ASTRO MED INC /NEW/
10-K405, 1996-04-15
COMPUTER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
===============================================================================
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
   ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1996
 
                                      OR
 
[_]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
 
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM.........   TO...................................
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-13200
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
             RHODE ISLAND                              05-0318215
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
 
      600 EAST GREENWICH AVENUE,                          02893
      WEST WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND                       (ZIP CODE)
    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
               OFFICES)
 
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (401) 828-4000
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
 
           TITLE OF EACH CLASS               NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH
           -------------------                         REGISTERED
                                             ------------------------------
                 None                                     None
 
          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
 
                         COMMON STOCK, $.05 PAR VALUE
                               (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
 
  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 [_]
 
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
                     the registrant as of March 18, 1996.
                   Common Stock, $.05 Par Value: $27,474,072
 
 Indicate the number of shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) of each
         of the issuer's classes of common stock as of March 18, 1996.
                Common Stock, $.05 Par Value: 4,982,838 shares
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
  Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 1996 annual
meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 
===============================================================================
 
                                                                              9
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                            FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
 <C>      <S>                                                               <C>
                                     PART I
  Item 1. Business.......................................................    11
  Item 2. Properties.....................................................    13
  Item 3. Legal Proceedings..............................................    14
  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............    14
 
                                    PART II
  Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
          Stockholder Matters............................................    14
  Item 6. Selected Financial Data........................................    14
  Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
          Results of Operations..........................................    15
  Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................    17
  Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
          Financial Disclosure...........................................    17
 
                                    PART III
 Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............    17
 Item 11. Executive Compensation.........................................    18
 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.    18
 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................    18
 
                                    PART IV
 Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
          on Form 8-K....................................................    19
</TABLE>
 
10
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
                                    GENERAL
 
  Astro-Med, Inc., incorporated in Rhode Island in January 1969, operates in
the one industry segment described below. There was no significant change in
the nature of the Company's business during the year ended January 31, 1996
(herein referred to as "fiscal 1996").
 
                       NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
PRODUCTS
 
  The Company develops, designs, manufactures and sells a comprehensive line
of data acquisition and recording systems, specialty printers, computer
software for data analysis and display, and an extensive range of printer
consumables. Among the recording systems are the MT series, including the
MT95K2 and MT-95000, and the DASH family of portable recorders ranging from
the 10-30 channel Dash 10 to the 2-channel Dash IImt, with the Dash 8, Dash IV
and Dash IVxl rounding out the series.
 
  Both the MT and DASH series recorders are used to capture, process, analyze
and record data in engineering, scientific, industrial and medical
applications.
 
  The Company expanded its offerings of data acquisition products with the
introduction of the AstroDAQ(TM) in fiscal 1996. This digital data acquisition
product is a complete and ready to use system for acquiring, conditioning,
analyzing and networking data in a wide variety of applications in automotive,
aerospace, research and general manufacturing environments. The AstroDAQ
system includes a full range of signal conditions with built-in DSP (digital
signal processing), Astro-Med's Windows(TM)-based AstroLINK software for
control and data review, and a high speed network interface.
 
  In the rapidly growing digital color printing market, the Company offers a
leading edge narrow web digital color printing system, the SUNDANCE(TM). The
SUNDANCE System, along with "Color QuickLabel for Windows" software, creates
lithographic quality labels and tags in both full process color and spot
color, in any quantity, on-site and on-demand. The system serves both
manufacturers who require short-run, high quality, color printing to enhance
their products as well as "Quick Print" retailers that can produce full color,
high-quality labels, business cards, banners and more, quickly and
inexpensively.
 
  The Company's thermal/thermal transfer printer products also include the Top
Hand 2 monochrome printer and the Range Boss wide format printer for the
expanding product identification market, often referred to as the bar code
market.
 
  The Company's thermal printer product lines include a broad variety of
printer consumables, including thermal transfer ribbons, labels and tags. The
Company produces such products using its propriety production equipment and,
as with all products, sells them to customers throughout the world.
 
  Other specialty printers manufactured by the Company include the TOUGH
WRITER and the AG 1280. The Tough Writer is a ruggedized COTS PostScript page
printer that is a drop-in-replacement for the LaserJet III printer used in
military, airborne, shipboard and heavy industrial applications. The AG-1280
is a high-speed, drop-in-replacement for the Versatec V-80(TM) electrostatic
printer/plotter. Both use thermal printing technology.
 
  The Company's K3 CATH LAB SYSTEM continues to gain acceptance by hospitals
around the world as a complete hemodynamic monitoring system for the cardiac
catherization lab. The system integrates the Company's data recorder and
signal processing technology and displays physiological data on high
resolution color monitors. The K3 System provides full hemodynamic analysis
through its Softheart(TM) software program.
 
 
                                                                             11
<PAGE>
 
  The Company serves both the research and clinical neurophysiology markets
through its Grass Instrument Division. The neurophysiological market includes
universities, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and sleep study clinics.
Grass products include a broad line of Classic EEG and Polosomnograph systems
including the Model 7, Model 78, Model 8plus10 and Model 9. Newer digital
neurodata acquisition systems include the Model 12 and Model 15 systems that
feature the world renowned Grass Amplifiers. The PolyVIEW data acquisition and
analysis system allows users to acquire, store, and analyze research data in a
Windows(TM) environment.
 
  In fiscal 1996, the Company continued its strategy of marketing new products
with the introduction of the Grass MODEL 7400 Physiological Recorder. This
portable four-channel data system with its open ended instrumentation platform
performs a wide range of tasks characteristic of a large floor model
polygraph. This recorder follows in the footsteps of the K2G, an 8-32 channel
instrument that can record, display and archive an extensive range of
physiological data.
 
  The Company also markets a broad line of stimulators, electrodes,
transducers and consumables, including chart paper.
 
  The product development synergies of Astro-Med and Grass Instruments are
dramatically evident with the introduction of the Albert Grass HERITAGE(TM),
the Company's new digital EEG machine. This product will undergo clinical
trials during 1996 and be available for shipment in early 1997.
 
TECHNOLOGY
 
  Since its inception, the Company has concentrated its research and
development efforts toward various methods to acquire, process, store and
print data so that the data can be analyzed, manipulated or affixed to a
product.
 
  In recent years, the Company has developed and refined its digital printing
and signal processing systems. As its technology has become more advanced and
comprehensive, the Company has been able to enter an increasingly wide range
of markets.
 
PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS
 
  The Company holds a number of product patents in the United States and in
foreign countries. It has filed application for other patents that are
pending. In April 1988, the Company was granted Patent No. 4,739,344 covering
28 claims related to the MT-9500 as well as the newer MT-95000 and MT95K2. The
Company has a patent and a patent pending for its two-sided, 4-color process
printer, the SUNDANCE. The Company considers its patents to be important but
does not believe that its business is materially dependent on them. The
Company copyrights its extensive software and registers its trademarks.
 
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIES
 
  The Company designs its products and manufactures many of their component
parts. The balance of the parts are produced by suppliers to the Company's
specifications. Raw materials required for the manufacture of products,
including parts produced to the Company's specifications, are generally
available from numerous suppliers.
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
  The Company has maintained a growing program of product research and
development since its inception. During fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, the
Company incurred costs of $2,282,114, $2,542,940 and $2,415,494, respectively,
on Company-sponsored product development. However, costs alone are not a
totally accurate measure of research and development activities. The Company
is committed to product development as a vital factor in its growth and
expects to increase its research and development efforts again in the new
year.
 
MARKETING AND COMPETITION
 
  The Company competes in varied markets throughout the world for all of its
products on the basis of proprietary technology, product reputation, delivery
and technical assistance to customers.
 
  Most of the Company's products are sold to customers in North America and
selected European countries by a salaried field sales force. Certain products,
primarily those for the product identification market, are also sold through a
network of dealers which the Company began to set up in fiscal 1994. Export
sales are bolstered
 
12
<PAGE>
 
by wholly-owned entities formed between fiscal 1988 and 1994 in England,
France, Germany, Italy and Canada. Other export sales are made through
authorized distributors or agents located in approximately thirty countries.
No single customer accounted for 10% of the Company's net sales in any of the
last three fiscal years.
 
  During the last fiscal year, the Company's products were sold to
approximately 4,500 customers. The Company estimates that its products account
for approximately 20% of the original equipment market sales for high speed
printers/recorders, and that its share of sales to the end user market is
approximately 35%.
 
  The Company's product promotion includes full-color advertising campaigns in
many leading trade magazines, exhibitions at trade shows, special mailings,
and public relations activities.
 
INTERNATIONAL SALES
 
  Astro-Med International, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, participates in
all export sales. The subsidiary is a Foreign Sales Corporation and qualifies
for certain tax benefits provided as an incentive for exports.
 
  In fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, net sales to customers in various geographic
areas outside the U.S.A., primarily in Canada and Western Europe, amounted to
$6,988,747, $9,849,933 and $13,234,380, respectively. The Company's profit
margins on export sales approximate those on domestic sales. The Company's
management does not believe that its export sales involve materially greater
risks than its domestic sales.
 
ORDER BACKLOG
 
  The backlog regularly fluctuates. The amount at any particular date is
comprised primarily of orders from OEM customers. For the past several years,
the Company has been developing and introducing new products aimed at end user
customers rather than OEM customers. Manufacturing is geared to forecasted
demands. Accordingly, the amount of order backlog does not indicate future
sales trends and the Company does not normally carry any material backlog.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
  The Company's business is not seasonal in nature.
 
  Most of the Company's products are warranted for periods ranging from 45
days to one year against defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty
expenses have averaged approximately $190,000 a year for the Company's last
three fiscal years.
 
  As of March 18, 1996, the Company employed approximately 377 persons. The
Company is generally able to satisfy its employment requirements. No employees
are represented by a union. The Company believes that employee relations are
excellent.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  The following table sets forth information regarding the Company's principal
properties, all of which are included in the consolidated balance sheet
appearing elsewhere in this report.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       LOCATION      APPROXIMATE SQUARE FOOTAGE          PRINCIPAL USE
       --------      --------------------------          -------------
   <S>               <C>                        <C>
   West Warwick, RI           116,000           Corporate headquarters,
                                                 research and development,
                                                 manufacturing
   Braintree, MA               91,000           Manufacturing
   Slough, England              1,700           Sales and service
</TABLE>
 
  The Company believes its facilities are well maintained, in good operating
condition and generally adequate to meet its needs for the foreseeable future.
 
 
                                                                             13
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings against the Company
believed to be material to the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders,
through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the last quarter of the
period covered by this report.
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
 
  The Company's common stock trades in the NASDAQ National Market System under
the symbol ALOT. The following table sets forth dividend data and the range of
high and low closing prices, as furnished by NASDAQ, for the periods
indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       DIVIDENDS
                   YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,                HIGH   LOW   PER SHARE
                   -----------------------               ------ ------ ---------
     <S>                                                 <C>    <C>    <C>
     1995:
       First Quarter.................................... 12 1/4  9 1/2    .03
       Second Quarter................................... 10 1/2  8 1/2    .03
       Third Quarter.................................... 11 1/2  8 1/4    .03
       Fourth Quarter................................... 12     10 1/8    .03
     1996:
       First Quarter.................................... 12 3/8  8 1/2    .03
       Second Quarter................................... 12      8 3/8    .03
       Third Quarter.................................... 11 1/4 10        .03
       Fourth Quarter................................... 10 1/2  8 7/8    .03
</TABLE>
 
  The Company had approximately 582 stockholders of record on March 18, 1996,
not including stockholders with shares held under beneficial ownership in
nominee name.
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                         1992    1993    1994    1995    1996
                                        ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S>                                     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Results of Operations:
  Net Sales............................ $29,787 $31,333 $32,268 $38,233 $43,941
  Net Income...........................  10,562   3,570   2,981   1,923   1,328
  Earnings per Common Share............    2.08     .69     .58     .38     .26
  Cash Dividends per Common Share......     .06     .11     .12     .12     .12
Financial Condition:
  Working Capital...................... $20,755 $23,479 $24,895 $25,487 $26,420
  Total Assets.........................  35,743  37,492  39,955  42,177  42,303
  Long-Term Debt, less Current
   Maturities .........................     999     647     296     244     175
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In the second quarter of fiscal 1992, the Company began a program of
    paying quarterly cash dividends. No cash dividends on common stock had
    previously been declared or paid during the fiscal years identified above.
(2) Earnings and cash dividends per common share amounts have been adjusted to
    reflect a 3 for 2 stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend paid May
    18, 1992.
(3) Net income for fiscal 1992 includes $7,284,000, equal to $1.45 per share,
    from settlement of litigation.
 
14
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table provides percentage comparisons of the components of net
income as presented in the consolidated statements of income included
elsewhere herein for the last three fiscal years.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             % OF NET SALES                       % INCREASE
                         ---------------------------   --------------------------------
                         YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,          1994        1995       1996
                         ---------------------------   COMPARED TO COMPARED TO COMPARED
                          1994      1995      1996        1993        1994     TO 1995
                         -------   -------   -------   ----------- ----------- --------
<S>                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Sales...............     100%      100%      100%        3%         18%       15%
Gross Profit............      51        43        39         0          (1)        5
Selling, General and
 Administrative.........      30        30        30         0          18        13
Research and
 Development............       7         7         6         9          11        (5)
</TABLE>
 
  The Company continued its double digit sales growth in fiscal 1996. The
increase was bolstered by sales in the new product offerings of SUNDANCE, bar
code printer products, TOP HAND 2 and RANGE BOSS, DASH data recorders, and the
K3 CATH Lab System as well as a full year of revenues from the Grass
Instrument Division acquired by the Company in August 1994. Also contributing
to the Company's growth were international sales which grew 36% during the
current fiscal year and include the Canadian and European business units with
sales increases of 42% and 34%, respectively.
 
  The order rate on domestic shipments was lower than anticipated. The Company
has responded by realigning its marketing strategy into a channel specific
product orientation format. This functional redesign in concert with the
Company's new product offerings is expected to stimulate additional sales
growth in fiscal 1997.
 
  The Company's Gross Profit Percentage declined during fiscal 1996 to 39%
compared to 43% in fiscal 1995. Factors directly influencing this decline
include: a product line mix that encompassed a full year of lower margin Grass
Instrument revenues; and growth in lower margin domestic consumable products
markets and a slight decline in the domestic market. The Company continues to
implement its productivity improvement activities as a strategy to reduce
manufacturing cost.
 
  The Company expects its marketing strategy in conjunction with its portfolio
of new product entries like AstroDAQ and the ALBERT GRASS HERITAGE digital EEG
system will result in improved margins as well as increased earnings for the
Company.
 
  Annual selling, general and administrative expenses rose by 13% in fiscal
1996 partly because of a full year of Grass selling, general and
administrative expenses. Funding in selling and marketing categories were
increased to support the planned growth of the Company's new products. These
products include SUNDANCE, K3 Cath Lab System, AstroDAQ, PolyVIEW, Model 7400
as well as the thermal transfer printer products, TOP HAND 2 and RANGE BOSS 2.
The Company continued to commit marketing and selling funds to promote Grass
Products in the medical instrument marketplace. The Company believes these
investments are necessary and will result in continued revenue growth by
strategically positioning the Company's products in the appropriate industry
sector.
 
  The Company's annual selling, general and administrative expenses increased
significantly in fiscal 1995 primarily due to the direct selling and marketing
costs related to launching new products, and an additional six months of Grass
Instrument expenses in this category. Selling, general and administrative
expenses incurred in fiscal 1994 were comparable to those of fiscal 1993.
 
  The Company's commitment to the development of new products is partly
illustrated by the substantial research and development expenses incurred and
reported each year. However, the totals reflect variable expenses such as the
costs of materials consumed and of owning and upgrading the most advanced
engineering equipment available.
 
                                                                             15
<PAGE>
 
  Research and Development expenses decreased 5% in fiscal 1996 compared to
fiscal 1995. The current fiscal year funding level is consistent with
requirements to support the Company's new and existing product lines. In
fiscal 1995, the Company's research and development expenses increased by 11%
over fiscal 1994 as the Company increased overall product development
activities, concentrating especially on the SUNDANCE Printing System and bar
code printing products.
 
  The interest and dividend income level in fiscal 1996 declined from both
fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994. This change occurred because of the Company's
decreased cash investment position as a result of funds used for the Grass
Instrument acquisition. Interest expense in fiscal 1996 was lower than the two
previous years as the level of short term borrowing requirements declined.
Other income (expense) net, has been affected annually, by fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates.
 
  Changes in effective income tax rates from year to year are explained in
Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As described in Note 1,
a new accounting standard required a fiscal 1994 change in accounting for
income taxes. Such change, however, did not have a material effect on the
financial position or results of operations of the Company.
 
  Inflation during recent years has not significantly impacted the Company's
operations. Generally, cost increases are offset by price increases and
improved manufacturing efficiencies from the Company's TQM program.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Of the $1.5 million available under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility
with a bank, $500,000 was borrowed in June 1995 for operating needs. Such
amount was repaid during the year. The Company does not currently anticipate
any significant additional draw downs under its Revolving Credit Facility for
operating needs.
 
  During the past three fiscal years, the Company has financed its operations
with on hand and internally generated funds. In August 1994, the Company
borrowed $3,400,000 from a bank to complete the acquisition of Grass
Instrument Co. The entire amount was repaid prior to the end of fiscal 1995.
 
  The Company's long-term debt was acquired several years ago to construct
facilities and to make major acquisitions of machinery and equipment.
Expenditures for property and equipment during the past three fiscal years
have been made from on hand and internally generated funds. The balance of the
major portion of the Company's long-term debt was paid in full during January
1995.
 
  As evidenced by the foregoing comments, the Company is financially strong.
The current ratio was 6.8:1 at the end of fiscal 1996 and long-term debt was
less than 1% of stockholders' equity. The Company has no material commitments
for capital expenditures and has no reason to believe that capital resources
available to it will not meet the needs of its business, both on a short-term
and long-term basis.
 
 
16
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
  The consolidated financial statements required under this item are submitted
as a separate section of this report on the pages indicated at Item 14(a)(1).
The supplementary data regarding quarterly results of operations is set forth
in the following table.
 
                     QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    QUARTERS ENDED
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                      APRIL 30, JULY 30, OCTOBER 29, JANUARY 31,
                                        1994      1994      1994        1995
                                      --------- -------- ----------- -----------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>
Net Sales............................  $ 6,551  $ 9,094    $11,221     $11,368
Gross Profit.........................    2,894    4,194      4,967       4,228
Net Income (Loss)....................      (53)     905        892         179
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share.....     (.01)     .18        .18         .04
<CAPTION>
                                      APRIL 29, JULY 29, OCTOBER 28, JANUARY 31,
                                        1995      1995      1995        1996
                                      --------- -------- ----------- -----------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>
Net Sales............................  $10,955  $10,788    $10,824     $11,375
Gross Profit.........................    4,243    4,614      4,236       3,925
Net Income...........................      342      526        280         179
Earnings Per Common Share............      .07      .10        .06         .04
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  None.
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company's
definitive proxy statement for the 1996 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
  The following is a list of the names and ages of, and the positions and
offices presently held by, all executive officers of the Company. All officers
serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NAME                  AGE                    POSITION
        ----                  ---                    --------
<S>                           <C> <C>
Albert W. Ondis..............  70 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
                                  Director
Everett V. Pizzuti...........  59 President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                  Director
David M. Gaskill.............  50 Vice President--Research and Development
Joseph P. O'Connell..........  52 Vice President and Treasurer, Chief Financial
                                  Officer
Gordon W. Bentley............  49 Vice President--Manufacturing-Instruments
Elias G. Deeb................  54 Vice President--Media Products
A. Eric Bartholomay..........  47 Vice President--International Sales
Richmond B. Woodward.........  64 Vice President--Grass Instrument Products
Jacques V. Hopkins...........  65 Secretary and Director
</TABLE>
 
  All of the persons named above have held the positions identified since
January 31, 1985, except as indicated.
 
  Mr. Ondis was previously a Director, the Chief Executive Officer (President)
and the Chief Financial Officer (Treasurer) of the Company since 1969.
 
 
                                                                             17
<PAGE>
 
  Mr. Pizzuti was previously a Vice President of the Company functioning as
Chief Operating Officer since 1971.
 
  Mr. Gaskill previously had functioned as Vice President--Engineering of the
Company since 1974. He is a nephew of Mr. Ondis.
 
  Mr. O'Connell joined the Company in 1996. He previously held senior
financial management positions with Cherry Tree Products Inc. (1994-1995), IBI
Corporation (1991-1994) and Dennison Manufacturing Company (1975-1990). Mr.
O'Connell is also Assistant Secretary of the Company.
 
  Mr. Bentley has held the position identified since 1986. In 1983, he was
named Manager of Materiel after having been Purchasing Manager during the two
prior years.
 
  Mr. Deeb has held the position identified since 1987. In 1985, he was named
General Manager--Media Products after having been Vice President and General
Manager since 1981 of a business sold by the Company in 1984.
 
  Mr. Bartholomay has held the position identified since 1991. In 1988, he had
been named Manager of International Operations. He previously held various
sales and sales-related positions with Rhone-Poulenc Inc. beginning in the
United States in 1981. He transferred to France in 1985 and last held the
position of a Manager of Product and Market Development.
 
  Mr. Woodward has held the position identified since 1994. He previously
served Grass Instrument Co. from 1980 as a self-employed consultant focusing
on financial and business administration matters.
 
  Mr. Hopkins has held the positions identified since 1969. He has been a
partner in the law firm of Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, general counsel to the
Company, since 1966.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company's
definitive proxy statement for the 1996 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company's
definitive proxy statement for the 1996 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company's
definitive proxy statement for the 1996 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
18
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(a)(1) Financial Statements:
 
    The following consolidated financial statements of Astro-Med, Inc. and
  subsidiaries are incorporated by reference in Item 8:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
   <S>                                                                     <C>
   Report of Independent Public Accountants...............................  21
   Consolidated Balance Sheets--January 31, 1995 and 1996.................  22
   Consolidated Statements of Income--Years Ended January 31, 1994, 1995
    and 1996..............................................................  23
   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity--
    Years Ended January 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996...........................  24
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--
    Years Ended January 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996...........................  25
   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--January 31, 1996...........  26
 
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
   Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves--
    Years Ended January 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996...........................  33
</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 therefore,
  have been omitted.
 
(a)(3) Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER
   -------
   <C>     <S>                                                             <C>
   (3A)    Articles of Incorporation of the Company and all amendments
            thereto (filed as Exhibit No. 3A to the Company's report on
            Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 1992 and by this
            reference incorporated herein).
   (3B)    By-laws of the Company and all amendments thereto (filed as
            Exhibit No. 3B to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the
            quarter ended July 30, 1988 and by this reference
            incorporated herein).
   (4)     Specimen form of common stock certificate of the Company
            (filed as Exhibit No. 4 to the Company's report on Form 10-K
            for the year ended January 31, 1985 and by this reference
            incorporated herein).
   (10.1)  Astro-Med, Inc. 1980 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as
            amended.(1)
   (10.2)  Astro-Med, Inc. 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as
            amended.(1)
   (10.3)  Astro-Med, Inc. 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan.(1)
   (21.0)  List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
   (24)    Consent of Independent Public Accountants. See page 21.
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
 
  No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the last quarter of
the period covered by this report.
 
                                                                             19
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
 
                                          ASTRO-MED, INC. 
                                           (Registrant)
 
                                                    /s/ Albert W. Ondis
                                          By __________________________________
Date: April 15, 1996                            (ALBERT W. ONDIS, CHAIRMAN)
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATE INDICATED.
 
                NAME                           TITLE                 DATE
                ----                           -----                 ----
 
         /s/ Albert W. Ondis           Chairman and             April 15, 1996
- -------------------------------------   Director (Principal
           ALBERT W. ONDIS              Executive Officer)
 
       /s/ Everett V. Pizzuti          President and            April 15, 1996
- -------------------------------------   Director (Principal
         EVERETT V. PIZZUTI             Operating Officer)
 
       /s/ Joseph P. O'Connell         Vice President and       April 15, 1996
- -------------------------------------   Treasurer
         JOSEPH P. O'CONNELL            (Principal
                                        Financial Officer)
 
       /s/ Jacques V. Hopkins          Secretary and            April 15, 1996
- -------------------------------------   Director
         JACQUES V. HOPKINS
 
20
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed
Registration Statements on Form S-8: File No. 2-81081 pertaining to the 
Astro-Med, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, File No. 33-42993 pertaining to
the Astro-Med, Inc. 1980 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, File No. 33-43699
pertaining to the Astro-Med, Inc. 1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan and File No.
33-43700 pertaining to the Astro-Med, Inc. 1989 Incentive Stock Option Plan.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 15, 1996
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Astro-Med, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Astro-Med,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended January 31, 1996. These financial
statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and the schedule based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform our audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Astro-Med, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of January 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
January 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index at Item
14(a)(2) is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and
Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements.
This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the
audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in
all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 15, 1996
 
                                                                              21
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        AS OF JANUARY 31, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1995         1996
                                                      -----------  -----------
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and Cash Equivalents (Note 1)................. $ 1,107,191  $ 2,033,713
  Securities Available for Sale (Notes 1 and 2)......   6,897,781    6,659,828
  Accounts Receivable, Less Reserve of $157,000 in
   1995 and 1996.....................................   7,828,393    8,318,005
  Inventories (Note 3)...............................  12,893,544   12,533,553
  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Note 6).   2,196,317    1,424,757
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total Current Assets.............................  30,923,226   30,969,856
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Notes 1 and 7)
  Land and Improvements..............................     283,341      288,341
  Buildings and Improvements.........................   6,605,222    7,286,901
  Machinery and Equipment............................   9,000,121    9,488,613
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                       15,888,684   17,063,855
  Less Accumulated Depreciation......................  (7,254,555)  (8,350,722)
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                        8,634,129    8,713,133
OTHER ASSETS
  Excess of Cost over Net Assets Acquired (Note 1)...   1,047,613    1,012,693
  Amounts Due from Officers..........................     453,264      453,264
  Other..............................................   1,119,062    1,153,785
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                        2,619,939    2,619,742
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                      $42,177,294  $42,302,731
                                                      ===========  ===========
 
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts Payable................................... $ 2,850,382  $ 2,136,825
  Accrued Compensation...............................   1,015,956    1,200,082
  Accrued Expenses...................................     802,321      730,345
  Income Taxes.......................................     715,633      432,540
  Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Note 4)......      51,703       50,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
    Total Current Liabilities........................   5,435,995    4,549,792
LONG-TERM DEBT, Less Current Maturities (Note 4).....     244,072      175,000
EXCESS OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED OVER COST (Note 1).....     491,115      761,879
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Notes 1 and 6)................     726,178      834,754
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 5)
  Preferred Stock, $10 Par Value, Authorized 100,000
   Shares, None Issued...............................
  Common Stock, $.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000
   Shares, Issued 5,118,268 in 1995 and 5,123,310
   in 1996...........................................     255,913      256,166
  Additional Paid-in Capital.........................   5,515,632    5,554,100
  Retained Earnings..................................  30,355,938   31,079,623
  Treasury Stock, at Cost, 77,566 Shares in 1995 and
   103,066 Shares in 1996............................    (672,755)    (902,169)
  Cumulative Translation Adjustment (Note 1).........     (80,722)     (38,368)
  Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available
   for Sale (Note 2).................................     (94,072)      31,954
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                       35,279,934   35,981,306
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                      $42,177,294  $42,302,731
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
22
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1994         1995         1996
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales............................... $32,267,816  $38,233,312  $43,941,311
Cost of Sales...........................  15,852,290   21,950,539   26,923,192
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Gross Profit............................  16,415,526   16,282,773   17,018,119
Costs and Expenses:
  Selling, General and Administrative...   9,821,338   11,575,712   13,108,828
  Research and Development..............   2,282,114    2,542,940    2,415,494
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                          12,103,452   14,118,652   15,524,322
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating Income........................   4,312,074    2,164,121    1,493,797
Other Income (Expense):
  Interest and Dividend Income..........     719,647      572,345      353,393
  Interest Expense......................     (59,016)    (159,952)     (37,456)
  Other, Net............................    (211,398)     193,975      (49,199)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                             449,233      606,368      266,738
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Income before Income Taxes..............   4,761,307    2,770,489    1,760,535
Provision for Income Taxes
 (Notes 1 and 6)........................   1,780,000      847,000      433,000
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Net Income.............................. $ 2,981,307  $ 1,923,489  $ 1,327,535
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
Earnings Per Common Share (Note 1)......        $.58         $.38         $.26
                                                ====         ====         ====
Weighted Average Number of Common and
 Common Equivalent Shares Outstanding...   5,138,710    5,099,004    5,095,661
                                           =========    =========    =========
Dividends Declared Per Common Share.....        $.12         $.12         $.12
                                                ====         ====         ====
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                                                              23
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        NET
                                                                                    UNREALIZED
                                                                                    GAIN (LOSS)
                                   ADDITIONAL                          CUMULATIVE  ON SECURITIES
                           COMMON   PAID-IN     RETAINED    TREASURY   TRANSLATION   AVAILABLE
                           STOCK    CAPITAL     EARNINGS      STOCK    ADJUSTMENT    FOR SALE
                          -------- ----------  -----------  ---------  ----------- -------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance, January 31,
 1993...................  $255,293 $5,284,946  $26,661,996  $(294,674)
Net Income..............                         2,981,307
Shares Sold Under
 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan...................       188     41,142
Exercise of Stock
 Options, Including
 Related Tax Benefits...       160     11,482
Purchase of Stock for
 Treasury...............                                     (465,133)
Shares Issued to
 Employee Stock
 Ownership Plan.........               27,976                  26,339
Dividends Declared......                          (606,581)
                          -------- ----------  -----------  ---------
Balance, January 31,
 1994...................   255,641  5,365,546   29,036,722   (733,468)
Net Income..............                         1,923,489
Shares Sold Under
 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan...................       216     39,006
Exercise of Stock
 Options, Including
 Related Tax Benefits...        56    107,043
Shares Issued to
 Employee Stock
 Ownership Plan.........                4,037                  60,713
Dividends Declared......                          (604,273)
Cumulative Translation
 Adjustment.............                                                $(80,722)
Change in Net Unrealized
 Gain (Loss) on
 Securities Available
 for Sale...............                                                             $(94,072)
                          -------- ----------  -----------  ---------   --------     --------
Balance, January 31,
 1995...................   255,913  5,515,632   30,355,938   (672,755)   (80,722)     (94,072)
Net Income..............                         1,327,535
Shares Sold Under
 Employee Stock Purchase
 Plan...................       196     35,312
Exercise of Stock
 Options, Including
 Related Tax Benefits...        57      3,694
Shares Issued to
 Employee Stock
 Ownership Plan.........                 (538)                 60,913
Purchase of Stock for
 Treasury...............                                     (290,327)
Dividends Declared......                          (603,850)
Cumulative Translation
 Adjustment.............                                                  42,354
Change in Net Unrealized
 Gain (Loss) on
 Securities Available
 for Sale...............                                                              126,026
                          -------- ----------  -----------  ---------   --------     --------
Balance, January 31,
 1996...................  $256,166 $5,554,100  $31,079,623  $(902,169)  $(38,368)    $ 31,954
                          ======== ==========  ===========  =========   ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
24
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1994          1995         1996
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>           <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net Income...........................  $ 2,981,307  $  1,923,489  $ 1,327,535
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income
   to Net Cash Provided by Operating
   Activities:
    Depreciation and Amortization......    1,043,222     1,038,951      909,771
    Deferred Income Taxes..............     (104,142)      (30,687)     108,576
    Other..............................        8,987        22,836      165,277
    Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
      Accounts Receivable..............      (78,194)     (511,187)    (489,612)
      Inventories......................   (1,313,836)   (2,236,033)     359,991
      Other............................      103,884      (804,827)     749,718
      Accounts Payable and Accrued
       Expenses........................      688,026       (70,444)    (562,101)
      Income Taxes.....................      213,470        89,750     (283,093)
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
        Total Adjustments..............      561,417    (2,501,641)     958,527
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
    Net Cash Provided (Used) by
     Operating Activities..............    3,542,724      (578,152)   2,286,062
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Proceeds from Sales of Securities
   Available for Sale..................                 21,267,964    3,307,328
  Purchases of Securities Available for
   Sale................................                (14,055,857)  (2,879,153)
  Proceeds from Sales of Investments...    7,525,926
  Purchases of Investments.............   (9,743,820)     (518,731)
  Additions to Property, Plant and
   Equipment...........................     (682,044)   (1,265,012)    (922,397)
  Acquisition of New Business, Net of
   Cash Acquired.......................                 (4,296,545)
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
    Net Cash Provided (Used) by
     Investing Activities..............   (2,899,938)    1,131,819     (494,222)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Proceeds from Short-Term Borrowing...                  3,400,000      500,000
  Payments of Debt.....................     (351,703)   (3,753,406)    (570,775)
  Proceeds from Common Shares Issued
   Under Employee Benefit Plans........      107,287       211,071       99,634
  Purchases of Treasury Stock..........     (465,133)                  (290,327)
  Dividends Paid.......................     (606,581)     (604,273)    (603,850)
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
    Net Cash Used by Financing
     Activities........................   (1,316,130)     (746,608)    (865,318)
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and
 Cash Equivalents......................     (673,344)     (192,941)     926,522
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of
 Year..................................    1,973,476     1,300,132    1,107,191
                                         -----------  ------------  -----------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year.  $ 1,300,132  $  1,107,191  $ 2,033,713
                                         ===========  ============  ===========
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow
 Information:
  Cash Paid During the Year for:
    Interest...........................  $    60,071  $    146,455  $    69,263
    Income Taxes.......................  $ 1,631,712  $  1,340,608  $   260,869
  Liabilities Assumed with Acquisition
   of New Business.....................               $  1,039,676
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                                                              25
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               JANUARY 31, 1996
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany
accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less at date of acquisition are considered to be
cash equivalents when purchased as part of the Company's cash management
activities. Similar investments with original maturities beyond three months
are classified as securities available for sale.
 
  Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale are carried at
market value based on quoted market prices. The difference between cost and
market value, net of related tax effects, is recorded as a component of
stockholders' equity.
 
  Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at
cost. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives of the assets (land improvements--10 to 20 years; buildings and
improvements--10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment--3 to 15 years).
 
  Amortization of Intangibles: Excess of cost over net assets acquired is
amortized on the straight-line method over forty years. Accumulated
amortization amounted to $349,205 and $384,125 as of January 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively. Excess of net assets acquired over cost is amortized on
the straight-line method over five years. Accumulated amortization amounted to
$54,552 and $275,868 as of January 31, 1995 and 1996 respectively. The shorter
amortization period for the excess of net assets acquired over cost reflects
the more limited life of the assets involved.
 
  Foreign Currency: The Company translates foreign currency denominated assets
and liabilities into U.S. dollars at year end exchange rates, and income and
expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Prior to
February 1, 1994, the Company used the U.S. dollar as the functional currency
for its international sales and service operations and included translation
gains and losses in income currently. Effective February 1, 1994, the Company
changed to using local foreign currencies as the functional currency. This
change generally resulted in cumulative translation adjustments being
reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity. It did not
materially affect the consolidated financial statements. The reporting of
transaction gains and losses in income currently was not affected.
 
  Income Taxes: The Company utilizes a liability approach which requires that
deferred income taxes be determined based on estimated future tax effects of
differences between the tax and book bases of assets and liabilities
considering the provisions of enacted tax laws.
 
  Earnings Per Common Share: Earnings per share are computed based on the
weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding during each period. Common share equivalents include certain stock
options under the treasury stock method. Fully diluted earnings per share have
not been separately presented since they are not materially different.
 
  Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements: The
presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements
and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
26
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
 
  Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The Company's financial instruments
consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, current
maturities of long-term debt, accounts payable and long-term debt. The
carrying amounts of these financial instruments as of January 31, 1996
approximate fair value.
 
NOTE 2--SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
 
  As of January 31, 1996, securities included corporate and governmental debt
obligations of $1,421,972 with contractual or anticipated maturities of one
year or less and $5,237,856 with contractual or anticipated maturities of more
than one year through twenty-five years. As of January 31, 1995, securities
included corporate and governmental debt obligations of $1,106,386 with
contractual or anticipated maturities of one year or less and $5,791,395 with
contractual or anticipated maturities of more than one year through six years.
Actual maturities may differ as a result of sales or early issuer redemptions.
 
  The amortized cost of securities available for sale as of January 31, 1996
was $6,609,108. The difference between market value and the cost basis as of
that date was $50,720 ($31,954 net of tax), which represented gross unrealized
gains of $60,596 and gross unrealized losses of $9,876. As of January 31,
1995, the amortized cost of securities available for sale was $7,047,102. The
difference between market value and the cost basis as of that date was
$149,321 ($94,072 net of tax), which represented gross unrealized gains of
$6,227 and gross unrealized losses of $155,548. The cost of securities
available for sale that were sold was based on specific identification in
determining realized gains or losses included in the accompanying consolidated
statement of income for fiscal 1996 and 1995.
 
NOTE 3--INVENTORIES
 
  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market
and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The components of
inventories were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              JANUARY 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1995        1996
                                                        ----------- -----------
     <S>                                                <C>         <C>
     Materials and Supplies............................ $ 7,508,626 $ 6,460,730
     Work-in-Progress..................................   1,661,565   1,381,220
     Finished Goods....................................   3,723,353   4,691,603
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        $12,893,544 $12,533,553
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4--LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  JANUARY 31,
                                                               -----------------
                                                                 1995     1996
                                                               -------- --------
     <S>                                                       <C>      <C>
     Capital Lease Obligations................................ $275,000 $225,000
     Other....................................................   20,775
                                                               -------- --------
                                                                295,775  225,000
     Less Current Maturities..................................   51,703   50,000
                                                               -------- --------
                                                               $244,072 $175,000
                                                               ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
                                                                             27
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4--LONG-TERM DEBT--(CONTINUED)
 
  In February 1985, the Company obtained the $2,700,000 of proceeds from
industrial development revenue bonds issued by Rhode Island Industrial
Facilities Corporation. Quarterly principal installments of $75,000 to 1995
were due under terms of a capital lease obligation for real estate and certain
machinery and equipment. The final payment was made in January 1995.
 
  Other real estate and certain equipment are financed under a capital lease
obligation with the Rhode Island Port Authority and Economic Development
Corporation pursuant to an industrial development revenue bond financing
arrangement. Monthly principal installments of $4,167 plus interest at 7 1/2%
are due to 2000. The obligation contains an option to purchase the particular
real estate and machinery and equipment at any time for the amount necessary
to retire the bonds involved. It also contains certain restrictive covenants
including, among other things, minimum working capital and net worth
requirements, and a maximum debt-to-equity ratio.
 
  The aggregate amounts of long-term debt as of January 31, 1996 scheduled to
mature in each of the succeeding five fiscal years are as follows: $50,000 in
fiscal 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and $25,000 in fiscal 2001.
 
NOTE 5--COMMON STOCK
 
  The Company's Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to
100,000 shares of the Company's common stock on the open market. As purchased,
such shares will become treasury stock available for general corporate
purposes. The Company purchased 32,500 shares of treasury stock in fiscal
1996.
 
  The Company maintains the following benefit plans involving the Company's
common stock for eligible employees:
 
  Stock Option Plans: Prior to January 31, 1993, the Company had two incentive
stock option plans and two non-qualified stock option plans under which
options may be granted to officers and key employees. As of January 31, 1993,
one of the incentive stock option plans and one of the non-qualified stock
option plans were no longer in effect. During fiscal 1994, a new incentive
stock option plan was approved by shareholders. Options for an aggregate of
550,000 shares may be granted under the remaining incentive stock option plans
at an option price of not less than fair market value at the date of grant.
Options for an aggregate of 150,000 shares may be granted under the remaining
non-qualified plan at an option price of not less than 50% of fair market
value at the date of grant. Summarized option data for all plans is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          NUMBER   OPTION PRICE
                                                         OF SHARES   PER SHARE
                                                         --------- -------------
   <S>                                                   <C>       <C>
   Outstanding Options, January 31, 1993................  234,425   $3.33-$11.25
   Options Granted......................................   42,000     $13-$14.30
   Options Exercised....................................   (3,200)   $3.33-$5.50
                                                          -------
   Outstanding Options, January 31, 1994................  273,225   $3.33-$14.30
   Options Granted......................................  111,500  $10.25-$11.28
   Options Exercised....................................   (1,125)   $3.33-$5.50
   Options Expired......................................     (750)        $11.25
                                                          -------
   Outstanding Options, January 31, 1995................  382,850   $3.33-$14.30
   Options Exercised....................................   (1,125)         $3.33
   Options Expired......................................   (6,000)  $3.33-$13.00
                                                          -------
   Outstanding Options, January 31, 1996................  375,725   $3.33-$14.30
                                                          =======
</TABLE>
 
  Of the outstanding options at January 31, 1996, 309,475 were exercisable. At
January 31, 1996, options covering 146,375 shares under the remaining
incentive plans and 150,000 shares under the remaining non-qualified plan were
available for future grant.
 
 
28
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5--COMMON STOCK--(CONTINUED)
 
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan: The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase
Plan allowing eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a 10%
discount from fair market value on the date of purchase. A total of 180,000
shares was initially reserved for issuance under the Plan. Summarized Plan
activity is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1994     1995     1996
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   <S>                                                <C>      <C>      <C>
   Shares Reserved, Beginning........................ 121,646  117,878  113,562
   Shares Purchased..................................  (3,768)  (4,316)  (3,917)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
   Shares Reserved, Ending........................... 117,878  113,562  109,645
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  Employee Stock Ownership Plan: The Company has an Employee Stock Ownership
Plan providing retirement benefits to all eligible employees. Annual
contributions in amounts determined by the Company's Board of Directors are
invested by the Plan's Trustees in shares of common stock of the Company.
Contributions may be in cash or stock. The Company's contributions paid or
accrued amounted to $75,000 annually for fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.
 
NOTE 6--INCOME TAXES
 
  The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                    1994       1995      1996
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
   <S>                                           <C>         <C>       <C>
   Current:
     Federal.................................... $1,527,029  $764,718  $380,213
     State......................................    287,173   112,969   100,473
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
                                                  1,814,202   877,687   480,686
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
   Deferred:
     Federal....................................    (28,371)  (23,962)  (36,302)
     State......................................     (5,831)   (6,725)  (11,384)
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
                                                    (34,202)  (30,687)  (47,686)
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
                                                 $1,780,000  $847,000  $433,000
                                                 ==========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal income tax rate (34%) to income before income taxes, due
to the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31,
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                    1994       1995      1996
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
   <S>                                           <C>         <C>       <C>
   Income Tax Provision at Statutory Rate......  $1,618,844  $941,966  $598,582
   State Taxes, Net of Federal Income Tax
    Benefits...................................     185,686    70,121    66,312
   Nontaxable Interest Income..................               (93,031)  (39,558)
   Amortization of Intangibles.................      11,873    (4,447)  (62,623)
   Utilization of Net Operating Loss
    Carryforward...............................               (78,167) (171,749)
   Other, Net..................................     (36,403)   10,558    42,036
                                                 ----------  --------  --------
                                                 $1,780,000  $847,000  $433,000
                                                 ==========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                                                             29
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6--INCOME TAXES--(CONTINUED)
 
  The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise
to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            JANUARY 31,
                                                      ------------------------
                                                         1995         1996
                                                      -----------  -----------
   <S>                                                <C>          <C>
   Deferred Tax Assets:
     Reserves and Accruals Not Yet Deducted for Tax
      Purposes....................................... $   693,635  $   621,888
     Unrealized Foreign Currency Losses..............      12,662      119,086
     Net Operating Loss Carryforwards................   1,156,466    1,213,762
     Other...........................................      58,929       95,374
     Valuation Allowance.............................  (1,156,466)  (1,213,762)
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                          765,226      836,348
   Deferred Tax Liabilities:
     Accumulated Tax Depreciation in Excess of Book
      Depreciation...................................     726,178      834,754
     Other...........................................     110,867       89,357
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                          837,045      924,111
                                                      -----------  -----------
   Net Deferred Tax Liabilities...................... $    71,819  $    87,763
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The total of deferred tax assets, net of other deferred tax liabilities, is
included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. The valuation allowance relates to net operating
loss carryforwards (approximately $1,267,000 domestic and $1,624,000 foreign)
expiring through 2007, the future tax benefits of which to be realized are
uncertain because they are limited to future annual taxable income of certain
subsidiaries. Also, the domestic net operating loss carryforward may only be
used at the rate of approximately $318,000 per year.
 
NOTE 7--LEASES
 
  There are both capital and operating lease commitments for the Company's
facilities and certain machinery and equipment. Following is an analysis of
assets which have been under capital leases. The January 31, 1995 amounts
include assets which were removed from lease status and become owned property
in 1996. As previously mentioned in Note 4, the major capital lease obligation
involved was satisfied in January 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                JANUARY 31,
                                                           ---------------------
                                                              1995       1996
                                                           ---------- ----------
   <S>                                                     <C>        <C>
   Real Estate............................................ $6,279,488 $4,350,324
   Machinery and Equipment................................    613,355    100,083
                                                           ---------- ----------
                                                            6,892,843  4,450,407
   Less Accumulated Amortization..........................  2,380,254  1,433,027
                                                           ---------- ----------
                                                           $4,512,589 $3,017,380
                                                           ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
30
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7--LEASES--(CONTINUED)
 
  Minimum lease payments under noncancellable leases at January 31, 1996 were
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   YEAR ENDING                                                CAPITAL  OPERATING
   JANUARY 31,                                                 LEASE    LEASES
   -----------                                                -------- ---------
   <S>                                                        <C>      <C>
    1997..................................................... $ 64,063 $364,841
    1998.....................................................   60,312  204,889
    1999.....................................................   56,563   94,692
    2000.....................................................   52,813   51,199
    2001.....................................................   25,937   48,311
    2002 and Thereafter......................................      --    12,412
                                                              -------- --------
    Net Minimum Lease Payments...............................  259,688 $776,344
                                                                       ========
    Less Amount Representing Interest........................   34,688
                                                              --------
    Current Value of Net Minimum Lease Payments.............. $225,000
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
  Total rental expense for fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $406,547, $441,097
and $481,498, respectively.
 
NOTE 8--OPERATIONS
 
  The Company's operations consist of the design, development, manufacture and
sale of specialty data printing systems and consumable printer supplies.
Business is conducted primarily in two major geographic areas: North America
and Europe. Substantially all manufacturing activities are conducted in the
United States.
 
  Sales and service activities outside North America are conducted primarily
through wholly-owned entities and, to a lesser extent, through authorized
distributors or agents. Transfer prices are intended to produce gross profit
margins commensurate with the sales and service effort associated with the
product sold. Certain information on a geographic basis for fiscal 1994, 1995
and 1996 is set forth below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1994                 NORTH AMERICA   EUROPE    ELIMINATIONS  CONSOLIDATED
- -----------                 ------------- ----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Net Sales to Unaffiliated
 Customers.................  $27,825,362  $4,442,454                $32,267,816
Transfers between
 Geographic Areas..........    2,919,611              $(2,919,611)
                             -----------  ----------  -----------   -----------
                             $30,744,973  $4,442,454  $(2,919,611)  $32,267,816
                             ===========  ==========  ===========   ===========
Operating Income...........  $ 4,851,438  $ (541,442) $     2,078   $ 4,312,074
                             ===========  ==========  ===========   ===========
Identifiable Assets........  $37,167,917  $2,786,597                $39,954,514
                             ===========  ==========                ===========
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1995
- -----------
<S>                         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Net Sales to Unaffiliated
 Customers.................  $33,288,364  $4,944,948                $38,233,312
Transfers between
 Geographic Areas..........    3,529,805              $(3,529,805)
                             -----------  ----------  -----------   -----------
                             $36,818,169  $4,944,948  $(3,529,805)  $38,233,312
                             ===========  ==========  ===========   ===========
Operating Income...........  $ 2,132,219  $  168,895  $  (136,993)  $ 2,164,121
                             ===========  ==========  ===========   ===========
Identifiable Assets........  $38,861,677  $3,315,617                $42,177,294
                             ===========  ==========                ===========
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1996
- -----------
<S>                         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Net Sales to Unaffiliated
 Customers.................  $37,311,249  $6,630,062                $43,941,311
Transfers between
 Geographic Areas..........    4,690,824              $(4,690,824)
                             -----------  ----------  -----------   -----------
                             $42,002,073  $6,630,062  $(4,690,824)  $43,941,311
                             ===========  ==========  ===========   ===========
Operating Income...........  $ 1,224,422  $  299,022  $   (29,647)  $ 1,493,797
                             ===========  ==========  ===========   ===========
Identifiable Assets........  $37,989,186  $4,313,545                $42,302,731
                             ===========  ==========                ===========
</TABLE>


                                                                             31
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONCLUDED)
 
NOTE 8--OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
  North America sales as shown above include export sales of $2,546,293 in
fiscal 1994, $4,904,985 in fiscal 1995, and $6,604,317 in fiscal 1996.
 
  No single customer accounted for 10% of net sales in fiscal 1994, 1995 or
1996.
 
NOTE 9--PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
 
  Along with the Employee Stock Ownership Plan described in Note 5, the
Company has a non-contributory Profit-Sharing Plan which provides retirement
benefits to all eligible employees. In addition, the Plan allows participants
to defer a portion of their cash compensation and contribute such deferral to
the Plan through payroll deductions. The Company makes matching contributions
up to specified levels. The deferrals are made within the limits prescribed by
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company's subsidiary, Grass
Instrument Co. also had a non-contributory profit-sharing plan which was
terminated during fiscal 1996.
 
  All contributions are deposited into trust funds. It is the policy of the
Company to fund any contributions accrued. The Company's annual contribution
amounts are determined by the Board of Directors. The Company's contributions
paid or accrued amounted to $135,000 for fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996.
 
 
NOTE 10--ACQUISITION
 
  On August 1, 1994, the Company acquired Grass Instrument Co., a privately
held corporation ("Grass"), and Cannon Manufacturing Company, a privately held
corporation ("Cannon") affiliated with Grass by common ownership. Following a
merger, the combined businesses of Grass and Cannon continued as a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company under the name "Grass Instrument Co." On
January 31, 1996, Grass Instrument Co. was merged into the Company.
 
  The total consideration paid to the stockholders of Grass and Cannon was
approximately $10,277,000, of which approximately $4,989,000 was paid by Grass
and Cannon from their available funds to repurchase shares from stockholders
prior to the merger and approximately $5,288,000 was paid by the Company. The
Company used approximately $1,888,000 of funds on hand and borrowed $3,400,000
on a short-term basis from a bank. The Company repaid the bank loan prior to
January 31, 1995. The purchase price for Grass and Cannon was determined by
negotiation.
 
  Grass designs, manufactures and sells neurophysiological instrumentation,
which comprised an expansion of the Company's existing line of products. The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the
results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company's
consolidated results beginning with the date of the acquisition.
 
  On an unaudited proforma basis, assuming Grass and Cannon had been acquired
on February 1, 1993, the Company's consolidated net sales would have been
$42,265,553 for fiscal 1994 and $43,067,095 for fiscal 1995. The proforma
effect on net income and earnings per share is not material. The proforma
results are not necessarily indicative of future operations or the actual
results that would have occurred had the acquisition been made at the
beginning of fiscal 1994.
 
32
<PAGE>
 
                                ASTRO-MED, INC.
 
          SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 BALANCE AT PROVISION                 BALANCE
                                 BEGINNING  CHARGED TO                AT END
          DESCRIPTION            OF PERIOD  OPERATIONS DEDUCTIONS(2) OF PERIOD
          -----------            ---------- ---------- ------------- ---------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
Allowance for Doubtful
 Accounts(1):
  Year Ended January 31,
    1994........................  $145,000   $ 45,433     $45,433    $145,000
    1995........................   145,000    103,670      91,670     157,000
    1996........................   157,000     58,227      58,227     157,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The allowance for doubtful accounts has been netted against accounts
    receivable as of the respective balance sheet dates.
(2) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
 
                                                                             33

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 10.2


                               ASTRO-MED, INC.

                       1989 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
                           (As Amended May 6, 1991)


    1.  Purpose.  The purpose of this 1989 Incentive Stock Option
        -------
Plan (the "1989 ISO Plan") is to attract and retain key employees of Astro-Med,
Inc. (the "Company") and to provide them with additional incentive for unusual
industry and efficiency by offering an opportunity to acquire a proprietary
stake in the Company and its future growth. It is the view of the Company
that this goal may best  be achieved by granting stock options.

    2.  Administration.  The 1989 ISO Plan will be administered by the Board
        --------------
of Directors of the Company (the "Board"), whose interpretation of the terms
and provisions hereof shall be final and conclusive. Any Director to whom
an option is awarded shall be ineligible to vote upon his or her option,
but options may be granted to any eligible Director by the remainder of
the Directors. The Board shall in its sole discretion grant options to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock and issue shares upon exercise of such
options subject to the terms and conditions hereof. No Director shall be
liable for any action or determination made in good faith.

    3.  Amount of Stock Subject to Plan.  The amount of stock which may
be issued under options pursuant to the 1989 ISO Plan is two hundred thousand
(200,000) shares of the Company's $.05 par value common stock (the "common
stock"). If any options terminate or

<PAGE>
 
expire for any reason without having been exercised in full, the shares
not purchased under the options may again be subjected to options granted
under the 1989 ISO Plan.

    4.  Eligibility.  Key employees of the Company or any subsidiary shall
        -----------
be eligible to participate in the 1989 ISO Plan, except that Directors who
are not full time officers or employees shall not be eligible to participate.
Key employees shall be those employees, including officers, who are deemed
by the Board to be of primary importance in the operation of the Company's
business. The Board may in its discretion from time to time grant options
to any or all eligible employees to purchase such number of shares as the
Board shall determine, subject to the limitation that except as hereinafter
provided, no option may be granted hereunder to any employee who, at the
time such option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten percent
(10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or any subsidiary or parent. The foregoing limitation shall not
apply if, at the time such option is granted, the option price is at least
one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of the stock subject
to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the
expiration of five (5) years from the date such option is granted, or such
shorter period as may be determined by the Board, unless sooner terminated
under Paragraph 9 or Paragraph 11 below. Fair market value for this purpose
      -----------    ------------
shall be determined at the time and in the manner set

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
forth in Paragraph 6 below. As used in the 1989 ISO Plan, the term "subsidiary"
         -----------
has the meaning ascribed to "subsidiary corporation" by Section 424(f) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the term
"parent" has the meaning ascribed to "parent corporation" by Section 424(e)
of the Code.

    5.  Aggregate Annual Limit.  The aggregate fair market value (determined
        ----------------------
as of the respective date or dates of grant of an option hereunder) of the
stock with respect to which options hereunder granted (and all other incentive
stock option plans of the Company or any subsidiary or parent) are exercisable
for the first time by any employee during any one calendar year shall not
exceed $100,000. In the event that Section 422(d) of the Code is amended
to alter the limitation set forth therein so that, following such amendment,
such limitation shall differ from the limitation set forth herein, then
the limitation of this Paragraph 5 shall be automatically amended to conform
                       -----------
to the limitation of such section of the Code.

    6.  Option Price and Payment.  The option price of the shares of common
        ------------------------
stock subject to each option will be fixed by the Board but, subject to
the limitation set forth in Paragraph 4 above, will not be less than one
                            -----------
hundred percent (100%) of fair market value of the common stock determined
as of the date of the granting of the option. Upon the exercise of the option,
the option price may be paid in one or more of the following ways, as the
Board in its

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
discretion determines: (i) in full cash; or (ii) by exchanging other shares
of common stock owned by the owner of such option. The term "fair market
value" shall be deemed to be the mean between the high and low selling prices
on any exchange on which the stock is listed (or over-the-counter if such
stock is not then listed on such exchange), on the date the option is granted
or, if no sale has taken place, the mean between bid and asked prices on
such date. However, if any such method is inconsistent with any regulations
applicable to incentive stock options heretofore or hereafter adopted by
the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, then the fair market value shall be
determined by the Board in accordance with such regulations.

    7.  Term of Option; Employment Requirement.  (a) Except as provided
        --------------------------------------
in the limitation set forth in Paragraph 4 above, the term of each option
                               -----------
shall be ten (10) years, or such shorter period as may be determined by
the Board, from the date of grant of the option, unless sooner terminated
under the provisions of Paragraph 9 or Paragraph 11 below. All or part of
                        -----------    ------------
the shares may be purchased, subject to the provisions of Paragraph 9 below,
                                                          -----------
at any time or from time to time during the term of the option. No option
shall be granted after the termination of the 1989 ISO Plan, but options
theretofore granted may be exercised thereafter in accordance with their
terms and the provisions of the 1989 ISO Plan.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
    (b)  Except as otherwise permitted under Paragraph 9 in the case of
                                             -----------
death of the holder of an option, no option will be exercisable unless at
the time of the exercise of the option: (i) the holder thereof has been
continuously employed by the Company, one or more subsidiaries, or both
the Company and one or more subsidiaries for a period of at least one year,
and (ii) the holder thereof is still employed by the Company or one or more
subsidiaries; provided, however, that if the holder's employment has terminated
not more than ninety (90) days before the exercise of such option under
circumstances acceptable to the Board (whose determination in this regard
shall be final and conclusive), then the option will nevertheless be
exercisable during the ninety (90) day period notwithstanding termination
of employment; and provided, further, that if the holder's employment has
terminated not more than one (1) year before the exercise of such option
as a result of the holder becoming disabled (within the meaning of Section
22(e)(3) of the Code), then the option will nevertheless be exercisable
during such one (1) year period.

     (c)  Military or sick leave not exceeding ninety (90) days will not
be deemed to interrupt or terminate employment for the purposes of this
Paragraph 7. Whether military or sick leave in excess of ninety (90) days
- ----------- 
or other authorized leave of absence will be deemed to interrupt or terminate
employment for the purposes of this Paragraph 7 will be determined by the
                                    -----------
Board whose determination shall be final and conclusive.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
    8.  Other terms and Conditions; Waivers.  Options will be evidenced
        -----------------------------------
by option agreements in such form and containing such terms and conditions
as the Board may determine (but not inconsistent with the provisions of
the 1989 ISO Plan) including, without being limited to, the following:

    (a)  Each option will be granted on the condition that the purchase
of stock thereunder will be for investment purposes and not with a view
to resale or distribution, except that such condition will be inoperative
if the stock subject to such option is registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or if in the opinion of counsel for the Company such
stock may be resold without registration;

    (b)  No option will be transferable by the holder thereof otherwise
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such option
will be exercisable during the lifetime of the holder thereof only by the
holder; and

    (c)  The Board, in particular cases, before or after the issuance of
stock options under the 1989 ISO Plan, may waive any of the conditions imposed
by the 1989 ISO Plan upon the issuance or exercise of options; provided,
however, that no such waiver shall be made which would cause any outstanding
incentive stock option to fail to qualify as an incentive stock option within
the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
    9.  Termination of Employment Upon Death.  In the event an eligible
        ------------------------------------
employee dies while in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary, and
at such time such employee holds options under the 1989 ISO Plan, his or
her options shall end automatically six (6) months after such death, unless
sooner ended by their terms. Prior to the expiration of such six (6) month
period, during the term of such options, the executor or administrator of
the estate of such eligible employee shall have the right to exercise any
option previously granted to such employee hereunder.

    10.  Readjustment of Stock or Recapitalization.  Upon any recapitalization
         -----------------------------------------
or readjustment of the Company's capital stock whereby the character of the
present common stock shall be changed, appropriate adjustments shall be made so
that the stock to be purchased under the 1989 ISO Plan shall be the equivalent
of the present common stock after such readjustment or recapitalization. In the
event of a subdivision or combination of the shares of common stock, the number
of shares that may be optioned and sold to eligible employees under the 1989 ISO
Plan will be proportionately increased or decreased and the number of shares
which are the subject of outstanding options and the price therefor will be
proportionately adjusted by the Board and, in case of reclassification or other
change in the shares of common stock, such action will be taken as in the
opinion of the Board will be appropriate under the circumstances. Accordingly,
in such cases the maximum number of authorized but unissued shares, or shares
held as treasury stock,

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
which are subject to the 1989 ISO Plan may be adjusted by the Board without
stockholder or any other action.

    11.  Sale of Assets, Stock Exchange, etc.  If the Board recommends that
         -----------------------------------
the Company sell substantially all of its assets, or that the holders of
substantially all of the shares of outstanding stock sell or exchange their
shares to or with any person, firm or corporation, or that the Company merge
or consolidate with another corporation, or that the Company be liquidated
and dissolved, then in any such event, the Board may notice in writing mailed
or delivered to each holder of an outstanding option set a date (which date
shall be not less than sixty (60) days from the date of mailing or delivering
of such written notice) on or before which such outstanding options may
be exercised, and all such outstanding options which have not been exercised
on or before such date will thereafter expire and be of no further force
and effect.

    12.  Term of the Plan.  The 1989 ISO Plan shall become effective on
         ----------------
the date of its approval by the stockholders, and subsequent adoption and
ratification by the Board, and shall continue in effect until the expiration
of ten (10) years from the date of such approval by the stockholders unless
sooner terminated as provided herein. The powers of the Board shall continue
in effect after the termination of the 1989 ISO Plan, until exercise or
expiration of all options then outstanding.

                                      8
<PAGE>
 
    13.  Amendment and Termination.  The Board at any time may amend, suspend
         -------------------------
or terminate the 1989 ISO PLAN. No action of the Board, however, may without
the written consent of the holder, alter or impair any option previously
granted under the 1989 ISO Plan (except pursuant to Paragraph 10 or Paragraph
                                                    ------------    ---------
11 above or Paragraph 15 below). In addition, except as provided in the
- --          ------------
1989 ISO Plan, no action of the Board may, unless duly approved by the
shareholders, (i) increase the maximum number of shares subject to the 1989
ISO Plan; (ii) change the option price or the manner of determining the
option price; (iii) extend the period within which options may be granted;
(iv) extend the termination date of the 1989 ISO Plan; (v) permit participation
by Directors who are not full time officers or employees; or (vi) change
the aggregate annual limit provided for under Paragraph 5 above.
                                              -----------

    14.  Obligation of the Company to Issue Shares.  Notwithstanding any
         -----------------------------------------
other provision of the 1989 ISO Plan, the Company shall not be obligated
to issue any shares pursuant to any stock option unless or until:

    (a)  the shares with respect to which the option is being exercised
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or are
exempt from such registration;

    (b)  the prior approval of such sale or issuance has been obtained from
any state regulatory body having jurisdiction; and

    (c)  in the event the stock has been listed on any stock exchange, the
shares with respect to which the option is being exercised have been duly
listed on such exchange in accordance with the procedure specified therefor.

                                      9
<PAGE>
 
    15.  Qualifying Amendments.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof
         ---------------------
to the contrary, the Board shall have the right to amend or modify the terms
and provisions of the 1989 ISO Plan and any option previously granted under
the 1989 ISO Plan to the extent necessary to qualify any or all such options
for such favorable federal income tax treatment (including deferral of taxation
upon exercise) as may be afforded employee stock options under Section 422
or any successor provision of the Code.

    16.  Delegation.  The powers of the Board hereunder may be exercised
         ----------
by any executive committee or other committee which is duly established
by the Board and to which the powers of the Board hereunder have been
delegated.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this amended instrument to
be executed by its duly authorized officer as of the 6th day of May, 1991.


                                             ASTRO-MED, INC.


                                             By  /s/ Albert W. Ondis
                                               -----------------------
                                               Albert W. Ondis
                                               Chairman



(Pursuant to Paragraph 12, this Plan became effective on May 2, 1989, the
date it was approved by stockholders and the date it was adopted and ratified
by the Board.)

                                      10

<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 10.3

 
                               ASTRO-MED, INC.
                               ---------------

                       1993 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
                       --------------------------------

     1.  Purpose.  The purpose of this 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan
         -------
(the "1993 ISO Plan") is to attract and retain key employees of Astro-Med,
Inc. (the "Company") and to provide them with additional incentive for unusual
industry and efficiency by offering an opportunity to acquire a proprietary
stake in the Company and its future growth. It is the view of the Company
that this goal may best be achieved by granting stock options.

     2.  Administration.  The 1993 ISO Plan will be administered by the
         --------------
Stock Option Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors of the
Company (the "Board") consisting of not less than two members who shall
qualify to administer the 1993 ISO Plan as contemplated by Rule 16b-3 under
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Committee's
interpretation of the terms and provisions hereof shall be final and conclusive.
The Committee shall in its sole discretion grant options to purchase shares
of the Company's common stock and issue shares upon exercise of such options
subject to the terms and conditions hereof. No Committee member shall be
liable for any action or determination made in good faith.

     3.  Amount of Stock Subject to Plan.  The amount of stock which may
         -------------------------------
be issued under options pursuant to the 1993 ISO Plan is two hundred fifty
thousand (250,000) shares of the Company's $.05 par value common stock (the
"common stock"). If any options terminate or expire for any reason without
having been exercised in full, the shares not purchased under the options
may again be subjected to options granted under the 1993 ISO Plan to the
extent not prohibited
<PAGE>
 
by Rule 16b-3.

     4.  Eligibility.  Key employees of the Company or any subsidiary shall
         -----------
be eligible to participate in the 1993 ISO Plan, except that directors who
are not full time officers or employees shall not be eligible to participate.
Key employees shall be those employees, including officers, who are deemed
by the Committee to be of primary importance in the operation of the Company's
business. The Committee may in its discretion from time to time grant options
to any or all eligible employees to purchase such number of shares as the
Committee shall determine, subject to the limitation that except as hereinafter
provided, no option may be granted hereunder to any employee who, at the
time such option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten percent
(10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or any subsidiary or parent. The foregoing limitation shall not
apply if, at the time such option is granted, the option price is at least
one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of the stock subject
to the option and such option by its terms is not exercisable after the
expiration of five (5) years from the date such option is granted, or such
shorter period as may be determined by the Committee, unless sooner terminated
under Paragraph 10 or Paragraph 12 below. Fair market value for this purpose
      ------------    ------------
shall be determined at the time and in the manner set forth in Paragraph 6
                                                               -----------
below. As used in the 1993 ISO Plan, the term "subsidiary" has the meaning
ascribed to "subsidiary corporation" by Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the term "parent" has the meaning
ascribed to "parent corporation" by Section 424(e) of the Code.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     5.  Aggregate Annual Limit.  The aggregate fair market value (determined
         ----------------------
as of the respective date or dates of grant of an option hereunder) of the stock
with respect to which options hereunder granted (and all other incentive stock
option plans of the Company or any subsidiary or parent) are exercisable for the
first time by any employee during any one calendar year shall not exceed
$100,000. In the event that Section 422(d) of the Code is amended to alter the
limitation set forth therein so that, following such amendment, such limitation
shall differ from the limitation set forth herein, then the limitation of this
Paragraph 5 shall be automatically amended to conform
- -----------
to the limitation of such section of the Code.

     6.  Option Price and Payment.  The option price of the shares of common
         ------------------------
stock subject to each option will be fixed by the Committee but, subject
to the limitation set forth in Paragraph 4 above, will not be less than
                               -----------
one hundred percent (100%) of fair market value of the common stock determined
as of the date of the granting of the option. Upon the exercise of the option,
the option price may be paid in one or more of the following ways, as the
Committee in its discretion determines: (i) in full in cash, or (ii) by
exchanging other shares of the Company's common stock owned by the owner
of such option. The term "fair market value" shall be deemed to be the mean
between the high and low selling prices on any exchange on which the stock
is listed (or over-the-counter if such stock is not then listed on such
exchange), on the date the option is granted or, if no sale has taken place,
the mean between bid and asked prices on such date. However, if any such
method is inconsistent with any regulations

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
applicable to incentive stock options heretofore or hereafter adopted by
the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, then the fair market value shall be
determined by the Committee in accordance with such regulations.

     7.  Term of Option; Employment Requirement.  (a) Except as provided
         --------------------------------------
in the limitation set forth in Paragraph 4 above, the term of each option
                               -----------
shall be ten (10) years, or such shorter period as may be determined by
the Committee, from the date of grant of the option, unless sooner terminated
under the provisions of Paragraph 10 or Paragraph 12 below. All or part
                        ------------    ------------
of the shares may be purchased, subject to the provisions of Paragraph 10
                                                             ------------
below, at any time or from time to time during the term of the option. No
option shall be granted after the termination of the 1993 ISO Plan, but
options theretofore granted may be exercised thereafter in accordance with
their terms and the provisions of the 1993 ISO Plan.

     (b)  Except as otherwise permitted under Paragraph 10 in the case of
                                              ------------
death of the holder of an option, no option will be exercisable unless at
the time of the exercise of the option:  (i) the holder thereof has been
continuously employed by the Company, one or more subsidiaries, or both
the Company and one or more subsidiaries for a period of at least one year,
and (ii) the holder thereof is still employed by the Company or one or more
subsidiaries; provided, however, that if the holder's employment has terminated
not more than ninety (90) days before the exercise of such option under
circumstances acceptable to the Committee (whose determination in this regard
shall be final and conclusive), then the option will nevertheless be exercisable
during the ninety (90) day period

                                      4
<PAGE>
 
notwithstanding termination of employment; and provided, further, that if
the holder's employment has terminated not more than one (1) year before
the exercise of such option as a result of the holder becoming disabled
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), then the option will
nevertheless be exercisable during such one (1) year period.

     (c) Military or sick leave not exceeding ninety (90) days will not
be deemed to interrupt or terminate employment for the purposes of this
Paragraph 7. Whether military or sick leave in excess of ninety (90) days
- -----------
or other authorized leave of absence will be deemed to interrupt or terminate
employment for the purposes of this Paragraph 7 will be determined by the
                                    -----------
Committee whose determination shall be final and conclusive.

     8.  Change of Control.  Unless the Committee determines otherwise,
         -----------------
all outstanding options shall become immediately exercisable upon a Change
of Control Event. A Change of Control Event shall include (i) any purchase
of common stock pursuant to a tender offer or exchange offer (other than
by the Company), (ii) a change in 30% or more of the beneficial ownership
of the combined voting securities of the Company, (iii) approval by the
Company stockholders of a consolidation, a merger in which the Company does
not survive, or the sale of substantially all of the Company's assets, or
(iv) a change in the composition of a majority of the Company's Board over
a two-year period unless the selection or nomination of each of the new
members is approved by two-thirds of those remaining members of the Board
who were members at the beginning of the two-year period.

                                      5
<PAGE>
 
     9.  Other Terms and Conditions; Waivers.  Options will be evidenced
         -----------------------------------
by option agreements in such form and containing such terms and conditions
as the Committee may determine (but not inconsistent with the provisions
of the 1993 ISO Plan) including, without being limited to, the following:

     (a)  Each option will be granted on the condition that the purchase
of stock thereunder will be for investment purposes and not with a view
to resale or distribution, except that such condition will be inoperative
if the stock subject to such option is registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or if in the opinion of counsel for the Company such stock
may be resold without registration;

     (b)  No option will be transferable by the holder thereof otherwise
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such option
will be exercisable during the lifetime of the holder thereof only by the
holder; and

     (c)  The Committee, in particular cases, before of after the issuance
of stock options under the 1993 ISO Plan, may waive any of the conditions
imposed by the 1993 ISO Plan upon the issuance or exercise of options;
provided, however, that no such waiver shall be made which would cause any
outstanding incentive stock option to fail to qualify as an incentive stock
option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

     10.  Termination of Employment Upon Death.  In the event an eligible
          ------------------------------------
employee dies while in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary, and
at such time such employee holds options under the 1993 ISO Plan, his or
her options shall end automatically six (6)

                                      6
<PAGE>
 
months after such death, unless sooner ended by their terms. Prior to the
expiration of such six (6) month period, during the term of such options,
the executor or administrator of the estate of such eligible employee shall
have the right to exercise any option previously granted to such employee
hereunder.

     11.  Readjustment of Stock or Recapitalization.  Upon any recapitalization
          -----------------------------------------
or readjustment of the Company's capital stock whereby the character of
the present common stock shall be changed, appropriate adjustments shall
be made so that the stock to be purchased under the 1993 ISO Plan shall
be the equivalent of the present common stock after such readjustment or
recapitalization. In the event of a subdivision or combination of the shares
of common stock, the Board will proportionately adjust the number of shares
that may be optioned and sold to eligible employees and the number of shares
which are the subject of outstanding options and the price therefor. In
case of reclassification or other change in the shares of common stock,
such action will be taken as in the opinion of the Board will be appropriate
under the circumstances. Accordingly, in such cases the maximum number of
authorized but unissued shares, or share held as treasury stock, which are
subject to the 1993 ISO Plan may be adjusted by the Board without stockholder
or any other action.

     12.  Sale of Assets; Stock Exchange, etc.  If the Board recommends
          -----------------------------------
that the Company sell substantially all of its assets, or that the holders
of substantially all of the shares of outstanding stock sell or exchange
their shares to or with any person, firm or corporation, or that the Company
merge or consolidate with another corporation, or that the Company be
liquidated and dissolved, then in

                                      7
<PAGE>
 
any such event, the Committee may by notice in writing mailed or delivered
to each holder of an outstanding option set a date (which date shall be
not less than sixty (60) days from the date of mailing or delivering of
such written notice) on or before which such outstanding options may be
exercised, and all such outstanding options which have not been exercised
on or before such date will thereafter expire and be of no further force
and effect.

     13.  Term of the Plan.  The 1993 ISO Plan shall become effective on
          ----------------
the date of its approval by the stockholders, and subsequent adoption and
ratification by the Board, and shall continue in effect until the expiration
of ten (10) years from the date of such approval by the stockholders unless
sooner terminated as provided herein. The powers of the Committee shall
continue in effect after the termination of the 1993 ISO Plan, until exercise
or expiration of all options then outstanding.

     14.  Amendment and Termination.  The Board may at any time amend, suspend
          -------------------------
or terminate the 1993 ISO Plan. No action of the Board, however, may without
the written consent of the holder, alter or impair any option previously
granted under the 1993 ISO Plan (except pursuant to Paragraph 11 or Paragraph
                                                    ------------    ---------
12 above or Paragraph 16 below). In addition, except as provided in the
- --          ------------
1993 ISO Plan, no action of the Board may, unless duly approved by the
shareholders, (i) increase the maximum number of shares subject to the 1993
ISO Plan; (ii) change the option price or the manner of determining the
option price; (iii) extend the period within which options may be granted;
(iv) extend the termination date of the 1993 ISO Plan; (v) permit participation
by

                                      8
<PAGE>
 
directors who are not full time officers or employees; or (vi) change the
aggregate annual limit provided for under Paragraph 5 above.
                                          -----------

     15.  Obligation of the Company to Issue Shares.  Notwithstanding any
          -----------------------------------------
other provision of the 1993 ISO Plan, the Company shall not be obligated
to issue any shares pursuant to any stock option unless or until:

     (a)  the shares with respect to which the option is being exercised
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or are
exempt from such registration;

     (b)  the prior approval of such sale or issuance has been obtained from
any state regulatory body having jurisdiction; and

     (c)  in the event the stock has been listed on any stock exchange,
the shares with respect to which the option is being exercised have been
duly listed on such exchange in accordance with the procedure specified
therefore.

     16.  Qualifying Amendments.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof
          ---------------------
to the contrary, the Board shall have the right to amend or modify the terms
and provisions of the 1993 ISO Plan, and any option previously granted under
the 1993 ISO Plan may be amended or modified by the Committee, to the extent
necessary to qualify any or all such options for such favorable federal
income tax treatment (including deferral of taxation upon exercise) as may
be afforded employee stock options under Section 422 or any successor provision
of the Code.

                                      9
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be executed
by its duly authorized officer as of the 4th day of May, 1993.



                                       ASTRO-MED, INC.


                                       By  /s/ A. W. Ondis
                                          -----------------------
                                          Albert W. Ondis
                                          Chairman


(Pursuant to Paragraph 13, this Plan became effective on May 4, 1993, the
date it was approved by stockholders and the date it was adopted and ratified
by the Board.)

                                      10

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                     LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY


       Grass Instrument Co.                 Astro-Med International, Inc.
       GC Property Corp.                    Astro-Med SRL
       AWO Inc.                             Astro-Med GMBH





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