HERFF JONES INC
10-K, 1996-09-24
BOOK PRINTING
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

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


  For the fiscal year ended      June 29, 1996
                             --------------------

                                       OR

(    )  TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO SECTION  13 OR 15(D) OF THE  SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  For the transition period from              to

  Commission file number           33-96680

                                HERFF JONES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

              INDIANA                                          35-1637714
  (State or other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)

  4501 West 62nd Street, Indianapolis, Indiana                   46268
  (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

               Registrant's telephone number, including area code

                                 (317) 297-3740

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

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. (X) (Not Applicable)

The  aggregate  market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates  of the
registrant  is  $65,000*.  * Value  based  on  most  recent  annual  independent
valuation.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common  stock as of the latest  practicable date:  9,618,996 as of September 23,
1996.

There are no documents incorporated by reference herein.





                                      - 1 -


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                                     PART I

Item 1.  Business
         Herff Jones,  Inc. (the "Company",  "Herff Jones", as the "Registrant")
         is an Indiana  corporation,  incorporated  in 1985 but founded in 1920.
         Herff Jones is essentially in one line of business, the manufacture and
         sale of recognition, education, achievement and motivation products for
         the  scholastic  and  commercial   markets,   including   instructional
         materials and programs for the classroom,  and  photographic  services.
         Products include high school and college rings,  medals,  pins, awards,
         diplomas, graduation announcements and accessory items, yearbooks, caps
         and gowns, senior portraits, underclass school pictures and photography
         finishing for the professional  photographer,  classroom  instructional
         materials  including maps,  globes,  anatomical  models and multi-media
         teaching  programs,  and  similar  jewelry  and  award  items  for  the
         commercial market.

         The Company was publicly  traded from 1945 until 1973, when the Company
         was acquired by Carnation Company  ("Carnation").  The Company operated
         as a division of Carnation  until July 1985 when  Carnation  sold Herff
         Jones' assets to senior  management in a leveraged buyout  transaction.
         In November 1989, the Herff Jones,  Inc.  Employee Stock Ownership Plan
         (the "ESOP") purchased just over 30% of the common stock of the Company
         from shareholders.  Pursuant to a plan of  recapitalization  adopted by
         the  Company's  Board of Directors in May 1995,  effective as of August
         22, 1995,  (a) the  Company's  outstanding  shares in three  classes of
         common  stock were  converted  to a single  class of Common  Stock on a
         share-for-share basis, (b) the ESOP purchased  substantially all of the
         shares of Common Stock so converted held by shareholders other than the
         ESOP,  (c) to fund its  purchase  of Common  Stock,  the ESOP  borrowed
         approximately $188.3 million from the Company (the "ESOP Loan") and (d)
         the  Company  used  the  proceeds  of the  offering  of the 11%  Senior
         Subordinated Notes ("Subordinated  Notes"), along with borrowings under
         a bank credit facility and internally  generated cash from  operations,
         to fund the ESOP Loan and to prepay its 8.05%  Senior ESOP  Notes.  The
         foregoing  transactions  are sometimes  referred to herein as the "ESOP
         Transactions".

         On April 29, 1996 Herff  Jones,  Inc.  closed an  agreement to purchase
         certain  assets  of  the  Delmar  Companies   Division   ("Delmar")  of
         Continental Graphics Corporation.  The assets acquired consist of Notes
         & Accounts Receivable,  Inventories,  Property,  Plant & Equipment, and
         Prepaid Expenses. The purchase price was determined based upon the book
         value of inventories, property, plant & equipment, and prepaid expenses
         plus a premium over book value of $3.257 million combined with accounts
         and notes  receivable at 85% of net book value The total purchase price
         was approximately  $15.3 million in cash plus the assumption of certain
         operating  liabilities.  The  purchase  was funded  from  Herff  Jones'
         existing revolving credit facility. Delmar operates a yearbook printing
         plant and a school photography  processing facility at a single site in
         Charlotte,  North Carolina.  Herff Jones intends to continue to use the
         assets  purchased to manufacture  and sell yearbooks and process school
         photography products.

         Product Lines

         While the Company is engaged  essentially  in one line of business,  it
         principally has five product lines based upon manufacturing,  marketing
         and sales control criteria.

         Scholastic  Product Line: The Scholastic  product line is the Company's
         largest,  accounting  for  approximately  35%,  36% and 37% of sales in
         fiscal  1996,   1995  and  1994   respectively.   It  consists  of  the
         manufacturing  and  marketing  of class rings and  special  recognition
         medals and awards (collectively  referred to as "Jewelry"),  as well as
         diplomas,    graduation    announcements   and   related    accessories
         (collectively referred to as "Fine Paper").  Approximately 75% of sales
         of  Scholastic  products are made to the high school  market,  with the
         remaining  25%  made  to  the  college  and  commercial  markets.   The
         Scholastic  product line has achieved  modest  growth in recent  years,
         principally as a result of increased prices.






                                      - 2 -


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         The large  majority  of Jewelry  sales  consists  of class  rings.  The
         Company offers a complete line of rings,  with a wide choice of styles,
         metals,  stones and customization  options.  Over the past three fiscal
         years,  karat-quality gold rings accounted for approximately 70% of the
         Company's  class ring unit volume.  Other  non-precious  metal choices,
         which  provide the customer with lower cost  alternatives,  made up the
         remaining class ring unit volume.  During each of the last three fiscal
         years,  the Company has sold class rings  through  approximately  2,500
         high  schools  and  approximately   1,100   universities  and  colleges
         throughout the United States.

         The class ring business is highly  seasonal.  Over 40% of the Company's
         unit sales are made in the fall season, as students place orders at the
         beginning of the school year for delivery prior to the holiday  season.
         A second order cycle,  which accounts for  approximately  50% of sales,
         allows  students to order rings in the winter months for delivery prior
         to graduation. The remaining sales are from orders placed in the spring
         for delivery at the beginning of the following school year.

         Fine  Paper  includes  a  wide  array  of   custom-designed   diplomas,
         graduation  announcements,  name cards and fine paper accessory  items.
         Sales of these products are also highly seasonal,  with peak production
         between November and May. To help smooth the seasonal production curve,
         the  Company   offers   discounts   for  early  orders  and   partially
         manufactures  the following  year's products during the summer and fall
         months.  All orders must be  accompanied by a  non-refundable  deposit,
         often for the full amount of the purchase.  In fiscal 1995, the Company
         sold Fine Paper products to approximately  4,500 high schools and 2,500
         colleges.

         The  Company's  Scholastic  product  line is sold  through a network of
         approximately 270 (in fiscal 1996)  independent sales  representatives.
         These sales  representatives  solicit school  administrators or student
         advisors  for approval as the school's  authorized  Scholastic  product
         line  supplier.  The sales  representative  then markets the  Company's
         Scholastic products directly to the students,  although some Scholastic
         products, such as awards, medals and diplomas, are sold directly to the
         school or school district. Sales representatives earn commissions equal
         to any premium  paid over the  Company's  list price of the  Scholastic
         products.

         The June 29, 1996 backlog of  Scholastic  product line sales related to
         fiscal 1997 is  approximately  $15.7  million  compared to a backlog of
         $16.0 million at June 24, 1995 related to fiscal 1996.

         Cap & Gown Product  Line:  The Cap & Gown product  line  accounted  for
         approximately  13% of  consolidated  sales  for each of the past  three
         fiscal  years.  The Cap & Gown  product  line  consists  of the design,
         manufacture   and   marketing  of  fine  quality  caps  and  gowns  and
         encompasses  four principal  areas:  rental caps and gowns,  single-use
         disposable caps and gowns for sale,  accessory sales (which include cap
         tassels and honor stoles  which are worn over robes) and apparel  sales
         (which include choir robes,  judicial robes and academic regalia).  The
         Company  markets these products under the trade name  "Collegiate Cap &
         Gown" _,  which the  Company  believes  is  well-recognized  among high
         schools and colleges nationwide.

         During each of the past three fiscal years,  the Company sold or rented
         Cap & Gown  products to students at  approximately  11,900 high schools
         and colleges.  Cap & Gown customers  consist  predominantly of schools,
         but also include church  choirs,  judges and college  faculty  members.
         High school and college  sales or rentals are  generally  made  through
         school  administrators  who  have  authority  to  select  the  school's
         graduation   cap  and  gown   supplier.   This   business   is  divided
         approximately  equally  between  rentals  and sales and  accounted  for
         approximately  64% of total  Cap & Gown  product  line  sales in fiscal
         1996.





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<PAGE>


         The Company's Scholastic product line sales representatives  market Cap
         & Gown products to high schools and colleges. In addition, Cap and Gown
         has  approximately 20 sales  representatives  who sell exclusively caps
         and gowns and apparel products,  including student and faculty caps and
         gowns,   school  and  church  choir  robes,  and  judicial  robes,  and
         approximately  75 sales  representatives  who sell church  apparel on a
         part-time basis. Sales representatives earn commissions generally based
         on a prescribed  percentage of the sales price or rental fee of the Cap
         & Gown products.

         Sales of Cap & Gown  products  are highly  seasonal  with most  revenue
         recognition occurring in May and June, when the majority of graduations
         take  place.  Nevertheless,  the Company  attempts  to keep  production
         levels even throughout the year.

         In  September  1994,  the  Company  consolidated  into a new  plant the
         production,  warehousing  and  shipping  of  disposable  caps and gowns
         previously  handled  in  part  in  four  other  facilities.  Management
         believes that the  consolidation  of disposable cap and gown production
         into the new plant has allowed  for  production  efficiencies  and cost
         savings  which have  enabled  the Company to  increase  profit  margins
         earned on the Cap & Gown product line.

         Yearbook   Product  Line:  The  Yearbook  product  line  accounted  for
         approximately 32% of consolidated  sales in fiscal 1996 and 29% in each
         of fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994.

         Each school's  yearbook is a unique  product every year.  The Company's
         average yearbook contract,  which is typically signed for the school by
         an administrator,  covers approximately 500 yearbooks.  In fiscal 1996,
         the Company produced approximately 3.1 million yearbooks.  The June 29,
         1996 backlog of Yearbook  product line sales  related to fiscal 1997 is
         approximately  $73.6 million  compared to a backlog of $58.7 million at
         June 24, 1995  related to fiscal  1996,  with the increase for 1997 due
         primarily to the Delmar acquisition.

         After soliciting the order from a school  administrator,  typically the
         yearbook student advisor, the independent sales representative will aid
         the students in designing  and laying out the  yearbook,  often meeting
         periodically  with  a  particular  school's  yearbook   committee.   In
         addition,  the sales  representative  provides each yearbook  committee
         with Company software to aid them in putting together the yearbook.

         Yearbook  shipments  are made in two  periods.  During  the past  three
         years,  approximately three fourths of yearbooks have been delivered in
         the late spring in time for graduation.  Such yearbooks typically cover
         activities  for the first half of the school  year.  The  remainder  of
         yearbooks  have been  delivered in the fall,  which  generally  include
         activities for the entire school year.

         Yearbooks are sold approximately 12 to 18 months prior to delivery.  As
         such,  yearbook  orders  collected  in January to May are for  yearbook
         deliveries  to be made  the  following  May  and  June.  The  Company's
         Yearbook  product line is sold through a network of  approximately  260
         (in fiscal 1996) independent sales  representatives,  most of whom only
         sell   yearbooks   and  not   other   Company   products.   The   sales
         representatives  earn commissions  based on the Company's list price of
         the yearbook plus any premium paid over the list price.

         The Company has sold yearbooks to  approximately  5,200 schools in each
         of the past three fiscal  years,  of which  approximately  90% are high
         schools and junior high schools.  The  remaining 10% are  predominantly
         colleges.  The Company  also sells and  produces  yearbooks  in Canada.
         Canadian  sales  accounted  for  approximately  5%, 6% and 7% of fiscal
         1996, 1995 and 1994 Yearbook product line sales, respectively.

         As part of the  Delmar  acquisition,  the  Company  acquired a yearbook
         manufacturing  facility in Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  as well as the
         related customer base. Fiscal 1996 included two months activity for the
         acquisition. Relatively few problems are anticipated in integrating the
         new plant's activity into Herff Jones.




                                      - 4 -


<PAGE>




         Photography  Product Line: The  Photography  product line accounted for
         approximately  12% of  consolidated  sales in each of  fiscal  1996 and
         fiscal 1995 and 11% in fiscal 1994.  Photography  products and services
         are  divided  into  three  segments.  First,  individual  pictures  for
         students  in  Kindergarten  through  11th  grade  ("school  portraits")
         accounted  for  approximately  73% of fiscal  1996  Photography  sales;
         second,   processing  of  senior   portraits  and  other   professional
         photography  processing  services  accounted for  approximately  20% of
         fiscal  1996  Photography  sales;  and third,  sales of  equipment  and
         supplies to professional photographers accounted for the remainder.

         The Company is generally  engaged to provide student photo services for
         a school by the principal,  administrator and/or local parent - teacher
         organization.  Once  accepted  by  the  school,  the  Company  provides
         students with marketing materials and order forms for them to take home
         to their  families.  This material  enables  parents to purchase school
         portraits of their  child.  The Company  takes school  portraits at the
         school during scheduled days. The portrait  business is seasonal,  with
         the  majority  of  portraits  taken and  delivered  between  August and
         December.

         Part of the recent acquisition of Delmar was a photographic  processing
         lab in Charlotte,  North Carolina.  Included in fiscal 1996 results was
         two  months  activity  for the  acquisition.  The  Company  anticipates
         relatively few problems integrating these activities with Herff Jones.

         The Company employs 43 sales representatives (in fiscal 1996) to market
         its  Photography  products.  These  salespersons  are  employees of the
         Company,  rather than independent sales  representatives,  and they are
         compensated with a salary, with the potential to earn bonuses.

         As mentioned above, a significant portion of the Company's  Photography
         revenue is generated from the processing of senior  portraits and other
         professional   photography  processing  services,  such  as  processing
         wedding pictures. Many senior portraits are taken by local professional
         photographers.  Most local  professional  photographers  do not develop
         their  own film but  rather  send it to  photographic  labs such as the
         Company's for  processing.  The equipment sales area of the Photography
         product  line is an  offshoot of the Company  providing  equipment  and
         supplies to professional  photographers.  Although it represents only a
         small portion of Photography  revenues,  the Company  believes it gains
         loyalty from its professional  photographer  customers because of their
         ability to acquire  photography  equipment  and  supplies  through  the
         Company.


         Education  Product Line: The Company's  Education  product line differs
         from its other product lines in two  particular  ways.  First,  the end
         buyers  of the  products  are  not  students  but  schools  and  school
         districts.  Second,  the Education product line is not characterized by
         the degree of  seasonality  present  in the other  product  lines.  The
         Education product line accounted for 8% of fiscal 1996 sales and 10% of
         sales in each of fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994.

         In 1973, the Company entered the multimedia educational products market
         through the  acquisition of A.J.  Nystrom  Company,  a manufacturer  of
         globes, maps and other educational products originally founded in 1903.
         The  "Nystrom" _ name is a premier  name in the market that the Company
         believes is  associated  with  quality by schools and school  districts
         nationwide.  The  Education  product  line  consists  of maps,  globes,
         atlases, social studies instructional  programs,  science instructional
         programs and other  educational  products.  The primary  market for the
         Education  product line is schools  teaching  Kindergarten  through 8th
         grade.

         The  Company  employs  114 sales  representatives  (in fiscal  1996) to
         market   its   Education   products.   The   majority   of  the   sales
         representatives are employees of the Company and are compensated with a
         salary and bonus.






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<PAGE>



         The  market  for  Education  products  is not  affected  as much by the
         seasonality of graduations  and is driven more by the demand for higher
         quality  education  than  by  population   shifts.   The  science-based
         electronic multimedia programs introduced by the Company in fiscal 1994
         have been discontinued and contributed significantly to the fiscal 1996
         sales decline.  The Company is investigating the future  development of
         new electronic multimedia educational programs in-house, most likely in
         the social  studies area.  The Company  believes  social studies is the
         area where the "Nystrom" _ name carries the greatest  benefit given the
         familiarity  of many  schools and  teachers  with  "Nystrom" _ maps and
         globes.

Competition and Industry Information

         The scholastic  products market in which the Company operates is highly
         competitive.  The  Company  seeks to compete  on the basis of  pricing,
         service, product quality, product development and marketing. While each
         of its product lines faces  several  strong  competitors,  Herff Jones'
         principal  competitor  across the full breadth of its product  lines is
         Jostens,  Inc. The following  table sets forth the Company's  principal
         competitors.

         Product Line                Competitors (Parent)

         Scholastic:

             Jewelry       Art Carved Class Rings (C.J.C. Holdings,  Inc.); L.G.
                           Balfour Company, Inc. ("Balfour") and Gold Lance Inc.
                           (Town & Country Corporation); Jostens, Inc.

             Fine Paper    Balfour (Town & Country Corporation); Jostens, Inc.
         Yearbook          Jostens, Inc.; Taylor Publishing Company
                           (Insilco Corporation); Walsworth Publishing Company,
                           Inc.
         Cap & Gown        E. R. Moore Company; Jostens, Inc.
         Photography       Jostens, Inc.; Life Touch, Inc.
         Education         George F. Cram Company Incorporated; Rand-McNally &
                           Company


         The scholastic,  or "schoolhouse,"  market for recognition,  education,
         achievement  and  motivation  products is a  well-defined  niche market
         characterized   by   relatively   stable   demand  and  a   distinctive
         distribution network of primarily independent sales representatives.

         Demand for class rings, yearbooks, graduation apparel and the Company's
         other product lines is affected significantly by the population of high
         school and college students. According to U. S. Department of Education
         statistics,  the number of high school students declined  significantly
         from 1980 to 1994. However,  1993 saw an increase in the number of high
         school graduates for the first time since the 1970s (with the exception
         of two small increases in 1987 and 1988).  According to U.S. Department
         of Education estimates, there were approximately 2.56 million U.S. high
         school  graduates in 1995. The U.S.  Department of Education  forecasts
         the number of high school graduates will reach 3.02 million by 2006.

         The  scholastic  industry  is  characterized  by a unique  distribution
         method.  Most  recognition,   achievement,   motivation  and  education
         products  gain  access to the  schoolhouse  through  administrators  or
         student  representatives  who are involved in the selection  process of
         the  authorized  supplier for their  school.  Suppliers  contact  these
         administrators  through  their sales  forces.  These  sales  forces are
         generally  comprised  of  independent  sales   representatives.   Sales
         representatives  must be well-trained and highly motivated.  Successful
         companies  in  the  scholastic   market  have  developed   their  sales
         organizations  over an extended period of time and devote  considerable
         resources  to  maintaining  and  improving  the  quality of their sales
         forces.  After gaining access to a school, a sales  representative must
         be able to provide a high level of service  to  complete  the sale.  In
         addition,  the  products  must be of high  quality and  delivered  in a
         timely manner in order to keep the school's business the following


                                      - 6 -


<PAGE>



         year. As a result,  continuous  sales coverage is important and a sales
         representative's  relationship  at a school,  once  established,  is an
         important  competitive  factor. A good  relationship  between the sales
         representative and school  administrator helps ensure repeat sales from
         year to year. Over at least the past three fiscal years,  approximately
         90% of the  Company's  customers  across its major product lines (i.e.,
         Scholastic, Yearbook and Cap & Gown) have renewed their orders from the
         prior  year.  This  feature  of  the  Company's  business,  and  of the
         scholastic  industry as a whole,  contributes to the relative stability
         of the Company's sales, as does the traditional nature of its products,
         such as class rings and caps and gowns.

         The stable nature of the scholastic  industry makes  increasing  market
         share difficult.  Acquisition opportunities have been limited in recent
         years, although the Company was able to acquire the Delmar Companies in
         fiscal  1996  and  will  continue  to  consider  favorable  acquisition
         opportunities  as they arise,  to the extent it may do so in accordance
         with the terms of its agreements governing its indebtedness. Other than
         growing market share via consolidation  within the industry,  increases
         or decreases of a company's  market share tend to occur  gradually over
         time through the addition or loss of  individual  schools or individual
         sales representatives.

Sales Network

         The  Company  solicits  orders  for its  products  through a network of
         approximately   700  primarily   independent   sales   representatives.
         Generally,  each  product  line has an  autonomous  sales  organization
         (except  that Cap & Gown  products  are  marketed  in  schools  through
         certain  Scholastic product line sales  representatives)  and, with the
         exception of  Education  and  Photography,  sales  representatives  are
         independent  contractors.  In  general,  a  sales  representative  will
         promote and sell  products of a single  product line  because  training
         requirements, marketing techniques and sales skills vary widely between
         product  lines.  Sales   representatives   are  assigned  a  geographic
         territory and their performance is monitored by area and regional sales
         managers, as well as a national sales manager.  Generally the Company's
         sales   representatives   promote   and  sell  Herff   Jones   products
         exclusively.

         Consistent  with  industry  practice,  Scholastic  and  Yearbook  sales
         representatives  are paid draws in advance of commissions  earned which
         results  in  an  increase  in  working   capital  until  such  time  as
         commissions  earned exceed  advances paid,  which usually occurs during
         the fourth fiscal quarter.  After  commissions  earned exceed advances,
         the  procedure   results  in  a  reduction  in  working  capital  until
         settlements are made with the sales  representatives  in August of each
         year. In addition,  Scholastic sales  representatives  are invoiced for
         product ordered by students at schools they service.  The invoice terms
         are  net 10  days;  however,  the  sales  representatives  are  allowed
         sufficient  time to make  delivery  of the  product in the  schools and
         forward the payment to the Company.  This process can extend payment up
         to 60-90  days from  invoice  date and this tends to  increase  working
         capital requirements. Furthermore, on most Yearbook orders, the Company
         receives  deposits equal to  approximately  85% of the contract  amount
         prior to shipment.  This has a positive impact on the Company's working
         capital requirements.

Raw Materials

         The Company's manufacturing and warehousing activities are conducted at
         18 facilities  located  throughout the United States and Canada, all of
         which are owned by the  Company.  Each  facility is devoted to a single
         product line, except for the Logan, Utah plant which produces yearbooks
         and provides photography processing services. See Item 2. "Properties."

         Each of the Company's product lines (except for Education)  operates in
         a niche market generally characterized by products with a high level of
         customization,  short production runs and pronounced  seasonality.  The
         Education  product line  experiences  longer  production  runs and less
         seasonality than the Company's other product lines. Manufacturing space
         is  configured  and  production  is  scheduled to respond to the unique
         demands of each product line's market.






                                      - 7 -


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         The Company has several sources of supply for all of its raw materials,
         which  generally  are not  susceptible  to  spoilage  or  obsolescence.
         Hazardous  waste  products have not been a significant  problem for the
         Company historically. The Company currently believes its facilities are
         in substantial  compliance  with applicable  regulations  regarding the
         handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

         The Company requires significant amounts of gold for the manufacture of
         jewelry and minimizes its exposure to fluctuations in the price of gold
         in two  ways.  First,  it  resets  its ring  prices  every two weeks to
         reflect  the  current  price  of gold.  Second,  it  finances  its gold
         inventory  requirements through arrangements with two suppliers whereby
         it leases certain gold  inventories  not yet committed to  manufacture.
         These consignment  arrangements are with Gerald Metals,  Inc. and Rhode
         Island   Hospital   Trust  National  Bank   (collectively,   the  "Gold
         Suppliers").  Pursuant to the agreements  with the Gold Suppliers (each
         of which continues in effect  indefinitely  until  terminated by either
         party upon  thirty days  written  notice),  the  Company  pays the Gold
         Suppliers a monthly lease fee equal to  approximately  2.0% to 2.5% per
         annum of the market  value of its average  leased gold  inventory.  The
         Company   purchases  the  gold  only  after  it  is  committed  to  the
         manufacture of a ring. As part of the arrangement, the suppliers hold a
         security  interest  in,  and lien  upon,  gold  inventory  owned by the
         Company and the Company is responsible  for insuring the gold inventory
         against loss or damage. The Company believes this financing arrangement
         is on  favorable  terms and enables the  Company to  effectively  hedge
         against   fluctuations   in  the  spot   price  of  gold.   See   "Note
         13--Commitments   and   Contingencies"   to   the   Company's   audited
         consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein.

         The  Company  seasonally  employs  up to  approximately  3,900  people,
         including  approximately 3,400 hourly employees.  Many of the Company's
         hourly employees perform tasks which require a high degree of skill and
         training.  The Company believes these employees  represent an important
         resource.  Approximately 200 employees at three facilities are employed
         pursuant  to  collective  bargaining   agreements.   All  other  hourly
         employees are not members of unions. The Company believes its relations
         with its employees are good.

         The Company hires  part-time and seasonal  employees  during periods of
         peak seasonal demand for each of its product lines.  Historically,  the
         Company  has not  encountered  any  major  difficulty  attracting  such
         employees   .   During   peak   seasons   (which   do  not  all   occur
         simultaneously), the number of hourly employees employed on all product
         lines is  approximately  3,700,  compared  with an  annual  average  of
         approximately 3,000.
















                                      - 8 -


<PAGE>




Item 2.  Properties

         The Company's  properties are set forth below. Except for the Company's
headquarters,  all properties are manufacturing  facilities and are owned by the
Company.  All properties  are pledged as collateral on the new credit  facility.
The  Company  believes  that  all of  its  properties  are  maintained  in  good
condition.


                                                               Approximate Size
               Location                                          (Square feet)
Scholastic
     Jewelry
         Indianapolis, Indiana                                       67,200
         Providence, Rhode Island                                    47,000
     Fine Paper
         Indianapolis, Indiana                                       62,100
         Scranton, Pennsylvania                                      50,000
         Iola, Kansas                                                60,000
Yearbook
         Montgomery, Alabama                                        120,000
         Logan, Utah                                                 66,000
         Gettysburg, Pennsylvania                                    67,000
         Marceline, Missouri                                         27,700
         Mission, Kansas                                             92,700
         Charlotte, North Carolina                                  129,800
         Winnipeg, Manitoba                                          26,700
Cap & Gown
         Champaign, Illinois                                        333,300
         Arcola, Illinois                                           100,000
Photography
         Lewiston, Minnesota (1)                                     79,000
         Burnsville, Minnesota                                       24,000
         Charlotte, North Carolina                                   89,500
Education
         Chicago, Illinois                                           97,000
Headquarters
         Indianapolis, Indiana-Exec. Building                        20,400
         Indianapolis, Indiana-Admin. Building                       22,300


(1)  Includes three separate buildings; two for manufacturing and one warehouse.

Item 3.           Legal Proceedings

         There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is
a party or to which any of its  property is subject.  Herff Jones is involved in
lawsuits and environmental  proceedings that periodically  arise from the normal
course of  business.  Management  believes  that the  ultimate  outcome of these
matters  will not have a  material  adverse  impact on the  Company's  financial
condition.

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

         None.





                                      - 9 -


<PAGE>


                                     PART II

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

         There is no established  public trading market for the Company's shares
of Common Stock. The Company's shares of common stock are held of record by five
persons,  the  Company's  ESOP trust,  which holds  9,616,541  shares,  and four
individuals, who collectively hold 2,455 shares.

         Dividends  have been declared  during the last two fiscal years equally
on all classes of common shares as follows:
                 April, 1996                           $3.4 million
                 July, 1995                            $3.4 million
                 January, 1995                         $3.4 million
                 July, 1994                            $3.4 million

See "Item 7.  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations"  below for a discussion of credit agreement  restrictions
on the Company's payment of dividends.

Item 6.     Selected Financial Data

                                HERFF JONES, INC.
                         FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
           (Amounts in Thousands of Dollars Except for Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                    1992        1993        1994          1995         1996
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Operating Results

<S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales                        $234,949     $245,799     $255,233     $264,309     $282,941
Operating Profit                   27,993       32,217       36,145       37,999       30,791
ESOP Compensation                   3,184        3,222        3,025        5,556       16,665
Depreciation &
Amortization                        4,809        5,190        4,835        5,480        5,802
Interest Expense                    6,959        6,661        6,367        6,263       19,482
Net income before
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of
change in accounting
principle                          13,097       16,735       19,214       21,714        7,842
Net Income                         13,097       16,735       19,214       15,474        1,958
Earnings Per Share before
extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle (1)         $  10.59     $  13.53     $  15.54     $  17.56     $   5.16
Earnings Per Share  (1)          $  10.59     $  13.53     $  15.54     $  12.51     $   1.29
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Position

Current Assets                   $110,937     $129,067     $149,602     $170,092     $107,659
Cash & Marketable
Securities                         32,963       46,914       63,121       80,757        8,680
Current Liabilities                56,488       61,806       64,614       65,190       86,743
Working Capital                    54,449       67,261       84,988      104,902       20,916
Current Ratio                        1.96         2.09         2.32         2.61         1.24
Total Assets                      143,703      164,120      188,235      209,640      162,303
Long-Term Debt (2)                 82,207       78,395       81,876       77,426      195,889
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share Valuation (3)          $  25.75     $  28.65     $  31.00       $21.25(4)  $  26.30
</TABLE>
- ---------

1        See Note 7 "Common Stock" regarding calculation of the weighted average
         number of common shares outstanding

2        Includes both the current and long-term components

3        Based on annual  independent  valuation done for the ESOP as of the end
         of each respective fiscal year

4        Value determined after August, 1995 recapitalization




                                     - 10 -


<PAGE>





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

Overview

         Herff Jones is one of the leading  manufacturers of recognition awards,
educational products and  graduation-related  products for the scholastic market
in the United States. Its product lines include class rings,  medals and awards,
diplomas  and  graduation  announcements  (also  referred  to as "fine  paper"),
yearbooks,  caps and gowns, school photography services and multimedia education
products. The Company historically has sold approximately 80% of its products to
the high school and elementary  market and  approximately 20% of its products to
the  college  and  commercial  or  non-scholastic  market  through a network  of
approximately  700  primarily  independent  sales  representatives.  The Company
believes  that  the  Herff  Jones  name is  widely  recognized  in  schools  and
universities nationwide.

         Sales to the scholastic market tend to be highly seasonal. For example,
orders  for the  Company's  class  rings  are  high in the  fall  with a view to
delivery to students  before the  year-end  holiday  season.  On the other hand,
sales of the  Company's  fine paper  products,  yearbooks and caps and gowns are
predominantly  made in the spring months for delivery by graduation  (i.e.,  May
and June).  Although the Company receives advance deposits for many products, it
recognizes revenue only upon delivery of its products.  Therefore, the Company's
revenues  tend to be higher  toward the end of the calendar  year and toward the
end of the school year in late spring (the  Company's  second and fourth  fiscal
quarters).  Selling  expenses tend to represent a relatively  high percentage of
the  Company's  net sales  because most of the  Company's  products are marketed
locally through the efforts of independent sales  representatives  at individual
schools and  because of the highly  customized  nature of many of the  Company's
products.

         Demand  for a  majority  of the  Company's  product  lines  is  greatly
affected by the  population of high school and college  students.  The number of
high school graduates, which declined significantly from 1980 to 1994, increased
in 1993 for the first  time  since the 1970s  (with the  exception  of two small
increases  in  1987  and  1988).  According  to  U.S.  Department  of  Education
estimates,  there were  approximately 2.56 million U.S. high school graduates in
1995.  The U.S.  Department  of  Education  forecasts  the number of high school
graduates will reach 3.02 million by 2006.

ESOP Accounting Issues

         General

         The  Company   established  the  ESOP  in  1989.   Prior  to  the  ESOP
Transactions,  the ESOP  held  approximately  30% of the  Company's  outstanding
shares of Common  Stock,  which it acquired with the proceeds of an initial loan
in the amount of $89 million (the "Initial Loan"). In the ESOP Transactions, the
Company loaned an additional  $188.3 million to the ESOP to enable it to acquire
substantially  all of the  remaining  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock  from
existing shareholders (other than the ESOP) of the Company. Company shareholders
tendered  substantially  all of their  shares of Common Stock to the ESOP in the
ESOP  Transactions  and  thus,  the  ESOP  now  owns  substantially  all  of the
outstanding  shares of Common Stock. This loan,  combined with the Initial Loan,
which was refinanced, resulted in a total new ESOP loan balance of approximately
$258.1  million  (the "ESOP  Loan"),  due over a period of 15 years and  bearing
interest at 9% per annum.

         Management believes that the increased ownership of the Common Stock by
the ESOP will improve the Company's cash flow by reducing the Company's  federal
tax liability. As with the Initial Loan, the ESOP will repay the ESOP Loan using
funds received from the Company in the form of ESOP contributions and dividends.
Such ESOP  contributions  and dividends are expected to be tax deductible to the
Company as







                                     - 11 -


<PAGE>



compensation  expense  within the  applicable  limitations of the Code. The Code
limitations on deductibility of such contributions and dividends are effectively
tied to the extent such payments are used to pay principal of the ESOP Loan. The
ESOP is expected to repay the $258.1 million ESOP Loan to the Company with level
payments of principal and interest of approximately  $32.0 million per year. The
principal  portion of these  payments  in the first full  calendar  year will be
approximately $9.0 million with approximately $23.0 million in interest.  In the
last full calendar year of the loan, the principal portion of ESOP Loan payments
will amount to approximately $28.4 million with $3.3 million in interest.  Thus,
the proportion of the annual payments  allocated to principal (and deductible by
the Company for federal income tax purposes)  will  gradually  increase over the
15-year term of the ESOP Loan.  The tax  deductibility  of the $258.1 million in
principal  amount  of the  ESOP  Loan  over  its  15-year  term is  expected  by
management to have a significant  positive effect on the Company's cash flow. If
current Code provisions  allowing such deductibility were curtailed or repealed,
the  Company's  cash flow and its  ability  to make  scheduled  payments  on its
indebtedness could be materially adversely affected.


Fiscal Year 1996 Compared to Fiscal Year 1995

General.  Net sales  rose  7.0% to $282.9  million  in fiscal  1996 from  $264.3
million in fiscal 1995.  Operating  profit  declined  19.0% to $30.8  million in
fiscal 1996 from $38.0 million in fiscal 1995. Net income declined 87.3% to $2.0
million in fiscal 1996 from $15.5 million in fiscal 1995.  Earnings per share of
common stock decreased 89.7% to $1.29 in fiscal 1996 from $12.51 in fiscal 1995.
The fiscal 1995 financial  statements have been restated to reflect the adoption
of SOP 93-6, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Net Sales.  Net sales  increased  $18.6  million or 7.0%,  to $282.9  million in
fiscal 1996 from $264.3  million in fiscal  1995,  due  primarily  to sales from
Delmar of $12.7 million for two months,  increased volume in the Photography and
Scholastic  product lines and modest price  increases  across all product lines,
partially   offset  by  decreases  in  the  Education   product  line  from  the
discontinuance of a product.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased $7.3 million,  or 5.7%, to $135.6 million
in fiscal 1996 from $128.3  million in fiscal  1995,  primarily as a function of
increased sales.  Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased  slightly
to 47.9% in  fiscal  1996 from  48.5% in  fiscal  1995.  This  decrease  was due
principally  to a reduction in worker's  compensation  expenses  from prior year
levels, the discontinuing of the discretionary profit sharing plan contribution,
as contemplated in connection with the ESOP  Transactions,  and reduced costs in
the Photography and Cap & Gown product lines.

Selling and Administrative Expense. Selling and administrative expense increased
$5.2  million,  or 5.7%,  to $97.7  million in fiscal 1996 from $92.5 million in
fiscal  1995.  This  increase  was  predominantly  due  to the  increase  in the
Company's  commission  expense resulting from increased net sales in fiscal 1996
and normal cost increases.  However,  despite the dollar increase in selling and
administrative  expense during fiscal 1996, selling and  administrative  expense
declined  as a  percentage  of net sales to 34.5% in fiscal  1996 from  35.0% in
fiscal 1995,  primarily as a result of discontinuing  the  discretionary  profit
sharing plan contribution.

ESOP Compensation.  ESOP compensation  increased $11.1 million, to $16.7 million
in fiscal  1996 from $5.6  million in fiscal  1995 due to the ESOP  Transactions
which were  completed  during the year.  The  recapitalization  described  above
resulted in a  significant  increase in the number of shares to be  allocated to
employee accounts  effective each December 31 from 1995 through 2009. The shares
allocated  effective  December 31, 1995 related to service rendered by employees
during calendar 1995. ESOP compensation expense for the year ended June 29, 1996
includes $4.0 million  relating to employee service rendered in the prior fiscal
year and $12.7  million  relating  to employee  service  rendered in the current
year.  The increase in the current  year's expense over the prior year's expense
results  primarily  from the  increase in the number of shares  committed  to be
released, offset by a reduction in the market value of the shares.



                                     - 12 -


<PAGE>


Restructuring  Charge.  The  Company  incurred  a  restructuring  charge of $2.1
million in the third quarter of fiscal 1996  resulting from a one time voluntary
early retirement program completed in one Scholastic plant location. The program
was  offered to  management  and  supervisory  employees,  of whom 17 elected to
participate in the program. All of the restructuring charges were paid in fiscal
1996.

Operating  Profit.  Operating profit decreased $7.2 million,  or 19.0%, to $30.8
million in fiscal 1996 from $38.0  million in fiscal  1995.  This  decrease  was
predominantly due to the increased ESOP compensation expense partially offset by
strong operating performance by the Cap & Gown and Photography product lines.

Interest Income and Expense.  Interest income decreased $1.4 million,  or 69.2%,
to $.6 million in fiscal 1996 from $2.0 million in fiscal 1995 due predominantly
to a decrease in the Company's  investments  in marketable  securities  and cash
equivalents.  Interest  expense  increased  $13.2 million,  or 211.1%,  to $19.5
million in fiscal  1996 from $6.3  million in fiscal  1995 due to the  increased
interest cost associated with the recapitalization.

Income Taxes.  Income taxes decreased $8.0 million, or 66.0%, to $4.1 million in
fiscal  1996 from $12.1  million in fiscal  1995 due to the  decrease  in income
before taxes.

Net Income.  Net income  decreased  $13.5 million,  or 87.3%, to $2.0 million in
fiscal 1996 from $15.5 million in fiscal 1995. Moreover, net income decreased as
a percentage  of net sales to .7% in fiscal 1996 from 5.9% in fiscal 1995.  Such
decreases  were  primarily the result of higher ESOP  compensation  and interest
expense arising from the recapitalization  associated with the ESOP Transactions
and the restructuring charge.

Dividends.  Two $.35 per share dividends were paid during fiscal 1996,  totaling
$6.8 million, which was the same as dividends paid in fiscal 1995. Approximately
$4.4 million of the $6.8 million of fiscal 1996  dividends  was paid to the ESOP
which used such dividend income to make payments on the loan from the Company.

Capital Expenditures.  Capital expenditures in fiscal 1996 totaled $4.7 million,
as the Company continued to invest in its basic business.

Fiscal Year 1995 Compared to Fiscal Year 1994

General.  Net sales  rose  3.5% to $264.3  million  in fiscal  1995 from  $255.2
million in fiscal 1994.  Operating  profit rose 5.1% to $38.0  million in fiscal
1995 from $36.1  million in fiscal  1994.  Net  income  declined  19.5% to $15.5
million in fiscal 1995 from $19.2 million in fiscal 1994.  Earnings per share of
common  stock  decreased  19.5% to $12.51 in fiscal  1995 from  $15.54 in fiscal
1994.  The fiscal 1995  financial  statements  have been restated to reflect the
adoption  of SOP 93-6,  as  described  in Note 2 to the  consolidated  financial
statements.

Net Sales.  Net sales  increased  $9.1 million,  or 3.5%,  to $264.3  million in
fiscal 1995 from $255.2 million in fiscal 1994, due primarily to increased sales
in the Cap & Gown,  Yearbook,  Photography  and Education  product  lines.  Such
increases  were due largely to modest price  increases  as unit volume  remained
fairly constant across most product lines.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased $3.3 million,  or 2.6%, to $128.3 million
in fiscal 1995 from $125.0  million in fiscal  1994,  primarily as a function of
increased sales.  Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales decreased  slightly
to 48.5% in  fiscal  1995 from  49.0% in  fiscal  1994.  This  decrease  was due
principally  to greater  production  efficiency  and lower overhead in the Cap &
Gown and  Photography  product  lines,  as well as the  reduction of health care
expenses from prior year levels.

Selling and Administrative Expense. Selling and administrative expense increased
$1.4  million,  or 1.5%,  to $92.5  million in fiscal 1995 from $91.1 million in
fiscal  1994.  This  increase  was  predominantly  due  to the  increase  in the
Company's  commission  expense resulting from increased net sales in fiscal 1995
and normal





                                     - 13 -


<PAGE>



cost   increases.   However,   despite  the  dollar   increase  in  selling  and
administrative  expense during fiscal 1995, selling and  administrative  expense
declined  as a  percentage  of net sales to 35.0% in fiscal  1995 from  35.7% in
fiscal 1994,  primarily as a result of the elimination of costs  associated with
the  expansion  into  electronic  multi-media  products  in  fiscal  1994  and a
reduction in health care expenses.  Commission expense in 1995 remained constant
as a percentage of net sales compared to 1994 at 17.2%.

ESOP Compensation.  ESOP compensation  increased $2.5 million, or 83.7%, to $5.6
million in fiscal 1995 from $3.0  million in fiscal 1994 due to the  adoption of
the AICPA's Statement of Position 93-6 "Employer's Accounting for Employee Stock
Ownership  Plans",  which resulted in ESOP  compensation  expense being based on
shares  committed to be released at their  estimated  fair market value,  net of
dividends on allocated  ESOP shares for fiscal 1995,  whereas prior year expense
was based on principal  payments on the ESOP debt,  net of dividends on all ESOP
shares.

Operating  Profit.  Operating profit  increased $1.9 million,  or 5.1%, to $38.0
million in fiscal 1995 from $36.1  million in fiscal  1994.  This  increase  was
predominantly due to strong sales and operational performance by the Cap & Gown,
Photography and Education product lines, partially offset by an increase in ESOP
compensation expense.

Interest Income and Expense.  Interest income increased $0.9 million,  or 78.0%,
to  $2.0   million  in  fiscal  1995  from  $1.1  million  in  fiscal  1994  due
predominantly  to  an  increase  in  the  Company's  investments  in  marketable
securities and cash  equivalents.  Interest expense  decreased $0.1 million,  or
1.6%,  to $6.3  million in fiscal  1995 from $6.4  million in fiscal 1994 as the
interest expense component of the Senior ESOP Notes decreased. This decrease was
partially  off-set  by  the  full  year  cost  of  $7.6  million  in  Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds issued by the Company in the second half of 1994.

Income Taxes.  Income taxes increased $.3 million,  or 3.0%, to $12.0 million in
fiscal  1995 from $11.7  million in fiscal  1994 due to the  increase  in income
before taxes.

Net Income.  Net income  decreased $3.7 million,  or 19.4%,  to $15.5 million in
fiscal  1995 from  $19.2  million in fiscal  1994.  Net  income  decreased  as a
percentage  of net sales to 5.9% in fiscal 1995 from 7.5% in fiscal  1994.  Such
decreases were primarily the result of higher ESOP compensation  expense and the
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.

Dividends.  Two $.35 per share dividends were paid during fiscal 1995,  totaling
$6.8 million,  a $2.0 million increase over the $4.8 million ($.50 per share) in
dividends paid in fiscal 1994. Approximately $2.1 million of the $6.8 million of
fiscal 1995  dividends was paid to the ESOP which used such  dividend  income to
make payments on the loan from the Company.


Capital Expenditures.  Capital expenditures in fiscal 1995 totaled $6.7 million,
as  the  Company  continued  to  invest  in  its  basic  business.  The  largest
expenditure  was for the  completion of the new facility for the  manufacture of
disposable  caps  and  gowns  in  Arcola,   Illinois.   The  new  cap  and  gown
manufacturing facility consolidated the production previously handled in part in
four locations into a single, efficient, modern facility.


Impact of Inflation

         Although  increases in demand for, or costs of,  certain  materials can
adversely  effect the Company's  operations,  the Company  historically has been
able  to  increase  its  selling  prices  to  offset  increased   costs.   Price
competition,  however,  can affect the ability of the  Company to  increase  its
selling prices to reflect such  increased  costs.  Significant  increases in the
price of gold have historically resulted, to some degree, in customers switching
their  preference  from precious  metal rings to  non-precious  metal rings.  In
general,  the Company  believes that the  relatively  moderate rate of inflation
over the past  several  years has not had a  significant  impact on its sales or
profitability.


                                     - 14 -


<PAGE>


         The Company requires significant amounts of gold for the manufacture of
jewelry and minimizes its exposure to  fluctuations  in the price of gold in two
ways.  First,  the Company resets its ring prices every two weeks to reflect the
current  price of gold.  Second,  it finances  its gold  inventory  requirements
through  an  arrangement  with two  suppliers  whereby  it leases  certain  gold
inventories not yet committed to manufacture at an effective annual rate of 2.0%
to 2.5% of the market  value of the gold.  The Company  purchases  the gold only
after it is committed to the manufacture of a ring. As part of the  arrangement,
the suppliers hold a security  interest in, and lien upon,  gold inventory owned
by the  Company.  The Company  believes  its gold  financing  arrangement  is on
favorable   terms  and  enables  the  Company  to   effectively   hedge  against
fluctuations in the spot price of gold.

Seasonality, Liquidity and Capital Resources

         The Company is engaged in a highly seasonal business.  For fiscal 1996,
approximately  20% of the Company's sales occurred  between October and December
(the Company's second fiscal quarter), due primarily to sales of class rings and
school photographs, while approximately 47% of sales occurred in the spring (the
Company's fourth fiscal quarter),  due primarily to yearbook sales, cap and gown
sales and rentals, and sales of graduation  announcements and diplomas. As such,
the Company's fourth quarter revenues are its largest due to graduation  related
sales,  specifically  yearbooks,  fine paper and caps and gowns.  Second quarter
revenues are the  Company's  second  largest due  primarily to fall  delivery of
school photographs and class rings prior to the holidays.

The following table sets forth the Company's net sales and operating  profit for
the periods indicated (unaudited):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                       Fiscal 1996                             Fiscal 1995                               Fiscal 1994
        ----------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------   -------------------------------------
         First     Second     Third     Fourth     First      Second     Third      Fourth    First    Second     Third     Fourth
         Quarter   Quarter    Quarter    Quarter   Quarter    Quarter    Quarter    Quarter   Quarter  Quarter    Quarter   Quarter
<S>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Net
Sales    $43,543   $56,275    $50,239   $132,884   $39,837    $58,932    $46,358   $119,182   $37,843  $57,588   $46,727   $113,075
Operating
Profit    (8,767)    4,665     (1,295)    36,188    (2,606)     6,827       (103)    33,881    (3,488)   7,050     2,331     30,252
</TABLE>



                  The Company's  primary source of cash is operating profit from
         the sale of its products  (supplemented  in 1994 by  borrowings of $7.6
         million) and its primary uses of cash are capital expenditures, payment
         of debt and dividends for fiscal years prior to the ESOP  Transactions.
         The Company has  historically  experienced an operating loss during its
         first fiscal  quarter  (ending in  September)  and its working  capital
         requirements  tend to exceed its operating  cash flows in the months of
         August through  October.  The Company reduces its working capital needs
         throughout  the  fiscal  year  with  customer   deposits  and  progress
         payments. These steps notwithstanding, since the ESOP Transactions, the
         Company has been required to incur working  capital  borrowings.  These
         working  capital  borrowings  fluctuate and are generally  lower in the
         summer months and higher  throughout  the remainder of the year.  These
         amounts have been and are expected to continue to be financed through a
         $60.0 million revolving credit facility under the New Credit Agreement,
         described below.  Ongoing seasonal borrowings during fiscal 1996 peaked
         at  approximately  $39.5  million  and  averaged   approximately  $26.0
         million. For both tax and accounting  purposes,  ESOP contributions are
         non-cash  expenses  of the Company  because  funds paid to the ESOP are
         then repaid to the Company pursuant to the ESOP Loan.

                  The Company ended fiscal 1996 with smaller cash and marketable
         securities balances than fiscal 1995 due to the ESOP Transactions.  Net
         cash provided by operating  activities was $26.8 million in fiscal 1996
         down from  $33.3  million in fiscal  1995 but up from $26.1  million in
         fiscal 1994. The reduction from fiscal 1995 was primarily the result of
         the  reduction  in net income  partially  offset by an increase in ESOP
         related adjustments and a reduction in the funds required by changes in
         working  capital.  The increase in fiscal 1995 from fiscal 1994 was the
         result of an increase in the ESOP related adjustments  partially offset
         by lower net income.





                                     - 15 -


<PAGE>



         The Company will be required to repurchase shares: (a) from the ESOP to
provide  for  cash   distributions  to   participants,   or  (b)  from  retiring
participants  who  receive  distributions  of shares  from the  ESOP,  or (c) to
accommodate investment diversification requirements of the ESOP for participants
nearing retirement.  Such repurchase  obligations  approximated $0.5 million for
the plan  year  ending  December  31,  1995 and are  projected  to vary  between
approximately $0.5 million and $6.3 million per year, and an estimated aggregate
amount of $30.8 million,  through the plan year ended  December 31, 2004.  These
projections  could vary  materially  based on the number and  account  values of
employees who become eligible for investment diversification, distributions from
the ESOP or who exercise put options following  distributions of their allocated
shares.

         In  connection  with the ESOP  Transactions,  the  Company  issued $120
million of 11% Senior Subordinated  Notes, due 2005 (the "Subordinated  Notes").
The Company also entered into a credit  agreement  (the "New Credit  Agreement")
pursuant  to which  The  First  National  Bank of  Boston  and  other  financial
institutions  named therein have provided the Company with a new $120.0  million
credit  facility,  which  includes a $60.0 million senior secured term loan (the
"Term Loan") and a $60.0 million senior secured  revolving  credit facility (the
"Revolving Credit Facility"),  which includes a letter of credit facility with a
$12.0 million  sublimit.  The Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility have a
final maturity of September 30, 2000.

         Covenants under the indenture  governing the Subordinated Notes and the
New  Credit  Agreement  restrict  the  Company's  ability  to  incur  additional
indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, redeem equity interests
or  subordinated  indebtedness,  create  dividend or other payment  restrictions
affecting  subsidiaries,  make certain investments,  engage in transactions with
affiliates,  create  liens,  sell  assets,  or merge,  consolidate  or  transfer
substantially all of its assets, among other things. In addition,  under the New
Credit  Agreement,  50% of the Company's Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the new
credit agreement ) will be applied to the senior secured Term Loan at the end of
each fiscal year.  See Note 6 to the Company's  financial  statements  set forth
herein under Item 8.

         As a  result  of  the  issuance  of  the  Subordinated  Notes  and  the
incurrence of additional  indebtedness  under the New Credit Agreement to effect
the ESOP  Transactions,  as well as working  capital  borrowings,  the Company's
interest expense increased significantly in fiscal 1996 and such higher interest
expense is  expected to  continue  for a number of years.  The Company is highly
leveraged and the prospective  amount of ESOP contributions to amortize the ESOP
Loan  is  required  to be  set  forth  as a  deferred  compensation  off-set  to
shareholders' equity. As a result, the Company will have a shareholders' deficit
for a number of years. The Company has  historically  generated strong cash flow
from operations and has had modest capital  requirements.  These characteristics
are expected to continue. The Company currently believes that its operating cash
flow, together with seasonal working capital  borrowings,  will be sufficient to
meet the ongoing  capital  requirements of its business,  including  payments of
interest and principal on the Subordinated Notes, repayments of borrowings under
the  New  Credit  Agreement  and  share  repurchase  obligations,   although  no
assurances to that effect can be given.

         Cash flows from  investing  activities  was a usage of $13.3 million in
fiscal 1996 compared to funds  provided in fiscal 1995 of $9.8 million and funds
used of $14.2 million in fiscal 1994.  The increase in funds used in fiscal 1996
compared to fiscal 1995 was primarily the result of the Delmar acquisition and a
reduction in the sale of marketable  securities.  The increase in funds provided
by in investing  activities in fiscal 1995 compared to fiscal 1994 was due to an
increase  in the  sale  of  marketable  securities,  net of  purchases.  Capital
expenditures  in fiscal 1996 were $4.7  million,  generally for  maintenance  of
property  and  equipment,  and are  expected to  increase  modestly on an annual
basis.  The Company  expects cash  generated  from  operations  plus the working
capital  facility  portion of the New Credit  Agreement  to be  adequate to meet
these anticipated  needs. The increased capital  expenditures in fiscal 1995 was
the result of spending for a new facility in the Cap & Gown product line.

         As mentioned  above,  the Company  acquired  certain assets and assumed
certain  liabilities  of Delmar  for a net  purchase  price of $15,332 in fiscal
1996.  The  Delmar  acquisition  was  financed  with  funds  from the New Credit
Agreement and on-going  working capital  requirements  for the acquisition  will
also be financed from the New Credit  Agreement.  The acquisition is expected to
contribute significantly to sales in the Yearbook and Photography product lines.


                                     - 16 -


<PAGE>

         Cash flows from  financing  activities  was a usage of $79.4 million in
fiscal 1996 compared to a usage of $10.3 million and $1.6 million in fiscal 1995
and 1994  respectively.  The primary reason for the increase in fiscal 1996 over
fiscal  1995 was the result of the  purchase of shares by the ESOP Trust and the
prepayment of the previous ESOP debt partially  offset by net new borrowings and
related  financing costs by the Company.  Net cash used by financing  activities
increased  in fiscal 1995 from fiscal 1994 due to the absence of the issuance of
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds in 1995.


Item 8.           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Financial Statements

Financial Statements:

         Report of Independent Accountants
         Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 29, 1996
              and June 24, 1995
         Consolidated Statement of Income for the
              years ended June 29, 1996, June 24, 1995
              and June 25, 1994
         Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended June
              29, 1996, June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994
         Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended June 29, 1996,
              June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994
         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
         Financial Statement Schedules for the three years
              ended June 29, 1996

         VIII.      Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

            X.      Supplemental Statement of Income Information.


         All other  schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
         required  information  is shown  in the  financial  statement  or notes
         thereto.


                                     - 17 -
<PAGE>








                      (Letterhead of Price Waterhouse LLP)











August 2, 1996



                        Report of Independent Accountants



To the Board of Directors and
     Shareholders of Herff Jones, Inc.



In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying
index present fairly, in all material respects,  the financial position of Herff
Jones,  Inc. and its  subsidiaries  at June 29, 1996 and June 24, 1995,  and the
results of their  operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended June 29, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.  These financial  statements are the responsibility of the company's
management;  our  responsibility  is to express  an  opinion on these  financial
statements  based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a
test basis,  evidence  supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial
statements,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.










                                                    /s/Price Waterhouse LLP
                                                    Indianapolis, Indiana








                                     - 18 -


<PAGE>



                                HERFF JONES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                         JUNE 29, 1996 AND JUNE 24, 1995
                        (Amounts in thousands of dollars,
                             except for share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Assets                                                                 1996        1995
- ------                                                             -----------  ----------
     Current Assets:
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
         Cash and cash equivalents                                 $   8,680    $  74,538
         Marketable securities                                            --        6,219
         Accounts receivable, less allowances of
         $4,883 (1996) and $3,019 (1995) for
              returns and doubtful accounts                           54,066       52,108
         Inventories                                                  36,941       33,320
         Prepaid expenses                                              2,651        1,496
         Deferred income taxes                                         5,321        2,411
                                                                   ---------    ---------

              Total Current Assets                                   107,659      170,092
     Deferred financing cost, net and other assets                     5,603          965
     Property, plant and equipment, net                               49,041       38,583
                                                                   ---------    ---------

              Total Assets                                         $ 162,303    $ 209,640
                                                                   =========    =========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
     Current Liabilities:
         Trade accounts payable                                    $   7,541    $   4,405
         Salaries and wages payable                                    4,068        3,839
         Interest payable                                              5,157        1,161
         Customer deposits                                            19,856       14,886
         Commissions payable                                          14,857       14,682
         Income taxes accrued                                          3,200       10,428
         Other accrued liabilities                                     9,749       10,980
         Current portion of long-term debt                            22,315        4,809
                                                                   ---------    ---------
              Total Current Liabilities                               86,743       65,190
     Other                                                             2,247        1,618
     Long-term debt                                                  173,574       72,617
     Deferred income taxes                                                81         (403)
                                                                   ---------    ---------
              Total Liabilities                                      262,645      139,022
                                                                   ---------    ---------
     Commitments and Contingencies

     Shareholders' Equity (Deficit):
         Common stock - No par value, shares authorized
              - 16,500,000; shares issued and outstanding
              -   9,618,996 (1996) and 9,640,468 (1995)                5,728        5,745
         Retained earnings                                           119,525      121,234
         Deferred compensation                                      (222,953)     (56,367)
         Foreign currency translation                                     11            6
         Excess of cost over market (shares committed
         to be released)                                              (2,653)          --
                                                                   ---------    ---------

              Total Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)                  (100,342)      70,618
                                                                   ---------    ---------

              Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)   $ 162,303    $ 209,640
                                                                   =========    =========
</TABLE>


                (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

                                     - 19 -

<PAGE>



                                HERFF JONES, INC.

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

       FOR              THE YEARS  ENDED JUNE 29,  1996,  JUNE 24, 1995 AND JUNE
                        25, 1994 (Amounts in thousands of dollars
                             except for share data)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME           1996         1995           1994
                                      ------------   -----------    -----------
Net sales                             $   282,941    $   264,309    $   255,233

Cost of sales
     (excludes ESOP compensation)         135,625        128,282        124,992
Selling and administrative expenses
(excludes ESOP compensation)               97,719         92,472         91,071

ESOP compensation
     Current year service                  12,632          5,556          3,025
     Prior year service                     4,033             --             --

Restructuring charge                        2,141             --             --
                                        ---------      ---------      ---------
Operating profit                           30,791         37,999         36,145

Interest income                               627          2,034          1,143

Interest expense                           19,482          6,263          6,367
                                        ---------      ---------      ---------
Income before taxes                        11,936         33,770         30,921

Income taxes                                4,094         12,056         11,707
                                        ---------      ---------      ---------
Net income before
     extraordinary item
     and cumulative effect
     of change in
     accounting principle                   7,842         21,714         19,214
Extraordinary item:  Prepayment fee
     on the Senior ESOP notes
     retirement, less
     applicable tax benefit of $ 3,621     (5,884)            --             --
Cumulative effect of change
     in accounting for ESOP
     compensation, less
     applicable tax benefit
     of $3,464                                 --         (6,240)            --
                                        ---------      ---------      ---------
Net income                            $     1,958    $    15,474    $    19,214
                                        =========      =========      =========
Per common share:
Net  income  before  extraordinary
     item and  cumulative  effect
     of  change  in accounting
     principle                        $      5.16    $     17.56    $     15.54
Extraordinary  item                         (3.87)            --             --
Cumulative  effect  of  change  in
     accounting principle                      --          (5.05)            --
                                        ---------      ---------      ---------
Net income                            $      1.29    $     12.51    $     15.54
                                        =========      =========      =========
Pro forma weighted average number
     of common shares outstanding       1,521,263      1,236,494      1,236,494
                                        =========      =========      =========






                (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements)



                                     - 20 -


<PAGE>



                                HERFF JONES, INC.

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 1996, JUNE 24, 1995 AND JUNE 25, 1994

             (Amounts in thousands of dollars except for share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                                           Total
                                                                                  Foreign                     Excess   Shareholders'
                                               Common Stock          Retained     Currency       Deferred    Cost Over     Equity
                                          Shares         Amount      Earnings    Translation   Compensation    Market     (Deficit)
                                          ------         ------      --------    -----------   ------------    ------     ---------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
Balance June 26, 1993                    9,665,161    $    5,757      $   95,982    $   48      $(78,395)         --    $   23,392
                                         =========    ==========      ==========    ======      ========                ==========
Dividends declared($.50/Share)                  --            --          (4,833)       --            --          --        (4,833)
Stock purchases                             (8,333)           (4)           (234)       --            --          --          (238)
Tax benefit of ESOP dividends                   --            --             396        --            --          --           396
Foreign currency translation                    --            --              --       (48)           --          --           (48)
Net income for the year                         --            --          19,214        --            --          --        19,214
Payment of ESOP debt                            --            --              --        --         4,119          --         4,119
                                         ---------    ----------      ----------    ------      --------                ----------
Balance June 25, 1994                    9,656,828    $    5,753      $  110,525    $   --    $ ( 74,276)         --    $   42,002
                                         =========    ==========      ==========    ======      ========                ==========
Dividends declared ($.70/Share)                 --            --          (5,305)       --            --          --        (5,305)
Stock purchases                            (16,360)           (8)           (500)       --            --          --          (508)
Shares committed to be released                 --            --             163        --         5,933          --         6,096
Fiscal 1994 shares committed to be
released in fiscal 1995 (reclass from
accrual)                                                                     183                   2,967          --         3,150
Cumulative accounting change                                                 694                   9,009          --         9,703
Foreign currency translation                    --            --              --         6            --          --             6
Net income for the year                         --            --          15,474        --            --          --        15,474
                                         ---------    ----------      ----------    ------      --------                ----------
Balance June 24, 1995                    9,640,468        $5,745      $  121,234    $    6    $  (56,367)         --    $   70,618
                                         =========    ==========      ==========    ======      ========                ==========
Dividends declared ($.70/share)                 --            --          (3,221)       --            --          --        (3,221)
Stock purchases                            (21,472)          (17)           (446)       --            --          --          (463)
Shares committed to be released                 --            --              --        --        21,692      (4,389)       17,303
Tax benefit of cost over market of
ESOP shares committed to be released            --            --              --        --            --       1,736         1,736
ESOP share purchase                             --            --              --        --      (188,278)         --      (188,278)
Foreign currency translation                    --            --              --         5            --          --             5
Net income                                      --            --           1,958        --            --          --         1,958
                                         ---------    ----------      ----------    ------      --------     -------    ----------
Balance June 29, 1996                    9,618,996    $    5,728      $  119,525    $   11    $ (222,953)    $(2,653)   $ (100,342)
                                         =========    ==========      ==========    ======      ========     =======    ==========
</TABLE>



                (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)



                                     - 21 -


<PAGE>
                                HERFF JONES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 29, 1996, JUNE 24, 1995 AND JUNE 25,
                     1994 (Amounts in thousands of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      1996         1995        1994
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
<S>                                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>
     Net income                                                                    $   1,958    $  15,474    $  19,214
     Adjustments  to  reconcile  net income to net cash  provided  by  operating
     activities:
         Depreciation and amortization                                                 5,802        5,480        4,835
         Amortization and write off of financing cost                                  1,298           --           --
         ESOP compensation (before dividend exclusion)                                17,303        6,096           --
         Cumulative effect for accounting change                                          --        9,704           --
         Amortization of deferred compensation                                            --           --        4,119
         Tax benefit of ESOP dividends                                                 1,736           --          396
         Other                                                                             5          188           --
         (Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                       (408)        (474)         (18)
         Increase  (decrease)  in  cash  generated  by  changes  in  assets  and
         liabilities, net of effects from acquisition of business:
              Accounts receivable                                                      1,595       (1,722)      (3,258)
              Inventories                                                              5,115         (336)        (292)
              Prepaid expenses                                                          (911)         449         (147)
              Other assets                                                               298        2,440         (116)
              Trade accounts payable                                                   2,099          680            2
              Salaries and wages                                                        (437)         (34)         404
              Customer deposits                                                       (2,122)          17         (410)
              Commissions payable                                                        175        1,564          974
              Income taxes payable                                                    (7,228)         223        1,223
              Deferred income taxes                                                   (2,426)      (4,891)        (934)
              Other accrued liabilities                                                2,975       (1,565)         134
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
         Total Adjustments                                                            24,869       17,819        6,912
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
         Net cash provided by operating activities                                    26,827       33,293       26,126
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment                             503        1,338          220
     Capital expenditures                                                             (4,722)      (6,732)      (8,501)
     Acquisition of business                                                         (15,332)          --           --
     Purchase of marketable securities                                                    --         (900)      (8,901)
     Sale of marketable securities                                                     6,219       16,063        2,982
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
     Net cash provided (used) by investing activities                                (13,332)       9,769      (14,200)
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Issuance of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds                                     --           --        7,600
     Purchase of shares by the ESOP Trust                                           (188,278)          --           --
     Redemptions of common stock                                                        (463)        (508)        (238)
     Dividends declared                                                               (3,221)      (5,305)      (4,833)
     Financing cost incurred                                                          (5,854)          --           --
     Decrease in long-term debt                                                       (6,750)          --           --
     Paydown on the revolver, net                                                    (21,607)          --           --
     New borrowings                                                                  216,646           --           --
     Payment on ESOP debt                                                            (69,826)      (4,450)      (4,119)
     Foreign currency translation adjustment                                              --           --          (48)
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
      Net cash used by financing activities                                          (79,353)     (10,263)      (1,638)
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
 Cash and Cash Equivalents:
     Net increase (decrease)                                                         (65,858)      32,799       10,288
     Beginning of year                                                                74,538       41,739       31,451
                                                                                   ---------    ---------    ---------
     End of year                                                                   $   8,680    $  74,538    $  41,739
                                                                                   =========    =========    =========
Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for:
         Interest                                                                  $  12,907    $   6,304    $   6,379
         Income taxes                                                              $   8,415    $  13,281    $  11,022
         Dividends                                                                 $   6,746    $   6,758    $   4,833

     Acquisition of business:
         Assets acquired                                                             $24,547
         Liabilities assumed                                                          (9,215)
                                                                                   ---------
         Net purchase price                                                          $15,332
</TABLE>

                (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.)


                                     - 22 -

<PAGE>



                                HERFF JONES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                 JUNE 29, 1996, JUNE 24, 1995 AND JUNE 25, 1994


                        (Amounts in thousands of dollars
                             except for share data)


NOTE 1 - BUSINESS OF HERFF JONES, INC. (HERFF JONES)

Herff Jones is essentially in one line of business;  the manufacture and sale of
recognition,  education,  achievement and motivation products for the scholastic
and commercial markets;  including  instructional materials and programs for the
classroom; and photographic services.

Products include high school and college rings, medals, pins, awards,  diplomas,
graduation announcements and accessory items, yearbooks,  caps and gowns; senior
portraits,   underclass  school  pictures  and  photography  finishing  for  the
professional  photographer;  classroom  instructional  materials including maps,
globes, anatomical models and multi-media teaching programs; and similar jewelry
and award items for the commercial market.

Its products are marketed to schools and businesses nationwide and in Canada and
Puerto  Rico by  approximately  700  sales  representatives,  most  of whom  are
independent contractors who are paid commissions.


NOTE 2 - RECAPITALIZATION

On June 15, 1995,  management of the Company distributed to shareholders a proxy
statement describing a proposed transaction whereby the  Company-sponsored  ESOP
trust ("ESOP") would acquire substantially all the outstanding shares of Company
stock  that  it did not  already  own.  This  plan  of  recapitalization  became
effective as of August 22, 1995. The transaction  resulted in the ESOP obtaining
control  of  the  Company  and  the  Company  incurring  significant  additional
indebtedness  (approximately  $135,000,  including  the  issuance of $120,000 in
aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 ("Notes")).
The proceeds from the transaction  were loaned,  along with other Company funds,
by the Company to the ESOP to enable it to effect the transaction.

The  recapitalization  resulted in a significant  prepayment fee  (approximately
$9,505)  on the  payoff of the  Senior  ESOP  Notes,  which was  recorded  as an
extraordinary  charge in fiscal  1996.  The  recapitalization  also  resulted in
significant  financial  effects from adoption of new ESOP  accounting  standards
contained  in the AICPA's  Statement  of Position,  "Employers'  Accounting  for
Employee Stock Ownership  Plans" (SOP 93-6),  including:  (a) restatement of the
Company's fiscal 1995 financial statements,  which reflect a non-cash charge for
the  cumulative  effect  of the  change  in  accounting  for  ESOP  compensation
(approximately  $9,704) for ESOP shares acquired prior to the  transaction;  (b)
the  determination  of ESOP  compensation  expense  based upon the fair value of
shares  committed to be released;  and (c) for earnings per share  computations,
only ESOP shares  committed to be released and allocated  shares are  considered
outstanding.









                                     - 23 -


<PAGE>




Upon issuance of financial statements for fiscal 1996, the transition provisions
of  SOP  93-6  required  the  Company  to  restate  its  consolidated  financial
statements  as of and for its year ended  June 24,  1995,  the most  significant
effect of which was the adoption of a new methodology for the  determination  of
ESOP compensation  expense.  Beginning in fiscal 1995,  compensation  expense is
based upon the fair  value of shares  committed  to be  released.  Further,  the
dividend  exclusion  used  to  reduce  compensation  expense  is  based  on only
allocated  ESOP shares.  The adoption of SOP 93-6 also  resulted in a charge for
the  cumulative  effect of applying the shares  allocated  method of calculating
ESOP compensation expense for the years prior to fiscal 1995.

NOTE 3 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The major  accounting  policies  and  practices  followed  by Herff Jones are as
follows:

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated  financial statements include the
accounts of Herff Jones and its wholly-owned  subsidiaries,  Herff Jones Canada,
Inc.  (hereafter  referred to as Herff Jones Canada) and The Herff Jones Company
of Indiana,  Inc. The Company utilizes a 52/53 week year for accounting purposes
ending on the last  Saturday  in June.  Fiscal  1996  contained  53  weeks,  the
additional  week was included in the first quarter ended September 30, 1995. All
significant  inter-company  transactions  and balances  have been  eliminated in
consolidation.  Foreign operations are relatively  insignificant.  Certain prior
year amounts have been restated to conform with the current year's presentation.

FOREIGN  CURRENCY  TRANSLATION - The financial  statements of Herff Jones Canada
have been  translated to U.S.  dollars in accordance with FASB Statement No. 52,
"Foreign  Currency  Translation."   Accordingly,   assets  and  liabilities  are
translated  at the rate in  existence  at the balance  sheet  date.  Revenue and
expense items are  translated at average rates  prevailing  during the year. Any
translation  gains  and  losses  are  accumulated  as a  separate  component  of
shareholders' equity.

CASH AND CASH  EQUIVALENTS - For purposes of balance sheet and statement of cash
flows  classification,  investments with maturities of three months or less from
date of purchase are deemed to be cash equivalents.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES - Marketable  securities,  primarily tax exempt government
securities,  are  available  for sale and are stated at  amortized  cost,  which
approximates  market.  All such  securities were sold at a nominal loss in July,
1996. Net realized gains on the sale of marketable securities were insignificant
in 1994, 1995 and 1996.

INVENTORIES  -  Inventories  are  stated at lower of cost  (first-in,  first-out
basis) or market with the  exception of gold  inventories  which are  determined
under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

DEFERRED FINANCING - Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the
related debt.

PROPERTY,  PLANT AND  EQUIPMENT - Property,  plant and  equipment are carried at
cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis for financial reporting and on
an accelerated basis for income tax purposes over the following estimated useful
lives of the assets:

     Building and leasehold improvements           10 to 35 years
     Machinery and equipment                        5 to 10 years
     Furniture and fixtures                         3 to 10 years
     Rental cap and gown stock                      6 to 10 years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Cost of renewals and
betterments are capitalized and depreciated using the applicable rates.

REVENUE  RECOGNITION - Revenue and related costs are recognized when the product
is shipped to the customer.



                                     - 24 -


<PAGE>

COMMISSIONS - The Company provides advances to the sales representatives,  which
are offset by commissions earned. For both tax and financial reporting purposes,
salesman  advances  paid in  excess  of  commission  earned,  which  are  deemed
uncollectible, are charged to expense.

ESOP PLAN - During fiscal 1990,  the Company  established  a leveraged  employee
stock ownership plan (the "Plan") which covers  substantially all U.S. non-union
employees.  On November 9, 1989,  the ESOP purchased just over 30% of the common
stock of the Company from  shareholders  using  proceeds of the 1989 Senior ESOP
Notes,  which were prepaid in fiscal 1996. In May 1995,  the Company's  Board of
Directors adopted a plan of  recapitalization  which resulted in the August 1995
purchase, by the ESOP, of substantially all shares of the Company's common stock
that it did not already hold (6,724,200 shares).

The Plan is non-contributory and is funded through annual Company  contributions
equal to the Plan's  debt  service  less  dividends  received  by the Plan.  All
dividends  received  by the Plan are used  for  debt  service.  The ESOP  shares
initially were pledged as collateral for its debt. As the debt is repaid, shares
are released from collateral and allocated to active employees.  For fiscal 1996
and  1995,  the  Company  accounts  for its ESOP in  accordance  with SOP  93-6.
Accordingly,  the debt of the ESOP is not reflected in the  Company's  financial
statements  and the shares  pledged  as  collateral  are  reported  as  deferred
compensation in the balance sheet. As shares are released from  collateral,  the
Company reports ESOP  compensation  expense equal to the most recent estimate of
the  fair  value  of  the  shares,   and  the  shares  become   outstanding  for
earnings-per-share  (EPS)  computations.  Dividends on allocated ESOP shares are
recorded as a reduction of retained earnings.

For fiscal  1994,  the Company  accounted  for its ESOP in  accordance  with the
AICPA's Statement of Position 76-3,  "Accounting  Practices for Certain Employee
Stock Ownership  Plans".  Accordingly,  ESOP  compensation cost was based on the
cost of ESOP  shares and  coincided  with  principal  payments on the ESOP debt.
Dividends on all ESOP shares reduced ESOP compensation expense. For earnings per
share purposes,  net ESOP shares were considered  outstanding  (i.e.; total ESOP
shares less shares repurchased and retired).

The number of shares  allocated  annually  approximates the total unreleased and
committed  to  be  released  shares  amortized  in  equal  installments  through
December,  2009.  Shares of the  Company's  stock are  allocated  to  employees'
accounts, based on compensation levels, in equal annual amounts over the life of
the ESOP debt (through December 2009). Upon retirement (at the normal retirement
age),  or earlier  termination  (assuming  the ESOP loan has been  repaid),  the
employee  can request  that the Company buy his/her  shares at the latest  price
determined by an annual valuation.

Since there is no market for the Company's  shares,  an annual  valuation of the
shares is performed by an independent valuation firm. Between annual valuations,
management  estimates  fair value for  purposes of recording  ESOP  compensation
expense.  The latest  annual  valuation  was $21.25 per share and was  performed
after the  recapitalization  in August,  1995. The previous annual valuation was
$31.00 per share and was done after the close of the fiscal  year ended June 25,
1994. The latest interim management estimate is $24.70 per share and was used to
record ESOP compensation expense in calendar 1996.

At June 29, 1996 and June 24, 1995, the ESOP shares were as follows:

                                               1996                1995
                                           ----------          ----------
      Allocated Shares                      1,558,710             983,000
      Shares committed to be released         289,800              98,300
      Unreleased shares                     7,824,690           1,867,700
                                            ---------           ---------
      Total ESOP shares                     9,673,200           2,949,000
      Shares purchased and retired            (56,659)            (34,602)
                                            ---------           ---------
      Net ESOP shares                       9,616,541           2,914,398
                                            =========           =========

Approximately  36,000  shares may be put back to the  Company in Fiscal  1997 in
connection  with  scheduled  distributions.  Further,  an  ESOP  diversification
provision  provides for participants who have attained the age of 55 and have 10
years of ESOP  participation  (from  1990) to  diversify a portion of their ESOP
holdings into investments  other than Herff Jones stock. In order to accommodate
this provision, participants' shares must be purchased by the Company. In Fiscal
year 2001,  approximately  100,000  shares are  expected  to be  eligible  to be
purchased by the Company in accordance with the diversification provision.


                                     - 25 -
<PAGE>




LONG-TERM  INCENTIVE PLAN - The  appreciation in the projected value of units in
excess of an established minimum amount is accrued by the Company and charged to
compensation expense over the five year performance period.

EARNINGS  PER SHARE - Earnings  per share have been  computed  by  dividing  net
income by the pro forma weighted average number of allocated and committed to be
released ESOP shares outstanding during the year.

INCOME TAXES - For its fiscal year ended June 25, 1994, the Company  adopted FAS
No. 109  "Accounting  for Income Taxes." This adoption had no material effect on
the Company's financial  statements.  Deferred income taxes are provided for the
temporary  differences  between financial  reporting and income tax reporting of
the Company's assets and liabilities in accordance with FAS No. 109.

PENSION  PLAN  -  Herff  Jones  has  one  defined   benefit  plan  which  covers
substantially all bargaining unit employees at the Indianapolis, Indiana Jewelry
operation (Note 10). The benefit is based on a defined benefit level  multiplied
by years  of  service.  Net  periodic  pension  cost was  determined  using  the
Projected  Unit Credit Cost Method  prescribed  by FASB  Statement  No. 87. Plan
funding is based on the Unit Credit Cost Method in 1996 and 1995. In 1994,  plan
funding was based on the Entry Age Normal Cost Method.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL  INSTRUMENTS  - In the normal  course of  business,  the
Company  enters  into   transactions   involving   various  types  of  financial
instruments.  These instruments have credit risk and may also be subject to risk
of loss due to interest rate fluctuations.  The Company estimates the fair value
of tax exempt government  securities (bonds) using quoted market prices obtained
from the Company's independent investment trustee. Management has estimated that
the fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts
payable  and  customer  deposits  approximates  the  carrying  value  due to the
relatively short period of time until expected realization.  Management has also
estimated the fair value of the Senior Subordinated Notes based upon the trading
price  of the  notes at year end  (Note  6).  The  estimated  fair  value of the
Industrial  Revenue  Bonds and the  Senior  Bank  Facility  (revolver  and term)
approximates  the carrying  value due to periodic  interest rate  adjustments to
current market rates.

USE OF ESTIMATES - The  preparation  of the  financial  statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates made
by management. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

RECLASSIFICATION - Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified in order
to conform to the 1996 presentation.

NEW ACCOUNTING  PRINCIPLES - Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" is effective for the Company in fiscal
1997.  The  Company  plans to only  adopt the  disclosure  requirements  of this
standard  and will  continue to follow APB 25  "Accounting  for Stock  Issued to
Employees" for expense  recognition  purposes.  Statement of Financial Standards
No. 121 "Accounting for Impairment of Long Lived Assets and Long Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of" is effective for the Company in fiscal 1997. The Company expects
the impact to be immaterial.



NOTE 4 - INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following:

                                                     1996              1995
                                                   --------          -------
Raw materials and supplies
     (includes gold)                               $16,017           $14,324
Work-in-process                                     13,008            11,651
Finished goods                                       7,916             7,345
                                                   -------           -------
                                                   $36,941           $33,320
                                                   =======           =======

LIFO cost of gold  inventories  at June 29,  1996 and June 24, 1995 are $945 and
$837,  respectively,  and are $125 and $148 lower than  replacement  cost in the
respective years.




                                     - 26 -


<PAGE>




NOTE 5 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

                                                1996         1995
                                            ----------   ----------
Buildings and leasehold improvements        $  22,283    $  18,472
Machinery and equipment                        47,959       40,048
Furniture and fixtures                          2,612        2,127
Rental cap & gown stock                        10,635        9,702
                                            ---------    ---------
                                               83,489       70,349
Less - Accumulated depreciation               (38,712)     (34,151)
                                            ---------    ---------
                                               44,777       36,198
Land                                            3,126        1,858
Construction in progress                        1,138          527
                                            ---------    ---------
                                            $  49,041    $  38,583
                                            =========    =========


NOTE 6 - FINANCING

Long-term debt consists of the following:
                                               1996         1995
                                            ---------    ---------
1989 Senior ESOP Notes                             --    $  69,826
Senior Bank Facility (Revolver)             $  15,039           --
Senior Bank Facility (Term)                    53,250           --
Senior Subordinated Notes                     120,000           --

1994 Industrial Development
     Revenue Bonds Due in                       7,600        7,600
                                            ---------    ---------
                                              195,889       77,426

Less:  Current Portion                        (22,315)      (4,809)
                                            ---------    ---------

Long-Term Debt                              $ 173,574    $  72,617
                                            =========    =========


On August 22,  1995,  the Company  issued  $120,000 in aggregate  principal  11%
Senior  Subordinated  Notes.  The notes mature in September,  2005. Based on the
bond price at June 29, 1996, the fair value of the Senior  Subordinated Notes is
$123,600.  The notes are unsecured but contain  certain  restrictive  covenants,
including limitations on indebtness,  liens, leases, dividends,  stock purchases
and certain investments.

In connection with the ESOP Transaction,  the Company entered into the Revolving
Credit  and Term  Loan  Agreement,  dated as of August  22,  1995  ("New  Credit
Agreement")  pursuant to which financial  institutions have provided the Company
with a new $120,000 credit facility,  comprised of a $60,000 Senior Secured Term
Loan and a $60,000 Senior Secured  Revolving Credit  Facility,  which includes a
letter  of  credit  facility  with a  $12,000  sublimit.  The Term  Loan and the
Revolving  Credit  Facility  have  a  final  maturity  of  September  30,  2000.
Amortization  of the Term  Loan is in  quarterly  installments  which  commenced
December 31, 1995.

All loans  made  under  the Term Loan and the  Revolving  Credit  Facility  bear
interest  either at The First  National Bank of Boston  Alternate Base rate (the
"Base Rate") or the Eurodollar rate (as defined below),  plus, in each case, the
"Applicable  Margin,"  which  initially  was 0.00% per annum with respect to the
Base  Rate and  1.50%  per  annum  with  respect  to the  Eurodollar  rate.  The
Applicable Margin rises or falls depending upon the financial performance of the
Company.  The Company  pays a  commitment  fee of 0.375% per annum on the unused
portion  of the  Revolving  Credit  Facility.  The  commitment  fee  is  payable
quarterly in arrears and  increases or decreases  depending  upon the  financial
performance  of the Company.  The Company pays the  applicable  Eurodollar  Rate
Margin (as defined below) on the maximum amount available to be drawn under each
letter of credit (such fees rise and fall depending on the financial performance
of the Company)  plus, for the account of the Agent Bank, a fee of 0.125% on the
maximum amount available to be drawn under each





                                     - 27 -


<PAGE>



letter of credit upon issuance.  The "Eurodollar Rate" for an interest period is
defined  in the New  Credit  Agreement  as the rate at which the  Agent  Bank is
offered U.S.  dollar  deposits in the  interbank  eurodollar  market in which it
conducts currency and exchange operations two business days before such interest
period plus a margin ranging  between 0.75% to 1.75% per annum (the  "Eurodollar
Rate Margin"),  adjusted annually depending on the ratio of the Company's senior
debt to  certain  cash  flows  for the  preceding  fiscal  year.  The base  rate
revolving  credit loan ($10,039) rate on June 29, 1996 was 8.25%. The Eurodollar
revolving  credit loan ($5,000) rate on June 29, 1996 was 6.94%.  The Eurodollar
term credit loan ($53,250) rate on June 29, 1996 was 6.94%.

The  recapitalization   described  above  significantly  changed  the  Company's
financial  condition,  adding substantial  indebtedness which,  coupled with the
adoption of new ESOP Accounting  Standards,  resulted in a deficit shareholders'
equity position.  The cash flow pattern and expectations of the Company's highly
seasonal business result in the classification,  at June 29, 1996, of $11,815 of
the senior bank facility  (revolver) as a current  liability,  although  payment
within the next year is not  necessarily  required by the terms of the Company's
financing arrangements.

The obligations under the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility constitute
Senior  Debt and are  secured by a blanket  perfected  first  priority  security
interest in  substantially  all tangible and  intangible  assets of the Company,
including  a  pledge  of all of the  stock  of the  Company's  subsidiaries.  In
addition,  the obligations under the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility
are guaranteed by each of the Company's subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"), and the
obligations of each of the  Guarantors  under such guarantee are in turn secured
by a perfected  first  priority  security  interest in all assets of each of the
Guarantors.

The New Credit Agreement and related documents  contain customary  financial and
other  covenants  that,  among  other  things,  limit the ability of the Company
(subject to customary and negotiated exceptions) to: (i) incur additional liens,
(ii) incur  additional  indebtedness,  (iii) make certain kinds of  investments,
(iv)  prepay   subordinated   indebtedness,   including  the  Notes,   (v)  make
distributions  and  dividend  payments  to  its  stockholders,  (vi)  engage  in
affiliate  transactions,  (vii) make  certain  asset  dispositions,  (viii) make
significant   acquisitions   and  (ix)   participate   in  certain   mergers  or
consolidations.

The effective rate of interest on the 1994 Industrial  Development Revenue Bonds
is re-set  weekly at a rate to allow the Bonds to be priced at par.  Interest is
paid  quarterly  and the  interest  rate on June 29,  1996 was  3.70%.  They are
unsecured  but are  backed by an  irrevocable  Letter of  Credit.  The Letter of
Credit contains a restrictive covenant regarding maintenance of cash flows.

Long-term debt is scheduled to be paid in the following fiscal years:

                  1997                                 $   22,315
                  1998                                     11,750
                  1999                                     12,750
                  2000                                     14,500
                  2001                                      6,974
                  2002 and thereafter                     127,600
                                                          -------
                                                         $195,889

NOTE 7 - COMMON STOCK
                                         1996            1995            1994
                                      ----------      ----------      ----------
Authorized:
     Common Shares                    16,500,000
     Class A                                           5,000,000       5,000,000
     Class B                                           6,500,000       6,500,000
     Class C                                           5,000,000       5,000,000
                                      ----------      ----------      ----------
   Total Common Stock Authorized      16,500,000      16,500,000      16,500,000

Outstanding:
     Common Shares                     9,618,996
     Class A                                           3,247,970       3,247,970
     Class B                                           3,478,100       3,478,100
     Class C                                           2,914,398       2,930,758
                                      ----------      ----------      ----------
   Total Common Stock Outstanding      9,618,996       9,640,468       9,656,828



                                     - 28 -


<PAGE>



In  connection  with  the  August  22,  1995  recapitalization,   the  Company's
outstanding Class A, B and C shares were converted into a single class of common
stock on a share-for-share  basis. The ESOP then purchased  virtually all of the
shares of common stock so converted held by shareholders other than the ESOP.

As a  consequence  of the August 22, 1995  recapitalization  plan,  the weighted
average number of common shares  outstanding was calculated on a pro forma basis
assuming  the  recapitalization  occurred at June 25,  1995.  The same  weighted
average number of common shares was considered  outstanding on a pro forma basis
for fiscal 1995 and 1994 to present  comparable  income (loss) per common share.
The number of common shares outstanding  immediately after the  recapitalization
took place was  1,236,494.  This number has been used as the pro forma  weighted
average number of common shares  outstanding  for all periods prior to September
1995.

In  accordance  with the  provisions  of SOP 93-6,  for  purposes of computing a
weighted average number of common shares outstanding, ESOP shares that have been
committed to be released are considered  outstanding,  ESOP shares that have not
been committed to be released are not considered outstanding for fiscal 1996 and
1995.

The actual  weighted  average number of common shares  outstanding  for the year
ended June 29, 1996,  June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994, was 3,383,379,  7,686,204
and  9,665,092,  respectively.  The  weighted  average  number of common  shares
outstanding  for the year ending June 25, 1994 calculated in accordance with the
provisions  of SOP 93-6 would have been  7,501,918.  The income per common share
using the actual  weighted  average number of common shares  outstanding for the
year ended June 29, 1996,  June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994, was $.58,  $2.02 and
$1.99, respectively.

The excess of cost over market represents the cumulative  difference between the
market value of shares  committed to be released and the cost of those shares to
the ESOP, net of tax effects.

NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
Pre-tax income from  operations for the years ended June 29, 1996, June 24, 1995
and June 25, 1994 was taxed under the following jurisdictions:


                                               1996        1995        1994
                                             --------    --------    --------
   Domestic                                  $ 11,722    $ 33,519    $ 30,912
   Foreign                                        214         251           9
                                             --------    --------    --------
   Total                                     $ 11,936    $ 33,770    $ 30,921
                                             ========    ========    ========


The  provision  for income  taxes  charged to income  before  extraordinary  and
     cumulative effect items was as follows:
                                               1996        1995        1994
                                             --------    --------    --------
Current income tax expense:
   Federal                                   $  7,453    $ 11,110    $ 10,500
   State and local                              1,075       2,232       1,935
   Foreign                                         82          --           6
                                             --------    --------    --------
   Total current income tax expense             8,610      13,342      12,441

Deferred income tax expense:
   Federal                                     (3,497)     (1,149)       (646)
   State and local                               (635)       (238)         --
   Foreign                                         (1)        101         (52)
                                             --------    --------    --------

   Total deferred income tax expense           (4,133)     (1,286)       (698)

Benefit of Canadian operating
     loss carryforward                             --          --         (36)
Benefit of State operating
     loss carryforward                           (383)         --          --
                                             --------    --------    --------

Total tax provision
     (before extraordinary and
     cumulative effect items)                $  4,094    $ 12,056    $ 11,707
                                             ========    ========    ========

                                     - 29 -

<PAGE>


The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax  determined
by applying the  applicable  U.S.  statutory  federal income tax rate to pre-tax
income from continuing operations as a result of the following differences:

                                                    1996       1995       1994
                                                   ------     ------     ------
U.S. statutory rate                                 35.0%      35.0%      35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax        1.5        4.3        4.1
Dividend on ESOP stock                              (2.5)      (2.1)      (0.4)
All other, net                                        .3       (1.5)      (0.8)
                                                  ------     ------     ------
Financial reporting rate
     (before extraordinary item or
     cumulative effect)                             34.3%      35.7%      37.9%
                                                  ======     ======     ======



Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:

                                               1996                1995
                                            --------            --------
Deferred Tax Assets:
   Estimated Product Returns                    600            $    479
   Medical Insurance                            442                 516
   Inventory Cost Capitalization                288                 466
   Bad Debts                                    231                 274
   Vacation Pay                                 681                 470
   Workers Compensation                       1,077                 901
   State Tax Loss Carryforward                  383
   ESOP                                       6,396               4,114
   Other                                        130                 136
                                           --------            --------

       Total Assets                          10,228               7,356

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
   Depreciation                              (4,511)             (4,123)
   Profit Sharing                              (177)               (256)
   Property Taxes                               (47)                (66)
   Other                                       (253)                (97)
                                           --------            --------
       Total Liabilities                     (4,988)             (4,542)
                                           --------            --------

       Net Deferred Tax Asset              $  5,240            $  2,814
                                           ========            ========

No valuation allowance was deemed necessary at June 29, 1996 and June 24, 1995.

The  tax  effect  related  to  the  extraordinary  item  and  cumulative  effect
approximates the statutory U.S. tax rate.


NOTE 9 - EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

ESOP compensation  expense was $16,665 (1996),  $5,556 (1995) and $3,025 (1994).
The 1996 expense of $16,665,  including administrative costs, was net of $865 in
dividends paid to the Plan. The 1995 figure of $5,556,  including administrative
cost, was net of $605 in dividends paid to the Plan. The 1994 expense of $3,025,
including  administrative cost, was net of $1,469 in dividends paid to the Plan.
For 1996 and 1995 ESOP  compensation  expense  was based  upon the fair value of
shares  committed to be released,  offset by dividends on allocated ESOP shares.
In 1994,  ESOP  compensation  expense  was  recognized  based on the cost of the
shares as the principal repayments on the ESOP notes accrue, offset by dividends
declared on the ESOP shares.

The Company has three profit sharing plans covering  substantially all non-union
employees.  Accrued  but unpaid  contributions  through the end of each year are
included in Other Accrued  Liabilities.  Profit sharing  expense for these plans
was $749 in 1996, $3,365 in 1995 and $3,288 in 1994.



                                     - 30 -


<PAGE>




NOTE 10 - JEWELRY BARGAINING UNIT PENSION PLAN

Pre-tax  pension  expense of $97 for 1996 and $65 for 1995 and income of $45 for
1994 consist of the following components:
                                              1996         1995         1994
                                           -------      -------      -------
Service cost                               $   167      $   173      $   166
Interest cost                                  595          582          526
Actual return on assets                     (1,631)        (249)        (281)
Difference between assumed return
   and actual return on assets               1,035         (372)        (354)
Amortization of over-funded position
   and unrecognized prior service              (69)         (69)        (102)
                                           -------      -------      -------
                                           $    97      $    65      $   (45)
                                           =======      =======      =======

Assumptions  used in determining the net pension  expense  (income) for 1996 and
1994  included  a discount  rate of 7.5% and a rate of return on plan  assets of
8.5%.  Assumptions used in determining the net pension expense for 1995 included
a discount rate of 8.0%, and a rate of return on plan assets of 8.5%.

The following  table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts  recognized
in the company's consolidated balance sheet at June 29, 1996 and June 24, 1995:

                                                        1996         1995
                                                     -------       -------
Projected benefit obligation, including
         vested benefits of $7,929 (1996)
         and $7,306 (1995)                           $(8,314)      $(7,699)

Plan assets at fair value, primarily listed
         stocks and corporate obligations              8,833         7,281
                                                     -------       -------
         Over (under)-funded position                    519          (418)

Unamortized over-funded position                        (830)         (969)
Unrecognized (loss) on assets                            313           907
Unrecognized prior service cost                          531           591
                                                     -------       -------
Prepaid pension expense                                  533           111
Additional minimum liability                              --          (529)
                                                     -------       -------
Total pension asset (liability)                      $   533       $  (418)
                                                     =======       =======


The Company's pension obligation and assets were valued as of March 31, 1996 for
fiscal 1996 and as of March 31, 1995 for fiscal 1995.

NOTE 11 - LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

The Herff Jones, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan") was adopted by
the Company  effective July 1, 1995.  Employees whose performance is expected to
contribute  significantly to the long-term  strategic  performance and growth of
the Company are eligible to participate in the Incentive Plan. The  Compensation
Committee  of the  Board  of  Directors  selects  employees  for  participation.
Participating  employees  are  granted an award of units at the  beginning  of a
five-year  performance  cycle.  The maximum  numbers of units that may be issued
subject to the Incentive Plan is 1,500,000,  subject to proportional  adjustment
in the  event of any  change  in  Company  stock  outstanding  by  reason of any
issuance   of    additional    shares,    recapitalization,    reclassification,
reorganization, combination of shares or similar transaction. Each unit is equal
in value  to one  share of  common  stock,  but is not a share  and  carries  no
shareholder rights. The value of units will correspond to the value of shares of
common stock as of the end of each Company  fiscal year, as  determined  for the
ESOP by an  independent  valuation  firm. The  participants  will be entitled to
payment of a cash  incentive  award  after the  five-year  performance  cycle is
completed.  The  award  will  be  equal  to the  appreciation  in  value  of the
participant's  units in  excess  of a  minimum  amount  set by the  Compensation
Committee  over the  course of the  performance  cycle and will be  payable in a
single lump sum in the January immediately  following the end of the performance
cycle.

                                     - 31 -

<PAGE>

In 1996, 510,000 units were granted to employees. The units had no value at June
29, 1996 and no expense was recorded in fiscal 1996 because the minimum value at
the end of the year was greater than the latest share value.

NOTE 12 - RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

The Company  incurred a  restructuring  charge of $2,141 in the third quarter of
fiscal  1996  resulting  from a one  time  voluntary  early  retirement  program
completed  in  one  Scholastic  plant  location.  The  program  was  offered  to
management and supervisory  employees,  of whom 17 elected to participate in the
program. All of the restructuring charges were paid in fiscal 1996.

NOTE 13 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Herff Jones has an agreement with a national bank association (the  Association)
and a precious  metal broker (the Broker) under which gold  inventory is shipped
on  consignment to Herff Jones.  Title to such gold  inventory  remains with the
Association  and the Broker  until Herff Jones has paid for  amounts  used.  The
amount of consigned gold inventory with the Association is limited to the lesser
of 21,500  troy  ounces,  a fair market  value of $9,000 or 95% of Herff  Jones'
entire troy ounce gold  inventory.  The amount of consigned  gold inventory with
the Broker is limited to the lesser of 10,000 troy ounces or a fair market value
of $4,500.  In the event that gold held on consignment  exceeds any  consignment
limit,  Herff  Jones must  transfer  the excess gold to the  Association  or the
Broker or any of its  authorized  agents or pay for such  excess.  In  addition,
Herff  Jones  must  pay a  monthly  consignment  fee for  the  use of such  gold
inventory on consignment.  Herff Jones bears the risk of loss, theft,  damage or
destruction of such gold  inventory  ($6,097 at June 29, 1996 and $6,723 at June
24, 1995) for which appropriate insurance coverage has been obtained.

Herff  Jones is involved in  lawsuits  that  periodically  arise from the normal
course of  business.  Management  believes  that the  ultimate  outcome of these
lawsuits  will not have a material  adverse  impact on the  Company's  financial
condition.

NOTE 14 - ACQUISITION (UNAUDITED)

On April 29, 1996, Herff Jones purchased  certain assets of the Delmar Companies
Divisions  ("Delmar")  of  Continental  Graphics  Corporation.  As  part  of the
acquisition,  Herff Jones assumed certain liabilities.  The acquisition has been
accounted for as a purchase, and, accordingly, the results of the operation have
been  included in the  consolidated  Statement of Income  since the  acquisition
date. The purchase  price of $15,332 has been  allocated to the assets  acquired
and liabilities assumed on the basis of their relative fair market values.

The unaudited  pro forma net sales,  net income  before  extraordinary  item and
cumulative  effect of change  in  accounting  principle  and net  income  before
extraordinary  item and cumulative effect of change in accounting  principle per
share of Herff Jones for the fiscal years ended June 29, 1996 and June 24, 1995,
as if the  acquisition  of these assets had  occurred on June 25, 1994,  were as
follows:

                                                      Year Ended June
                                                 -------------------------
                                                   1996             1995
                                                 --------         --------

   Net Sales                                     $297,849         $294,820
   Net Income before extraordinary item
   and cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle                          $  6,528         $ 21,375
   Net Income before extraordinary item
   and cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle per common share         $   4.29         $  17.29

Net income per share is based on the pro forma weighted average number of common
shares outstanding.





                                     - 32 -


<PAGE>



The  financial  information  obtained  from  unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated
financial  statements  have been  prepared  based on estimates  and  assumptions
deemed by Herff Jones to be  appropriate  and do not propose to be indicative of
the financial  position or results of operations  which would actually have been
obtained had the  acquisition  occurred as presented in such statements or which
may be obtained  in the future.  Future  results may vary  significantly  due to
economic factors, future activities of Herff Jones, or other matters.

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

         None.



                                    PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of The Registrant.

         The directors  and  executive  officers of the Company are as set forth
below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


     NAME                    AGE               TITLE
     ----                    ---               -----
<S>                          <C>       <C>
A.J. Hackl                   70         Chairman of the Board of Directors
Andre B. Lacy                57         Director
Thomas E. Reilly, Jr.        56         Director
James W. Hubbard             61         Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Bernard R. Crandall, Jr.     49         Vice President-Cap & Gown and Director
Robert S. Potts              53         Vice President-Yearbook and Director
Patrick T. Rogers            53         Corporate Administrative Manager and Director
Joe K. Slaughter             48         Vice President-Scholastic and Director
Lawrence F. Fehr             52         Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director
Boyd P. Boynton              52         Vice President and General Manager - Photography
</TABLE>



         Albert J. Hackl,  Chairman of the Board of  Directors,  served as Herff
Jones'  principal  executive  officer from 1968 to May 1995. Mr. Hackl served as
Chairman of the Board of Directors  and Chief  Executive  Officer since 1985. In
May 1995, Mr. Hackl resigned as Chief  Executive  Officer.  Mr. Hackl joined the
Company  in 1968  from  Worthington  Corporation,  where his last  position  was
president of the Worthington  Air  Conditioning  Division.  Mr. Hackl received a
Bachelor of Mechanical  Engineering from the Georgia  Institute of Technology in
1946 and served in the United  States  Navy  during  World War II and the Korean
War.

         Andre B. Lacy has been a director since 1995 and is Chairman and CEO of
the managing  general  partner of LDI,  Ltd., an investment  management  holding
company with a wholesale  distribution  group, a door and lumber mill work group
and a private investment  portfolio.  He is also Chairman of the Board of Finish
Master,  Inc.,  a  distributor  of  automotive  paints and  finishing  supplies,
controlled by LDI, Ltd. He is a Director of the Albemarle Corporation, Richmond,
Virginia;  IPALCO  Enterprises,  Indianapolis;  Tredegar  Industries,  Richmond,
Virginia;  Patterson Dental Company, St. Paul, Minnesota;  and The National Bank
of Indianapolis.  He is on the Board of Trustees of the Hudson Institute and the
Board of Managers of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  Past affiliations and
awards include  President of  Indianapolis  Board of School  Commissioners,  and
recognition as Indiana Master  Entrepreneur of the Year (1994). He is a graduate
of Denison University.

         Thomas E.  Reilly,  Jr. has been a director  since 1995 and is Chairman
and CEO, Reilly Industries, Inc., Indianapolis,  Indiana, a diversified chemical
manufacturing  firm.  He is  Director  of  First  Chicago  NBD  Corp.,  Chemical
Manufacturers  Association,   Lilly  Industries,   Inc.,  American  United  Life
Insurance Company, and Past President, Board of Trustees, Indiana State Teachers
Retirement Fund. He is a member of the Board of Trustees, Butler University. Mr.
Reilly is a graduate  of  Stanford  University,  BS, and MBA,  Harvard  Business
School.



                                     - 33 -


<PAGE>




         James W.  Hubbard  has been with the  Company for the past 24 years and
has 34 years of industry experience.  Mr. Hubbard has served as a Director since
1985  and as Chief  Executive  Officer  and  President  since  May  1995.  Other
positions  Mr.  Hubbard  has  held  at the  Company  include:  Plant  Manager  -
Yearbooks;  General  Manager -  Yearbook  Division;  Vice  President  - Yearbook
Division;  and Group Vice President  -Photography/Yearbooks  (which he held from
1985 to 1995).  Mr. Hubbard  received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism  from the
University of Iowa in 1957. He has served as a Major in the United States Marine
Corps Reserve.

         Bernard R. Crandall, Jr. has been with Herff Jones for 23 years. He has
served as Vice  President  - Cap & Gown since  September  1990 and as a Director
since  1993.  Other  positions  he has held at the Company  include:  Department
Supervisor  -  Indianapolis  Jewelry;  Customer  Service  Manager  -  Montgomery
Yearbook Plant;  Director of Marketing - Yearbook  Division;  Resident Manager -
Marceline  Yearbook  Plant;  and Resident  Manager - Logan  Yearbook  Plant.  He
received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Indiana University in
1971.

         Robert S. Potts has been with Herff Jones for 24 years and has 29 years
of industry  experience.  He has served as Vice  President - Yearbook since July
1993 and as a Director since 1990.  Other positions he has held with the Company
include:  Sales  Representative;  Scholastic  Area Sales  Manager;  Director  of
Marketing  -Yearbooks;  National  Sales  Manager - Yearbook  Division;  and Vice
President  -Yearbook Sales (which he held from prior to 1990 to July 1993).  Mr.
Potts holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Long Island University.

         Patrick T.  Rogers has been with Herff Jones for 22 years.  Mr.  Rogers
has served as Corporate Administrative Manager since June 1995 and as a Director
since 1990.  Prior to his current  position,  Mr. Rogers was the Corporate  Risk
Manager from 1987 until June 1995 and the Corporate  Credit Manager from 1974 to
1987.  Before  joining  Herff  Jones,  he held  several  positions in the credit
industry.  Mr. Rogers attended Xavier University and is a member of the Board of
Directors of the Indiana Chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society.

         Joe K. Slaughter has been with Herff Jones for 23 years.  He has served
as Vice President - Scholastic  since February 1995 and as a Director since May,
1995.   Other   positions   he  has  held  with  the  Company   include:   Sales
Representative;  Area Sales Manager;  National Sales Manager - College Division;
Regional  Sales Manager;  Vice President - Scholastic  Sales (which he held from
January  1990 to  October  1993);  and  Vice  President  -Scholastic  Sales  and
Marketing  (which he held from October 1993 to February 1995).  Prior to joining
Herff  Jones,  he was a  Professor  of  Philosophy  at Grace  College in Warsaw,
Indiana.  Mr.  Slaughter  received  his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from
Michigan State University in 1969 and 1971, respectively.

         Lawrence  F. Fehr has been with Herff  Jones for the past 24 years.  He
has served as Vice President  since 1987 and as Corporate  Secretary since 1989.
Mr. Fehr became Chief Financial  Officer and a Director in 1995. Other positions
he has held at the  Company  include:  Jewelry  Division  Controller;  Corporate
Controller; and Vice President - Controller (which he held from prior to 1990 to
1995). Prior to Herff Jones, Mr. Fehr worked for six years in various accounting
positions with Burger Chef. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting  (1967)
and a Master of Business Administration (1969) from Butler University. He became
a Certified Public  Accountant in 1970 and is currently a member of the Board of
Directors of the Indianapolis Chapter of the Financial Executives Institute.

         Boyd P.  Boynton has been with the Company for 29 years.  He has served
as Vice President and General Manager - Photography  since prior to 1990.  Other
positions he has held at the Company include:  School  Photographer;  Production
Manager - School  Division;  Assistant  to the General  Manager;  Personnel  and
Training Manager;  Professional Division Manager; Operations Manager Photography
Division;  and General  Manager -  Photography  Division.  Mr.  Boynton  holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Business  Administration  from the  University of Minnesota,
which he received in 1966.





                                     - 34 -


<PAGE>




Item 11.                       Executive Compensation

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Long Term
                                                                            Compensation
                                                        Annual              Securities
                                                     Compensation           Underlying                 All Other
              Name and                                  Salary              Options/SARs              Compensation
         Principal Position        Year            ($)         (1)          (#)        (2)           ($)       (3)
    --------------------------     ----            ---------------          --------------           --------------
<S>                                <C>                <C>                      <C>                      <C>
James W. Hubbard ..............    1996               $331,500                 40,000                   $ 4,500
President, Chief Executive         1995               $216,916                     --                   $11,119
Officer and Director


Robert S. Potts ...............    1996               $165,000                 20,000                   $ 4,500
Vice President and Director        1995               $158,500                     --                   $28,136


Joe K. Slaughter ..............    1996               $158,000                  20,000                 $  4,500
Vice President and Director        1995               $139,166                      --                 $  9,300

Lawrence F. Fehr ..............    1996               $137,499                  20,000                 $  3,653
Vice President, Chief              1995               $109,750                      --                 $  7,639
Financial Officer,
Secretary and Director

Bernard R. Crandall, Jr. ......    1996               $117,500                  15,000                 $ 28,087
Vice President and Director        1995               $109,000                      --                 $ 19,440
</TABLE>
- ----------


         (1)      The  named  officers  of  the  Company  did  not  receive  any
                  remuneration  in  1996 or 1995 in  addition  to  their  annual
                  salary except to the extent they participated in the Company's
                  Profit  Sharing  Plan (the  "401(k)  Plan"),  group  insurance
                  arrangements   or  other   benefit   programs   available   to
                  substantially  all  non-union  employees.  The officers  named
                  above,  except  for  Mr.  Crandall,  are  not  currently  ESOP
                  participants.

         (2)      Phantom units  granted  under the Incentive  Plan as described
                  below.

         (3)      1996  consists  solely of  401(k)  plan  contributions  by the
                  Company for Messrs.  Hubbard, Potts, Slaughter and Fehr, and a
                  $3,300  contribution  to the 401(k)  Plan by the Company and a
                  $24,787  allocation to the ESOP account of Mr. Crandall.  1995
                  consists  solely of 401(k) plan  contributions  by the Company
                  for  Messrs.  Hubbard,  Slaughter  and  Fehr,  and  a  $11,119
                  contribution  to the 401(k)  Plan by the Company and a $17,017
                  allocation  to the ESOP  account  of Mr.  Potts,  and a $7,481
                  contribution  to the 401(k)  Plan by the Company and a $11,959
                  allocation to the ESOP account of Mr. Crandall.






                                     - 35 -


<PAGE>




Employment Agreements

         Each of the named executive officers owned Company shares and sold such
         shares to the ESOP in the ESOP  Transactions.  In  anticipation  of the
         ESOP Transactions, the Company required each employee selling shares to
         enter  into a  three-year  employment  and  non-competition  agreement,
         including  Mr.   Hubbard  and  Mr.  Potts.   In  such   employment  and
         non-competition  agreements,  each  employee  agreed  to stay  with the
         Company for at least three years and the Company agreed (i) to pay each
         employee a salary  commensurate  with the position each employee  holds
         determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or an authorized
         officer;  (ii) to allow each  employee  to  participate  in all benefit
         programs,  plans and fringe  benefits in which the  Company's  salaried
         employees   participate  generally  to  the  extent  permitted  by  the
         respective plans and/or  applicable tax  regulations,  and (iii) not to
         terminate  or demote  each  employee  without  cause  for three  years.
         "Cause" is defined in the employment and non-competition  agreements as
         (a) willful or gross  misconduct or willful or gross  negligence in the
         performance of duties for the Company;  or (b)  intentional or habitual
         neglect of duties for the Company;  or (c) theft or misappropriation of
         Company funds or the conviction of a felony.  Each employee also agreed
         not to compete with the Company for at least three years after the ESOP
         Transactions are consummated (or, if later, two years after termination
         of employment) and not to disclose outside the Company any confidential
         matters of the Company unless such  disclosure is made as a proper part
         of  performing  duties  for the  Company  or is made  with the  express
         written consent of the Company.

Incentive Plan

         The Herff Jones, Inc.  Long-Term  Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan") was
         adopted by the  Company  effective  July 1, 1995.  The named  executive
         officers  and  other  employees   whose   performance  is  expected  to
         contribute  significantly  to the long-term  strategic  performance and
         growth of the Company  are  eligible to  participate  in the  Incentive
         Plan.  The  Compensation  Committee of the Board of  Directors  selects
         employees  for  participation.  Participating  employees are granted an
         award of phantom  units at the  beginning  of a  five-year  performance
         cycle.  The maximum numbers of phantom units that may be issued subject
         to the Incentive Plan is 1,500,000,  subject to proportional adjustment
         in the event of any change in the  outstanding  Company stock by reason
         of   any    issuance   of    additional    shares,    recapitalization,
         reclassification,  reorganization,  combination  of shares  or  similar
         transaction. Each phantom unit is equal in value to one share of common
         stock, but is not a share and carries no shareholder  rights. The value
         of phantom units will correspond to the value of shares of common stock
         as of the end of each Company  fiscal year  determined  for the ESOP by
         its independent  valuation firm. The  participants  will be entitled to
         payment of a cash incentive award after the five-year performance cycle
         is completed.  The award will be equal to the  appreciation in value of
         the  participant's  phantom units in excess of a minimum  amount set by
         the Compensation Committee over the course of the performance cycle and
         will  be  payable  in a  single  lump  sum in the  January  immediately
         following  the  end  of  the  performance  cycle.  Notwithstanding  the
         foregoing,  the Company will not pay the incentive awards to the extent
         payment  would  result  in  breach of  covenants  under the New  Credit
         Agreement or the  Indenture;  payment of the  incentive  awards will be
         subordinated  in full to the prior  payment in cash of all amounts then
         due in respect of the Notes.  The  Company may impose  other  financial
         restrictions  as to the payments which, if not met, would result in the
         payments being deferred.  Participants will also be able to voluntarily
         defer payment of all or a portion of their  incentive  awards and elect
         to have the deferred amounts accounted for as an unsecured Company debt
         bearing  interest at a reasonable  rate. The following table summarizes
         grants to the named executive  officers under the Incentive Plan during
         fiscal 1996.



                                     - 36 -


<PAGE>




                      OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                % of Total
                            Number of          Options/SARs                                        Potential Realizable Value
                            Securities          Granted to        Exercise                           at Assumed Annual Rates
                           Underlying          Employees in       or Base                          of Stock Price Appreciation
                           Options/SARs          Fiscal            Price           Expiration           for Option Term
Name                      Granted (#) (1)        Year              ($/Sh)             Date          5% ($)             10% ($)
- ----                      ---------------        ----              ------             ----          ------             -------
<S>                           <C>                  <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>
James W. Hubbard.........     40,000               8%              $27.12            6/2000         - 0 -              $284,000
President, Chief
Executive Officer
and Director

Robert S. Potts..........     20,000               4%              $27.12            6/2000         - 0 -              $142,000
Vice President
and Director

Joe K. Slaughter.........     20,000               4%              $27.12            6/2000         - 0 -              $142,000
Vice President
and Director


Lawrence F. Fehr.........     20,000               4%              $27.12            6/2000         - 0 -              $142,000
Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer,
Secretary and Director

Bernard R. Crandall, Jr...    15,000               3%              $27.12            6/2000         - 0 -              $106,500
Vice President and Director
</TABLE>

     (1)  See the description of Incentive Plan grants above.


Director Compensation

         The present Directors of the Company who are also executive officers of
         the Company,  receive  noadditional  compensation  for their service as
         Directors or for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors.  The
         Company  has  three  independent   persons  serving  on  the  Board  of
         Directors.  Such persons receive  compensation of $15,000 per year plus
         $500 per meeting for serving on the Board and its committees.

         The Company has entered  into a  consulting  agreement  with Mr.  Hackl
         pursuant  to which  he will be  available  to the  Company  to  provide
         ongoing  consultation  and advice to  management  and,  in  particular,
         ongoing  assistance with financing,  acquisitions and divestitures.  He
         maintains an office at the Company's  principal  executive  offices but
         works as an  independent  contractor,  determining  his own  hours  and
         method of  performance.  He receives a fee of $100,000 per year and any
         fees payable to non-employee directors generally.  Mr. Hackl has agreed
         to reduce his fee to $48,000  annually  effective  November 1, 1996. He
         serves at the  pleasure of the Board as its Chairman and as chairman of
         the  Executive,   Finance,   Compensation  and  Audit  Committees.  The
         consulting  agreement is terminable by either party at any time without
         cause and contains a three-year non-competition covenant.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

         From the beginning of fiscal 1996 through  November 1995, Mr. Hackl was
         the  sole  member  of  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of
         Directors.  Mr. Hackl is a former executive  officer of the Company and
         has a consulting  arrangement  with the Company as described above. Mr.
         Lacy and Mr. Reilly were added to the Compensation  Committee, of which
         Mr. Hackl is Chairman, in November, 1995.


                                     - 37 -


<PAGE>





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

         The only person that  beneficially  owns more than 5% of the  Company's
shares of Common Stock, without par value, is Bank One,  Indianapolis,  N.A., as
Trustee of the Herff Jones, Inc.  Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"),  which
held 9,616,541 or 99.9% of the 9,618,996  shares of Common Stock  outstanding as
of September 3, 1996.

Except as set forth below, none of the named executive  officers or directors of
the registrant  owns shares of its common stock.  All of the shares shown in the
following  table are held by the ESOP and allocated to the accounts of the named
officers.



                                          NAME
                                        NUMBER OF
                                        ALLOCATED
                                         SHARES       % OF SHARES
                                         ------       -----------
Robert S. Potts                          2,500             *
Bernard R. Crandall, Jr.                 3,099             *
Patrick T. Rogers                        2,124             *
Boyd P. Boynton                          2,101             *
All Directors and Executive
Officers as a Group                      9,824             *
- -------------------                      -----            --

*  Less than 1%

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

         None.

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

         (a)      The  following  documents  have  been  filed as a part of this
                  report or, where noted incorporated by reference:

         (1)    Financial Statements (Included Under Item 8)
                Report of Independent Accountants
                Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 29, 1996
                    and June 24, 1995
                Consolidated Statement of Income for the
                    years ended June 29, 1996, June 24, 1995
                    and June 25, 1994
                Consolidated  Statement  of  Shareholders'  Equity for the years
                    ended June 29, 1996, June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994
                Consolidated  Statement  of Cash Flows for the years  ended June
                    29, 1996, June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994
                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                Financial Statement Schedules for the three years
                    ended June 29, 1996





                                     - 38 -


<PAGE>




         (2)    Financial Statement Schedules (Set Forth Below)

                VIII.   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

                    X.  Supplemental Statement of Income Information.

         (3)    The following exhibits are filed as a part of this Report:

Exhibit No.                           Description                          Page
- -----------                           -----------                          ----

 2.1    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 28, 1996,
        between Herff Jones, Inc. and Continental Graphics
        Corporation.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
        Form 8-K filed with the Commission, dated May 9, 1996.)

 2.2    Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement.  (Incorporated
        by  reference  to Exhibit  2.2 to Form 8-K filed with
        the Commission, dated May 9, 1996.)

 3.1    Articles of Incorporation of Herff Jones, Inc. as amended.           *

 3.2    Restated Code of By-Laws of Herff Jones, Inc.                        *

 4.1    Indenture dated as of August 22, 1995 between Herff Jones, Inc.
        and Bankers Trust Company.                                           *

 4.2    Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement among Herff Jones,
        Inc., The First National Bank of Boston and other financial
        institutions.                                                        *

 4.3    Agreement to furnish documents relating to other long-term debt.     *

 10.1   Consignment Agreement, dated February 8, 1994, between Herff
        Jones, Inc. and Gerald Metals, Inc. and the related Security
        Agreement, dated February 8, 1994, between Herff Jones, Inc.
        and Gerald Metals, Inc.                                              *

 10.2   Amended and Restated Consignment Agreement, dated October
        27, 1989, between Herff Jones, Inc. and Rhode Island Hospital
        Trust National Bank and the related Amended and Restated
        Security Agreement, dated October 27, 1989, between Herff
        Jones, Inc. and Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank.           *



                                     - 39 -


<PAGE>




10.3        Nonexclusive Multimedia Distribution Agreement dated
            September 25, 1993, between the Nystrom division of
            Herff Jones, Inc. and Videodiscovery, Inc.                        *

10.4        Exempt Loan Agreement (Restated) dated as of August 22, 1995,
            between Herff Jones, Inc. and Bank One, Indianapolis, NA as
            Trustee of the Herff Jones, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan.   *

10.5        Registration Rights Agreement dated August 22, 1995 between
            Herff Jones, Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
            Corporation.                                                      *

10.6        Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 1995 between Herff
            Jones, Inc. and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
            Corporation.                                                      *

10.7 (a)    Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement dated June 1,
            1995 between Herff Jones, Inc. and A.J. Hackl.                    *

10.7 (b)    Amendment No. 1 to Consulting Agreement with A.J. Hackl.

10.8        Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated July 7,
            1995 between Herff Jones, Inc. and James W. Hubbard.              *

10.9        Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated July 5,
            1995 between Herff Jones, Inc. and Bernard R. Crandall, Jr.       *

10.10       Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated June 21,
            1995 between Herff Jones, Inc. and Robert S. Potts.               *

10.11       Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated June 21,
            1995 between Herff Jones, Inc. and Patrick T. Rogers.             *

10.12       Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated July 6, 1995
            between Herff Jones, Inc. and Joe K. Slaughter.                   *

10.13       Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated July 6, 1995
            between Herff Jones, Inc. and Lawrence F. Fehr.                   *

10.14       Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated July 9, 1995
            between Herff Jones, Inc. and Boyd P. Boynton.                    *

10.15       Herff Jones, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan,
            effective July 1, 1995.                                           *

10.16       Amendment No. 2 to the Rhode Island Agreements.
            (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
            Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission May 14, 1996.)

21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant                                    *

27          Fiancial Data Schedule


                                     - 40 -


<PAGE>
- --------------
*        Incorporated  by  reference to the exhibit  (bearing the  corresponding
         exhibit  number) to the  Company's  Registration  Statement on Form S-4
         (Registration No. 33-96680) as amended, effective November 1, 1995.

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

         The  registrant  filed  a  Form  8-K  on May 9,  1996,  to  report  the
consummation of its acquisition of the Delmar Companies.  The registrant amended
such report on Form 8-KA1 to include audited financial information and pro forma
financial information for Herff Jones Inc. respecting such acquisition.

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant  to the  requirements  of Section  13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  the Registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

                          HERFF JONES, INC.


                          By  /s/ Lawrence F. Fehr
                              ------------------------------------------------
                              Lawrence F. Fehr, Vice President, Chief Financial
                                   Officer, and Secretary

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

         Signature                          Title                 Date
         ---------                          -----                 ----
(1)  Principal Executive Officer:

     /s/ James W. Hubbard            Chief Executive Officer,)
     ----------------------------    President and Director  )
     James W. Hubbard                                        )
                                                             )
(2)  Principal Financial                                     )
     and Accounting Officer:                                 )
                                                             )
     /s/ Lawrence F. Fehr           Vice President,          )
     ----------------------------   Chief Financial          )
     Lawrence F. Fehr               Officer, Secretary       )
                                    and Director             )
                                                             )
(3)  A Majority of the                                       )
     Board of Directors:                                     )September 23, 1996
                                                             )
                                                             )
     /s/ A.J. Hackl                  Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     A. J. Hackl                                             )
                                                             )
                                                             )
     /s/ Bernard R. Crandall, Jr.    Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     Bernard R. Crandall, Jr.                                )
                                                             )
                                                             )
     /s/ Robert S. Potts             Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     Robert S. Potts                                         )
                                                             )
                                                             )
     /s/ Patrick T. Rogers           Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     Patrick T. Rogers                                       )
                                                             )
                                                             )
     /s/ Joe K. Slaughter            Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     Joe K. Slaughter                                        )
                                                             )
                                                             )
     /s/ Andre B. Lacy               Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     Andre B. Lacy                                           )
                                                             )
     /s/ Thomas E. Reilly, Jr.       Director                )
     ----------------------------                            )
     Thomas E. Reilly, Jr.                                   )

                                     - 41 -

<PAGE>

                                  Schedule VIII

                       Herff Jones, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                    and Reserves For the Years Ended June 29,
                      1996, June 24, 1995 and June 25, 1994
                             (amounts in thousands)







<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               Balance at
                              beginning of          Charged to costs         Deductions, net of      Balance at end of
Description                     period               and expenses               recoveries               period
- -----------                     ------               ------------               ----------               ------
Allowance for returns and
doubtful accounts

<S>                            <C>                       <C>                        <C>                   <C>
Fiscal Year 1994               $2,520                    $792                       $385                  $2,927
Fiscal Year 1995               $2,927                    $645                       $553                  $3,019
Fiscal Year 1996               $3,019                  $2,466                       $602                  $4,883
</TABLE>




                                     - 42 -


<PAGE>

                                   Schedule X

                       Herff Jones, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                  Supplemental Statement of Income Information
       For                   the Years  Ended June 29,  1996,  June 24, 1995 and
                             June 25, 1994 (amounts in thousands)





              Item                           Charged to Cost and Expenses
      -----------------------                ----------------------------
      Maintenance and repairs
         Fiscal Year 1994                           $3,407
         Fiscal Year 1995                           $3,870
         Fiscal Year 1996                           $4,028





                                     - 43 -





                               FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                    CONSULTING AND NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT



         This Amendment to Consulting  and  Non-Competition  Agreement,  entered
into this ____ day of  September,  1996,  by and between  HERFF JONES,  INC., an
Indiana corporation (the "Company"),  and A.J. HACKL (the "Consultant"),  amends
the  Consulting  and Non-  Competition  Agreement  between  the  Company and the
Consultant dated June 1, 1995 (the "Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement").

         WITNESSETH THAT:

         WHEREAS, the Company and the Consultant entered into the Consulting and
Non- Competition Agreement; and

         WHEREAS,  the parties  hereto have concluded that it is in their mutual
best  interest  to modify  the  provisions  thereof  with  respect to the annual
compensation of the Consultant;

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of these premises and of the mutual
agreements herein contained, it is agreed as follows:


         1. Paragraph 5(a) of the Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement shall
be, and it hereby is, amended as follows:

         (a) Consulting Fees.  Beginning  November 1, 1996, the Consultant shall
         be paid a  consulting  fee  during  the Term of  $48,000  per year (the
         "Fee"), which Fee shall be paid in equal monthly installments of $4000.
         The Fee shall not be subject to any deductions or withholdings, for tax
         or other purposes, by the Company.

         2. Except as modified by this Agreement,  all of the rights,  terms and
conditions  in the  Consulting  and  Non-Competition  Agreement,  as  heretofore
amended, shall remain in full force and effect.



                            [signature page follows]


<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  parties  have  executed  this  Amendment  to
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement as of the date first above written.



                                    HERFF JONES, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ James W. Hubbard
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         James W. Hubbard, Chief Executive
                                           Officer & President

DATED:  September 11, 1996

                                    CONSULTANT


                                         /s/ A.J. Hackl
                                         ------------------------------------
                                         A.J. Hackl

DATED:  September 11, 1996



                                       -2-


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     THIS SCHEDULE  CONTAINS SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JUNE
29,  1996 AND IS  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY  BY  REFERENCE  TO SUCH  FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0001000371
<NAME>                        Herff Jones, Inc.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000
<CURRENCY>                                     U.S. Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              Jun-29-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                 JUN-25-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                   JUN-29-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1.000
<CASH>                                         8,680
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  54,066
<ALLOWANCES>                                   4,883
<INVENTORY>                                    36,941
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               107,659
<PP&E>                                         87,753
<DEPRECIATION>                                 38,712
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 162,303
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          86,743
<BONDS>                                        173,574
<COMMON>                                       5,728
                          0
                                    0
<OTHER-SE>                                     (106,070)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   162,303
<SALES>                                        282,941
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               282,941
<CGS>                                          135,625
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  135,625
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               116,525
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               2,118
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             19,482
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                11,936
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (4,094)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            7,842
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (5,844)
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   1,958
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  1.29
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  1.29
        


</TABLE>


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