NOLAND CO
10-K, 1998-03-31
HARDWARE & PLUMBING & HEATING EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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                             FORM 10-K

                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      Washington, D. C. 20549

          ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
              OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997  Commission file no. 2-27393

                          NOLAND COMPANY

        A Virginia Corporation              IRS Identification #54-0320170
                                 
                         80 29th Street         
                   Newport News, Virginia  23607
                    Telephone:  (757) 928-9000

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


                    Common Stock $10 Par Value


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     

Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant as of March 12, 1998, was approximately $37,795,000.           

3,700,876 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were outstanding at the close
of business on March 12, 1998.


     DOCUMENTS (or portions thereof) INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


                                                 Part of
         Document                               Form 10-K

Portions of Annual Report to Stockholders for the    Parts II and IV
   year ended December 31, 1997 

Portions of Noland Company Proxy Statement for       Parts III and IV
   April 30, 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders 





This report contains 33 pages.  The exhibit index is shown on page 11 of this
10-K.







                                 1

<PAGE>
PART I

Item 1 Business
          
(1)  (a)  A Virginia corporation founded in 1915, Noland Company is
          a distributor of Plumbing/Heating, Air Conditioning,
          Industrial and Electrical supplies, with branch facilities
          in fourteen states.  

          While most of its sales are wholesale, the Company plays
          a modest  retail role through product showrooms and other
          marketing efforts of certain items.  It handles products
          of over 2,000 vendors and sells to thousands of customers,
          largely in the industrial and construction sectors of the
          Southern United States.  There have been no significant
          changes in the Company's methods of operation during the
          last five years.  However, the growing demand for
          computer-based, fully automated procurement systems for
          MRO (maintenance, repair and operating) products is
          attracting new business and widening the scope and
          possibilities for potential sales growth in this market.
          In 1997 the Company entered into two foreign corporate
          joint ventures with former air conditioning equipment
          customers in Venezuela and Panama. Noland Company owns a
          fifty percent interest in each joint venture.


     (b)  The Company operates in only one industry segment, the
          distribution of mechanical equipment and supplies. 
          Markets for these products include contractors, industrial
          plants, utilities and others. 

     (c)  During the last five years, the Company has continued to
          serve essentially the same markets described in Item 1 (1)
          (b).  Current plans call for the continuation of this
          policy.  The Company does not manufacture any products.

     (i)  Total sales of each class of similar products for the last five
          years are as follows:

                      1997       1996        1995        1994        1993
                                        (In thousands)

Plumbing/Heating    $250,327   $241,235    $245,407    $241,273    $220,879
Air Conditioning     112,013    115,963     110,920      90,574      84,600 
Industrial            55,077     62,451      64,741      62,279      54,099 
Electrical            47,548     46,056      48,444      46,076      43,363
                    $464,965   $465,705    $469,512    $440,202    $402,941   



    Not all branches have all four departments.  If a product department does 
    not exist in a particular branch, any sales of that department's products 
    are attributed to the department that makes the sale.

     (ii) The Company continues to market new products introduced by 
          its suppliers/manufacturers.  None will require the       
          investment of a material amount of the assets of the      
          Company.

    (iii) The Company does not use or market raw materials.

     (iv)  The Company holds several sales franchises and has produced         
           a variety of copyrighted materials and systems used in the          
           normal conduct of its business.  It is virtually impossible         
           to dollar-quantify their significance.  None are reflected          
           as assets in the Company's Balance Sheet.  The Company              
           has no patents.     
         
     (v)  The business in general is seasonal to the extent of the construction
          industry it supplies. 
<PAGE>

    (vi)  It is the practice of the Company to carry a full line of inventory 
          items for rapid delivery to customers.  At times, advance buying is 
          necessary to ensure the availability of products for sale.  The    
          Company also extends credit, and this and the necessity for an     
          adequate supply of merchandise ordinarily absorbs most of the      
          Company's working capital.

   (vii) The dollar amount of the Company's backlog of orders believed to be 
         firm was approximately $35,572,435 at December 31, 1997 and       
         $37,437,444 at December 31, 1996.

  (viii) The portion of the Company's business with the Government and
         subject to renegotiation is not considered material.

    (ix) The wholesale distribution of all products in which the Company is 
         engaged is highly competitive.  Competition results primarily from 
         price, service and the availability of goods.  Industry statistics 
         indicate that Noland Company is one of the larger companies in its 
         field.

     (x) Company-sponsored research and development activities expenditures
         in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were immaterial.

    (xi)  The Company believes it is in compliance with Federal, State and
          local provisions which have been enacted or adopted regulating the
          discharge of materials into the environment.  The effects of   
          compliance are not material with respect to capital expenditures,  
          earnings and competitive position of the Company.  No material
          capital expenditures are anticipated for environmental control
          facilities during the remainder of the current year and the
          succeeding year.

   (xii) As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed 1,606 persons.

     (d) From its founding in 1915, the Company has operated principally in
         the Southern United States.  In 1995 and 1996 the Company opened
         several locations in Pennsylvania.  

Item 2 Properties

 The main properties of the Company consist of 107 facilities, including
 warehouses, offices, showrooms, paved outside storage areas and covered pipe
 storage sheds. These are located in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas,
 Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina,
 Pennsylvania, South Carolina,  Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
 Seventeen are held under leases and the remaining ninety are owned by the
 Company.  The executive office of the Company is located at 80 29th Street,
 Newport News,  Virginia  23607.

 In the opinion of management, the aforementioned facilities are suitable for
 the purposes for which they are used, are adequate for the needs of the
 business and are in continuous use in the day-to-day course of operations.
 The Company's policy is to maintain, repair and renovate its properties on a
 continuing basis, replacing older structures with new buildings and yard
 facilities as the need for such replacement arises.  In addition, reference is
 made to Note 2 (d), page 16 of the Annual Report to Stockholders filed as an
 exhibit hereto, with respect to property excess to current needs.



Item 3  Legal Proceeding

        None of material consequence.


Item 4  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        None
<PAGE>
Additional Item

              Executive Officers of the Registrant


                          Positions and Offices       Business Experience
Name                 Age  Held with Registrant      During the Past Five Years

Lloyd U. Noland, III 54   Chairman of the Board,    Chief Executive Officer of
                          President and Director.   the Registrant.
                          Officer since 1981

      
A. P. Henderson, Jr. 54   Vice President-Finance.   Chief Financial Officer of
                          Officer since 1983        the Registrant.

Charles A. Harvey    58   Vice President-Corporate  Responsible for the
                          Data. Officer since 1980  Registrant's Corporate Data
                                                    Division.

John E. Gullett      56   Vice President-Corporate  Responsible for the 
                          Communications.           Registrant's Corporate
                          Officer since 1982        Communications Department.

James E. Sykes, Jr.  54   Treasurer/Secretary.      Responsible for Registrant's
                          Officer since 1982        treasury functions and
                                                    secretarial duties.


All executive officers were elected for a term of one year beginning May 1,
1997 and/or until their successors are elected and qualified. None of the
executive officers are related by blood, marriage or adoption. Service has
been continuous since the date elected to their present positions. There are
no arrangements or understandings between any officer and any other person
pursuant to which he was elected an officer.



                                  PART II


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

       The information set forth on the inside back cover of the Annual Report
       to Stockholders contains information concerning the market price of
       Noland Company's common stock for the past two years, the number of
       holders thereof and the dividend record with respect thereto for the past
       two years.  This information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6 Selected Financial Data

       The information set forth under the caption "Ten-Year Review of Selected
       Financial Data" relating to sales, net income, total assets, long-term
       debt, net income per share and dividends per share for the years 1993
       through 1997 is incorporated herein by reference from pages 20 and 21 of
       the enclosed Noland Company Annual Report to Stockholders for the year
       ended December 31, 1997.

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

       The information set forth under the above caption is incorporated herein
       by reference from pages 10 and 11 of the enclosed Noland Company Annual
       Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1997.



Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

       The following consolidated financial statements of Noland Company,
       included in the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
       December 31, 1997, are incorporated herein by reference:
<PAGE>
                                                                    Annual      
                                                                  Report to
                                                                Stockholders
                                                                   (page)   

       Report of Independent Accountants                                 12

       Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings--        
         Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                    13

       Consolidated Balance Sheet--December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995      14

       Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows --                         
          Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                   15

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                        16-19
      


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

        Data relating to Directors is incorporated herein by reference from
        pages 2 and 3 of the 1998 Noland Company Proxy Statement for the
        April 30, 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

        Data relating to Executive Officers is included in Part I of this
        report.


Item 11 Executive Compensation

        The information set forth under the caption "Compensation of Executive
        Officers" on page 4 of the 1998 Noland Company Proxy Statement for the
        April 30, 1998, Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein
        by reference.

Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        The information set forth under the captions "Voting Securities and
        Principal Holders Thereof" and "Nominees for Director" on pages 1, 2
        and 3 of the 1998 Noland Company Proxy Statement for the April 30, 1998,
        Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

                                        
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        (a)  The Company has a ten-year agreement to lease an existing office
             building for its corporate headquarters. The building is owned by
             Basic Construction Company. Basic Construction owns 893,967 shares
             of Noland Company stock. The majority of Basic Construction Company
             stock is owned by The L.U. Noland 1982 Trust whose trustees are
             Mr. Lloyd U. Noland, Jr.'s wife, Jane K. Noland, and his three
             children: Lloyd U. Noland III, Susan C. Noland and Anne N. Edwards.
             Under the terms of the lease, the Company will pay an annual rental
             fee of approximately $260,000 per year. The Company will bear the
             direct costs of utilities and real estate taxes. The terms of the
             lease were based on an evaluation by an independent real estate
             firm.

        (b)   Not applicable.

        (c)   Not applicable.

        (d)   Not applicable.
<PAGE>
                                 PART IV

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

        (a)   1.  Consolidated Financial Statements
                  included in PART II, Item 8 of this report:

                  Report of Independent Accountants

                  Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained
                  Earnings--Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996
                  and 1995 

                  Consolidated Balance Sheet--December 31,
                  1997, 1996 and 1995

                  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                  --Years ended December 31,
                  1997, 1996 and 1995

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  With the exception of the aforementioned information incorporated by
  reference and the information in the 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders on the
  inside back cover and pages 10, 11, 20 and 21 incorporated in response to
  Items 5, 6 and 7 in this Form 10-K Annual Report, the 1997 Annual Report to
  Stockholders is not to be deemed "filed" as part of this report. The
  individual financial statements of the registrant have not been filed because
  consolidated financial statements are filed.  The registrant is an operating
  company and the subsidiary is wholly owned.


             2.  Financial Statement Schedules

                 Included in PART IV of this report:

                 For the three years ended December 31, 1997


                                                            Form 10-K Page(s)


               Schedule II  Valuation and Qualifying
                                  Accounts                             8


 Other financial statement schedules are omitted because of the absence of
 conditions under which they are required or because the required information
 is given in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

 Report of Independent Accountants
 on Consolidated Financial Statement schedules                         10
 
             3.  The exhibits are listed in the Index of Exhibits required by   
                 Item 601 of Regulation S-K at item (c) below.
                  
              
       (b)   Reports on Form 8-K

             A Form 8-K was filed on December 24, 1997 to report amendments 
             to the Bylaws.

       (c)   The Index of Exhibits and any required Exhibits are included
             beginning at page 11 of this report.

       (d)   Not applicable.

<PAGE>

























                              Item 14(a)(2)

                      Financial Statement Schedules



<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   FORM 10-K

                                  SCHEDULE II

                         Noland Company and Subsidiary

                       Valuation and Qualifying Accounts




Column A                Column B               Column C               Column D     Column E    
                                               Additions                
                        Balance          Charged to    Charged to                   Balance
                        Beginning        Costs and        Other                     at End 
Description             of Year          Expenses      Accounts      Deductions(2)  of Year
<S>                     <C>             <C>            <C>         <C>             <C>
Valuation accounts
deducted from assets
to which they apply--
doubtful accounts
receivable


December 31, 1997        $1,008,132     $  745,062(1)   $    -      $  745,062     $1,008,132

December 31, 1996        $1,008,132     $  855,577(1)   $    -      $  855,577     $1,008,132

December 31, 1995        $  968,427     $  739,929(1)   $    -      $  700,224     $1,008,132
</TABLE>










     











[FN]
(1)  Net of recoveries on bad debts of $855,090 for 1997, $657,609 for 1996
     and $896,772 for 1995. 

(2)  Represents charges for which reserve was previously provided.







<PAGE>


                                       


                                       
                               Signatures


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.



                                  NOLAND COMPANY


March 21, 1998                By  Lloyd U. Noland, III                          
                                  Chairman of the Board
                                     and President


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.



                               Chairman of the Board,
Lloyd U. Noland, III           President and Director            March 21, 1998
Lloyd U. Noland, III

                               Vice President-Finance,
                               Chief Financial Officer
Arthur P. Henderson, Jr.       and Director                      March 21, 1998
Arthur P. Henderson, Jr.


James E. Sykes, Jr.            Treasurer/Secretary               March 21, 1998
James E. Sykes, Jr.



Allen C. Goolsby, III          Director                          March 21, 1998
Allen C. Goolsby, III























<PAGE>






                                    
                                  
                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

                      REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

                ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
                                      



    Our report on the consolidated financial statements of Noland Company and
Subsidiary has been incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K from page 12
of the 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders of Noland Company.  In connection
with our audits of such financial statements, we have also audited the related
financial statement schedule listed in Item 14 (a) 2 on page 8 of this Form
10-K.

    In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be
included therein.




                                                 COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Virginia Beach, Virginia
February 23, 1998





















                               
<PAGE>
                                EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number       Exhibit                            Page


      (2)   Plan of acquisition, reorganization, 
            liquidation or succession                 Not Applicable
                
      (3)    Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws     Previously Filed
                                                    
                
      (4)    Instruments defining the rights of
             Security holders, including indentures   Not Applicable

      (9)    Voting trust agreement                   Not Applicable

     (10)    Material contracts                       Not Applicable

     (11)    Statement regarding computation of per
             share earnings--clearly determinable     Not Applicable

     (12)    Statement regarding computation of
             ratios                                   Not Applicable
                       
     (13)    Portions of Annual Report to          
             Stockholders                               14 - 32

     (16)    Letter regarding change in a certifying
             accountant                               Not Applicable

     (18)    Letter regarding change in accounting
             principles                               Not Applicable

     (21)    Subsidiary of the registrant             Previously Filed
                                                         
     (22)    Published report regarding matters
             submitted to vote of security holders    Not Applicable

     (23)    Consents of experts and counsel          Not Applicable

     (24)    Power of attorney                        Not Applicable

     (27)    Financial data schedule                        33

     (28)    Information from reports furnished to
             state insurance regulatory authorities   Not Applicable




    As to any security holder requesting a copy of the Form 10-K, the Company
will furnish any exhibit indicated in the above list as filed with the Form
10-K upon payment to it of its expenses in furnishing such exhibit.
<PAGE>

















                     This page intentionally left blank.
 
<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT 13
                                   INDEX



                                                         Page


Management's Discussion                                 14-15

Report of Independent Accountants                       16

Quarterly Financial Data                                17

Consolidated Statement of Income                        18

Consolidated Balance Sheet                              19

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                    20

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements              21-28

Ten Year Review                                         29-30

Inside Back Cover                                       31-32 
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


  The following discussion focuses on the consolidated results of operations,
  financial condition and cash flows of Noland Company. This section should be
  read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes.

Results of Operations

  Sales for 1997 of $465.0 million were slightly below the $465.7 million for
 1996 for a decline of less than half of one percent.  The decline in sales
 stemmed from weaker sales in many of the Company's older operations.  The
 plumbing and electrical departments turned in higher sales compared to a year
 ago.  The air conditioning and industrial departments posted declines in sales
 in 1997.  Sales for 1996 were one percent less than 1995's sales of $469.5
 million.

  Gross profit margins improved to 20.2 percent in 1997, up from 19.5 percent
 for 1996 and 19.0 percent for 1995.  The higher gross profit margin helped
 boost gross profit to $93.8 million for an increase of 3.3 percent over 1996.
 1997's gross profit margin benefitted from the year-end LIFO adjustment which
 decreased cost of goods sold by $1,040,000 through a combination of low
 inflation and liquidation of certain inventory layers carried at lower costs
 as compared with the cost of 1997 purchases.  The 1996 LIFO inventory
 adjustment decreased cost of goods sold by $207,000, while the 1995 adjustment
 increased cost of goods sold by $2.1 million.
  
  Operating expenses increased 3.9 percent over 1996, due primarily to the
 additional costs of operating nine new branches opened in late-1996 and
 changes in sales compensation plans.  In 1996, operating expenses were 1.2
 percent greater than 1995. Operating expenses, as a percent of sales, were
 18.9 percent in 1997, 18.1 percent in 1996 and 17.8 percent 1995. 1997 and
 1996 operating expenses were reduced $651,000 and $232,000, respectively for
 pension income compared to a $249,000 increase in operating expense in 1995.   
  
  Interest expense increased 8.9 percent to $3.1 million in 1997 from $2.8
 million.  The increase is due to higher average borrowings related to the
 cost of operating the newer branches and to higher average inventories.  1996
 interest expense was 12.7 percent less than 1995.

  1997 operations generated net income of $5.5 million compared to $5.9 million
 for 1996 and $4.9 million for 1995.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  The Company maintains its short and long-term liquidity through:  (1)  cash
 flow from operations; (2)  short-term financings;  (3)  bank line of credit
 arrangements, when needed; and (4)  additional long-term debt, when needed.

  In 1997, the primary source of liquidity was cash flow from operating
 activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.4 million in
 1997 compared to $7.9 million in 1996 and $17.4 million in 1995.  Significant
 uses of cash include capital expenditures of $9.3 million and the retirement
 of short and long term debt totaling $5.8 million.
<PAGE>
  The Company's financial position remains strong with working capital of $75.8
 million and a current ratio of 2.6 to 1.  Management believes the Company's
 liquidity, working capital and capital resources are sufficient to meet the
 working capital and capital expenditure needs of the foreseeable future.

Outlook

  The Company has launched several new initiatives in recent months to help
 boost sales, including a new sales compensation plan, a new sales growth
 strategy, and a new inventory management strategy.  Further, management
 anticipates significant sales growth from its newer branches and from several
 integrated supply contracts initiated in 1996.
  
  In addition, the Company is making steady progress in improving the
 operational side of the business.  Implementation of the basic platform for
 its branch computer system was completed in late 1997, allowing the branches
 to accelerate the use of technology to gain efficiencies and improve customer
 service.  The Company has also initiated a centralized credit administration
 strategy.

  Included in this discussion and in the Letter to the Shareholders are
 forward-looking statements that reflect management's current outlook for the
 future.  Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
 performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
 results to differ materially from those anticipated in the statements. Such
 risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general business
 conditions, climatic conditions, competitive pricing pressures, product
 availability, and successful implementation of the Company's new sales and
 inventory management initiatives.

Impact of Inflation

  Reported results, for the most part, reflect the impact of inflation because
 of the Company's use of the LIFO (last-in, first-out) inventory method.
 During inflationary periods, this method removes artificial profits induced by
 inflation and presents operating results in truer, more absolute terms.  

  For purposes of financial reporting, the depreciation charge to earnings for
 the use of capital assets is reflected on the straight-line basis which does
 not necessarily keep pace with rising replacement costs of those assets.  

Year 2000

  The Company has completed an inventory and assessment of all operating systems
 and  active application programs.  A strategic action plan with a timetable has
 been developed to address all Year 2000 compliance issues.  Year 2000
 remediation will be accomplished with in-house resources and is expected to be
 completed by August of 1999.  The Year 2000 issue and the cost of remediation
 is not material to the Company's business, operations, or financial condition.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS                              
                                 Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                 a professional services firm

COOPERS
& LYBRAND

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Noland Company:

  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Noland Company
and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.  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 the 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 consolidated financial position of Noland Company and
Subsidiary as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.



Virginia Beach, Virginia   Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
February 23, 1998


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
 Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 (In thousands, except per share amounts)                                                                                      
<CAPTION>
                     First Quarter       Second Quarter      Third Quarter        Fourth Quarter                  Year        
<S>                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>       <C>
                     1997     1996       1997     1996       1997     1996        1997      1996             1997      1996
 Sales             $110,930  $106,240  $117,719  $124,574  $122,014  $123,473   $114,302   $111,418       $464,965  $465,705
 Gross Profit      $ 22,283  $ 20,630  $ 22,792  $ 23,767  $ 23,837  $ 23,526   $ 24,841   $ 22,866       $ 93,753  $ 90,789
 Net Income        $    638  $    527  $    655  $  2,125  $    981  $  1,890   $  3,269(A)$  1,321(A)    $  5,543  $  5,863 
 Basic Earnings    $    .17  $    .14  $    .18  $    .58  $    .26  $    .51   $    .89(A)$    .35(A)    $   1.50  $   1.58 
     Per Share                                                                                                                 

(A)  The Company uses estimated gross profit rates to determine cost of goods sold duringinterim periods.  Year-end
     inventory adjustments to reflect actual inventory levels are made in the fourth quarter.  These previously
     undeterminable adjustments had the effect of increasing net income for the fourth quarter of 1997 and 1996 by
     approximately$1,278,000 ($.35 per share) and $566,000 ($.15 per share), respectively.  Other year-end adjustments
     related to estimated accruals increased fourth quarter 1997 net income $977,000 ($.27 per share).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
Noland Company and Subsidiary

<CAPTION>

For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
(In thousands, except per share amounts)               1997         1996         1995  
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Sales                                                $464,965     $465,705     $469,512
Cost of Goods Sold:                                                               
   Purchases and freight in                           369,900      384,626      374,039
   Inventory, January 1                                67,782       58,072       64,458
   Inventory, December 31                             (66,470)     (67,782)     (58,072)
      Cost of Goods Sold                              371,212      374,916      380,425
Gross Profit on Sales                                  93,753       90,789       89,087
Operating Expenses                                     87,659       84,383       83,389
Operating Profit                                        6,094        6,406        5,698
Other Income:                                                             
   Cash discounts, net                                  4,096        4,196        3,849
   Service charges                                      1,195        1,512        1,469
   Miscellaneous                                          577          371          460
       Total Other Income                               5,868        6,079        5,778
Interest Expense                                        3,078        2,828        3,239
Income Before Income Taxes                              8,884        9,657        8,237
Income Taxes                                            3,341        3,794        3,290
Net Income                                            $ 5,543      $ 5,863       $4,947
Retained Earnings, January 1                           79,516       74,837       70,926
Cash Dividends Paid ($.32 per share in 1997 and 1996                                   
   and $.28 per share in 1995)                         (1,184)      (1,184)      (1,036)
Retained Earnings, December 31                        $83,875     $ 79,516      $74,837
Basic Earnings Per Share                              $  1.50     $   1.58      $  1.34
</TABLE>





















[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Noland Company and Subsidiary


December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
(In thousands)                                                 1997        1996    1995  
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>         <C>
Assets
Current Assets:                                                                          
 Cash and cash equivalents                                 $   5,674   $  3,508   $ 12,578 
 Accounts receivable(net of allowance for doubtful accounts)  49,984     52,867     50,504 
 Inventory (net of reduction to LIFO)                         66,470      67,782    58,072 
 Deferred income taxes                                         1,706       2,183     1,902 
 Prepaid expenses                                                185         389       276 
      Total Current Assets                                   124,019     126,729   123,332 
Property and Equipment, at cost:                                                      
 Land                                                         13,384      13,026    13,288 
 Buildings                                                    76,945      74,531    70,622 
 Equipment and fixtures                                       55,714      54,654    51,519 
 Property in excess of current needs                           1,873       2,054     2,054 
    Total                                                    147,916     144,265   137,483 
 Less accumulated depreciation                                68,491      65,368    61,819 
    Total Property and Equipment, net                         79,425      78,897    75,664 
Assets Held for Resale                                         1,241       1,291     1,291 
Prepaid Pension                                               12,874      12,223    11,991 
Other Assets                                                     889         745     1,242 
                                                           $ 218,448    $219,885  $213,520 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                                            
Current Liabilities:                                                            
 Notes payable, short-term borrowings                      $   5,750    $  6,000  $    -  
 Current maturity of long-term debt                            2,896       3,228     3,721 
 Book overdrafts                                               5,348       6,338    11,968 
 Accounts payable                                             21,030      19,199    21,350 
 Other accruals and liabilities                               12,277      14,097    14,236 
 Federal and state income taxes                                  873         488       168 
    Total Current Liabilities                                 48,174      49,350    51,443 
Long-term Debt                                                39,784      45,039    41,611 
Deferred Income Taxes                                          8,807       8,544     8,352 
Accrued Postretirement Benefits                                  916         660       426 
Stockholders' Equity:                                                                          
  Capital common stock, par value, $10;
    authorized, 6,000,000 shares; issued, 3,700,876 shares    37,009      37,009    37,009 
 Retained earnings                                            83,875      79,516    74,837  
 Total                                                       120,884     116,525   111,846  
Less unearned compensation, restricted stock                     117         233       158 
    Stockholders' Equity                                     120,767     116,292   111,688 
                                                           $ 218,448    $219,885  $213,520 

</TABLE>












[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Noland Company and Subsidiary

For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
(In thousands)                                                1997       1996      1995 
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>      <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Income                                                 $  5,543  $  5,863  $  4,947
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash       
   provided by operating activities:                                          
   Depreciation and amortization                              6,305     6,686     6,939 
   Deferred income taxes                                        740       (89)     (187) 
   Provision for doubtful accounts                            1,710     1,513     1,637 
   Gain on sale of property                                     (53)       (4)      -   
   Change in operating assets and liabilities:                                  
     Decrease in accounts receivable                          1,173     1,320       317 
     Decrease (increase) in inventory                         1,312    (6,051)    6,386 
     Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses                    204      (113)      (45)
     Decrease in assets held for resale                          50       -          65 
     (Increase) decrease in other assets                       (230)      532       163 
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                  1,831    (2,151)   (2,393)
     (Decrease) increase in other accruals and liabilities   (1,820)     (139)      906
     Increase (decrease) in federal and state income taxes      385       320    (1,545)
     Increase in postretirement benefits                        256       234       222 
Total adjustments                                            11,863     2,058    12,465 
     Net cash provided by operating activities               17,406     7,921    17,412 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:                                          
   Capital expenditures                                      (9,339)  (10,890)   (9,735)
   Proceeds from sale of assets                               2,017       858       461 
   Purchase of note receivable                                  -     (13,091)      -   
   Collections on note receivable                               -       4,136       -   
      Net cash used by investing activities                  (7,322)  (18,987)   (9,274)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:                                          
   (Decrease) increase in book overdrafts                      (990)   (5,630)    3,506 
   Short-term borrowings                                    169,300   112,500   156,175 
   Short-term payments                                     (169,550) (106,500) (170,275)
   Long-term borrowings                                      12,660     7,500    10,954 
   Long-term repayments                                     (18,247)   (4,565)   (4,652)
   Dividends paid                                            (1,184)   (1,184)   (1,036)
   Sale (purchase) of restricted stock                           93      (125)     (123)
      Net cash (used) provided by financing activities       (7,918)    1,996    (5,451) 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:                                                     
Increase (decrease) during year                               2,166    (9,070)    2,687 
Beginning of year                                             3,508    12,578     9,891 
End of year                                                $  5,674  $  3,508   $12,578 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:                              
Cash paid during the year for:                                                 
   Interest                                                $  3,104  $  3,059   $ 2,997 
   Income taxes                                            $  2,222  $  3,973   $ 5,022 
</TABLE>















[FN]
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Noland Company and Subsidiary

1.   Principal Business of the Company
     Noland Company is a wholesale distributor of mechanical equipment and
     supplies.  These products are categorized under plumbing/heating, air
     conditioning, industrial and electrical.

     Markets for these products include contractors, industrial plants,
     utilities and others.

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
a.   Principles of Consolidation
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Noland
     Company and its wholly owned subsidiary.  All material intercompany
     transactions have been eliminated.
  
     The Company entered into two joint venture agreements with former air
     conditioning customers in Venezuela and Panama.  Noland Company owns fifty
     percent interest in each joint venture and accounts for both entities
     under the equity method of accounting.  The aggregate investment in and
     results of operations from both joint ventures are not material.

b.   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.   Inventory
     Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market.  The cost of inventory
     has been principally determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method
     since 1974.

d.   Property and Equipment 
     Property and equipment are valued at cost less accumulated depreciation.
     Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method based on estimated
     useful lives of 20 to 40 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for
     equipment and fixtures.

     Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as
     incurred.  Upon disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation
     are removed and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for the
     period.

     Property in excess of current needs consists primarily of land held for
     possible future expansion.

e.   Retirement Plan
     The Company has a noncontributory retirement plan that covers all
     employees with one year or more of service.  Benefits are based on years
     of service and compensation during active employment.  The Company's
     policy is to fund annually the minimum funding requirements under the
     Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
<PAGE>
f.   Postretirement Benefit Plans
     The Company offers postretirement health and life benefits to substantially
     all employees who retire with the required years of service.  Health care
     benefits consist of a reimbursement towards the purchase of the retirees'
     health plan of choice.  The amount of reimbursement is based on years of
     service.  Life insurance in the amount of $3,000 is provided to all
     retirees. Additional coverage may be purchased by the retiree in an amount
     up to a total of fifty percent of final earnings.  The Company pays a share
     of the cost of such additional coverage.  The cost of these benefits is
     funded on a pay-as-you-go-basis.

g.   Income Taxes
     A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the deferred tax
     consequences of all temporary differences.  

h.   Cash and Cash Equivalents
     The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an
     original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Due to
     the short maturity period of cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount
     approximates the fair value.

     The Company has no requirements for compensating balances.  The Company
     maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed
     federally insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses in
     such accounts.  The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant
     credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.


i.   Extra Compensation
     All employees with at least one year of service participate in one or more
     of the Company's extra compensation plans which are based on earnings
     before income taxes and certain adjustments. The cost of these plans was
     $1,604,000 in 1997, $1,897,000 in 1996 and $1,969,000 in 1995.

j.   Unearned Compensation - Restricted Stock Plan
     The Company provides a restricted stock plan for senior executives of the
     Company.  Under the Plan, 50,000 shares in the aggregate, limited to 10,000
     shares per year, may be granted as restricted stock.  Participants may not
     dispose or otherwise transfer stock granted for three years from date of
     grant.  Restrictions lapse at the rate of 20 percent of the stock per year
     beginning at the end of the third year.  Upon issuance of stock under the
     plan, unearned compensation equivalent to the market value at the date of
     grant is charged to stockholders' equity and subsequently amortized over
     seven years.  There were no awards in 1997.  The number of shares granted
     in 1996 and 1995 was 6,000 in each year.  The fair value of the awards in
     1996 and 1995 was $125,000 and $123,000.  These amounts were reflected as
     unearned compensation - restricted stock.  The amount amortized to
     compensation expense in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $67,000, $50,000 and
     $35,000, respectively.  In addition, 2,000 shares granted in 1996 and 1995,
     respectively were cancelled in 1997 resulting in additional expense of
     $48,000.

k.   Professional Standards
     Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings Per Share"
     is effective for periods ending after December 15, 1997.  SFAS No. 128 was
     adopted for the fourth quarter of 1997 with no material effect on the
     financial condition or result of operations of the Company. Statements of
<PAGE>
     Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income"
     and No. 131 "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
     Information" are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 1997.
     Earlier application is permitted.  Adoption of SFAS No. 130 and 131 are
     not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or
     results of operations of the Company.

3.   Accounts Receivable
     Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of
     $1,008,000 for 1997, 1996 and 1995.  Bad debt charges, net of recoveries,
     were $855,000 for 1997, $856,000 for 1996 and $739,000 for 1995. 
4.   Inventory
     Comparative year-end inventories are as follows:
                                                               
(In thousands)                1997         1996        1995    
Inventory, at approximate
   replacement cost          $98,965     $101,318     $91,814  
Reduction to LIFO             32,495       33,536      33,742  
LIFO inventory               $66,470      $67,782     $58,072  

     Liquidation of certain inventory layers carried at the lower costs which
     prevailed in prior years as compared with the costs of 1997 purchases had
     the effect of increasing 1997 net income $393,000 ($.11 per share).

5.   Notes Payable
a.   Short-term Borrowings:
     Amounts payable to banks at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $5,750,000 and
     $6,000,000, respectively. There were no short-term borrowings at
     December 31, 1995. The average interest rate, which is based on existing
     Federal Funds rates, at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was 7.1 percent.  The
     carrying amount of these short-term borrowings approximates fair value
     because of the short maturity of the borrowings.
  
     The Company had unused lines of credit totaling  $17.0 million at 
     December 31, 1997.

b.   Long-term Debt:
                                                                   
(In thousands)                             1997       1996       1995   
Promissory note, 9.60% interest payable
quarterly, $1,850,000 due annually June      
1998 through 2000 with balance due June 
2001.  (1)                               $ 7,500    $ 9,350    $11,200
Promissory note, 6.6% interest
plus $83,333 principal payable  
monthly 1998 through 2002. (1)             5,000        -          -  
Promissory note, variable interest
payable weekly (6.57% at December 
31, 1997), fully revolving basis  
through June 1, 1999. (1)                 10,000     10,000     10,000
<PAGE>
Promissory note, variable interest
payable monthly (6.49% at December
31, 1997), principal due August
1999. (2)                                  7,500     15,000      7,500 
Industrial revenue financings, variable
interest payable quarterly (4.25% at
December 31, 1997) with varying
maturities from 1998 to 2004. (1)(3)      12,050     13,415     15,200
Other                                        630        502      1,432
                                          42,680     48,267     45,332
Less current maturities                    2,896      3,228      3,721
                                         $39,784    $45,039    $41,611

(1)  Subject to agreements that require the Company to maintain not less than
     $55,000,000 in working capital and not less than a 1.75-to-1 year-end
     current ratio.  Cash dividends cannot exceed 50 percent of earnings,
     excluding net gains on disposition of capital assets, reckoned
     accumulatively from January 1, 1986.  Earnings retained since that date
     not restricted under this provision amount to $12,632,000.
(2)  The Company has an unsecured term revolver loan with a committed amount
     of $15,000,000. The Company may pay down and reborrow within the committed
     amount without penalty except for a non-usage fee if the average usage for
     a 90 day period is less than 50 percent.

(3)  Industrial Development Revenue Refunding Bonds are callable at the option
     of the bondholders upon giving seven days notice to the Trustee.  The
     carrying value of these bonds is a reasonable estimate of fair value as
     interest rates are based on prevailing market rates. To ensure payment of
     the long-term refunding bonds the Company has caused to be delivered to
     the Trustee an irrevocable, direct pay letter of credit in favor of the
     Trustee in the amount of $12,486,000.  The contract amount of the letter of
     credit is a reasonable estimate of its fair value as the rate is fixed over
     the life of the commitment.  No material loss is anticipated due to
     nonperformance by the counterparties to those agreements.

     The fair value of the remaining $30.6 million of long-term debt is
     estimated based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company
     for loans with similar terms and average maturities.  The fair value of
     this long-term debt is $30.9 million for 1997.


     Annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to
     December 31, 1997, are as follows:  1998, $2,896,000; 1999, $12,372,000;
     2000, $4,398,000; 2001, $4,427,000; 2002, $1,013,000.

6.   Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
     The components of the provision for net periodic postretirement benefit
     costs are:
                         
(In thousands)                      1997      1996        1995   
Service cost - benefits earned 
     during the period           $    47   $    58     $    45     
<PAGE>
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
     benefit obligation              318       300         316   
Net amortization and deferral        203       210         203   
Net postretirement benefit cost  $   568   $   568     $   564   

  The following table sets forth the plan's combined postretirement benefit
  liability as of
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995:
(In thousands)                      1997      1996        1995    
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:                  
  Retirees                       $(3,182)  $(2,690)    $(2,938)         
  Fully eligible active 
     employees                      (618)     (650)       (644)  
  Other active plan 
      participants                  (854)     (924)       (880)
                                  (4,654)   (4,264)     (4,462)
Unrecognized transition 
     obligation                    3,051     3,254       3,457

Unrecognized net loss                687       350         579   
Postretirement liability recognized in the
     balance sheet               $  (916)  $  (660)    $  (426)   
     The discount rate used to calculate the APBO was 7.0 percent for 1997, 7.5
     percent for 1996 and 7.0 percent for 1995.  There are no plan assets.

7.   Retirement Plan
     The components of the provision for net periodic pension cost are:

(In thousands)                      1997       1996       1995  

Service cost - benefits earned
   during the period             $   976    $   998    $   726  
Interest cost on projected
   benefit obligation              2,647      2,402      2,278  
Actual return on assets          (13,979)    (7,955)   (11,936) 
Net amortization and deferral      9,705      4,323      9,181  
Net pension cost                 $  (651)   $  (232)   $   249  

     Assumptions used in the accounting were:

                                    1997       1996       1995  
Discount rate                        7.0%       7.5%       7.0%   
Rate of increase in future
     compensation levels             4.0%       4.0%       4.0% 
Long-term rate of return            8.25%      8.25%       8.0% 

     The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and the
     related amounts recognized in the Company's balance sheet at
     December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.
<PAGE>
(In thousands)                          1997       1996       1995  

Actuarial present value of
  projected benefit obligation,
  based on employment service
  to date and current salary levels:
  Vested benefits                   $(35,953)  $(31,041)  $(30,966) 
  Nonvested benefits                    (371)      (250)      (259) 
Accumulated benefit obligation       (36,324)   (31,291)   (31,225) 
Additional amounts related
  to projected salary increases       (3,444)    (3,175)    (2,431) 
Projected benefit obligation         (39,768)   (34,466)   (33,656) 
Plan assets at fair value;
  primarily U.S. Government and
  corporate bonds and equity
  securities                          66,364     55,120     49,531  
Plan assets in excess of
  projected benefit obligation        26,596     20,654     15,875     
Unrecognized net gain
  from past experience different
  from that assumed                  (13,722)    (8,431)    (3,884) 
Prepaid pension                      $12,874    $12,223    $11,991  
8.   Income Taxes
     The components of income tax expense are as follows:       
(In thousands)                          1997       1996       1995
Federal:                                                             
      Current                        $ 2,612    $ 3,289    $ 2,936
      Deferred                           285        (76)      (159)
State:                                                               
      Current                            369        594        541
      Deferred                            75        (13)       (28)
      Total                          $ 3,341    $ 3,794    $ 3,290


     The components of the net deferred tax liability are:

(In thousands)                           1997        1996        1995
Current deferred (assets)                                            
  Accounts receivable                 $    -      $  (379)    $  (379)
  Inventory                            (1,100)     (1,196)       (960)
  Accrued vacation                       (606)       (608)       (563)
    Total net current deferred (asset) (1,706)     (2,183)     (1,902)
Noncurrent deferred (assets) liabilities                             
  Property and equipment                4,639       4,694       4,687
  Pension asset                         4,845       4,600       4,512
  Postretirement
   benefit liability                     (345)       (252)       (160)
<PAGE>
  Other                                  (332)       (498)       (687)
    Total net noncurrent deferred                                    
     liability                          8,807       8,544       8,352
  Net deferred liability              $ 7,101     $ 6,361     $ 6,450 

     The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount
  computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before
  income taxes are as follows:

(In thousands)                           1997        1996        1995
Statutory rate applied to
  pretax income                        $3,021      $3,283      $2,801
State income taxes, net
  of federal tax benefit                  244         391         357
Other                                      76         120         132
Total tax expense                      $3,341      $3,794      $3,290


9.   Lease Commitments
     The Company leases some of the warehouse and office facilities used in
     its business. These leases have varying expiration dates and often include
     renewal and purchase options. Certain leases require the Company to pay
     escalations in cost over base amounts for taxes, insurance, or other
     operating expenses incurred by lessor.  The corporate office is leased from
     a related party for an annual rent of $260,000.

     Rental expense under operating leases for 1997, 1996, and 1995 was
     $1,694,000, $1,036,000 and $992,000, respectively.
     Minimum payments due for years after 1997 under noncancelable operating
     leases are $1,524,000 in 1998, $1,451,000 in 1999, $1,134,000 in 2000,
     $803,000 in 2001 and $3,734,000 thereafter.

10.  Concentration of Credit Risk
     The Company sells its products to all major areas of construction and
     manufacturing markets throughout the Southern United States.  When the
     Company grants credit, it is primarily to customers whose ability to pay
     is dependent upon the construction and manufacturing industry economics
     prevailing in the Southern United States; however, concentrations of credit
     risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large
     number of customers comprising the Company's customer base.  The Company
     performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and in certain
     situations requires collateral.  The Company maintains allowances for
     potential credit losses, and such losses have been within management's
     expectations.

11.  Asset Acquisition
     In late 1996 the Company purchased a secured note from Foothill Capital
     Corporation, issued by Raub Supply Co., for $9.9 million.  Additional
     operating advances of $3.2 million were made through the note to Raub.
     Collections on the note totaled $4.1 million.  Effective December 6, 1996
     the Company agreed to accept certain operating assets of Raub, with a fair
     value of $7.6 million, as partial payment on the note. Results, using the
<PAGE>
     purchase method, for additional locations have been included in 1997
     audited results.  The outstanding note balance of $1.4 million at
     December 31, 1996 was paid in 1997.

     The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma combined results of
     operations, assuming the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 
     each year presented:

(In thousands)                 1996                      1995
Net sales                  $ 488,182                $  505,749
Net income                     6,117                     5,512
Net income per share       $    1.65                $     1.49

     The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the 
     results which actually would have occurred had the acquisition been in
     effect during the periods presented or of results which may occur in
     the future.  

12.  Contingencies
     The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the normal
     course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these
     lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
     financial position or results of operations.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                             
TEN-YEAR REVIEW OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)   
Noland Company and Subsidiary


                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)  1997       1996       1995        1994 
Income Statement Data                                
    <S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
    Sales                                         $464,965   $465,705   $469,512    $440,202
    Gross Profit                                    93,753     90,789     89,087      86,166
    Operating Expenses                              87,659     84,383     83,389      78,259
    Operating Profit (Loss)                          6,094      6,406      5,698       7,907
    Interest Expense                                 3,078      2,828      3,239       2,626
    Interest Expense as Percent of Total Assets        1.4        1.3        1.5         1.2
    Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                8,884      9,657      8,237      10,568
    Pretax Profit as Percent of Sales                  1.9        2.1        1.8         2.4
    Income Taxes Payable (Receivable)                3,341      3,794      3,290       4,341
    Effective Tax Rate                                37.6       39.3       39.9        41.1
    Net Income (Loss)                                5,543      5,863      4,947       6,227
    Income Paid to Stockholders  (Cash Dividends)    1,184      1,184      1,036         888
    Income Reinvested                                4,359      4,679      3,911       5,339
    Property and Equipment Expenditures              9,339     10,890      9,735      10,858
    Depreciation and Amortization                    6,890      6,868      6,655       6,232
Balance Sheet Data                                                                          
    Stockholders' Equity                           120,767    116,292    111,688     107,865
    Working Capital                                 75,845     77,379     71,889      65,575
    Current Ratio                                      2.6        2.6        2.4         2.0
    Total Assets                                   218,448    219,885    213,520     217,085
    Long-term Debt                                  39,784     45,039     41,611      36,914
    Borrowed Funds                                  48,430     54,267     45,332      53,130
    Borrowed Funds as Percent of Total Assets         22.2       24.7       21.2        24.5
    Total Liabilities as Percent of Total Assets      44.7       47.1       47.7        50.3
Per Share Data *                                                                            
    Basic Earnings (Loss)                             1.50       1.58       1.34        1.68
    Cash Dividends Paid to Stockholders                .32        .32        .28         .24
    Stockholders' Equity (Book Value)                32.63      31.42      30.18       29.15
    Return on Average Stockholders' Equity             4.7        5.1        4.5         5.9
    Stock Price Range:                                                                      
        Average High                                 24.59      21.81      21.31       20.94
        Average Low                                  21.72      18.89      18.38       17.56
    Number of Employees at December 31               1,606      1,692      1,655       1,741
    Number of Branches at December 31                  107        107         99          99
Supplemental Information                                                                    
The Company elected the LIFO method of inventory valuation in 1974.
The above information (i.e., gross profit, income and taxes) is stated on that basis.
Had the Company used the FIFO method, the results would have been:                          
    Gross Profit                                    92,713     90,582     91,187      86,404
    Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                7,844      9,450     10,337      10,806
    Income Taxes Payable (Receivable)                2,949      3,714      4,124       4,441
    Net Income (Loss)                                4,895      5,736      6,213       6,365
    Net Income (Loss) Per Share                       1.32       1.55       1.68        1.72
    Stockholders' Equity (Book Value) Per Share      37.32      36.32      34.39       33.69
    Return on Average Stockholders' Equity             3.6        4.4        4.9         5.2
</TABLE>











[FN]
*   Based on 3,700,876 shares outstanding.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TEN-YEAR REVIEW OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)                                
Noland Company and Subsidiary

                                                                             
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data) 1993        1992          1991         1990            1989         1988
Income Statement Data                                                                      
                                                     <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>


                                                                           

    Sales                                            $402,941   $412,086 $384,535  $428,473  $454,629   $461,255       
    Gross Profit                                       77,306     77,265   71,000    79,982    83,328   83,491       
    Operating Expenses                                 74,692     73,227   74,355    75,641    75,413   75,098       
    Operating Profit (Loss)                             2,614   4,038      (3,355)    4,341     7,915    8,393       
    Interest Expense                                    2,422   3,058       3,724     4,742     5,973    5,673       
    Interest Expense as Percent of Total Assets           1.2     1.7         2.0       2.5       3.1      2.8       
    Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                   5,291   6,610      (1,203)    6,377     8,468    8,882       
    Pretax Profit as Percent of Sales                     1.3     1.6          NA       1.5       1.9      1.9       
    Income Taxes Payable (Receivable)                   1,996   2,518        (478)    2,651     3,441    3,553       
    Effective Tax Rate                                   37.7    38.1       (39.7)     41.6      40.6     40.0       
    Net Income (Loss)                                   3,295   4,092        (725)    3,726     5,027    5,329       
    Income Paid to Stockholders  (Cash Dividends)         888     888       1,702     1,665     1,629    1,554       
    Income Reinvested                                   2,407   3,204          NA     2,061     3,398    3,775       
    Property and Equipment Expenditures                 7,611   6,191       7,075    10,798     9,812   12,918       
    Depreciation and Amortization                       6,178   6,365       6,543     6,433     6,306    6,028       
Balance Sheet Data
    Stockholders' Equity                              102,596  100,189     96,985    99,412    97,351   93,953       
    Working Capital                                    65,203   65,509     64,433    70,701    76,486   78,713       
    Current Ratio                                         2.3      2.8        2.6       2.8       2.8      2.5       
    Total Assets                                      201,029  185,372    189,072   192,887   195,069  200,716       
    Long-term Debt                                     38,505   40,511     42,898    44,299    48,721   47,631       
    Borrowed Funds                                     47,485   46,097     54,299    56,131    60,030   68,240       
    Borrowed Funds as Percent of Total Assets            23.6     24.9       28.7      29.1      30.8     33.9       
    Total Liabilities as Percent of Total Assets         48.9     46.0       48.7      48.5      50.1     53.2       
Per Share Data *                                                                                                        
    Net Income (Loss)                                     .89     1.11       (.20)     1.01      1.36     1.44
    Cash Dividends Paid to Stockholders                   .24      .24        .46       .45       .44      .42       
    Stockholders' Equity (Book Value)                   27.72    27.07      26.21     26.86     26.30    25.39       
    Return on Average Stockholders' Equity                3.2      4.2         NA       3.8       5.3      5.8       
    Stock Price Range:
        Average High                                    18.13    16.13      14.88     19.19     24.19    20.63       
        Average Low                                     15.06    13.91      12.25     15.00     22.09    18.75       
    Number of Employees at December 31                  1,683    1,720      1,704     1,797     1,924    2,019       
    Number of Branches at December 31                      93       93         92        92        94      101       
Supplemental Information                                                                    
The Company elected the LIFO method of inventory valuation in 1974.
The above information (i.e., gross profit, income and taxes) is stated on that basis.
Had the Company used the FIFO method, the results would have been:                          
    Gross Profit                                       77,318   76,541     70,888    80,429    84,486   88,585       
    Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                   5,303    5,886     (1,315)    6,824     9,626   13,976       
    Income Taxes Payable (Receivable)                   2,000    2,226       (495)    2,770     3,815    5,499       
    Net Income (Loss)                                   3,303    3,660       (820)    4,054     5,811    8,477       
    Net Income (Loss) Per Share                           .89      .99       (.22)     1.10      1.57     2.29       
    Stockholders' Equity (Book Value) Per Share         32.21    31.19      30.81     31.17     30.84    29.71       
    Return on Average Stockholders' Equity                2.8      3.2         NA       3.5       5.2      8.0       
</TABLE>






[FN]
(1)  Net income for 1987 includes $362,000 ($.10 per share) due to the 
     cumulative effect on prior years of a change in accounting for
     deferred income taxes.
<PAGE>
                      Inside Back Cover Info
Shareholder and Investor Information

Corporate Information
Corporate Headquarters:

Noland Company
80 29th Street
Newport News,  Virginia  23607
(757) 928-9000

Wholly Owned Subsidiary:

Noland Properties, Inc.
Suite 400, Central Fidelity National Bank
2700 Washington Avenue
Newport News, Virginia  23607
(757) 247-8200

Investor Inquiries or Request for Form 10-K:

Richard L. Welborn
Assistant Vice President-Finance and Tax Administrator
80 29th Street
Newport News, Virginia 23607
(757) 928-9000

Auditors:

Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
One Columbus Center, Suite 400
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Legal Counsel:

Hunton & Williams
P.O. Box 1535
Richmond, Virginia 23212

Noland on the Internet:
For the latest financial news, career opportunities and other
Company information, visit us on the Internet at: www.noland.com

Stock Information

     The Company's common stock is traded over the counter as
part of NASDAQ's National Market System (symbol:  NOLD).  On
March 12, 1998, the approximate number of holders of record of
the Company's common stock was 2,500.
<PAGE>

Market Prices:
     The following table sets forth the reported high and low
prices for the common stock on the NASDAQ system:
                                                    
                High      Low
   1997
     Qtr. 4    $24.63    $22.13
     Qtr. 3    $24.75    $22.75
     Qtr. 2    $25.25    $20.50
     Qtr. 1    $23.75    $21.50
   1996
     Qtr. 4    $23.75    $20.50
     Qtr. 3    $22.25    $19.50
     Qtr. 2    $21.25    $18.00
     Qtr. 1    $20.00    $17.50
                                                  
P/E Ratio:*
              High       Low

   1997        16        15

   1996        15        13
                                                  
*Based on final, full-year earnings

Dividend Policy:
     Noland has paid regular cash dividends for 65 consecutive
years; and, while there can be no assurance as to future
dividends because they are dependent on earnings, capital
requirements and financial condition, the Company intends to
continue that policy.  Dividend payments are subject to the
restrictions described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.

Dividends Paid:
     The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.08 per share in
each quarter of 1997 and 1996.

Registrar:
Noland Company

Transfer Agent:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company
2 Broadway
New York, New York  10004
(212) 509-4000

Annual Meeting:
April 30, 1998, 10:00 a.m.
Noland's Corporate Headquarters
Newport News, Virginia


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>   5
       
<S>                                  <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                        12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                    DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                         DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                               5,674,000
<SECURITIES>                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                        50,992,000
<ALLOWANCES>                         1,008,000
<INVENTORY>                          66,470,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                     124,019,000
<PP&E>                               147,916,000
<DEPRECIATION>                       68,491,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                       218,448,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                48,174,000
<BONDS>                              0
                0              
                          0
<COMMON>                             37,009,000
<OTHER-SE>                           83,758,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>         218,448,000
<SALES>                              464,965,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                     464,965,000
<CGS>                                371,212,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                        80,936,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                     0    
<LOSS-PROVISION>                     855,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                   3,078,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                      8,884,000
<INCOME-TAX>                         3,341,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                  5,543,000
<DISCONTINUED>                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                      0
<CHANGES>                            0
<NET-INCOME>                         5,543,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                        1.50
<EPS-DILUTED>                        1.50
        

</TABLE>


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