OLIN CORP
10-K, 1997-03-13
CHEMICALS & ALLIED PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>
 
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                               ----------------
                                   FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
   ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED] For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
                                      OR
[_]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED] For the transition period from
   to
                         Commission file number 1-1070
                               OLIN CORPORATION
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
               Virginia                              13-1872319
    (State or other jurisdiction of    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
    incorporation or organization)              06856-4500 (Zip Code)
 
 501 Merritt 7 P.O. Box 4500 Norwalk,
  CT (Address of principal executive
               offices)
      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 750-3000
 
                               ----------------
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

                                                    NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
                  TITLE OF EACH CLASS                ON WHICH REGISTERED
                  -------------------              -----------------------
                     Common Stock                  New York Stock Exchange
                                                   Chicago Stock Exchange
                                                   Pacific Stock Exchange

      Series A Participating Cumulative            New York Stock Exchange
      Preferred  Stock Purchase Rights             Chicago Stock Exchange
                                                   Pacific Stock Exchange
                                                   
                               ----------------
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
                               ----------------
  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. [_]
 
                               ----------------
  As of January 31, 1997, the aggregate market value of registrant's voting
stock held by non-affiliates of registrant was approximately $1,895,146,250.
 
                               ----------------
  As of January 31, 1997, 52,297,507 shares of the registrant's common stock
were outstanding.
 
                               ----------------
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
PORTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS FORM
                           10-K AS INDICATED HEREIN:

                                                       PART OF 10-K
                       DOCUMENT                   INTO WHICH INCORPORATED
                       --------                   -----------------------
      1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Olin    Parts I, II, and IV
       Proxy Statement relating to Olin's 1997           Part III
            Annual Meeting of Shareholders
 
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<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  Olin Corporation is a Virginia corporation, incorporated in 1892, having its
principal executive offices in Norwalk, Connecticut. It is a manufacturer
concentrated in chemicals, metals and ammunition. The chemicals segment is
divided into three areas or divisions: Chlor-Alkali, Chemicals and
Microelectronic Materials. Chlor-alkali includes chlor-alkali products, sodium
hydrosulfite and high strength bleach products. Chemicals includes pool
chemicals, biocides, acids, hydrazine, polyols, propylene glycols and
surfactants and fluids. Microelectronic Materials includes image-forming and
related specialty chemicals and electronic interconnect materials and
services. The metals and ammunition segment is divided into two divisions: the
Brass Division and the Winchester Division. Products in the metals and
ammunition segment include copper and copper alloy sheet, strip, rod, wire,
tube and fabricated parts, stainless steel strip and sporting ammunition.
 
  Information as to the sales and assets attributable to each of Olin's
industry segments for each of the last ten fiscal years appears on page 24 of
the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Olin ("Shareholders Report") and in
Exhibit 13 hereto. Such information in Exhibit 13 with respect to the last
three fiscal years is incorporated by reference in this Report.* Information
as to operating income of Olin's industry segments for each of the last three
fiscal years contained on page 24 of the Share-holders Report and in Exhibit
13 hereto is incorporated herein by reference as contained in Exhibit 13.
 
  The figures and information contained under the captions "Customers and
Distribution," "Employees," "Research Activities; Patents," "Environmental and
Toxic Substances Controls" and in Item 2 hereof do not include figures
relating to Olin's Ordnance and Aerospace Divisions which were spunoff as part
of Primex Technologies, Inc. effective December 31, 1996.
 
  The term "Olin" as used herein means Olin Corporation and its subsidiaries
unless the context indicates otherwise.
 
 
 
- --------
* Except for material contained in Exhibit 13 hereto and incorporated herein
  by reference to such exhibit, the Shareholders Report is not "filed" as part
  of this Report.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
  The following is a list of the principal and certain other products and
services provided by Olin and its affiliates as of December 31, 1996 within
each industry segment. Principal products on the basis of annual sales are
highlighted in bold face. Businesses which were transferred to Primex
Technologies, Inc. ("Primex") in connection with the spinoff of Primex on
December 31, 1996 are not included.
 
                                   CHEMICALS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            MAJOR RAW MATERIALS
PRODUCT LINE OR                                                              & COMPONENTS FOR
DIVISION         PRODUCTS & SERVICES  MAJOR END-USES   PLANTS & FACILITIES*  PRODUCTS/SERVICES
- ---------------  ------------------- ----------------- -------------------- -------------------
<S>              <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>
Chlor-alkali
Chlor-alkali      CHLORINE/CAUSTIC   Pulp & paper       Augusta, GA          salt,
                  SODA               processing,        Charleston, TN       electricity
                                     chemical           McIntosh, AL
                                     manufacturing,     Niagara Falls,
                                     water              NY  (Niachlor)**
                                     purification,
                                     manufacture of
                                     vinyl chloride,
                                     bleach, swimming
                                     pool chemicals &
                                     urethane
                                     chemicals
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Chlor-      Sodium             Paper, textile &   Augusta, GA          caustic soda,
 alkali           Hydrosulfite       clay bleaching     Charleston, TN       sulfur dioxide
 Products                                               Salto, Brazil
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  HyPure(TM)         Industrial &       Charleston, TN       chlorine,
                  products           institutional                           caustic
                                     cleaners, textile                       soda
                                     bleaching
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemicals
EO/PO             Flexible polyols   Intermediate for   Brandenburg, KY      propylene
 Derivative                          flexible foam      Punta Camacho,       oxide,
 Products                            used in             Venezuela           ethylene oxide,
                                     furniture,         Ibaraki-ken,         glycerine
                                     bedding, carpet    Japan
                                     underlay,           (Asahi-Olin
                                     transportation,    Ltd.)
                                     packaging
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Specialty          Elastomers,        Brandenburg, KY      propylene
                  polyols            adhesives,         Ibaraki-ken,         oxide,
                                     coatings,          Japan                ethylene oxide,
                                     sealants & rigid    (Asahi-Olin         glycerine
                                     foam               Ltd.)
                                                        Punta Camacho,
                                                         Venezuela
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Urethane systems   Packaging &        Ibaraki-ken,         polyols,
                                     insulation         Japan                methylene
                                                         (Asahi-Olin         diphenyl
                                                        Ltd.)                diisocyanate
                                                        Salto, Brazil
                                                        Singapore
                                                        (Asahi-Olin
                                                         Singapore Pte.
                                                        Ltd.)
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Anionic &          Household, indus-  Brandenburg, KY      ethylene oxide,
                  nonionic           trial &            Punta Camacho,       propylene oxide
                  surfactants,       institutional       Venezuela
                  glycols,           cleaners,
                  glycol ethers,     basestocks for
                  fluids             water based met-
                                     al-
                                     working/hydraulic
                                     fluids
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acids             Virgin &           Petroleum          Beaumont, TX         sulfur, oxygen
                  regenerated        refining, pulp &   Shreveport, LA
                  sulfuric acid      paper chemicals
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pool              HTH(R), SOCK-      Residential &      Charleston, TN       chlorine, lime,
 Chemicals        IT(R)              commercial pool    Igarassu, Brazil     caustic soda
                  PULSAR(R), SUPER   sanitizing, water   (Nordesclor
                  SOCK-IT(R),        purification       S.A.)
                  DURATION(R) &                         Salto, Brazil
                  CCH(R) CALCIUM                        Kempton Park,
                  HYPOCHLORITE                           S. Africa
                                                         (Aquachlor
                                                         (Proprietary)
                                                        Ltd.)
            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  PACE(R)            Residential &      Amboise, France      chlorine,
                  CHLORINATED        commercial pool                         caustic
                  ISOCYANURATES      sanitizing, water                       soda, urea
                                     purification
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* If site is not operated by Olin or a majority-owned, direct or indirect
  subsidiary, name of joint venture, affiliate or operator is indicated. Sites
  manufacture, distribute or market one or more of the identified products or
  services.
** Subsequent to December 1996, Olin acquired its partner's interest in
   Niachlor.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                               CHEMICALS (CONT'D)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  MAJOR RAW MATERIALS
PRODUCT LINE OR                                                                    & COMPONENTS FOR
DIVISION         PRODUCTS & SERVICES  MAJOR END-USES    PLANTS & FACILITIES*       PRODUCTS/SERVICES
- ---------------  ------------------- ----------------  -----------------------    -------------------
<S>              <C>                 <C>               <C>                        <C>
Hydrazine         Hydrazine          Intermediate in      Lake Charles, LA         chlorine,
                  solutions &        blowing agents &     McIntosh, AL             caustic
                  hydrazine-based    agricultural                                  soda, ammonia,
                  propellants        chemicals;                                    dimethylamine,
                                     boiler water                                  monomethylamine
                                     treatment,
                                     rocket &
                                     satellite
                                     propellants
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biocides          Omacide(R),        Antidandruff         Rochester, NY            pyridine, zinc
                  IPBC,              agents               Swords, Ireland          & copper salts,
                  Triadine(R)        in shampoo, pre-                              chlorine, iodine
                  Biocides,          servative in
                  Zinc               metal working
                  Omadine(R),        fluids, coat-
                  Copper             ings, adhesives,
                  Omadine(R) &       plastics, anti-
                  Sodium             fouling agent in
                  Omadine(R)         marine paints
                  Biocides
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Custom             Finished             Rochester, NY
                  chemicals          products for
                  manufacturing      agricultural,
                                     photo-
                                     graphic, hair
                                     dye & general
                                     chemical
                                     industries
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microelectronic Materials
Electronic        High purity        Used as process      Chandler, AZ             various acids
 Chemicals        acids &            aids in              Mesa, AZ                 & solvents,
                  solvents,          semiconductor        Seward, IL               ammonia-based
                  dopants,           manufacturing                                 etchants
                  vapor
                  deposition
                  chemicals,
                  specialty
                  etchants
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Photoresists &     Used as              Brandenburg, KY          diazo compounds,
                  polyimides         semiconductor        East Providence, RI      rubber polymers,
                                     components           Tempe, AZ                novolak
                                     and/or as            Zwijndrecht, Belgium     polymers,
                                     process aids in      Shizuoka, Japan          solvents,
                                     semiconductor         (Fuji-Hunt Electronics  photoinitiators,
                                     manufacturing &       Technology Co., Ltd.)   polyimide
                                     flat panel           Basel, Switzerland       polymers
                                     displays             Hsin-chu, Taiwan       
                                                           (Fuji-Hunt Electronics
                                                           Technology Co., Ltd.)  
                                                         
                                                         
</TABLE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* If site is not operated by Olin or a majority-owned, direct or indirect
  subsidiary, name of joint venture, affiliate or operator is indicated. Sites
  manufacture, distribute or market one or more of the identified products or
  services.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                               CHEMICALS (CONT'D)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        MAJOR RAW MATERIALS
 PRODUCT LINE                                                                            & COMPONENTS FOR
 OR DIVISION    PRODUCTS & SERVICES         MAJOR END-USES        PLANTS & FACILITIES*   PRODUCTS/SERVICES
 ------------ ------------------------ ------------------------   -------------------- ---------------------
 <C>          <C>                      <S>                        <C>                  <C>
 Interconnect High performance         Integrated circuits &      Manteca, CA          specialty aluminum
  Materials   integrated circuit       multi-chip modules for                          alloys & specialty
              packaging materials      computer,                                       adhesives
                                       telecommunications,
                                       instrumentation &
                                       automotive products
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              High performance,        All industry market        New Bedford, MA      all metals, metal
              high reliability,        segments; computer,         (Aegis, Inc.)       alloys, metal
              hermetic metal           communications, medical,                        matrix composites,
              packages for the         industrial,                                     special alloys and
              microelectronics         instrumentation,                                glasses
              industry                 automotive, consumer,
                                       aerospace and military
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             METALS AND AMMUNITION
 Olin Brass   COPPER & COPPER ALLOY    Electronic connectors,     Bryan, OH            copper, zinc &
              SHEET & STRIP            lead frames, electrical    East Alton, IL       other nonferrous
              (STANDARD & HIGH         components,                Indianapolis, IN     metals
              PERFORMANCE)             communications,            Waterbury, CT
                                       automotive, builders'      Iwata, Japan
                                       hardware, coinage,          (Yamaha-Olin
                                       ammunition                  Metal Corporation)
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Network of metals        Electronic connectors,     Allentown, PA        copper & copper alloy
              service centers          electrical components,     Alliance, OH         sheet, strip, rod,
                                       communications,            Caguas, PR           tube & steel &
                                       automotive, builders'      Carol Stream, IL     aluminum strip
                                       hardware, household        Warwick, RI
                                       products                   Watertown, CT
                                                                  Yorba Linda, CA
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Beryllium copper strip   High performance           East Alton, IL       beryllium copper
                                       electronic applications
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              POSIT-BOND(R) CLAD METAL Coinage strip & blanks     East Alton, IL       cupronickel,
                                                                                       copper & aluminum
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              ROLLED COPPER FOIL,      Printed circuit boards,    Waterbury, CT        copper, zinc & other
              COPPERBOND(R) FOIL,      electrical & electronic,                        nonferrous metals,
              STAINLESS STEEL STRIP    automotive                                      stainless steel
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              COPPER ALLOY SEAMLESS    Utility condensers,        Cuba, MO             copper, zinc & other
              & WELDED TUBE            industrial heat            Indianapolis, IN     nonferrous metals
                                       exchangers,
                                       refrigeration & air
                                       conditioning, builders'
                                       hardware, automotive
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Fabricated products      Builders' hardware,        East Alton, IL       brass & stainless
                                       cartridge cases, shaped                         steel strip
                                       charge cones,
                                       transportation,
                                       household & recreational
                                       products
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Copper & copper alloy    Fasteners, electrical &    Indianapolis, IN     copper, zinc & other
              rod & wire               electronic connectors,                          nonferrous metals
                                       transportation, plumbing
                                       & builders' hardware

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
* If site is not operated by Olin or a majority-owned, direct or indirect
  subsidiary, name of joint venture, affiliate or operator is indicated. Sites
  manufacture, distribute or market one or more of the identified products or
  services.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                         METALS AND AMMUNITION (CONT'D)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          MAJOR RAW MATERIALS
 PRODUCT LINE                                                                              & COMPONENTS FOR
 OR DIVISION     PRODUCTS & SERVICES         MAJOR END-USES        PLANTS & FACILITIES*    PRODUCTS/SERVICES
 ------------  -----------------------  ------------------------   -------------------- -----------------------
 <C>           <C>                      <S>                        <C>                  <C>
 Winchester(R) WINCHESTER(R) SPORTING   Hunters & recreational      East Alton, IL      brass, lead, steel,
               AMMUNITION (SHOT-        shooters, law               Geelong, Australia  plastic, propellant,
               SHELLS, SMALL CALIBER    enforcement                                     explosives
               CENTERFIRE & RIMFIRE     agencies
               AMMUNITION)
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Small caliber military   Infantry and mounted        East Alton, IL      brass, lead,
               ammunition               weapons                                         propellant, explosives
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Government-owned         Maintenance and             Independence, MO    brass, lead,
               arsenal operation (GOCO) operation of                                    propellant, explosives,
                                        U.S. Army small caliber                         government-supplied
                                        military                                        components
                                        ammunition production
                                        plant
                             ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Maintenance of U.S. Army    Baraboo, WI         subcontracted &
                                        laid-away production                            government-supplied
                                        plant                                           components
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Industrial products (8   Maintenance applications    East Alton, IL      brass, lead, plastic,
               gauge loads & powder-    in                          Geelong, Australia  propellant, explosives
               actuated tool loads)     power & concrete
                                        industries,
                                        powder-actuated tools in
                                        construction industry
</TABLE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* If site is not operated by Olin or a majority-owned, direct or indirect
  subsidiary, name of joint venture, affiliate or operator is indicated. Sites
  manufacture, distribute or market one or more of the identified products or
  services.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
1996 DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On February 1, 1996, Olin and The Geon Company announced that they will
jointly construct a chlor-alkali plant at Olin's existing McIntosh, Alabama
site.
 
  On October 10, 1996, Olin announced, among other things, Board of Directors'
approval for the sale of Olin's isocyanate businesses to ARCO Chemical Company
("ARCO"), the putting up for sale of Olin's polyol, glycol and surfactant
businesses, including production and related facilities located at its Doe Run
facility at Brandenburg, Kentucky, and the use of a portion of the proceeds
from these expected divestments to purchase up to 10% of Olin's Common Stock
in the open market from time to time as market conditions warrant. The stock
repurchase program began in January 1997.
 
  Effective October 30, 1996, the shares of Olin Common Stock split two-for-
one for shareholders of record on October 21, 1996.
 
  On December 4, 1996, Olin completed the sale to ARCO of Olin's isocyanate
businesses for $565 million in cash. The sale included all assets at Olin's
Lake Charles, Louisiana facility used in the manufacture of toluene
diisocyanate, aliphatic isocyanates and nitric acid.
 
  On December 9, 1996, Olin's Board of Directors authorized the distribution
to holders of Olin Common Stock of one share of Primex Technologies, Inc.'s
common stock for every ten shares of Olin Common Stock held as of the record
date of December 19, 1996. The Securities and Exchange Commission also
declared effective the Form 10 Registration Statement in connection with this
distribution. The distribution of Primex Technologies, Inc. ("Primex") common
stock was effective December 31, 1996, with Primex stock certificates being
distributed beginning on January 6, 1997. Primex officially began business as
a separate entity on January 1, 1997.
 
  On December 10, 1996, Olin announced that it had reached an agreement in
principle to purchase DuPont's 50% share of the companies' joint venture
Niachlor chlor-alkali plant in Niagara Falls, New York. Terms of the proposed
transaction were not disclosed. The transaction was consummated in early 1997.
 
  On December 12, 1996, Olin redeemed its outstanding ESOP Preferred Shares,
$1.00 par value per share, by exchanging them for shares of its Common Stock.
The ESOP Preferred Shares were available only to employees through the Olin
Corporation Contributing Employee Ownership Plan ("CEOP"). The Trustee of the
CEOP received shares of Olin Common Stock equal in value to $85.75 for each
ESOP Preferred Share held, $85.75 being the appraised value of the ESOP
Preferred Shares as of December 10, 1996 as determined by the CEOP's
independent appraiser. There were approximately 878,000 shares of ESOP
Preferred Shares outstanding and approximately 1.87 million shares of Common
Stock were issued in the redemption.
 
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
  Olin has sales offices and subsidiaries in various countries which support
the worldwide export of products from the United States as well as overseas
production facilities. In addition, Olin has manufacturing interests, both
direct and through joint ventures, in several foreign countries.
 
  An Olin subsidiary in Ireland manufactures biocides for personal care and
industrial applications; a Brazilian subsidiary manufactures urethane systems
and solution sodium hydrosulfite. A microelectronic materials subsidiary
located in Belgium manufactures certain chemicals for the semiconductor
industry. Hydrochim, S.A., a French subsidiary, is an isocyanurate repacking
operation. Etoxyl, C.A., a Venezuelan subsidiary, manufactures urethane
polyols, surfactants and other specialty chemicals.
 
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  A group of Olin subsidiaries markets photoresists, polyimides and other
image-forming chemicals throughout Europe. A joint venture with Fuji Photo
Film Co., Ltd. manufactures photoresists, developers and flat panel display
chemicals in Japan and markets them throughout the Far East.
 
  Nordesclor S.A., a joint venture with S.A. Industrias Votorantim, a
Brazilian company, manufactures calcium hypochlorite. Through a joint venture
with Sentrachem Limited, Olin has an interest in a plant in South Africa for
the production of HTH(R) pool chemicals.
 
  Olin through a joint venture with Asahi Glass Company Ltd. has an interest
in a plant in Japan for the production of urethane polyols and other specialty
chemicals. Olin also has an interest in a plant in Venezuela for the
production of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol through a joint venture with
Corimon, C.A., S.A.C.A., Petroquimica de Venezuela S.A. and the International
Finance Corporation.
 
  Yamaha-Olin Metal Corporation, a joint venture with Yamaha Corporation,
manufactures high-performance copper alloys in Japan for sale to the
electronics industry throughout the Far East.
 
  An Olin subsidiary loads and packs sporting and industrial ammunition in
Australia. The geographic segment data contained in the Note "Segment
Information" of the Notes to Financial Statements on page 36 of the
Shareholders Report and Exhibit 13 hereto are incorporated by reference in
this Report as contained in Exhibit 13.
 
CUSTOMERS AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  During 1996, no single customer accounted for more than 4% of Olin's total
consolidated sales. Products which Olin sells to industrial or commercial
users or distributors for use in the production of other products constitute a
major part of Olin's total sales. Some of its products, such as pool
chemicals, sporting ammunition and brass, are sold to a large number of users
or distributors, while others, such as certain industrial chemicals, are sold
in substantial quantities to a relatively small number of industrial users.
 
  Most of Olin's products and services are marketed primarily through its
sales force and sold directly to various industrial customers, the U.S.
Government and its prime contractors, to wholesalers and other distributors.
 
  Chemicals. Principal customers of Olin's chemicals products include the pulp
and paper industries, vinyl chloride manufacturers, household and industrial
cleaner suppliers, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment companies,
specialty chemical manufacturers, urethane foam suppliers, automotive
companies, packaging suppliers, the refrigeration industry, manufacturers of
adhesives, coatings, elastomers and sealants, suppliers of various consumer
products including shampoos and swimming pool sanitizers, semiconductor
manufacturers, and defense contractors. Principal customers of Olin's
interconnect materials business are suppliers to semiconductor manufacturers
and major computer and telecommunications manufacturers.
 
  Metals and Ammunition. Principal customers of Olin's copper and copper alloy
strip, sheet, rod, wire and seamless and welded tube include producers of
electrical and electronic equipment, builders' hardware and appliances, the
plumbing, automotive and air-conditioning industries and manufacturers of a
variety of consumer goods.
 
  Olin manufactures cartridge brass for its ammunition business and for other
ammunition makers. Olin also serves numerous high-technology markets through a
thin-gauge reroll operation that produces stainless steels, high-temperature
alloys and glass sealing alloys, in addition to copper and copper alloys.
Posit-Bond(R) clad metal has made Olin a major supplier of metal to the U.S.
Mint. Olin also sells various alloys to foreign governments for coinage
purposes.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  The metal products business is also focused on the electronics market,
providing high performance and high-quality materials needed by the
electronics industry and other advanced technology customers. These materials
include Olin-developed proprietary alloys and Copperbond(R) treated copper
foil marketed to the printed circuit industry.
 
  Fabricated products are principally sold to ammunition manufacturers, the
U.S. Armed Forces, building product suppliers, household product manufacturers
and automotive manufacturers.
 
  The principal users of the Winchester Division's products are recreational
shooters, hunters, law enforcement agencies, the power and concrete
industries, the construction industry, the U.S. Armed Forces and certain
foreign governments.
 
  Because several of its businesses engage in government contracting
activities and make sales to the U.S. Government, Olin is subject to extensive
and complex U.S. Government procurement laws and regulations. These laws and
regulations provide for ongoing government audits and reviews of contract
procurement, performance and administration. Failure to comply, even
inadvertently, with these laws and regulations and with laws governing the
export of munitions and other controlled products and commodities could
subject Olin or one or more of its businesses to civil and criminal penalties,
and under certain circumstances, suspension and debarment from future
government contracts and the exporting of products for a specified period of
time.
 
COMPETITION
 
  Olin is in active competition with businesses producing the same or similar
products, as well as, in some instances, with businesses producing different
products designed for the same uses. With respect to certain product groups,
such as ammunition and copper alloys, and with respect to certain individual
products, such as pool chemicals and chlor-alkali, Olin is one of the largest
manufacturers or distributors in the United States. With respect to its many
other products, Olin's share of total domestic sales varies greatly.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of December 31, 1996, Olin had approximately 9,300 employees (excluding
approximately 1,250 employees at Government-owned, contractor-operated
facilities and excluding employees of disposed businesses), approximately
8,500 of whom were working in the United States and approximately 800 of whom
were working in foreign countries. A majority of the hourly-paid employees are
represented, for purposes of collective bargaining, by various labor unions.
Some labor contracts extend for as long as five years, but during each year
new agreements must be negotiated in a number of Olin's plants. No major labor
contracts are scheduled to expire in 1997. While relations between Olin and
its employees and their various representatives are generally considered
satisfactory, there can be no assurance that new labor contracts can be
concluded without work stoppages. No major work stoppages have occurred in the
last three years.
 
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES; PATENTS
 
  Olin's research activities are conducted both on a product-group and
corporate-wide basis at a number of facilities. Company-sponsored research
expenditures were approximately $39 million during 1996, $34 million during
1995 and $30 million during 1994.
 
  Olin owns, or is licensed under, a number of patents, patent applications
and trade secrets covering its products and processes. Olin believes that, in
the aggregate, the rights under such patents and licenses are important to its
operations, but does not consider any patent or license or group thereof
related to a specific process or product to be of material importance when
viewed from the standpoint of Olin's total business.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY
 
  Olin purchases the major portion of its raw material requirements. The
principal basic raw materials purchased by Olin for its production of
chemicals are various hydrocarbons, salt, lime, electricity, propylene oxide,
ethylene oxide, sulfur and ammonia. Copper, zinc and various other nonferrous
metals are required for the metals business. Lead, brass and propellant are
the principal raw materials used in the ammunition business. Olin's principal
basic raw materials are typically purchased pursuant to multiyear contracts.
In addition, Olin uses many chemicals produced in its own operations as raw
materials, intermediates or processing agents in the production of various
other chemical products. In the manufacture of ammunition, Olin uses a
substantial percentage of its own output of cartridge brass. Additional
information with respect to specific raw materials is set forth in the table
above under the caption entitled "Products and Services."
 
  Electricity is the predominant energy source for Olin's manufacturing
facilities. Most of Olin's facilities are served by utilities which generate
electricity principally from coal, hydro and nuclear power.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROLS
 
  The establishment and implementation of federal, state and local standards
to regulate air, water and land quality has affected and will continue to
affect substantially all of Olin's manufacturing locations. Federal
legislation providing for regulation of the manufacture, transportation, use
and disposal of hazardous and toxic substances has imposed additional
regulatory requirements on industry, particularly the chemicals industry. In
addition, implementation of environmental laws, such as the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act and the Clean Air Act, has required and will
continue to require new capital expenditures and will increase operating
costs. Olin is enrolled in the U.S. EPA's Voluntary Industrial Toxics
Reduction Program. Olin employs waste minimization and pollution prevention
programs at its manufacturing sites.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996 1995 1994
                                                                  ---- ---- ----
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
      <S>                                                         <C>  <C>  <C>
      Cash Outlays:
        Remedial and Investigatory Spending...................... $30  $25  $37
        Capital Spending.........................................   6    8   10
        Plant Operations.........................................  35   34   32
                                                                  ---  ---  ---
      Total Cash Outlays......................................... $71  $67  $79
                                                                  ===  ===  ===
</TABLE>
 
  Olin is party to various governmental and private environmental actions
associated with waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities. Associated
costs of investigatory and remedial activities are provided for in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles governing probability and the
ability to reasonably estimate future costs. Charges to income for
investigatory and remedial efforts were material to operating results in 1996,
1995 and 1994 and may be material to net income in future years. Such charges
to income were $70 million, $24 million and $17 million in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively. In connection with the sale of the isocyanates business at
Olin's Lake Charles, LA facility, a $53 million provision was recorded to
provide for contractual liabilities related to future environmental spending
at the Lake Charles site.
 
  Cash outlays for remedial and investigatory activities associated with
former waste sites and past operations were not charged to income but instead
were charged to reserves established for such costs identified and expensed to
income in prior years. Cash outlays for normal plant operations for the
disposal of waste and the operation and maintenance of pollution control
equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with mandated and voluntarily
imposed environmental quality standards were charged to income. Historically,
Olin has funded its environmental capital expenditures through cash flow from
operations and expects to do so in the future.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  Olin's estimated environmental liability at the end of 1996 was attributable
to 55 sites, 24 of which were on the National Priority List ("NPL"). Ten sites
accounted for approximately 80% of such liability and, of the remaining sites,
no one site accounted for more than three percent of such liability. One of
these ten sites was in the investigatory stage of the remediation process. In
this stage, remedial investigation and feasibility studies are conducted by
either Olin, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or
other potentially responsible parties ("PRP's") and a Record of Decision
("ROD") or its equivalent has not been issued. At another seven of the ten
sites, a ROD or its equivalent has been issued by either the EPA or
responsible state agency and Olin, either alone or as a member of a PRP group,
was engaged in performing the remedial measures required by that ROD. At the
remaining two of the ten sites, part of the site is subject to a ROD and
another part is still in the investigative stage of remediation. All ten sites
were either former manufacturing facilities or waste sites containing
contamination generated by those facilities.
 
  Total environmental-related cash outlays for 1997 are estimated to be $75
million, of which $35 million is expected to be spent on investigatory and
remedial efforts, $10 million on capital projects and $30 million on normal
plant operations.
 
  Annual environmental-related cash outlays for site investigation and
remediation, capital projects and normal plant operations are expected to
range between $75-90 million over the next several years. While Olin does not
anticipate a material increase in the projected annual level of its
environmental-related costs, there is always the possibility that such
increases may occur in the future in view of the uncertainties associated with
environmental exposures. Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for
numerous reasons, including the identification of new sites, developments at
sites resulting from investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in
environmental laws and regulations and their application, the scarcity of
reliable data pertaining to identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the
involvement and financial capability of other potentially responsible parties
and Olin's ability to obtain contributions from other parties and the lengthy
time periods over which site remediation occurs. It is possible that some of
these matters (the outcomes of which are subject to various uncertainties) may
be resolved unfavorably against Olin.
 
  See also Item 3, "Legal Proceedings" below, the Note "Environmental" of the
Notes to Financial Statements contained in the Shareholders Report and Exhibit
13 hereto, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" incorporated in this Report for additional
information regarding environmental matters affecting Olin.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  Olin has manufacturing sites at 26 separate locations in 16 states and
Puerto Rico and six manufacturing sites in six foreign countries. Most
manufacturing sites are owned although a number of small sites are leased.
Listed under Item 1 above in the table set forth under the caption "Products
and Services" are the locations at or from which Olin's products and services
are manufactured, distributed or marketed by segment.
 
  Olin leases warehouses, terminals and distribution offices and space for
executive and branch sales offices and service departments throughout the
country and overseas.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  (a) In December 1979, an action was commenced in the U.S. District Court in
New York by the United States against Occidental Chemical Corporation (then
known as Hooker Chemical & Plastics Corporation) ("Oxychem"), certain related
companies, Olin and the City of Niagara Falls, New York, alleging that
chemical wastes are migrating in violation of environmental laws or
regulations from a site
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
in Niagara Falls where Oxychem and Olin own adjacent, inactive chemical waste
landfills. The United States is seeking injunctive relief and an order
requiring Oxychem and Olin, among other things, to secure the landfill site,
install a leachate collection system and treat whatever leachate is collected,
as well as an order requiring Oxychem and Olin to place $16.5 million in trust
or provide a bond to ensure that the site will be secured. The United States
is also seeking civil penalties for each day of alleged violation of the Clean
Water Act which currently has a maximum daily penalty of $25,000.
 
  In November 1980, the State of New York filed a complaint as co-plaintiff in
the same action based upon essentially the same factual allegations as in the
suit brought by the United States. The State is seeking $100 million in
compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages. The State is also
requesting a court order to abate the alleged nuisance and penalties of
$10,000 per day for alleged violations of each of four provisions of New
York's Environmental Conservation Law. In 1983, the State filed a motion to
amend its complaint to include a count under CERCLA (Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980) alleging
damage to natural resources. In 1986, the Department of Justice filed a motion
to amend its complaint to include a CERCLA and SARA (Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986) count. Oxychem and Olin have filed in opposition
to the motions and the court has deferred a ruling on both motions.
 
  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") notified Olin and Oxychem
of an aggregate of $4,600,000 in agency oversight costs on the project plus
$1,900,000 for pre-judgment interest.
 
  Under a stipulation entered into by all parties in 1984, Olin and Oxychem
undertook a site remedial investigation which was completed in October 1988.
Subsequently, the parties entered into a further stipulation under which
Oxychem and Olin conducted a feasibility study of possible remedial measures.
The remedial investigation and feasibility study was completed in July 1990.
On September 24, 1990, EPA issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan and on
September 29, 1990, a Record of Decision ("ROD"). The EPA selected remedy was
estimated to cost $30 million. On September 30, 1991, the EPA issued an
administrative order directing Olin and Oxychem to implement the remedy
identified in the September 29, 1990 Record of Decision. Olin and Oxychem have
commenced performance of the remedy identified in such order. The cost of any
remedy is expected to be shared by Olin and Oxychem in an agreed-upon
proportion. Olin believes that any liability incurred by it in this matter
will not be materially adverse to its financial condition or liquidity and,
with respect to non-environmental claims, its results of operations. See
"Environmental Matters" contained in Item 7--Management's Discussion and
Analysis and Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
  (b) In June 1987, the EPA issued a ROD recommending remedial actions and
ecological studies with respect to mercury contamination at the site of Olin's
former mercury cell chlor-alkali plant in Saltville, Virginia. In August 1987,
EPA, under Section 122 of CERCLA, asked Olin to undertake the work called for
in the ROD, and Olin agreed to do so. Olin's commitment was required to be
incorporated into a Consent Decree to be filed with a federal district court.
EPA's draft of the Consent Decree included a proposed $1.4 million Clean Water
Act penalty for past unpermitted discharges from a muck pond at the site, as
well as $570,000 in reimbursement of past EPA costs. In response to Olin's
request, EPA agreed to reduce the costs to $456,000 and to sever the penalty
from the CERCLA action, making it the subject of separate negotiations after
execution of the Consent Decree. In 1988, the proposed $1.4 million Clean
Water Act penalty was severed from the Consent Decree entered into by Olin and
filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, and
the EPA has taken no further action with respect to any proposed penalty.
Pursuant to the Decree, in November 1988 Olin submitted to EPA, Region III, a
work plan for remedial action, including additional stormwater run-on control
around Pond #5 and construction of a wastewater treatment plant for the
outfall from Pond #5. Olin also submitted for EPA approval a work plan for
further remedial investigation of the impact of mercury from the site on
groundwater flowing into the North Fork Holston River and its sediment from
the site to a point twenty-seven miles downstream at the Tennessee border.
During 1989 work plans
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
pursuant to the Consent Decree between EPA and Olin were approved by EPA.
Payment of past EPA costs of $228,000 plus interest was made on November 21,
1989, in accordance with the Consent Decree.
 
  On September 5, 1991, EPA advised Olin of potential liability for
contaminated soils which were being removed in conjunction with construction
of the Rte. 634 bridge in Saltville. Olin and EPA signed a Consent Order
authorizing Olin to do the soil removal, which has been completed.
 
  Olin completed the remedial investigation and feasibility study of the
former chlorine plant site, including Ponds # 5 and 6, in 1994. On January 18,
1995, EPA issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan for a 30-day public comment
period. The plan called for a cap to be constructed over Pond #5, and the
excavation and retorting of soil and sediment from the former chlorine plant
site. Olin filed comments with the EPA during the public comment period in
support of alternatives to the proposed remediation plan for the site. EPA
issued a Record of Decision on September 29, 1995, recognizing in substantial
part Olin's comments. The Record of Decision calls for covering the former
waste ponds, treatment of runoff from the ponds, and additional monitoring and
investigation. Olin is presently engaged in negotiations with EPA over the
terms of a consent decree under which Olin will implement the Record of
Decision and pay approximately $455,000 for EPA's past response costs. The
Record of Decision does not address remediation of the former chlorine plant
site or the river, which are the subject of the additional investigation.
 
  On August 29, 1994, EPA notified Olin of the company's potential liability
with respect to the "Graveyard Dump Site," located north of the former plant
site. The site is relatively small, occupying about one half acre. EPA's
investigation found about 20 capacitors and miscellaneous debris scattered
around the site as well as evidence of PCB contamination in the soils. That
work is substantially complete.
 
  Negotiations with EPA ensued and Olin and EPA signed an Administrative Order
by Consent, effective January 5, 1995, in which Olin agreed to perform certain
response activities at the site, primarily the removal and disposal of PCB-
contaminated electrical equipment and soils.
 
  On March 15, 1995, EPA notified Olin of liability for lead and asbestos
present at the former steam-generating plant (power plant) at the site. On
July 11, 1995, Olin and EPA entered into an Administrative Order on Consent in
which Olin agreed to remove asbestos and lead, and demolish the power plant.
The work is expected to be completed during 1997. Olin has agreed with the
site's Natural Resources Trustees to assess whether there are any natural
resource damages to the Holston River associated with releases from the site.
 
  EPA has notified Olin of additional EPA oversight costs in the amount of
approximately $1,225,000 for the period 1990-1995.
 
  Olin believes that any liability incurred by it in this matter will not be
materially adverse to its financial condition or liquidity. See "Environmental
Matters" contained in Item 7--Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
  (c) As part of the continuing environmental investigation by federal, state
and local governments of waste disposal sites, Olin has entered into a number
of settlement agreements requiring it to contribute to the cost of the
investigation and cleanup of a number of sites. This process of investigation
and cleanup is expected to continue. See "Environmental Matters" contained in
Item 7--Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
 
  (d) Olin and its subsidiaries are defendants in various other legal actions
arising out of their normal business activities, none of which is considered
by management to be material.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the three
months ended December 31, 1996.
 
          Executive Officers of Olin Corporation as of March 1, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SERVED AS
                                                                        AN OLIN
NAME AND AGE                               OFFICE                    OFFICER SINCE
- ------------                               ------                    -------------
<S>                      <C>                                         <C>
Donald W. Griffin (60).. Chairman of the Board, President and Chief      1983
                          Executive Officer
Michael E. Campbell      Executive Vice President                        1987
 (49)...................
Peter C. Kosche (54).... Senior Vice President                           1993
Anthony W. Ruggiero      Senior Vice President and Chief Financial       1995
 (55)...................  Officer
Leon B. Anziano (54).... Vice President and President, Chlor-Alkali      1993
                          Products Division
Douglas J. Cahill (37).. Vice President and President, Winchester        1996
                          Division
George B. Erensen (53).. Vice President, Taxes and Risk Management       1990
Johnnie M. Jackson, Jr.  Vice President, General Counsel and             1995
 (51)...................  Secretary
Louis S. Massimo (39)... Vice President and Controller                   1996
Janet M. Pierpont (49).. Vice President and Treasurer                    1990
Joseph D. Rupp (46)..... Vice President and President, Brass             1996
                          Division
Steven T. Warshaw (48).. Vice President and President, Olin              1996
                          Microelectronic Materials Division
</TABLE>
 
  No family relationship exists between any of the above named executive
officers or between any of them and any Director of Olin. Such officers were
elected to serve as such, subject to the By-Laws, until their respective
successors are chosen.
 
  Each of the above-named executive officers, except L.B. Anziano, D.J.
Cahill, J.M. Jackson, Jr., P.C. Kosche, L.S. Massimo, A.W. Ruggiero, J.D. Rupp
and S.T. Warshaw, has served Olin as an executive officer for not less than
the past five years.
 
  Leon B. Anziano was elected a Corporate Vice President on April 29, 1993.
Prior to that time, since 1988, he has served Olin in the following management
capacities: Group Vice President & General Manager, Industrial Chemicals;
Group Vice President & General Manager, Urethanes; and President, Basic
Chemicals Division.
 
  Douglas J. Cahill was elected a Corporate Vice President on January 1, 1996.
He was appointed President of the Winchester Division on July 1, 1995. Prior
to that time, he served as General Manager of the Chemicals Division's pool
business.
 
  Johnnie M. Jackson, Jr. was elected a Corporate Vice President on April 27,
1995. Prior to that time, since 1989, he has served Olin in the following
capacities: General Counsel--Corporate Resources and Secretary, Associate
General Counsel--Corporate Resources and Secretary and Deputy General Counsel.
 
  Peter C. Kosche was elected a Corporate Senior Vice President on January 1,
1996 and had been a Corporate Vice President since 1993. Prior to 1993 and
since 1988, he has served Olin in the following management capacities: General
Manager, Pool Chemicals; and Division Vice President, Materials Management.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  Louis S. Massimo was elected Controller effective April 1, 1996 and, in
addition, a Corporate Vice President effective January 1, 1997. Since November
1994 until April 1996, he had served as Olin's Director of Corporate
Accounting. Prior to that time, he was an Audit Senior Manager for KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP.
 
  Anthony W. Ruggiero joined Olin on August 30, 1995 and was elected a
Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on September 29,
1995. From 1990 to 1995, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
 
  Joseph D. Rupp was elected a Corporate Vice President on January 1, 1996 and
also serves as President, Brass Division. Prior to that time, since 1985, he
served as Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering for the Brass
Division.
 
  Steven T. Warshaw was elected a Corporate Vice President on January 1, 1996
and serves as President, Olin Microelectronic Materials Division. Prior to
that time, since 1990, he has served Olin as Senior Vice President and General
Manager, Olin Electronic Materials, President, OCG Microelectronic Materials,
Vice President and General Manager, Performance Urethanes.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
 
  As of January 31, 1997, there were approximately 11,213 record holders of
Olin Common Stock.
 
  Olin Common Stock is traded on the New York, Chicago and Pacific Stock
Exchanges.
 
  Information concerning the high and low sales prices of Olin Common Stock
and dividends paid on Olin Common Stock during each quarterly period in 1996
and 1995 appears on page 38 of the Shareholders Report and in Exhibit 13
hereto and is incorporated herein by reference as contained in Exhibit 13.
 
  Among the provisions of Olin's agreements with its long-term lenders are
restrictions relating to payment of dividends and acquisition of Common Stock.
At December 31, 1996, retained earnings of approximately $284 million were not
so restricted.
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The information relating to the last five fiscal years contained under the
caption "Ten-Year Financial Summary" appearing on page 25 of the Shareholders
Report and in Exhibit 13 hereto is incorporated by reference in this Report as
contained in Exhibit 13.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
      RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" appearing on pages 17 through 23 of the Shareholders Report and in
Exhibit 13 hereto is incorporated by reference in this Report as contained in
Exhibit 13.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Olin Corporation and subsidiaries
and the related notes thereto together with the report thereon of KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP dated January 30, 1997, appearing on pages 26 through 39 of the
Shareholders Report and in Exhibit 13 hereto, are incorporated by reference in
this Report as contained in Exhibit 13.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
      FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  The biographical information relating to Olin's Directors under the heading
"Item 1--Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement relating to Olin's 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Proxy Statement") is incorporated by
reference in this Report. See also the list of executive officers following
Item 4 of this Report. The information regarding compliance with Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, contained in the paragraph
entitled "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" under the
heading "Security Ownership of Directors and Officers" in the Proxy Statement
is incorporated by reference in this Report.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The information under the heading "Executive Compensation" in the Proxy
Statement (but excluding the Report of the Compensation and Nominating
Committee on Executive Compensation appearing on pages 12 through 13 of the
Proxy Statement and the graph appearing on page 16 of the Proxy Statement) is
incorporated by reference in this Report. The information under the headings
"Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors--Compensation of
Directors," and "Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors--
Directors Retirement Plan" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated by reference
in this Report.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  The information concerning holdings of Olin stock by certain beneficial
owners contained under the heading "Certain Beneficial Owners" in the Proxy
Statement and the information concerning beneficial ownership of Olin stock by
Directors and officers of Olin under the heading "Security Ownership of
Directors and Officers" in the Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference
in this Report.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
  (a)1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Consolidated financial statements of Olin Corporation and subsidiaries and
the related notes thereto together with the report thereon of KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP dated January 30, 1997, appearing on pages 26 through 39 of the
Shareholders Report and in Exhibit 13 hereto are incorporated by reference in
this Report as contained in Exhibit 13.
 
    2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  Schedules not included herein are omitted because they are inapplicable or
not required or because the required information is given in the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  Separate financial statements of 50% or less owned subsidiaries accounted
for by the equity method are not summarized herein and have been omitted
because, in the aggregate, they would not constitute a significant subsidiary.
 
    3. EXHIBITS
 
  Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements are listed as
Exhibits 10(a) through 10(ff) below.
 
<TABLE>
 <C>          <S>
         2(a) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 9, 1996, between Olin
              Corporation and ARCO Chemical Company and Amendment No. 1
              thereto, dated December 4, 1996--Exhibits 2(a) and 2(b) to Olin's
              Form 8-K, dated December 19, 1996.*
         2(b) Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 30, 1996, between
              Olin Corporation and Primex Technologies, Inc.--Exhibit 2 to
              Olin's Form 8-K, dated January 15, 1997.*
         3(a) Olin's Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended effective
              February 27, 1996--Exhibit 3(a) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1995.*
          (b) By-Laws of Olin as amended effective October 31, 1996--Exhibit 3
              to Olin's Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended September 30, 1996.*
         4(a) Articles of Amendment designating Series A Participating
              Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $1 per share--Exhibit 2 to
              Olin's Form 8-A dated February 21, 1996, covering Series A
              Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock Purchase Rights.*
          (b) Rights Agreement dated as of February 27, 1996 between Olin and
              Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, LLP, Rights Agent--Exhibit
              1 to Olin's Form 8-A dated February 21, 1996, covering Series A
              Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock Purchase Rights.*
          (c) Form of Senior Debt Indenture between Olin and Chemical Bank--
              Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated June 15, 1992; Supplemental
              Indenture dated as of March 18, 1994 between Olin and Chemical
              Bank--Exhibit 4(c) to Registration Statement No. 33-52771;
              Prospectus Supplement dated June 17, 1992 to Prospectus dated
              June 16, 1992, with respect to Olin's 8% Senior Notes Due 2002
              filed under Registration Statement No. 33-4479; and Prospectus
              Supplement dated May 26, 1995 to Prospectus dated May 4, 1994
              relating to Medium Term Notes, Series A filed under Registration
              Statement No. 33-52771.*
          (d) Form of Subordinated Debt Indenture between Olin and Bankers
              Trust Company--Exhibit 4(i) to Registration No. 33-4479; and
              Prospectus Supplement dated June 17, 1987 to Prospectus dated
              February 3, 1987, with respect to Olin's 9 1/2% Subordinated
              Notes Due 1997 filed under Registration Statement No. 33-4479.*
          (e) Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1993, among Olin and
              the banks named therein--Exhibit 4 to Olin's Form 10-Q for the
              Quarter ended September 30, 1993.*
          (f) Letters, dated December 15, 1993, amending the Credit Agreement,
              dated as of September 30, 1993--Exhibit 4(f) to Olin's Form 10-K
              for 1993.*
          (g) Amendment, dated April 11, 1995, to Credit Agreement, dated as of
              September 30, 1993--Exhibit 4 to Olin's Form 10-Q for the Quarter
              ended June 30, 1995.*
          (h) Second Amendment, dated October 26, 1996, amending the Credit
              Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1993.
</TABLE>
 
- --------
*  Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference.
   Exhibits incorporated by reference are located in SEC File No. 1-1070
   unless otherwise indicated.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
 
  Olin is party to a number of other instruments defining the rights of
holders of long-term debt. No such instrument authorizes an amount of
securities in excess of 10% of the total assets of Olin and its subsidiaries
on a consolidated basis. Olin agrees to furnish a copy of each instrument to
the Commission upon request.
 
<TABLE>
 <C>          <S>
        10(a) 1980 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees of Olin Corporation and
              Subsidiaries, as amended--Exhibit 10(a) to Olin's Form 10-K for
              1991.*
          (b) 1988 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees of Olin Corporation and
              Subsidiaries as amended through February 23, 1995--Exhibit 10(b)
              to Olin's Form 10-K for 1994.*
          (c) Olin Corporation Performance Unit Plan, as amended April 24,
              1986--Exhibit 10(a) to Olin's Form 10-Q for Quarter ended March
              31, 1986.*
          (d) Olin Corporate Incentive Compensation Plan--Exhibits 1(b) and
              2(b) to Registration No. 2-64811.*
          (e) Olin Deferred Salary Plan, effective January 1, 1983--Exhibit
              10(f) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1993.*
          (f) Form of Directors' deferral plan--Exhibit 10(g) to Olin's Form
              10-K for 1993.*
          (g) Amendments to Olin Corporation Performance Unit Plan, Corporate
              Incentive Compensation Plan, Deferred Salary Plan and Directors'
              deferral plan, adopted September 29, 1988--Exhibit 10(j) to
              Olin's Form 10-K for 1988.*
          (h) Amendment to Olin Corporation Performance Unit Plan, adopted May
              25, 1989--Exhibit 10(b) to Olin's Form 10-Q for Quarter ended
              June 30, 1989.*
          (i) Amendment to Olin Corporation Performance Unit Plan, adopted
              September 26, 1991--Exhibit 10(j) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1991.*
          (j) Amendment to Olin Corporation Performance Unit Plan, adopted
              December 16, 1993--Exhibit 10(k) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1993.*
          (k) Deferral elections with respect to certain acquisitions or
              "change of control events"--Exhibit 10(h) to Olin's Form 10-K for
              1986.*
          (l) Olin Senior Executive Pension Plan with amendments--Exhibit 10(l)
              to Olin's Form 10-K for 1994.*
          (m) Olin Supplementary Contributing Employee Ownership Plan,
              effective January 1, 1990 with amendments--Exhibit 10(m) to
              Olin's Form 10-K for 1994.*
          (n) Form of arrangement to credit 100 shares of Olin Common Stock to
              certain Directors in each year from 1985 through 1994--Exhibit
              10(n) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1994.*
          (o) Olin Corporation Key Executive Life Insurance Program--Exhibit
              10(b) to Olin's Form 10-Q for Quarter ended March 31, 1986.*
          (p) Form of Olin Corporation Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement
              (effective January 1, 1993)--Exhibit 10(s) to Olin's Form 10-K
              for 1992.*
          (q) Form of executive agreement between Olin and certain executive
              officers-- Exhibit 10(q) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1994.*
          (r) Form of amendment to executive agreement between Olin and certain
              executives.
          (s) Form of special severance agreement provided to certain employees
              to become operative upon a "change in control event" as amended
              September 26, 1996.
          (t) Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors of Olin Corporation,
              as amended through April 25, 1996--Exhibit 10(a) to Olin's Form
              10-Q for Quarter ended March 31, 1996.*
</TABLE>
 
- --------
* Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference. Exhibits
  incorporated by reference are located in SEC File No. 1-1070 unless
  otherwise indicated.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
 <C>          <S>
          (u) Change in Control elections regarding both the Directors'
              deferral plan and the arrangement to credit 100 shares of Olin
              Common Stock to certain Directors--Exhibit 10(z) to Olin's Form
              10-K for 1989.*
          (v) Olin 1991 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended through February
              23, 1995--Exhibit 10(u) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1994.*
          (w) Description of 1991 Performance Unit Awards granted under the
              Olin 1991 Long Term Incentive Plan--Exhibit 10(w) to Olin's Form
              10-K for 1991.*
          (x) Description of 1992 Performance Unit Awards granted under the
              Olin 1991 Long Term Incentive Plan--Exhibit 10(z) to Olin's Form
              10-K for 1992.*
          (y) Description of Performance Share Awards granted under the Olin
              1991 Long Term Incentive Plan--Exhibit 10 to Olin's Form 10-Q for
              the quarter ended June 30, 1993.*
          (z) Board Resolution adopted April 25, 1991 regarding payment of
              deferred amounts--Exhibit 10(y) to Olin's Form 10-K for 1991.*
         (aa) Olin Corporation 1994 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors--
              Exhibit 10(a) to Olin's Form 10-Q for Quarter ended March 31,
              1994.*
         (bb) Olin Senior Management Incentive Compensation Plan as amended
              April 27, 1995--Exhibit 10(b) to Olin's Form 10-Q for Quarter
              ended March 31, 1995.*
         (cc) Description of Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted under the
              Olin 1991 Long Term Incentive Plan--Exhibit 10(bb) to Olin's Form
              10-K for 1995.*
         (dd) Form of EVA Incentive Plan (Management Incentive Compensation
              Plan).
         (ee) 1996 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees of Olin Corporation and
              Subsidiaries--Exhibit A to Olin's 1996 Proxy Statement dated
              March 12, 1996.*
         (ff) Olin Corporation 1997 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors.
         (gg) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 9, 1996, between Olin
              Corporation and ARCO Chemical Company and Amendment No. 1
              thereto, dated December 4, 1996--Exhibits 2(a) and 2(b) to Olin's
              Form 8-K, dated December 19, 1996.*
         (hh) Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 30, 1996 between
              Olin Corporation and Primex Technologies, Inc.--Exhibit 2 to
              Olin's Form 8-K, dated January 15, 1997.*
         (ii) Assumption of Liabilities and Indemnity Agreement, dated December
              31, 1996, between Olin Corporation and Primex Technologies, Inc.
        11.   Computation of Per Share Earnings (unaudited)
        12.   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (unaudited).
        13.   Excerpts from the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders.
        21.   List of Subsidiaries.
        23.   Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP dated March 12, 1997.
       27(a)  Financial Data Schedule.
       27(b)  Restated Financial Data Schedule.
       27(c)  Restated Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
    (b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
  Except for (i) a Form 8-K dated October 10, 1996 filed on October 11, 1996
with respect to Item 5 and (ii) a Form 8-K dated December 19, 1996 filed on
December 19, 1996 with respect to Items 2 and 5, no reports on Form 8-K were
filed during the quarter ended December 31, 1996.
 
- --------
* Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference. Exhibits
  incorporated by reference are located in SEC File No. 1-1070 unless
  otherwise indicated.
 
                                      19
<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.
 
                                          Olin Corporation
 
Date: March 12, 1997                         /s/    Donald W. Griffin
                                          By...................................
                                                     DONALD W. GRIFFIN
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRESIDENT
                                                            AND
                                                  CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATE INDICATED.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                                     TITLE
                 ---------                                     -----
<S>                                         <C>
/s/
             Donald W. Griffin
 .....................................
             DONALD W. GRIFFIN              Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
                                             Executive Officer and Director (Principal
                                             Executive Officer)
/s/
            Richard E. Cavanagh
 .....................................
            RICHARD E. CAVANAGH             Director
/s/
            William W. Higgins
 .....................................
            WILLIAM W. HIGGINS              Director
/s/
            Suzanne Denbo Jaffe
 .....................................
            SUZANNE DENBO JAFFE             Director
/s/
          John W. Johnstone, Jr.
 .....................................
          JOHN W. JOHNSTONE, JR.            Director
/s/
              Jack D. Kuehler
 .....................................
              JACK D. KUEHLER               Director
 .....................................
         H. WILLIAM LICHTENBERGER           Director
/s/
         G. Jackson Ratcliffe, Jr.
 .....................................
         G. JACKSON RATCLIFFE, JR.          Director
/s/
              William L. Read
 .....................................
              WILLIAM L. READ               Director
</TABLE>
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                                     TITLE
                 ---------                                     -----
<S>                                         <C>
/s/
             John P. Schaefer
 .....................................
             JOHN P. SCHAEFER               Director
/s/
             Louis S. Massimo
 .....................................
             LOUIS S. MASSIMO               Vice President and Controller
                                             (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/
            Anthony W. Ruggiero
 .....................................
            ANTHONY W. RUGGIERO             Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                                             Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
</TABLE>
 
Date: March 12, 1997
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 










                       [LOGO] PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 4(h)



                              October 26, 1996



The Boatmen's National Bank of St. Louis
P.O. Box 236
St. Louis, MO  63166

Attention:  Timothy L. Drone, Vice President & Manager

Bank of Boston Connecticut
Corporate Banking
1 Landmark Square
Stamford, CT  06901

Attention:  Jo Ann Keller, Director

The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
One Chase Plaza
New York, NY  10081

Attention:  Scott S. Ward, Vice President

Citibank, N.A.
399 Park Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY  10043

Attention:  Goran Sare, Vice President
<PAGE>
 
                                       2



Credit Suisse
New York Branch
12 East 49th Street
New York, NY  10017

Attention:  Lynn Allegaert

Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
60 Wall Street
New York, NY  10260-0060

Attention:  Martin R. Atkin, Managing Director

                        Re:  Second Amendment and Waiver
                             ---------------------------

Dear Sirs:

          We refer to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1993, as
amended effective May 1, 1995 ("Credit Agreement"), among Olin Corporation
("Borrower"), Bank of Boston Connecticut, Citibank, N.A., Credit Suisse, Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, The Boatmen's National Bank of St. Louis and
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.  Capitalized terms utilized but not defined
herein have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement.

          The following sets forth the agreement of the undersigned to waive
provisions of the Credit Agreement with respect to the spinoff to the Borrower's
shareholders of the Borrower's Ordnance and Aerospace Divisions as specified
below and to amend Section 4.01(e) of the Credit Agreement:

1.   The Borrower has informed the Banks that it proposes to spinoff to its
     shareholders the business and assets of its Ordnance and Aerospace
     Divisions, including the subsidiaries relating thereto.  The spinoff would
     be effectuated by the declaration of a dividend in the form of the shares
     of a recently-formed corporation ("Newco"), a Virginia corporation and
     wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, to which the assets and certain
     liabilities of these Divisions will be transferred prior to the spinoff.
     The Borrower has requested that the Banks consent to the proposed spinoff
     notwithstanding the provisions of the Credit Agreement.  Notwithstanding
     anything to the contrary contained in the Credit Agreement, the Lenders
     hereby consent to the proposed spinoff described herein, agree that the
     proposed spinoff shall not constitute an Event of Default under the Credit
     Agreement and waive compliance with any provisions thereof  in connection
     therewith.

2.   The text contained in Section 4.01(e) is hereby deleted and replaced with
     "(e) [Intentionally Left Blank]".
<PAGE>
 
                                       3



3.   Except as amended or waived hereby, the provisions of the Credit Agreement
     remain in full force and effect.

4.   This second amendment and waiver shall become effective as of October 31,
     1996 provided it is approved by the Banks as required by Section 8.01 of
     the Credit Agreement at any time.

     The Borrower confirms that the representations and warranties contained in
Section 4.01 of the Credit Agreement are correct as though made on and as of the
date hereof (for this purpose the term "Agreement" as used in Section 4.01 shall
mean the Credit Agreement as amended hereby).

     Kindly confirm by your signature below your agreement to the foregoing.

                              BORROWER
                              --------

                              OLIN CORPORATION


                              By -----------------------------------------
                                 Title:  Vice President and Treasurer


Commitment                    BANKS
- ----------                    -----

  $ 20,000,000                BANK OF BOSTON CONNECTICUT


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:



  $ 50,000,000                CITIBANK, N.A.


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:
<PAGE>
 
                                       4

  $ 20,000,000                CREDIT SUISSE


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


  $ 40,000,000                MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST
                                COMPANY OF NEW YORK


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


  $ 30,000,000                THE BOATMEN'S NATIONAL BANK
                                OF ST. LOUIS


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:


  $ 90,000,000                THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.


                              By: ----------------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                  Title:

  $250,000,000                    Total of the Commitments

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10(r)

                   Form of Amendment to Executive Agreement

                                    [Date]



[Executive]
[Address]

                  Re:  Amendment No. 1 to Executive Agreement
                       --------------------------------------

Dear ____________:

Reference is made to the Executive Agreement, dated (Date) (the "Agreement"),
between you and Olin Corporation.

Effective as of the date of this letter, the Agreement is hereby amended as
follows:

    (1)  the reference in Paragraph 1(d)(ii) to "under Olin's management
    incentive compensation plan ("MICP")" shall be changed to "actually paid
    under Olin's short-term annual incentive compensation plans or programs
    ("ICP")" and

    (2)  all references to "MICP" shall be changed to "ICP".

Please indicate your acceptance by signing below and returning a copy to Johnnie
Jackson.  Except as amended hereby, the Agreement remains in full force and
effect.  This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will
constitute one and the same instrument.

                              Very truly yours,

                              OLIN CORPORATION



                              By: _______________________________

Accepted:


________________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10(s)

                      Form of Special Severance Agreement
                        (As amended September 26, 1996)


                                    [Date]


- ---------------------
- ---------------------
- --------------------- 
 
Dear __________:

     The following supersedes and replaces in its entirety our letter agreement
of ________ with you relating to severance in the event of a Change in Control
of Olin Corporation ("Olin").

     1.  This agreement shall be binding immediately upon its execution and
delivery, but it shall not be operative unless and until there has been a Change
in Control of Olin Corporation ("Olin"), as defined below.  In the event that
this agreement shall not have become operative by September 30, 1999, it shall
not thereafter become operative or be of any force or effect, notwithstanding
the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless the Board of Directors of Olin
shall have taken action expressly to reapprove this agreement.

     2.  For purposes of this agreement, the following definitions apply:

         (a)  "Change in Control" means:

              (i)    Olin ceases to be, directly or indirectly, owned by at
                     least 1,000 stockholders;

              (ii)   a person, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other
                     entity, or two or more of any of the foregoing acting as a
                     "person" within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
                     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"),
                     other than Olin, a majority-owned subsidiary of Olin or an
                     employee benefit plan of Olin or such subsidiary, become(s)
                     the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
                     Act) of 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of
                     Olin;

              (iii)  during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who
                     at the beginning of such period constitute Olin's Board of
                     Directors (together with any new Director whose election by
<PAGE>
 
                                       2


                     Olin's Board of Directors or whose nomination for election
                     by Olin's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least
                     two-thirds of the Directors then still in office who either
                     were Directors at the beginning of such period or whose
                     election or nomination for election was previously so
                     approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of
                     the Directors then in office; or

              (iv)   all or substantially all of the business of Olin is
                     disposed of pursuant to a merger, consolidation or other
                     transaction in which the Company is not the surviving
                     corporation or Olin combines with another company and is
                     the surviving corporation (unless the shareholders of Olin
                     immediately following such merger, consolidation,
                     combination, or other transaction beneficially own,
                     directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting stock
                     or other ownership interests of (x) the entity or entities,
                     if any, that succeed to the business of the Company or (y)
                     the combined company).

         (b)  "Cause includes dishonesty, misconduct, insubordination or
              violation of, or extended deviation from, any reasonable Olin rule
              or policy.

         (c)  "Olin" includes a successor of Olin Corporation (whether direct
              or indirect) by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise.
 
         (d)  "Termination" means termination by Olin of your employment within
              18 months following a Change in Control other than for Cause.
              Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the following
              shall also be deemed a "Termination" for purposes of this
              agreement:

              (i)    termination of your employment with Olin at your election
                     within 24 months following a Change in Control, because
                     Olin shall have changed your position within Olin to a
                     position involving a diminution in your status, level of
                     reporting, or compensation as in effect immediately prior
                     to the Change in Control, or to a position which requires a
                     relocation on your part and Olin shall not have offered to
                     reimburse you fully for all of your relocation costs;

              (ii)   termination of your employment with Olin at your election
                     within 24 months following a Change in Control, if at the
                     time you are at least 55 and have at least 10 years of
                     creditable service under an Olin retirement plan and Olin
                     shall have required you to relocate your principal office
                     to a location 
<PAGE>
 
                                       3

                     outside of the general area in which it was located
                     immediately prior to the Change in Control.

     3.  (a)  In the event of your Termination, Olin will pay you an amount
              ("Special Severance") equal to the sum of:

              (i)    12 months salary at the higher of your base rate of salary
                     in effect at Olin immediately prior to the Change in
                     Control or on the date of Termination; plus

              (ii)   an amount equal to the greater of (a) the average of your
                     bonus awards under Olin's incentive compensation plan for
                     the three calendar years immediately preceding the year in
                     which Termination occurs or (b) your standard award for the
                     year in which Termination occurs.

         (b)  During the 12-month period following your Termination, you and
              your dependents shall continue to be entitled to coverage under
              the medical and dental insurance plans of Olin, and you shall
              continue to be entitled to coverage under the life insurance plans
              (other than travel/accident) of Olin, in which you participated
              prior to Termination.

         (c)  Payment of Special Severance will be made to you (i) over a twelve
              month period in equal monthly installments commencing with the
              month following the month in which your Termination occurs or (ii)
              at your election, within 30 days of the date of your Termination
              in a lump sum discounted to present value at a discount rate of 7-
              1/2% per annum applied to each future payment from the time it
              would have ordinarily become payable pursuant to clause (i) to the
              date of your Termination; provided, however, there shall be
              deducted from amounts payable to you under paragraph (a) all
              amounts in the nature of severance paid to you under the
              applicable severance policy of Olin or under any special
              arrangements which may have been entered into by you with Olin
              with respect to termination of your Olin employment.

         (d)  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to limit any provision
              of the Performance Unit Plan, a stock option plan or other
              employee benefit plan of Olin which may apply in the event of a
              Change in Control.

         (e)  You shall accrue no vacation during the 12 months following the
              date of Termination but shall be entitled to payment for accrued
              and unused vacation for the then current year.
<PAGE>
 
                                       4


         (f)  You shall not be entitled to an MICP award for the calendar year
              of Termination if Termination occurs during the first calendar
              quarter. If Termination occurs during or after the second calendar
              quarter, you shall be entitled to prorated MICP award for the
              calendar year of Termination which shall be determined by
              multiplying your then current MICP standard by a fraction the
              numerator of which is the number of weeks in the calendar year
              prior to the Termination and the denominator of which is 52. You
              shall accrue no MICP award during the 12 months following the date
              of Termination. For purposes of this paragraph, "MICP" shall mean
              the annual cash incentive plan or program in effect at the time of
              Termination.

     4.  The amount of payments provided for in this agreement shall not be
reduced by the amount of compensation, if any, which you may receive from other
employers following your Termination.

     5.  In the event that after a Change in Control your operating unit is to
be sold and you are to be transferred to the purchaser of such operating unit,
and your prospective new employer will not agree to assume this agreement in its
entirety, then you shall be entitled to terminate your employment with Olin
prior to the sale and receive from Olin the payments contemplated by paragraph 3
above, unless Olin shall have agreed to pay you the difference between the
amount of such payments your prospective new employer is prepared to assume and
the amount payable hereunder.

     6.  Anything in this agreement to the contrary notwithstanding:

         (a)  In the event that you cease to be employed by Olin for any reason,
              whether at your election or that of Olin, prior to a Change in
              Control, this agreement shall not thereafter become operative or
              be of any force or effect notwithstanding the occurrence of a
              Change in Control.

     7.  No Employment Rights.  This Agreement shall not be deemed to confer
         --------------------
upon you a right to continued employment with Olin.
- ---------------------------------------------------

     8.  Disputes/Arbitration.
         ---------------------
         (a)  Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with
              this agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration at
              Olin's corporate headquarters in accordance with the rules of the
              American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be
              entered on the arbitrator's award in any court having
              jurisdiction; provided, however, that you shall be entitled to
              seek specific performance of your right to be paid during the
              pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in
              connection with this agreement.

         (b)  Olin shall pay all reasonable legal fees and expenses which you
              may incur to enforce this agreement unless you had no reasonable
              basis for the claim. Should 
<PAGE>
 
                                       5


              Olin dispute your entitlement to such fees and expenses, the
              burden of proof shall be on Olin to establish that you had no
              reasonable basis for the claim.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          OLIN CORPORATION



                                          By:
                                             ------------------------

Agreed:



- ------------------------ 
Signature

 
- ------------------------
Please Print Name


 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10(dd)

                                    FORM OF
                             EVA(R) INCENTIVE PLAN
                    (Management Incentive Compensation Plan)

                                   ARTICLE I

                              STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
                              --------------------

1.1  The purpose of the EVA Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is to provide a system
     of incentive compensation which will promote the maximization of Economic
     Value Added ("EVA") over the long term.  In order to align management
     incentives with shareholder interests, incentive compensation will reward
     the creation of value.  This Plan will tie incentive compensation to EVA
     and, thereby, reward management for creating value and penalize management
     for destroying value.

1.2  EVA is the performance measure of value creation for Olin Corporation (the
     "Company").  Managers create value when they employ capital in an endeavor
     that generates a return that exceeds the cost of the capital employed.
     Managers destroy value when they employ capital in an endeavor that
     generates a return that is less than the cost of capital employed.  By
     imputing the cost of capital upon the operating profits generated by a
     business group, EVA measures the total value created (or destroyed) by
     management.  The Plan will reward increases in EVA and penalize decreases
     over time.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                  DEFINITIONS
                                  -----------

Unless the context provides a different meaning, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:

     "ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     "ACTUAL EVA" means, with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal year, the
          EVA of such center for such year as calculated by the Chief Financial
          Officer.

     "BANK BALANCE" means, with respect to a Participant, a bookkeeping record
     of the net balance of the amounts credited to and debited against such
     Participant's Bonus Bank following the end of each fiscal year.  For a
     Participant's first year of participation in the Plan, such Participant's
     Bank Balance shall initially be equal to zero.

     "BONUS BANK" means, with respect to a Participant, a bookkeeping record of
     an account to which Declared Bonuses are credited, or debited as the case
     may be, from

EVA(R) is a registered trademark of Stern Stewart & Co.
<PAGE>
 
     time to time under the Plan and from which bonus payments to such
     Participant are debited.

     "BONUS MULTIPLE" means, with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year,
     the Participant's Performance Multiple plus the Participant's Target
     Multiple for such year, except in the case of a Participant who has a
     Combined Performance Multiple for such year, the Performance Multiple shall
     be the Combined Performance Multiple for such Participant for such year.

     "CAPITAL" means, with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal year, the
     investment made (both equity and debt) in such center, as determined by the
     Chief Financial Officer for such year.  Each component of Capital will be
     measured by computing an average balance based on the ending monthly
     balance for the twelve months of a fiscal year.

     "CAPITAL CHARGE" means, with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal year,
     the deemed opportunity cost of employing Capital in the business of such
     EVA Center for such year, as determined by the Chief Financial Officer.
     The Capital Charge is computed as follows:

          Capital Charge = Capital x Cost of Capital

     "CAUSE" shall mean (i) dishonesty; (ii) theft or other criminal conduct;
     (iii) insubordination; (iv) violation of, or deviation from, any Company or
     facility work rule, or (v) other misconduct deemed by the Company to be of
     a serious nature warrranting termination.

     "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means that any of the following events shall have
     occurred:

     (i)    the Company ceases to be, directly or indirectly, owned by at least
            1,000 shareholders;

     (ii)   a person, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other entity,
            or two or more of any of the foregoing acting as a group (or a
            "person" within the meaning of Sections 13(d)(3) of the Act), other
            than the Company, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company or an
            employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such
            subsidiary, become(s)the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule
            13(d)(3) under the Act) of 20% or more of the then outstanding
            voting stock of the Company;

     (iii)  during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
            beginning of such period constitute the Company's Board of Directors
            (together with any new Director whose election by the Company's
            Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the Company's
            stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the
            Directors then still in office who either were Directors at the
            beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for

                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
            election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to
            constitute a majority of the Directors then in office; or

     (iv)   the Company's Board of Directors determines that a tender offer for
            the Company's shares indicates a serious intention by the offeror to
            acquire control of the Company.

     "CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company
     as designated by the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time.

     "CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER" means the Chief Financial Officer of the Company
     as designated by the Board of Directors of the Company from time to time.

     "COMBINED PERFORMANCE MULTIPLE" means, with respect to a Participant who is
     assigned to a Participating Group which has more than one EVA Center, in
     any fiscal year, the sum of the Performance Multiples for such centers for
     such year as weighted for such Participating Group.

     "COMMITTEE" means the Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board of
     Directors of the Company or such other committee as such Board may
     designate from time to time.

     "COMPANY" means Olin Corporation, a Virginia corporation, and its
     successors and assigns, including any corporation with which the Company is
     merged or consolidated.

     "CORPORATE OFFICER" means a corporate officer of the Company, elected by
     the Board of Directors of the Company, who is not an assistant officer.

     "COST OF CAPITAL" means for a fiscal year the weighted average of the cost
     of debt and the cost of equity for such year, as determined by the Chief
     Financial Officer.

     The Cost of Capital will be reviewed at least annually and revised if it
     has changed significantly.  Calculations will be carried to one decimal
     point.

     "DECLARED BONUS" means, with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year,
     the bonus earned by such Participant for such year and is equal to the
     Participant's Initial Declared Bonus for such year except if the
     Participant's Participating Group has a Value Driver Factor, such
     Participant's Declared Bonus shall be equal to the sum of (i) the EVA-
     weighted portion of the Initial Declared Bonus for such year plus (ii) the
     product of the non-EVA weighted portion of the Initial Declared Bonus for
     such year multiplied by the Value Driver Factor for such year; provided
     that in all cases prior to a Change in Control the Company in its sole
     discretion may reduce a positive Declared Bonus of any and all Participants
     to any amount (but no less than zero) prior to the crediting of such
     Declared Bonus to the Participant's Bonus Bank.

                                                                               3
<PAGE>
 
     "EVA" means, with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal year, NOPAT of such
     EVA Center for such year minus Capital Charge of such EVA Center for such
     year, all as calculated by the Chief Financial Officer.  EVA may be
     positive or negative.

     "EVA CENTER" means those centers or business groups, including the Company,
     for which EVA is separately calculated, such centers to be determined
     annually by the Company for a fiscal year.

     "EXPECTED IMPROVEMENT IN EVA" means the constant EVA improvement that is
     added to shift the target up each year as determined by the Company from
     time to time.  This is determined by the expected growth in EVA per year
     with respect to an EVA Center.  With respect to the Corporate EVA Center,
     the Expected Improvement shall be $______.

     "INITIAL DECLARED BONUS" means, with respect to a fiscal year for a
     Participant, the product of the Participant's Target Incentive for such
     year multiplied by such Participant's Bonus Multiple for such year.

     "LEVERAGE FACTOR" with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal year is the
     negative (positive) deviation from Target EVA necessary before a zero (two
     times Target) bonus is earned as determined by the Committee from time to
     time.  The Leverage Factor for the Corporate EVA Center for 1996 shall be
     $______.

     "NOPAT" means, with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal year, the net
     operating profit after taxes for such fiscal year, as determined by the
     Chief Financial Officer.

     "PARTICIPANT" means for a fiscal year each salaried employee who is
     designated as a Participant, in the case of Corporate Officers of the
     Company, by the Committee, and in all other cases, by the Chief Executive
     Officer or his designee.

     "PARTICIPATING GROUP" means for a fiscal year a business division or
     subunit of a business division which are uniquely identified for the
     purpose of bonus awards under this Plan and are so designated by the
     Company from time to time as a Participating Group.

     "PERFORMANCE MULTIPLE" means, with respect to an EVA Center for a fiscal
     year, the difference between the Actual EVA of such center for such year
     and the Target EVA of such center for such year divided by the Leverage
     Factor for such center for such year, plus, in the case of a Participant
     who is assigned to a Participating Group which has more than one EVA
     Center, the Participant's Target Multiple for such year.

     "PLAN" means this EVA Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

     "TARGET EVA" means, with respect to an EVA Center for the initial year, of
     such center the level of EVA as determined by the Company.  With respect to
     the Corporate EVA Center for 1996, the Target EVA shall be $______.

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
 
     After the initial year of an EVA Center, the Target EVA for such center for
     each succeeding fiscal year is revised according to the following formula:

     Target EVA = ((Prior Fiscal Year's Actual EVA + Prior Fiscal Year's Target
                  EVA)divided by 2))  + Expected Improvement in EVA;

     provided such Target EVA shall be adjusted to reflect any change in the
     Cost of  Capital for such succeeding fiscal year as provided in the EVA
     Business Management System prepared by Stern Stewart & Co.

     "TARGET INCENTIVE" means, with respect to a Participant for a fiscal year,
     the Target Incentive for such Participant for such fiscal year as
     determined by the Committee in the case of Participants who are Corporate
     Officers of the Company at the time of determination and in all other cases
     by the Chief Executive Officer or his designee.

     "TARGET MULTIPLE" means 1.0 for each Participant except in the first four
     years during which a Participant participates in the Plan, the Target
     Multiple shall be 1.5.

     "VALUE DRIVER FACTOR" is based on an assessment of individual and/or group
     performance as determined annually by the Company.


                                  ARTICLE III

                   DETERMINATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF BONUSES
                   -----------------------------------------

3.1  DETERMINATIONS.  For each fiscal year of the Company beginning with the
     --------------                                                         
     1996 fiscal year, the Company shall determine with respect to such fiscal
     year (1) the persons who will be Participants, (2) the Participating Group
     for each such Participant, (3) the Target Incentive for each Participant,
     (4) the minimum and maximum values of the Value Driver Factor, if any, for
     each Participant, (5) the EVA Center or EVA Centers for each Participating
     Group, (6) if there is more than one EVA Center for a Participating Group,
     the weight each EVA Center will carry in determining the Bonus Multiple of
     such Participating Group and (7) Cost of Capital for each EVA Center.  As
     soon as practicable following the close of such fiscal year, the Company
     shall determine the following with respect to such fiscal year for each
     Participant:  (1) Actual EVA and Performance Multiple for each EVA Center,
     (2) the Performance Multiple or Combined Performance Multiple, as the case
     may be, for each Participating Group, (3) the Bonus Multiple, (4) the Value
     Driver Factor, (5) the Initial Declared Bonus, (6) the Declared Bonus and
     (7) the Capital Charge for each EVA Center.  The Committee on behalf of the
     Company shall determine the Initial Declared Bonus, Value Driver Factor (if
     any) and the Declared Bonus for Participants who are Corporate Officers at
     the time of determination.  Capital, Cost of Capital, Capital Charge,
     Expected Improvement in EVA, Leverage Factor and Target EVA may be adjusted
     from time to time for a fiscal year to reflect extraordinary or
     nonrecurring charges or financial developments.

                                                                               5
<PAGE>
 
3.2  DISTRIBUTION.  As soon as practicable, following the close of each fiscal
     ------------                                                             
     year of the Company but no later than March 15 following such close, the
     Company shall:

     (1)   Add the Declared Bonus for such fiscal year (including any negative
           bonuses) to the Bonus Bank.
     (2)   Pay out a prescribed portion of any positive Bank Balance in
           accordance with the distribution ratio shown below and
     (3)   Carry the remaining Bank Balance (positive or negative) forward to
           the next fiscal year.

     The prescribed distribution ratios for the Bonus Bank for a Participant
     are:

     First year of Plan participation                   67%
     Second year of Plan participation                  50%
     Third year of Plan participation                   40%
     Fourth and subsequent years of Plan participation  33%

     If the first period of participation for a Participant is less than six
     months, then the first year distribution ratio (i.e. 67%) applies to this
     period and the full subsequent year of participation.  Thereafter, the
     distribution ratios are as above.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may, as it determines in its
     sole discretion, reduce the distribution ratio for any and all Participants
     at any time prior to payment of the distribution from the Bonus Bank for a
     fiscal year; provided the Committee shall make such determination in the
     case of any Corporate Officer.

3.3  NEGATIVE BONUS BANK.  If, as a result of negative EVA, a Bonus Bank has a
     -------------------                                                      
     deficit, no Participant shall be required, at any time, to reimburse his or
     her Bonus Bank.

3.4  LUMP SUM.  All distributions from the Plan shall be made in a cash lump sum
     --------                                                                   
     unless payment is deferred in a timely manner by the Participant with the
     consent of the Company under the Company's bonus deferral policy as in
     effect from time to time.

3.5  INTEREST.  No interest shall be paid on or accrue to any Bank Balance.
     --------                                                              


                                   ARTICLE IV

                   PARTICIPATION, TRANSFERS AND TERMINATIONS
                   -----------------------------------------

4.1  PARTICIPANT MATTERS.  Unless otherwise expressly reserved to the Committee
     -------------------                                                       
     or the Chief Financial Officer and except in cases affecting the Chief
     Executive Officer, the Chief Executive Officer or his designee on behalf of
     the Company shall determine all Plan matters with respect to all
     Participants.

4.2  TRANSFERS.  A Participant who transfers his or her employment from one
     ---------                                                             
     Participating Group of the Company to another Participating Group shall
     retain his or her Bonus Bank and will be eligible to receive future Plan
     bonuses in accordance with the 

                                                                               6
<PAGE>
 
     provisions of the Plan. During the year of transfer, the Initial Declared
     Bonus and Declared Bonus for such Participant shall be pro rated based on
     time spent in each Participating Group.

4.3  RETIREMENT, DISABILITY OR DEATH.  If during a fiscal year a Participant
     -------------------------------                                        
     terminates employment with the Company by virtue of electing to receive
     early or normal retirement benefits under one of the Company's pension
     plans, receiving disability payments under the Company's long-term
     disability benefits program or death, such Participant shall receive the
     positive Bank Balance, if any.  The Participant will receive his or her
     balance as soon as practical after qualifying for receipt of benefit
     payments under the Company's long-term disability benefits program or
     pension plan or dying, as the case may be.  Payments of such balance made
     under this Section 4.3 shall not be included in any pension calculation.

4.4  INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE.  A Participant whose employment is
     -------------------------------------                                    
     terminated by the Company or any subsidiary without Cause shall forfeit his
     or her Bonus Bank and any Bank Balance unless a different determination is
     made by the Company.  Any payments of such balance made under this Section
     4.4 shall not be included in any pension calculation.

4.5  VOLUNTARY TERMINATION.  In the event that a Participant voluntarily
     ---------------------                                              
     terminates employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, the
     right of participant to his or her Bonus Bank and any Bank Balance shall be
     forfeited unless a different determination is made by the Company.  Any
     payments of such balance made under this Section 4.5 shall not be included
     in any pension calculation.

4.6  INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.  In the event of termination of
     ---------------------------------                                 
     employment for Cause, the right of the Participant to the Bonus Bank and
     any Bank Balance shall be forfeited unless a different determination is
     made by the Company.  Any payments of such balance made under this Section
     4.6 shall not be included in any pension calculation.

4.7  BREACH OF AGREEMENT.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or
     -------------------                                                     
     any other agreement, in the event that a Participant shall breach any non-
     competition agreement or provision relating to the Company or breach any
     agreement with respect to the post-employment conduct of such Participant,
     including those contained in any benefit or incentive plan or award, the
     Bonus Bank held by such Participant shall be forfeited.

4.8  CHANGE IN CONTROL.  Upon a Change in Control, the Plan shall terminate and
     -----------------                                                         
     positive Bank Balances shall be paid to Participants.  Any payments of such
     balance made under this Section 4.8 shall not be included in any pension
     calculation.

4.9  NO GUARANTEE.  Participation in the Plan provides no guarantee that
     ------------                                                       
     payments under the Plan will be paid.  Selection as a Participant is no
     guarantee that payments under the Plan will be paid or that selection as a
     Participant will be made for the subsequent fiscal year.

                                                                               7
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE V

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
                               ------------------

5.1  WITHHOLDING OF TAXES.  The Company shall have the right to withhold the
     --------------------                                                   
     amount of taxes, which in the determination of the Company, are required to
     be withheld under law with respect to any amount due or paid under the
     Plan.

5.2  EXPENSES.  All expenses and costs in connection with the adoption and
     --------                                                             
     administration of the Plan shall be borne by the Company out of its general
     funds.

5.3  CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS.  Participants who terminate service for any reason
     -------------------                                                    
     will be deemed to have made a claim for benefits and no written claim will
     be required.  Claims for benefits will be decided by the Chief Executive
     Officer or, in the case of a claim pertaining to the Chief Executive
     Officer, by the Committee (collectively referred to as the "Adjudicator").
     If the Adjudicator believes that a terminated Participant is not entitled
     to benefits, it shall notify the Participant in writing of the denial of
     benefits within 90 days of the Participant's termination of service.  In
     the event that a claim is wholly or partially denied, the Participant or
     his representative will receive a written explanation of the reason for
     denial.  The Participant or his representative may request a review of the
     denied claim within 60 days of receipt of the denial and, in connection
     therewith, may review pertinent documents and submit comments in writing.
     Upon receipt of an appeal, the Adjudicator shall decide the appeal within
     60 days of receipt.  The decision on appeal shall be in writing, shall
     include specific reasons for the decision and shall refer to pertinent
     provisions of the Plan on which the decision is based.  In reaching its
     decision, the Adjudicator shall have complete discretionary authority to
     determine all questions arising in the interpretation and administration of
     the Plan and to construe the terms of the Plan, including any doubtful or
     disputed terms and the eligibility of a Participant for benefits.

5.4  ACTION TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH.  The Company may employ attorneys, consultants,
     --------------------------                                                 
     accountants or other persons and the Company's directors and officers shall
     be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such
     persons.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made
     by the Committee or Chief Executive Officer in good faith shall be final
     and binding upon all employees, the Company and all other interested
     parties.  No member of the Committee, nor any officer, director, employee
     or representative of the Company, or any of its affiliates acting on behalf
     of or in conjunction with the Committee, shall be personally liable for any
     action, determination, or interpretation, whether of commission or
     omission, taken or made with respect to the Plan.

5.5  RIGHTS PERSONAL TO EMPLOYEE.  Any rights provided to an employee under the
     ---------------------------                                               
     Plan shall be personal to such employee, shall not be transferable (except
     by will or pursuant to the laws of descent or distribution), and shall be
     exercisable during his lifetime, only by such employee.

                                                                               8
<PAGE>
 
5.6  DISTRIBUTION.  Upon termination of the Plan or suspension for a period of
     ------------                                                             
     more than 90 days, the positive Bank Balance of each Participant shall be
     distributed as soon as practicable but in no event later than 90 days from
     such event.  The Committee, in its sole discretion, may accelerate
     distribution of the balance of any Bonus Bank, in whole or in part, at any
     time without penalty.

5.7  NON-ALLOCATION OF AWARD.  In the event of a suspension or termination of
     -----------------------                                                 
     the Plan during any fiscal year, as provided herein at Section 10.1, the
     Declared Bonus for such year shall be deemed forfeited and no portion
     thereof shall be allocated to Participants.  In the event of a suspension,
     any such forfeiture shall not affect the calculation of EVA in any
     subsequent year.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                  LIMITATIONS
                                  -----------

6.1  NO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.  Nothing contained herein shall provide any
     -----------------------                                             
     employee with any right to continued employment or in any way abridge the
     rights of the Company and its subsidiaries to determine the terms and
     conditions of employment and whether to terminate employment of any
     employee. Neither the establishment of the Plan or the grant of an award or
     bonus hereunder shall be deemed to constitute an express or implied
     contract of employment for any period of time or in any way abridge the
     rights of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to determine the terms and
     conditions of employment or to terminate the employment of any employee
     with or without cause at any time.

6.2  NO VESTED RIGHTS.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no
     ----------------                                                    
     employee or other person shall have any claim of right (legal, equitable,
     or otherwise) to any award, allocation, or distribution or any right,
     title, or vested interest in any amounts in his Bonus Bank and no officer
     or employee of the Company or any subsidiary or any other person shall have
     any authority to make representations or agreements to the contrary.  No
     interest conferred herein to a Participant shall be assignable or subject
     to any lien or pledge or any claim by a Participant's creditors.  The right
     of the Participant to receive a distribution thereunder shall be an
     unsecured claim against the general assets of the Company and the
     Participant shall have no rights in or against any specific assets of the
     Company as the result of participation hereunder.

6.3  NOT PART OF OTHER BENEFITS.  The benefits provided in this Plan shall not
     --------------------------                                               
     be deemed a part of any other benefit provided by the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries to its employees.  Neither the Company nor any of its
     subsidiaries assumes any obligation to Participants except as specified
     herein.

6.4  OTHER PLANS.  Nothing contained herein shall limit the Company and its
     -----------                                                           
     subsidiaries' power or the Committee's power to grant bonuses to employees
     of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, whether or not Participants in
     this Plan.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
 
6.5  UNFUNDED PLAN.  This Plan is unfunded and is maintained by the Company in
     -------------                                                            
     part to provide deferred compensation to a select group of management and
     highly compensated employees.  Nothing herein shall create or be conjured
     to create a trust or separate fund of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship
     between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) and any Participant.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   AUTHORITY
                                   ---------

7.1  Full and sole power and authority to interpret and administer this Plan
     shall be vested in the Committee which shall have the sole authority to
     make rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan.  The
     Committee may from time to time make such decisions and adopt such rules
     and regulations for implementing the Plan as it deems appropriate for any
     Participant under the Plan.  Any decision taken by the Committee arising
     out of or in connection with the construction, administration,
     interpretation and effect of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and
     binding upon all Participants and any person claiming under or through
     them.  The Committee may delegate its power and authority with respect to
     the Plan to the Chief Executive Officer from time to time as it determines.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                     NOTICE
                                     ------

8.1  Any notice to be given pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be in
     writing and directed to the appropriate recipient thereof at his business
     address or office location.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 EFFECTIVE DATE
                                 --------------

9.1  This Plan shall be effective as of January 1, 1996.


                                   ARTICLE X

                                   AMENDMENTS
                                   ----------

10.1 This Plan may be amended, suspended or terminated in whole or in part at
     any time from time to time at the sole discretion of the Committee;
     provided, however, that no such change in the Plan shall be effective to
     eliminate or diminish the distribution of any award that has been allocated
     to the Bonus Bank of a Participant prior to the date of such amendment,
     suspension or termination.  Notice of any such amendment, suspension of
     termination shall be given promptly to each Participant.

                                                                              10
<PAGE>
 
                                   ARTICLE XI

                                 APPLICABLE LAW
                                 --------------

11.1 This Plan shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of the laws
     of the State of Connecticut.


Adopted as of January 1, 1996

OLIN CORPORATION


By:   Peter C. Kosche
      Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs

                                                                              11

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10(ff)

                                OLIN CORPORATION
                   1997 STOCK PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

1. PURPOSE

     The purpose of the Olin Corporation 1997 Stock Plan for Non-employee
Directors is to promote the long-term growth and financial success of Olin
Corporation by attracting and retaining Non-employee Directors of outstanding
ability and by promoting a greater identity of interest between its Non-employee
Directors and its shareholders.

2. DEFINITIONS

     The following capitalized terms utilized herein have the following
meanings:

          "Annual Grant Participant" means a Non-employee Director who is not
eligible for any other pension benefits from the Company, including, but not
limited to, benefits from the Olin Employees Pension Plan, the Olin Senior
Executive Pension Plan or another pension plan of the Company.

          "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          "Change in Control" means any of the following: (i) the Company ceases
to be, directly or indirectly, owned by at least 1,000 shareholders; (ii) a
person, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other entity, or two or more
of any of the foregoing acting as a "person" within the meaning of Section
13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act, other than the Company, a majority-owned subsidiary of
the Company or an employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or
such subsidiary, become(s) the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3
under the 1934 Act) of 20% or more of the then outstanding voting stock of the
Company; or (iii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the 
<PAGE>
 
                                       2




beginning of such period constitute the Board (together with any new director
whose election by the Board or whose nomination for election by the Company's
shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then
still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or
whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for
any reason to constitute a majority of the directors then in office.

          "Committee" means the Compensation and Nominating Committee (or its
successor) of the Board.  The Board may act at anytime in lieu of the Committee.

          "Common Stock" means the Company's Common Stock, $1.00 par value per
share.

          "Company" means Olin Corporation, a Virginia corporation, and any
successor.

          "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to a date, on a per share
basis, the average of the high and the low price of a share of Common Stock
"regular way" reported on the consolidated tape of the New York Stock Exchange
on such date or if the New York Stock Exchange is closed on such date, the next
preceding date on which it is open.

          "1934 Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from
time to time.

          "Non-employee Director" means a member of the Board who is not an
employee of the Company or any subsidiary thereof.

          "One-time Grant Participant" means the Directors with an accrued
benefit under the Retirement Plan for Non-employee Directors of Olin Corporation
("Retirement Plan") as of December 31, 1996, as shown on Exhibit 1 hereto;
provided such Director waives his rights with respect to the Retirement Plan.
(See Exhibit 1 for the present value of each such Director's accrued benefit as
of December 31, 1996).

          "Plan" means the Olin Corporation 1997 Stock Plan for Non-employee
Directors.

          "Stock Account" means a Non-employee Director account established
under the Olin Corporation 1994 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors to which
shares of Common Stock have been or are to be credited in the form of stock, or
in the absence of such account an account established under this 
<PAGE>
 
                                       3


Plan for a Non-employee Director to which shares of Common Stock have been or
are to be credited in the form of stock.

          "Termination Date" means the date the Non-employee Director ceases to
be a member of the Board.

3. TERM

     The Plan shall become effective January 1, 1997.  Once effective, the Plan
shall operate and shall remain in effect until terminated by action of the Board
as provided in Section 9 hereof.

4. ADMINISTRATION

     Full power and authority to construe, interpret and administer the Plan
shall be vested in the Committee.  Decisions of the Committee shall be final,
conclusive and binding upon all parties.

5. PARTICIPATION

     All Annual Grant Participants shall participate in the Annual Stock Grant
provisions of the Plan pursuant to Section 6(a).  All One-time Grant
Participants shall participate in the One-time Stock Grant provisions of the
Plan pursuant to Section 6(b).

6. GRANTS AND DEFERRALS

     (a) Annual Stock Grant. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan,
         ------------------                                                  
each Annual Grant Participant shall be credited with 500 shares of Common Stock
on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 1997.  To be entitled to such
credit in any calendar year, an Annual Grant Participant must be serving as such
on January 1 of such year.  In the event a person becomes an Annual Grant
Participant subsequent to January 1 of a calendar year, such Annual Grant
Participant, on the first day of the calendar month following his or her
becoming such, shall be credited with that number of shares (rounded up to the
next whole share in the event of a fractional share) of Common Stock equal to
one-twelfth of 500 times the number of whole calendar months remaining in such
calendar year following the date he or she becomes an Annual Grant Participant.
Actual receipt of all shares credited 
<PAGE>
 
                                       4


under this Section 6(a) shall be deferred and each Annual Grant Participant
shall receive a credit to his or her Stock Account in the amount of such credit
and on the date of such credit. An Annual Grant Participant may elect in
accordance with Section 6(c) to defer receipt of all or any portion of such
shares (including dividends thereon payable in accordance with Section 6(c)(2))
to a date or dates following such Annual Grant Participant's Termination Date.
Except with respect to any shares so deferred, certificates representing such
shares shall be delivered to the Annual Grant Participant (or in the event of
death, to his or her beneficiary designated pursuant to Section 6(g)) as soon as
practicable following his or her Termination Date.

     (b) One-time Stock Grant. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan,
         --------------------                                                  
each One-time Grant Participant shall be credited as of January 15, 1997, with
that number of shares (rounded up to the next whole share in the event of a
fractional share) of Common Stock equal to the present value of his or her
accrued benefit under the Retirement Plan for Non-employee Directors of Olin
Corporation as of December 31, 1996, divided by the Fair Market Value per share
on January 15, 1997.  Actual receipt of all shares credited under this Section
6(b) shall be deferred and each One-time Grant Participant shall receive a
credit to his or her Stock Account in the amount of such credit on January 15,
1997.  A One-time Grant Participant may elect in accordance with Section 6(c) to
defer receipt of all or any portion of such shares (including dividends thereon
payable in accordance with Section 6(c)(2)) to a date or dates following such
One-time Grant Participant's Termination Date.  Except with respect to any
shares so deferred, certificates representing such shares shall be delivered to
the One-time Grant Participant (or in the event of death, to his or her
beneficiary designated pursuant to Section 6(g)) as soon as practicable
following his or her Termination Date.

     (c) Elections. (1) All elections under Sections 6(a) and 6(b) shall (A) be
         ---------                                                             
made in writing and delivered to the Secretary of the Company and (B) be
irrevocable.  All elections shall be made before December 31 of the year prior
to the year in which the shares of Common Stock are to be granted (or, in the
case of an individual who becomes an Annual Grant Participant during a calendar
year, before the last day of the calendar month of his or her becoming such).
<PAGE>
 
                                       5


Deferral elections shall specify the future date or dates on which deferred
shares are to be distributed and the method of distribution (single distribution
or annual installments of approximately equal amounts (up to 10)).  A Non-
employee Director's election with respect to shares credited pursuant to Section
6(a) of the Olin Corporation 1994 Stock Plan for Non-employee Directors ("1994
Stock Plan") shall also apply to the shares credited pursuant to Sections 6(a)
and (b) hereof.

     (2) Dividends. Each time a cash dividend is paid on the Common Stock, a
Non-employee Director who has shares credited to his or her Stock Account shall
receive the cash dividend attributable to the shares so credited unless such
director shall have elected to defer receipt thereof as provided in Sections
6(a) and 6(b).  A Non-employee Director electing to defer such dividends shall
receive a credit for such dividends on the dividend payment date to his or her
Stock Account.  The amount of the dividend credit shall be the number of shares
(rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of a share) determined by multiplying the
dividend amount per share by the number of shares credited to such Non-employee
Director's Stock Account as of the record date for the dividend and dividing the
product by the Fair Market Value per share on the dividend payment date.

     (d) Payouts. Stock Accounts shall be paid out in shares of Common Stock.
         -------                                                              
Certificates representing shares credited to a Stock Account shall be delivered
to the Non-employee Director as soon as practicable following his or her
Termination Date or such later date or dates to which distribution has been
deferred and consistent therewith.

     (e) No Stock Rights. Except as expressly provided herein, the crediting of
         ---------------                                                       
shares of Common Stock to a Stock Account shall confer no rights upon such Non-
employee Director, as a shareholder of the Company or otherwise, with respect to
the shares held in such Stock Account, but shall confer only the right to
receive such shares credited as and when provided herein.

     (f) Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
         -----------------                                                  
Plan or any election, in the event a Change in Control occurs, shares credited
to Stock Accounts shall be promptly distributed to Non-employee Directors.
<PAGE>
 
                                       6


     (g) Beneficiaries. A Non-employee Director may designate at any time and
         -------------                                                       
from time to time a beneficiary for his or her Stock Account in the event his or
her Stock Account may be paid out following his or her death.  Such designation
shall be in writing and received by the Company prior to the death to be
effective.  A beneficiary designation made under the 1994 Stock Plan shall apply
to the Plan.

7. LIMITATIONS AND CONDITIONS

     (a) Total Number of Shares. The total number of shares of Common Stock that
         ----------------------                                                 
may be issued to Non-employee Directors under the Plan is 75,000.  Such total
number of shares may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized but unissued
shares.  The foregoing number may be increased or decreased by the events set
forth in Section 8 below.  No fractional shares shall be issued hereunder.

     (b) No Additional Rights. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to
         --------------------                                             
create a right in any Non-employee Director to remain a member of the Board, to
be nominated for reelection or to be reelected as such or, after ceasing to be
such a member, to receive any shares of Common Stock under the Plan which are
not already credited to his or her account.

8. STOCK ADJUSTMENTS

     In the event of any merger, consolidation, stock or other non-cash
dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, split-up, spin-off, combination or
exchange of shares or recapitalization or change in capitalization, or any other
similar corporate event, the Committee may make such adjustments in (i) the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the plan as
set forth in Section 7(a), the number of shares that may be issued to  a Non-
employee Director with respect to any year as set forth in Section 6(a) and the
number of shares held in Stock Accounts and (ii) the class of shares that may be
issued under the Plan, as the Committee shall deem appropriate in the
circumstances.  The determination by the Committee as to the terms of any of the
foregoing adjustments shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes of
the Plan.
<PAGE>
 
                                       7


9. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

     This Plan may be amended, suspended or terminated by action of the Board.
No termination of the Plan shall adversely affect the rights of any Non-employee
Director with respect to any amounts otherwise payable or credited to his or her
Stock Account.

10. NONASSIGNABILITY

     No right to receive any payments under the Plan or any amounts credited to
a Non-employee Director's Stock Account shall be assignable or transferable by
such Non-employee Director other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order.  The designation of a
beneficiary under Section 6(g) by a Non-employee Director does not constitute a
transfer.

11. UNSECURED OBLIGATION

     Benefits payable under this Plan shall be an unsecured obligation of the
Company.
<PAGE>
 
                                       8

                                                                       Exhibit 1


 Accrued Benefits Under the Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors of Olin
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Corporation
                                  -----------
 
 
================================================================================
                                       PRESENT VALUE OF ACCRUED 
                                      BENEFIT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 
  NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR                          1996
 
Richard E. Cavanagh                            $ 74,000
William W. Higgins                             $144,000
Suzanne Denbo Jaffe                            $ 90,000
Jack D. Kuehler                                $181,000
H. William Lichtenberger                       $144,000
G. Jackson Ratcliffe                           $138,000
William L. Read                                $253,000
John P. Schaefer                               $155,000
================================================================================

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10(ii)


                            ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
                                        
                                       AND
                                        
                               INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
                                        
     This Assumption of Liabilities and Indemnity Agreement (this "Agreement")
is entered into as of December 31, 1996 by and between PRIMEX TECHNOLOGIES,
INC., a Virginia corporation, having its executive offices at 10101 Ninth Street
North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716-3807  ("Primex"), and OLIN CORPORATION, a
Virginia corporation, having its executive offices at 501 Merritt 7, Norwalk,
Connecticut 06851 ("Olin") (Primex and Olin each being referred to as a "Party"
and collectively as the "Parties").

                                   WITNESSETH:
                                        
WHEREAS, Olin and Primex have entered into that certain Distribution Agreement
dated as of December 30, 1996 concerning the spin-off of Primex from Olin (the
"Distribution Agreement"); and

WHEREAS, Olin and Primex desire to allocate certain liabilities and obligations
associated with their respective businesses;



NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants
hereinafter set forth, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

I.   PRIMEX ASSUMPTION AND INDEMNITY.  Primex shall solely assume, and shall
indemnify and hold harmless Olin from and against:

     A.   All claims, damages, losses, liabilities, fines, penalties, costs and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements)
(collectively,  "Liabilities") arising out of, associated with, or resulting
from the activities, business, operations, assets, properties, conduct or status
of Primex on or after the Effective Time (as defined in the Distribution
Agreement) except for the matter described in Article II.B below;

     B.   All Liabilities associated with the matters, current sites and
businesses described in Exhibit I, including, without limitation, those
Liabilities in connection with the removal, remediation or control of
environmental conditions at or associated with any of the sites identified
therein.

     C.   All Liabilities arising out of, associated with, or resulting from the
activities, business, operations, assets, properties, conduct or status of
Olin's Aerospace and Ordnance Divisions (including their respective constituent
Olin subsidiaries) prior to the Effective Time that are continued by Primex
following  the Distribution (as defined in the Distribution Agreement)  except
for the matter described in Article II.B below.

     D.   All Liabilities arising out of, associated with, or resulting from the
activities, business, operations, assets, properties, conduct or status of the
discontinued businesses and former sites related to Olin's Aerospace and
Ordnance Divisions (including their respective constituent Olin subsidiaries)
identified  in Exhibit II, including, without limitation, Liabilities in
<PAGE>
 
connection with the removal, remediation or control of environmental conditions
at any of the sites identified thereby and except for those matters described in
Article II.B and E below.

     E.   All Liabilities arising out of or resulting from or any of the 
agreements and guarantees identified in Exhibit III except with respect to the 
Partnership Agreement referred to in such Exhibit III only those Liabilities 
accruing on or after the date the partnership interest under such Partnership 
Agreement was transferred to Primex.

     F.   All Liabilities for employee benefits for which  Primex is responsible
pursuant to Article VI of the Distribution Agreement.

     G.   All Liabilities arising out of, in connection with, or related to any
of the contracts with the U.S. Government,  or any instruments or agreements
related thereto, that Olin was obligated to guarantee pursuant to the novation
of such contracts to Primex or its subsidiaries.

II.  OLIN ASSUMPTION AND INDEMNITY.  Olin shall solely assume, and shall
indemnify and hold harmless Primex from and against:

     A.   All Liabilities arising out of, associated with, or resulting from the
activities, business, operations, assets, properties, conduct or status of Olin
on or after the Effective Time;

     B.   Civil settlements, monetary judgments and legal fees and costs
(excluding without limitation obligations to fulfill the offset requirement), in
each case incurred and paid after the Effective Time, all in connection with the
Belgium Legal Matter described in Exhibit IV.

     C.   All other Liabilities arising out of, associated with, or resulting
from the activities, business, operations, assets, properties, conduct or status
of Olin prior to the Effective Time except for those described in Article I
above.

     D.   All claims and Liabilities for employee benefits for which Olin is
responsible pursuant to Article VI of the Distribution Agreement.

     E.   All Liabilities arising out of, associated with, or resulting from the
activities, business, operations, assets, properties, conduct or status of
Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant in Ravenna, Ohio and the Badger Army Ammunition
Plant in Baraboo, Wisconsin, including without limitation close-out costs,
unfunded pension costs, and unfunded retiree benefit cost.

     F.   All Liabilities arising out of or resulting from the Partnership
Agreement referred to in Exhibit III hereto that accrued prior to the date
the partnership interest arising under such Partnership Agreement was
transferred to Primex.

III. INSURANCE MATTERS.  The amount which any indemnifying Party is or may be
required to pay to any indemnified Party hereunder shall be reduced (including,
without limitation, retroactively) by any proceeds of insurance policies or
other amounts actually recovered by or on behalf of such indemnified Party in
reduction of the related Liability.  If an indemnified Party shall have received
the payment (an "Indemnity Payment") required by this Agreement from an
indemnifying  Party in respect of any Liability and shall subsequently actually
receive proceeds of insurance policies or other amounts in respect of such
Liability, then such indemnified Party shall pay to such indemnifying Party a
sum equal to the amount actually received (up to but not in excess of the amount
of any Indemnity Payment made hereunder).  An insurer who would otherwise be
<PAGE>
 
obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility with
respect thereto, or, solely by virtue of the indemnification provisions hereof,
have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, it being expressly understood
and agreed that no insurer or any other third party shall be entitled to a
benefit they would not otherwise be entitled to receive in the absence of the
indemnification provisions hereof by virtue of the indemnification provisions
hereof.

IV.  PROCEDURES FOR INDEMNIFICATION.

     A.   THIRD PARTY CLAIMS.  If a claim or demand is made against an
indemnified Party by any person who is not a party to this Agreement (a "Third
Party Claim") as to which such indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification
pursuant to this Agreement, such indemnified Party shall notify the indemnifying
Party in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly
(and in any event within 15 business days) after receipt by such indemnified
Party of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided, however, that
failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided
hereunder except to the extent the indemnifying Party shall have been actually
prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the indemnifying Party shall
not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period in which the
indemnified Party failed to give such notice).  Thereafter, the indemnified
Party shall deliver to the indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within
15 business days) after the indemnified Party's receipt thereof, copies of all
notices and documents (including court papers) received by the indemnified Party
relating to the Third Party Claim.

     If a Third Party Claim is made against an indemnified Party, the
indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and,
if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the
indemnified Party therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected
by the indemnifying Party; provided, however, that such counsel is not
reasonably objected to by the indemnified Party.  Should the indemnifying Party
so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the indemnifying Party
shall not be liable to the indemnified Party for legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by the indemnified Party in connection with the defense
thereof.  If the indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the indemnified Party
shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ
counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the
indemnifying Party, it being understood that the indemnifying Party shall
control such defense.  The indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees and
expenses of counsel employed by the indemnified Party for any period during
which the indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense thereof (other
than during the period prior to the time the indemnified Party shall have given
notice of the Third Party Claim as provided above).  If the indemnifying Party
so elects to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, the indemnified Party
shall cooperate with the indemnifying Party in the defense or prosecution
thereof.

     If the indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing its obligation to
indemnify the indemnified Party for a Third Party Claim, then in no event will
the indemnified Party admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise
or discharge, any Third Party Claim without the indemnifying Party's prior
written consent; provided, however, that the indemnified Party shall have the
right to settle, compromise or discharge such Third Party Claim without the
consent of the indemnifying Party if the indemnified Party releases the
indemnifying Party from its indemnification obligation hereunder with respect to
such Third Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or discharge would not
otherwise adversely affect the indemnifying Party.  If the indemnifying Party
acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify  the indemnified Party for a
<PAGE>
 
Third Party Claim, the indemnified Party will agree to any settlement,
compromise or discharge of a Third Party Claim that the indemnifying Party may
recommend and that by its terms obligates the indemnifying Party to pay the full
amount of the liability in connection with such Third Party Claim and releases
the indemnified Party completely in connection with such Third Party Claim and
that would not otherwise adversely affect the indemnified Party; provided,
however, that the indemnified Party may refuse to agree to any such settlement,
compromise or discharge if the indemnified Party agrees that the indemnifying
Party's indemnification obligation with respect to such Third Party Claim shall
not exceed the amount that would be required to be paid by or on behalf of the
indemnifying Party in connection with such settlement, compromise or discharge.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the indemnifying Party shall not be entitled
to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees
and expenses of counsel incurred by the indemnified Party in defending such
Third Party Claim) if the Third Party Claim seeks an order, injunction or other
equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the indemnified
Party which the indemnified Party reasonable determines, after conferring with
its counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages.  If
such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Third Party Claim can be so
separated from that for money damages, the indemnifying Party shall be entitled
to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

     B.   INDEMNIFICATION PAYMENTS.  Indemnification required by this Agreement,
shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of
the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or loss, liability,
claim, damages or expense is incurred.

     C.   OTHER ADJUSTMENTS.

          (1)  The amount of any indemnification obligation with respect to any
Third Party Claim ("Indemnity Obligation") shall be (x) increased to take into
account any net tax cost actually incurred by the indemnified Party arising from
any payments received from the indemnifying Party (grossed up for such increase)
and (y) reduced to take into account any net tax benefit actually realized by
the indemnified Party arising from the incurrence or payment of any such
Indemnity Obligation.  In computing the amount of such tax cost or tax benefit,
the indemnified Party shall be deemed to recognize all other items of income,
gain, loss, deduction or credit before recognizing any item arising from the
receipt of any payment with respect to an Indemnity Obligation or the incurrence
or payment of any Indemnity Obligation.

          (2)  In addition to any adjustments required pursuant to Article III
hereof or clause (1) of this paragraph C., if the amount of any Indemnity
Obligation shall, at any time subsequent to the payment required by this
Agreement, be reduced by recovery, settlement or otherwise, the amount of such
reduction, less any expenses incurred in connection therewith, shall promptly be
repaid by the indemnified Party to the indemnifying Party up to the aggregate
amount of any payments received from such Indemnifying Party pursuant to this
Agreement in respect of such Indemnity Obligation.

V.   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, TRANSFER, OR LEASE.  Neither Party shall consolidate
with or merge into any other person, or convey, transfer or lease its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety to any other person, and neither Party
shall permit any person to consolidate with or merge into it or convey, transfer
or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to said Party
unless:

     A.   In any case in which either Party shall consolidate with or merge into
another person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
<PAGE>
 
substantially as an entirety to any person, the person formed by such
consolidation or into which said Party is merged or the person which acquires by
conveyance or transfer, or which leases the properties and assets of said Party
substantially as an entirety shall (i) be a corporation, (ii) be organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State
thereof or the District of Columbia and (iii) expressly assume, by an instrument
satisfactory to the other Party, each and every obligation of said Party to be
performed or observed hereunder;

     B.   In the case Primex is the Party involved, after giving effect to such
transaction, the person formed by such consolidation or into which Primex is
merged or the person which acquires by conveyance, transfer or lease the
properties and assets of Primex substantially as an entirety must have
consolidated stockholders' equity, as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, at least equal to the consolidated stockholders'
equity of Primex immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction; and

     C.   Said Party  shall have delivered to the other Party a Certificate
executed by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer stating that
such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease comply with this
Article V and that all conditions precedent herein relating to such transaction
have been complied with.

VI.  NOTICES.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return
receipt requested) or sent by any means of electronic message transmission with
delivery confirmed (by voice or otherwise) to the Parties at the following
addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like
notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

          To Olin Corporation:
          501 Merritt 7
          P.O. Box 4500
          Norwalk, CT 06851
          Attn:  General Counsel

          To Primex:
          10101 Ninth Street North
          St. Petersburg, FL 33716-3807
          Attn:  General Counsel

VII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. In the event of a controversy, dispute or claim arising
out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance,
nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out
of, or in any way related to this Agreement, including, without limitation, any
claim based on contract, tort, statute or constitution (collectively, "Agreement
Disputes"), the General Counsels of the relevant Parties or their designees
shall negotiate in good faith for a reasonable period of time to settle such
Agreement Dispute.  If after such reasonable period such General Counsels or
their designees are unable to settle such Agreement Dispute (and in any event
after 60 days have elapsed from the time the relevant Parties began such
negotiations), such Agreement Dispute shall be determined, at the request of any
relevant party, by arbitration conducted in St. Louis, Missouri before and in
accordance with the then-existing Rules for Commercial Arbitration of the
American Arbitration Association (the "Rules"), and any judgment or award
rendered by the arbitrator shall be final, binding and nonappealable (except
upon grounds specified in 9 U.S.C. 10(a) as in effect on the date hereof), and
judgment may be entered by any state or Federal court having jurisdiction
thereof in accordance with Section 9.19 hereof.  Unless the arbitrator otherwise
determines, the pre-trial discovery of the then-existing Federal Rules of Civil
<PAGE>
 
Procedure and the then-existing Rules 12, 13, and 13.1 of the Rules of the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois shall apply
to any arbitration hereunder.  Any controversy concerning whether an Agreement
Dispute is an arbitrable Agreement Dispute, whether arbitration has been waived,
whether an assignee of this Agreement is bound to arbitrate, or as to the
interpretation or enforceability of this Section VII shall be determined by the
arbitrator.  The arbitrator shall be a retired or former judge of any United
States District Court or Court of Appeals or such other qualified person as the
relevant Parties may agree to designate, provided such individual has had
substantial professional experience with regard to settling commercial disputes.
The Parties intend that the provisions to arbitrate set forth herein be valid,
enforceable and irrevocable.  The designation of a situs or a governing law for
this Agreement or the arbitration shall not be deemed an election to preclude
application of the Federal Arbitration Act, if it would be applicable.  In his
award the arbitrator shall allocate, in his discretion, among the Parties to the
arbitration all costs of the arbitration, including, without limitation, the
fees and expenses of the arbitrator and reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and
expert witness expenses of the Parties.  The undersigned agree to comply with
any award made in any such arbitration proceedings that has become final in
accordance with the Rules and agree to the entry of a judgment in any
jurisdiction upon any award rendered in such proceedings becoming final under
the Rules.  The arbitrator shall be entitled, if appropriate, to award any
remedy in such proceedings, including, without limitation, monetary damages,
specific performance and all other forms of legal and equitable relief;
provided, however, the arbitrator shall not be entitled to award punitive
damages.

VIII.     CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. Without limiting the provisions of Section
VII hereof, each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive personal
jurisdiction and venue of (a) the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial Circuit,
Madison County, Illinois, and (b) the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Illinois for the purposes of any suit, action or other pro
ceeding arising out of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby.
Each of the Parties agrees to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating
hereto either in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Illinois or if such suit, action or other proceeding may not be brought in such
court for jurisdictional reasons, in the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial
Circuit, Madison County, Illinois.  Each of the Parties further agrees that
service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to
such Party's respective address set forth above shall be effective service of
process for any action, suit or proceeding in Illinois with respect to any
matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction in this Section VIII.  Each of
the Parties irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying
of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby in (i) the Circuit Court of the Third Judicial
Circuit, Madison County, Illinois, or (ii) the United States District Court for
the Southern District of Illinois, and hereby further irrevocably and
unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that
any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought
in an inconvenient forum.

IX.  SURVIVAL.  All the indemnity obligations under this Agreement shall survive
indefinitely.

X.   GENERAL.

     A.   COMPLETE AGREEMENT; CONSTRUCTION.  This Agreement, including the
Exhibits, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations,
commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.  In the event of
<PAGE>
 
any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule hereto, the Schedule
shall prevail.

     B.   AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an
agreement in writing signed by the Parties.

     C.   WAIVER. The failure of either Party to require strict performance by
the other Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish
that Party's right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other
provision hereof.

     D.   SEVERABILITY.  In the event any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in
any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.  The Parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to
replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions,
the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid,
illegal or unenforceable provisions.

     E.   GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, excluding its choice of law
provisions.

     F.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be
binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and
their respective successors and permitted assigns.

     G.   ATTORNEY FEES.  A Party in breach of this Agreement shall, on demand,
indemnify and hold harmless the other Parties hereto for and against all out-of-
pocket expenses, including, without limitation, legal fees, incurred by such
other Party by reason of the enforcement and protection of its rights under this
Agreement.  The payment of such expenses is in addition to any other relief to
which such other Party may be entitled hereunder or otherwise.

     H.   TITLE AND HEADINGS.  Titles and headings to sections herein are
inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part
of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     I.   EXHIBITS.  The Exhibits shall be construed with and as an integral
part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the same had been set forth
verbatim herein.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the duly authorized
representatives of Olin and Primex as of the date first above written.

PRIMEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.               OLIN CORPORATION

By:  /s/George H. Pain                  By:  /s/Johnnie M. Jackson, Jr.
     -----------------                       --------------------------
     George H. Pain                          Johnnie M. Jackson, Jr.
     Vice President                          Vice President, General Counsel
                                               and Secretary
 
                                    EXHIBIT I
                                        
A.   GENERAL LITIGATION AND CLAIMS

1.   Weiser Security Services, Inc. vs. Olin Corporation (Pinellas County,
District Court), Case No. 94-6662-CO-41.  This is a breach of contract action
<PAGE>
 
brought by former contractor Weiser against Olin for the hiring of security
guards previously employed by Weiser in violation of non-compete covenants in
the contract.

2.   Conco Claim.  Conco, Inc. has submitted a claim against Olin in excess of
$400,000 for expenses incurred in producing subcontract metal ammunition cans to
defective government specifications.

3.   Wharton Realty Associates, L.L.C. v. Biltmore Realty Co., Inc., Valentec
International, Inc. General Defense Corporation d/b/a Flinchbaugh Operations,
Olin Corporation, et. al.  (Pending in Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris
County, Law Division) Docket No. L-3505-94.  This is a suit by a former landlord
of GDC at Rockaway Industrial Complex in Wharton, New Jersey, where GDC leased a
building from 1979 to 1984, to recover the expense of remediating hydrocarbon
contamination around a heating oil tank near the building. Olin recently settled
this matter.

4.   Iran BALL POWDER[R] Plant.  (Potential Litigation)  The Ministry of
Defense, Tehran, Iran, has requested arbitration of a dispute over U.S.
Government cancellation of a 1974 contract between MOD and Olin to construct a
BALL POWDER[R] plant in Iran.  U.S. State Department regulations prohibit
performance of the contract by Olin.

5.   Pease vs. OAC (Wrongful Termination, Age Discrimination & Damages).
Superior Court State of Washington, County of King.  Damages not specified.
Plaintiff's counsel has notified OAC of his intent to voluntarily dismiss the
case "without prejudice".  Plaintiff could refile anytime prior to May 1997.

6.   Multi-year II Contract Defective Pricing Claim.  Administrative Contracting
Officer.  The claim amount is $600,000.00 which is to be negotiated.  OAC has
agreed to adjust the contract price.  The amount has not been negotiated.
Currently there is no outside counsel representing Olin.

7.   Threatened Litigation (McCann).  McCann was a short service employee hired
in 1992 as the Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator.  In late 1994 his
performance deteriorated, and the company decided to terminate him.  After the
decision but before the implementation, McCann came into the office and
announced that he had cancer which required treatment, for which he needed to be
on disability leave.  Upon his return to work in January, 1995, he was
terminated.  He was offered additional severance and other benefits, in return
for which he signed a release.  His attorney now claims that he was terminated
for his involvement in a co-worker's worker's compensation claim for $60,000.

9.   Eddie Hill vs. KASL Enterprises et al.  Plaintiff alleges he lost his hand
in a trash compactor made by General Defense (Autopak).  Autopak was sold by
General Defense before it was acquired by Olin.  The case is pending in Wayne
County (Detroit), Michigan.

10.  Stewart vs. Olin.  The Illinois Department of Human Rights has filed a
Complaint with the Illinois Human Rights Commission on behalf of Donald Stewart,
a current employee at Marion, alleging discrimination with respect to terms and
conditions of employment by Stewart's foreman.

11.  Benedicta Lusk vs. Olin Corporation.  Lusk is a female management-level
employee at Downey (former 30mm Program Manager) who has filed a charge with
EEO.

12.  George Alcantara v. Olin Corporation.  Alcantara a former hourly
maintenance employee, has filed a charge with the California Department of Fair
Employment and Housing, alleging national origin discrimination in connection
<PAGE>
 
with his recent layoff from the Downey facility.  Alcantara is Mexican-American.

13.  Western Processing Site, Washington.  Olin Aerospace has obligations to
make payments toward remediation pursuant to a 1986 Consent Decree.

14.  Aqua-Tech Environmental, Inc.  Hamilton Technology, Inc., a former
subsidiary of General Defense Corporation, is a PRP at this site in South
Carolina.

15.  Maxey Flats.  Hamilton Watch Company (HWC) is a PRP at the Maxey Flats
Nuclear Disposal Site in Flemming County, Kentucky.  Hamilton Watch Company was
sold to SSIH of Bienne, Switzerland by General Defense Corporation (GDC) in 1973
prior to Olin's acquisition of GDC in 1988.  SSIH is believed to have assumed
all of HWC's liabilities.

B.   CURRENT SITES AND BUSINESSES

1.   St. Petersburg, Florida.  (Corporate headquarters and systems management
operation for large caliber ammunition.)

2.   Red Lion, Pennsylvania.  (Manufacturing and research and development 
facility for large caliber ammunition metal and composite parts.)

3.   Redmond, Washington.  (Design, manufacturing and test facility for space,
solid propellant and electronic products, office facilities and research and 
development laboratory.)

4.   St. Marks, Florida.  (Manufacturing facility for Ball Powder propellant and
Research and development laboratory.)

5.   Marion, Illinois.  (Loading, assembly and packing of medium caliber 
ammunition, Manufacturing and test facility for solid propellant products, and 
demilitarization services research and development laboratory.)

6.   San Leandro, California. (Pulsed power research and development 
laboratory, and test facilities; pulsed power and advanced warhead engineering
and management.)

7.   Downey, California.  (Manufacturing facility for medium caliber ammunition
components and air dispensed munitions components.  System management and 
research and development.)

8.   Moses Lake, Washington.  (Manufacturing and test facility for solid 
propellant products.)

9.   Camden, Arkansas,  (Test range, support for the  ammunition business.)

10.  Tracy California.  (Manufacturing and test facility for advanced anti-armor
warhead systems.)

11.  Lucerne, Switzerland (Design, development and testing of anti-armor warhead
systems for the Swiss Government.)



                                   EXHIBIT II
                                        
                                ORDNANCE-RELATED
                                        
            IDENTIFIED DISCONTINUED BUSINESSES AND FORMER PLANT SITES
<PAGE>
 
East Petersburg, PA (former Hamilton Technologies, Inc. (HTI) plant site) [a/k/a
"East Petersburg - GDC"]

Lancaster, PA (former HTI plant site) [a/k/a "Stoney Battery Road - HTI"]

Lancaster, PA (former HTI plant site) [a/k/a "Clock Towers"]

Largo, FL (former GDC plant site) [a/k/a "Largo - GDC"]

Socorro, NM (testing of DU projectiles)

Wharton, NJ (research and development facility) [a/k/a "Valentec Site"]

                                        
                                        
                                AEROSPACE-RELATED
                                        
                 DISCONTINUED BUSINESSES AND FORMER PLANT SITES
                                        
Bellevue, WA (construction and management of energy conservation systems)
[Trans Energy Systems, Inc.]

Bellevue, WA (former offices) [Pacific Electro Dynamics, Inc.]

Manhattan Beach, CA (offices for classified project) [Martin & Stern, Inc.]

Netherlands (offices)

Palo Alto, CA (offices and light manufacturing) [Larse Corporation]

Preston, WA (explosives manufacturing and test site) [Explosives Corporation of
America]

Reston (and surrounding area), VA (offices) [Martin & Stern, Inc.]

Santa Clara, CA (offices and light manufacturing)  [Larse Corporation]

Seattle, WA (former offices) [Rocket Research Company]

Various gas well leases in West Virginia and Ohio (servicing at gas well sites)
[Petroleum Technology Corporation]

Wadsworth, OH (metal parts manufacturing)



Any sites or businesses discovered by Primex or Olin after the Effective Time
that are related solely to the businesses comprising Primex on the Effective
Time.

                                        
                                        
                                   EXHIBIT III
                                        
1.   Facility Lease, dated December 29, 1986, between The Connecticut National
Bank, as Trustee, and Physics International Company, as previously amended and
otherwise amended from time to time.

2.   Ground Sublease, dated December 29, 1986, between The Connecticut National
<PAGE>
 
Bank, as Trustee, and Physics International Company, as amended from time to
time.

3.   Agreement of Guaranty No. 1, dated December 29, 1986, between Olin
Corporation and The Connecticut National Bank, as Trustee, as  amended from time
to time.

4.   Agreement of Guaranty No. 2, dated December 29, 1986, between Olin
Corporation and The Connecticut National Bank, as Trustee, as previously amended
and otherwise amended from time to time.

5.   Trust Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1986, between Merced Associates
and The Connecticut National Bank, as amended from time to time.

6.   Partnership Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1986, between Maryland
National Leasing Corporation and Olin Financial Services Inc., as amended from
time to time.

7.   Note Purchase and Participation Agreement, dated as of March 9, 1987, 
among The Connecticut National Bank, Physics International Company, and 
various insurance companies named therein.

8.   Indenture, dated as of December 29, 1986, between D. Heben Porteus, David
H. Haig, Fred C. Weyand, and Paul Mullin Ganley, as Trustees, The Connecticut
National Bank, as Trustee, and Merced Associates.

9.   Purchase and Assignment Agreement, dated as of December 29, 1986, among
Connecticut National Bank, as Trustee, Merced Associates and Physics
International Company.

10.  Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 1996, among Olin Corporation,
Primex Technologies, Inc., the Banks Parties thereto and Morgan Guarranty Trust
Company of New York as Agent, and the notes relating thereto.

                                        
                                        
                                   EXHIBIT IV
                                        
     BELGIUM LEGAL MATTER.  The Company is involved in a contract dispute with
the Belgium Ministry of Defense related to a 1985 sale of tank ammunition.  The
Belgium Ministry of Defense has alleged improprieties committed by the Belgium
national who represented Olin in the transaction.  Based on these allegations,
the Belgium Ministry of Defense withheld final payment on the contract and the
Company agreed to extend a letter of credit related to the contract guarantee
pending a decision by the Belgium courts of  the underlying contract dispute.
The trial court ruled against the Company.  The decision has been appealed.  In
the event that the trial court's decision is sustained, the resultant liability
is estimated at approximately $4.5 million.

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 11

                OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                 Computation of Per Share Earnings (Unaudited)


Primary earnings per share is computed by dividing net income less the ESOP
preferred stock dividend requirement (to the date of its redemption in 1996),
and the redemption adjustment (excess of fair value over book value of ESOP
shares redeemed) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In
December 1996, the company redeemed the ESOP preferred stock with shares of the
company stock of equivalent value. On March 1, 1995, the Series A stock was
converted on a one-for-one basis into common stock. In 1994, common shares
outstanding included an equivalent number (one-for-one) of common shares,
assuming the conversion of Series A stock. Fully diluted earnings per share
reflects the dilutive effect of stock options and assumes the conversion of
outstanding ESOP preferred stock, until its redemption in December 1996, into an
equivalent number of common shares at the date of issuance. Net income was
reduced by an additional ESOP contribution (differential between the common and
the ESOP preferred dividend rates under an assumed conversion) necessary to
satisfy the debt service requirement.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                          Years Ended December 31
                                                                   ---------------------------------------
                                                                      1996         1995            1994
                                                                   ----------   ----------      ----------
Primary earnings per share                                         ($ in millions except per share data)
- --------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>             <C>
Primary earnings:
Continuing operations:
Income from continuing operations                                  $    288       $    134      $     79
Less: ESOP preferred dividend, net of tax benefit                        (4)            (6)           (6)
      Redemption adjustment                                              (8)           -               -
                                                                   --------       --------      --------
Income from continuing operations                                  $    276       $    128      $     73
                                                                   ========       ========      ========


Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                         $     (8)      $      6      $     12 
Less redemption adjustment                                               (1)           -               -
                                                                   --------       --------      --------
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                         $     (9)      $      6      $     12
                                                                   ========       ========      ========
Primary shares: (in thousands)
Weighted average shares outstanding                                  49,992         48,866        46,606
                                                                   ========       ========      ========

Primary earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations                                              $   5.52       $   2.63      $   1.57
Discontinued operations                                               (0.18)          0.12          0.26
                                                                   --------       --------      --------
Total                                                              $   5.34       $   2.75      $   1.83
                                                                   ========       ========      ========



Fully diluted earnings per share
- --------------------------------
Fully diluted earnings:
Income from continuing operations                                  $    288       $    134      $     79
Less additional ESOP contribution                                        (4)            (3)           (3)
                                                                   --------       --------      --------
Income from continuing operations                                  $    284       $    131      $     76
                                                                   ========       ========      ========

Income (loss) from discontinued operations                         $     (8)      $      6      $     12
                                                                   ========       ========      ========
Fully diluted shares: (in thousands)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding                 
 and common stock equivalents                                        49,992         48,866        46,606
Common shares issuable assuming the conversion of outstanding
 ESOP preferred stock at the date of issuance                         1,950          2,262         2,880
Common shares issuable under stock options and
 additional remuneration agreements which have a dilutive
 effect on per share earnings                                           369            164           164
                                                                   --------       --------      --------
Adjusted number of common shares outstanding                         52,311         51,292        49,650
                                                                   ========       ========      ========

Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations                                              $   5.43       $   2.56      $   1.53
Discontinued operations                                               (0.16)          0.11          0.24
                                                                   --------       --------      --------
Total                                                              $   5.27       $   2.67      $   1.77
                                                                   ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               EXHIBIT 12

                         OLIN CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
                      Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (a)

                                           (Unaudited)



    (In millions)                                               Years Ended December 31,
                                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                          1996    1995    1994   1993     1992
                                                         ------  ------  ------ ------   ------

<S>                                                      <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>
 Earnings:
 Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes    $446    $204    $119  $(154)      $70
 Add (deduct):
    Income taxes of 50% owned affiliates                     3       3       4      3         1

    Equity in (earnings) loss of less than
           50% owned affiliates                             (2)     (1)      3      5         6

    Dividends received from less than
           50% owned affiliates                              2       1       -      -         -

    Interest capitalized, net of amortization                -       1       1     (1)       (4)

    Fixed charges as described below                        48      53      46     47        48

                                                         ------  ------  ------ ------   ------
          Total                                           $497    $261    $173  $(100)     $121
                                                         ======  ======  ====== ======   ======

 Fixed charges:
    Interest expense                                       $30     $36     $30    $33       $36

    Estimated interest factor in rent expense               18      17      16     14        12


                                                         ------  ------  ------ ------   ------
          Total                                            $48     $53     $46    $47       $48
                                                         ======  ======  ====== ======   ======


 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(b)                    10.4     4.9     3.8      -       2.5
                                                         ======  ======  ====== ======   ======

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 (a) Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been restated to
 reflect the spin-off of Primex Technologies, Inc.

 (b) In the twelve months ended December 31, 1993, earnings were inadequate to
 cover fixed charges by $147 million, In 1993, the Company recorded an after-tax
 charge of $124 million for personnel reductions, business restructurings
 involving consolidations and re-alignments within divisions, costs at sites of
 discontinued businesses, future environmental liabilities, and other charges.

<PAGE>
 
                 Today, Olin businesses are leading producers 
                 and marketers of high performance chemicals, 
                 metals, microelectronic materials and sporting 
                 ammunition.
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED

($ in millions, except per share data)                    1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                   $2,638   $2,665   $2,268
Gross Margin                                               617      550      424
Selling and Administration                                 319      293      256
Interest Expense                                            29       35       28
Interest and Other Income                                  216       16        9
Income from Continuing Operations                          288      134       79
Net Income                                                 280      140       91
Per Common Share:
  Primary
    Income from
      Continuing Operations                             $ 5.52   $ 2.63   $ 1.57
    Net Income                                          $ 5.34   $ 2.75   $ 1.83
  Fully Diluted
    Income from
      Continuing Operations                             $ 5.43   $ 2.56   $ 1.53
    Net Income                                          $ 5.27   $ 2.67   $ 1.77
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
- --Results of operations have been restated to reflect the spin-off of Primex
Technologies, Inc. and earnings per share have been restated for two-for-one
stock split.
- --1996 Interest and Other Income includes a pretax gain of $188 million ($115
million after tax, $2.20 fully diluted E.P.S.) on the sale of the isocyanates
business at Lake Charles, LA in December.


1996 Compared to 1995

Sales decreased 1% while net income reached record levels, increasing 18%,
excluding a $115 million gain from the sale of the isocyanates business. The
decrease in sales was attributable to a 2% decrease in volume and a 3% decrease
in metal values offset by a 2% improvement in pricing and a 2% increase due to
the inclusion of OCG for a full year. Net income was enhanced by lower raw
material costs and improved product mix. In 1996, record operating results were
achieved by both the Chlor Alkali and Chemicals divisions. 

     Gross margin percentage was 23%, an increase of 2% due to price increases
in several Chemical product lines, higher caustic volumes, lower raw materials
costs and an improved product mix.

     Selling and administration expenses as a percentage of sales increased to
12% from 11%. Selling and administration expenses increased in amount due
primarily to the inclusion of OCG's operating expenses for a full year, expenses
related to the spin-off of Primex Technologies, Inc., higher costs related to
incentive compensation programs and higher sales promotion and advertising
expenses for Pool Products and Winchester sporting ammunition. This increase was
offset in part by the impact of cost reduction programs.

     Research and development expenditures increased due to the inclusion of
OCG's research and development expenses for a full year in 1996.

     Interest expense decreased due to lower average short-term borrowings and
lower average interest rates.

     Interest and other income increased due to the gains on the sale of the
isocyanates business and the company's corporate headquarters combined with the
favorable performance of the nonconsolidated affiliates. 

     The effective tax rate increased to 35% from 34%. The increase was mainly
attributable to the gain on the sale of the isocyanates business. At December
31, 1996, the company had net deferred tax assets of $135 million, primarily
comprised of temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of
assets and liabilities. No valuation allowance has been provided because
management believes that it is more likely than not that there will be
sufficient taxable income to allow for the realization of these tax benefits.

     In December of 1996, the company sold its isocyanates business to ARCO
Chemical Company ("ARCO") for $565 million in cash. The sale included all assets
at the company's Lake Charles, LA facility used in the manufacture and sale of
toluene diisocyanate, aliphatic isocyanates and nitric acid. In connection with
the transaction, the company recorded a pretax gain of $188 million ($115
million after tax gain) which is included in Interest and Other Income. The
company's results of operations for 1996 and 1995 include sales of $296 million
and $255 million and operating income of $52 million and $19 million,
respectively, from the isocyanates business.

     On December 31, 1996, the company completed the spin-off of its Ordnance
and Aerospace businesses as Primex Technologies, Inc. ("Primex"). Under the
terms of the spin-off, the company distributed to its holders of common stock of
record at the close of business on December 19, 1996, one Primex common share
for every ten shares of Olin common stock. The results of operations have been
restated to reflect Primex as discontinued operations for all periods presented.


1995 Compared to 1994 

Sales and net income increased 18% and 54%, respectively. The sales increase was
attributed to an 8% improvement in pricing (exclusive of higher metal values), a
3% increase in sales volume and 3% increase due to the inclusion of OCG's sales
for six months. Past strategic investments were a key factor in meeting the
increased demand. In addition to the impact of increased volume and pricing, net
income was enhanced by prior years' initiatives to restructure and reengineer
the company and reduce costs. In 1995, record results were achieved by Brass,
Chlor Alkali and the Microelectronic Materials divisions.

     Gross margin percentage was 21%, an increase of 2%. Higher caustic and TDI
prices more than offset increased raw material and manufacturing costs.

     Selling and administration expenses as a percentage of sales were 11% in
both years. Selling and administration expenses increased

                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued) 


in amount due primarily to additional information processing costs, the
inclusion of the operating expenses of acquired businesses and higher costs
related to short-term incentive compensation programs. This increase was offset
in part by the impact of cost reduction programs.

     Research and development expenditures increased as a result of the OCG
acquisition. Excluding the impact of OCG, research and development expenses
decreased 10% through cost reduction programs and a better focus in the
Chemicals product lines on the development of new and differentiated products.

     Interest expense increased due to higher average interest rates on higher
average borrowings.

     The favorable performance of non-consolidated affiliates, particularly in
Japan, increased interest and other income.

     The effective tax rate was 34% in 1995 and 1994. At December 31, 1995, the
company had net deferred tax assets of $61 million, primarily comprised of
temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities.

     In 1995, the company completed the sales of its Sun(R) brand trademark and
its chlorinated isocyanurates business including a manufacturing plant in South
Charleston, WV and a related operation in Livonia, MI. These transactions did
not have a material impact on the company's results of operations for 1995.

     In 1995, the company acquired the remaining 50% of OCG Microelectronic
Materials, a joint venture formed by Ciba-Geigy and the company in 1990, for
approximately $65 million. In addition, the company acquired the remaining 51%
of Etoxyl, C.A., a Latin American joint venture. The purchase price for Etoxyl
is contingent upon the future earnings of this venture.

CHEMICALS 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

($ in millions)                                           1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                   $1,586   $1,501   $1,195
Operating Income                                           207      140       52
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1996 Compared to 1995 
Sales and operating income increased 6% and 48%, respectively. The sales
increase was due to the inclusion of sales of OCG for a full year and higher
pricing which more than offset lower volumes. The sales improvement reflected
the record performances by the Chlor Alkali and Chemicals divisions which more
than offset the shortfall in Microelectronic Materials. Higher pricing in
several product lines was the most significant factor in the operating income
improvement.

     Higher caustic volumes and chlorine pricing, lower utility costs and
operating expenses contributed to Chlor Alkali's record performance.

     Higher pricing in several product lines contributed to Chemicals' record
performance. Operating results of the isocyanates business were at record levels
even though 1996 included 11 months of operations from the isocyanates business
which was sold to ARCO in December. Higher international demand and prices were
the main contributors to this improvement. Higher sales volumes resulting from
increased product offerings and strong international demand contributed to the
improved performance of the specialty urethanes coating business.

     Pool Products sales decreased, while profits were significantly ahead of
last year. Increased pricing was more than offset by lower volumes due to
production capacity constraints and the sale of the chlorinated isocyanurates
business in late 1995. Increased pricing along with higher Pace volumes
contributed to increased profits.

     Higher prices for glycols and polyols, lower raw materials costs and
reduced manufacturing and operating costs contributed to ethylene
oxide/propylene oxide (EO/PO) derivative products' favorable performance.

     Operating results of specialty chemicals exceeded last year. Worldwide
volumes increased as a result of higher foreign sales and new product sales. The
profit impact from these additional volumes was offset in part by higher-priced
purchased materials due to limited production capacity and higher operating
costs for toxicology studies.

     Microelectronic Materials' sales increased due to the inclusion of OCG's
sales for twelve months in 1996 compared to six months in 1995. The positive
impact of the inclusion of OCG in operating results was more than offset by the
negative impact of the downturn in the semiconductor industry, higher costs
associated with the delays in the start-up of the new Mesa, AZ facility and
development costs for a new semiconductor package.

1995 Compared to 1994
Sales and operating income increased 26% and 169%, respectively. This
improvement reflected the improved performances by the Chlor Alkali and
Microelectronic Materials divisions and the improved operating results of the
isocyanates business.

     In Chlor Alkali, demand remained strong throughout the year. Caustic
pricing continued to improve, while chlorine prices remained stable. Plant
operating manufacturing rates were close to capacity and lower manufacturing
costs were aided by cost reduction initiatives from reengineering programs.

     Operating results of the isocyanates business exceeded last year. Worldwide
TDI prices more than offset the effects of a scheduled plant maintenance
turnaround. Specialty urethanes coating product line sales nearly doubled due to
stronger worldwide demand, but new product introductions and market-entry costs
negatively impacted its operating results.

     Pool Products sales increased 10%, while profits were slightly below last
year. Increases in sales volume and pricing were more than offset by higher raw
material and other costs.

     In EO/PO derivative products, the combination of higher prices and volumes
of flexible polyols and a lower raw material cost contributed to its financial
improvement.

     In specialty chemicals, biocides had record volumes on a variety of
products, reflecting the continual growth of this business.

18
<PAGE>
 
     In Microelectronic Materials, electronic chemicals sales more than doubled
and profits increased significantly due to the strong demand from the
semiconductor industry for the company's high-purity electronic chemicals and
the inclusion of OCG's operating results. Sales of its MQUAD(R) packaging system
increased but operating results were adversely affected by costs associated with
the introduction of its new Metal Ball Grid Array (MBGA(R)) package.


METALS AND AMMUNITION 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
($ in millions)                                           1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                  $ 1,052   $1,164  $ 1,073
Operating Income                                            52       83       86
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1996 Compared to 1995 
Sales and operating income decreased 10% and 37%, respectively. Sales decline
was due to lower metal values and lower demand for brass products and a
significant decrease in commercial ammunition sales. Operating income declined
due to the lower volumes.

     Reduced volumes in the electronics, ammunition and utilities businesses
contributed to Brass' sales decline. Operating income decreased due to the lower
volumes and the start-up cost associated with the new tube mill at Indianapolis,
IN. The A.J. Oster (Oster) operations achieved a record performance due to
higher shipments.

     Winchester's domestic commercial ammunition sales were significantly lower
in the first half of the year, but were equal to 1995 levels in the second half.
Military ammunition sales were well below the prior year level due to the
substantial completion in 1995 of several large contracts. The significant
decrease in operating results was primarily attributable to the profit impact
from the lower volumes which offset the impact of lower commodity costs.


1995 Compared to 1994 
Sales improved 8% while operating income decreased 3%. Sales improvement was due
to higher metal values, improved product mix and selling prices as the demand
for brass strip exceeded the historical average and more than offset the reduced
shipments of Winchester's domestic commercial ammunition. Operating income
declined due to the lower Winchester commercial sales and higher commodity
costs.

     Increased sales, lower manufacturing costs and the benefit from cost
reduction programs were the main contributors to Brass' operating profit
increase. New financial records were established by several operations, such as
Indianapolis, Oster and Somers Thin Strip. The Indianapolis operation's
improvement was due to an improved product mix in its strip, rod, wire and tube
businesses. Oster benefited from the automotive and electronics demand. A strong
electronics market contributed to Somers' financial improvement.

     Winchester's domestic commercial ammunition sales declined significantly.
In 1995, the marketplace for commercial sporting ammunition adjusted for the
heavy consumer buying patterns that occurred in 1994 as a result of a concern
over restrictive legislation and taxation. Domestic and military export
ammunition business achieved record sales performance and partially offset the
commercial sales decrease. The profit impact from the lower commercial sales and
the effect of higher commodity costs, primarily copper, accounted for the
significant decrease in operating income.


1997 OUTLOOK

CONSOLIDATED 
The company's 1997 sales and net income are expected to be slightly lower than
1996, excluding the gain on the sale of the isocyanates business. The absence of
sales from the isocyanates business sold in 1996 is expected to be offset in
part by sales increases in Microelectronic Materials, Winchester and certain
Chemicals product lines. Earnings per share is expected in the $3.00 range,
assuming a 10% decline in Chlor Alkali's ECU pricing and with anticipated profit
increases in Microelectronic Materials, Pool Products, Biocides and Winchester.
These profit improvements along with the company's acquisition of the balance of
Niachlor and the interest income on the proceeds from the disposed businesses
are expected to offset in part the lost earnings on the businesses sold in 1996
and to be sold in 1997. In addition, the company's share repurchase program,
which commenced in January 1997, is expected to be beneficial to earnings per
share.

CHEMICALS 
Chemicals segment sales and operating income are expected to decrease due
primarily to the sale of the isocyanates businesses. Chlor Alkali's performance
is expected to decrease from 1996 levels due to lower caustic prices and the
start-up costs of the new Sunbelt project with the Geon Company. Plant operating
rates are expected to be almost equal to 1996 levels as demand for chlorine and
caustic is estimated to moderate slightly. Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the
company acquired the remaining 50% of Niachlor (a joint venture) which will
contribute additional revenues and profits in 1997. Estimated higher volumes in
Pool Products is expected to enhance its operating performance and more than
offset the impact of expected higher raw material and packaging costs. In the
specialty chemicals business, sales and operating income are expected to
increase due to higher volumes, which will offset additional operating expenses
for new product introductions and market-entry costs. In the EO/PO derivative
products, the company announced in 1996 that it will seek a buyer for its
polyol, glycol and surfactants businesses at its Doe Run facility in
Brandenburg, KY. The company expects to complete this transaction during 1997.
As the semiconductor industry rebounds from its worst slump in 10 years,
stronger demand for electronic chemicals and lower manufacturing costs are
expected to enhance Microelectronic Materials' performance. During 1997, the
company will expand its ultra high-purity chemicals plant and distribution
center in Zwijndrecht, Belgium.

                                                                              19
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued) 


Metals and Ammunition 
Sales for the Metals and Ammunitions segment are expected to increase slightly.
Assuming that the consumption level in the metals industry will mirror the
levels achieved over the past three years, Brass sales are estimated to increase
slightly as higher volumes offset lower average metal values. Over-capacity in
the metals industry is expected to create a competitive pricing environment.
Demand for Winchester's commercial ammunition is expected to increase as the
marketplace returns to more normal levels from the 1994 buying frenzy and its
subsequent market adjustment during the past two years. New product offerings
and an increased presence in the marketplace are also expected to contribute to
Winchester's sales increase. Operating income is expected to increase due to an
expected turnaround in the electronics industry, higher commercial ammunition
volumes, expected lower product costs and increased market share.

     Cautionary Statement under Federal Securities Laws: The information in the
1997 Outlook section (and subsections thereof), the Environmental Matters
section, the Liquidity, Investment Activity and Other Financial Data section,
and the Environmental note and the Commitments and Contingencies note to the
Consolidated Financial Statements contains forward-looking statements that are
based on management's beliefs, certain assumptions made by management and
current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets and economy in
which the company and its various divisions operate. Words such as "expects,"
"believes," "should," "plans," "will," "estimates," and variations of such words
and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Future Factors") which
are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ
materially from what is expected or forecasted in such forward-looking
statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-
looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or
otherwise. Future factors which could cause actual results to differ materially
from those discussed in these sections and notes include but are not limited to:
lack of moderate growth in the U.S. economy or even a slight recession in 1997;
competitive pricing pressures; the company's ability to maintain chemical price
increases; higher start-up cost than expected for the Sunbelt project; greater
than 10% decline in Chlor Alkali's ECU prices; higher-than-expected raw material
costs for certain chemical product lines; discontinuance of the recovery from
the 1996 semiconductor industry downturn and lack of growth in this industry; a
downturn in many of the markets the company serves such as electronics,
automotive, ammunition and housing; the supply/demand balance for the company's
products, including the impact of excess industry capacity; failure to achieve
targeted cost reduction programs; unsuccessful entry into new markets for
electronic chemicals; capital expenditures, such as cost overruns, in excess of
those scheduled; environmental costs in excess of those projected; and the
occurrence of unexpected manufacturing interruptions/outages.


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

($ in millions)                                          1996      1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales                                                    $471      $508     $416
Operating Income                                            2        21       29
Net Income (Loss)                                          (8)        6       12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1996 Compared to 1995 
Sales declined 7%, principally attributable to lower shipments of combined
effects munitions, Ball Powder(R) propellant, and electromagnetic systems, which
more than offset higher tank ammunition sales to international customers. The
lower sales levels of combined effects munitions and electromagnetic systems
reflect the completion of major programs during 1996. Sales of commercial Ball
Powder(R) propellant declined 17% as sporting ammunition customers drastically
reduced their purchases. In 1994 and 1995, heavy consumer buying patterns for
sporting ammunition were driven by a concern over the threat of restrictive
legislation and taxation, which increased the demand for Ball Powder(R)
propellant.

     Net income was adversely impacted by the lower sales volumes and the
provision for the settlement of claims relating to a government investigation of
certain testing irregularities at the Marion, IL facility and the charge for a
Belgian contract dispute.

1995 Compared to 1994 
Sales increased 22% primarily due to additional shipments of medium caliber
ammunition, strong demand for electronic and solid propellant products and sales
under a combined effects munitions contract.

     Net income decreased 50% due to higher operating expenses and additional
costs incurred on certain start-up and discontinued programs. A provision for
the settlement of claims relating to a government investigation at the Marion,
IL facility along with higher legal and consulting fees associated with this
investigation also reduced 1995's net income.


ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

($ in millions)                                           1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Outlays:
   Remedial and
    Investigatory Spending                                 $30      $25      $37
   Capital Spending                                          6        8       10
   Plant Operations                                         35       34       32
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Cash Outlays                                         $71      $67      $79
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20
<PAGE>
 
     The establishment and implementation of federal, state and local standards
to regulate air, water and land quality has affected and will continue to affect
substantially all of the company's manufacturing locations. Federal legislation
providing for regulation of the manufacture, transportation, use and disposal of
hazardous and toxic substances has imposed additional regulatory requirements on
industry, particularly the chemicals industry. In addition, implementation of
environmental laws, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the
Clean Air Act, has required and will continue to require new capital
expenditures and will increase operating costs. The company employs waste
minimization and pollution prevention programs at its manufacturing sites.

     The company is party to various governmental and private environmental
actions associated with waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities.
Associated costs of investigatory and remedial activities are provided for in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles governing probability
and the ability to reasonably estimate future costs. Charges to income for
investigatory and remedial efforts were material to operating results in 1996,
1995, and 1994 and may be material to net income in future years. Such charges
to income were $70 million, $24 million and $17 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. In connection with the sale of the isocyanates business at the
company's Lake Charles, LA facility, a $53 million provision was recorded to
provide for contractual liabilities related to future environmental spending at
the Lake Charles site.

     Cash outlays for remedial and investigatory activities associated with
former waste sites and past operations were not charged to income but instead
were charged to reserves established for such costs identified and expensed to
income in prior years. Cash outlays for normal plant operations for the disposal
of waste and the operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment and
facilities to ensure compliance with mandated and voluntarily imposed
environmental quality standards were charged to income. Historically, the
company has funded its environmental capital expenditures through cash flow from
operations and expects to do so in the future.

     The company's estimated environmental liability at the end of 1996 was
attributable to 55 sites, 24 of which were on the National Priority List (NPL).
Ten sites accounted for approximately 80% of such liability and, of the
remaining sites, no one site accounted for more than 3% of such liability. One
of these ten sites was in the investigatory stage of the remediation process. In
this stage, remedial investigation and feasibility studies are conducted by
either the company, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or
other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and a Record of Decision (ROD) or
its equivalent has not been issued. At seven of the ten sites, a ROD or its
equivalent has been issued by either the EPA or responsible state agency and the
company either alone, or as a member of a PRP group, was engaged in performing
the remedial measures required by that ROD. At the remaining two of the ten
sites, part of the site is subject to a ROD and another part is still in the
investigative stage of remediation. All ten sites were either former
manufacturing facilities or waste sites containing contamination generated by
those facilities.

     The company's consolidated balance sheets included liabilities for future
environmental expenditures to investigate and remediate known sites amounting to
$148 million at December 31, 1996 and $108 million at December 31, 1995, of
which $113 million and $73 million were classified as other noncurrent
liabilities, respectively. Those amounts did not take into account any
discounting of future expenditures or any consideration of insurance recoveries
or advances in technology. Those liabilities are reassessed periodically to
determine if environmental circumstances have changed and/or remediation efforts
and their costs can be better estimated. As a result of these reassessments,
future charges to income may be made for additional liabilities.

     Total environmental-related cash outlays for 1997 are estimated to be $75
million, of which $35 million is expected to be spent on investigatory and
remedial efforts, $10 million on capital projects and $30 million on normal
plant operations.

     Annual environmental-related cash outlays for site investigation and
remediation, capital projects, and normal plant operations are expected to range
between $75-$90 million over the next several years. While the company does not
anticipate a material increase in the projected annual level of its
environmental-related costs, there is always the possibility that such increases
may occur in the future in view of the uncertainties associated with
environmental exposures. Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for
numerous reasons, including the identification of new sites, developments at
sites resulting from investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in
environmental laws and regulations and their application, the scarcity of
reliable data pertaining to identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the
involvement and financial capability of other potentially responsible parties
and the company's ability to obtain contributions from other parties and the
lengthy time periods over which site remediation occurs. It is possible that
some of these matters (the outcomes of which are subject to various
uncertainties) may be resolved unfavorably against the company. At December 31,
1996, the company had estimated additional contingent environmental liabilities
of $35 million.

                                                                              21
<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)


LIQUIDITY, INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

CASH FLOW DATA

Provided By (Used For) ($ in millions)                   1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents                         
  Provided by Operating Activities                    
    from Continuing Operations                         $  266   $  210   $  176
Net Operating Activities                                  271      187      148
Capital Expenditures                                     (126)    (182)    (131)
Net Investing Activities                                  274     (199)     (77)
Net Financing Activities                                  (29)      13      (67)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Cash flows from operations, proceeds from sales of businesses and
borrowings under the line of credit assumed by Primex were used to pay down 
long-term debt and short-term borrowings as well as finance the company's major
funding needs, namely capital and investment projects, dividends to shareholders
and the purchase of short-term investments.

Operating Activities 
In 1996, the increase in cash flow from operating activities of continuing
operations was primarily attributable to higher operating income and a reduced
investment in working capital compared to 1995. In 1995, the increase in cash
flow from operating activities from continuing operations was primarily
attributable to higher operating income.

Capital Expenditures 
Capital spending in 1996 decreased 31% from the prior year due to planned
reduction to control capital costs. Also contributing to this lower level of
spending was the completion of two significant projects in 1995. Capital
spending in 1995 increased 39% from the prior year mainly to provide additional
capacity and improve product quality for selected product lines. Funds were
spent for the following: the manufacturing, distribution and laboratory complex
in Mesa, AZ for the Microelectronic Materials business and the modernization of
the seamless tube and wire facilities at Indianapolis, IN. In addition, funds
were used to relocate the corporate headquarters to Norwalk, CT.

     Capital spending in 1997 is estimated to approximate 1996 levels. In
October 1996, the company's Board of Directors approved a capital project to
expand the size of the Microelectronic Materials' ultra high-purity chemicals
plant and distribution center in Zwijndrecht, Belgium to better serve the
semiconductor industry in Europe. This expansion is expected to be completed in
1998.


Investing Activities
In December 1996, the company sold its isocyanates business for $565 million in
cash. The sale includes all assets at the company's Lake Charles, LA facility
used in the manufacture and sale of toluene diisocyanate, aliphatic isocyanates
and nitric acid. Also in 1996, the company sold its electrostatics business,
which generated proceeds of $6 million. Proceeds of $23 million from the
disposition of property, plant and equipment consisted primarily from the sale
of the corporate headquarters. 

     In 1995, the company completed its acquisition for approximately $65
million of Ciba-Geigy's 50% share of OCG, a joint venture formed by Ciba-Geigy
and the company in 1990. Also, the company acquired the remaining 51% of Etoxyl,
C.A., a Latin American joint venture. The purchase price is contingent upon the
future earnings of this venture. During 1995, the company sold its Sun(R) brand
trademark and its dry sanitizer plant in South Charleston, WV, and a related
tableting operation in Livonia, MI. These divestments generated proceeds of $49
million.

     During 1994, the company sold its conductive materials business including
the manufacturing facility in Ontario, CA and its trichloroisocyanurate
production facility in Lake Charles, LA. These transactions generated proceeds
of $41 million.

     On December 31, 1996, the company made an advance payment to E.I. du Pont
de Nemours and Company (DuPont) of $75 million in connection with its
anticipated purchase of the remaining 50% of Niachlor (a joint venture formed by
DuPont and the company in 1984), which is included in Investments and Advances-
Affiliated Companies at Equity in the December 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance
Sheet. Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the company consummated this transaction
for approximately $77 million. This acquisition will be accounted for as a
purchase in 1997 and consists primarily of property, plant and equipment. In
1996, the company along with the Geon Company formed a joint venture (Sunbelt)
to construct and operate a Chlor Alkali plant at the company's existing
McIntosh, AL site. Geon will consume all of the chlorine produced by the project
and the company will be responsible for marketing the caustic soda. The company
invested approximately $27 million in this venture during 1996 and expects to
invest approximately $71 million in 1997. The plant start-up associated with
this venture is estimated to be in late 1997.

22
<PAGE>
 
     In 1995 and 1994, investment spending was minimal. The company's investment
in the ethylene oxide joint venture in Latin America totaled $19 million at
December 31, 1996. Throughout 1996, this venture continued to experience
liquidity difficulties due to high leverage. In Venezuela, general economic
conditions have been unstable. The government imposed currency exchange controls
in order to control capital flight and manage inflation. The company, along with
its venture partners, continued to address these difficulties in order to
protect its recorded investment.

     In December 1996, the company purchased $87 million of short-term
investment securities using a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the
isocyanates business.

Financing Activities 
At December 31, 1996, the company maintained committed credit facilities with
banks of $256 million, all of which was available. The company believes that
these credit facilities are adequate to satisfy its liquidity needs for the near
future. In June 1995, the company sold $50 million of 7.11% notes due June 2005.
The proceeds from this issue were used to reduce short-term debt incurred for
working capital purposes. Included in the $256 million committed credit facility
is an unsecured revolving credit agreement with a group of banks which provides
a maximum borrowing of $250 million, and expires in May 2000. The company may
select various floating rate borrowing options.

     Prior to the distribution, Primex Technologies, Inc. assumed a $160 million
credit facility established by the company, under which the company had borrowed
$125 million. The company will use these funds to reduce its own borrowings in
1997.

     In 1996, the board of directors authorized the company to purchase up to
10% of the company's common stock. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of
the businesses will be used for this program, which began in January 1997.

     The percent of total debt to total capitalization (excluding the reduction
in equity for the Contributing Employee Ownership Plan (ESOP)) decreased to 30%
at December 31, 1996, from 38% at year-end 1995 and was 37% at year-end 1994.
Contributing to the decrease in 1996 was the liquidation of all short-term
borrowings as of December 31, 1996 and the repayment of the 7.077% note payable
in mid 1996.

     In 1989 the company established an ESOP. The ESOP trust borrowed $100
million ($40 million from the company) to purchase 1.3 million shares of the
company's convertible preferred stock. The proceeds received by the company from
the issuance of its preferred stock were used to acquire shares of its common
stock. The ESOP trust has repaid in full its original loan from the company.
This loan to the ESOP was financed by the company through a long-term credit
facility and was repaid in July 1996. In December 1996, the Board of Directors
approved the redemption of all outstanding ESOP preferred stock with common
stock of equivalent value. Approximately 1.87 million shares of common stock at
a per share value of $40.19 were issued in exchange for approximately .9 million
shares of ESOP preferred stock at a per share value of $85.75. The annual fixed
dividend rate was $5.97 per share and during 1996, dividends were paid in the
first three quarters.

     Dividends per common share were $1.20 in 1996 and 1995 and $1.10 in 1994.
Total dividends paid on common stock amounted to $60 million in 1996, $57
million in 1995 and $44 million in 1994, while total ESOP preferred dividends
amounted to $4 million in 1996, $6 million in 1995 and $7 million in 1994.
Dividends paid on Series A Stock were $3 million in 1995 and $10 million in 1994
(equal to $3.64 per share).

     On March 1, 1995, 2.76 million shares of the company's $1 par value Series
A Conversion Preferred Stock was converted into shares of common stock on a one-
for-one basis. The last dividend on these preferred shares was paid in March
1995. During 1992, the company swapped interest payments on $50 million
principal amount of its 8% notes due 2002 to a floating rate (5.618% at December
31, 1996). In June 1995, the company offset this transaction by swapping
interest payments to a fixed rate of 6.485%.

     The company periodically evaluates risk retention and insurance levels for
product liability, property damage and other potential areas of risk. Based on
the cost and availability of insurance and the likelihood of a loss occurring,
management decides the amount of insurance coverage to purchase from
unaffiliated companies and the appropriate amount of risk to retain. The current
levels of risk retention are believed to be appropriate and are consistent with
those of other companies in the various industries in which the company
operates.

                                                                              23
<PAGE>
 
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
($ in millions)             1996     1995     1994      1993      1992      1991      1990     1989     1988     1987
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>      <C> 
CHEMICALS
Sales                     $1,586   $1,501   $1,195   $ 1,117    $  996   $   960    $1,269   $1,302   $1,386   $1,232
Operating Income (Loss)      207      140       52      (166)       25       (74)       43      142       98       77
Assets                     1,058    1,223    1,037     1,024     1,067       982       945      977    1,034    1,028
Capital Expenditures          78      126       91        75       115       131       144       95       96       83
Depreciation                  86       81       82        83        73        70        75       74       77       82
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
METALS AND AMMUNITION
Sales                      1,052    1,164    1,073       951       972       869       854      809      681      467
Operating Income              52       83       86        36        68        46        65       54       67       65
Assets                       648      639      601       564       587       597       506      491      484      391
Capital Expenditures          45       52       40        44        44        34        28       33       38       20
Depreciation                  38       37       35        34        30        29        28       29       26       23
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE AND OTHER
Assets                       633      320      282       251       293       325       320      336      340      217
Capital Expenditures           3        4       --        --        --        --        --       --       --       --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED
Sales                      2,638    2,665    2,268     2,068     1,968     1,829     2,123    2,111    2,067    1,699
Operating Income (Loss)      259      223      138      (130)       93       (28)      108      196      165      142
Assets                     2,339    2,182    1,920     1,839     1,947     1,904     1,771    1,804    1,858    1,636
Capital Expenditures         126      182      131       119       159       165       172      128      134      103
Depreciation                 124      118      117       117       103        99       103      103      103      105
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Intersegment sales, which are priced generally at prevailing prices and are
excluded from above, are not significant.

Segment operating income has been restated for the corporate expenses previously
allocated to the discontinued businesses.
Operating income (loss) of each segment includes an allocation of corporate
expenses.

1993 operating loss includes a charge for the strategic action plan of $200
($171 to Chemicals and $29 to Metals and Ammunition).
1991 operating loss includes a charge for the streamlining program of $129 ($118
to Chemicals and $11 to Metals and Ammunition).

Corporate and Other includes principally cash and cash equivalents, short-term
investments and the net assets of discontinued operations.

The Winchester division has been included with the Brass division to form the
Metals and Ammunition segment.

See Notes to Financial Statements for information relative to geographic segment
data.

24
<PAGE>
 
TEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
($ and shares in millions,
except per share data)                 1996        1995      1994       1993        1992        1991       1990      1989  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C> 
OPERATIONS                                                                                                                 
Sales                              $  2,638     $ 2,665   $ 2,268   $  2,068    $  1,968    $  1,829    $ 2,123   $ 2,111  
Cost of Goods Sold                    2,021       2,115     1,844      1,862       1,612       1,587      1,690     1,613  
Restructuring Charge                     --          --        --         38          --          22         --        --
Selling and Administration              319         293       256        262         230         213        267       244  
Research and Development                 39          34        30         36          33          35         58        58  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (Loss)                 259         223       138       (130)         93         (28)       108       196  
Interest Expense                         29          35        28         30          31          37         42        44  
Interest and Other Income               216          16         9          6           8          15         22        21  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from                                                                                                         
  Continuing Operations                                                                                                    
    Before Taxes                        446         204       119       (154)         70         (50)        88       173  
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)          158          70        40        (61)         25         (25)        23        60  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from                                                                                                         
  Continuing Operations                                                                                                    
    Before Cumulative Effect of                                                                                            
      Accounting Changes                288         134        79        (93)         45         (25)        65       113  
Accounting Changes                       --          --        --         --         (40)         --         --        --    
Discontinued Operations                  (8)          6        12          1           4          12         19        11  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                       280         140        91        (92)          9         (13)        84       124  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION                                                                                                         
Working Capital                         510(1)      153       164         60          78         (49)        83        90  
Property, Plant and                                                                                                        
  Equipment, Net                        657         841       765        787         826         791        721       674  
Total Assets                          2,339       2,182     1,920      1,839       1,947       1,904      1,771     1,804  
Capitalization:                                                                                                            
  Short-Term Debt                       139(1)      122        29        121         101         178        104       155  
  Long-Term Debt                        276(1)      411       418        449         477         520        466       501  
  Shareholders' Equity                  946         841       749        596         741         666        715       665  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Capitalization                  1,361       1,374     1,196      1,166       1,319       1,364      1,285     1,321  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA                                                                                                             
Net Income (Loss):                                                                                                         
  Primary:                                                                                                                 
    Continuing Operations              5.52        2.63      1.57      (2.28)        .86        (.78)      1.51      2.72  
    Accounting Changes                   --          --        --         --        (.93)         --         --        --    
    Discontinued Operations           (0.18)       0.12      0.26        .02         .10         .32        .51       .29  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                      5.34        2.75      1.83      (2.26)        .03        (.46)      2.02      3.01  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Fully Diluted:                                                                                                           
    Continuing Operations              5.43        2.56      1.53         --          --          --       1.46      2.65  
    Discontinued Operations           (0.16)       0.11      0.24         --          --          --        .48       .28  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income(2)                          5.27        2.67      1.77         --          --          --       1.94      2.93  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Dividends:                                                                                                            
  Common                               1.20        1.20      1.10       1.10        1.10        1.10       1.08       .98  
  ESOP Preferred (annual rate)         5.97        5.97      5.97       5.97        5.97        5.97       5.97      5.97  
  Series A Preferred (annual rate)       --        3.64      3.64       3.64        3.64          --         --        --    
Shareholders' Equity(3)               18.13       17.03     15.43      13.62       16.96       17.51      18.83     17.50  
Market Price of Common Stock:                                                                                              
  High                                   48       385/8     301/8      251/4       273/8          27      303/8     341/8  
  Low                                 347/8       241/4        23         20       185/8       163/4      141/8     243/4  
  Year End                            375/8       371/8     253/4      243/4       227/8       201/4      187/8        30  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER                                                                                                                      
Capital Expenditures                    126         182       131        119         159         165        172       128  
Depreciation                            124         118       117        117         103          99        103       103  
Common Dividends Paid                    60          57        44         42          41          41         41        39  
Purchases of Common Stock                --          --        --         --          --           2          6       100  
Current Ratio                           1.6         1.2       1.3        1.1         1.2         1.0        1.2       1.2  
Total Debt to Total                                                                                                        
  Capitalization(4)                    30.4%       38.2%     36.5%      47.1%       42.0%       48.5%      41.5%     46.2% 
Effective Tax Rate                     35.4%       34.3%     33.6%      39.6%       35.7%       50.0%      26.1%     34.7% 
Average Common Shares                                                                                                      
  Outstanding                          50.0        48.8      41.0       38.2        38.2        38.0       38.2      40.0  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders                         11,300      12,000    12,100     13,000      13,900      14,600     15,500    16,300  
Employees(5)                          9,300      10,400    10,300     10,100      10,800      11,400     12,100    13,200  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION> 
($ and shares in millions,
except per share data)                 1988        1987
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C> 
OPERATIONS                          
Sales                               $ 2,067    $  1,699
Cost of Goods Sold                    1,596       1,275
Restructuring Charge                     --          --
Selling and Administration              254         230
Research and Development                 52          52
- -------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (Loss)                 165         142
Interest Expense                         33          23
Interest and Other Income                14           9
- -------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from                  
  Continuing Operations             
    Before Taxes                        146         128
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)           51          49
- -------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from                  
  Continuing Operations             
    Before Cumulative Effect of     
      Accounting Changes                 95          79
Accounting Changes                       --          --
Discontinued Operations                   3          (1)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                        98          78
- -------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION                  
Working Capital                          84         221
Property, Plant and                 
  Equipment, Net                        696         646
Total Assets                          1,858       1,636
Capitalization:                     
  Short-Term Debt                       211          50
  Long-Term Debt                        474         392
  Shareholders' Equity                  683         700
- -------------------------------------------------------
Total Capitalization                  1,368       1,142
- -------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA                      
Net Income (Loss):                  
  Primary:                          
    Continuing Operations              2.25        1.72
    Accounting Changes                   --          --
    Discontinued Operations             .07        (.03)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                      2.32        1.69
- -------------------------------------------------------
  Fully Diluted:                    
    Continuing Operations              2.23        1.69
    Discontinued Operations             .07        (.03)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Net Income(2)                          2.30        1.66
- -------------------------------------------------------
Cash Dividends:                     
  Common                                .85         .80
  ESOP Preferred (annual rate)           --          --
  Series A Preferred (annual rate)       --          --
Shareholders' Equity(3)               16.68       15.91
Market Price of Common Stock:       
  High                                   30       281/8
  Low                                    20       163/8
  Year End                            251/2          21
- -------------------------------------------------------
OTHER                               
Capital Expenditures                    134         103
Depreciation                            103         105
Common Dividends Paid                    36          37
Purchases of Common Stock                84         100
Current Ratio                           1.2         1.6
Total Debt to Total                 
  Capitalization(4)                    50.1%       38.7%
Effective Tax Rate                     34.9%       38.3%
Average Common Shares               
  Outstanding                          42.2        46.2
- -------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders                         17,600      20,700
Employees(5)                         14,400      12,400
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

 (1) Working Capital includes $524 of Cash and Cash Equivalents and $87 of
     Short-Term Investments in 1996.


 (2) Fully diluted income or loss per share is not presented for 1993, 1992
     and 1991 as amounts are anti-dilutive.

 (3) In 1994, 1993 and 1992, calculation is based on common shares and Series A
     Conversion Preferred Stock outstanding.

 (4) Excluding reduction to equity for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan from
     1989 through 1996.

 (5) Employee data excludes employees who work at government-owned/contractor-
     operated facilities and includes employees of acquired businesses of 450 in
     1995 and excludes employees of disposed businesses of 680 in 1996.

                                                                              25
<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31 ($ in millions, except share data)                  1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and Cash Equivalents                                   $  524     $    8
  Short-Term Investments                                          87         --
  Receivables, Net:
    Trade                                                        259        345
    Other                                                         62         56
  Inventories, Net of LIFO Reserve of $154
    ($184 in 1995)                                               315        360
  Other Current Assets                                            89         73
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Current Assets                                       1,336        842
INVESTMENTS AND ADVANCES--AFFILIATED COMPANIES AT EQUITY         174         80
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET                               657        841
OTHER ASSETS                                                     172        136
NET ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS                             --        283
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                  $2,339     $2,182
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Short-Term Borrowings                                       $   --     $   56
  Current Installments of Long-Term Debt                         139         66
  Accounts Payable                                               268        310
  Income Taxes Payable                                           127          5
  Accrued Liabilities                                            292        252
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Current Liabilities                                    826        689
LONG-TERM SENIOR DEBT                                            276        286
LONG-TERM SUBORDINATED DEBT                                       --        125
OTHER LIABILITIES                                                291        241
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total Liabilities                                            1,393      1,341
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred Stock, Par Value $1 Per Share:
    Authorized, 10,000,000 Shares
      ESOP Preferred Stock
        Issued 1,003,843 Shares in 1995                           --         77
  Common Stock, Par Value $1 Per Share:
    Authorized, 60,000,000 Shares
      Issued 52,202,759 Shares (49,418,410 in 1995)               52         49
  Additional Paid-In Capital                                     494        398
  ESOP Obligations                                                (5)       (22)
  Cumulative Translation Adjustment                               (9)        (4)
  Retained Earnings                                              414        343
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Shareholders' Equity                                   946        841
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                    $2,339     $2,182
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of
the financial statements.

26
                                                                    
<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



Years ended December 31
($ in millions, except per share data)                    1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES                                                   $2,638   $2,665   $2,268
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Cost of Goods Sold                                     2,021    2,115    1,844
  Selling and Administration                               319      293      256
  Research and Development                                  39       34       30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME                                           259      223      138
Interest Expense                                            29       35       28
Interest and Other Income                                  216       16        9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES             446      204      119
Income Taxes                                               158       70       40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Continuing Operations                          288      134       79
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations,
  Net of Taxes                                              (8)       6       12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                                 280      140       91
Preferred Dividends                                          4        6        7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS             $  276   $  134   $   84
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
Primary:
  Continuing Operations                                 $ 5.52   $ 2.63   $ 1.57
  Discontinued Operations                                (0.18)     .12      .26
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                            $ 5.34   $ 2.75   $ 1.83
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fully Diluted:
  Continuing Operations                                 $ 5.43   $ 2.56   $ 1.53
  Discontinued Operations                                (0.16)     .11      .24
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                            $ 5.27   $ 2.67   $ 1.77
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the
financial statements.

                                                                              27
<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                           Common Stock      Additional Cumulative                 Preferred Stock
                                       --------------------                                      ---------------------
                                            Shares      Par     Paid-In Translation   Retained   Series A        ESOP          ESOP
($ in millions, except share data)          Issued    Value     Capital Adjustment    Earnings   Par Value  Par Value   Obligations
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>    <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C> 
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994              38,204,540      $38        $278        $(9)      $ 238         $ 3       $ 92         $(44)
Net Income                                      --       --          --         --          91          --         --           --
Dividends Paid:                                                                                                                   
  Common Stock ($1.10 per share)                --       --          --         --         (44)         --         --           --
  ESOP Preferred Stock                                                                                                            
    ($5.97 per share)                           --       --          --         --          (7)         --         --           --
  Series A Conversion Preferred                                                                                                   
    Stock ($3.64 per share)                     --       --          --         --         (10)         --         --           --
Issuance of Common Stock                 4,427,500        5          93         --          --          --         --           -- 
Reduction in ESOP Obligations                   --       --          --         --          --          --         --           17
Stock Options Exercised                    174,204       --           3         --          --          --         --           --
Translation Adjustment                          --       --          --          6          --          --         --           --
Other Transactions                         226,936       --           4         --           1          --         (6)          -- 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994            43,033,180       43         378         (3)        269           3         86          (27)
Net Income                                      --       --          --         --         140          --         --           --
Dividends Paid:                                                                                                                   
  Common Stock ($1.20 per share)                --       --          --         --         (57)         --         --           --
  ESOP Preferred Stock                                                                                                            
    ($5.97 per share)                           --       --          --         --          (6)         --         --           --
  Series A Conversion Preferred Stock                                                                                             
    ($3.64 per share)                           --       --          --         --          (3)         --         --           --
Conversion of Series A Conversion                                                                                                 
  Preferred Stock                        5,520,000        5          (2)        --          --          (3)        --           -- 
Reduction in ESOP Obligations                   --       --          --         --          --          --         --            5
Stock Options Exercised                    612,936        1          12         --          --          --         --           --
Translation Adjustment                          --       --          --         (1)         --          --         --           --
Other Transactions                         252,294       --          10         --          --          --         (9)          -- 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995            49,418,410       49         398         (4)        343          --         77          (22)
Net Income                                      --       --          --         --         280          --         --           --
Dividends Paid:                                                                                                                   
  Common Stock ($1.20 per share)                --       --          --         --         (60)         --         --           --
  ESOP Preferred Stock                                                                                                            
    ($5.97 per share)                           --       --          --         --          (4)         --         --           --
Issuance of ESOP Preferred Stock                --       --          --         --          --          --          9           --
Redemption of ESOP Preferred Stock       2,343,401        2          84         --          --          --        (86)          --
Spin-off of Primex Technologies, Inc.           --       --          --         --        (145)         --         --           -- 
Reduction in ESOP Obligations                   --       --          --         --          --          --         --           17
Stock Options Exercised                    347,232        1          10         --          --          --         --           --
Translation Adjustment                          --       --          --         (5)         --          --         --           --
Other Transactions                          93,716       --           2         --          --          --         --           -- 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996            52,202,759      $52        $494        $(9)      $ 414         $--       $ --         $ (5)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of
the financial statements.

28
<PAGE>
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Years ended December 31 ($ in millions)                   1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>      <C>      <C> 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Continuing Operations                        $ 288    $ 134    $  79
Adjustments to Reconcile Income from Continuing
  Operations to Net Cash and Cash Equivalents
  Provided by Operating Activities:
    Earnings of Non-consolidated Affiliates                 (9)      (6)      (2)
    Depreciation                                           124      118      117
    Amortization of Intangibles                              6        4        3
    Deferred Taxes                                         (74)       4        4
    Gain on Disposition of Business                       (188)      --       --
    Change in Assets and Liabilities Net
      of Purchase and Sales of Businesses:
        Receivables                                         20      (56)     (64)
        Inventories                                         (9)     (13)     (18)
        Other Current Assets                                 6       (6)      (2)
        Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities           (38)      33       34
        Income Taxes Payable                               122        2        5
        Noncurrent Liabilities                              11        9        5
Other Operating Activities                                   7      (13)      15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by
  Operating Activities from Continuing Operations          266      210      176
Discontinued Operations:
  Net Income (Loss)                                         (8)       6       12
  Change in Net Assets                                      13      (29)     (40)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Operating Activities                                 271      187      148
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Expenditures                                      (126)    (182)    (131)
Disposition of Property, Plant and Equipment                23       --        8
Business Acquired in Purchase Transaction                   --      (65)      --
Proceeds From Sales of Businesses                          571       49       41
Purchases of Short-Term Investments                        (87)      --       --
Investments and Advances--Affiliated Companies
  at Equity                                               (102)       1       (2)
Other Investing Activities                                  (5)      (2)       7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Investing Activities                                 274     (199)     (77)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Debt:
  Borrowings                                                --       50       --
  Repayments                                               (62)     (25)     (29)
Short-Term Borrowings (Repayments)                         (56)      34      (94)
Borrowings under Line of Credit Assumed by
  Primex Technologies, Inc.                                125       --       --
Issuance of Common Stock                                    --       --       98
Repayment from ESOP                                         17        5       17
Stock Options Exercised                                     11       13        3
Dividends Paid                                             (64)     (66)     (61)
Other Financing Activities                                  --        2       (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Financing Activities                                 (29)      13      (67)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                516        1        4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year                 8        7        3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year                 $ 524    $   8    $   7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash Paid for Interest and Income Taxes:
  Interest                                                 $40      $44      $37
  Income Taxes, Net of Refunds                            $104      $67      $39
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of
the financial statements.

                                                                              29
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
($ in millions, except share data)



ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires estimates and
assumptions that affect amounts reported and disclosed in the financial
statements and related notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform with the
1996 presentation. In addition, the financial statements have been restated to
reflect the spin-off of Primex Technologies, Inc. and share data has been
restated to reflect the stock split, effective October 30, 1996. 


BASIS OF PRESENTATION 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and
all majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in 20-50% owned affiliates are
accounted for on the equity method. Accordingly, the company's share of earnings
or losses of these affiliates is included in consolidated net income.


FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
Foreign affiliates' balance sheet amounts are translated at the exchange rates
in effect at year end, and income statement amounts are translated at the
average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments
are recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the
date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 
Marketable debt securities are accounted for in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." Accordingly, the company has
classified its marketable debt securities as available-for-sale which are
reported at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses included in
Shareholders' Equity net of applicable taxes. The fair value of marketable
securities are determined by quoted market prices. Realized gains and losses on
sales of investments, as determined on specific identification method and
declines in value of securities judged to be other-than-temporary are included
in Interest and Other Income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Interest
and dividends on all securities are included in Interest and Other Income.

     All investments which have original maturities between three and twelve
months are considered short-term investments and consist of debt securities such
as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, bankers
acceptances, repurchase agreements, and marketable direct obligations of the
United States Treasury.


INVENTORIES 
Inventories are valued principally by the dollar value last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method of inventory accounting; in aggregate, such valuations are not in excess
of market. Elements of costs in inventories include raw materials, direct labor
and manufacturing overhead.


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed on
a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease or the estimated
useful life of the improvement, whichever is less. Start-up costs are expensed
as incurred.


GOODWILL 
Goodwill, the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over fair
value of the respective net assets, is amortized principally over 30 years on a
straight-line basis. The company periodically reviews the value of its goodwill
to determine if any impairment has occurred. The company measures the potential
impairment of recorded goodwill by the undiscounted value of expected future
operating cash flows in relation to its net capital investment in the
subsidiary. An impairment would be recorded based on the estimated fair value.


ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES AND EXPENDITURES 
Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a
liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably
estimated, based upon current law and existing technologies. These amounts,
which are not discounted and exclusive of claims against third parties, are
adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or
additional technical or legal information becomes available. Environmental
remediation costs are charged to expense. Environmental costs are capitalized if
the costs increase the value of the property and/or mitigate or prevent
contamination from future operations.


INCOME TAXES 
Deferred taxes are provided for differences between the financial statement and
tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the
year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

30
<PAGE>
 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The company enters into forward sales and purchase contracts and currency
options to manage currency risk resulting from purchase and sale commitments
denominated in foreign currencies (principally Australian dollar, Belgian franc,
Canadian dollar and Japanese yen) and relating to particular anticipated but not
yet committed sales expected to be denominated in those currencies. All of the
currency derivatives expire within one year and are for United States dollar
equivalents. At December 31, 1996, the company had options and contracts to sell
foreign currencies with face values of $12 (1995 - $29) and $32 (1995 - $41),
respectively. In addition, the company had options and contracts to buy foreign
currencies with face values of $15 (1995 - $13) and $23 (1995 - $11),
respectively. The counterparties to the options and contracts are major
financial institutions. The risk of loss to the company in the event of
nonperformance by a counterparty is not significant. Premiums paid for currency
options and gains or losses on forward sales and purchase contracts are not
material to operating results. 

     Foreign currency exchange losses, net of taxes, were $4 in 1996, $1 in
1995, and $2 in 1994.


FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
Fair values are estimated based on quoted market prices, where available, or on
current rates offered to the company for debt with similar terms and maturities.
At December 31, 1996, the estimated fair value of debt was $421 (1995 - $495).
The fair value of the company's other financial instruments approximates
carrying value.


STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 
In 1996, the company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." As allowed under SFAS No. 123,
the company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation cost
in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees." Under this opinion, compensation cost is recorded
when the excess of the fair market value of the company's stock at the date of
grant for fixed options exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. The
company's policy is to grant stock options at a value equal to its common
stock's fair market value on the date of grant. Compensation cost for restricted
stock awards is accrued over the life of the award based on the quoted market
price of the company's stock at the date of the award.


EARNINGS PER SHARE 
Primary earnings per share are computed by dividing net income less the ESOP
preferred stock dividend requirement (to the date of its redemption in 1996),
and the redemption adjustment (excess of fair value over book value of ESOP
shares redeemed) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. In
December 1996, the company redeemed the ESOP preferred stock with shares of
common stock of equivalent value. On March 1, 1995, the Series A stock was
converted on a one-for-one basis into common stock. In 1994, common shares
outstanding included an equivalent number (one-for-one) of common shares,
assuming the conversion of Series A stock.

     Fully diluted earnings per share reflect the dilutive effect of stock
options and assume the conversion of outstanding ESOP preferred stock, until its
redemption in December 1996, into an equivalent number of common shares at the
date of issuance. Net income was reduced by an additional ESOP contribution
(differential between the common and the ESOP preferred dividend rates under an
assumed conversion) necessary to satisfy the debt service requirement.


AVERAGE COMMON SHARES AND
COMMON EQUIVALENTS OUTSTANDING

                                                                           Fully
Years ended December 31 (In thousands)                    Primary        Diluted
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                                                       49,992         52,311
1995                                                       48,866         51,292
1994                                                       46,606         49,650
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The following is a summary of the fair market value of available-for-sale
short-term investments as of December 31, 1996:

                                                                            1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax exempt                                                                   $ 6
Certificates of deposit                                                       40
Commercial paper                                                              19
Government and government agencies                                            20
Other                                                                          2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                        $87
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TRADE RECEIVABLES
Allowance for doubtful items was $11 and $13 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Provisions charged to operations were $1 in 1996, $3
in 1995 and $2 in 1994. Bad debt write-offs, net
of recoveries, amounted to $3 in 1996 and $2 in 1995 and 1994.

                                                                              31
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


INVENTORIES

                                                                1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raw materials and supplies                                   $   153    $   167
Work in process                                                  144        168
Finished goods                                                   172        209
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 469        544
LIFO reserve                                                    (154)      (184)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventory, net                                               $   315    $   360
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 71% and 76% of the total
inventories at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. If the first-in, first-
out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting had been used, inventories would have
been approximately $154 and $184 higher than reported at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.


PROPERTY, PLANT
AND EQUIPMENT

                                          Useful Lives         1996        1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land and improvements to land              10-20 Years       $   79        $109
Buildings and building equipment           10-25 Years          257         266
Machinery and equipment                     3-12 Years        1,532       1,802
Leasehold improvements                                            8           9
Construction in progress                                        134         220
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment                                 2,010       2,406
Less accumulated depreciation                                 1,353       1,565
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment, net                           $  657      $  841
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Leased assets capitalized and included above are not significant.
Maintenance and repairs charged to operations amounted to $149, $158 and
$144 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
There were no short-term borrowings at December 31, 1996. Short-term borrowings
at December 31, 1995 consisted of domestic bank loans of $46 at an interest rate
of 5.95% and domestic commercial paper of $10 at an interest rate of 5.97%. 

     At December 31, 1996, the company maintained committed credit facilities
with banks of $256, all of which was available, while comparable 1995 amounts
were $309 and $253, respectively.


LONG-TERM DEBT

                                                                1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes payable:
  7.077%, due 1996                                           $  --      $    40
  7.11%, due 2005                                                 50         50
  7.75%, due 2005                                                 11         11
  7.97%, due 1997-2002                                            44         50
  8%, due 2002                                                   100        100
Industrial development and environmental
  improvement obligations:
  Payable at interest rates of 2% to 6%
    which vary with short-term tax
    exempt rates, due 2004-2017                                   35         35
  Payable at interest rates of 6% to 7%,
    due 1997-2008                                                 38         39
Guarantee of ESOP debt varying with LIBOR,
  due 1997                                                         5         22
Notes floating with LIBOR, due 1999-2009                           5          5
Mortgage, capitalized leases and other
  indebtedness                                                     2       --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total senior debt                                              290        352
Subordinated notes 9.5%, due 1997                                125        125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 415        477
Amounts due within one year                                      139         66
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total long-term debt                                       $   276    $   411
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Among the provisions of certain note agreements are restrictions relating
to payment of dividends and acquisition of the company's capital stock. At
December 31, 1996, retained earnings of approximately $284 were not so
restricted under the provisions.

     The ESOP's purchase of preferred stock in 1989 was financed by $60 of notes
(guaranteed by the company) and $40 of borrowings from the company. The loan
from the company to the ESOP was financed through a long-term credit facility
which was repaid in July 1996.

     Included in the $256 committed credit facility is an unsecured revolving
credit agreement with a group of banks, which provides a maximum borrowing of
$250, and expires in May 2000. The company may select various floating rate
borrowing options.

     In June 1995, the company sold $50 of 7.11% notes with a maturity date of
June 2005. The proceeds from this issue were used to reduce short-term debt
incurred for working capital purposes. There remains $248 unissued under the
medium-term note program registered in May 1994.

     During 1992, the company swapped interest payments on $50 principal amount
of its 8% notes due 2002 to a floating rate (5.618% at December 31, 1996). In
June 1995, the company offset this transaction by swapping interest payments to
a fixed rate of 6.485%. Counterparties to interest rate swap contracts are major
financial institutions. The risk of loss to the company in the event of
nonperformance by a counterparty is not significant.

32
<PAGE>
 
     Annual maturities of long-term debt for the next five years are $139 in
1997, $7 in 1998 and $8 in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

     Interest expense incurred on short-term borrowings and long-term debt
totaled $31 in 1996, $36 in 1995 and $28 in 1994, of which $2 was capitalized in
1996, $1 in 1995, and less than $1 in 1994.


PENSION PLANS AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Essentially all of the company's domestic pension plans are non-contributory
final-average-pay or flat-benefit plans and all domestic employees are covered.
The company's funding policy is consistent with the requirements of federal laws
and regulations.

COMPONENTS OF
NET PENSION EXPENSE

                                                         1996     1995     1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost (benefits earned                        
  during the period)                                    $  28    $  23     $ 25
Interest cost on the projected                       
  benefit obligation                                       78       73       68
Actual loss (return) on assets                           (127)    (260)       6
Actual (loss) return deferred for                    
  later recognition                                        35      174      (89)
Net amortization of unrecognized                     
  transition asset, prior service                    
  cost and deferred gains                            
  and losses                                                1       (2)      (1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net pension expense                                     $  15    $   8     $  9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PRINCIPAL ASSUMPTIONS

                                                         1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average discount rate                            8.0%     7.5%     8.5%
Weighted average rate of                                
  compensation increase                                   4.5%     4.5%     4.5%
Long-term rate of return on assets                        9.5%     9.5%     9.5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        
FUNDED STATUS OF THE PLANS                              
                                                        
                                                               1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated benefit obligation                          
  including vested benefits of                          
  $1,015 and $983                                           $ 1,017    $   985
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets at fair value, primarily                    
  equity and fixed-income securities                        $ 1,174    $ 1,115
Projected benefit obligation for service                
  rendered to date                                           (1,078)    (1,047)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets over projected benefit obligation                         96         68
Unrecognized net transition asset                               (28)       (35)
Unrecognized (gain)                                            (138)       (87)
Unrecognized prior service cost                                  36         28
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net pension liability                                       $   (34)   $   (26)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The company's common stock represents approximately 3% and 4% of the plan
assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     The company's foreign subsidiaries maintain pension and other benefit plans
which are consistent with statutory practices and are not significant.

     The Pension Plan of Olin Corporation provides that if, within three years
following a change of control of the company, any corporate action is taken or
filing made in contemplation of, among other things, a plan termination or
merger or other transfer of assets or liabilities of the plan, and such
termination, merger or transfer thereafter takes place, plan benefits would
automatically be increased for affected participants (and retired participants)
to absorb any plan surplus.

     In addition to the net pension expense above, during 1996 the company
recorded a $6 curtailment loss in connection with the sale of the isocyanates
business and the spin-off of the Ordnance and Aerospace divisions as Primex
Technologies, Inc.

     The company provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance
benefits for eligible active and retired domestic employees. 


COMPONENTS OF
POSTRETIREMENT EXPENSE

                                                         1996     1995     1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost-benefits earned                         
  during year                                             $ 3      $ 3      $ 3
Interest cost on accumulated                         
  postretirement benefit obligation                         5        4        4
Net amortization of unrecognized                     
  prior service cost and deferred                    
  gains and losses                                         (1)      (1)      (1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net postretirement expense                                $ 7      $ 6      $ 6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                              33
                                                                              
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)



UNFUNDED LIABILITY FOR
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

                                                               1996        1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
  Retirees                                                      $32         $42
  Fully eligible active plan participants                        15           9
  Other active participants                                      20          16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative accumulated postretirement
  benefit obligation                                             67          67
Unrecognized loss                                                (5)         (7)
Unrecognized prior service cost                                   6           9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net postretirement benefit liability                            $68         $69
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was determined using
the projected unit credit method and an assumed discount rate of 8% in
1996, 7.5% in 1995 and 8.5% in 1994. The assumed health care cost trend
rate used for pre-65 retirees was 11% in 1996, 12.5% in 1995 and 13% in
1994, declining one-half percent per annum to 5.5%. For post-65 retirees,
the company provides a fixed dollar benefit which is not subject to
escalation.
     
     A one percent increase each year in the health care cost trend rate used
would have resulted in a $1 increase in the aggregate service and interest
components of expense for the year 1996, and a $5 increase in the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1996.

     During 1996 in connection with the spin-off of Primex Technologies,
Inc., the company transferred $8 of net postretirement benefit liability to
Primex Technologies, Inc.


INCOME TAXES

COMPONENTS OF PRETAX INCOME
FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

                                                          1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic                                                  $409     $172     $105
Foreign                                                     37       32       14
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pretax income                                             $446     $204     $119
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPONENTS OF INCOME
TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)

                                                          1996     1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currently payable:
  Federal                                                 $185      $43      $23
  State                                                     36       13        6
  Foreign                                                   11       10        7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           232       66       36
Deferred                                                   (74)       4        4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense                                        $158      $70      $40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The following table accounts for the difference between the actual tax
provision and the amounts obtained by applying the statutory U.S. federal
income tax of 35% to the income from continuing operations before taxes.


EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
RECONCILIATION

(Percent)                                                1996     1995     1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory federal tax rate                               35.0     35.0     35.0
Foreign income tax                                       (1.0)     (.8)      .1
State income taxes, net                                   3.3      3.7      2.4
Equity in net income of affiliates                        (.4)     (.6)     (.9)
Other, net                                               (1.5)    (3.0)    (3.0)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective tax rate                                       35.4     34.3     33.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


COMPONENTS OF DEFERRED
TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

                                                                1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets
  Postretirement benefits                                       $ 40       $ 37
  Environmental reserves                                          57         42
  Non-deductible reserves                                         81         52
  Tax credit carryforwards                                        --          5
  Other miscellaneous items                                       17         19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax assets                                       $195       $155
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities
  Property, plant and equipment                                 $ 54       $ 88
  Other miscellaneous items                                        6          6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total deferred tax liabilities                                  $ 60       $ 94
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Included in Other Current Assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are $76 and
$53, respectively, of net current deferred assets. Taxable income is expected to
be sufficient to recover the net benefit therefore, no valuation allowance was
established.

     At December 31, 1996, the company's share of the cumulative undistributed
earnings of foreign subsidiaries was approximately $103. No provision has been
made for U.S. or additional foreign taxes on the undistributed earnings of
foreign subsidiaries since the company intends to continue to reinvest these
earnings. Foreign tax credits would be available to substantially reduce or
eliminate any amount of additional U.S. tax that might be payable on these
foreign earnings in the event of distributions or sale.


CONTRIBUTING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP PLAN 
The Contributing Employee Ownership Plan is a defined contribution plan
available to essentially all domestic employees which provides a match of
employee contributions. The plan purchased from the company approximately 1.3
million shares ($100) of a newly authorized 1.75 million share series of the
company's ESOP preferred stock, financed by $60 of notes guaranteed by the
company and a $40 loan from the company. This loan has been repaid in total to
the company as of December 31, 1992. In December 1996, the Board of Directors
approved the redemption of all outstanding

34
                                                                             
<PAGE>
 
shares of ESOP preferred stock with common stock of equivalent value. Upon
redemption of the ESOP preferred stock, the company is matching employee
contributions with common stock. The annual fixed preferred dividend rate was
$5.97 per share and during 1996, dividends were paid in the first three
quarters. Expenses related to the plan are based on ESOP preferred and common
stock allocated to participants. These costs amounted to $11 in 1996, $12 in
1995, and $9 in 1994. Interest incurred by the plan totaled $1 in 1996, 1995 and
1994, which was funded by ESOP preferred dividends.


STOCK OPTIONS 
Under the stock option plans, options may be granted to purchase shares of the
company's common stock at not less than fair market value at the date of grant,
and are exercisable for a period not exceeding ten years from that date. Options
granted under the 1996 stock option plan vest over three years. Stock option
transactions are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                             
                                                                           Weighted
                                                                            Average  
                                                       Option Price    Option Price
                                            Shares        Per Share       Per Share
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>                    <C> 
Outstanding at
  January 1, 1994                        1,842,978    $11.07-$32.50          $24.41
Granted                                    268,148            26.00           26.00
Exercised                                 (174,204)     11.07-26.75           21.68
Canceled                                   (25,714)     21.63-26.75           24.94
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at
  December 31, 1994                      1,911,208      15.41-32.50           24.87
Granted                                    272,508      27.82-32.41           27.99
Exercised                                 (612,936)     15.41-31.80           24.43
Canceled                                   (16,512)     15.41-27.82           25.05
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at
  December 31, 1995                      1,554,268      21.18-31.82           25.59
Granted                                  1,441,641      39.17-40.46           39.18
Exercised                                 (347,232)     21.63-27.82           25.07
Canceled                                  (250,958)     23.87-39.17           37.61
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at
  December 31, 1996                      2,397,719    $21.18-$40.46          $32.06
===================================================================================
</TABLE> 

     Of the outstanding options at December 31, 1996, options covering 1,313,169
shares are currently exercisable. 

     At December 31, 1996, common shares reserved for issuance under these 
plans were 5,345,386 and under additional remuneration agreements were 
estimated to be 85,000. 

     In 1996, the company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based 
Compensation." As allowed by SFAS No. 123, the company has not recognized
compensation cost for stock-based compensation arrangements. Pro forma net
income and earnings per share were calculated based on the following assumptions
as if the company had recorded compensation expense for the stock options
granted during the year. The fair value of each option granted during 1996 and
1995 was estimated on the date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model with the following weighted-average assumptions used: dividend yield of
4.0% (4.2% in 1995), risk-free interest rate of 6.5%, expected volatility of 22%
(20% in 1995) and an expected life of 7 years. The difference between reported
and pro forma net income and earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 was not
material.  

COMMON STOCK 
The Board of Directors approved a two-for-one split of the company's common
stock, effective October 30, 1996, for all shareholders of record on October 21,
1996. Shareholders' Equity has been restated to give retroactive recognition to
the stock split by reclassifying from additional paid-in capital to common stock
the par value of the additional shares as a result of the stock split.

     In connection with the spin-off of Primex, its employees were allowed to
transfer their account balances from the company's CEOP into Primex's savings
and retirement plan. The company issued approximately .3 million shares of
common stock at a per share value of $40.50 in exchange for .2 million shares of
ESOP preferred stock at a per share value of $85.63 at the time of the transfer.

     In December, the company's board of directors approved the redemption of
all outstanding shares of ESOP preferred stock with common stock of equivalent
value. Approximately 1.87 million shares of common stock at a per share value of
$40.19 were issued in exchange for approximately .9 million shares of ESOP
preferred stock at a per share value of $85.75. 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
Effective February 1996, the Board of Directors adopted a new Shareholder Rights
Plan to replace the prior plan which had been adopted in 1986. Like the former
plan, the new plan is designed to prevent an acquiror from gaining control of
the company without offering a fair price to all shareholders. Each right 
entitles a shareholder (other than the acquiror) to buy one-five hundredth share
of Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock at an exercise price of one
hundred twenty dollars. The rights are exercisable only if a person acquires
more than 15% of the company's common stock or if the Board of Directors so
determines following the commencement of a tender or exchange offer to acquire
more than 15% of the company's common stock. If any person acquires more than
15% of the company's common stock and in the event of a subsequent merger or
combination, each right will entitle the holder (other than the acquiror) to
purchase stock or other property of the acquiror having a value of twice the
exercise price. The company can redeem the rights at $.005 per right for a
certain period of time. The rights will expire on February 27, 2006, unless
earlier redeemed by the company.

                                                                              35
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)


SEGMENT INFORMATION

Information relative to the various industries in which the company operates
appears on page 24 and is incorporated herein by reference.

GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT DATA

                                                        1996     1995     1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales
United States                                         $2,251   $2,357   $2,061
Foreign                                                  387      308      207
Transfers between areas                                                
United States                                            158      102       74
Foreign                                                   12       16       16
Eliminations                                            (170)    (118)     (90)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales                                           $2,638   $2,665   $2,268
===============================================================================
Operating income                                                       
United States                                         $  231   $  198   $  125
Foreign                                                   28       25       13
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income                                      $  259   $  223   $  138
===============================================================================
Assets                                                                 
United States                                         $1,492   $1,699   $1,610
Foreign                                                  230      198      107
Investments                                               38       43       34
Corporate assets and eliminations                        579      242      169
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total consolidated assets                             $2,339   $2,182   $1,920
=============================================================================== 

     Transfers between geographic areas are priced generally at prevailing 
market prices. Export sales from the United States to unaffiliated customers
were $212, $213 and $152 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

ACQUISITIONS
On December 31, 1996, the company made an advance payment to E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company (DuPont) of $75 in connection with its anticipated purchase
of the remaining 50% of Niachlor (a joint venture formed by DuPont and the
company in 1984), which is included in Investments and Advances-Affiliated
Companies at Equity in the December 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the company consummated this transaction for
approximately $77. This acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase in 1997
and consists primarily of property, plant and equipment. 

     In 1995, the company acquired the remaining 50% of OCG Microelectronic 
Materials, a joint venture formed by Ciba-Geigy and the company in 1990, for
approximately $65. In addition, the company acquired the remaining 51% of
Etoxyl, C.A., a Latin American joint venture. The purchase price is contingent
upon the future earnings of this entity. These acquisitions were accounted for
as purchases and accordingly, their results of operations, which were not
material, are included in the consolidated financial statements from the dates
of acquisition.  

     Supplemental cash flow information on businesses acquired is as follows:

                                                                           1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working capital                                                            $ 39
Property, plant and equipment                                                45
Other assets                                                                 14
Goodwill                                                                     17
Debt                                                                        (27)
Investments and advances - affiliated companies                             (23)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase price                                                             $ 65
================================================================================

DISPOSITIONS
In December of 1996 the company sold its isocyanates business for $565 in cash.
The sale included all assets at the company's Lake Charles, LA facility used in
the manufacture and sale of toluene diisocyanate, aliphatic isocyanates and
nitric acid. In connection with the transaction, the company recorded a pre-tax
gain of $188 ($115 after tax gain) which is included in Interest and Other
Income. The company's results of operations for 1996 and 1995 included sales of
$296 and $255 and operating income of $52 and $19, respectively, from the
isocyanates business.

     Supplemental cash flow information on businesses disposed is as follows:

                                                                           1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds                                                                  $ 571
Working capital                                                            (123)
Property, plant and equipment                                              (177)
Other assets                                                                 (5)
Other liabilities                                                           (78)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain on disposition of businesses                                         $ 188
================================================================================

     Also in 1996 the company announced it will seek a buyer for its polyol, 
glycol and surfactants businesses at its Doe Run facility at Brandenburg, KY.
The company expects to complete this transaction during 1997.

     During 1995, the company sold its dry sanitizer plant in South Charleston, 
WV, a related tableting operation in Livonia, MI, and Sun(R) brand of
isocyanurates completing the final steps to comply with the Federal Trade
Commission order to divest chlorinated isocyanurate pool chemical assets that
were acquired in 1985. These transactions did not have a material impact on the
company's results of operations. 

     During 1994, the company sold its trichloroisocyanurate production 
facility and conductive materials business including its manufacturing facility.
These transactions did not have a material impact on the company's results of
operations.

36
<PAGE>
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On December 31, 1996, the company completed the spin-off of its Ordnance and
Aerospace businesses as Primex Technologies, Inc. ("Primex"). Under the terms of
the spin-off, the company distributed to its holders of common stock as of the
close of business on December 19, 1996, one Primex common share for every ten
shares of Olin common stock. The spin-off distribution reduced shareholders'
equity by $145, which represents the book value of the net assets of Primex as
of December 31, 1996. 

     The historical operating results of these businesses are shown net of tax 
as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income. Net assets
of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet include those
assets and liabilities attributable to the Ordnance and Aerospace businesses.

     The historical results for the discontinued operations include an 
allocation of the company's interest expense based on an assumed debt level
providing a debt to capital ratio similar to that of the company as well as a
level of debt that Primex could maintain on an independent basis in the future.
The allocated debt of $125 represents the amount borrowed by the company under a
credit facility established by the company and assumed by Primex prior to the
distribution on December 31, 1996. The cash received by the company under this
credit facility will be used to liquidate its existing debt. 

     The company and Primex have entered into a tax sharing agreement 
effectively providing that the company will be responsible for the tax liability
of Primex for the years that Primex was included in the company's consolidated
income tax returns. Income taxes have been allocated to Primex based on its
pretax income and calculated on a separate Company basis pursuant to the
requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting
for Income Taxes". Income taxes allocated to Primex were $2, $7, $10 in 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively.

     In addition, the company and Primex have entered into several other 
agreements which cover such matters as technology transfers, transition
services, covenants not to compete and powder and component supplies.

     Condensed historical combined balance sheet and income statement data of 
the discontinued operations are summarized below:

                                                                1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined Balance Sheets
  Total assets                                                  $374       $381
  Total liabilities                                              229         98
  Equity                                                         145        283
================================================================================
                                                     1996       1995       1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined Statements of Income
  Sales                                              $471       $508       $416
  Operating income                                      2         21         29
  Net income (loss)                                    (8)         6         12
================================================================================

ENVIRONMENTAL 
The company is party to various governmental and private environmental actions
associated with waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities. Environmental
provisions charged to income amounted to $70 in 1996, $24 in 1995, and $17 in
1994. In connection with the sale of the isocyanates business at the company's
Lake Charles, LA facility, a $53 provision was recorded to provide for
contractual liabilities related to future environmental spending at the Lake
Charles site. Charges to income for investigatory and remedial efforts were
material to operating results in 1996, 1995 and 1994. The consolidated balance
sheets include reserves for future environmental expenditures to investigate and
remediate known sites amounting to $148 at December 31, 1996 and $108 at
December 31, 1995, of which $113 and $73 are classified as other noncurrent
liabilities, respectively. 

     Environmental exposures are difficult to assess for numerous reasons, 
including the identification of new sites, developments at sites resulting from
investigatory studies, advances in technology, changes in environmental laws and
regulations and their application, the scarcity of reliable data pertaining to
identified sites, the difficulty in assessing the involvement and financial
capability of other potentially responsible parties and the company's ability to
obtain contributions from other parties and the length of time over which site
remediation occurs. It is possible that some of these matters (the outcomes of
which are subject to various uncertainties) may be resolved unfavorably against
the company. At December 31, 1996, the company had estimated additional
contingent environmental liabilities of $35. 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 
The company leases certain properties, such as manufacturing, warehousing and
office space, data processing and office equipment and railroad cars. Leases
covering these properties generally contain escalation clauses based on
increased costs of the lessor, primarily property taxes, maintenance and
insurance and have renewal or purchase options. Total rent expense charged to
operations amounted to $55 in 1996, $51 in 1995 and $49 in 1994, (sublease 
income is not significant). Future minimum rent payments under operating leases
having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at
December 31, 1996 are as follows: $24 in 1997; $21 in 1998; $16 in 1999; $13 in
2000; $9 in 2001; and $36 thereafter. 

     There are a variety of non-environmental legal proceedings pending or 
threatened against the company. Those matters that are probable have been
accrued for in the accompanying financial statements. Any contingent amounts in
excess of amounts accrued are not expected to have a material adverse effect on
results of operations, financial position or liquidity of the company.

                                                                              37
<PAGE>
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                           First      Second     Third      Fourth            
1996                                     Quarter     Quarter   Quarter     Quarter       Year 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>        <C> 
Sales                                       $693       $702       $652   $    591   $   2,638
Cost of goods sold                           529        529        501        462       2,021
Income from continuing operations             51         51         41        145         288
Net income                                    45         52         38        145         280
Per common share:
  Primary
    Income from continuing operations        .99        .99        .78       2.76        5.52
    Net income                               .87       1.01        .72       2.74        5.34
  Fully diluted                              
    Income from continuing operations        .96        .96        .75       2.76        5.43
    Net income                               .85        .98        .70       2.74        5.27
    Pro forma net income(1)                  .70        .90        .50        .50        2.60
Common dividends                             .30        .30        .30        .30        1.20
Market price of common stock(2)              
  High                                        44 3/8     48         45 1/4     45 1/8      48
  Low                                         34 7/8     42 3/8     36 1/2     37 1/8      34 7/8
=============================================================================================
<CAPTION> 

1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C> 
Sales                                       $666       $678       $682       $639      $2,665
Cost of goods sold                           534        528        548        505       2,115
Income from continuing operations             36         42         30         26         134
Net income                                    38         44         31         27         140
Per common share:
  Primary
    Income from continuing operations        .70        .84        .59        .50        2.63
    Net income                               .76        .87        .61        .51        2.75
  Fully diluted                          
    Income from continuing operations        .68        .80        .58        .50        2.56
    Net income                               .73        .83        .60        .51        2.67
Common dividends                             .30        .30        .30        .30        1.20
Market price of common stock(2)          
  High                                        27 1/8     28 7/8     36 3/8     38 5/8      38 5/8
  Low                                         24 1/4     25 1/4     25 1/2     31 3/4      24 1/4
================================================================================================
</TABLE> 
 (1) Pro forma net income per share for 1996 represents income from continuing
     operations adjusted to exclude the net effect of the operations ($.47 per
     share) of the isocyanates business and Primex and the gain ($2.20 per
     share) on the sale of the isocyanates business. Pro forma net income per
     share excludes the impact of interest income that would have been earned on
     the proceeds from the sale.
 (2) New York Stock Exchange composite transactions.

38
<PAGE>
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Olin Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Olin Corporation
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, referred to above,
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Olin
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
January 30, 1997


MANAGEMENT REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Management is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the
accompanying consolidated financial statements. These financial statements have
been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and,
where necessary, involve amounts based on management's best judgments and
estimates. Management also prepared the other information in this annual report
and is responsible for its accuracy and consistency with the financial
statements.  

     The company's system of internal controls is designed to provide reasonable
assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the financial statements, the
protection of assets from unauthorized use or disposition, and the prevention
and detection of fraudulent financial reporting. This system, which is reviewed
regularly, consists of written policies and procedures, an organizational
structure providing delegation of authority and segregation of responsibility
and is monitored by an internal audit department. The company's independent
auditors also review and test the internal control system along with tests of
accounting procedures and records to the extent that they consider necessary in
order to issue their opinion on the financial statements. Management believes
that the system of internal accounting controls meets the objectives noted
above.

        Management also recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong
ethical climate so that the company's affairs are conducted according to the
highest standards of personal and corporate conduct. This responsibility is
communicated to all employees in a variety of ways, including personal training
sessions. The Ethics Program is based upon a document called "The Standards of
Ethical Business Practices." The standards address, among other things, the
necessity of ensuring open communication within the company; potential conflicts
of interest; compliance with all domestic and foreign laws, including those
relating to financial disclosure; and the confidentiality of proprietary
information. The company maintains a systematic program to assess compliance
with these standards. 

     The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of outside
directors, meets periodically with the independent auditors, management and the
company's internal auditors to review the work of each and to evaluate
accounting, auditing, internal controls and financial reporting matters. The
Audit Committee annually recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment of
independent auditors, subject to shareholder approval. The independent auditors
and the company's internal audit department have independent and free access to
the Audit Committee.

/s/ Donald W. Griffin                           /s/ Anthony W. Ruggiero

Donald W. Griffin                               Anthony W. Ruggiero
Chairman,                                       Senior Vice President and
President and                                   Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer

                                                                              39

<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 21
 
                       SUBSIDIARIES OF OLIN CORPORATION
                       --------------------------------
                           (as of December 31, 1996)

                                                           PERCENTAGE OF DIRECT/
                                           JURISDICTION    INDIRECT OWNERSHIP
                                              WHERE          BY OLIN OF VOTING
SUBSIDIARY                                  ORGANIZED           SECURITIES
- ----------                                 ------------    ---------------------

A.J. Oster Caribe, Inc.                    Delaware             100%
A.J. Oster Company                         Rhode Island         100%
A.J. Oster Foils, Inc.                     Delaware             100%
A.J. Oster West, Inc.                      Rhode Island         100%
Bridgeport Brass Corp. (1)                 Indiana              100%
Bryan Metals, Inc. (2)                     Ohio                 100%
Doe Run Gas Transmission Company           Kentucky             100%
Etoxyl, C.A.                               Venezuela            100%
Hydrochim, S.A.                            France               100%
N.V. Olin Hunt Specialty Products          Belgium              100%
N.V. Olin Hunt Trading                     Belgium              100%
Olin Microelectronic Chemicals, Inc.       Delaware             100%
Olin Microelectronic Materials Limited     United Kingdom       100%
Olin Australia Limited                     Australia            100%
Olin Brasil Ltda.                          Brazil               100%
Olin Canada Inc.                           Canada               100%
Olin Chemicals B.V.                        Netherlands          100%
Olin Corporation N.Z. Limited              New Zealand          100%
Olin Electronic Chemicals, Inc.            Pennsylvania         100%
Olin Engineered Systems, Inc.              Delaware             100%
Olin Export Trading Corporation            Virgin Islands       100%
Olin Financial Services, Inc.              Delaware             100%
Olin GmbH                                  Germany              100%
Olin Hunt Specialty Products, Inc.         Delaware             100%
Olin Hunt Sub. I Corp.                     Delaware             100%
Olin Industrial (Hong Kong) Limited        Hong Kong            100%
Olin Japan, Inc.                           Japan                100%
Olin Kimya, A.S.                           Turkey                75%
Olin Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                  Mexico               100%
Olin Microelectronic Materials AG          Switzerland          100%
Olin Microelectronic Materials N.V.        Belgium              100%
Olin Microelectronic Materials S.A.        France               100%
Olin Pte. Ltd.                             Singapore            100%
Olin Quimica S.A.                          Delaware             100%
Olin S.A.                                  France               100%
Olin S.r.l.                                Italy                100%
Olin Sunbelt, Inc.                         Delaware             100%
Olin (U.K.) Limited                        United Kingdom       100%
Superior Pool Products, Inc.               Delaware             100%

    There are omitted from the foregoing list the names of certain subsidiaries
which, if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not
constitute a significant subsidiary. Subsidiaries which were transferred to 
Primex Technologies, Inc. in the spinoff are also not included.

- ------
1.  d/b/a "Olin Brass, Indianapolis" and "Olin Brass, Indianapolis Facility"
    in States of CA, IL, IN, NJ, NC, OH, PA, RI and TX.
2.  d/b/a "Bryan Metals of Ohio" in NJ.

EX21.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 23



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                        -------------------------------




The Board of Directors
Olin Corporation:


We consent to incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-4479 
and No. 33-52771 on Form S-3 and Nos. 33-28593, 33-00159, 33-40346, 33-41202, 
33-55187, 33-52681, 333-05097, 333-17629 and 333-18619 on Form S-8 of Olin 
Corporation of our report dated January 30, 1997, relating to the consolidated 
balance sheets of Olin Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 
1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity 
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1996, which report is incorporated by reference in the December 31, 1996 annual 
report on Form 10-K of Olin Corporation.



                                        KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



Stamford, Connecticut
March 12, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of Form 10-K for the period
ended December 31, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such financial statements.  Figures are rounded to the nearest
1,000,000 (except EPS).
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                             524
<SECURITIES>                                        87
<RECEIVABLES>                                      270
<ALLOWANCES>                                      (11)
<INVENTORY>                                        315
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 1,336
<PP&E>                                           2,010
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (1,353)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   2,339
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              826
<BONDS>                                            276
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            52
<OTHER-SE>                                         894
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     2,339
<SALES>                                          2,638
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 2,638
<CGS>                                            2,021
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    2,021
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     1
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  29
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    446
<INCOME-TAX>                                       158
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                288
<DISCONTINUED>                                     (8)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       280
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     5.34<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     5.27<F1>
<FN>
<F1>Primary and fully diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
were $5.52 and $5.43, respectively.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule has been restated as required by Item 601(c)(2)(iii) of
Regulation S-K to reflect the spin-off of Primex Technologies, Inc.,
effective December 31, 1996. Share data has been restated to reflect
the stock split, effective October 30, 1996. Figures are rounded 
to the nearest 1,000,000 (except EPS)
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996             DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996             JUN-30-1996             MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                               5                       5                       6
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      365                     418                     411
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0                       0
<INVENTORY>                                        363                     388                     384
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                   861                     933                     924
<PP&E>                                           2,372                   2,409                   2,399
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (1,576)                 (1,603)                 (1,579)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   2,162                   2,235                   2,230
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              710                     803                     707
<BONDS>                                            276                     277                     411
                                0                       0                       0
                                         77                      74                      76
<COMMON>                                            50                      50                      50
<OTHER-SE>                                         823                     801                     749
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     2,162                   2,235                   2,230
<SALES>                                          2,047                   1,395                     693
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 2,047                   1,395                     693
<CGS>                                            1,559                   1,058                     529
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    1,559                   1,058                     529
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                       0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  23                      16                       8
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    216                     155                      77
<INCOME-TAX>                                        73                      53                      26
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                143                     102                      51
<DISCONTINUED>                                     (8)                     (5)                     (6)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                       135                      97                      45
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.60                    1.88                    0.87<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.53                    1.83                    0.85<F1>
<FN>
<F1>Primary and fully diluted earnings per share include discontinued
operations.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule has been restated as required by Item 601(c)(2)(iii) of
Regulation S-K to reflect the spin-off of Primex Technologies, Inc.,
effective December 31, 1996. Share data has been restated to reflect
the stock split, effective October 30, 1996. Such Item does not require
balance sheet information for fiscal year 1994 to be included and zero's have 
been inserted in lieu of such information for such year. Figures are rounded to 
the nearest 1,000,000 (except EPS)
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                          <C>                    <C>                     <C>                     <C>              <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                YEAR                   9-MOS                   6-MOS                   3-MOS            YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>            DEC-31-1995            DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1995      DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-START>               JAN-01-1995            JAN-01-1995             JAN-01-1995             JAN-01-1995      JAN-01-1994
<PERIOD-END>                 DEC-31-1995            SEP-30-1995             JUN-30-1995             MAR-31-1995      DEC-31-1994
<CASH>                                 8                      6                       4                       5                0
<SECURITIES>                           0                      0                       0                       0                0
<RECEIVABLES>                        358                    392                     389                     370                0
<ALLOWANCES>                         (13)                     0                       0                       0                0
<INVENTORY>                          360                    355                     361                     345                0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                     842                    863                     852                     821                0
<PP&E>                             2,406                  2,432                   2,329                   2,291                0
<DEPRECIATION>                    (1,565)                (1,587)                 (1,547)                 (1,522)               0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                     2,182                  2,204                   2,109                   2,068                0
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                689                    732                     656                     653                0
<BONDS>                              411                    426                     426                     423                0
                  0                      0                       0                       0                0
                           77                     80                      84                      84                0
<COMMON>                              49                     49                      49                      49                0
<OTHER-SE>                           715                    696                     669                     637                0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>       2,182                  2,204                   2,109                   2,068                0
<SALES>                            2,665                  2,026                   1,344                     666            2,268
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                   2,665                  2,026                   1,344                     666            2,268
<CGS>                              2,115                  1,610                   1,062                     534            1,844
<TOTAL-COSTS>                      2,115                  1,610                   1,062                     534            1,844
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                       0                      0                       0                       0                0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                       3                      0                       0                       0                2
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                    35                     26                      17                       8               28
<INCOME-PRETAX>                      204                    164                     118                      54              119
<INCOME-TAX>                          70                     56                      40                      18               40
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                  134                    108                      78                      36               79
<DISCONTINUED>                         6                      5                       4                       2               12
<EXTRAORDINARY>                        0                      0                       0                       0                0
<CHANGES>                              0                      0                       0                       0                0
<NET-INCOME>                         140                    113                      82                      38               91
<EPS-PRIMARY>                       2.75                   2.24                    1.63                    0.76             1.83<F1>

<EPS-DILUTED>                       2.67                   2.16                    1.56                    0.73             1.77<F1>

<FN>
<F1>Primary and fully diluted earnings per share include discontinued
operations.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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