly incorporated by reference.

EXHIBIT INDEX ON PAGE 12.

                                        1

<PAGE>   2



                                     PART I

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

General Development of Business
- -------------------------------

         Lancaster Colony Corporation was reincorporated in Ohio effective
January 2, 1992. Prior to this date Lancaster Colony Corporation had been a
Delaware Corporation organized in 1961. As used herein the term "registrant,"
unless the context otherwise requires, refers to Lancaster Colony Corporation
and its subsidiaries.

Description of and Financial Information About Business Segments
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

         The registrant operates in three business segments - specialty foods,
glassware and candles, and automotive - which accounted for approximately 38%,
35% and 27%, respectively, of consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1996. The financial information relating to business segments for the
three years ended June 30, 1996, appearing in Exhibit 13 in this Form 10-K
Annual Report, is incorporated herein by reference. Further description of each
business segment the registrant operates within is provided below.

                                 Specialty Foods
                                 ---------------

         The food products manufactured and sold by the registrant include salad
dressings and sauces marketed under the brand names "Marzetti," "Cardini,"
"Pfeiffer" and "Girard's"; frozen unbaked pies marketed under the brand names
"Mountain Top" and "Reames"; hearth-baked frozen breads marketed under the brand
name "New York Frozen Foods"; refrigerated chip and produce dips, dairy snacks
and desserts marketed under the brand names "Oak Lake Farms," "Allen" and/or
"Marzetti"; premium dry egg noodles marketed under the brand names "Inn Maid"
and "Amish Kitchen"; frozen specialty noodles, pastas, and breaded specialty
items marketed under the brand name "Reames" and caviar marketed under the brand
name "Romanoff" and "Poriloff."

         The salad dressings and sauces are manufactured in Columbus, Ohio;
Wilson, New York; Atlanta, Georgia and Milpitas, California. The dressings are
sold in various metropolitan areas with sales being made both to retail and
foodservice markets.

         The frozen unbaked pies are marketed principally in the midwestern
United States through salesmen and food brokers to institutional distributors
and retail outlets. A significant portion of the frozen bread sales is directed
to the foodservice market.

         The refrigerated chip and produce dips, dairy snacks and desserts are
sold through food brokers and distributors in most major markets in the United
States.

         The dry egg noodles are marketed by brokers principally in Ohio,
Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky.

         The "Reames" line is sold through brokers and distributors in various
metropolitan areas principally in the central and midwestern United States.

         This segment is not dependent upon a single customer or a few
customers, the loss of any one or more of which would have a significant adverse
effect on operating results. Although the Company is a leading producer of salad
dressings, all of the markets in which the registrant sells food products are
highly competitive in the areas of price, quality and customer service.

     During fiscal year 1996, the registrant obtained adequate supplies of raw
materials for this segment.


                                        2

<PAGE>   3



         The registrant's firm order backlog at June 30, 1996, in this business
segment, was approximately $3,706,000 as compared to a backlog of approximately
$4,238,000 as of the end of the preceding fiscal year. It is expected that all
of these orders will be filled during the current fiscal year. The operations of
this segment are not affected to any material extent by seasonal fluctuations.
The registrant does not utilize any franchises or concessions in this business
segment. The trade names under which it operates are significant to the overall
success of this segment. However, the patents and licenses under which it
operates are not essential to the overall success of this segment.

                              Glassware and Candles
                              ---------------------

         Glass products include a broad range of machine pressed and machine
blown consumer glassware and technical glass products such as cathode ray tubes,
lighting components, lenses and silvered reflectors.

         Consumer glassware includes a diverse line of decorative and ornamental
products such as tumblers, bowls, pitchers, jars and barware. These products are
marketed under a variety of trademarks, the most important of which are "Indiana
Glass," "Tiara," "Colony" and "Fostoria." The registrant also purchases domestic
and imported blown glassware which is sold through Colony, a marketing division,
and some domestic handcrafted ware sold through its Tiara home party marketing
plan.

         Glass vases and containers are sold both in the retail and wholesale
florist markets under the trade name "Brody" as well as under private label.

         Candles of all sizes, forms and fragrance are primarily sold in the
mass merchandise markets as well as to supermarkets, drug stores and specialty
shops under the name "Candle-lite." A portion of the registrant's candle
business is marketed under private label.

         The registrant's glass products are sold to discount, department,
variety and drug stores, as well as to jobbers and directly to retail customers.
Commercial markets such as foodservice, hotels, hospitals and schools are also
served by this segment's products. All the markets in which the registrant sells
houseware products are highly competitive in the areas of design, price, quality
and customer service. Sales of glassware and candles to two customers accounted
for approximately 32% and 26% of this segment's total net sales during 1996 and
1995, respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of this
segment's total net sales.

         During fiscal year 1996, the registrant obtained adequate supplies of
raw materials for this business segment.

         The registrant's firm order backlog at June 30, 1996, in this business
segment, was approximately $32,527,000 as compared to approximately $33,896,000
as of the end of the preceding fiscal year. It is expected that all of these
orders will be filled during the current fiscal year. Seasonal retail stocking
patterns cause certain of this segment's products to experience increased sales
in the first half of the fiscal year. The registrant does not use any franchises
or concessions in this segment. The patents and licenses under which it operates
are not essential to the overall success of this segment. However, certain
trademarks are important to this segment's marketing efforts.

                                   Automotive
                                   ----------

         The registrant manufactures and sells a complete line of rubber, vinyl
and carpeted car mats both in the aftermarket and to original equipment
manufacturers. Other products are pickup truck bed mats, running boards, bed
liners and other accessories for pickup trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles,
truck and trailer splash guards and quarter fenders, accessories such as cup
holders, litter caddies and oil drain pans and funnels. The automotive
aftermarket products are marketed primarily through mass

                                        3

<PAGE>   4



merchandisers and automotive outlets under the name "Rubber Queen" and the
registrant sells bed liners under the "Protecta" trademark, running boards under
the "Dee Zee" name, as well as under private labels. Although minor, rubber
matting sales are also included in this segment. The aggregate sales of two
customers accounted for approximately 29% and 32% of this segment's total net
sales during 1996 and 1995, respectively. No other customer accounted for more
than 10% of this segment's total net sales. Although the Company is a market
leader in many of its product lines, all the markets in which the registrant
sells automotive products are highly competitive in the areas of design, price,
quality and customer service.

         During fiscal year 1996, the registrant obtained adequate supplies of
raw materials for this segment.

         The registrant's firm order backlog at June 30, 1996, in this business
segment, was approximately $6,865,000 as compared to a backlog of approximately
$6,594,000 as of the end of the preceding fiscal year. Such backlogs do not
reflect certain orders by original equipment manufacturers as, due to its
nature, such information is not readily available. It is expected that all of
these orders will be filled during the current fiscal year. The operations of
this segment are not affected to any material extent by seasonal fluctuations.
The registrant does not utilize any significant franchises or concessions in
this segment. The patents, trademarks and licenses under which it operates are
generally not essential to the overall success of this segment.

Net Sales by Class of Products
- ------------------------------

         The following table sets forth business segment information with
respect to the percentage of net sales contributed by each class of similar
products which accounted for at least 10% of the Company's consolidated net
sales in any fiscal year from 1994 through 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996        1995        1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
Specialty Foods:
  Retail                                             21%         22%         25%
  Foodservice                                        17%         17%         15%
Glassware and Candles:
  Consumer Table and Giftware                        30%         25%         22%
Automotive                                           27%         31%         33%
</TABLE>

General Business
- ----------------

                            Research and Development
                            ------------------------

         The estimated amount spent during each of the last three fiscal years
on research and development activities determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles is not considered material.

                              Environmental Matters
                              ---------------------

         Certain of the registrant's operations are subject to compliance with
various air emission standards promulgated under Title V of the Federal Clean
Air Act. During fiscal 1996, the registrant submitted a compliance strategy for
one manufacturing facility to the applicable state agency for approval. It is
anticipated the approval process will take approximately one year to complete.
In fiscal 1997 and 1998 the registrant will be required to submit compliance
strategies on two additional manufacturing facilities to the applicable state
agencies. Based upon available information, compliance with the Federal Clean
Air Act provisions, as well as other various Federal, state and local
environmental protection laws and regulations, is not expected to have a
material adverse effect upon the level of capital expenditures, earnings or the
competitive position of the registrant for the remainder of the current and
succeeding fiscal year.

                                        4

<PAGE>   5



                                    Employees
                                    ---------

     The registrant has approximately 6,300 employees.

                       Foreign Operations and Export Sales
                       -----------------------------------

         Financial information relating to foreign operations and export sales
have not been significant in the past and are not expected to be significant in
the future based on existing operations.

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

         The registrant uses approximately 5,800,000 square feet of space for
its operations. Of this space, approximately 1,524,000 square feet are leased.

         The following table summarizes facilities exceeding 75,000 square feet
of space and which are considered the principal manufacturing and warehousing
operations of the registrant:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Approximate
Location                      Business Segment(s)                Square Feet
- --------                      -------------------                -----------
<S>                       <C>                                      <C>    
Blue Ash, OH (1)          Glassware and Candles                    198,000
Columbus, OH(2)           Specialty Foods                          258,000
Coshocton, OH             Automotive                               591,000
Des Moines, IA (3)        Automotive                               344,000
Dunkirk, IN               Glassware and Candles                    934,000
Elkhart, IN               Automotive                                96,000
Jackson, OH               Automotive and Glassware and Candles     223,000
LaGrange, GA              Automotive                               211,000
Lancaster, OH             Glassware and Candles                    465,000
Leesburg, OH (4)          Glassware and Candles                    600,000
Milpitas, CA (5)          Specialty Foods                          130,000
Muncie, IN                Glassware and Candles                    153,000
Sapulpa, OK (6)           Glassware and Candles                    669,000
Wapakoneta, OH (7)        Automotive                               178,000
Waycross, GA (5)          Automotive                               142,000
Wilson, NY                Specialty Foods                           80,000

<FN>
         (1)     Leased for term expiring 1998.

         (2)     Part leased for term expiring 1998.

         (3)     Part subject to capital lease expiring 1996.  Part leased for
                 terms expiring 1996 and 1998.

         (4)     Part leased on a monthly basis.

         (5)     Part leased for term expiring 1997.

         (6)     Part leased for term expiring in 1999.

         (7)     Part leased for term expiring 2003 with ownership passing to
                 registrant at lease expiration.  Part leased on monthly basis.
</TABLE>

                                        5

<PAGE>   6



Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
         -----------------

       None

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

       None

                      EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

       Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the following list is
included as an unnumbered item in Part I of this Report in lieu of being
included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held November 18, 1996.

       The following is a list of names and ages of all of the executive
officers of the registrant indicating all positions and offices with the
registrant held by such person and each person's principal occupation or
employment during the past five years. No person other than those listed below
has been chosen to become an executive officer of the registrant.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  First
                                                                 Elected
                       Age as of                                   an
                       August 30       Offices and              Executive
      Name               1996         Positions Held             Officer
      ----            -----------     --------------            --------
<S>                       <C>         <C>                         <C>
John B. Gerlach           69          Chairman and
                                      Chief Executive
                                      Officer                     1961

John L. Boylan            41          Treasurer and
                                      Assistant Secretary         1990

John B. Gerlach, Jr.      42          President, Chief
                                      Operating Officer and
                                      Secretary                   1982

Larry G. Noble            60          Vice President              1985
</TABLE>

         The above named officers were re-elected to their present position at
the annual meeting of the Board of Directors on November 20, 1995. All such
persons have been elected to serve until the next annual election of officers,
which shall occur on November 18, 1996 and their successors are elected or until
their earlier resignation or removal.

         John B. Gerlach, Jr. is the son of John B. Gerlach.

                                        6

<PAGE>   7



                                     PART II

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Matters
         -------

     Reference is made to the "Selected Quarterly Financial Data", appearing in
Exhibit 13 of this Form 10-K Annual Report, for information concerning market
prices and related security holder matters on the registrant's common shares
during 1996 and 1995. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
         -----------------------

     The presentation of selected financial data as of and for the five years
ended June 30, 1996 is included in the "Operations" and "Financial Position"
sections of the "Five Year Financial Summary" appearing in Exhibit 13 of this
Form 10-K Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

     Reference is made to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial Condition" appearing in Exhibit 13 of this Form 10-K
Annual Report. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
         -------------------------------------------

     The financial statements and supplementary financial information are set
forth in Exhibit 13 of this Form 10-K Annual Report and are incorporated herein
by reference.

Item 9.  Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
         ----------------------------------------------------

     None

                                    PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
         --------------------------------------------------

     For information with respect to the executive officers of the registrant,
see "Executive Officers of the Registrant" at the end of Part I of this report.
For information with respect to the Directors of the registrant, see "Nomination
and Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held November 18, 1996, which is incorporated herein by
reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation
         ----------------------

     Information set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held November 18,
1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
         --------------------------------------------------------------

     Information set forth under the captions "Nomination and Election of
Directors" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" in the Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held November 18, 1996 is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
         ----------------------------------------------

     For information with respect to certain transactions with Directors of the
registrant, see "Other Transactions" in the Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held November 18, 1996, which is incorporated
herein by reference.

                                        7

<PAGE>   8



                                     PART IV

Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
            ----------------------------------------------------------------

(a)      1. Financial Statements
            --------------------

            The consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 1996 and
            1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended June
            30, 1996, together with the report thereon of Deloitte & Touche
            LLP dated August 28, 1996, appearing in Exhibit 13 of this Form
            10-K Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.

                             Index to Financial Statements
                             -----------------------------

            Independent Auditors' Report

            Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended June 30,
            1996, 1995 and 1994

            Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1996 and 1995

            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30,
            1996, 1995 and 1994

            Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years
            ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994

            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(a)      2. Financial Statement Schedules Required by Items 8 and 14(d)
            -----------------------------------------------------------

            Included in Part IV of this report is the following additional
            financial data which should be read in conjunction with the
            consolidated financial statements in the 1996 Annual Report to
            Shareholders:

            Independent Auditors' Report

            Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for each of the
            three years ended June 30, 1996

                       Supplemental schedules not included with the
                       additional financial data have been omitted because
                       they are not applicable or the required information
                       is shown in the financial statements or notes
                       thereto.

(a)      3. Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and Item 14(c)
            --------------------------------------------------------------

            See Index to Exhibits attached.

(b)         Reports on Form 8-K
            -------------------

            No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of
            the year ended June 30, 1996.

                                        8

<PAGE>   9



                                   SIGNATURES


           Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 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 on this 23rd day of 
September, 1996.

                                             LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
                                                             (Registrant)

                                             By /S/ John B. Gerlach
                                                ----------------------------
                                                    John B. Gerlach
                                                Chairman, Chief Executive
                                                Officer and Principal
                                                Financial Officer

           Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Signatures                      Title                       Date
     ----------                      -----                       ----
<S>                            <C>                        <C>
/S/ John B. Gerlach            Chairman, Chief            September 20, 1996
- ---------------------------    Executive Officer and      ------------------
John B. Gerlach                Principal Financial
                               Officer            

/S/ John B. Gerlach, Jr.       President, Chief           September 20, 1996
- ---------------------------    Operating Officer          ------------------
John B. Gerlach, Jr.           and Secretary

/S/ John L. Boylan             Treasurer, Assistant       September 20, 1996
- ---------------------------    Secretary and Principal    ------------------
John L. Boylan                 Accounting Officer

                               Director
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Frank W. Batsch

/S/ Robert L. Fox              Director                   September 16, 1996
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Robert L. Fox

                               Director
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Morris S. Halpern

/S/ Robert S. Hamilton         Director                   September 16, 1996
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Robert S. Hamilton

/S/ Edward H. Jennings         Director                   September 16, 1996
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Edward H. Jennings

/S/ Richard R. Murphey, Jr.    Director                   September 16, 1996
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Richard R. Murphey, Jr.

/S/ Henry M. O'Neill, Jr.      Director                   September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
Henry M. O'Neill, Jr.

/S/ David J. Zuver             Director                   September 20, 1996
- ---------------------------                               ------------------
David J. Zuver
</TABLE>

                                        9

<PAGE>   10



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Directors and Shareholders of
Lancaster Colony Corporation:

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Lancaster Colony
Corporation and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and for each of
the three years in the period ended June 30, 1996, and have issued our report
thereon dated August 28, 1996; such financial statements and report are included
in your 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders and are incorporated herein by
reference. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement
schedule of Lancaster Colony Corporation and its subsidiaries, listed in Item
14. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In
our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.



/S/ Deloitte & Touche LLP



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Columbus, Ohio
August 28, 1996

                                       10

<PAGE>   11



                                                                     SCHEDULE II



                          LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          ============================




<TABLE>
                                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                    FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              COLUMN A                   COLUMN B      COLUMN C      COLUMN D         COLUMN E
              --------                   --------      --------      --------         --------
                                                       ADDITIONS                          
                                        BALANCE AT    CHARGED TO                      BALANCE
                                         BEGINNING     COSTS AND                       AT END
             DESCRIPTION                  OF YEAR      EXPENSES     DEDUCTIONS        OF YEAR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>       


RESERVES DEDUCTED FROM ASSET TO WHICH
  THEY APPLY - Allowance for doubtful
  accounts:



   Year ended June 30, 1994 .........   $ 2,870,000   $ 1,029,000   $ 1,560,000(A)   $2,339,000
                                        =======================================================

   Year ended June 30, 1995 .........   $ 2,339,000   $   614,000   $ 1,006,000(A)   $1,947,000
                                        =======================================================

   Year ended June 30, 1996 .........   $ 1,947,000   $ 2,089,000   $ 1,905,000(A)   $2,131,000
                                        =======================================================


<FN>
      (A) Represents uncollectible accounts written off net of recoveries.
</TABLE>

                                       11

<PAGE>   12



                          LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
                          ----------------------------
                                    FORM 10-K
                                  JUNE 30, 1996
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Exhibit
 Number               Description                                                                         Located at
 ------               -----------                                                                         ----------

<S>            <C>                                                                                            <C>
 3.1           Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant
               approved by the shareholders November 18, 1991.                                                (a)

  .2           By-laws of the registrant as amended
               through November 18, 1991.                                                                     (a)

  .3           Certificate of Designation, Rights and
               Preferences of the Series A Participating
               Preferred Stock of Lancaster Colony Corporation.                                               (b)

 4.1           Specimen Certificate of Common Stock.                                                          1996 Form 10-K

  .2           Rights Agreement dated as of April 20, 1990
               between Lancaster Colony Corporation and The
               Huntington Trust Company, N.A.                                                                 (c)

10.1           1981 Incentive Stock Option Plan.                                                              (d)

  .2           Resolution by the Board of Directors to amend
               registrant's 1981 Incentive Stock Option Plan,
               approved by the shareholders November 21, 1983.                                                (e)

  .3           Resolution by the Board of Directors to amend
               registrant's 1981 Incentive Stock Option Plan
               approved by the shareholders November 18, 1985.                                                (f)

  .4           Resolution by the Board of Directors to amend
               registrant's 1981 Incentive Stock Option Plan
               approved by the shareholders November 19, 1990.                                                (g)

  .5           Key Employee Severance Agreement between Lancaster
               Colony Corporation and John L. Boylan.                                                         (g)

  .6           Consulting Agreement by and between Lancaster
               Colony Corporation and Morris S. Halpern.                                                      (h)

  .7           1995 Key Employee Stock Option Plan.                                                           (i)

13.            Annual Report to Shareholders.                                                                 1996 Form 10-K

21.            Significant Subsidiaries of Registrant.                                                        1996 Form 10-K

23.            The consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP to the incorporation by
               reference in Registration Statements No. 33-39102 and 333-01275
               on Form S-8 of their reports dated August 28, 1996, appearing in
               this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lancaster Colony Corporation
               for the year ended June 30, 1996.                                                              1996 Form 10-K

27.            Financial Data Schedule                                                                        1996 Form 10-K
</TABLE>

                                       12

<PAGE>   13



(a)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an annex to the proxy statement of Lancaster Colony Corporation
               for the annual meeting of stockholders held November 18, 1991.

(b)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form
               10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1990.

(c)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form 8-K
               filed April 20, 1990.

(d)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form
               10-K for the year ended June 30, 1982.

(e)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form
               10-K for the year ended June 30, 1984.

(f)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form
               10-K for the year ended June 30, 1985.

(g)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form
               10-K for the year ended June 30, 1991.

(h)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from filing as
               an exhibit to the Lancaster Colony Corporation report on Form
               10-K for the year ended June 30, 1993.

(i)            Indicates the exhibit is incorporated by reference from the
               Lancaster Colony Corporation filing on Form S-8 of its 1995 Key
               Employee Stock Option Plan (Registration Statement No.
               333-01275).

Note(1)        The registrant and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to
               various long-term debt instruments. The amount of securities
               authorized under such debt instruments does not, in any case,
               exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its
               subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The registrant agrees to
               furnish a copy of any such long-term debt instrument to the
               Commission upon request.

Note(2)        The registrant has included in Exhibit 13 only the specific
               Financial Statements and notes thereto of its 1996 Annual Report
               to Shareholders which are incorporated by reference in this Form
               10-K Annual Report. The registrant agrees to furnish a complete
               copy of its 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders to the Commission
               upon request.

                                       13


<PAGE>   1

COMMON STOCK                                                        COMMON STOCK


   NUMBER                                                               SHARES

CX


INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS                     THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE
   OF THE STATE OF OHIO                                IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK


                         LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION            CUSIP 513847 10

SEE LEGEND ON REVERSE SIDE
                                                            SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR
                                                             CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT




IS THE OWNER OF

                             CERTIFICATE OF STOCK


 FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK WITHOUT PAR VALUE OF

                         LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION

transferable in person or by duly authorized attorney upon surrender of this
certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate and the shares represented
hereby are subject to all the terms, conditions, and limitations of the
Certificate of Incorporation and all amendments thereto. This Certificate is not
valid unless countersigned by a Transfer Agent and registered by a Registrar.

        WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Corporation and the facsimile
signatures of its duly authorized officers.

                         LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
       Date:
                                     SEAL
John L. Boylan                                              John B. Gerlach, Jr.
____________________            STATE OF OHIO               ___________________
          TREASURER                                                   PRESIDENT



 
          COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
            AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY
              (NEW YORK, N.Y.)
                   TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
BY
                           AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
<PAGE>   2


                         LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION

        Lancaster Colony Corporation (the "Company") will furnish without
charge to each shareholder who so requests the designations, preferences and
relative, participating, optional, or other special rights of each class of
stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of
such preferences and/or rights. Requests may be directed to the Secretary of
the Company.

        This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder of certain
Rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and The
Huntington Trust Company, N.A. (the "Rights Agent") dated as of April 20, 1990
(the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal offices of the
Company. Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement,
such Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and will no longer be
evidenced by this certificate. The Company will mail to the holder of this
certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement, as in effect on the date of
mailing, without charge after receipt of a written request therefor.

        Transfer of the shares represented by this Certificate is subject to
the provisions of Article TENTH of the Company's Articles of Incorporation as
the same may be in effect from time to time. Upon written request delivered to
the Secretary of the Company at its principal place of business, the Company
will mail to the holder of the Certificate a copy of such provisions without
charge within five (5) days after receipt of written request therefor. By
accepting this Certificate the holder hereof acknowledges that it is accepting
same subject to the provisions of said Article TENTH as the same may be in
effect from time to time and covenants with the Company and each shareholder
thereof from time to time to comply with the provisions of said Article TENTH
as the same may be in effect from time to time.

        The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

<TABLE>
    <S>                                                <C>                  <C>
    TEN COM -- as tenants in common                    UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -- ___________ Custodian ___________
    TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties                                   (Cust)                (Minor)
    JT TEN  -- as joint tenants with right                                  under Uniform Gifts to Minors
               of survivorship and not                                      Act _____________________________
               as tenants in common                                                        (State)

               Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
</TABLE>

For value received, _______________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
   IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
 ____________________________________
|                                    |
|____________________________________|


________________________________________________________________________________
           (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE)
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________ shares
of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate and do hereby
irrevocably constitute and appoint

_______________________________________________________________________ Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with
full power of substitution in the premises.
                                                             
Dated _________


                   NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with
                           the name as written upon the face of the certificate
                           in every particular without alteration or enlargement
                           or any change whatever.

                           ____________________________________________________

                           ____________________________________________________


<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 13





<PAGE>   2


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Review of Consolidated Operations

For the fifth consecutive year, the Company has reported record levels of
consolidated net sales and net income. Net sales for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1996 totaled $855,912,000, or approximately 8% higher than the previous
year's total of $795,126,000. Net income of $76,135,000 achieved in the most
recent year also increased 8% over fiscal 1995 net income. Similarly, 1995 net
sales increased 10% over fiscal 1994 sales of $721,732,000 and 1995 net income
of $70,524,000 increased 18% over the 1994 total of $59,860,000. The majority of
the sales growth occurring over the past two years has been provided by the
increased sales of the Glassware and Candles segment. This segment has also been
responsible for the growth in consolidated net income. 

The relative proportion of sales and operating income contributed by each of the
Company's operating segments can impact a year-to-year comparison of the
consolidated statements of income. The following table summarizes the sales mix
and related operating income percentages achieved by the operating segments over
each of the last three years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



Segment Sales Mix(1):         1996      1995     1994
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>       <C>      <C>
Specialty Foods                38%       39%      40%
Glassware and Candles          35%       30%      27%
Automotive                     27%       31%      33%

Operating Income(2):
- -----------------------------------------------------
Specialty Foods                11%       13%      15%
Glassware and Candles          26%       22%      16%
Automotive                      8%       11%      13%
<FN>
(1) Expressed as a percentage of consolidated net sales.
(2) Expressed as a percentage of the related segment's net sales.


</TABLE>

Despite an overall improvement in the gross margins of the Glassware and Candles
segment, the Company's consolidated gross margin percentage in 1996 declined to
30.8% of net sales compared to 31.2% in 1995 and 32.2% in 1994. An unfavorable
sales mix and competitive pricing pressures combined to lower the most recent
year's margins in the Specialty Foods segment. Additionally, Automotive segment
margins in 1996 were adversely affected by lower production volume. Relative to
1994, 1995 margins were adversely affected by the less favorable sales mix and
higher material costs present within the Specialty Foods segment, as well as by
increases in raw material costs within the Automotive segment.

                     
<PAGE>   3

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $138,206,000 in 1996 increased
approximately 5% from the prior year total of $131,424,000. Fiscal 1995 expenses
were essentially unchanged from the 1994 total of $131,428,000. These expenses
have been influenced by several factors including changes in sales volume, sales
mix and the timing and extent by which promotional activities are conducted,
particularly in the Specialty Foods segment. 

Corresponding to the change in consolidated net sales and reflecting the factors
noted above, consolidated operating income in 1996 of $125,746,000 increased by
8% over the 1995 total of $116,518,000. Consolidated operating income for 1995
increased 16% over the 1994 total of $100,668,000. Greater sales volume and
improved operating margins in the Glassware and Candles segment were largely
responsible for this improvement.

The Company's effective tax rate, stated as a percentage of pretax income, has
been 38.2%, 38.6% and 39.0% in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
1994 rate would have been approximately .3% lower had not a charge of $343,000
been recorded to reflect the retroactive provisions of legislation enacting an
increase in Federal income taxes.

Segment Review - Glassware and Candles

Over the last five years, the Glassware and Candles segment had net sales and
operating income increase at annual compound growth rates of approximately 13%
and 39%, respectively. The product line primarily responsible for this growth
has been candles. Of particular note has been the increase in the sales of
wax-filled glass items, a popular choice among consumers for inexpensively
providing a means of enhancing the appearance, if not also the fragrance, of the
home. Much of the glassware used for these items is also produced by the
Company. 

During fiscal 1996, the trends discussed above resulted in net sales of this
segment totaling $297,937,000 which was a 26% increase over 1995 net sales of
$237,320,000. For similar reasons, 1995 sales had increased by 21% over 1994
sales of $196,711,000.

For fiscal 1996, the Glassware and Candles segment's operating income totaled
$76,068,000 which reflects a 46% improvement over the 1995 total of $52,147,000.
Compared to 1994 operating income of $31,353,000, 1995 operating margins
increased by 66%. Operating margins for this segment have increased primarily as
a result of a more favorable sales mix, the increased utilization of plant
capacity and the effects of significant additional investment in more productive
machinery and equipment. The improvement in 1996 margins was achieved despite
production inefficiencies occurring at the Dunkirk, Indiana glass manufacturing
plant which resulted from the introduction of new products and manufacturing
processes.

<PAGE>   4

Segment Review - Specialty Foods

Net sales of the Specialty Foods segment during fiscal 1996 totaled
$329,420,000, a 6% increase over the 1995 total of $309,622,000. Net sales for
1995 were 7% greater than 1994 net sales of $289,734,000. This segment's
increased sales are primarily attributable to foodservice customers as sales to
these accounts have climbed from 38% of segment sales in 1994 to 44% in 1995 and
45% in 1996.

The segment's retail sales of specialty food products over the last three years
have been adversely impacted by increased competitive market conditions,
particularly with respect to pourable salad dressings. For 1995, sales were also
affected by increased lettuce costs paid by consumers during the latter half of
the fiscal year which reduced the demand for salad dressings. Helping to offset
these conditions have been various product line extensions, continued geographic
expansion and business acquisitions such as the Romanoff caviar product line
purchased in July 1993 and the Cardini's salad dressing line acquired in 
November 1995. Foodservice sales have grown during the last two years as a
result of the addition of new customer accounts, the expansion of sales to
existing accounts and the development of new products.

Operating income of this segment totaled $35,579,000 in 1996, a 13% decrease
from the 1995 total of $40,704,000. Segment operating income for 1995 declined
4% from the 1994 total of $42,542,000. Contributing to this decline has been the
increasing proportion of foodservice sales to total segment sales. Such sales
typically provide lower operating margins compared to that of sales made to
retail customers. Further affecting margins has been a combination of generally
higher material costs and pronounced competitive pricing pressures. These latter
conditions generally persist into the first quarter of fiscal 1997.

Segment Review - Automotive

Net sales of the Automotive segment for 1996 totaled $228,555,000, an 8%
decrease from 1995 net sales that totaled $248,184,000. The 1995 sales level
increased 5% from the 1994 total of $235,287,000. The significant growth in new
vehicle sales, particularly light trucks and vans, contributed to this segment's
1995 increase. Adversely affecting 1996 sales growth were several factors
including a generally sluggish aftermarket environment, a shifting in the floor
mat supply arrangements with certain original equipment manufacturers and a
decline in the heavy truck and trailer industry to which the Company is a
leading supplier of splash guards. This segment's decline was reversed in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 as net sales for this segment increased 1% above
the comparable period of 1995. 

For 1996, operating income of the Automotive segment decreased 34% to 
$18,561,000 compared to $28,027,000 recorded in 1995. Compared to 1994 
operating income of $31,305,000,

<PAGE>   5

the 1995 total decreased by 10%. The 1996 margins were affected by the segment's
decline in sales, as well as by lower production levels which resulted in a less
efficient absorption of overhead costs. Somewhat offsetting this impact was a
decline in most raw material costs related to plastic resins. During 1995, these
plastics costs, as well as those related to corrugated, aluminum and rubber
significantly increased over the levels present during 1994.

Sales to original equipment manufacturers comprised 43% of total segment sales
in 1996 compared to 44% in fiscal 1995 and 45% in 1994. As a result, this
segment's sales are sensitive to the overall rate of new vehicle sales. Pricing
flexibility associated with original equipment products also continues to remain
limited as a result of competitive market conditions. Furthermore, as certain
original equipment manufacturers attempt to consolidate the number of direct
"Tier 1" suppliers from which they buy, the Company has become a "Tier 2"
supplier with respect to selected original equipment products. Sales made under
this form of relationship tend be sensitive to the Tier 1 supplier's ongoing
assessment of alternative sourcing opportunities and may also be dependent on
the continuity of the Tier 1 supplier's relationship with the original equipment
manufacturer.

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

The financial condition of the Company remained strong through June 30, 1996.
Cash generated from operations totaled $84,474,000 in fiscal 1996 compared to
$46,725,000 in fiscal 1995. This improvement resulted primarily from increased
net income and a reduced need for investment in working capital growth. As has
been the case in recent years, cash flow from operations continues to be the
primary source of financing the Company's internal growth.

During fiscal 1996, the Company invested a record $50,229,000 in property, plant
and equipment. The majority of this investment was utilized to support growth
opportunities in the Glassware and Candles segment. The single largest such
addition consisted of a new distribution facility which is adjacent to the
existing candle manufacturing facility located in Leesburg, Ohio. Within the new
facility, the use of automated material handling equipment is anticipated to
commence during fiscal 1997. This equipment should provide for enhanced customer
service as well as additional distribution efficiencies. 

Financing activities of the Company during fiscal 1996 included significant
purchases of the Company's common stock. Such purchases totaled $21,457,000 in
fiscal 1996 compared to $17,814,000 in fiscal 1995. Additionally, total
dividends paid on common stock increased to $19,591,000 in 1996 from $16,486,000
in 1995. This increase resulted from the dividend payout rate between these
years increasing 20% from $.55 in fiscal 1995 to $.66 during the past year. The
future levels of share purchases and declared dividends are subject to the
discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and are generally determined
after an assessment is made of

<PAGE>   6

various factors such as anticipated earnings levels, cash flow requirements and
general business conditions.

The total short- and long-term debt of the Company relative to total
capitalization has continued to decline over the last five years as illustrated
in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


      Financial Leverage:                June 30, 1996    %(1)         June 30, 1991    %(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>         <C>               <C>
      Total short- and long-term debt   $  31,840,000      9%          $  86,548,000     38%
                                                                
      Total shareholders' equity          323,563,000     91             139,385,000     62
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Total Capitalization              $ 355,403,000    100%          $ 225,933,000    100%
=============================================================================================
<FN>
         (1) Expressed as a percentage of total capitalization.
</TABLE>

Management believes that this relatively low level of financial leverage
provides considerable flexibility as well as the capability to invest in
businesses which are considered complementary in function to that of the
Company's existing operations. Absent large cash acquisitions, management
anticipates that cash flows from operations, combined with the occasional use of
short-term borrowings available under discretionary bank lines of credit, will
be adequate to meet foreseeable cash requirements. 

As would be expected, many of the Company's ongoing business activities are
subject to compliance with laws subject to the promulgation and oversight by
various Federal, state and local agencies. Principal areas of compliance include
environmental matters, workplace and product safety, and income taxes. With
respect to environmental matters, the Company will continue to incur costs for
regulatory compliance and, upon occasion, remediation. The future level of
anticipated expenditures is not expected to increase materially from present
levels. Reference is made to Note 12 to the accompanying financial statements
for further discussion as to the accounting for such costs.

Impact of Inflation

Generally, on a consolidated basis, material cost changes during 1996 were mixed
and moderate. However, markedly lower level of plastic costs benefited the
Company during fiscal 1996, particularly within the Automotive segment. Soybean
oil, a significant ingredient of the Specialty Foods segment, averaged slightly
lower compared to 1995 levels but stayed at levels significantly greater than
often present in the years before fiscal 1994. During fiscal 1995, a significant
increase in corrugated packaging costs also adversely affected all segments.

The Company generally attempts to adjust its selling prices to offset the
effects of increased raw material costs. However, these adjustments have
historically been difficult to implement on a timely basis relative to the
increase in costs incurred. Minimizing the exposure to such increased costs is
the Company's diversity of operations and its ongoing efforts to achieve greater
manufacturing and distribution efficiencies through the continuous improvement
of work processes.
<PAGE>   7
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Years Ended 1996, 1995 and 1994

The Company operates in three business segments - Specialty Foods, Glassware and
Candles, and Automotive. The net sales of each segment are principally domestic.
A further description of each business segment follows:

SPECIALTY FOODS--includes production and marketing of a family of pourable and
refrigerated produce salad dressings, sauces, refrigerated produce vegetable
dips, chip dips, dairy snacks and desserts, dry and frozen egg noodles, caviar,
frozen ready-to-bake pies and frozen hearth-baked breads. The salad dressings,
sauces and frozen bread products are sold to both retail and foodservice
markets. The remaining products of this business segment are primarily directed
to retail markets.

GLASSWARE AND CANDLES--includes the production and marketing of table and
giftware consisting of domestic glassware, both machine pressed and machine
blown, imported glassware and candles in all popular sizes, shapes and scents;
industrial glass and lighting components; and glass floral containers. The
Company's glass and candle products are sold primarily to mass merchandisers,
discount and department stores.

AUTOMOTIVE--includes production and marketing of rubber, vinyl and
carpet-on-rubber car mats both for original equipment manufacturers and
importers and for the auto aftermarket; truck and trailer splash guards; pickup
truck bed mats and liners; aluminum running boards for pickup trucks and vans;
and a broad line of auto accessories.

Operating income represents net sales less operating expenses related to the
business segments. Expenses of a general corporate nature, including interest
expense and income taxes, have not been allocated to the business segments.
Identifiable assets for each segment include those assets used in its operations
and intangible assets allocated to purchased businesses. Corporate assets
consist principally of cash, cash equivalents and deferred income taxes.

The 1996 and 1995 capital expenditures of the Specialty Foods segment includes
property relating to business acquisitions totaling $213,000 and $36,000,
respectively. The 1995 capital expenditures of the Automotive segment includes
property relating to business acquisitions totaling $1,500,000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

The following sets forth certain financial information attributable to the
Company's business segments for the three years ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and
1994:

(Dollars in Thousands)                     1996            1995            1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>               <C>            <C>      
NET SALES
  Specialty Foods                       $   329,420       $ 309,622      $ 289,734
  Glassware and Candles                     297,937         237,320        196,711
  Automotive                                228,555         248,184        235,287
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                               $   855,912       $ 795,126      $ 721,732
====================================================================================
OPERATING INCOME
  Specialty Foods                       $    35,579       $  40,704      $  42,542
  Glassware and Candles                      76,068          52,147         31,353
  Automotive                                 18,561          28,027         31,305
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                   130,208         120,878        105,200
  Corporate expenses                         (6,987)         (6,070)        (7,107)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Income Before Income Taxes          $   123,221       $ 114,808      $  98,093
====================================================================================
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
  Specialty Foods                       $   102,606       $  79,297      $  71,274
  Glassware and Candles                     205,232         155,484        136,789
  Automotive                                113,003         126,654        108,597
  Corporate                                  14,518          18,469         38,785
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                               $   435,359       $ 379,904      $ 355,445
====================================================================================
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
  Specialty Foods                       $     8,856       $   6,582      $   4,516
  Glassware and Candles                      33,038          17,182         11,565
  Automotive                                  8,501           9,473          7,419
  Corporate                                      47              44             32
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                               $    50,442       $  33,281      $  23,532
====================================================================================
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
  Specialty Foods                       $     4,753       $   4,439      $   3,512
  Glassware and Candles                      10,767           9,802         10,027
  Automotive                                  8,749           8,338          8,778
  Corporate                                     130             138             86
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                               $    24,399       $  22,717      $  22,403
====================================================================================

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   8

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Thousands Except Per Share Figures)         1996            1995           1994           1993            1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>      
OPERATIONS
Net Sales                                  $855,912        $795,126       $721,732       $630,627        $555,793
Gross Margin                               $263,952        $247,942       $232,096       $203,106        $175,226
  Percent of sales                             30.8%           31.2%          32.2%          32.2%           31.5%
Interest Expense                           $  2,875        $  2,736       $  2,849       $  3,625        $  5,584
  Percent of sales                              0.3%            0.3%           0.4%          0.6%             1.0%
Income Before Income Taxes                 $123,221        $114,808       $ 98,093       $ 74,319        $ 53,852
  Percent of sales                             14.4%           14.4%          13.6%          11.8%            9.7%
Taxes Based on Income                      $ 47,086        $ 44,284       $ 38,233       $ 28,094        $ 21,481
Net Income                                 $ 76,135        $ 70,524       $ 59,860       $ 46,225        $ 32,371
  Percent of sales                              8.9%            8.9%           8.3%           7.3%            5.8%
Per Common Share:(1) 
  Net income                               $   2.56        $   2.35       $   1.97       $   1.52        $   1.06
  Cash dividends                           $   0.66        $   0.55       $   0.44       $   0.37        $   0.32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION
Total Assets                               $435,359        $379,904       $355,445       $302,050        $289,951
Working Capital                            $203,988        $189,255       $163,546       $126,648        $ 97,007
Property, Plant and Equipment--Net         $139,095        $113,187       $101,570       $ 98,597        $ 99,457
Long-Term Debt                             $ 31,230        $ 31,840       $ 32,933       $ 34,586        $ 39,984
Property Additions                         $ 50,229        $ 31,745       $ 23,532       $ 18,921        $ 17,040
Provision for Depreciation                 $ 22,007        $ 20,440       $ 20,145       $ 19,486        $ 18,821
Shareholders' Equity                       $323,563        $277,148       $236,847       $192,010        $159,416
  Per Common Share(1)                      $  10.94        $   9.29       $   7.83       $   6.34        $   5.25
Weighted Average
  Common Shares Outstanding(1)               29,749          30,038         30,317         30,483          30,502
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATISTICS
Price-Earnings Ratio at Year End               14.6            15.2           18.0           18.9            15.5
Current Ratio                                   3.9             4.1            3.2            3.1             2.3
Long-Term Debt as
  a Percent of Shareholders' Equity             9.7%           11.5%          13.9%          18.0%           25.1%
Dividends Paid as a Percent
  of Net Income                                25.7%           23.4%          22.3%          24.5%           30.5%
Return on Average Equity                       25.3%           27.4%          27.9%          26.3%           21.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
(1) Adjusted for 4-for-3 stock splits paid July 1994 and April 1993 and the
    3-for-2 stock split paid April 1992. 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   9

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders and Directors of Lancaster Colony Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lancaster Colony
Corporation and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1996. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Lancaster Colony Corporation and
its subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
June 30, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
August 28, 1996
<PAGE>   10

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 Years Ended June 30

                                                                  1996                  1995                1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                    <C>                   <C>          
NET SALES                                                  $    855,912,000       $  795,126,000        $ 721,732,000
COST OF SALES                                                   591,960,000          547,184,000          489,636,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS MARGIN                                                    263,952,000          247,942,000          232,096,000
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES                    138,206,000          131,424,000          131,428,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME                                                125,746,000          116,518,000          100,668,000
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest expense                                               (2,875,000)          (2,736,000)          (2,849,000)
  Interest income and other--net                                    350,000            1,026,000              274,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                      123,221,000          114,808,000           98,093,000
TAXES BASED ON INCOME                                            47,086,000           44,284,000           38,233,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                                 $     76,135,000       $   70,524,000        $  59,860,000
======================================================================================================================
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE                                           $2.56                $2.35                $1.97
======================================================================================================================
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING                       29,749,000           30,038,000           30,317,000
======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE>   11
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
As of June 30, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                               June 30
ASSETS                                                                           1996                         1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>                         <C>           
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and equivalents                                                      $      4,670,000            $    8,239,000
  Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts,
     1996--$2,131,000; 1995--$1,947,000)                                         105,403,000                88,416,000
  Inventories:
    Raw materials and supplies                                                    33,148,000                34,020,000
    Finished goods and work in process                                           118,447,000               107,866,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total inventories                                                          151,595,000               141,886,000
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                       11,674,000                11,226,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total current assets                                                    273,342,000               249,767,000
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
  Land, buildings and improvements                                                82,882,000                73,371,000
  Machinery and equipment                                                        234,013,000               209,154,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total cost                                                                 316,895,000               282,525,000
  Less accumulated depreciation                                                  177,800,000               169,338,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Property, plant and equipment--net                                      139,095,000               113,187,000
OTHER ASSETS:
  Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization,
     1996--$4,562,000; 1995--$3,757,000)                                          20,715,000                13,761,000
  Other Assets                                                                     2,207,000                 3,189,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL                                                            $    435,359,000            $  379,904,000
=======================================================================================================================

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt                                         $        610,000            $    1,026,000
  Accounts payable                                                                34,303,000                26,322,000
  Accrued liabilities                                                             34,441,000                33,164,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total current liabilities                                                69,354,000                60,512,000
LONG-TERM DEBT--Less current portion                                              31,230,000                31,840,000
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES                                                       7,714,000                 8,223,000
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                              3,498,000                 2,181,000
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock--authorized 2,650,000 shares;
    Outstanding--none
  Common stock--authorized 35,000,000 shares;                                     38,491,000                28,086,000
    Shares outstanding, 1996-- 29,563,401; 1995-- 29,829,000
  Retained earnings                                                              337,153,000               280,538,000
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                                             75,000                   501,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                                                      375,719,000               309,125,000
  Less:
    Common stock in treasury, at cost                                             50,877,000                29,420,000
    Amount due from ESOP                                                           1,279,000                 2,557,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total shareholders' equity                                              323,563,000               277,148,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL                                                            $    435,359,000            $  379,904,000
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                                                      
                                                        



                                
<PAGE>   12


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                Years Ended June 30
                                                                         1996           1995            1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>             <C>        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income                                                         $76,135,000     $70,524,000     $59,860,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
        to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                     24,399,000      22,717,000      22,403,000
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable                        2,089,000         614,000       1,029,000
    Deferred income taxes and other noncash charges                     (190,000)     (2,086,000)       (437,000)
    Loss on sale of property                                             233,000         235,000         254,000
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Receivables                                                    (18,478,000)     (7,273,000)    (13,792,000)
      Inventories                                                     (8,982,000)    (23,475,000)    (20,752,000)
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets                          334,000      (1,061,000)        216,000
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                         8,934,000     (13,470,000)     12,311,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                     84,474,000      46,725,000      61,092,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Payments on property additions                                     (50,229,000)    (31,745,000)    (23,532,000)
  Acquisitions net of cash acquired                                                   (5,054,000)     (5,438,000)
  Proceeds from sale of property                                       1,784,000       1,002,000         412,000
  Other--net                                                            (638,000)     (1,420,000)     (1,506,000)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Net cash used in investing activities                        (49,083,000)    (37,217,000)    (30,064,000)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Payment of dividends                                               (19,591,000)    (16,486,000)    (13,378,000)
  Purchase of treasury stock                                         (21,457,000)    (17,814,000)     (7,718,000)
  Payments on long-term debt                                          (1,026,000)     (1,368,000)     (2,149,000)
  Reduction of ESOP debt                                               1,278,000       1,279,000       1,278,000
  Common stock issued, including stock issued upon
     exercise of stock options and related tax benefit                 1,785,000       2,649,000       4,865,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Net cash used in financing activities                        (39,011,000)    (31,740,000)    (17,102,000)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                   51,000          48,000          (5,000)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in cash and equivalents                                    (3,569,000)    (22,184,000)     13,921,000
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year                              8,239,000      30,423,000      16,502,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and equivalents at end of year                                  $ 4,670,000     $ 8,239,000     $30,423,000
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<PAGE>   13

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Years Ended June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                           Foreign
                                                                                          Currency                           Amount
                                        Outstanding          Common      Retained        Translation       Treasury        due from
                                          Shares              Stock      Earnings        Adjustment          Stock            ESOP
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>             <C>          <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>        
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1993                    22,716,680      $20,572,000  $179,835,000       $605,000       $ 3,888,000     $5,114,000
Year Ended June 30, 1994 :
  Net income                                                             59,860,000
  Cash dividends--common stock
    ($.4425 per share)                                                  (13,378,000)
  Purchase of treasury shares               (189,000)                                                      7,718,000
  Shares issued upon exercise of stock
    options including related tax benefits   146,340        4,865,000
  Tax benefit of cash dividends paid
    on ESOP unallocated shares                                               95,000
  Reduction of ESOP debt                                                                                                 (1,278,000)
  Translation adjustment                                                                  (165,000)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1994                    22,674,020       25,437,000   226,412,000        440,000        11,606,000      3,836,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended June 30, 1995 :
  Net income                                                             70,524,000
  Cash dividends--common stock
    ($.55 per share)                                                    (16,465,000)
  Purchase of treasury shares               (530,800)                                                     17,814,000
  Shares issued upon exercise of stock
    options including related tax benefits   130,026        2,649,000
  Shares issued in connection with
    four-for-three stock split             7,555,754
  Cash paid in lieu of fractional
    shares in connection with
    four-for-three stock split                                              (21,000)
  Tax benefit of cash dividends paid
    on ESOP unallocated shares                                               88,000
  Reduction of ESOP debt                                                                                                 (1,279,000)
  Translation adjustment                                                                    61,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1995                    29,829,000       28,086,000   280,538,000        501,000        29,420,000      2,557,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended June 30, 1996 :
  Net income                                                             76,135,000
  Cash dividends--common stock
    ($.66 per share)                                                    (19,591,000)
  Purchase of treasury shares               (601,955)                                                     21,457,000
  Shares issued upon exercise of stock
    options including related tax benefits    63,629        1,405,000
  Tax benefit of cash dividends paid
    on ESOP unallocated shares                                               71,000
  Shares issued in business acquisition      272,727        9,000,000
  Reduction of ESOP debt                                                                                                 (1,278,000)
  Translation adjustment                                                                  (426,000)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1996                    29,563,401      $38,491,000  $337,153,000        $75,000       $50,877,000     $1,279,000
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                        
     
<PAGE>   14

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Principles of Consolidation 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of 
Lancaster Colony Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively 
referred to as the "Company." All significant intercompany transactions have 
been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as their related
disclosures. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company uses the straight-line method of computing depreciation for
financial reporting purposes based on the estimated useful lives of the
corresponding assets. Estimated useful lives for land, buildings and
improvements range from ten to forty years while machinery and equipment range
from three to ten years. For tax purposes, the Company generally computes
depreciation using accelerated methods.

Goodwill

For financial reporting purposes goodwill is being amortized over fifteen to
forty years, with the exception of $2,243,000 which relates to a company
acquired prior to November 1, 1970. Such amount is not being amortized as, in
the opinion of management, there has been no diminution in value. Management
periodically evaluates the future economic benefit of its recorded goodwill and
appropriately adjusts such amounts when determined to have been impaired.

Revenue Recognition

Net sales and related cost of sales are recognized upon shipment of products.
Net sales are recorded net of estimated sales discounts and returns.

Per Share Information

Net income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of
shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (stock options) outstanding
during each period.

On July 20, 1994, a four-for-three stock split was effected whereby one
additional common share was issued for each three shares outstanding to
shareholders of record on June 20, 1994. Accordingly, net income per common
share and all other per share information appearing in the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted for this
split where appropriate.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable.
The Company places its cash equivalents with high-quality institutions and, by
policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution.
Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is
limited by the Company having a large diverse customer base.

Business Segments

The business segments information for 1996, 1995 and 1994 included on page 11 of
this Annual Report is an integral part of these financial statements.

 
2. ACQUISITIONS

During fiscal 1996 the Company acquired all of the common stock of a specialty
foods marketer of upscale salad dressings via a stock-for-stock transaction.
This transaction resulted in the issuance of approximately 273,000 shares of
Lancaster Colony Corporation common stock having a fair market value of
approximately $9,000,000 in exchange for cash of $380,000 and other assets and
liabilities having a fair market value of $1,718,000 and $825,000, respectively.
During fiscal 1995 the Company

<PAGE>   15


acquired the net operating assets of automotive and specialty foods entities for
cash of approximately $4,500,000 and $554,000, respectively. All such
acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the
non-cash aspects of the fiscal 1996 acquisition have been excluded from the
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The results of operations of
these entities have been included in the consolidated financial statements from
the date of acquisition and are immaterial in relation to the consolidated
totals.

3.   INVENTORIES 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventories which
comprise approximately 21% and 25% of total inventories at June 30, 1996 and
1995 are costed on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. Inventories which are
costed by various other methods approximate actual cost on a first-in, first-out
(FIFO) basis. If the FIFO method (which approximates current cost) of inventory
accounting had been used for inventories costed on a LIFO basis, these
inventories would have been $14,014,000 and $12,025,000 higher than reported at
June 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

It is not practicable to segregate work in process from finished goods
inventories. Management estimates, however, that work in process inventories
amount to 10% or less of the combined total of finished goods and work in
process inventories at June 30, 1996 and 1995.

4.   SHORT-TERM BANK LOANS

Short-term bank loans (generally for terms not exceeding ninety days) represent
unsecured borrowings under various credit arrangements. As of June 30, 1996,
1995 and 1994, the Company had unused lines of credit for short-term borrowings
from various banks of $199,000,000, $154,000,000 and $169,000,000, respectively.
The lines of credit are granted at the discretion of the lending banks and are
generally subject to periodic review. As of June 30, 1996 and 1995, the Company
had no short-term borrowings under its line of credit arrangements.

5.   ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities at June 30, 1996 and 1995 are composed of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 (Dollars in Thousands)                                    1996              1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>     
 Income and other taxes                                  $ 2,297             $ 2,768
 Accrued compensation and employee benefits               22,747              19,533
 Accrued marketing and distribution                        4,894               4,724
 Other                                                     4,503               6,139
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total accrued liabilities                               $34,441             $33,164
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>
6.  LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt (including current portion) at June 30, 1996 and 1995 consists
of:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in Thousands)                                   1996                 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                 <C>    
 Notes payable (8.9%, due in February 2000)              $25,000             $25,000
 Obligations with various industrial development
     authorities-collateralized by real estate
     and equipment:
     Floating rate due in installments to 2005             5,405               5,890
     7%, due in installments to 2003                       1,360               1,500
 Other (2% to 15.6%, due in installments to 1996)             75                 476
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                                    31,840              32,866
 Less current portion                                        610               1,026
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Long-term debt                                          $31,230             $31,840
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>

The net book value of property subject to lien at June 30, 1996 was
approximately $2,683,000. No material debt was assumed for the purchase of
property additions in 1996, 1995 and 1994. Cash payments for interest were
$2,875,000, $2,739,000 and $2,868,000 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Various debt agreements require the maintenance of certain financial statement
amounts and ratios, including a requirement to maintain a specified minimum net
worth, as defined. At June 30, 1996, the Company exceeded this net worth
requirement by approximately $88,088,000.

<PAGE>   16

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

 Long-term debt matures as follows:                     (Dollars in Thousands)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Year ending June 30:
<S>                                                                  <C>      
   1997                                                              $   610
   1998                                                                  545
   1999                                                                  650
   2000                                                               25,660
   2001                                                                  675
   After 2001                                                          3,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                            $31,840
==============================================================================
</TABLE>

Based on the borrowing rates currently available for long-term debt with
similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of total long-term debt is
approximately $32,785,000 and $34,566,000 at June 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

7. INCOME TAXES

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income
tax return. Taxes based on income have been provided as follows: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in Thousands)                                 1996           1995         1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>     
Currently payable:                                    
 Federal                                             $40,476        $40,163       $35,441
 State and local                                       5,863          6,425         5,265
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current provision                               46,339         46,588        40,706
Deferred Federal, state and local provision (credit)     747         (2,304)       (2,473)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total taxes based on income                          $47,086        $44,284       $38,233
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>


Tax expense resulting from allocating certain tax benefits directly to common
stock and retained earnings totaled $427,000, $193,000 and $455,000 for 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate varies from the
statutory Federal income tax rate as a result of the following factors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             1996              1995            1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>              <C>             <C>  
Statutory rate                35.0%            35.0%           35.0%
State and local income taxes   3.0              3.5             3.3 
Change in Federal tax rate                                      0.3 
Other                          0.2              0.1             0.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective rate                38.2%            38.6%           39.0%
====================================================================
</TABLE>

Deferred income taxes recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at 
June 30, 1996 and 1995 consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in Thousands)                                     1996                1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>   
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
  Inventories                                            $4,910              $4,424
  Employee medical and other benefits                     4,525               4,557
  Receivable valuation allowances                         1,545               1,424
  Other accrued liabilities                               1,112               1,482
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets                                12,092              11,887
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities - Property and other      (6,390)             (5,468)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax asset                                   $5,702              $6,419
====================================================================================
</TABLE>

Cash payments for income taxes were $46,547,000, $51,529,000 and $39,354,000
for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

8. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Company is authorized to issue 2,650,000 shares of preferred stock
consisting of 350,000 shares of Class A Participating Preferred Stock with $1.00
par value, 1,150,000 shares of Class B Voting Preferred Stock without par value
and 1,150,000 shares of Class C Nonvoting Preferred Stock without par value. 

In April 1990, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a Rights Agreement
which provides for one preferred share purchase right to be associated with each
share of the Company's outstanding common stock. Shareholders exercising these
rights would  become entitled to purchase shares of Class A

<PAGE>   17

Participating Preferred Stock. The rights may be exercised on or after the time
when a person or group of persons without the approval of the Board of
Directors acquire beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the Company's
common stock or announce the initiation of a tender or exchange offer which if
successful would cause such person or group to beneficially own 30 percent or
more of the common stock. Such exercise may ultimately entitle the holders of
the rights to purchase for $70 per right common stock of the Company having a
market value of $140. The person or groups effecting such 15 percent
acquisition or undertaking such tender offer will not be entitled to exercise
any rights. These rights expire April 2000 unless earlier redeemed by the
Company under circumstances permitted by the Rights Agreement.

In August 1995, as approved by the Board of Directors the Company purchased
250,000 shares of common stock from the estate of the Chief Executive Officer's
father, a founder and former Chairman of the Company. The shares are being held
in treasury and were acquired at a purchase price of $35.81 per share, which
approximated the quoted closing price of the common stock as of the date of
purchase.

9. STOCK OPTIONS  

Under terms of an incentive stock option plan approved by the shareholders in
November 1995, the Company has reserved 2,000,000 common shares for issuance to
qualified key employees. All options granted under the plan are exercisable at
prices not less than fair market value as of the date of grant. At June 30,
1996, all such shares were available for future grants under the plan. 

The following summarizes for each of the three years in  the period ended June
30, 1996 the activity relating to stock options granted under a separate plan
that expired in May 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               Number of                     Option Price
Options                         Shares                Per Share          Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>               <C>                   <C>       
Outstanding-June 30, 1993       418,871           $   7.50-28.15      $8,767,000
 Exercised                     (195,119)          $   7.50-25.59      (4,505,000)
 Forfeited                         (729)          $        25.59        (19,000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding-June 30, 1994       223,023           $   7.50-28.15       4,243,000
 Granted                        216,600           $  33.38-36.71       7,236,000
 Exercised                     (130,026)          $   7.50-33.38      (2,544,000)
 Forfeited                       (3,554)          $  25.59-28.15         (99,000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding-June 30, 1995       306,043           $   7.50-36.71       8,836,000
 Exercised                      (80,478)          $   7.50-33.38      (1,674,000)
 Forfeited                       (2,150)          $        33.38         (72,000)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding-June 30, 1996       223,415           $  25.59-36.71      $7,090,000
================================================================================
</TABLE>


The stock options outstanding at June 30, 1996 expire as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      Number of
January                                                                 Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
 1997                                                                   135,416
 1999                                                                    10,000
 2000                                                                     6,795
 2002                                                                    47,999
 2005                                                                    23,205
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                   223,415
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Company accounts for stock options in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting For Stock Issued to Employees." In October 1995, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," effective in fiscal 1997.
As permitted by SFAS 123, the Company will continue to account for stock
options under APB 25 and provide the necessary disclosures required by SFAS 123
in the notes to its consolidated financial statements.

10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans:  

The Company and certain of its operating subsidiaries sponsor five
noncontributory defined benefit plans which cover the union workers at such
locations. Additionally, the Company and certain of its operating subsidiaries
participate in two multiemployer defined benefit plans covering the union
workers at such locations. Benefits under these plans are primarily based on
negotiated rates and years of service. The Company contributes to these pension
funds at least the minimum amount required by regulation or contract.


<PAGE>   18

Net pension cost relating to these plans for each of the three years in the
period ended June 30, 1996 is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in Thousands)                                   1996              1995             1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>                  <C> 
Company sponsored plans-
 Service cost - benefits earned during the period     $   472          $    507          $   556
 Interest cost on projected benefit obligations         1,662             1,507            1,442
 Actual return on pension plan assets                  (2,895)           (2,984)            (460)
 Net amortization and deferrals                           889             1,130           (1,438)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net pension cost for Company plans                    128               160              100
Multiemployer plans                                       806               594              487
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net pension cost                                  $   934          $    754          $   587
================================================================================================
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes the funded status of the Company's plans at June
30, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in Thousands)                                         1996           1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>    
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
 Vested benefits                                              $22,743        $22,215
====================================================================================
 Accumulated benefit obligation                               $22,846        $22,223
====================================================================================
Projected benefit obligation                                  $22,846        $22,223
Plan assets at fair value                                      25,803         23,792
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excess of assets over projected benefit obligation              2,957          1,569
Unrecognized net gain                                          (2,827)        (1,879)
Unrecognized prior service costs                                1,045          1,103
Remaining unrecognized net transition obligation                  271            303
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net recorded pension asset                                     $1,446         $1,096
====================================================================================
</TABLE>


The majority of plan assets are invested in bonds, short-term investments and
common stock including shares of the Company's common stock with a market value
of $3,476,000, $3,325,000 and $3,296,000 as of June 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The weighted average discount rates used in determining the
projected benefit obligation for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 7.50%, 7.25% and
7.70%, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was 9.0%
for the three years.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan:

The Company sponsors an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In April 1990, the
Company loaned $10,000,000 to the ESOP for the purpose of purchasing the
Company's common stock in furtherance of the objectives of the Plan. The Company
funded this transaction primarily through short-term bank borrowings. With the
proceeds and as adjusted for all stock splits since April 1990, the ESOP
effectively purchased 1,194,390 shares of the Company's common stock in the open
market.

The ESOP is fully paid by the Company and generally provides coverage to all
domestic employees, except those covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Contributions to the ESOP are to be not less than that required by the terms of
the loan agreement between the Company and the ESOP. The Company uses the
shares-allocated method of accounting in determining the amount of expense
related to each contribution.

As of June 30, 1996, the amount due from the ESOP is recorded as a reduction in
shareholders' equity and represents the Company's prepayment of future
contributions to the ESOP. This amount will be expensed over the next year.
Dividends accumulated on the Company's unallocated common stock held by the ESOP
are used to repay the loan to the Company. Accordingly, the pretax expense
associated with 1996, 1995 and 1994 totaled $1,077,000, $1,027,000 and
$1,008,000, which is net of dividends of $201,000, $252,000 and $270,000 on the
unallocated shares, respectively.

In November 1993, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued Statement
of Position 93-6, "Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans."
This Statement will not effect the Company's accounting treatment of existing
shares purchased by the ESOP discussed above. However, any future purchases of
the Company's stock by the ESOP will require the adoption of this Statement.

<PAGE>   19


Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions:

In addition to pension benefits, the Company also provides certain employees
other postretirement benefits including health care and life insurance
coverage. As of June 30, 1996, the Company provides such coverage under three
active benefit plans of which two relate to collectively bargained benefits. In
general, all eligible employees are entitled to receive medical and life
insurance benefits upon meeting certain age and service requirements at the
time of their retirement. 

The Company recognizes the cost of postretirement medical and life insurance
benefits as the employees render service in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 106. Relevant information with
respect to these postretirement benefits as of June 30, 1996 and 1995 can be
summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in Thousands)                                                   1996               1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                 <C>   
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
 Retired participants                                                  $1,920             $1,845
 Fully eligible active plan participants                                  243                280
 Other active plan participants                                           895                992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                                                                3,058              3,117
Unrecognized net loss from past experience and 
 changes in assumptions                                                   (62)              (266)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued postretirement benefit cost                                    $2,996             $2,851
================================================================================================
Net postretirement benefit cost:
 Service cost                                                          $  111             $   74
 Interest cost                                                            226                167
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                                                               $  337             $  241
================================================================================================
Estimated effect of 1% increase in assumed medical cost trend rates:
  Increase in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation            $  245             $  248
================================================================================================
  Increase in net periodic postretirement benefit cost                 $   50             $   37 
================================================================================================
Assumed weighted average discount rate                                  7.50%              7.25% 
================================================================================================
</TABLE>

For 1995 and 1996, annual increases in medical costs are initially assumed to
total approximately 9% per year and gradually declining to 5% by approximately
the year 2003.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries participate in two multiemployer
plans that provide various postretirement health and welfare benefits to the
union workers at such locations. The Company's contributions required by its
participation in the multiemployer plans totaled $1,463,000, $1,174,000 and
$996,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

11. COMMITMENTS   

The Company has operating leases with initial noncancelable lease terms in
excess of one year, covering the rental of various facilities and equipment,
which expire at various dates through fiscal 2002. Certain of these leases
contain renewal options, some provide options to purchase during the lease term
and some require contingent rentals based on usage. The future minimum rental
commitments due under these leases are summarized as follows (in thousands):
1997-$4,737; 1998-$3,530; 1999-$1,312; 2000-$453; 2001-$217; thereafter-$86. 

Total rent expense, including short-term cancelable leases, during 1996, 1995
and 1994 is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Dollars in thousands)                               1996                1995              1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>                  <C>               <C>   
Operating leases:
  Minimum rentals                                  $4,393               $4,225            $4,006
  Contingent rentals                                  579                  457               306
Short-term cancelable leases                        2,330                2,288             1,550
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                              $7,302               $6,970            $5,862
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>
12. CONTINGENCIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

At June 30, 1996, the Company is a party to various legal and environmental
matters which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Such matters did
not have a material adverse effect on the current year results of operations
and, in the opinion of management, their ultimate disposition will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's future consolidated financial position
or results of operations.

Environmental expenditures relating to current or past operations are expensed
in the period incurred. Expenditures relating to future operations are
capitalized, provided they are recoverable and serve to improve the property.
The Company records an estimate for contingent and environmental liabilities
when costs are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company
periodically evaluates and revises such estimates based upon expenditures
against such reserves and the availability of additional relevant information.

<PAGE>   20

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
Lancaster Colony Corporation and Subsidiaries
For the Years Ended June 30, 1996 and 1995


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(Thousands Except             Net             Gross            Net              Earnings               Stock Prices   Dividends Paid
 Per Share Figures)          Sales            Margin          Income           Per Share            High          Low      Per Share
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>              <C>               <C>                 <C>             <C>          <C>             <C> 
1996
First quarter              $200,902         $ 59,319          $15,408             $ .52           $37.750      $33.500         $.15
Second quarter              239,055           75,621           22,369               .75            38.000       31.000          .17
Third quarter               200,459           60,308           17,767               .60            39.250       36.250          .17
Fourth quarter              215,496           68,704           20,591               .69            38.500       33.000          .17
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Year                    $855,912         $263,952          $76,135             $2.56           $39.250      $31.000         $.66
====================================================================================================================================
1995
First quarter              $189,130         $ 57,016          $15,320             $ .51           $39.250      $32.750         $.12
Second quarter              225,248           69,944           19,981               .66            35.625       28.250          .14
Third quarter               191,975           59,205           16,413               .55            36.750       28.750          .14
Fourth quarter              188,773           61,777           18,810               .63            37.250       34.000          .15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Year                    $795,126         $247,942          $70,524             $2.35           $39.250      $28.250         $.55
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Lancaster Colony common shares are traded in the Nasdaq National Market System
(Nasdaq Symbol: LANC). Stock quotations were obtained from the National
Association of Securities Dealers. The number of shareholders as of August 30,
1996 was approximately 9,000.



<PAGE>   1




                                                                      Exhibit 21


                           LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
                      SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
                      --------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    State or Province         Percent of
       Name                          of Incorporation         Ownership
       ----                          ----------------         ---------
<S>                                      <C>                     <C>
Colony Printing & Labeling, Inc.         Indiana                 100%
Dee Zee, Inc.                            Ohio                    100%
Fostoria Glass Company                   West Virginia           100%
Indiana Glass Company                    Indiana                 100%
LRV Acquisition Corp.                    Ohio                    100%
LaGrange Molded Products, Inc.           Delaware                100%
Lancaster Colony Commercial
 Products, Inc.                          Ohio                    100%
Lancaster Glass Corporation              Ohio                    100%
New York Frozen Foods, Inc.              Ohio                    100%
Pretty Products, Inc.                    Ohio                    100%
T. Marzetti Company                      Ohio                    100%
The Quality Bakery Company, Inc.         Ohio                    100%
Reames Foods, Inc.                       Iowa                    100%
Waycross Molded Products, Inc.           Ohio                    100%
</TABLE>

All subsidiaries conduct their business under the names shown.



<PAGE>   1



                                                                      Exhibit 23









INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
- -----------------------------



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No.
33-39102 and 333-01275 of Lancaster Colony Corporation on Form S-8 of our
reports dated August 28, 1996, appearing in and incorporated by reference in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lancaster Colony Corporation for the year
ended June 30, 1996.



/S/ Deloitte & Touche LLP



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Columbus, Ohio
September 23, 1996


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                           4,670
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  107,534
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,131
<INVENTORY>                                    151,595
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               273,342
<PP&E>                                         316,895
<DEPRECIATION>                                 177,800
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 435,359
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           69,354
<BONDS>                                         31,230
<COMMON>                                        38,491
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     285,072
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   435,359
<SALES>                                        855,912
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               855,912
<CGS>                                          591,960
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  591,960
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,875
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                123,221
<INCOME-TAX>                                    47,086
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             76,135
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    76,135
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.56
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission