MONARCH CEMENT CO
10-K, 1999-03-22
CONCRETE, GYPSUM & PLASTER PRODUCTS
Previous: MINNESOTA POWER INC, DEF 14A, 1999-03-22
Next: MONEY MARKET MANAGEMENT, 24F-2NT, 1999-03-22



                                  FORM 10-K
                      Securities and Exchange Commission
                           Washington, D.C.  20549

(Mark One)
[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
      For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
                                      OR
[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
      For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 0-2757

                          THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY               
            (Exact name of registrant, as specified in its charter)

          Kansas                                           48-0340590         
(State of incorporation)                         (IRS employer identification)

                 P.O. Box 1000, Humboldt, Kansas 66748-1000          
         (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  316-473-2225
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Class:  Capital Stock, par value $2.50 per share
                 Class B Capital Stock, par value $2.50 per share

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  X      No______

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the average bid and
ask prices of such shares on February 26, 1999, was $63,549,580.

As of February 26, 1999, the registrant had outstanding 2,281,224 shares of
Capital Stock, par value $2.50 per share, and 1,886,672 shares of Class B
Capital Stock, par value $2.50 per share.  

                     DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference into the
indicated parts of this report: (1) the registrant's annual report to
stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1998 - Parts I, II and IV of Form
10-K and (2) the registrant's definitive proxy statement prepared in
connection with the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on April 14,
1999 - Part III of Form 10-K.




<PAGE>
                                    PART I

Item 1.   Business

          Reference is hereby made to pages 4 and 5 of registrant's 1998
annual report to stockholders (filed herewith as Exhibit 13) for a description
of registrant's business, including information regarding industry segments.
Such information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.  In addition,
registrant submits the following information:

          The registrant did not introduce any new products nor begin to do
business in a new industry segment during 1998.

          The registrant owns and operates a quarry located adjacent to the
Humboldt, Kansas plant which contains all essential raw materials presently
used by the registrant.  The registrant's total reserves, including this
quarry and other property located near the plant, are estimated to be
sufficient to maintain operations at the Humboldt plant's present capacity for
approximately 35 years.  

          The registrant's products are marketed under registered trademarks
using the name "MONARCH".  The registrant's operations are not materially
dependent on any trademarks, franchises, patents or on any licenses relating
to the use thereof.

          Due to inclement construction weather in the registrant's market
area during January, February and March, normally about 85% of the
registrant's sales occur in April through December.

          It is necessary for the registrant to invest a significant portion
of its working capital in inventories.  At December 31, 1998 the registrant
had inventories as follows:

<TABLE>
              <S>                                  <C>
              Cement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,634,302
              Work in process. . . . . . . . . . .   1,703,942
              Fuel, gypsum and other materials . .   3,083,798
              Operating and maintenance supplies .   7,082,948
                        Total. . . . . . . . . . . $13,504,990
</TABLE>

          The registrant is heavily dependent upon the construction industry
and is directly affected by the level of activity in that industry.  However,
no customer accounted for 10% or more of the registrant's consolidated net
revenue during 1998, 1997 or 1996. 

          Backlog of customers' orders is not a material factor in the
registrant's business.

          The registrant has no contracts which are subject to renegotiation
of profits or termination thereof at the election of the government.

          The manufacture and sale of cement and ready-mixed concrete are
extremely competitive enterprises.  A number of producers, including several
nationwide manufacturers, compete for business with the registrant in its
market area.  The registrant is not a significant factor in the nationwide
portland cement or ready-mixed concrete business but does constitute a
significant market factor for cement in its market area.  Cement generally is
produced to meet standard specifications and there is little differentiation
between the products sold by the registrant and its competitors.  Accordingly,
competition exists primarily in the areas of price and customer service.

          The registrant did not spend a material amount in the last three
fiscal years on registrant sponsored research and development.  However, the
registrant is a member of the Portland Cement Association which conducts
research for the cement industry.

          Registrant has, during the past several years, made substantial
capital expenditures for pollution control equipment.  The registrant also
incurs normal operating and maintenance expenditures in connection with its
pollution control equipment.

          At December 31, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries employed
approximately 465 hourly (production) employees and 115 salaried employees,
which included plant supervisory personnel, sales and executive staff.

          All of the registrant's operations and sales are in one geographic
area.


Item 2.   Properties

          The registrant's corporate offices and cement plant, including
equipment and raw materials are located at Humboldt, Kansas, approximately 110
miles southwest of Kansas City, Missouri.  The registrant owns approximately
3,000 acres of land on which the Humboldt plant, offices and all essential raw
materials are located.  Raw material reserves are estimated to be sufficient
to maintain operations at this plant's present capacity for approximately 35
years.  The registrant believes that this plant and equipment are suitable and
adequate for its current level of operations.  This plant has a present annual
capacity of 725,000 tons of cement.

          The registrant also owns approximately 250 acres of land in
Des Moines, Iowa on which a formerly operated cement plant is located.  Due to
its age and condition and other economic factors, the registrant discontinued
full-line production of cement at this plant in 1986 and began transferring
clinker produced in Humboldt, Kansas to the Des Moines site for grinding into
finished cement.  During 1994, the registrant ceased the grinding operations
and converted this facility into a cement terminal.  The registrant is
currently transferring finished cement produced in Humboldt, Kansas to this
terminal for distribution to its Iowa customers.  The registrant also owns,
but is not currently operating, a rock quarry located near Earlham, Iowa,
approximately 30 miles west of Des Moines, Iowa.  Approximately 300 acres of
this 400 acre tract was previously quarried.

          The registrant owns various companies which sell ready-mixed
concrete, concrete products and sundry building materials in metropolitan
areas within the Humboldt cement production facility's primary market.  In
management's opinion, these ready-mix facilities and equipment are suitable
and adequate for their current level of operations.  Individual locations do
not have a material affect on the registrant's overall operations.


Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

          The registrant was not a party to any material legal proceedings
during 1998.


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

          The registrant did not submit any matter to a vote of security
holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth
quarter of 1998.



                                   PART II

Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
          Stockholder Matters

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(2) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on page 5 of the registrant's 1998 annual report to
stockholders.


Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(2) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on page 1 of the registrant's 1998 annual report to
stockholders.


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

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(2) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on pages 1 through 3 of the registrant's 1998 annual
report to stockholders.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

          The registrant is exposed to various market risks, including equity
investment prices.  The registrant has $4,890,000 of equity securities as of
December 31, 1998.  These investments are not hedged and are exposed to the
risk of changing market prices.  The Company classifies these securities as
"available-for-sale" for accounting purposes and marks them to market on the
balance sheet at the end of each period.  Management estimates that its
investments will generally be consistent with trends and movements of the
overall stock market excluding any unusual situations.  An immediate 10%
change in the market price of our equity securities would have a $300,000
effect on comprehensive income.


Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(2) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on pages 7 through 17 of the registrant's 1998 annual
report to stockholders.


Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and 
          Financial Disclosure

          None


                                   PART III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on pages 3 through 5 of the registrant's definitive
proxy statement prepared in connection with its 1999 annual meeting of
stockholders pursuant to Regulation 14A and previously filed with the
Commission.


Item 11.  Executive Compensation

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on pages 7 through 10 (except for the information set
forth under the heading "Board of Directors' Report on Executive Compensation"
which is expressly excluded from such incorporation) of the registrant's
definitive proxy statement prepared in connection with its 1999 annual meeting
of stockholders pursuant to regulation 14A and previously filed with the
Commission.


Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on pages 6 and 7 of the registrant's definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with its 1999 annual meeting of stockholders
pursuant to Regulation 14A and previously filed with the Commission.


Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

          Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information
required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the material
responsive to this Item on page 8 of the registrant's definitive proxy
statement prepared in connection with its 1999 annual meeting of stockholders
pursuant to Regulation 14A and previously filed with the Commission.


                                   PART IV

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

          Financial Statements
          The report of Independent Public Accountants; the Consolidated
Balance Sheets--December 31, 1998 and 1997; the Consolidated Statements of
Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996; the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996; the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment for the
Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996; the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996; and the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements are incorporated by reference in Item 8
to this report from the registrant's 1998 annual report to stockholders on
pages 7 through 17.

          Supporting Schedules
          Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
          All other schedules have been omitted because the required
information is shown in management's discussion and analysis of the financial
statements or notes thereto, because the amounts involved are not significant
or because the required subject matter is not present.

          Exhibits
          3(i)   Articles of Incorporation.  (Filed with the 
                 registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the 
                 year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-2757)
                 as Exhibit 3(i) and incorporated herein by 
                 reference.)
          3(ii)  By-laws.  (Filed with the registrant's annual report
                 on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994
                 (File No. 0-2757) as Exhibit 3(ii) and incorporated
                 herein by reference.)
          13     1998 Annual Report to Stockholders.
          21     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.  (Filed with the 
                 registrant's annual report on Form 10-K for the year 
                 ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-2757) as Exhibit 21
                 and incorporated herein by reference.)
          27     Financial Data Schedule.

          Form 8-K

          There were no Form 8-K reports required to be filed during the last
quarter of 1998.







<PAGE>
                             S I G N A T U R E S


          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


                          The Monarch Cement Company
                                 (Registrant)

                       By:   /s/ Walter H. Wulf, Jr.   
                               Walter H. Wulf, Jr.
                               President

                       Date:      March 12, 1999       


          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.


By:  /s/ Jack R. Callahan                 By:  /s/ Byron K. Radcliff          
     Jack R. Callahan                          Byron K. Radcliff
     Director                                  Director

Date:       March 12, 1999                Date:       March 12, 1999          


By:  /s/ Robert M. Kissick                By:  /s/ Walter H. Wulf, Jr.        
     Robert M. Kissick                         Walter H. Wulf, Jr.
     Director                                  President, Principal Executive
                                               Officer and Director

Date:       March 12, 1999                Date:       March 12, 1999          


By:  /s/ Richard N. Nixon                 By:  /s/ Lyndell G. Mosley          
     Richard N. Nixon                          Lyndell G. Mosley, CPA
     Director                                  Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
                                               Chief Financial Officer

Date:       March 12, 1999                Date:       March 12, 1999          


By:  /s/ Byron J. Radcliff                By:  /s/ Debra P. Roe               
     Byron J. Radcliff                         Debra P. Roe, CPA
     Director                                  Principal Accounting Officer

Date:       March 12, 1999                Date:       March 12, 1999          







<PAGE>
                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP  


                  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements included in The Monarch Cement Company's
annual report to shareholders incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and
have issued our report thereon dated February 12, 1999.  Our audit was made
for the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. 
The Schedule II is the responsibility of the Company's management and is
presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements.  The
schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of
the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all
material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


                           /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Kansas City, Missouri,
  February 12, 1999







<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                         THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

                         FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998


<CAPTION>
                                                  Additions 
                                      Balance at  Charged to  Deduction    Balance 
                                      Beginning   Costs and      from      at End  
            Description               of Period    Expenses    Reserves   of Period
                                                                 (1) 
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998:
  Reserve for doubtful accounts        $477,000    $ 82,000    $147,000    $412,000


For the Year Ended December 31, 1997:
  Reserve for doubtful accounts        $616,000    $148,000    $287,000    $477,000


For the Year Ended December 31, 1996:
   Reserve for doubtful accounts       $538,000    $278,000    $200,000    $616,000



<FN>
     (1) Writeoff of uncollectible accounts, net of collections on accounts previously
written off.
</TABLE>




<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


 Exhibit
 Number                            Description                 

  3(i)           Articles of Incorporation.  (Filed with the 
                   registrant's annual report on Form 10-K
                   for the year ended December 31, 1994 
                   (File No. 0-2757) as Exhibit 3(i) and
                   incorporated herein by reference.)

  3(ii)          By-laws.  (Filed with the registrant's 
                   annual report on Form 10-K for the year 
                   ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-2757) 
                   as Exhibit 3(ii) and incorporated herein 
                   by reference.) 

 13              1998 Annual Report to Stockholders.

 21              Subsidiaries of the Registrant.  (Filed 
                   with the registrant's annual report on 
                   Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                   1994 (File No. 0-2757) as Exhibit 21 and
                   incorporated herein by reference.)

 27              Financial Data Schedule.




                                     THE
                                   MONARCH
                                CEMENT COMPANY





















                              1998 ANNUAL REPORT







<PAGE>
                                                        March 12, 1999



                  ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

     Consolidated net sales for 1998 exceeded $99 million, an 8% increase over
1997 net sales.  In order to achieve this record level of sales, the Company
supplemented its production by purchasing clinker from foreign markets. 
Higher costs associated with cement produced from purchased clinker increased
the Company's cost of sales by 11% and reduced its gross profit margin to 21%
of net sales for the year 1998 as compared to 23% for 1997.

     Passage of the Federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(TEA-21) creates an opportunity for the Company to further increase sales. 
This Act establishes a program which, for the first time, guarantees a minimum
funding level for highway programs of $167 billion over the next six years. 
This is a 40% increase over funding levels of the previous transportation bill
(ISTEA) passed in 1991.  With the potential for increased demand for cement,
production capacity becomes an important factor in determining sales volume. 
In order to increase capacity, it is necessary to invest substantial sums to
modernize and improve the efficiency of the specialized machinery and
equipment used in the manufacture of cement.

     Monarch has basically been in a sold-out position for the last five
years.  In 1994, Monarch began supplementing its production through the
purchase of clinker and cement.  At the same time, the Company implemented
plans to increase production capacity primarily by modifying current equipment
to take advantage of new technology.  Advanced computerization also allowed
the Company to scientifically monitor its production processes thereby
increasing efficiency and output.  As these improvements came on line, the
Company was able to produce enough to satisfy its customers' needs.  During
1998, demand increased to the point where the Company once again purchased
clinker to supplement production, thus prompting management to further
evaluate ways to increase capacity.

     Additional modernization completed on two of Monarch's cement kilns in
1998 increased annual rated capacity to 725,000 tons.  In order to meet the
anticipated increase in demand due to the passage of TEA-21, the Company plans
to further increase plant capacity through equipment purchases and the
addition of precalciners to each of its preheater kilns.  It is anticipated
that the first of these precalciners will be operational in the year 2001 and
the second one by the end of the year 2002.  When completed, production
capacity will approach one million tons per year.  Monarch plans to finance
these investments from internally generated funds.

     We wish to acknowledge our Heavenly Father for the Company's strong
balance sheet and financial position which enables us to make these capital
investments to meet the future challenges of the industry.  We express our
appreciation to our employees for their hard work and determination and to our
customers for their loyalty.  We also wish to thank you, our stockholders, for
your continued support and invite you to attend your corporation's annual
meeting to be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 14, 1999 in the corporate office,
Humboldt, Kansas.



       WALTER H. WULF                           WALTER H. WULF, JR.
    Chairman of the Board             President and Vice Chairman of the Board




<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                 THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                 FOR THE FIVE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
             (Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

<CAPTION>
                                1998      1997      1996      1995      1994 
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C> 
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . $99,495   $91,820   $86,733   $81,667   $73,646
Net income. . . . . . . . . . $ 9,653   $10,103   $10,546   $ 7,673   $ 3,998
Net income per share. . . . .   $2.30     $2.40     $2.50     $1.81      $.94
Total assets. . . . . . . . . $84,882   $76,233   $68,648   $59,783   $52,522
Long-term obligations . . . . $   -     $   -     $   -     $   -     $   -  
Cash dividends declared
  per share . . . . . . . . .    $.68      $.60      $.52      $.46      $.44
Stockholders' investment
  per share . . . . . . . . .  $15.35    $13.68    $11.73     $9.68     $8.11

</TABLE>



                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
              OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity

     At December 31, 1998, current assets of The Monarch Cement Company and
Subsidiaries (the Company) exceeded current liabilities by $39,909,458
resulting in a current ratio of 5.59 to 1.  The Company's cash needs in 1998
were satisfied by cash generated from operations and internal funds.  The
amount of cash and short term investments decreased during 1998.  The Company
does not currently have an established line of credit with a bank; however,
the Company believes its capital resources are adequate to meet its current
capital expenditure requirements and liquidity needs.

Capital Resources

     During 1998, the Company invested $9,519,155 in property, plant and
equipment.  The Company regularly has capital expenditures of $5,000,000 to
$6,000,000 per year in keeping its equipment and facilities in good operating
condition.  Due to recent and projected market demands, the Company has been
aggressively updating its equipment to improve efficiency and increase
capacity.  As a result, the Company's 1998 expenditures exceeded the amount
normally spent on capital expenditures.  The Company plans further
improvements to two of its cement kilns, additional computerization of its
cement manufacturing processes and miscellaneous equipment purchases and
facility improvements in both the cement and ready-mixed concrete segments in
1999.  It is expected that the Company's capital expenditures will approximate
$10,000,000 during 1999 and that the funds for these projects will be provided
from internal sources.  

     At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held on December 13,
1996, the Board authorized management from time to time to purchase shares of
Monarch stock, up to a maximum amount of 400,000 shares.  These purchases may
be either Capital Stock or Class B Capital Stock and are to be acquired on
such terms and at such times as management considers appropriate.  Funds for
these purchases would be provided from internal sources.  During 1997 and
1998, the Company purchased 48,894 shares of Monarch stock.


Results of Operations

     General--For the last three years, demand for cement in the Company's
market has been excellent.  During this period, the Company sold the entire
cement production capacity of its Humboldt plant.  Plant modifications
completed in recent years increased the production capacity of the Humboldt
plant and improved its efficiency.  These favorable market conditions and the
Company's increased production capacity are the primary factors that have led
to the Company's improved profitability over that experienced in 1995 and
1994.

     The Company's ready-mixed concrete operations experienced an increase in 
profitability during 1998 primarily as a result of an improvement in ready-
mixed concrete prices.  During 1997 and 1996, the segment was adversely
affected by a slight decline in prices for ready-mixed concrete and by
increasing costs of labor and supplies.  These factors vary from local market
to local market and from year to year, and no one factor or local market
accounts for the change in profitability during the three-year period.

     1998 Compared to 1997--The Company's 1998 net sales increased
approximately 8% primarily as a result of an increase in the volume of cement
sold and a slight increase in the product prices. 

     The Company's cost of sales increased 11% for 1998 as compared to 1997. 
Modernization of one of the cement kilns and major maintenance on related
equipment reduced the Company's clinker production during the second quarter
of 1998.  To help offset the reduction in clinker produced and to meet the
anticipated demand for cement, the Company purchased additional clinker from
foreign markets.  Higher costs associated with cement produced from purchased
clinker increased the Company's cost of sales and reduced its gross profit
margin to 21% for 1998 as compared to 23% for 1997.  Although purchased
clinker reduced the Company's gross profit margin, such purchases enabled the
Company to meet the service demands of its customer base in both the cement
and ready-mixed concrete markets.

     The decrease in "Other, net" during 1998 as compared to 1997 was due
primarily to the sale of investment securities in 1997.

     1997 Compared to 1996--The Company's 1997 net sales increased
approximately 6% as compared to 1996 due primarily to increased prices for
cement.

     The 10% increase in cost of sales for 1997 as compared to 1996 is
primarily due to a significant increase in maintenance costs at the cement
plant in Humboldt.  During the first quarter of 1997, the Company performed
significant preventive maintenance on each of its three cement kilns, as well
as other major pieces of equipment.  Cost of sales also increased because of
increased volume and costs in the ready-mixed concrete and sundry building
materials segment, as mentioned above.  As a result of these factors, the
Company's gross profit from operations for the year 1997 declined to 23% of
net sales as compared to 26% for 1996.

     The increase in "Other, net" during 1997 as compared to 1996 was due
primarily to the sale of investment securities.

     Year 2000--As has been widely publicized, there is widespread concern in
the U.S. economy and elsewhere that computer systems and applications,
including those imbedded in equipment and facilities, that use only two digits
to identify years may create problems when the year 2000 arrives.  Any of the
Company's computer systems or plant equipment systems that have time-sensitive
software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000.  This could result in a system failure or miscalculation, causing a
disruption of operations.

     The Company has completed its assessment of Year 2000 issues relative to
information technology (IT) and non-IT computer hardware, software, and
operating systems.  The Company primarily relied upon a qualified and
experienced external resource to inventory, test for Year 2000 compliance, and
prepare detailed recommended solutions on any non-compliant hardware or
software systems.  The recommended solutions have been presented to and
assessed by the Company's Year 2000 management team and it has been determined
that the costs of addressing the Year 2000 compliance issues will not be
material to the Company's business, operations or financial condition.  This
assessment was based upon the fact that 93% of the Company's computer hardware
is Year 2000 compliant, 86% of its operating systems are compliant and 86% of
its computer software is compliant.

     Through a combination of equipment replacement and periodic software
updates required through maintenance agreements, the Company expects to have
all significant systems in compliance by the year 2000.  Replacements of non-
compliant hardware systems with new systems will be capitalized and amortized
over the life of the new systems.  The cost of annual software maintenance
agreements, which include Year 2000 compliant upgrades, will be expensed as
incurred.  The Company's primary accounting and management information systems
were Year 2000 compliant at the end of 1998.  The Company does not anticipate
any material disruptions in its operations as a result of any failure by the
Company to be in compliance.

     The Company is dependent upon numerous third parties including customers,
power generators, financial institutions and other significant suppliers.  The
Company has no control over these third parties systems and potential Year
2000 IT and non-IT system problems.  The Company intends to inquire of third
parties and seek guidance as to their state of readiness.  However, there can
be no assurance that the Company can avoid disruptions of supplies and
services from its suppliers or purchases by its major customers in the event
that these entities encounter unforeseen Year 2000 problems, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operations or
financial condition.  The Company is not aware of any material risks
associated with these other entities.

     Forward-Looking Statements--Certain statements under the caption
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," and elsewhere in this Annual Report and Form 10-K report filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties, and other factors that may affect the actual results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements.  Such factors include, among others: general economic and business
conditions; competition; raw material and other operating costs; costs of
capital equipment; changes in business strategy or expansion plans; and demand
for the Company's products.

     Inflation--Inflation directly affects the Company's operating costs.  The
manufacture of cement requires the use of a significant amount of energy.  The
price of energy, as well as the prices of the specialized replacement parts
and equipment the Company must continually purchase, tend to increase directly
with the rate of inflation causing manufacturing costs to increase.  The
manufacture of cement requires a significant investment in property, plant and
equipment and a trained work force to operate and maintain this equipment. 
These costs do not materially vary with the level of production.  As a result,
by operating at or near capacity, regardless of demand, companies can reduce
per unit production costs.  The continual need to control production costs
encourages overproduction during periods of reduced demand.  



                         DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

     The Monarch Cement Company (Monarch) was organized as a corporation under
the laws of the State of Kansas in 1913 and has been principally engaged,
throughout its history, in the manufacture and sale of portland cement.

     The manufacture of portland cement by Monarch involves the quarrying of
clay and limestone and the crushing, drying and blending of these raw
materials into the proper chemical ratio.  The raw materials are then heated
in kilns to 2800o Fahrenheit at which time chemical reactions occur forming a
new compound called clinker.  After the addition of a small amount of gypsum,
the clinker is ground into a very fine powder which is known as portland
cement.  The term "portland cement" is not a brand name but is a term that
distinguishes cement manufactured by this chemical process from natural
cement, which is no longer widely used.  Portland cement is the basic material
used in the production of ready-mixed concrete which is used in highway,
bridge and building construction where strength and durability are primary
requirements.

     The Company is also in the ready-mixed concrete, concrete products and
sundry building materials business.  Ready-mixed concrete is manufactured by
combining aggregates with portland cement, water and chemical admixtures in
batch plants.  It is then loaded into mixer trucks and mixed in transit to the
construction site where it is placed by the contractor.

     The following table sets forth for the last three fiscal years the dollar
amount of sales to unaffiliated customers, intersegment sales, operating
profit and identifiable assets contributed by Industry Segment A (cement
manufacturing) and Industry Segment B (ready-mixed concrete and sundry
building materials):

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                          1998       1997       1996  
                                                 (In Thousands)
     <S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>  

     Sales to Unaffiliated Customers-             
        Industry:  Segment A             $43,726    $39,539    $36,838
                   Segment B              55,769     52,281     49,895

     Intersegment Sales-
        Industry:  Segment A               8,191      8,868     10,764
                   Segment B                 408        263        236

     Operating Profit-
        Industry:  Segment A              12,019     12,943     13,665
                   Segment B               2,401      1,176      1,773       

     Identifiable Assets-
        Industry:  Segment A              33,621     28,425     27,254
                   Segment B              20,064     16,400     15,656

<FN>

     All of the Company's operations and sales are in one geographic area.

</TABLE>



                              LINES OF BUSINESS

     The Company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of the principal types
of portland cement and ready-mixed concrete and sundry building materials. 
The portland cement products are sold under the "MONARCH" brand name.

     The marketing area for Monarch's products, which is limited by the
relatively high cost of transporting cement, consists primarily of the State
of Kansas, the State of Iowa, southeast Nebraska, western Missouri, northwest
Arkansas and northern Oklahoma.  Included within this area are the
metropolitan markets of Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; Springfield,
Missouri; Wichita, Kansas; Omaha, Nebraska; Lincoln, Nebraska and Tulsa,
Oklahoma.  Sales are made primarily to contractors, ready-mixed concrete
plants, concrete products plants, building materials dealers and governmental
agencies.  Companies controlled by Monarch sell ready-mixed concrete, concrete
products and sundry building materials in metropolitan areas within Monarch's
primary market.  Monarch cement is delivered either in bulk or in paper bags. 
The cement is distributed both by truck and rail, either common or private
carrier. 







    The following table sets forth for the last three fiscal years of the
Company the percentage of total sales contributed (1) by the manufacture and
sale of portland cement and (2) by the sale of ready-mixed concrete and sundry
building materials:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                                               Total    Sales       
                                                December 31,        
                                         1998       1997       1996 
     <S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>
     Portland Cement . . . . . . . . .   43.9%      43.1%      42.5%
     Ready-Mixed Concrete and
       Sundry Building Materials . . .   56.1%      56.9%      57.5% 
                                        100.0%     100.0%     100.0%

</TABLE>



                        STOCK MARKET AND DIVIDEND DATA

     On March 1, 1999, Monarch's stock was held by approximately 700 record
holders.  Monarch is the transfer agent for Monarch's stock which is traded on
the over-the-counter market.  Over-the-counter market quotations reflect
interdealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may
not necessarily represent actual transactions.  Following is a schedule of the
range of high and low bid quotations of Monarch's stock as reported by
Fahnestock & Co. Inc. and dividends declared for each quarter of its two
latest fiscal years:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                          1998                       1997           
                    Price       Dividends      Price       Dividends
     Quarter     Low     High   Declared    Low     High   Declared 
      <S>       <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>
      First     $20.75  $27.00    $ -      $15.00  $17.50    $ -
      Second    $25.25  $29.00    $.16     $17.50  $20.00    $.14
      Third     $23.00  $29.00    $.16     $19.75  $22.00    $.14
      Fourth    $21.00  $25.25    $.36*    $20.50  $25.00    $.32*

      <FN>

     *Reflects declaration of two $.18 and $.16 dividends payable in the      
         first quarter of 1999 and 1998, respectively. 

</TABLE>




<PAGE>



                           ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

                REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Monarch Cement Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Monarch
Cement Company (a Kansas corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive
income, stockholders' investment and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998.  These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of The Monarch Cement Company
and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

                        /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Kansas City, Missouri,
  February 12, 1999

<PAGE>

TABLE
<PAGE>
THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997

<CAPTION>
ASSETS                                                  1 9 9 8      1 9 9 7  
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:                                                     
  Cash and cash equivalents                           $ 4,254,795  $ 4,093,317
  Short term investments, at cost which
    approximates market                                19,622,255   20,930,123
  Receivables, less allowances of $412,000 in 1998
    and $447,000 in 1997 for doubtful accounts         10,762,210    7,972,699
  Inventories, priced at cost which is not in
    excess of market-
    Cost determined by last-in, first-out method-
      Finished cement                                 $ 1,634,302  $ 1,168,177
      Work in process                                   1,703,942      316,370
      Building products                                 1,184,358    1,127,182
    Cost determined by first-in, first-out method-
      Fuel, gypsum, paper sacks and other               1,899,440    1,318,911
    Cost determined by average method-
      Operating and maintenance supplies                7,082,948    7,375,598
        Total inventories                             $13,504,990  $11,306,238
  Refundable federal and state income taxes                14,051      221,072
  Deferred income taxes                                   410,000      415,000
  Prepaid expenses                                         45,284       27,921
        Total current assets                          $48,613,585  $44,966,370

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, less
  accumulated depreciation and depletion of 
  $79,239,388 in 1998 and $74,556,421 in 1997          29,372,287   25,517,772

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                   1,390,000    1,810,000

OTHER ASSETS                                            5,506,149    3,938,890

                                                      $84,882,021  $76,233,032



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable                                    $ 4,640,205  $ 3,518,686
  Accrued liabilities-
    Federal and state income taxes                        951,809      274,450
    Dividends                                           1,503,984    1,349,029
    Compensation                                          824,709      704,425
    Miscellaneous taxes                                   418,609      342,454
    Other                                                 364,811      194,051
      Total current liabilities                       $ 8,704,127  $ 6,383,095

ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS                         9,620,253    9,838,905

ACCRUED PENSION EXPENSE                                    50,276      321,184

MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES          2,371,601    2,004,424

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:
  Capital Stock, par value $2.50 per share-
    Authorized 10,000,000 shares, Issued 
    2,290,049 shares at December 31, 1998
    and 2,292,891 shares at December 31, 1997         $ 5,725,123  $ 5,732,227
  Class B Capital Stock, par value $2.50 per
    share-Authorized 10,000,000 shares, Issued
    1,887,347 shares at December 31, 1998 and
    1,922,823 shares at December 31, 1997               4,718,367    4,807,058
  Retained Earnings                                    51,492,274   45,486,139
                                                      $61,935,764  $56,025,424
  Plus:  Unrealized holding gain                        2,200,000    1,660,000
    Total stockholders' investment                    $64,135,764  $57,685,424

                                                      $84,882,021  $76,233,032

<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
</TABLE>




<PAGE>
<TABLE>
THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996


<CAPTION>
                                               1 9 9 8      1 9 9 7      1 9 9 6   
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C> 
NET SALES                                    $99,494,758  $91,819,836  $86,732,555 

COST OF SALES                                 78,349,584   70,781,950   64,095,481 
         Gross profit from operations        $21,145,174  $21,037,886  $22,637,074 

SELLING, GENERAL AND 
  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES                      6,725,013    6,919,368    7,198,992 
         Income from operations              $14,420,161  $14,118,518  $15,438,082 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest income                            $ 1,222,052  $ 1,057,501  $   792,065 
  Other, net                                    (389,405)     727,446      295,511
                                             $   832,647  $ 1,784,947  $ 1,087,576
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     $15,252,808  $15,903,465  $16,525,658 

PR0VISION FOR INCOME TAXES                     5,600,000    5,800,000    5,980,000 

NET INCOME                                   $ 9,652,808  $10,103,465  $10,545,658


Basic earnings per share                           $2.30        $2.40        $2.50
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996


<CAPTION>
                                               1 9 9 8      1 9 9 7      1 9 9 6   
<S>                                          <C>          <C>          <C> 
NET INCOME                                   $ 9,652,808  $10,103,465  $10,545,658 

UNREALIZED APPRECIATION ON AVAILABLE
  FOR SALE SECURITIES (Net of deferred tax
  expense of $350,000, $450,000 and $240,000
  for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively)         540,000      684,000      357,000

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                         $10,192,808  $10,787,465  $10,902,658
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996


<CAPTION>
                                     Class B                            Unrealized    Stock-
                         Capital     Capital     Retained    Treasury    Holding      holders'
                          Stock       Stock      Earnings      Stock       Gain     Investment  
<S>                     <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance at 1-1-96       $5,464,672  $5,133,553  $29,806,550  $   -      $  619,000  $41,023,775 
Net income                   -           -       10,545,658      -           -       10,545,658 
Cash dividends 
 ($.52 per share)            -           -       (2,196,190)     -           -       (2,196,190)
Transfer of shares         145,168    (145,168)       -          -           -            -     
Purchase of 
 treasury stock              -           -            -       (149,504)      -         (149,504)
Retirement of
 treasury stock            (32,500)      -         (117,004)   149,504       -            -     
Unrealized holding gain      -           -            -          -         357,000      357,000 
Balance at 12-31-96     $5,577,340  $4,988,385  $38,039,014  $   -      $  976,000  $49,580,739 
Net income                   -           -       10,103,465      -           -       10,103,465 
Cash dividends 
 ($.60 per share)            -           -       (2,529,428)     -           -       (2,529,428)
Transfer of shares         181,327    (181,327)       -          -           -            -    
Purchase of
 treasury stock              -           -            -       (153,352)      -         (153,352)
Retirement of
 treasury stock            (26,440)      -         (126,912)   153,352       -            -    
Unrealized holding gain      -           -            -          -         684,000      684,000 
Balance at 12-31-97     $5,732,227  $4,807,058  $45,486,139  $   -      $1,660,000  $57,685,424
Net income                   -           -        9,652,808      -           -        9,652,808 
Cash dividends 
 ($.68 per share)            -           -       (2,849,221)     -           -       (2,849,221)
Transfer of shares          88,691     (88,691)       -          -           -            -     
Purchase of
 treasury stock              -           -            -       (893,247)      -         (893,247)
Retirement of
 treasury stock            (95,795)      -         (797,452)   893,247       -            -     
Unrealized holding gain      -           -            -          -         540,000      540,000 
Balance at 12-31-98     $5,725,123  $4,718,367  $51,492,274  $   -      $2,200,000  $64,135,764 
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996


<CAPTION>
                                                         1 9 9 8       1 9 9 7       1 9 9 6    
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                             $  9,652,808  $ 10,103,465  $ 10,545,658
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
 cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and depletion                              5,564,672     4,991,992     4,702,070 
  Gain on disposal of assets                               (119,398)     (246,799)     (263,133)
  Realized gain on sale of other investments                  -          (840,820)     (314,963)
  Change in assets and liabilities:
    Receivables, net                                     (2,789,511)      587,538      (424,468)
    Inventories                                          (2,198,752)     (581,154)      153,103 
    Refundable federal and state income taxes               207,021        89,661      (193,762)
    Deferred income taxes, current                            5,000        35,000       (30,000)
    Prepaid expenses                                        (17,363)       (2,479)       11,404 
    Deferred income taxes, long-term                        420,000       540,000        60,000 
    Long-term notes receivable                                 (750)       11,956        31,084 
    Accounts payable, notes payable 
     and accrued liabilities                              2,166,077      (466,623)     (121,707)
    Accrued postretirement expense                         (218,652)       25,336        98,770 
    Accrued pension expense                                (270,908)      (69,051)      (62,464)
    Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries           558,627       453,039       466,758 
  Net cash provided by operating activities            $ 12,958,871  $ 14,631,061  $ 14,658,350 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment           $ (9,519,155) $ (6,494,536) $ (6,017,716)
Net purchases of subsidiaries' stock                          -        (1,029,410)        -     
Proceeds from disposals of property,
 plant and equipment                                        219,366       419,956       507,647 
Payment for purchases of equity investments                (517 939)        -          (160,762)
Proceeds from disposals of equity investments                 -         1,366,291       877,379 
Increase in other assets                                   (508,570)     (517,091)     (245,265)
(Increase) decrease in short term investments, net        1,307,868    (4,826,402)   (9,030,275)
  Net cash used for investing activities               $ (9,018,430) $(11,081,192) $(14,068,992)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Subsidiaries' dividends paid to minority interest      $   (191,450) $   (173,746) $   (238,698)
Cash dividends                                           (2,694,266)   (2,362,279)   (2,030,179)
Subsidiaries' purchase of treasury stock                      -            (9,420)        -     
Purchase of treasury stock                                 (893,247)     (153,352)     (149,504)
  Net cash used for financing activities               $ (3,778,963) $ (2,698,797) $ (2,418,381)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents   $    161,478  $    851,072  $ (1,829,023)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of year              4,093,317     3,242,245     5,071,268 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of year                 $  4,254,795  $  4,093,317  $  3,242,245 
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

</TABLE>


<PAGE>

THE MONARCH CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996


(1) SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    (a) Description of Business--The Monarch Cement Company (Monarch) has been
principally engaged, throughout its history, in the manufacture and sale of
portland cement.  The marketing area for Monarch's products consists primarily
of the State of Kansas, the State of Iowa, southeast Nebraska, western
Missouri, northwest Arkansas and northern Oklahoma.  Sales are made primarily
to contractors, ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants,
building materials dealers and governmental agencies.  Companies controlled by
Monarch sell ready-mixed concrete, concrete products and sundry building
materials in metropolitan areas within Monarch's primary market.

     Monarch has direct control of certain operating companies which have been
deemed to be subsidiaries within the meaning of the rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, the financial statements
of such companies have been consolidated with Monarch's financial statements. 
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.  Minority interests in net income have been recorded as
reductions in other income in the accompanying statements of income.  The
minority interests in net income were $558,627, $453,039 and $466,758 during
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

    (b) Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

    (c) Inventories--Inventories of finished cement, work in process and
building products are priced by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.  Under
the average cost method of accounting (which approximates current cost), these
inventories would have been $2,061,000, $1,763,000 and $1,472,000 higher than
those reported at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  The cost of
manufactured items includes all material, labor, factory overhead and
production-related administrative overhead required in their production.

        Other inventories are purchased from outside suppliers.  Fuel and
other materials are priced by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method while
operating and maintenance supplies are priced by the average cost method.

    (d) Property, Plant and Equipment--Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment is provided by charges to operations over the estimated useful lives
of the assets using primarily the declining balance method.  Depletion rates
for quarry lands are designed to amortize the cost over the estimated
recoverable reserves.  Expenditures for improvements which significantly
increase the assets' useful lives are capitalized while maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

    (e) Earnings per Share--The Company reports basic earnings per share in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, (SFAS 128)
"Earnings Per Share".  Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted
average common shares outstanding during each year.  Dilutive earnings per
share is based on the weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding each year.  Monarch has no common stock equivalents and therefore,
does not report dilutive earnings per share.  The weighted average number of
shares outstanding was 4,198,333 in 1998, 4,215,859 in 1997 and 4,226,397 in
1996. 

    (f) Comprehensive Income--In June, 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS 130), effective for periods ending
after December 15, 1998.  SFAS 130 establishes new rules for the reporting of
comprehensive income and its components; however, the adoption of this
statement had no impact on the Company's net income or stockholders'
investment.  Prior years' financial statements have been restated to conform
to these requirements.  The only component of other comprehensive income is
unrealized gain on securities, net of deferred income tax. These securities
are classified as available-for-sale.

    (g) Statements of Cash Flows--The Company considers overnight cash
investments to be cash equivalents.  All other highly liquid short term
investments, generally with an original maturity of six months or less, are
considered short term investments.  Interest and income taxes paid during each
of the three years for the period ended December 31, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1998         1997         1996   
         <S>                        <C>          <C>          <C>
         Interest paid              $    1,517   $    4,279   $   13,392
         Income taxes paid          $4,624,633   $6,111,378   $6,833,624
</TABLE>


(2) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

<TABLE>
    Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consisted of:

<CAPTION>
                                    Depreciation
                                    Lives (Years)      1998          1997    
     <S>                                <C>        <C>           <C>
     Quarry lands                                  $    710,188  $    710,188
     Mill site and buildings            12 - 50      13,719,463    12,059,599
     Machinery and equipment             5 - 25      69,929,906    65,626,862
     Transportation equipment            3 - 12      20,167,701    18,289,567
     Office furniture and fixtures       5 - 20         877,443       922,607
     Office and other buildings         10 - 30       2,218,438     1,869,848
     Construction in process                            988,536       595,522
                                                   $108,611,675  $100,074,193
     Less--Accumulated depreciation and depletion    79,239,388    74,556,421
                                                   $ 29,372,287  $ 25,517,772
</TABLE>

(3)  Investments

     The Company's short term investments consist of corporate commercial
paper with maturities of six months or less and have been classified as held-
to-maturity.  The amortized cost, which approximates market value, is
reflected in the balance sheet.  Other assets includes equity securities which
have been classified as available-for-sale.  Realized gains are computed using
the specific identification method.  The equity investment results for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:


<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                              1998        1997        1996   
      <S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
      Fair value of investments            $4,890,000  $3,485,000  $2,876,000
      Cost of investments                   1,240,000     725,000   1,250,000
        Fair value in excess of cost       $3,650,000  $2,760,000  $1,626,000
      Unrealized gain recorded in equity   $2,200,000  $1,660,000  $  976,000
      Deferred income taxes                 1,450,000   1,100,000     650,000
                                           $3,650,000  $2,760,000  $1,626,000

      Proceeds from sale of securities     $    -      $1,366,291  $  877,380
      Realized gains                       $    -      $  840,820  $  314,963

</TABLE>


(4) INCOME TAXES

    The components of the provision for federal and state income taxes in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1998        1997        1996    
    <S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>
    Current provision for income tax:
      Federal                         $4,480,000  $4,780,000  $5,045,000 
      State                            1,045,000   1,130,000   1,145,000 
                                      $5,525,000  $5,910,000  $6,190,000 
    Deferred provision for income tax:
      Federal                         $   60,000  $  (85,000) $ (170,000)
      State                               15,000     (25,000)    (40,000)
                                      $   75,000  $ (110,000) $ (210,000)
        Provision for income tax      $5,600,000  $5,800,000  $5,980,000 

    The provision for federal and state income taxes in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income differs from the amount computed at the
federal statutory income tax rate as follows:


</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1998        1997        1996    
      <S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>
      Provision for federal taxes
        at statutory rates            $5,238,000  $5,466,000  $5,684,000 
      State income taxes, net of 
        federal tax benefit              680,000     724,000     718,000 
      Percentage depletion              (546,000)   (568,000)   (602,000)
      Minority interest in
        consolidated income              223,000     181,000     187,000 
      Other, net                           5,000      (3,000)     (7,000)
        Accrued income tax expense    $5,600,000  $5,800,000  $5,980,000 

</TABLE>

     The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred
tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                                                1998             1997     
     <S>                                     <C>              <C>
     Current:
       Reserve for bad debts                 $   165,000      $   190,000 
       Vacation                                  245,000          225,000 
         Net current deferred tax assets     $   410,000      $   415,000 

     Noncurrent:
       Depreciation                          $  (800,000)     $(1,004,000)
       Postretirement benefits                 3,845,000        3,935,000 
       Pension                                  (210,000)         (35,000)
       Unrealized holding gains               (1,450,000)      (1,100,000)
       Other, net                                  5,000           14,000 
         Net long-term deferred tax assets   $ 1,390,000      $ 1,810,000 
</TABLE>


(5) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

    Monarch provides certain postretirement health care, accident and life
insurance benefits to all retired employees who, as of their retirement date,
have completed ten or more years of credited service under the pension plans. 
These benefits are self-insured by Monarch and are paid out of Monarch's
general assets. 

     Following is a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status as
of December 31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1998          1997    
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
  Accumulated postretirement benefit 
    obligation at beginning of year             $11,422,549   $ 10,757,921 
  Service cost                                       85,689        144,193 
  Interest cost                                     687,667        786,231 
  Actuarial (gain)/loss                          (1,220,420)       487,201 
  Benefits and expenses paid                       (992,008)      (752,997)
    Accumulated postretirement benefit
      obligation at end of year                 $ 9,983,477   $ 11,422,549 

Funded status                                   $(9,983,477)  $(11,422,549)
Unrecognized actuarial (gain)/loss                  363,224      1,583,644 
(Accrued) benefit cost                          $(9,620,253)  $ (9,838,905)
</TABLE>

    The assumed annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered
health care benefits was 5%, 6% and 7% for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 
This rate is assumed to decrease 1% per year to an ultimate rate of 4%.  

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1998         1997         1996   
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Components of net periodic benefit cost
  Service cost                          $  85,689    $ 144,193    $ 133,134 
  Interest cost                           687,667      786,231      765,423 
    Net periodic benefit cost           $ 773,356    $ 930,424    $ 898,557 

Weighted-average assumptions 
  as of December 31
  Discount rate                             7.00%        7.00%        7.50% 
</TABLE>

    Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the
amounts reported for the health care plans.  A one-percentage-point change in
assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1% Increase   1% Decrease 
<S>                                           <C>            <C>
Effect on net periodic benefit cost           $   90,465     $ (66,908) 
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation    1,040,719      (760,662) 

</TABLE>

(6) PENSION PLANS

    Monarch has defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all
permanent employees.  Plans covering staff (salaried) employees provide
pension benefits that are based on years of service and the employee's last
sixty calendar months of earnings or the highest five consecutive calendar
years of earnings out of the last ten calendar years of service, whichever is
greater.  Plans covering production (hourly) employees provide benefits of
stated amounts for each year of service.  Generally, Monarch's funding policy
is to contribute annually the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal
income tax purposes.  Contributions are intended to provide for benefits
attributed to service to date and for those expected to be earned in the
future.  The assets of the plans are primarily equities, bonds and government
securities.

    Following is a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and
funded status as of December 31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1998         1997    
   <S>                                               <C>          <C>    
   Reconciliation of projected benefit obligation
     Projected benefit obligation at 
      beginning of year                              $22,544,337  $20,856,066 
     Service cost                                        324,782      283,370 
     Interest cost                                     1,518,426    1,556,225 
     Actuarial (gain)/loss                              (362,816)   1,440,891 
     Benefits paid and expenses                       (1,531,879)  (1,592,215)
       Projected benefit obligation at end of year   $22,492,850  $22,544,337 
   Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
     Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  $25,587,691  $23,109,411 
     Actual return on plan assets                      1,705,463    4,070,495 
     Benefits paid and expenses                       (1,531,879)  (1,592,215)
       Fair value of plan assets at end of year      $25,761,275  $25,587,691 
   Funded status                                     $ 3,268,425  $ 3,043,354 
   Unrecognized net actuarial loss                    (3,293,576)  (3,559,706)
   Unrecognized transitional obligation                   34,072       43,935 
   Unrecognized prior service cost                       514,809      559,939 
       Prepaid benefit cost                          $   523,730  $    87,522 

</TABLE>

    The following table presents the accumulated benefit obligation, fair
value of net assets and prepaid (accrued) pension expense by plan as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Humboldt    Des Moines  
                                           Staff     Production   Production  
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
December 31, 1998
  Accumulated benefit obligation        $12,221,649  $ 7,392,125  $ 2,879,076 
  Fair value of net assets               13,755,555    8,760,515    3,245,205 
  Prepaid (accrued) pension expense           7,527      566,479      (50,276)

December 31, 1997
  Accumulated benefit obligation        $12,166,615  $ 7,428,564  $ 2,949,158 
  Fair value of net assets               13,543,421    8,749,140    3,295,130 
  Prepaid (accrued) pension expense        (178,378)     408,706     (142,806)

</TABLE>

    The following table presents the components of net periodic pension cost
as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            1998        1997         1996     
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Service cost                            $   324,782  $   283,370  $   253,229 
Interest cost                             1,518,426    1,556,225    1,515,004 
Expected return on plan assets           (2,229,872)  (2,008,078)  (1,931,827)
Amortization of transitional obligation       9,863        9,863        9,863 
Amortization of prior service cost           45,130       45,130       34,880 
Recognized net actuarial (gain)/loss       (104,537)     (20,651)     (16,862)
  Net periodic pension (income)         $  (436,208) $  (134,141) $  (135,713)

</TABLE>

    The weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension cost and
benefit obligations as of December 31 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1998    1997    1996  
    <S>                                              <C>     <C>     <C>
    Discount rate                                    7.00%   7.00%   8.00% 
    Expected return on plan assets                   9.00%   9.00%   9.00% 
    Rate of compensation increase (Staff plan only)  4.50%   4.50%   4.50% 

</TABLE>


(7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    According to various agreements with certain minority stockholders, under
specified circumstances, the Company is obligated to acquire such shares, if
requested to do so, at a value which approximates the minority interest on the
Balance Sheet.


(8) STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

    Class B Capital Stock has supervoting rights of ten votes per share and
restricted transferability.  Class B Capital Stock is convertible at all times
into Capital Stock on a share-for-share basis.  Capital Stock has only one
vote per share and is freely transferable.
 

(9) BUSINESS SEGMENTS

    In June, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131), effective for periods ending
after December 15, 1998.  SFAS 131 did not significantly change the way the
Company previously reported information about its operating segments.

    The Company groups its operations into two business segments - cement
manufacturing and the sale of ready-mixed concrete and sundry building
materials.  The Company's business segments are separate business units that
offer different products.  The accounting policies for each segment are the
same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

     Following is information for each segment for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Ready-Mixed
                                             Concrete  
                                  Cement    and Sundry  Adjustments 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED                 Manu-     Building       and
  DECEMBER 31, 1998:             facturing   Materials  Eliminations  Consolidated
  <S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
  Sales to unaffiliated
    customers                   $43,726,111 $55,768,647 $     -       $99,494,758 
  Intersegment sales              8,191,578     407,764   (8,599,342)       -     
    Total net sales             $51,917,689 $56,176,411 $ (8,599,342) $99,494,758 
  Income from operations        $12,019,185 $ 2,400,976               $14,420,161 
  Other income, net                                                       832,647 
    Income before income taxes                                        $15,252,808 
  Identifiable assets at
    December 31, 1998           $33,621,343 $20,063,428               $53,684,771 
  Corporate assets                                                     31,197,250 
    Total assets at
      December 31, 1998                                               $84,882,021 


FOR THE YEAR ENDED
  DECEMBER 31, 1997:
  Sales to unaffiliated
    customers                   $39,538,659 $52,281,177 $     -       $91,819,836 
  Intersegment sales              8,867,866     263,503   (9,131,369)       -     
    Total net sales             $48,406,525 $52,544,680 $ (9,131,369) $91,819,836 
  Income from operations        $12,942,513 $ 1,176,005               $14,118,518 
  Other income, net                                                     1,784,947 
    Income before income taxes                                        $15,903,465 
  Identifiable assets at
    December 31, 1997           $28,424,449 $16,400,181               $44,824,630 
  Corporate assets                                                     31,408,402 
    Total assets at
      December 31, 1997                                               $76,233,032 





<PAGE>

<CAPTION>

                                            Ready-Mixed
                                             Concrete  
                                  Cement    and Sundry  Adjustments 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED                 Manu-     Building       and
  DECEMBER 31, 1996:             facturing   Materials  Eliminations  Consolidated
  <S>                           <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
  Sales to unaffiliated
    customers                   $36,838,233 $49,894,323 $     -       $86,732,555 
  Intersegment sales             10,764,176     235,795  (10,999,971)       -     
    Total net sales             $47,602,409 $50,130,118 $(10,999,971) $86,732,555 
  Income from operations        $13,665,251 $ 1,772,831               $15,438,082 
  Other income, net                                                     1,087,576 
    Income before income taxes                                        $16,525,658 
  Identifiable assets at
    December 31, 1996           $27,253,943 $15,656,197               $42,910,140 
  Corporate assets                                                     25,738,269 
    Total assets at
      December 31, 1996                                               $68,648,409 

</TABLE>


    Total sales by segment before adjustments and eliminations includes both
sales to unaffiliated customers, as reported in the Company's consolidated
statements of income, comprehensive income and stockholders' investment, and
intersegment sales.  Intersegment sales are accounted for by the same method
as sales to unaffiliated customers.

    Income from operations is total net sales less operating expenses.  In
computing income from operations, none of the following items have been added
or deducted:  general corporate income and expenses, interest expense and
income taxes.  Also, no amounts have been excluded for corporate
administrative expense because the amounts which cannot be identified by
segment are not significant.  Depreciation for cement manufacturing and
ready-mixed concrete, respectively, was:  $2,924,251 and $2,640,421 in 1998;
$2,666,994 and $2,318,654 in 1997; and $2,570,085 and $2,121,550 in 1996. 
Capital expenditures for cement manufacturing and ready-mixed concrete,
respectively, including capital assets of businesses acquired were: 
$4,966,346 and $4,552,809 in 1998; $3,245,853 and $3,248,683 in 1997; and
$2,448,248 and $3,569,468 in 1996.  Identifiable assets by segment are those
assets that are used in the Company's operations in each industry. 

    During 1998, 1997 and 1996, there were no sales to any one customer in
excess of 10% of consolidated net sales. 






<PAGE>










CORPORATE  INFORMATION


CORPORATE OFFICE                       DIRECTORS
449 1200 Street                        Jack R. Callahan
P.O. Box 1000                          Retired President, The Monarch       
Humboldt, KS 66748                     Cement Company
Phone:  (316) 473-2225                                      
Fax:  (316) 473-2447                   Karl Callaway
                                       Retired Farmer

AUDITORS                               Ronald E. Callaway
Arthur Andersen LLP                    Retired transport truck driver,
Kansas City, Missouri                  Agricultural Carriers, Inc.

                                       David L. Deffner
ANNUAL MEETING                         Professor of Music, American River 
The annual meeting of the              College, Director of Music, Davis
stockholders of The Monarch            Community Church
Cement Company is held the
second Wednesday in April of           Robert M. Kissick
each year at the Company's             Chairman, Hydraulic Power Systems, Inc.
corporate offices.
                                       Richard N. Nixon
                                       Shareholder in law firm of Stinson, 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR           Mag & Fizzell, P.C.
The Monarch Cement Company
P.O. Box 1000                          Byron J. Radcliff
Humboldt, KS 66748-1000                Rancher

                                       Byron K. Radcliff
STOCK TRADING INFORMATION              Owner/Manager, Radcliff Ranch
Trading Symbol: MCEM                  
Over-the-Counter Market                Michael R. Wachter
                                       Civil Engineer and Director of
                                       Operations, Concrete Technology Corp.
INVESTOR RELATIONS                    
Inquiries may be directed to           Walter H. Wulf
Lyndell G. Mosley, Chief Financial     Chairman of the Board
Officer and Assistant Secretary-      
Treasurer, at the corporate            Walter H. Wulf, Jr.
address shown above.                   President and Vice Chairman 
                                       of the Board
                                      
FORM 10-K                              Officers
The Company's Annual Report on         Walter H. Wulf 
Form 10-K, as filed with the           Chairman of the Board
Securities and Exchange Commission,
is available without charge upon       Walter H. Wulf, Jr.
written request to Lyndell G.          President and Vice Chairman
Mosley at the corporate office.        of the Board

The Company's financial                Robert M. Kissick
information is also available          Vice President*
from the SEC at their EDGAR
internet address                       Karl Callaway
(http://www.sec.gov).                  Secretary*

                                       Byron K. Radcliff
                                       Treasurer*

                                       Lyndell G. Mosley
                                       Chief Financial Officer and
                                       Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

                                       *Not active in the daily affairs
                                        of the Company.







<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE MONARCH
CEMENT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIAIRIES CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                       4,254,795
<SECURITIES>                                19,622,255
<RECEIVABLES>                               11,174,210
<ALLOWANCES>                                   412,000
<INVENTORY>                                 13,504,990
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            48,613,585
<PP&E>                                     108,611,675
<DEPRECIATION>                              79,239,388
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              84,882,021
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        8,704,127
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                    10,443,490
<OTHER-SE>                                  53,692,274
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                84,882,021
<SALES>                                     99,494,758
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            99,494,758
<CGS>                                       78,349,584
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               78,349,584
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             15,252,808
<INCOME-TAX>                                 5,600,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          9,652,808
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 9,652,808
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.30
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.30
        

</TABLE>


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