TIMBERLAND CO
10-K405, 1997-03-26
FOOTWEAR, (NO RUBBER)
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<PAGE>   1
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
                                    FORM 10-K

                        FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
                         PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Mark One)

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 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 1-9548
                                                 ------
                             The Timberland Company
                             ----------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

                Delaware                                   02-0312554
                --------                                   ----------
      (State or Other Jurisdiction                      (I.R.S. Employer
    of Incorporation or Organization)                 Identification No.)

200 Domain Drive, Stratham, New Hampshire                    03885
- -----------------------------------------                    -----
 (Address of Principal Executive Office)                   (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (603) 772-9500

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

      Title of each class              Name of each exchange on which registered
      -------------------              -----------------------------------------
Class A Common Stock, par value                 New York Stock Exchange
- -------------------------------                 -----------------------
        $.01 per share
        --------------
 
        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 the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

       The aggregate market value of Class A Common Stock of the registrant held
by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $338,446,708 on March 3,
1997. For purposes of the foregoing sentence the term "affiliate" includes each
director and executive officer of the registrant. See Item 12 of this Form 10-K.
8,431,889 shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,717,936 shares of Class B Common
Stock of the registrant were outstanding on March 3, 1997.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

       Portions of the registrant's Annual Report to security holders for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference in Part I,
Item 1 regarding foreign and domestic sales and Part II, Items 5, 6, 7 and 8 of
this Form 10-K. Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the
1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A are
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

================================================================================
             The Exhibits Index appears on page 23 of this report.
<PAGE>   2
                                     PART I
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

         The Timberland Company was incorporated in Delaware on December 20,
1978, and is the successor to Abington Shoe Company, which was incorporated in
Massachusetts in 1933 (The Timberland Company, together with its subsidiaries,
is referred to herein as "Timberland" or the "Company," unless the context
indicates otherwise). The Company designs, develops, engineers, markets and
distributes, under the Timberland(R) brand, premium-quality footwear products
for men, women and children and apparel and accessories products for men and
women. Timberland(R) products provide functional performance, classic styling
and lasting protection from the elements. The Company believes that the
combination of these features distinguishes the Timberland brand from competing
brands and makes Timberland products an outstanding value.

         Timberland products are sold in the United States and in more than 60
countries worldwide, primarily through independent retailers, better-grade
department stores and athletic stores which reinforce the Timberland image of
quality, performance and service. Timberland products are also sold through
Timberland(R) specialty stores and factory outlet stores devoted exclusively to
Timberland products.

         During 1996, the Company focused its efforts on returning to
profitability and building on the balance sheet improvements achieved in 1995.
As part of this focus, the Company enhanced its business controls and exercised
greater discipline in the day-to-day operation of its business. The Company
introduced new product lines, such as kids' and women's casual footwear, and
developed many new product offerings for introduction in 1997. The Company also
continued to shift production of its products to third party manufacturers.

CURRENT PRODUCTS

         The Company's products fall into two broad types - footwear products
and apparel and accessories products (including product care and licensed
products). Revenues from sales of the Company's footwear products represented
74.8%, 74.9% and 80.5% of total product sales for 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Revenues attributable to sales of apparel and accessories products
represented 25.2%, 25.1% and 19.5% of total product sales for 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.

         FOOTWEAR

         In 1973, the Company produced its first pair of waterproof leather
boots under the Timberland brand. The Company currently offers a broad variety
of footwear products for men, women and children, featuring premium waterproof
or water resistant leathers and/or fabric uppers, selected use of waterproof
fabric linings and, in certain models, hand-sewn construction. The Company's
footwear design and development group is organized into the following teams:
men's footwear, women's footwear, kids' footwear, performance footwear and
boots. Each team is responsible for all aspects of the footwear development
process.

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<PAGE>   3
         Timberland(R) casual footwear products for men and women include the
classic Weatherbuck collection, loafers, cap toes, wing tips, tassel slip-ons,
oxfords, rugged hand-sewns and boat shoes, as well as more fashion-focused
hand-sewn wovens, slip-ons and loafers specifically designed for women. In 1996,
Timberland introduced a line of kids' footwear based on selected models of its
adult footwear styles. Timberland(R) performance footwear products are designed
to meet the demanding needs of the outdoor enthusiast or recreationalist who
engages in a variety of outdoor activities, such as bouldering, trail
scrambling, mountain biking and hiking. These products feature advanced
technologies such as Active Comfort Technology(TM) (ACT(TM)), a system developed
by the Company that wicks moisture away from the foot and improves comfort and
performance. In 1996, the Company introduced a line of multi-purpose outdoor
footwear, or "MPOs," designed for use in a variety of outdoor activities. Other
new footwear product introductions in 1996 included the Country Trails series of
rugged trekkers and a women's dress casual collection. Timberland(R) boots
include the classic work boots for which the Company is famous, which were
updated in new colors and leathers in 1996.

         APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES

         Timberland(R) apparel products consist primarily of rugged outerwear,
sweaters, shirts, pants, shorts and skirts. These products feature, in certain
models, premium waterproof leathers, waterproof and water resistant fabric,
rust-proof hardware, canvas, denim, high-quality specialty cotton, wool and
other quality performance materials. In 1996, the Company continued to
coordinate and merchandise its men's apparel offerings into apparel collections
to compete in the collection sportswear market. The Company also continued to
focus its women's apparel offerings on classic items distributed principally
through Timberland(R) specialty stores and through several premium retailers
outside the United States. Additionally, the Company expanded the number of
products in its performance apparel product line that have the ACT system, and
added a grouping of active colorful sportswear designed primarily for outdoor
leisure activities.

         Timberland(R) accessories include all products sold under the
Timberland(R) brand other than footwear and apparel products. Many of these
products, including watches, men's belts, day packs and travel gear, socks and
legwear, gloves and eyewear, were introduced to the market in 1996 or early
1997 pursuant to licensing agreements with third parties. These licensing
agreements are intended to expand the Timberland brand to appropriate and
well-defined product categories in a manner designed to reduce the risks to the
Company associated with pursuing such opportunities. Timberland receives a
royalty on sales of these licensed products. Timberland accessories for 1996
also included caps and hats, an expanded and enhanced collection of leather
care products and a limited collection of leather goods: luggage, briefcases,
handbags, wardrobe accessories and other small leather goods.

PRODUCT SALES

         Timberland(R) products are primarily sold in the United States and
internationally through independent retailers, better-grade department stores
and athletic stores which reinforce the



                                       2
<PAGE>   4
Timberland image of quality, performance and service. In 1996, 1995 and 1994,
70.4%, 70.2% and 73.5%, respectively, of the Company's revenues were generated
in the United States.

         In addition to the Company's wholesale customers, Timberland(R)
products are sold through Timberland(R) specialty stores and factory outlet
stores devoted exclusively to Timberland products. These two types of stores are
operated by the Company in the United States and in parts of Europe, and by
certain of the Company's distributors and franchisees in parts of Europe, the
Middle East, Central America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region. In
1996, 1995 and 1994, revenues from Company-operated specialty and outlet stores
accounted for 23.5%, 19.6% and 13.3%, respectively, of the Company's revenues.
This increase was due primarily to the expansion of the Company's factory outlet
store operations.

         UNITED STATES WHOLESALE OPERATIONS

         The Company's wholesale customer accounts within the United States
range from better-grade department and retail stores to athletic stores. These
accounts are serviced through a combination of field and corporate-based sales
teams aligned with these channels. The Company also services its wholesale
accounts through its principal showroom on Fifth Avenue in New York City and two
regional showrooms located in Dallas and Seattle. In 1996, the Company created a
separate women's footwear sales force and expanded and enhanced its footwear
sales planning group.

         The Company continually seeks to increase the number of locations and
expand the size of selling spaces which its wholesale customer accounts dedicate
exclusively to Timberland products. During 1996, the Company opened 42 such
dedicated areas, or "concept shops," principally in men's collection sportswear
departments, of which six were dedicated to footwear and 36 to apparel
(including four apparel concept shops that carry both footwear and apparel). The
Company also developed a concept shop focused on merchandising performance
footwear and apparel products, which is currently in several test markets in the
United States.

         INTERNATIONAL WHOLESALE OPERATIONS

         Timberland products are sold internationally by the Company through its
operating divisions in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and
Austria and by distributors, franchisees and commission agents. The Company's
European operating divisions provide support for the sale of Timberland products
to wholesale customers in their respective countries and, in certain instances,
to distributors, franchisees and commission agents in other countries.
Additionally, certain of the Company's international distributors and
franchisees operate specialty stores and concept shops devoted exclusively to
Timberland products in Europe, the Middle East, Central America, South America
and the Asia/Pacific region. 

         In 1996, the Company entered into an agreement for the exclusive
distribution of certain Timberland products and the operation of Timberland
specialty stores throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This agreement
requires the opening of a minimum number of new specialty stores and concept
shops over a specified time period, and requires the distributors to meet
requirements for minimum purchases of Timberland products during each year. The

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<PAGE>   5
Company entered into similar distribution agreements in 1995 for the
Asia/Pacific region and the southern cone of South America. All of these
agreements are intended to expand the Timberland(R) brand to appropriate and
well-defined geographical territories in which the Company has not had an
appreciable presence, in a manner designed to reduce the risk to the Company
associated with pursuing such opportunities.

         RETAIL OPERATIONS

         In addition to providing an environment to showcase the Timberland
brand as an integrated source of footwear, apparel and accessories,
Timberland(R) specialty stores provide sales and consumer-trend information
which assists the Company in developing its marketing strategies, including
point-of-purchase marketing materials. The training and customer service
programs established in the Company's specialty stores also serve as models
which may be adopted by the Company's other retail accounts. The Company
operates 31 specialty stores worldwide.

         The Company's factory outlet stores serve as the primary channel for
the sale of factory-second, discontinued and excess products, and are intended
to protect and control the integrity of the Timberland brand and to maximize
the return associated with the sale of such products. The Company operates 40
factory outlet stores worldwide. The Company also opened several temporary
factory outlet stores in locations where the Company was able to enter into
low-cost, short-term leases.

DISTRIBUTION

         The Company operates footwear distribution facilities in Danville,
Kentucky and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Company also fills footwear orders from
a third-party distribution facility in City of Industry, California. All apparel
and accessories orders are centrally distributed from the Company's distribution
facility in Grove City, Ohio. As part of its efforts to streamline its
distribution operations, in 1996, the Company closed two distribution centers in
the United States and two third-party distribution centers in France and
Germany. The Company has entered into a lease for a centralized European
distribution facility in Holland, which is expected to be operational by
mid-1997.

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

         The Company's advertising campaigns are designed to increase brand
awareness among consumers and to emphasize the features that distinguish the
Timberland brand from competing brands and make Timberland(R) products an
outstanding value. Timberland's product and territory licensing arrangements
also require licensees to fund marketing campaigns, over which Timberland
maintains approval rights to ensure consistent and effective brand presentation.

         During 1996, the Company's national and regional advertising campaigns
appeared mainly in various active-lifestyle, fashion and sports-focused consumer
periodicals and trade press outlets. The Company reinforced these advertising
campaigns with a variety of in-store promotions, point-of-purchase marketing
materials and cooperative advertising programs with its

                                       4
<PAGE>   6
retailers, as well as retail sales clerk training and other sales incentive
programs and promotional campaigns. The Company also promoted its products at
various industry trade shows in the United States and internationally. The
Company's advertising campaigns were focused on the second half of 1996,
particularly on the third quarter, when the Company's revenues are traditionally
highest.

         During 1996, the Company produced internally all advertising, product
catalogs and point-of-purchase marketing materials and all packaging and
hang-tag designs for both its 1996 and 1997 product offerings.

SEASONALITY

         In 1996, as has traditionally been the case, the Company's revenues
were higher in the last two quarters of the year than in the first two quarters.
Accordingly, the amount of fixed costs related to the Company's retail
operations represented a larger percentage of revenues in the first two quarters
of 1996 than in the last two quarters of 1996. The Company expects this
seasonality to continue in 1997.

BACKLOG

         At December 31, 1996, Timberland's backlog of orders from its customers
was approximately $129 million, compared to $102 million at December 31, 1995
and $132 million at December 31, 1994. While all orders in the backlog are
subject to cancellation by customers, the Company expects that the majority of
such orders will be filled in 1997. The Company does not believe that its order
backlog at year-end is representative of the orders which will be filled during
1997, due to the shift toward "at-once" orders and away from "future" orders
being adopted by many retailers.

MANUFACTURING

         The Company's two manufacturing facilities are located in Puerto Rico
and the Dominican Republic. During 1996, the Company manufactured approximately
35% of its footwear unit volume, compared to approximately 40% during 1995 and
60% during 1994. The remainder of the Company's footwear products and all of its
apparel and accessories (excluding licensed products, the manufacture of which
is the responsibility of the Company's licensees) were produced by independent
manufacturers in Asia, Europe and South America. Of the unit volume of the
Company's footwear products, approximately 23% and 14%, respectively, was
produced by two independent manufacturers during 1996. No other independent
manufacturer produced more than 5% of the Company's footwear unit volume in
1996. The Company currently plans to retain its internal manufacturing
capability in order to continue benefiting from expertise gained with respect to
footwear manufacturing methods and from the research and development activities
conducted at its manufacturing facilities.

         To the extent the Company manufactures its products outside the United
States or is dependent upon foreign operations with unaffiliated parties, the
Company is subject to the usual risks of doing business abroad. These risks
potentially include, among other risks, foreign

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exchange rate fluctuations, import restrictions, anti-dumping investigations,
political or labor disturbances, expropriation and acts of war.

         The Company maintains a quality management group, which develops,
reviews and updates the Company's quality and production standards. To help
ensure such standards are being met, the group also conducts product quality
audits at the Company's and independent manufacturers' factories and
distribution centers. The Company has offices in Bangkok, Thailand and Taichung,
Taiwan to supervise the Company's sourcing activities conducted in the
Asia/Pacific region. In 1996, the quality management group developed a database
to monitor product returns data more closely and to make such data more readily
accessible. The quality management group also instituted regular reporting of
its product quality audit findings, established standards for returning
defective products to manufacturers, reissued finished goods quality guidelines
and established a footwear lab where product testing can be performed at an
earlier stage in the product development process.

RAW MATERIALS

         In 1996, four suppliers provided more than 10% each, or an aggregate of
approximately 79%, of the Company's leather purchases. Two of these suppliers
provided an aggregate of approximately 50% of the Company's leather purchases.
The Company has no reason to believe that leather will not continue to be
available from these or alternative sources. The Company has established a
central network of suppliers through which the Company's manufacturing
facilities and independent manufacturers can purchase raw materials. The Company
believes that this centralized approach helps reduce the cost and provides
greater consistency of raw materials procured to produce Timberland(R) products
and improves compliance with the Company's production standards.

TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES; PATENTS; RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

         The Company's principal trade name is The Timberland Company and the
Company's principal trademarks are Timberland and [GRAPHIC OMITTED], which have
been registered in the United States and in certain foreign countries. Other
Company trademarks or registered trademarks are Active Comfort Technology; ACT;
Aero Balm; B.S.F.P.; Balm Shelter; Black Ridge Mountain; Bootness; Boots, Shoes,
Clothing, Wind, Water, Earth and Sky; Cream Buff; Fastpacker; Grime Squad;
Guaranteed Waterproof Construction; Hydro Balm; Jackson Mountain; Mill River;
More Quality Than You May Ever Need; Mountain to River; Nothing Can Stop You;
TBL; The Boot Company; The Elements of Design are the Elements Themselves, Wind,
Water, Earth and Sky; This is a trip; This is not baggage; This is your new best
friend; Timberland 1049; Tims; Toporelief; Topozoic; Trail Grip; Treeline;
Waximum; Weathergear; Where is your outdoors?; and Wind, Water, Earth, and Sky;
as well as the following design logos:

                                    [GRAPHIC]

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The Company regards its trade name and trademarks as valuable assets and
believes that they are important factors in marketing its products. It is the
policy of the Company to protect and defend vigorously its trade name and
trademarks against infringement under the laws of the United States and other
countries. In addition, the Company seeks to protect and defend vigorously its
patents, designs, copyrights and all other of its proprietary rights under
applicable laws.

         The Company conducts research, design and development efforts for its
products, including field testing of a number of its products to evaluate and
improve product performance. However, the Company's expenses relating to
research, design and development have not represented a material expenditure
relative to its other expenses.

COMPETITION

         The Company's footwear and apparel and accessories products are
marketed in highly competitive environments which are subject to rapid changes
in consumer preference. Although the footwear industry is fragmented to a great
degree, many of the Company's competitors are larger and have substantially
greater resources than the Company, including athletic shoe companies, many of
which compete directly with some of the Company's products. In addition, the
Company faces competition from retailers that are establishing products under
private labels which compete with the Company's products.

         The Company does not believe that any of its principal competitors
offers a complete line of products that provide the same quality and performance
as the complete line of Timberland(R) footwear and apparel and accessories
products. However, the Company does have a variety of major competitors in each
of its separate footwear and apparel and accessories products.

         The Company has at least nine major competitors in classic work boot
sales, at least seven major competitors in rugged casual footwear sales, at
least twelve major competitors in performance boots and sandal sales, at least
thirteen major competitors in dress casual footwear sales and at least four
major competitors in kids' footwear sales. The Company's major competitors for
its footwear products are located principally in the United States. The Company
also faces competition from many international footwear manufacturers.

         The Company's line of men's and women's apparel faces competition from
at least twelve major apparel companies in the United States and from a variety
of major apparel companies internationally. The Company's men's and women's
lines of footwear and apparel face competition from at least two direct mail
companies in the United States.

         Product quality, performance, design, styling and pricing, as well as
consumer awareness, are all important elements of competition in the footwear,
apparel and accessories markets served by the Company. Although changing fashion
trends generally affect demand for particular footwear and apparel and
accessories products, the Company believes that, because of the functional
performance, classic styling and high quality of Timberland(R) footwear
products, demand for Timberland footwear products (except for the more
fashion-focused models introduced under Timberland's dress casual footwear line)
is less sensitive to changing trends in fashion than other products that are
designed specifically to meet such trends.

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<PAGE>   9
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

         Compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations has
not had, nor is it expected to have, any material effect on the capital
expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company, based on
information and circumstances known to the Company.

EMPLOYEES

         At December 31, 1996, the Company had approximately 5,700 employees
worldwide. Management considers its employee relations to be good. None of the
Company's employees is represented by a labor union, and the Company has never
suffered a material interruption of business caused by labor disputes.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND OPERATIONS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

         The Company operates in a single industry segment which includes the
designing, engineering and marketing and distribution of footwear products for
men, women and kids and apparel and accessories products for men and women.
Information regarding revenues, operating income and identifiable assets
attributable to each of the geographic areas in which the Company operates, and
the amount of export sales to unaffiliated customers in the aggregate, is set
forth in Note 13 to the Company's consolidated financial statements, entitled
"Industry Segment and Geographical Area Information," appearing in the Company's
1996 Annual Report to security holders, which information is incorporated herein
by reference.


ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

         Since April 1994, the Company has leased its worldwide headquarters
located in Stratham, New Hampshire, under a lease which expires in July 1999,
with an option to extend the term for one year. The Company considers its
headquarters facilities adequate and suitable for its current needs. The Company
owns a facility in Hampton, New Hampshire, which served as the Company's
headquarters. In connection with the purchase financing for the Hampton, New
Hampshire, property, industrial revenue bonds are outstanding in the principal
amount of $5,345,000, which are due in 2014. These bonds bear interest at 6.20%
through 1999 and, thereafter, at rates adjusted every five years, through
maturity. These bonds are secured by a mortgage on such real estate and by a
security interest on assets located at the property.

         The Company leases its manufacturing facilities, which are located in
Isabela, Puerto Rico, and Santiago, Dominican Republic. These manufacturing
facilities are occupied under 11 leasing arrangements, which expire on various
dates through February 1998. The Company owns its distribution facilities in
Grove City, Ohio, and Danville, Kentucky, and leases its warehouse in City of
Industry, California. The Company has also entered into a lease for a
centralized European distribution facility in Enschede, Holland, which is
expected to be operational by mid-1997.

         The Company leases all of its specialty and factory outlet stores. The
Company's subsidiaries also lease office and warehouse space to meet their
individual requirements.

                                       8
<PAGE>   10
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         The Company is involved in various litigation and legal matters which
have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the
ultimate resolution of any existing matter will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

         The Company and two of its officers and directors have been named as
defendants in two actions filed in the United States District Court for the
District of New Hampshire, one filed by Jerrold Schaffer on December 12, 1994,
and the other filed by Gershon Kreuser on January 4, 1995. On April 24, 1995,
the District Court granted plaintiffs' motion, assented to by defendants, to
consolidate the two actions. On June 23, 1995, plaintiffs filed a consolidated
amended complaint (the "Amended Complaint") with the District Court. The Amended
Complaint alleges that defendants violated federal securities laws by making
material misstatements and omissions in certain of the Company's public filings
and statements in 1994. Specifically, the Amended Complaint alleges that such
statements and omissions had the effect of artificially inflating the market
price for the Company's Class A Common Stock until the disclosure by the Company
on December 9, 1994, of its expectation that results for the fourth quarter were
not likely to meet analysts' anticipated levels. Damages are unspecified. On
March 18, 1996, the District Court denied defendants' motion to dismiss the
Amended Complaint. On March 19, 1996, the District Court granted plaintiffs'
motion for class certification for all purchasers of the Company's Class A
Common Stock between May 12, 1994 and December 9, 1994. Management believes this
action is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously. Accordingly, at
this time, management does not expect the outcome of such litigation to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

         During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996,
no matter was submitted to a vote of security holders through the solicitation
of proxies or otherwise.

ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

         The following information is submitted as to the executive officers of
the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NAME                  AGE      POSITION
   ----                  ---      --------
<S>                       <C>     <C>
Sidney W. Swartz          61      Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive
                                   Officer and Director

Jeffrey B. Swartz         37      Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

Keith D. Monda            50      Senior Vice President-Finance and Administration and
                                   Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>

                                       9
<PAGE>   11
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>     <C>
Gregory W. VanWormer      41      Senior Vice President and General Manager-Apparel/Retail/Marketing

Dennis W. Hagele          53      Vice President-Finance and Corporate Controller
                                  (Chief Accounting Officer)

Jane E. Owens             43      Vice President and General Counsel
</TABLE>


         All executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of
Directors.

         Sidney W. Swartz has served the Company as Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President since June 1986.

         Jeffrey B. Swartz has served the Company as Executive Vice President
since March 1990 and as Chief Operating Officer since May 1991. Jeffrey Swartz
is the son of Sidney W. Swartz.

         Keith D. Monda joined the Company in December 1993 as Senior Vice
President-Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. From May 1990
to December 1993, Mr. Monda was Executive Vice President of Finance and
Administration of J. Crew Group, Inc.

         Gregory W. VanWormer joined the Company in May 1994 as Senior Vice
President-Retail. Effective January 1, 1995, Mr. VanWormer was promoted to
Senior Vice President and General Manager-Apparel/Retail. Effective January 1,
1996, Mr. VanWormer was promoted to Senior Vice President and General
Manager-Apparel/Retail/Marketing. From August 1991 to April 1994, Mr. VanWormer
was the Vice President-General Merchandise Manager of G.H. Bass & Co.

         Dennis W. Hagele joined the Company in October 1994 as Vice
President-Finance and Corporate Controller. From July 1993 to September 1994,
Mr. Hagele was an independent financial consultant; and from August 1981 to June
1993, he was Assistant Controller of Sara Lee Corporation.

         Jane E. Owens joined the Company in September 1992 as Vice President
and General Counsel. From June 1990 to August 1992, Ms. Owens was Counsel for
Reebok International Ltd.

                                     PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

         The information required by this item is included in the registrant's
1996 Annual Report to security holders under the caption "Quarterly Market
Information and Related Matters" and is incorporated herein by reference.

                                       10
<PAGE>   12
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

         The information required by this item is included in the registrant's
1996 Annual Report to security holders under the caption "Five Year Summary of
Selected Financial Data" and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

         The information required by this item is included in the registrant's
1996 Annual Report to security holders under the caption "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

         The information required by this item is included in the registrant's
1996 Annual Report to security holders and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

         Not applicable.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

         Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption
"Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Item 4A of Part I of this report and
to information under the caption "Information with Respect to Nominees" in the
registrant's definitive proxy statement (the "registrant's 1997 Proxy
Statement") relating to its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed
with the Commission within 120 days after the close of the registrant's fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, which information is incorporated herein by
reference. Reference is also made to the information set forth in the
registrant's 1997 Proxy Statement with respect to compliance with Section 16(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which
information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption
"Executive Compensation" in the registrant's 1997 Proxy Statement, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.


                                       11
<PAGE>   13
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

         Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the
registrant's 1997 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by
reference. For purposes of calculating the aggregate market value of the Class A
Common Stock on March 3, 1997 held by non-affiliates of the registrant appearing
on the cover page of this report, the shares owned by The Sidney W. Swartz 1982
Family Trust, The Swartz Foundation and The Sidney and Judith Swartz Charitable
Remainder Unitrust have not been considered owned by an affiliate.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

         Reference is made to the information set forth under the caption
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the registrant's 1997 Proxy
Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         (a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The following financial statements
appearing in the Company's 1996 Annual Report to security holders are
incorporated by reference in this report:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL REPORT

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996
     and December 31, 1995                                                   17

For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:

     Consolidated Statements of Operations                                   18

     Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity              19

     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                   20

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                              21

Independent Auditors' Report                                                 31
</TABLE>

                                       12
<PAGE>   14
     (a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE. The following additional financial
data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements in
the registrant's 1996 Annual Report to security holders:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       FORM 10-K
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                      <C>
Independent Auditors' Report on Schedule VIII                             F-1

Schedule VIII - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                         F-2
</TABLE>

     All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not
required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and have, therefore,
been omitted.

     (b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the fourth
quarter of 1996.

     (c) Listed below are all the Exhibits filed as part of this report, some of
which are incorporated by reference from documents previously filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the
provisions of Rule 12b-32 of the Exchange Act.

EXHIBIT                          DESCRIPTION                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)  Articles of incorporation and by-laws
     -------------------------------------
 
     3.1      Restated Certificate of Incorporation (1)

     3.2      By-Laws, as amended May 19, 1993 (5)

(4)  Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (See also Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2)

     4.1      Specimen stock certificate for shares of the Company's Class A
              Common Stock, filed herewith

(10) Material Contracts
     ------------------

     10.1     Agreement dated as of August 29, 1979 between The Timberland
              Company and Sidney W. Swartz (1)

     10.2     The Company's 1987 Stock Option Plan, as amended (8)

     10.3     The Company's 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended
              (2)

                                       13
<PAGE>   15

EXHIBIT                        DESCRIPTION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(10) Material Contracts 
     ------------------

         10.4     The Company's 1991 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
                  Directors (3)

         10.5     The Timberland Company Long Term Incentive Plan for Senior
                  Management (5)

         10.6     The Timberland Company Annual Bonus Plan for Exempt Employees
                  (5)

         10.7     The Timberland Company Retirement Earnings 401(k) Plan and
                  Trust Agreements (10)

         10.8     The Timberland Company Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
                  Agreements (10)

         10.9     (a)  Lease dated March 23, 1987 between The Outdoor Footwear
                       Company and Corporacion Sublistatica, S.A. (1)

                  (b)  Lease dated November 21, 1988 between 745 Associates
                       and The Timberland Company (4)

                  (c)  (i)  Lease dated July 20, 1992 among Louise Minges,
                            Mitchell Minges and The Timberland Company (4)
 
                       (ii) Amendment dated July 16, 1993 to Lease (5)

                  (d)  Lease dated March 31, 1981 between the Puerto Rico
                       Industrial Development and The Timberland Company (4)

                  (e)  Lease dated September 7, 1992 between Corporacion Zona
                       Franca Industrial De Santiago, Inc. and The
                       Recreational Footwear Company (4)

                  (f)  Lease dated December 2, 1992 between Corporacion Zona
                       Franca Industrial De Santiago, Inc. and The
                       Recreational Footwear Company (4)

                  (g)  Lease dated as of June 29, 1993 between Timberland
                       Dominicana, S.A. and Santiago Norte, S.A. (Pisano)
                       Industrial Park (5)

                                       14
<PAGE>   16
EXHIBIT                        DESCRIPTION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(10) Material Contracts 
     ------------------

                  (h)  Lease dated as of November 30, 1993 between Timberland
                       Dominicana, S.A. and Santiago Norte, S.A. (Pisano)
                       Industrial Park (5)

                  (i)  Lease dated as of December 16, 1993 between Timberland
                       Dominicana, S.A. and Santiago Norte, S.A. (Pisano)
                       Industrial Park (5)

                  (j)  Lease dated as of March 31, 1993 between Talbot
                       Operations, Inc. and The Timberland Company (5)

                  (k)  (i)  Sublease dated March 31, 1994 between
                            Hewlett-Packard Company and The Timberland Company
                            (6)

                       (ii) Amendment No. 1 dated July 15, 1994 to Sublease (7)

     10.10        (a)  Amended and Restated Note Agreements dated as of
                       April 1, 1994 regarding $35,000,000 9.70% Senior Notes
                       due December 1, 1999 (6)

                  (b)  Amendment No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1995 to Amended and
                       Restated Note Agreements (9)

                  (c)  Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 28, 1995 to Amended and
                       Restated Note Agreements (9)

                  (d)  Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 21, 1996 to Amended and
                       Restated Note Agreements (11)

     10.11        (a)  Note Agreements dated as of April 1, 1994 regarding
                       $65,000,000 7.16% Senior Notes due April 15, 2000 (6)

                  (b)  Amendment No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1995 to Note
                       Agreements (9)

                  (c)  Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 28, 1995 to Note
                       Agreements (9)

                  (d)  Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 21, 1996 to Amended and
                       Restated Note Agreements (11)


                                       15
<PAGE>   17
EXHIBIT                        DESCRIPTION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(10) Material Contracts 
     ------------------

     10.12         Credit Agreement dated as of June 21, 1996 among The
                   Timberland Company, certain banks listed therein and Morgan
                   Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (11)

     10.13         (a)   Note Agreements dated as of December 15, 1994 regarding
                         $106,000,000 8.94% Senior Notes due December 15, 2001
                         (7)

                   (b)   Amendment No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1995 to Note
                         Agreements (9)

                   (c)   Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 28, 1995 to Note
                         Agreements (9)

                   (d)   Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 21, 1996 to Amended
                         and Restated Note Agreements (11)

(13) Annual Report to security holders
     ---------------------------------

     13.             Portions of 1996 Annual Report to security holders as
                     incorporated herein by reference, filed herewith

(21) Subsidiaries
     ------------

     21.             List of subsidiaries of the registrant, filed herewith

(23) Consent of experts and counsel
     ------------------------------

     23.             Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, filed herewith

(27) Financial Data Schedule
     -----------------------

     27.             Financial Data Schedules, filed herewith

(99) Additional Exhibit
     ------------------

     99.             Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor"
                     Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
                     of 1995, filed herewith

                                       16
<PAGE>   18
- ------------
(1)   Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-1, numbered
      33-14319, and incorporated herein by reference.

(2)   Filed on June 21, 1995, as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form
      S-8, numbered 33-60459, and incorporated herein by reference.

(3)   Filed on August 18, 1992, as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form
      S-8, numbered 33-50998, and incorporated herein by reference.

(4)   Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference.

(5)   Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference.

(6)   Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
      period ended July 1, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.

(7)   Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference.

(8)   Filed on June 21, 1995, as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form
      S-8, numbered 33-60457, and incorporated herein by reference.

(9)   Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
      period ended June 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

(10)  Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

(11)  Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
      period ended June 27, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to paragraph 4(iii) of Item 601(b), Regulation S-K, the registrant has
filed as Exhibits only the instruments defining the rights of holders of
long-term debt of the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries with respect
to which the total amount of securities authorized thereunder exceeds 10% of the
total assets of the registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The
registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission upon its request copies of other
instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant
and its subsidiaries, with respect to which the total amount does not exceed 10%
of such assets. The registrant also agrees to furnish to the Commission upon its
request copies of any omitted schedule or exhibit to any Exhibit filed herewith.

                                       17
<PAGE>   19
                                   SIGNATURES

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

                                                THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY

March 26, 1997                                  By:  /s/ Sidney W. Swartz
                                                   ----------------------
                                                    Sidney W. Swartz, President

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Signature                                   Title                                       Date
     ---------                                   -----                                       ----
<S>                                    <C>                                                 <C>
                                       Chairman of the Board, President
                                       and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Sidney W. Swartz                   (Principal Executive Officer)                       March 26, 1997
- -----------------------
(Sidney W. Swartz)

                                       Executive Vice President, Chief
/s/ Jeffrey B. Swartz                  Operating Officer and Director                      March 26, 1997
- -------------------------
(Jeffrey B. Swartz)
                                       Senior Vice President-Finance
                                       and Administration and Chief
/s/ Keith D. Monda                     Financial Officer                                   March 26, 1997
- -------------------------
(Keith D. Monda)
                                       Vice President-Finance
                                       and Corporate Controller
/s/ Dennis W. Hagele                   (Chief Accounting Officer)                          March 26, 1997
- ------------------------
(Dennis W. Hagele)

/s/ Robert M. Agate                    Director                                            March 26, 1997
- -------------------------
(Robert M. Agate)

/s/ John F. Brennan                    Director                                            March 26, 1997
- -------------------------
(John F. Brennan)

/s/ Ian W. Diery                       Director                                            March 26, 1997
- --------------------
(Ian W. Diery)

/s/ John A. Fitzsimmons                Director                                            March 26, 1997
- ---------------------------
(John A. Fitzsimmons)

/s/ Abraham Zaleznik                   Director                                            March 26, 1997
- ---------------------------
(Abraham Zaleznik)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   20
                                                                      Item 14(d)

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Timberland Company:

     We have audited the consolidated financial statements of The Timberland
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, and have issued our report
thereon dated February 5, 1997; such consolidated financial statements and
report are included in your 1996 Annual Report to security holders and are
incorporated herein by reference. Our audits also included the consolidated
financial statement schedule of The Timberland Company, listed in Item 14. This
financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audit. In our opinion,
such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to
the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.



/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
February 5, 1997


                                       F-1
<PAGE>   21
                                                                   SCHEDULE VIII


                             THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY

                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                      
                                                    Additions
                            Balance at   --------------------------------     Deductions    Balance at
                            Beginning    Charged to Costs    Charged to         Net of          End
Description                 of Period      and Expenses    Other Accounts      Write-Offs    of Period
- -----------                 ---------      ------------    --------------      ----------    ---------
<S>                           <C>            <C>               <C>                <C>            <C>   
Allowance for
  doubtful accounts:

Year ended

    December 31, 1996         $2,658         $2,046             --                $1,164         $3,540

    December 31, 1995          2,704          3,697             --                 3,743          2,658

    December 31, 1994          1,014          1,938             --                   248          2,704




Group insurance
  reserve:

Year ended

    December 31, 1996         $2,774         $3,402             --                $5,141         $1,035

    December 31, 1995          1,810          5,467             --                 4,503          2,774

    December 31, 1994          1,319          7,983             --                 7,492          1,810
</TABLE>


                                       F-2
<PAGE>   22
Timberland; [GRAPHIC]; Active Comfort Technology; ACT; Aero Balm;
B.S.F.P.; Balm Shelter; Black Ridge Mountain; Bootness; Boots, Shoes, Clothing,
Wind, Water, Earth and Sky; Cream Buff; Fastpacker; Grime Squad; Guaranteed
Waterproof Construction; Hydro Balm; Jackson Mountain; Mill River; More Quality
Than You May Ever Need; Mountain to River; Nothing Can Stop You; TBL; The Boot
Company; The Elements of Design are the Elements Themselves, Wind, Water, Earth
and Sky; This is a trip; This is not baggage; This is your new best friend;
Timberland 1049; Tims; Toporelief; Topozoic; Trail Grip; Treeline; Waximum;
Weathergear; Where is your outdoors?; and Wind, Water, Earth, and Sky are
trademarks or registered trademarks of The Timberland Company.


                         (C) The Timberland Company 1997
                              All Rights Reserved.

                                                                     983-10K1-97

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.1

                                                               CLASS A 
                                                            COMMON STOCK
                                                      PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
                            TIMBERLAND(R) [LOGO](R)

                                                          ------------------
                                                                SHARES


                                                          ------------------
                             THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY

              INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
 THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN BOSTON, NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND LOS ANGELES

                                                                CUSIP 887100 105
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS CERTIFIES THAT







IS THE OWNER OF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       FULLY PAID AND NONASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF

The Timberland Company transferable only on the books of the Corporation by the
holder hereof in person or by attorney upon surrender of this Certificate duly
endorsed or assigned. This Certificate and the shares represented hereby are
subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and to the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Corporation as from time to
time amended. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered
by the Transfer Agent and Registrar. 

       Witness the seal of the Corporation and the signatures of its duly
                              authorized officers.

Dated:


                                     [LOGO]
 John E. Beard                                                  Sidney W. Swartz

   SECRETARY                                                        PRESIDENT



COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,
                                            TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR,
BY


                                                         AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE. 
<PAGE>   2
                             THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY

     The shares evidenced by this certificate represent one of three classes
of stock of the Corporation and are subject to the respective powers,
designations, preferences and relative participation, optional and other
special rights of the classes of the Corporation's stock, and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions of such preferences and rights,
set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. The Corporation will
furnish a copy of such powers, designations, preferences and relative
participation, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications,
limitations and restrictions of such preferences and rights, to the holder of
this certificate without charge, upon request.

                                   ASSIGNMENT

     For Value Received,________________________________hereby sell, assign and
transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
    IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- ---------------------------------------



- ---------------------------------------



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF ASSIGNEE

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_________________________________________________________________________ Shares
represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute

and appoint____________________________________________________________Attorney

to transfer the said Shares on the books of the within named Corporation with 

full power of substitution in the premises.


Dated ____________________ 19__   ___________________________________________
                                  NOTICE: The signature of this assignment 
                                  must correspond with the name as written
                                  upon the face of the certificate, in every
                                  particular, without alteration enlargement 
                                  or any change whatever.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 13


                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
Years Ended December 31,                            1996          1995           1994           1993           1992
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>      
Revenues                                         $ 689,973     $ 655,138       $ 638,097      $ 420,062      $ 292,571
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                   20,419       (11,635)         17,710         22,521         12,919
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) per share                             1.81         (1.04)           1.58           2.01           1.18
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(Dollars in Thousands)  
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                        1996          1995             1994           1993           1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
 Cash and equivalents                              $ 93,336      $38,389        $  6,381       $  3,281       $   1,220
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Working capital                                    269,603      268,115         266,529        155,660          94,427
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total assets                                       449,586      421,408         473,264        290,611         194,117
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Notes payable                                            -           -           22,513         10,061           6,851
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total long-term debt                               189,454      207,187         214,815         91,491          44,176
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Stockholders' equity                               165,360      142,221         149,090        128,363         104,600
</TABLE>



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
The following discusses the Company's results of operations and liquidity and
capital resources. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the "The
Year in Review" and the consolidated nancial statements and related notes.

<CAPTION>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
Years Ended December 31,                          1996              %          1995           %         1994              %
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>   
 Net revenues                                    $689,973         100.0%      $655,138      100.0%      $638,097        100.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Gross profit                                     251,909          36.5        203,397       31.0        209,395         32.8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total operating expenses1                        201,020          29.1        210,330       32.1        165,779         26.0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Operating income (loss)1                          50,889           7.4          (6,933)     (1.1)        43,616          6.8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Interest expense                                  20,582           3.0          22,861       3.5         15,052          2.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net income (loss)2                                20,419           3.0         (11,635)     (1.8)        17,710          2.8
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Earnings (loss) per share                       $   1.81                     $  (1.04)                  $  1.58  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Weighted average shares outstanding               11,255                       11,171                    11,209      
<FN>

1 Includes a $16.0 million pre-tax restructuring charge in 1995 which reduced 
  earnings and earnings per share by $9.9 million and $.89, respectively.
2 Includes a $16.0 million pre-tax restructuring charge in 1995 which reduced 
  earnings and earnings per share by $9.9 million and $.89, respectively, and a 
  $12.1 million non-recurring pre-tax gain in 1995 which increased earnings and 
  earnings per share by $7.5 million and $.67, respectively.
</TABLE>



                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   13
<PAGE>   2
FINANCIAL REVIEW

Revenues increased 5.3% to $690.0 million in 1996 from $655.1 million in 1995
and $638.1 million in 1994. The increase in 1996 was due to unit volume growth
in both footwear and apparel and accessories. The increase in 1995 compared to
1994 was the result of unit volume growth in apparel and accessories offset by a
decrease in unit volume in footwear. The average selling price of footwear was
comparable in 1996 and 1995 after having declined in 1995 compared to 1994. The
average selling price of apparel and accessories declined during 1996 and 1995
each when compared to the preceding year. Much of the 1996 price decline is
attributable to the expansion of the Company's factory outlet stores. Footwear
revenues were $511.3 million in 1996, $483.1 million in 1995, and $513.5 million
in 1994. This represents an increase of 5.8% in 1996 and a decrease of 5.9% in
1995 each compared to the prior year. Revenues attributable to apparel and
accessories were $172.4 million in 1996, $162.3 million in 1995, and $124.0
million in 1994. This represents increases of 6.2% and 30.9% in 1996 and 1995
each compared to the prior year, respectively. Domestic revenues amounted to
$485.4 million in 1996, $459.8 million in 1995, and $469.3 million in 1994 or
70.4%, 70.2%, and 73.5% of total revenues for each of the three years,
respectively.

The gross profit margin was 36.5% in 1996, 31.0% in 1995, and 32.8% in 1994. The
increase in the margin percent in 1996 from 1995 was due primarily to improved
manufacturing efficiencies, an expanded and enhanced sourcing effort,
improvements in sales returns and allowances and fewer off-price sales. The
decrease in the gross margin percent in 1995 from 1994 was due to a change in
product sales mix. Although sales of first quality inventory represented a
substantial majority of total revenues, off-price sales comprise d a greater
percentage of total revenues in 1995 compared to 1994. In addition, lower
production levels in the Company's manufacturing facilities in 1995 had a
negative effect on overhead cost absorption, which further reduced gross profit
margins.

During the second quarter of 1995, the Company closed its manufacturing
facilities in Boone, North Carolina and Mountain City, Tennessee, reduced its
manufacturing operations in the Dominican Republic and downsized its corporate
workforce due to a reorganized management structure. These actions resulted in a
one-time pre-tax charge of $16.0 million and the elimination of approximately
1,800 positions. The Company has two remaining manufacturing facilities: one in
Puerto Rico and one in the Dominican Republic . All other product is sourced by
the Company from third party contract manufacturers.

Of the total charge for restructuring in 1995, $9.9 million related to
anticipated losses associated with the disposal of assets and was a non-cash
item; $3.9 million related to payments for contractual lease obligations and
anticipated expenditures to close idle facilities; and $2.2 million related to
payments for severance and other employee liabilities.

The Company has substantially completed these restructuring actions with the
exception of remaining lease payments and other obligations relating to one of
the manufacturing facilities. Cash expenditures related to the restructuring
plan of $4.6 million have been incurred through December 31, 1996. The Company
has funded the cost of the restructuring plan from internal sources and
available borrowing capacity. The restructuring plan began lowering operating
costs in the third quarter of 1995. Based on recent manufacturing plant
production levels, annual savings were approximately $10.0 million.

Operating expenses were $201.0 million or 29.1% of revenues in 1996, $210.3
million or 32.1% of revenues in 1995 and $165.8 million or 26.0% of revenues in
1994. Operating expenses increased $6.7 million in 1996 from 1995, excluding the
restructuring charge, principally due to increased selling expenses attributable
to increased unit volume growth in both footwear and apparel and accessories.
Excluding the restructuring charge, operating expenses in 1995 increased $28.6
million from 1994 to $194.3 million, or 29.7% of revenues in 1995. The increase
in operating expenses in 1995 was principally a result of the Company's growing
retail organization, the inclusion of the Company's Italian operations for a
full year, and the larger core infrastructure which was designed to support
higher revenue levels.

Operating income, which is pretax earnings before interest and other expenses,
was $50.9 million in 1996, $9.1 million in 1995 (excluding the restructuring
charge) and $43.6 million in 1994. As a percent of revenues, operating income
was 7.4% in 1996, 1.4% (excluding the restructuring charge) in 1995 and 6.8% in
1994.

Interest expense was $20.6 million in 1996 compared to $22.9 million in 1995 and
$15.1 million in 1994. The decrease in 1996 primarily reflected lower borrowings
compared to 1995. The increase in 1995 from 1994 primarily reflected higher debt
levels attributable to business growth and the need to support higher than
anticipated inventory levels.




14   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY
<PAGE>   3
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

In January 1995, the Company appointed Inchcape plc as the exclusive distributor
of TimberlandRegistration Mark products throughout most of the Asia/Pacific
region. The agreement with Inchcape also included Inchcape's acquisition of the
Company's Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries for a total sum of $24
million. During the third quarter of 1995, this agreement was amended to include
South Korea. These transactions resulted in a non-recurring pretax gain of
approximately $12.1 million in 1995. The gain is included in "Other income" in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The effective income tax rate was 34.0% in 1996, 38.0% in 1995, and 37.0% in
1994. The decrease in 1996 primarily reflected a relative increase in Puerto
Rican sourced income. For an analysis of the changes in the effective tax rate,
see the "Income Taxes" note to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company continued to experience in 1996 the higher level of fixed costs
related to its retail businesses which adversely affected profitability in the
first half of the year, given that historically the Company's revenues have been
weighted more heavily to the second half of the year.
 
The Company believes that inflation has not had a significant impact on the
Company's operations over the past three years.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash generated by operations amounted to $85.7 million in 1996 and $48.1 million
in 1995 while operations absorbed $88.8 million in 1994. The significant
improvement in operating cash flow in 1996 and 1995 was primarily attributable
to the reduction in inventory levels and improvement in accounts receivable days
sales outstanding and, in 1996, a return to profitability. Net cash used by
operations in 1994 was primarily the result of the Company's growth, and, with
respect to inventory, higher inventory positions than anticipated. The
improvement in inventory levels experienced in 1996 and 1995 was due to
strengthening supply chain management, which enhanced reliability and the
Company's ability to react faster to marketplace change. Inventory turns were
2.3 times in 1996 compared to 1.9 times in 1995 and 2.3 times in 1994. Days
sales outstanding at December 31, 1996 were 41 days compared to 49 days at
December 31, 1995 and 64 days at December 31, 1994. The improvement in days
sales outstanding reflects an increase in retail sales as a percent of total
revenues and also improvement in and strengthening of credit and cash collection
procedures and policies. Domestic wholesale days sales outstanding were 52 days,
63 days and 74 days at the end of 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


Net cash used by investing activities amounted to $15.4 million in 1996, $15.1
million of which was for capital expenditures. Net cash provided by investing
activities amounted to $11.7 million in 1995, due primarily to the $24 million
of cash proceeds received from the agreement with Inchcape plc discussed above
partially offset by capital expenditures of $13.5 million. Cash used in
investing activities amounted to $45.8 million in 1994, $31.5 million of which
was for capital expenditures. A significant portion of capital expenditures
during the three years ended December 31, 1996 were for manufacturing machinery
and equipment, retail store additions and information systems improvements. Cash
used for investing activities in 1994 included $14.1 million to terminate the
Company's distributorship agreement in Italy and to acquire certain assets of
that distributor.

During 1996 and 1995, cash used in financing activities amounted to $15.6
million and $28.2 million, respectively. In 1996, $17.7 million was used to
repay long-term debt, including a prepayment of $10.0 million. The 1995 amount
reflects the repayment of $22.5 million in short-term debt and $8.1 million of
long-term debt. During 1994, $137.7 million was provided by financing
activities. In April and December 1994, the Company completed private placements
of senior unsecured notes of $65 million and $106 million, respectively. The
proceeds from these private placements were principally used to repay existing
indebtedness.

The Company uses unsecured revolving and committed lines of credit as the
primary sources of financing for its seasonal and other working capital
requirements. On June 21, 1996, the Company entered into a revolving credit
agreement, which expires on June 21, 1998, to provide for up to $80 million in
letters of credit under an overall $100 million committed facility.

The Company's debt to capital ratio was 53.4% at December 31, 1996, 59.3% at
December 31, 1995, and 61.4% at December 31, 1994.

Management believes that the Company's capital needs for 1997 will be met
through its existing credit facilities and cash flow from operations without the
need for additional permanent financing. However, several risks and
uncertainties could cause the Company to need to raise additional capital
through equity and/or debt financing. The availability and terms of any such
financing would be subject to the Company's financial condition and prevailing
market and other factors at that time.




                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   15
<PAGE>   4
FINANCIAL REVIEW

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Management is unaware of any trends or conditions that could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, future results
of operations or capital or liquidity needs. However, as discussed in an exhibit
to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, entitled
"Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995," investors should also be aware of
factors that could affect the Company's actual results and could cause such
results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements
made by or on behalf of the Company. These factors include political, economic
or other factors such as currency exchange rates, inflatio n rates, recessionary
or expansive trends, taxes and regulations and laws affecting the worldwide
business in each of the Company's markets; competitive product, advertising,
promotional and pricing activity; dependence on the rate of development and
degree of acceptance of new product introductions in the marketplace; and the
difficulty of forecasting sales at certain times in certain markets.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUARTERLY MARKET INFORMATION AND RELATED MATTERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol TBL. There is no market for shares of the Company's Class B
Common Stock; however, shares of Class B Common Stock may be converted into
shares of Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis and shall automatically be
converted upon any transfer (except for estate planning transfers and any
transfer approved by the Board of Directors).

<TABLE>
The following table presents the high and low closing sales prices of the
Company's Class A Common Stock for the past two years as reported by the New
York Stock Exchange.

<CAPTION>
                                     1996                      1995   
                            --------------------     -----------------------
                             High          Low          High           Low
<S>                         <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>  
First Quarter               $22          $18 1/4      $28 1/4        $20 1/2
Second Quarter               24 3/4       21 1/8       26 1/8         20 3/4
Third Quarter                23           17           35 3/4         25 1/2
Fourth Quarter               40 1/8       20 1/2       31 3/8         18 3/8
</TABLE>
 


As of March 3, 1997, the number of record holders of the Company's Class A
Common Stock was approximately 921 and the number of record holders of the
Company's Class B Common Stock was eight. The closing sales price of the
Company's Class A Common Stock on March 3, 1997 was $40 3/8 per share.

No cash dividends have ever been declared on either the Company's Class A or
Class B Common Stock and none are contemplated in the foreseeable future. In
addition, the Company's ability to pay cash dividends is limited pursuant to
various loan agreements. (See notes to the consolidated financial statements.)


16   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY


<PAGE>   5
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)                                1996                 1995 
<S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>     
ASSETS
Current assets
    Cash and equivalents                                                  $ 93,336             $ 38,389
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
        of $3,540 in 1996 and $2,658 in 1995                               100,556               95,786
    Inventories                                                            159,058              180,636
    Prepaid expenses                                                         9,351               12,752
    Deferred and refundable income taxes                                     9,167               10,267
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total current assets                                                371,468              337,830
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment                                              103,650               95,937
       Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                      (54,666)             (43,533)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Net property, plant and equipment                                48,984               52,404
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired, net                  22,587               24,271
Other assets, net                                                            6,547                6,903
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                                              $449,586             $421,408
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                                         
Current liabilities
       Current maturities of long-term debt                               $ 17,778             $  7,733
       Accounts payable                                                     21,348               25,207
       Accrued expenses
           Payroll and related                                              15,173                7,882
           Interest and other                                               35,753               28,001
           Income taxes payable                                             11,813                  892
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total current liabilities                                       101,865               69,715
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt, less current maturities                                    171,676              199,454
Deferred income taxes                                                       10,685               10,018
Commitments and contingencies
                                                                                                    
Stockholders' equity
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized;
        none issued                                                           --                   --
    Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value (1 vote per share);
        30,000,000 shares authorized; 8,430,998 shares issued at
        December 31, 1996 and 8,316,554 shares at December 31, 1995             84                   83


    Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value (10 votes per share);
        convertible into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis;
        15,000,000 shares authorized; 2,734,301 shares issued
        at December 31, 1996 and 2,735,381 shares at December 31, 1995          27                   27
    Additional paid-in capital                                              61,806               59,716
    Retained earnings                                                      100,600               80,181
    Cumulative translation adjustment                                        2,963                2,334
    Less treasury stock at cost; 18,369 shares at
        December 31, 1996 and 1995                                            (120)                (120)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total stockholders' equity                                      165,360              142,221
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                               $449,586             $421,408
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial 
statements.

                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   17

<PAGE>   6
FINANCIAL REVIEW

<TABLE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data)                                  
                                                                              1996             1995             1994

<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>      
Revenues                                                                  $ 689,973        $ 655,138        $ 638,097
Cost of goods sold                                                          438,064          451,741          428,702
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Gross profit                                                         251,909          203,397          209,395
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
       Selling                                                              152,834          145,924          124,386
       General and administrative                                            46,502           46,721           40,213
       Amortization of goodwill                                               1,684            1,685            1,180
       Restructuring charge                                                    --             16,000             --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total operating expenses                                         201,020          210,330          165,779
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income (loss)                                                     50,889(            6,933)          43,616
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expense (income)
       Interest expense                                                      20,582           22,861           15,052
       Other, net                                                              (631)         (11,028)             452
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total other expense                                               19,951           11,833           15,504
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                                            30,938          (18,766)          28,112
Provision (benefit) for income taxes                                         10,519           (7,131)          10,402
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                                         $  20,419        $ (11,635)       $  17,710
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) per share                                                 $    1.81        $   (1.04)       $    1.58
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average shares outstanding and share equivalents                    11,255           11,171           11,209
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial 
statements.
 
18   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   
<PAGE>   7
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

<TABLE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                                                                                
                                                                                                        
                                          Class A    Class B    Additional             Cumulative                Consolidated
                                          Common     Common      Paid-in    Retained  Translation    Treasury    Stockholders'
(Dollars in Thousands)                     Stock      Stock      Capital    Earnings   Adjustment      Stock        Equity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>       <C>     
Balance, January 1, 1994                     $76         $32      $55,805     $74,106      $(1,536)       $(120)    $128,363
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issuance of shares under employee
    stock option and stock purchase
    plans and other transactions               6          (5)       1,566        --           --           --          1,567
Tax benefit from stock option plans         --          --            385        --           --           --            385
Net income                                  --          --           --        17,710         --           --         17,710
Translation adjustment                      --          --           --          --          1,065         --          1,065
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1994                    82          27       57,756      91,816         (471)        (120)     149,090
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issuance of shares under employee
    stock option and stock purchase
    plans and other transactions               1        --          1,534        --           --           --          1,535
Tax benefit from stock option plans         --          --            426        --           --           --            426
Net loss                                    --          --           --       (11,635)        --           --        (11,635)
 Translation adjustment                     --          --           --          --          2,805         --          2,805
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Balance, December 31, 1995                   83          27       59,716      80,181        2,334         (120)     142,221
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Issuance of shares under employee
     stock option and stock purchase
     plans and other transactions              1        --          1,587        --           --           --          1,588
 Tax benefit from stock option plans        --          --            503        --           --           --            503
 Net income                                 --          --           --        20,419         --           --         20,419
 Translation adjustment                     --          --           --          --            629         --            629
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Balance, December 31, 1996                  $84         $27      $61,806    $100,600       $2,963        $(120)    $165,360
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
 



                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   19
<PAGE>   8
FINANCIAL REVIEW

<TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(Dollars in Thousands)                                                        
                                                                              1996           1995             1994           

<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>             <C>    
 Cash flows from operating activities: 
    Net income (loss)                                                        $20,419       $(11,635)       $17,710
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
       provided (used) by operating activities:
       Deferred income taxes                                                     905         (2,560)         2,383
           Depreciation and amortization                                      21,370         19,138         15,348
           Gain on distributorship transaction                                  --          (12,107)          --   
           Restructuring charge                                                 --            9,914           --   
           Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in
               working capital items,
               net of effects of business acquisition and disposition:
                   Accounts receivable                                        (5,541)        29,186        (36,614)
                   Inventories                                                22,475         31,834       (101,009)
                   Prepaid expenses                                            3,747            884         (4,995)
                   Accounts payable                                           (4,000)       (11,967)         4,270
                   Accrued expenses                                           14,692          4,427          8,762
                   Income taxes                                               11,608         (8,999)         5,381
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net cash provided (used) by operating activities               85,675         48,115        (88,764)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
       Proceeds from distributorship transaction                                --           24,000           --   
       Proceeds from sale of equipment                                         1,268          1,756           --   
       Additions to property, plant and equipment, net                       (15,090)       (13,508)       (31,452)
       Acquisition of Italian distributor                                       --             --          (14,086)
       Other, net                                                             (1,605)          (567)          (269)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net cash provided (used) by investing activities              (15,427)        11,681        (45,807)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
       Net borrowings (payments) under short-term
           credit facilities                                                    --          (22,513)        12,462
       Proceeds from long-term obligations                                      --              525        173,990
       Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations              (17,733)        (8,137)       (50,682)
       Issuance of common stock                                                1,588          1,535          1,567
       Tax benefit from stock option plans                                       503            426            385
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Net cash provided (used) by financing activities              (15,642)       (28,164)       137,722
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                          341            376            (51)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in cash and equivalents                                          54,947         32,008          3,100
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year                                     38,389          6,381          3,281
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and equivalents at end of year                                          $93,336        $38,389         $6,381
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
       Interest paid                                                         $18,916        $22,194        $13,688
       Income taxes paid (refunded)                                           (2,671)         4,428          2,648
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
                                                                              

20   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   
<PAGE>   9
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Dollars in Thousands except per share data)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Timberland
Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company"). All material intercompany
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Recognition of Revenue
Revenues consist of sales to customers, license fees and royalties. Sales are
recognized upon shipment of product to customers. License fees and royalties are
recognized when earned.

Translation of Foreign Currencies
The Company translates financial statements denominated in foreign currency by
translating balance sheet accounts at the end of period exchange rate and
statement of operations accounts at the average exchange rate for the period.
Translation gains and losses are recorded in stockholders' equity, and
transaction gains and losses are reflected in income.

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk when the Company sells goods in
local currencies through its foreign subsidiaries. It is the Company's policy to
hedge a portion of this risk through forward sales of foreign currencies,
thereby locking in the future exchange rate.

Cash and Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments which have
original maturities to the Company of three months or less.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets or over the terms of the related
leases, if such periods are shorter. The principal estimated useful lives are:
building and improvements, 4 to 30 years; machinery and equipment, 3 to 10
years; lasts, patterns and dies, 5 years.

Excess of Cost Over Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired
The excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over periods of 10, 15 and 40 years. Accumulated
amortization amounted to $9,187 and $7,503 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

Accrued Insurance Costs
The Company is self-insured for workers' compensation, healthcare, dental, and
short-term disability up to certain specified limits. Expenses associated with
such self-insurance programs are accrued based upon estimates of the amounts
required to cover incurred incidents.

New Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets
and for Long-lived Assets to Be Disposed Of", effective January 1, 1996. SFAS
No. 121 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles
held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Adopting SFAS No. 121 did not have a material effect on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.

During 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation". The Company has continued to apply the provisions of APB Opinion
No. 25 to its stock-based compensation awards to employees and has disclosed the
required pro forma effect on net income and earnings per share in note 15.

Income Taxes
Income taxes are determined based on the income reported in the Company's
financial statements, regardless of when such taxes are payable. In addition,
tax assets and liabilities are adjusted to reflect changes in U. S. and
applicable foreign income tax laws when enacted. Future tax benefits, such as
net operating loss carry forwards, are recognized to the extent realization of
such benefits is more likely to occur than not.

Accounting for Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires the Company to make assumptions that affect the
estimates reported in these consolidated financial statements. Actual results
may differ from these estimates.

Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income for each period by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding and share equivalents
during each period. Fully diluted earnings per share are not materially
different from primary earnings per share.





                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   21
<PAGE>   10
FINANCIAL REVIEW

2. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

<TABLE>
The following table illustrates the U.S. dollar equivalent, including offsetting
positions, of foreign exchange contracts at December 31, 1996 and 1995 along
with maturity dates, net unrealized gain (loss), and net unrealized gain (loss)
deferred.

<CAPTION>
                                            Contract                   Unrealized     Unrealized         Net       Net Unrealized
                                             Amount          Maturity     Gross          Gros         Unrealized      Gain (Loss)
 December 31, 1996                     ($U.S. Equivalent)      Date       Gain          (Loss)        Gain (Loss)      Deferred

<S>                                        <C>                <C>        <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>   
Pounds Sterling                               $8,104           1997         $71           $(872)          $(801)          $(534)
Deutsche Marks                                 4,836           1997         209            --               209             168
French Francs                                  2,379           1997         202            --               202             174
Italian Lire                                  19,153           1997          18            (292)           (274)           (147)
Spanish Pesetas                                1,928           1997        --               (15)            (15)           --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                        $36,400                       $500         $(1,179)          $(679)          $(339)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
                                                                        
December 31, 1995                                                       
Pounds Sterling                               $5,547           1996        $112         $  --              $112            $112
Deutsche Marks                                 5,892           1996         135             (55)             80              17
French Francs                                  3,355           1996          75             (23)             52               5
Italian Lire                                  13,555           1996           5            (367)           (362)           (236)
Spanish Pesetas                                2,044           1996        --                (9)             (9)             (9)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                        $30,393                       $327           $(454)          $(127)          $(111)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                                      
                                       
The unrealized net loss deferred on such contracts as of December 31, 1996 and
1995 was $(339) and $(111), respectively. Unrealized gains or losses are
determined based on the difference between the settlement and year-end rates.

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments and trade
receivables. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit
quality financial institutions , thereby minimizing exposure to concentrations
of credit risk. Credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited, due to
the large number of customers included in the Company's customer base. The
Company had an allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable of $3,540 and
$2,658 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.




22   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY
<PAGE>   11
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

3. RESTRUCTURING CHARGE         

During the second quarter of 1995, the Company closed its manufacturing
facilities in Boone, North Carolina and Mountain City, Tennessee, reduced its
manufacturing operations in the Dominican Republic and downsized its corporate
office workforce due to a reorganized management structure. These actions
resulted in a one-time pre-tax charge of $16,000. The Company has two remaining
manufacturing facilities: one in Puerto Rico and one in the Dominican Republic.
All other product is sourced by the Company from third party contract
manufacturers.

Of the total charge for restructuring, $9,914 related to anticipated losses
associated with the disposal of assets and was a non-cash item; $3,891 related
to payments for contractual lease obligations and expenditures to close idle
facilities; and $2,195 related to payments for severance and other employee
liabilities.

The Company has substantially completed these restructuring actions. Cash
expenditures related to the restructuring plan of $4,583 have been incurred
through December 31, 1996. The Company has funded the restructuring plan from
internal sources and available borrowing capacity.


4. OTHER INCOME

On January 26, 1995, the Company appointed Inchcape plc ("Inchcape") as the
exclusive distributor of Timberland(R) products throughout most of
the Asia/Pacific region. The agreement with Inchcape included Inchcape's
acquisition of the Company's Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries and future
consideration provided to Inchcape for the total sum of $24,000. During the
third quarter of 1995, this agreement was amended to include South Korea. These
transactions resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $12,107.

In 1994, combined revenues of the Company's Australian and New Zealand
subsidiaries accounted for less than 2% of total consolidated revenues.


5. ACQUISITION OF ITALIAN DISTRIBUTOR

In April 1994, the Company entered into a Distributorship Termination Agreement
(the "Termination Agreement") with its Italian distributor, which terminated all
Italian distribution rights of the distributor on May 31, 1994. In accordance
with the Termination Agreement, the Company also acquired certain assets of the
distributor. Effective on the termination date, the Company assumed the
distribution of its own products in Italy. This transaction has been accounted
for as a purchase and, accordingly, the results of operations of the Company's
Italian business have been included in the consolidated statements of operations
from the acquisition date. The results of the Italian operations are not
significant to the consolidated results of operations and, accordingly, pro
forma data has been omitted. The total purchase price of $14,086 exceeded the
fair value of net assets acquired, consisting primarily of inventory, by $8,979.
This excess is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.


6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

<TABLE>
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:
                     
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                1996                                   1995
                            -----------------------------------     -----------------------------------
                                Carrying or                             Carrying or   
                              Contract Amount      Fair Value         Contract Amount      Fair Value
<S>                             <C>                <C>                  <C>                 <C>     
Cash and             
equivalents(1)                  $ 93,336           $ 93,336             $ 38,389            $ 38,389
Long-term                                                                                  
debt(2)                          189,454            199,011              207,187             220,494
Foreign currency                                                                           
contracts(3)                      36,400             37,079               30,393              30,520
                                                                                    
<FN>
1 The carrying amounts of cash and equivalents approximate their fair values.
2 The fair value of the Company's long-term debt are estimated based on 
current rates available to the Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 for 
debt of the same remaining maturities.
3 The fair value of foreign currency contracts are estimated by obtaining the 
appropriate year-end rates as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
</TABLE>


7. INVENTORIES

<TABLE>
Inventories consist of the following:
                                                           
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                    1996           1995
<S>                                          <C>           <C>      
 Raw materials                               $  9,770      $  10,374
 Work-in-process                                3,979          5,494
 Finished goods                               145,309        164,768
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                       $159,058       $180,636
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

<TABLE>
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
                                                           
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                    1996          1995
<S>                                         <C>            <C>     
 Land and improvements                      $   1,149      $    649
 Building and improvements                     34,263        31,534
 Machinery and equipment                       59,000        52,788
 Lasts, patterns and dies                       9,238         8,869
 Assets held for sale                               -         2,097
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                       $103,650       $95,937
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, except for assets held for
sale which are stated at net realizable value.



                                                  THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   23
<PAGE>   12
FINANCIAL REVIEW

9. INCOME TAXES                                                             

<TABLE>
The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:
                                                    
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                             1996                         1995                          1994
                                         -------------------------     --------------------------      -------------------------
                                          Current        Deferred        Current        Deferred         Current       Deferred
<S>                                       <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>    
 Federal                                  $ 5,357        $   637        $(5,255)        $(3,920)        $ 5,713        $ 1,548
 State                                      1,411             36           (228)          1,046           1,984            713
 Puerto Rico                                  468            232            195             314             289            122
 Foreign                                    2,378           --              717            --                33             
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                    $ 9,614        $   905        $(4,571)        $(2,560)        $ 8,019        $ 2,383
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
The deferred tax provision (benefit) consists of the following:

<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,                                                    1996             1995              1994

<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>               <C>     
(Increase) decrease in reserves not currently deductible                  $ 2,058          $(6,058)          $(1,111)
Tax depreciation over (under) book depreciation and amortization           (2,483)            (900)            2,624
Puerto Rico tollgate taxes                                                    232              314               122
Undistributed foreign earnings                                                720            4,159               849
Other, net                                                                    378              (75)             (101)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                     $   905          $(2,560)          $ 2,383
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 
<TABLE>
The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount computed 
using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following:

<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31, 
                                                      1996           %          1995          %         1994           %  
<S>                                                <C>             <C>      <C>            <C>       <C>             <C>  
Federal income tax at statutory rate               $ 10,828        35.0%    $ (6,568)      (35.0)%   $  9,839        35.0%
Federal tax exempt operations in Puerto Rico         (2,973)       (9.6)      (1,242)       (6.6)      (1,834)       (6.5)
State taxes, net of applicable federal benefit        1,232         4.0         (207)       (1.1)       1,753         6.2
Other, net                                            1,432         4.6          886         4.7          644         2.3
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                              $ 10,519        34.0%    $ (7,131)      (38.0)%   $ 10,402        37.0%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
The tax effects of temporary differences and carry forwards that give 
rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at 
December 31 consist of the following:
                                                                                          
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996                              1995
                                                         -------------------------------      -----------------------------
                                                            Assets          Liabilities          Assets        Liabilities
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>   
 Current                                                                    
        Inventories                                           2,812          $   --            $  2,446          $   --
        Receivable allowances                                 3,505              --               3,589              --
        Intercompany profit elimination                         713              --               1,070              --
        Other                                                 2,137              --               2,300              --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                                     $  9,167          $   --            $  9,405          $   --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Non-current                                                                                                
        Accelerated depreciation and amortization          $   --            $   (187)         $  --             $ (2,670)
        Restructuring reserves                                 --                --               2,555              --
        Puerto Rico tollgate taxes                             --              (1,897)             --              (1,665)
        Undistributed foreign earnings                         --              (8,601)             --              (8,238)
        Net operating loss carry-forwards                     1,066              --               1,020              --
        Less valuation allowance                             (1,066)             --              (1,020)             --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                                     $   --            $(10,685)         $  2,555          $(12,573)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                           
</TABLE>



24   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY
<PAGE>   13
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

The valuation allowance at December 31, 1996 of $1,066 includes $33 and $213
which arose during 1996 and 1995, respectively. The valuation allowance relates
to foreign net operating loss carry forwards that may not be realized.

The Company's consolidated income (loss) before taxes included earnings from its
subsidiary in Puerto Rico, which are substantially exempt from Puerto Rico and
federal income taxes under an exemption which expires in 2002. However, if the
earnings were remitted to the Company, they would be subject to a Puerto Rico
tollgate tax not to exceed 10%. Deferred tollgate taxes have been provided on
all of the accumulated earnings of the subsidiary in Puerto Rico. Deferred
income taxes are also provided on the undistributed earnings of the Company's
foreign subsidiaries.

Losses before income taxes from foreign operations were $(100), $(3,063), and
$(1,285) for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. At
December 31, 1996, the Company had $3,134 of foreign operating loss carry
forwards available to offset future foreign taxable income. Of these operating
loss carry forwards, $99 will expire in 1997, $735 will expire in 1998, $619
will expire in 1999, $506 in 2000, and $1,175 thereafter.


10. NOTES PAYABLE 

On June 21, 1996, the Company entered into an unsecured committed revolving
credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a group of banks. The Credit
Agreement provides for up to $80,000 in letters of credit under an overall
$100,000 committed facility expiring on June 21, 1998. Under the terms of the
Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow at interest rates based upon the
lenders' cost of funds (5.65% at December 31, 1996). The Agreement provides for
a facility fee of 3/8% per annum on the full commitment , places limitations on
the payment of dividends and the incurrence of additional debt, and contains
certain other financial and operating covenants.


Additionally, the Company had uncommitted lines of credit available from certain
banks totaling $14,000 at December 31, 1996, of which none was outstanding at
year end. Borrowings under these lines are at prevailing money market rates
(5.59% at December 31, 1996). These arrangements may be terminated at any time
at the option of the banks or the Company.
                
There were no outstanding balances under short-term borrowing arrangements at
December 31, 1996 or 1995.
 
There were no short-term borrowings outstanding at any month end during 1996.
The maximum short-term borrowings at any month end were $83,000 and $119,200
during 1995 and 1994, respectively. Average borrowings under all short-term
credit arrangements were $46,270 in 1995 and $65,790 in 1994. The weighted
average interest rates were 6.55% and 5.38% in 1995 and 1994, respectively.



11. LONG-TERM DEBT

<TABLE>
Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31:
<CAPTION>

                                     Interest        Year of                 
                                       Rate         Maturity           1996               1995

<S>                                    <C>            <C>             <C>                <C>     
 Senior Notes                          8.94%          2001            $106,000           $106,000
 Senior Notes                          7.16           2000              55,000             65,000
 Senior Notes                          9.70          1997-99            21,000             28,000
 Industrial revenue bonds              6.20           2014               5,345              5,345
 Other                                 6.00           1999               2,109              2,842
                                                                       189,454            207,187
 Less-current maturities                                               (17,778)            (7,733)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                                                $171,676           $199,454
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
                                                
In both November 1996 and February 1997, the Company prepaid $10,000 of the
unsecured notes maturing in the year 2000. The prepayment in February 1997 has
been classified in current maturities as of December 31, 1996. The notes place
limitations on the payment of dividends and the incurrence of additional debt,
and also require maintenance of certain operational and financial covenants.




                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   25
<PAGE>   14
FINANCIAL REVIEW

The industrial revenue bonds bear interest at 6.20% through November 30, 1999,
at which time the rate will be reset for another five-year period. According to
the terms of the bonds, at every fifth anniversary, beginning in 1989 and
continuing to the maturity date, the Company is required to repurchase any bonds
tendered by the bondholders at face value. The next anniversary date will occur
in November 1999 prior to the 1999 rate reset. The bonds are collateralized by a
mortgage on certain real estate and equipment and contain financial and
operational covenants and limitations similar to the Credit Agreement described
in Note 10. Additionally, the Company has obtained an irrevocable standby letter
of credit which secures the outstanding principal of the bonds through 1999.

<TABLE>
The Company's long-term debt at December 31, 1996 is scheduled to become due as
follows:
        
<S>                                    <C>     
 1997                                  $ 17,778
 1998                                     7,826
 1999                                     7,505
 2000                                    45,000
 2001                                   106,000
 Thereafter                               5,345
- ----------------------------------------------------
 Total                                 $189,454
- ----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


12. LEASE COMMITMENTS

<TABLE>
The Company leases its corporate headquarters facility, manufacturing
facilities, retail stores, showrooms and certain equipment under noncancellable
operating leases expiring at various dates through 2014. The approximate minimum
rental commitments under all noncancellable leases as of December 31, 1996 are
as follows:

<S>                                             <C>     
 1997                                           $ 15,373
 1998                                             13,952
 1999                                             12,508
 2000                                             11,247
 2001                                             10,032
 Thereafter                                       38,122
- -----------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                          $101,234
- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Most of the leases for retail space provide for renewal options, contain normal
escalation clauses and require the Company to pay real estate taxes, maintenance
and other expenses. The aggregate base rent obligation for a lease is expensed
on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Rental expense for all operating leases was $17,189, $16,196 and $9,726 for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.





26   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   
<PAGE>   15
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

13. INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL AREA INFORMATION   

The Company operates in a single industry segment which includes the designing,
engineering, marketing and distribution of footwear products for men, women and
children and apparel and accessories products for men and women. These products
are sold in the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide, primarily
through independent retailers, better-grade department stores and athletic
stores. TimberlandRegistration Mark products are also sold through
TimberlandRegistration Mark specialty stores and factory outlet stores devoted
exclusively to Timberland products. The following summarizes the Company's
operations in different geographical areas for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Adjustments           
                                                          United                       Other           and          
1996                                                      States        Europe        Foreign      Eliminations  Consolidated

<S>                                                    <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>      
 Revenues from unaffiliated customers                  $ 517,781      $ 172,192     $    --         $   --        $ 689,973
 Transfers between geographic areas                       65,850            -          19,588        (85,438)          --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Geographic revenues                                     583,631        172,192        19,588        (85,438)       689,973
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Operating income (loss)                                  43,375          8,311        (1,665            868         50,889
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Identifiable assets at December 31, 1996                383,512        144,509        11,935        (90,370)       449,586
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1995
 Revenues from unaffiliated customers                  $ 498,144      $ 156,098     $     896      $    --        $ 655,138
 Transfers between geographic areas                       56,149            -          25,865        (82,014)          --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Geographic revenues                                     554,293        156,098        26,761        (82,014)       655,138
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Operating income (loss)                                 (16,207)         6,314           220          2,740         (6,933)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Identifiable assets at December 31, 1995                397,643         91,822         7,095        (75,152)       421,408
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1994
 Revenues from unaffiliated customers                  $ 505,182      $ 123,304     $   9,611      $    --        $ 638,097
 Transfers between geographic areas                       78,195            -          34,530       (112,725)          -- 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Geographic revenues                                     583,377        123,304        44,141       (112,725)       638,097
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Operating income                                         41,783          3,008         1,615         (2,790)        43,616
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Identifiable assets at December 31, 1994                468,637        132,199        22,140       (149,712)       473,264
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<FN>
Export sales from the United States to unaffiliated customers,
principally to distributors, amounted to 5.0% in 1996, and 6.1% 
in each of 1995 and 1994 of consolidated revenues.
</TABLE>



                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   27
<PAGE>   16
FINANCIAL REVIEW

14. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are identical in all
respects except that shares of Class A Common Stock carry one vote per share
while the shares of Class B Common Stock carry ten votes per share. In addition,
holders of Class A Common Stock have the right, voting separately as a class, to
elect 25% of the directors of the Company, and vote together with the holders of
Class B Common Stock for the remaining directors. On February 14, 1996, 1,080
shares of Class B Common Stoc k were converted to Class A Common Stock.


15. STOCK AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Under its 1987 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "1987 Plan"), the Company has
reserved 2,100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for the granting of stock
options to its employees. Pursuant to the terms of the 1987 Plan, grants may be
made by the Board of Directors from time to time, but no grant shall be made
after February 3, 1997. The option price per share shall not be less than the
fair market value of stock at the time such option is granted in the case of
options intended to qualify as "incentive" stock options under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and shall not be less than 50% of such fair
market value in the case of "non-qualified" stock options for employees who are
subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All
stock options have been granted at fair market value. Stock options which have
been granted under the 1987 Plan become exercisable in equal installments over
four years beginning one year after the grant date, except for options granted
in March 1995 to certain employees in lieu of cash bonus awards for 1994, which
fully vest after one year and expire six months after the date of full vesting.
In addition to the 1987 Plan, the Company has, on occasion, granted
"non-qualified" stock options at fair market value to non-employees to purchase
Class A Common Stock.

On December 19, 1995, the Board of Directors approved a plan to reprice
outstanding options which had been granted under the 1987 Plan. Under the
repricing plan, employees could have elected to exchange some or all of their
stock options issued under the 1987 Plan for new stock options repriced at an
exercise price of $20.50, the fair market value on December 19, 1995, covering a
reduced number of shares based on a formula. Repriced stock options will expire
on the same date as the original stock options, and have an extended vesting
period of one year. Any repriced options exercisable as of December 19, 1995
could not be exercised prior to December 19, 1996. Stock options to purchase up
to 609,050 shares (when originally granted) at per share exercise prices ranging
from $21.38 to $83.25 were repriced, resulting in stock options to purchase up
to 322,120 shares being granted.

Under its 1991 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "1991 Plan"),
the Company has reserved 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for the granting
of stock options to eligible non-employee directors of the Company. Under the
terms of the 1991 Plan, stock option grants are awarded on a predetermined
formula basis, and no grant can be made after November 15, 2001. The exercise
price of options granted under the 1991 Plan shall be the fair market value of
the stock on the date of grant, and the stock options become exercisable in
equal installments over four years beginning one year after the grant date.

Options granted under the 1987 Plan and the 1991 Plan generally expire ten years
after the date of grant.

Options for 297,202, 379,881 and 292,344 shares were exercisable under all
option arrangements at December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Under the
existing stock option plans there were 1,112,283 and 1,053,031 shares available
for future grants at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

<TABLE>
The following summarizes transactions under all stock option arrangements for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
<CAPTION>
                              Number of             Per Share     Weighted-Average
                               Shares              Option Price    Exercise Price

<S>                             <C>              <C>                    <C>   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 January 1, 1994                754,686          $  6.38-83.25          $29.94
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Granted                        693,125            21.38-46.63          37.48
 Exercised                      (59,551)            6.38-32.00          13.85
 Canceled                      (127,621)            6.38-83.25          36.67
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 December 31, 1994            1,260,639             6.38-83.25          34.17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Granted                        531,105            19.50-31.13          22.37
 Exercised                      (59,784)            6.38-26.00          13.85
 Canceled                      (830,524)            8.75-83.25          41.41
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 December 31, 1995              901,436             6.38-83.25          21.86
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Granted                        194,900            17.38-39.00          22.43
 Exercised                      (89,557)            6.38-26.00          11.39
 Canceled                      (254,152)            6.38-83.25          30.76
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 December 31, 1996              752,627             6.38-83.25          20.25
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                                  

28   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY
<PAGE>   17
                                                                FINANCIAL REVIEW

<TABLE>
The following summarizes information about all stock options 
outstanding at December 31, 1996:
   
<CAPTION>
                                    Options Outstanding                                  Options Exercisable
                    -------------------------------------------------------      -----------------------------------
                     Number           Weighted-Average                            Number
Range of             Outstanding      Remaining           Weighted-Average        Exercisable      Weighted-Average
Exercise Prices      at 12/31/96      Contractual Life    Exercise Price          at 12/31/96      Exercise Price
                                                                              

<S>                    <C>            <C>                   <C>                      <C>                 <C>   
$ 6.38-9.25            44,310         4.1 years             $  6.95                  44,310              $ 6.95
12.00-19.50           191,984             6.3                 15.62                 106,146               14.15
      20.50           298,319             6.6                 20.50                  76,629               20.50
21.00-26.00           159,264             8.1                 22.40                  53,648               23.49
31.13-39.00            55,750             8.6                 36.62                  14,283               34.66
46.63-83.25             3,000             6.9                 75.66                   2,186               76.50
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                752,627             6.8                 20.25                 297,202               17.84
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Pursuant to the terms of its 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on
May 18, 1995 (the "ESPP Plan"), the Company is authorized to issue up to an
aggregate of 200,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock to eligible employees
electing to participate in the ESPP Plan. Eligible employees may contribute,
through payroll withholdings, from 2% to 10% of their regular base compensation
during six-month participation periods beginning January 1 and July 1 of each
year. At the end of each participation period, the accumulated deductions are
applied toward the purchase of Class A Common Stock at a price equal to 85% of
the market price at the beginning or end of the participation period, whichever
is lower. Employee purchases amounted to 23,807 shares in 1996, 33,030 shares in
1995 and 31,016 shares in 1994 at prices ranging from $17.11 to $19.55. At
December 31, 1996, a total of 61,646 shares were available for future purchases.
Compensation cost is recognized for the fair value of the employee's purchase
rights. The weighted-average fair value of those purchase rights granted in 1996
and 1995 were $6.08 and $5.96, respectively.

The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for
its stock plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for stock
option grants issued under any of the Company's stock option plans. Had
compensation cost for stock option grants issued during 1996 and 1995 been
determined under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and
earnings per share would have been $19,378 and $1.72 in 1996 and the net loss
and loss per share would have been $12,498 and $1.12 in 1995. The pro forma
effect on net income and earnings per share for 1996 and 1995 is not
representative of the pro forma effect on net income in future years, because it
does not take into consideration pro forma compensation expense related to
grants made prior to 1995.

The fair value of each stock option granted in 1996 and 1995 under the Company's
plans was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used to value grants
issued under the plans in 1996 and 1995, respectively: expected volatility of
55.9% and 52.6%; risk-free interest rates of 6.1% and 5.9%; expected lives of 4
and 3 years; no dividend payments. The weighted-average fair values per share of
stock options granted during 1996 and 1995 were $11.04 and $8.13, respectively.

The Company maintains a contributory 401(k) Retirement Earnings Plan (the
"401(k) Plan") for eligible salaried and hourly employees who are at least 18
years of age with six or more months of service. Under the provisions of the
401(k) Plan, employees may contribute between 2% and 16% of their base salary up
to certain limits. The 401(k) Plan provides for Company matching contributions
not to exceed 2% of the employee's compensation or, if less, 50% of the
employee's contribution. Vesting of the Company contribution begins at 25% after
one year of service and increases by 25% each year until full vesting occurs.
The Company's contribution expense was $542 in 1996, $499 in 1995 and $334 in
1994.

The Company maintains a non-contributory profit sharing plan for eligible hourly
employees not covered by the 401(k) Plan who are at least 21 years of age with
one or more years of service. Contributions are at the discretion of the Company
and fully vest to the employee upon completing three years of service. The
Company's contribution expense was $230 in 1996, $175 in 1995 and $360 in 1994.


16. LITIGATION

The Company is involved in various litigation and legal matters which have
arisen in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the ultimate
resolution of any existing matter will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company and two of its officers and directors have been named as defendants
in two actions filed in the United States District Court for the District of New
Hampshire, one filed by 




                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   29
<PAGE>   18
FINANCIAL REVIEW

Jerrold Schaffer on December 12, 1994 and the other filed by Gershon Kreuser on
January 4, 1995. On April 24, 1995, the District Court granted plaintiffs'
motion, assented to by defendants, to consolidate the two actions. On June 23,
1995, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint (the "Amended
Complaint") with the District Court. The Amended Complaint alleges that
defendants violated federal securities laws by making material misstatements and
omissions in certain of the Company's public filings and statements in 1994.
Specifically, the Amended Complaint alleges that such statements and omissions
had the effect of artificially inflating the market price for the Company's
Class A Common Stock until the disclosure by the Company on December 9, 1994 of
its expectation that results for the fourth quarter were not likely to meet
analysts' anticipated levels. Damages are unspecified. On March 18, 1996, the
District Court denied defendants' motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint. On
March 19, 1996, the District Court granted plaintiffs' motion for class
certification for all purchasers of the Company's Class A Common Stock between
May 12, 1994 and December 9, 1994. Management believes this action is without
merit and intends to defend it vigorously. Accordingly, at this time, management
does not expect the outcome of such litigation to have a material adverse effect
on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


17. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
The following is a tabulation of the quarterly results of operations for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively (Dollars in Thousands
Except Per Share Data):


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
 1996 Quarter Ended                        March 29              June 28          September 27         December 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>      
 Revenues                                   $ 127,684           $ 113,648           $ 227,547           $ 221,094
 Gross profit                                  46,025              40,081              83,301              82,502
 Net income (loss)                               (975)             (6,880)             16,901              11,373
 Earnings (loss) per share                       (.09)               (.61)               1.51                 .99
                                                                                                   
                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1995 Quarter Ended                        March 31(1)           June 30(2)       September 29(1)      December 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues                                    $ 141,583           $ 125,143           $ 212,597           $ 175,815
Gross profit                                   44,972              36,079              63,556              58,790
Net income (loss)                                 919             (20,381)              7,068                 759
Earnings (loss) per share                         .08               (1.83)                .63                 .07
                                                                                                   
                                                                                                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1994 Quarter Ended                        April 1               July 1           September 30         December 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues                                    $ 108,318           $ 127,254           $ 222,188           $ 180,337
Gross profit                                   32,716              40,459              76,520              59,700
Net income (loss)                              (1,619)                145              16,329               2,855
Earnings (loss) per share                        (.14)                .01                1.45                 .26
                                                                                              
<FN>
1 Includes non-recurring pre-tax gains of $7.4 million and $4.7 million in                         
the first and third quarters of 1995, respectively.
2 Includes a $16.0 million pre-tax restructuring charge in the second quarter 
of 1995.
</TABLE>

30   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   
<PAGE>   19
                                                    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The Timberland Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Timberland
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the companies at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

February 5, 1997


                                                     THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY   31
<PAGE>   20

CORPORATE INFORMATION

DIRECTORS

Robert M. Agate
(Retired) Senior Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer
Colgate-Palmolive Company

John F. Brennan
Dean of the School of Management
Suffolk University

Ian W. Diery
Consultant

John A. Fitzsimmons
Senior Vice President-Consumer Electronics
Circuit City Stores, Inc.

Jeffrey B. Swartz
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
The Timberland Company

Sidney W. Swartz
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
The Timberland Company

Abraham Zaleznik
Professor Emeritus
Harvard Business School


CORPORATE OFFICERS

Sidney W. Swartz
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey B. Swartz
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Keith D. Monda
Senior Vice President-Finance and Administration and 
Chief Financial Officer

Gregory W. VanWormer
Senior Vice President-General Manager 
Apparel/Retail/Marketing

Dennis W. Hagele
Vice President-Finance and 
Corporate Controller (Chief Accounting Officer)

Jane E. Owens
Vice President and General Counsel and Assistant Secretary

Carden N. Welsh
Treasurer

John E. Beard
Secretary
Partner, Ropes & Gray

CORPORATE COUNSEL

Ropes & Gray
Boston, Massachusetts


INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts


ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

May 16, 1997 at 9:30 a.m.
The Timberland Company Headquarters
200 Domain Drive
Stratham, New Hampshire 03885


FORM 10-K

This report is available at no charge upon written request from the Investor
Relations Department, The Timberland Company, 200 Domain Drive, Stratham, New
Hampshire 03885, telephone 603.772.9500.


CLASS A COMMON STOCK LISTING

New York Stock Exchange: TBL


STOCK CERTIFICATES, NAME CHANGES OR TRANSFERS

The First National Bank of Boston
c/o Boston EquiServe
Mail Stop 45-01-05
P.O. Box 644
Boston, Massachusetts 02102-0644
617.575.3120








Timberland, [Timberland logo], The Boot Company, Active Comfort 
Technology and ACT are trademarks or registered trademarks 
of The Timberland Company. City Year is a registered trademark of City Year, 
Inc.

(C)The Timberland Company 1997. All Rights Reserved.


32   THE TIMBERLAND COMPANY

<PAGE>   1

                                                                 EXHIBIT 21
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF SUBSIDIARY                              JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION

<S>                                                          <C>
THE OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR COMPANY                                 DELAWARE

THE TIMBERLAND FINANCE COMPANY                               DELAWARE

THE TIMBERLAND WORLD TRADING COMPANY                         DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND EUROPE, INC.                                      DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND INTERNATIONAL SALES CORPORATION                   U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

TIMBERLAND DIRECT SALES, INC.                                DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND RETAIL, INC.                                      DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND MANUFACTURING COMPANY                             DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND AVIATION, INC.                                    DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND NETHERLANDS, INC.
(Formerly Timberland Scandinavia, Inc.)                      DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND INTERNATIONAL, INC.                               DELAWARE

TIMBERLAND SAS                                               FRANCE

THE TIMBERLAND WORLD TRADING GMBH                            GERMANY

TIMBERLAND (UK) LIMITED                                      UNITED KINGDOM

TIMBERLAND GMBH                                              AUSTRIA

TIMBERLAND ESPANA, S.A.                                      SPAIN

THE RECREATIONAL FOOTWEAR COMPANY
(DOMINICANA), S.A.                                           DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

COMPONENT FOOTWEAR DOMINICANA, S.A.                          DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

TIMBERLAND FOOTWEAR & CLOTHING COMPANY INC.
LES VETEMENTS & CHAUSSURES TIMBERLAND INC.                   CANADA

THE RECREATIONAL FOOTWEAR COMPANY                            CAYMAN ISLANDS

TIMBERLAND NETHERLANDS HOLDING B.V.                          THE NETHERLANDS
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement
         Nos. 33-60457, 33-60459, 33-67128, 33-56913, 33-17552, 33-41660,
         33-19183 and 33-50998 on Forms S-8 and Registration Statement No.
         33-56921 on Form S-3 of the Timberland Company of our reports dated
         February 5, 1997, appearing in and incorporated by reference in this
         Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Timberland Company for the year ended
         December 31, 1996.

         Deloitte & Touche

         Boston, Massachusetts
         March 17, 1997


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND THE CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          93,336
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  104,096
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,540
<INVENTORY>                                    159,058
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               371,468
<PP&E>                                         103,650
<DEPRECIATION>                                  54,665
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 449,586
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          101,865
<BONDS>                                        171,676
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           111
<OTHER-SE>                                     165,240
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   449,586
<SALES>                                        689,973
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               689,973
<CGS>                                          438,064
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  438,064
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 1,684
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,046
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              20,582
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 30,938
<INCOME-TAX>                                    10,519
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             20,419
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    20,419
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.81
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99

  Filed as Exhibit 99 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996


                    CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE
 "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 
1995

         The Timberland Company (the "Company") wishes to take advantage of The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which provides a "safe harbor"
for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective
information. Prospective information is based on management's then current
expectations or forecasts. Such information is subject to the risk that such
expectations or forecasts, or the assumptions used in making such estimates or
forecasts, may become inaccurate. The following discussion identifies important
factors that could affect the Company's actual results and could cause such
results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements
made by or on behalf of the Company:

         DEPENDENCE ON SALES FORECASTS. The Company's investments in
infrastructure and product are based on sales forecasts and are necessarily made
in advance of actual sales. The markets in which the Company does business are
highly competitive, and the Company's business is affected by a variety of
factors, including brand awareness, changing consumer preferences, fashion
trends, retail market conditions, weather conditions and economic and other
factors. One of management's principal challenges is to improve its ability to
predict these factors, in order to enable the Company to better match what it
produces and sells. In addition, the Company's rapid growth over the years has
created the need to increase these investments in infrastructure and product and
to enhance the Company's operational systems. To the extent sales forecasts are
not achieved, these investments would represent a higher percentage of net
revenues, and the Company would experience higher inventory levels and
associated carrying costs, all of which could adversely affect the Company's
financial performance.

         CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF PRODUCTS. The success of the Company's products
and marketing strategy will depend on a favorable reception by the Company's
wholesale customers and consumers at retail. The Company's expanded men's dress
casual footwear product line, its more fashion-focused women's footwear product
line and its men's collection apparel products are also more susceptible to
changing fashion trends and consumer preferences than are the Company's other
products. In addition, any delays in production or delivery of such new products
could affect the sales of such products.

         CONSUMER TRENDS AND RETAIL MARKET CONDITIONS. Sales of the Company's
products are subject to consumer trends and economic and other factors affecting
the retail market. For example, decreased consumer spending, a shift towards
discount retailers and continued softness in the retail market could adversely
affect the Company's sales. In addition, warmer than anticipated weather
conditions have, in past fall/winter selling seasons, reduced sales as a result
of decreased consumer demand at retail for the Company's higher margin products.
Such conditions could adversely affect the Company's sales in the future,
especially as the Company's business shifts towards "at-once" orders being
adopted by many retailers.
<PAGE>   2
         GROWING RETAIL ORGANIZATION. In 1986, the Company opened the first
Timberland(R) store devoted exclusively to Timberland(R) products. At the end of
1996, the Company operated 31 specialty stores and 40 factory outlet stores
worldwide, and revenues from these stores represented 23.5% of the Company's
revenues for 1996. The Company has made a significant capital investment in
opening these stores and incurs significant expenditures in operating these
stores. The Company continued to experience in 1996 the higher level of fixed
costs related to its retail organization which adversely affected profitability
in the first half of the year, given that historically the Company's revenues
have been more heavily weighted to the second half of the year.

         The performance of the Company's retail organization is subject to the
same retail market conditions as the Company's wholesale customers described
above. The Company's ability to recover the investment in and expenditures of
its retail organization, particularly its specialty stores, could be adversely
affected if sales at its retail stores are lower than anticipated.

         Although the Company believes its factory outlet stores enable the
Company to control the sale of factory-second and close-out products and
maximize the return associated with such sales, the Company's gross profit
margin could be adversely affected if the off-price sales increase as a
percentage of revenues.

         LICENSING. Since late 1994, the Company has entered into several
licensing agreements which enable the Company to expand the Timberland(R) brand
to product categories and geographic territories in which the Company has not
had an appreciable presence. The rights granted under these agreements are
typically exclusive, and the Company may not terminate these agreements at will,
although the Company has reserved its right to terminate these agreements for
cause. The success of the Timberland(R) brand in these products or territories
will, therefore, largely depend on the efforts of its licensees. Most of the
products to be manufactured under the Company's existing product licensing
agreements will not be available at retail until at least late 1996 or early
1997, and the Company's territorial licensing agreement covering parts of South
America was signed in late 1995. Accordingly, the long-term performance of the
licensees under these agreements has not yet been tested.

         The Company is pursuing additional licensing opportunities. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to locate licensees and negotiate
acceptable terms with licensees for additional products and territories.

         PRICING OF PRODUCTS. The average selling prices of the Company's
footwear products declined in 1995 and 1994, and the average selling prices of
the Company's apparel and accessories products declined in 1996, 1995 and 1994.
The prices the Company is able to obtain for its new and expanded product
offerings, and Company's ability to increase prices of its other products, will
depend upon consumer acceptance of such prices, as well as competitive and other
market factors.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
         COMPETITION. The Company markets its products in highly competitive
environments. Many of the Company's competitors are larger and have
substantially greater resources than the Company for marketing, research and
development and other purposes. These competitors include athletic footwear
companies and private labels established by retailers.

         RAW MATERIALS. The Company depends on several key sources for leather,
its principal raw material, and other proprietary materials used in its
products. The Company could be adversely affected by unanticipated price
increases or shortages of such materials.

         DEPENDENCE UPON INDEPENDENT MANUFACTURERS. In 1996, approximately 65%
of the unit volume of the Company's footwear products and all of its apparel and
accessories were produced by independent manufacturers in Asia, Europe and South
America. (See the "International" paragraph below for a discussion of the risks
of doing business abroad to which the Company may be subject.) The Company
believes that the shift towards sourcing product from independent manufacturers
will reduce manufacturing overhead and product costs, increase product quality
and increase the Company's flexibility to meet changing consumer demand for
particular product lines. However, the success of these measures depends on the
ability of the Company's independent manufacturers to provide high quality
product at lower cost and to do so with rapid turn-around times. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to maintain current relationships or
locate additional manufacturers who can meet the Company's requirements.

         MANUFACTURING. The Company currently plans to retain its internal
manufacturing capability in order to continue benefiting from expertise the
Company has gained with respect to footwear manufacturing methods and from the
research and development activities conducted at its manufacturing facilities.
The Company continues to evaluate its manufacturing facilities and independent
manufacturing alternatives in order to determine the appropriate size and scope
of its manufacturing facilities. There can be no assurance that the costs of
products that continue to be manufactured by the Company can remain competitive
with sourced products.

         MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL. Sidney W. Swartz, the Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and various trusts established for the
benefit of his family or for charitable purposes, hold approximately 88% of the
combined voting power of the Company's capital stock in the aggregate, enabling
Sidney Swartz to control the Company's affairs and to influence the election of
the two directors entitled to be elected by the holders of Class A Common Stock
voting separately as a class. Jeffrey B. Swartz, Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company, is the son of Sidney Swartz. The loss or
retirement of these and other key executives could adversely affect the Company.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
         LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES. Management believes that the Company's
capital needs for 1997 can be met through its existing credit facilities and
cash flow from operations, without the need for additional permanent financing.
However, the Company may need to raise additional capital in the future in order
to finance its anticipated growth and capital requirements beyond 1997. The
terms and availability of any such additional financing would be subject to
prevailing market conditions and other factors at that time.

         The Company's revolving credit facility and senior notes place
limitations on the payment of cash dividends and contain other financial and
operational covenants with which the Company must comply. If the Company does
not comply with such covenants, the Company's ability to use such credit
facilities or to obtain other financing could be adversely affected.

         At December 31, 1996, the Company's debt to equity ratio was 53.4%.
Although this ratio has decreased from December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company
is subject to the risks associated with relatively high levels of interest
expense and financial leverage.

         INTERNATIONAL. The Company manufactures and sources a majority of its
products outside the United States and sells its products in more than 60
countries worldwide through its stores, operating divisions, distributors and
commission agents. Accordingly, the Company is subject to the risks of doing
business abroad, including, among other risks, import restrictions, anti-dumping
investigations, political or labor disturbances, expropriation and acts of war.
In addition, although the Company pays for the purchase and manufacture of its
products primarily in U.S. dollars, it does sell its products in markets where
the local currency is not the U.S. dollar. Therefore, the Company is subject to
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

         LITIGATION. The Company is involved in various litigation and legal
matters which have arisen and will arise in the ordinary course of business. The
costs of prosecuting or defending these matters or an unfavorable outcome in
these matters could adversely affect the Company's operating results.

         INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. The Company has spent and may be required in the
future to spend significant amounts to protect and defend its trade name,
trademarks, patents, designs and other proprietary rights. The Company is also
susceptible to injury from parallel trade and counterfeiting of its products.

         ACCOUNTING STANDARDS. Changes in the accounting standards promulgated
by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other authoritative bodies could
have an adverse affect on the Company's future reported operating results.

         ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER REGULATION. The Company is subject to various
environmental and other laws and regulations, which may change periodically.
Compliance with such laws or changes therein could have a negative impact on the
Company's future reported operating results.

                                      -4-



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