RAVEN INDUSTRIES INC
10-K, 1998-04-24
APPAREL & OTHER FINISHD PRODS OF FABRICS & SIMILAR MATL
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                                    FORM 10-K

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended January 31, 1998

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

For the transition period from _________________ to __________________

Commission file number  0-3136

                             RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         South Dakota                                    46-0246171
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

 205 E. 6th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota   57117
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Address of principal offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (605) 336-2750

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

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

                           Common stock, $1 par value
                           --------------------------
                              (Title of each class)

Indicate by checkmark 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 twelve months, and (2) has been sub ject to such filing
requirements for the past ninety days.
                                                              Yes __X__  No ____

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant, based on the closing price of $21.00 per share as reported on the
NASDAQ National Market System on April 15, 1998 was $90,311,277.

Shares of common stock outstanding at April 15, 1998: 4,827,907.

<PAGE>


                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following table shows, except as otherwise noted, the location of
information, required in this Form 10-K, in the registrant's Annual Report to
Shareholders for the year ended January 31, 1998 and Proxy Statement for
registrant's 1998 annual meeting, a defini tive copy of which was filed on April
16, 1998. All such information set forth under the heading "Reference" below is
incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the registrant's Annual Report to
Shareholders for the year ended January 31, 1998 is included in this report.


 PART I.          ITEM IN FORM 10-K                      REFERENCE
 -------          -----------------                      ---------

Item 1.      Business                          Business, pages 4-7, this
                                                         document; Business
                                                         Segments, page 3, and
                                                         Sales by Markets, page
                                                         17, Annual Report to
                                                         Shareholders

Item 2.      Properties                        Properties, pages 8-9, this
                                                         document

Item 3.      Pending Legal                     Pending Legal Proceedings,
                       Proceedings                       page 9, this document

Item 4.      Submission of Matters             Submission of Matters to a
                       to a Vote of                      Vote of Security
                       Security Holders                  Holders, page 9, this
                                                         document

 PART II.
- ---------

Item 5.      Market for the Regis-             Quarterly Summary, page 24,
                       trant's Common                    Eleven-year Financial
                       Equity and Related                Summary, pages 18-19,
                       Stockholder Matters               and inside back cover,
                                                         Annual Report to
                                                         Shareholders

Item 6.      Selected Financial Data           Eleven-Year Financial
                                                         Summary, pages 18-19,
                                                         Annual Report to
                                                         Shareholders

Item 7.      Management's Discussion           Financial Review and
                       and Analysis of                   Analysis, pages 20-23,
                       Financial Condition               Annual Report to Share
                       and Results of                    holders
                       Operations

<PAGE>


                 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, Continued


 PART II.    continued:
 --------
                  ITEM IN FORM 10-K                      REFERENCE
                  -----------------                      ---------

Item 8.      Financial Statements and          Annual Report to Share-
                       Supplementary Data                holders, pages 25-36

Item 9.      Changes in and Disagree-          Changes in and Disagree-
                       ments with Account-               ments with Accountants
                       ants on Accounting                on Accounting and
                       and Financial                     Financial Disclosure,
                       Disclosure                        page 9, this document


 PART III.
 ---------

Item 10.     Directors of the Regis-           Election of Directors and
                 trant                                   Executive Compensation,
                                                         Proxy Statement

             Executive Officers of             Executive Officers of
                       the Registrant                    Registrant, page 10,
                                                         this document and Other
                                                         Matters, Proxy
                                                         Statement

Item 11.     Executive Compensation            Executive Compensation,
                                                         Proxy Statement

Item 12.     Voting Securities and             Ownership of Common Stock,
                       Principal Holders                 Proxy Statement
                       Thereof

Item 13.     Certain Relationships
                       and Related             Election of Directors,
                       Transactions                      Proxy Statement

 ITEM IV.
 --------
                                               Exhibits, Financial
Item 14.     Exhibits, Financial                         Statement Schedule
                       Statement Schedule                and Reports on Form
                       and Reports on Form               8-K, pages 10-12,
                       8-K.                              this document.

<PAGE>


                             RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                    FORM 10-K

                           year ended January 31, 1998


Item 1.        Business

General

            Raven Industries, Inc. was incorporated in February 1956 under the
laws of the State of South Dakota and began operations later that same year. The
following terms - the company, Raven or the registrant - are intended to apply
to Raven Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21
to this report. Raven is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, employing
approximately 1,500 persons in nine states.

            The company began operations as a manufacturer of high-altitude
research balloons. It has diversified over the years to supply specialized
products for a number of markets, including industrial, recreation, agriculture,
automotive and defense. Many of these product lines are an extension of
technology and production methods developed in the original balloon business.
The automotive product line was added via acquisition in fiscal 1987. Page 17 in
the company's Annual Report to Shareholders, incorporated herein by reference,
provides financial information regarding sales by markets.

            The company has three business segments: Electronics, Plastics and
Sewn Products. Product lines have been grouped in these segments based on common
technologies, production methods and raw materials. However, more than one
business segment may serve the product markets identified above. Page 3 in the
company's Annual Report to Shareholders, incorporated herein by reference,
provides financial information concerning the three business segments.

Business Segments

            Electronics - Historically, this segment provided a variety of
assemblies and controls to the U.S. Department of Defense and other defense
contractors. The company is expanding this segment's capabilities in contract
electronics assembly for commercial customers to offset a decline in defense
contracts. Assemblies manufactured by the Electronics segment include
communication, computer and other products where high quality is critical. Flow
control devices, used primarily for precision farming applications, are designed
and produced within this business segment. These devices are also used for
roadside and turf spraying. Management

<PAGE>


Item 1.       Business, continued:

Business Segments, continued:

believes that acquisition of new technologies for height and depth control will
expand the company's capabilities to support precision farming in future years.
The segment also builds and installs automated control systems for use in
feedmills.

            Contract electronics assembly sales are made in response to
competitive bid requests by defense agencies or other contractors. The level and
nature of competition vary with the type of product, but the company frequently
competes with a number of assembly manufacturers on any given bid request. Home
office personnel sell flow control devices directly to original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors. Company sales representatives sell
automated systems directly to feedmills. All the product markets the company
participates in are competitive, with customers having a number of suppliers to
choose from.

            Plastics - Products in this segment include heavy-duty sheeting for
industrial and agricultural applications; fiberglass, polyethylene and
dual-laminate tanks for industrial and agricultural use; high altitude balloons
for public and commercial research; and pickup-truck toppers sold in the small
truck aftermarket. The company's capability to produce dual-laminate tankage
resulted from the acquisition of Norcore Plastics in January 1997.

            The company sells plastic sheeting to distributors in each of the
various markets it serves. The company extrudes a significant portion of the
film converted for its commercial products and believes it is one of the largest
sheeting converters in the United States. A number of suppliers of sheeting
compete with Raven on both price and product availability.

            Home office personnel and manufacturer's representatives sell
storage tanks to OEMs and through distributors. Competition comes not only from
many other plastic tank manufacturers, but also from manufacturers using other
materials (aluminum and steel). The company makes a number of custom fiberglass
and dual-laminate products, but polyethylene tanks tend to be commodity products
and subject to intense price competition.

            The company sells research balloons directly to public agencies
(usually funded by NASA) or commercial users. Demand is small but stable. Raven
is the largest balloon supplier for high-altitude research in the United States.

            Pickup-truck toppers are sold throughout the U.S., using a dealer
network. The overall market for toppers has declined since the late 1980's as
alternatives to pickups with toppers, primarily

<PAGE>


Item 1.       Business, continued:

Business Segments, continued:

minivans and sport-utility vehicles, increased in popularity.  The
number of topper manufacturers has fallen but is still substantial.

            Sewn Products - This segment produces and sells outerwear for a
variety of recreational activities, including skiing, hunting and fishing. The
segment also manufactures sport balloons principally for recreational use.
Another major product is large inflatable devices, which enjoy a number of uses,
such as parade floats and advertising media.

            Recreational outerwear is sold both to retailers through an
independent sales representative network, and by home office personnel to
catalog retailers. There are many outerwear manufacturers in the U.S. and
abroad, and considerable competition exists. The company competes successfully
in the medium-to-higher priced range of the market where specialty fabrics such
as Gore-Tex(R) are involved, emphasizing quality, service and manufacturing
expertise.

            The segment sells balloons through a dealer network. Raven is the
originator of modern hot-air ballooning and continues to be a leader in design
and technical expertise. The company believes it has approximately 40 percent of
the U.S. hot-air balloon market, although others are able to compete with
lower-cost products. Inflatables are sold directly to corporate customers and
are subject to varying levels of competition. Generally, the more customized the
product, the greater the company's market share.

Major Customer Information

            No customer accounted for more than 10 percent of consolidated sales
in fiscal 1998. However, the company sells sewn products to several large
customers. In fiscal 1998, the top five customers in the Sewn Products segment
accounted for more than two-thirds of the sales in that segment. Although the
loss of these accounts would adversely affect profitability, the company
believes that, over the long term, addition of new customers and sales growth
from existing customers would replace any lost sales.

Seasonality/Working Capital Requirements

            Some seasonality in demand exists for the company's outerwear
products, many of which are built in spring/summer for summer/fall delivery.
Most of these sales carry net thirty day terms, although some winter-dated terms
are available. Sales to the agricultural market (flow controls, plastic tanks)
also experience some seasonality, building in the fall for winter/spring
delivery. Certain sales to agricultural customers offer spring dating terms

<PAGE>


Item 1.       Business, continued:

Seasonality/Working Capital Requirements Continued:

for late fall and early winter shipments. The resulting fluctuations in
inventory and accounts receivable balances may require and have required
seasonal short-term financing.

Raw Materials

            The company obtains a wide variety of materials from numerous
vendors. Principal materials include numerous electronic components for the
Electronics segment; various plastic resins for the Plastics segment; and fabric
for the Sewn Products segment. The company has not experienced any significant
shortages or other problems in purchasing raw materials to date, and alternative
sources of supply are generally available. However, predicting future material
shortages and their impact on Raven is not possible.

Patents

            The company owns a number of patents. However, Raven does not
believe that its business as a whole is materially dependent on any one patent
or related group of patents. It believes the successful manufacture and sale of
its products generally depend more upon its technical expertise and
manufacturing skills.

Research and Development

            The business segments noted above conduct ongoing research and
development efforts. Most of the company's research and development expenditures
are directed toward new products in the Electronics and Plastics segments. Total
company research and development costs are disclosed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements located on page 29 of the Annual Report to
Shareholders, incorporated herein by reference.

Environmental Matters

            Raven believes that it is in compliance in all material respects
with applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.
Expenditures relating to compliance for operating facilities incurred in the
past and anticipated in the future have not significantly affected capital
expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Backlog

            As of February 1, 1998, the company's backlog of firm orders totaled
$47.2 million. Comparable backlog amounts as of February 1, 1997 and 1996 were
$38.1 million and $32.5 million, respectively. Approximately $4 million of the
February 1, 1998 backlog is not scheduled for shipment by January 31, 1999.

<PAGE>


Item 2.       Properties

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Square                                         Business
Location                Feet          Use                              Segments
- --------                ----          ---                              --------
<S>                     <C>           <C>                              <C>
Sioux Falls, SD         150,000       Corporate office and             Corporate and
                                      electronics manufacturing        Other
                                                                       Electronics

                         73,300       Storage tank                     Plastics
                                      manufacturing

                         68,400       Sewn products warehouse          Sewn Products

                         62,300       Plastic sheeting                 Plastics
                                      manufacturing

                         59,000       Plastic sheeting and hot-        Plastics
                                      air balloon manufacturing        Sewn Products

                         31,400       Storage tank                     Plastics
                                      manufacturing

                         27,000       Offices and material             Sewn Products
                                      handling facility

                         25,300       Inflatable manufacturing         Sewn Products

                         24,000       Prototype manufacturing          Electronics

                         10,200       Machine Shop                     Corporate and
                                                                       Other

                          6,200       Training/meeting center          Corporate and
                                                                       Other

Dunnell, MN              81,500       Pickup-truck topper              Plastics
                                      manufacturing

Eloy, AZ                 51,600       Pickup-truck topper              Plastics
                                      manufacturing

Albertville, AL          49,600       Storage tank                     Plastics
                                      manufacturing

Tacoma, WA              *46,650       Storage tank                     Plastics
                                      manufacturing

Sulphur Springs, TX     *45,400       Research balloon                 Plastics
                                      manufacturing

Springfield, OH          30,000       Plastic sheeting                 Plastics
                                      manufacturing
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Square                                         Business
Location                Feet          Use                              Segments
- --------                ----          ---                              --------
<S>                     <C>           <C>                              <C>
Huron, SD                24,100       Sewing plant                     Sewn Products

Washington Court         21,500       Storage tank                     Plastics
House, OH                             manufacturing

St. Louis, MO            21,000       Electronics manufacturing        Electronics

Gordo, AL               *20,000       Feedmill automation              Electronics
                                      equipment manufacturing

Beresford, SD            20,000       Sewing plant                     Sewn Products

Madison, SD              20,000       Sewing plant                     Sewn Products

DeSmet, SD               15,000       Sewing plant                     Sewn Products

Salem, SD                15,000       Sewing plant                     Sewn Products

Parkston, SD             14,000       Sewing plant                     Sewn Products

</TABLE>

* Leased short-term

Most of the company's manufacturing plants also serve as distribution centers
and contain offices for sales, engineering and manufacturing support staff. The
company believes that its properties are, in all material respects, in good
condition and are adequate to meet existing production needs. The company owns
6.95 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to the other company property in Sioux
Falls which is available for expansion.

Item 3.       Pending Legal Proceedings

There are no pending legal proceedings wherein the claim for damages exceeds 10%
of the registrant's current assets.


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

There was no matter submitted during the fourth quarter to a vote of security
holders.


Item 9.       Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting
              and Financial Disclosure

None.

<PAGE>


Item 10.    Executive Officers of the Registrant

       Name              Age           Position             Period Served
       ----              ---           --------             -------------

David A. Christensen     63      President and Chief    April 1971 to present
                                 Executive Officer

Gary L. Conradi          58      Vice President,        January 1980 to present
                                 Corporate Services

Ronald M. Moquist        52      Executive Vice         January 1979 to present
                                 President

Arnold J. Thue           59      Vice President,        January 1980 to present
                                 Finance, Secretary
                                 and Treasurer

Each of the above named individuals serves at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors. Each serves on a year-to-year basis.


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

      (a)   Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule

            1.    Incorporated by reference from the attached 1998 Annual Report
                         to Shareholders:

                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
                     Consolidated Statements of Income
                     Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                     Report of Independent Accountants

            2.    Included in Part II:
                     Report of Independent Accountants on Financial
                         Statement Schedule
                     Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

            The following schedules are omitted for the reason that they are not
            applicable or are not required: I, III and IV.

      (b)   Reports on Form 8-K

            There were no reports filed on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter
            ended January 31, 1998.

<PAGE>


Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on
            Form 8-K, continued:

      (c)   Exhibits filed

            Exhibit
            Number                          Description
            ------                          -----------

            3(a)        Articles of Incorporation of Raven Industries, Inc. and
                        all amendments thereto.*

            3(b)        By-Laws of Raven Industries, Inc.*

            3(c)        Extract of Shareholders Resolution adopted on April 7,
                        1962 with respect to the by-laws of Raven Industries,
                        Inc.*

            4(a)        Rights Agreement dated as of March 16, 1989 between
                        Raven Industries, Inc. and Norwest Bank Minnesota,
                        National Association (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated
                        March 16, 1989).

            10(a)       Change in Control Agreement between Raven Industries,
                        Inc. and David A. Christensen dated as of March 17,
                        1989.*

            10(b)       Change in Control Agreement between Raven Industries,
                        Inc. and Gary L. Conradi dated as of March 17, 1989.*

            10(c)       Change in Control Agreement between Raven Industries,
                        Inc. and Ronald M. Moquist dated as of March 17, 1989.*

            10(d)       Change in Control Agreement between Raven Industries,
                        Inc. and Arnold J. Thue dated as of March 17, 1989.*

            10(f)       The Raven Industries, Inc. Health and Survivor Benefit
                        Plan.*

            10(g)       The Raven Industries, Inc. Post-Retirement Health and
                        Survivor Benefit Plan.*

            10(h)       Deferred Compensation Plan between Raven Industries,
                        Inc. and David A. Christensen dated as of June 1, 1986.*

            10(i)       Trust Agreement between Raven Industries, Inc. and
                        Norwest Bank South Dakota, N.A. dated April 26, 1989.*

            10(n)       Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreements.*

<PAGE>


Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on
            Form 8-K, continued:

            Exhibit
            Number                          Description
            ------                          -----------

            10(o)       Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreements.*

            10(p)       Form of Amendment Agreement relating to outstanding
                        Incentive Stock Options.*

            10(q)       Raven Industries, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan adopted
                        January 30, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A
                        to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement filed April
                        25, 1990).

            13          1998 Annual Report to Shareholders (only those portions
                        specifically incorporated herein by refer ence shall be
                        deemed filed with the Commission).

            21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

            23          Consent of Independent Accountants.

            27          Financial Data Schedule (for S.E.C. only).

                        *     Incorporated by reference to corresponding Exhibit
                              Number of the Company's Form 10-K for the year
                              ended January 31, 1989.

<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.

                                      RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                      (Registrant)


April 24, 1998                        By:  /S/ David A. Christensen
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 David A. Christensen
                                           President (Principal Executive
                                                 Officer and Director)


            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.

April 24, 1998                        By:  /S/ David A. Christensen
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 David A. Christensen
                                           President (Principal Executive
                                                 Officer and Director)


April 24, 1998                             /S/ Arnold J. Thue
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 Arnold J. Thue
                                           Vice President, Finance,
                                                 Secretary and Treasurer
                                                 (Principal Financial and
                                                 Accounting Officer)

                                           Directors:

April 24, 1998                             /S/ Conrad J. Hoigaard
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 Conrad J. Hoigaard

April 24, 1998                             /S/ John C. Skoglund
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 John C. Skoglund

April 24, 1998                             /S/ Mark E. Griffin
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 Mark E. Griffin

April 24, 1998                             /S/ Kevin T. Kirby
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 Kevin T. Kirby

April 24, 1998                             /S/ Anthony W. Bour
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 Anthony W. Bour

April 24, 1998                             /S/ Thomas S. Everist
- -----------------------                    -------------------------------------
      Date                                 Thomas S. Everist

<PAGE>


                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                         ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Raven Industries, Inc.:

            Our report on the consolidated financial statements of Raven
Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries has been incorporated by reference in this
Form 10-K from page 36 of the 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders of Raven
Industries, Inc. In connection with our audits of such financial statements, we
have also audited the related financial statement schedule listed in Item
14.(a)2. on page 10 of this Form 10-K.

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




                                      COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 6, 1998

<PAGE>


                 SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

              for the years ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996

                             (Dollars in thousands)

                                   ----------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Column A                Column B               Column C               Column D       Column E
             --------               ----------    ----------------------------    -----------     --------

                                                           Additions
                                                  ----------------------------
                                    Balance at    Charged to        Charged to    Deductions
                                    Beginning     Costs and           Other          From        Balance at
           Description               of Year       Expenses          Accounts     Reserves(1)    End of Year
           -----------               -------       --------          --------     -----------    -----------
<S>                    <C>            <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>             <C> 
Deducted in the balance sheet
    from the asset to which it
    applies:
  Allowance for doubtful
      accounts:
    Year ended January 31, 1998       $340          $193               None         $143            $390
                                      ====          ====                            ====            ====

    Year ended January 31, 1997       $340          $ 88               None         $ 88            $340
                                      ====          ====                            ====            ====

    Year ended January 31, 1996       $350          $ 68               None         $ 78            $340
                                      ====          ====                            ====            ====
</TABLE>


Note:

      (1)   Represents uncollectible accounts receivable written off during the
            year, net of recoveries.




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               BUSINESS SEGMENTS

                                                                 for the years ended January 31,
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                          1998        1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
==================================================================================================================
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>     
ELECTRONICS
Sales                                        $ 45,947    $ 43,861    $ 32,962    $ 31,959     $ 35,771    $ 34,538
Operating income                                5,844       4,913       4,600       2,753(a)     4,529       5,146
Identifiable assets                            25,599      23,251      19,204      16,912       18,838      19,082
Capital expenditures                            2,002       1,071         807         552          985         953
Depreciation & amortization                     1,326       1,273       1,077         872          804         712

PLASTICS
Sales                                        $ 68,325    $ 59,158    $ 55,281    $ 48,971     $ 40,386    $ 36,070
Operating income                                1,998       4,187       3,267       3,470        2,815       2,625
Identifiable assets                            34,583      33,879      26,092      25,817       16,796      13,769
Capital expenditures                            3,869       2,539       2,973       6,387        3,587       1,305
Depreciation & amortization                     3,243       2,678       2,414       1,845        1,263       1,245

SEWN PRODUCTS
Sales                                        $ 35,347    $ 36,422    $ 32,201    $ 40,790     $ 45,311    $ 40,606
Operating income                                2,720       2,871       1,694       2,913        3,096       1,375
Identifiable assets                            14,157      14,990      13,934      16,384       16,510      17,760
Capital expenditures                              667         379         396         765        1,141         888
Depreciation & amortization                       541         583         719         832          803         683

CORPORATE & OTHER
Identifiable assets                          $  8,251    $  8,542    $  8,323    $  6,523     $  8,453    $  4,202
Capital expenditures                                3          20          10          49           71          13
Depreciation & amortization                        27          32          32          33           27          23

TOTAL COMPANY
Sales                                        $149,619    $139,441    $120,444    $121,720     $121,468    $111,214
Operating income                               10,562      11,971       9,561       9,136(a)    10,440       9,146
Identifiable assets                            82,590      80,662      67,553      65,636       60,597      54,813
Capital expenditures                            6,541       4,009       4,186       7,753        5,784       3,159
Depreciation & amortization                     5,137       4,566       4,242       3,582        2,897       2,663

</TABLE>

(a) INCLUDES A $1.8 MILLION CHARGE AT THE COMPANY'S BETA RAVEN SUBSIDIARY.



PRODUCT LINES BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

  ELECTRONICS ... contract electronics manufacturing
              ... flow controls -- precision farming
              ... feedmill and bakery automation

     PLASTICS ... sheeting
              ... storage/sprayer tanks
              ... research balloons
              ... pickup-truck toppers

SEWN PRODUCTS ... performance outerwear
              ... sport balloons
              ... inflatables


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...3


<PAGE>


SALES BY MARKETS

                                   for the years ended January 31
                                   ------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)               1998       1997       1996
==================================================================
INDUSTRIAL
Plastic sheeting                  $ 23,043   $ 21,276   $ 19,225
Industrial tanks                    12,405      7,070      6,566
Electronics                         18,765     16,574     11,391
Research balloons                    3,150      3,268      2,776
Inflatables                          3,085      3,515      3,169
                                  --------   --------   --------
                                  $ 60,448   $ 51,703   $ 43,127

RECREATION
Performance outerwear             $ 29,803   $ 29,901   $ 26,426
Sport balloons                       2,459      2,790      2,454
                                  --------   --------   --------
                                  $ 32,262   $ 32,691   $ 28,880
AGRICULTURE
Flow controls-precision farming   $ 16,852   $ 16,689   $ 13,467
Feedmill automation                  5,128      5,039      4,181
Storage/sprayer tanks                9,869      8,632      9,271
Plastic sheeting                     1,251      1,255      1,653
                                  --------   --------   --------
                                  $ 33,100   $ 31,615   $ 28,572
AUTOMOTIVE
Pickup-truck toppers              $ 18,607   $ 17,657   $ 15,402
Other                                                        388
                                  --------   --------   --------
                                  $ 18,607   $ 17,657   $ 15,790
DEFENSE
Electronics                       $  5,202   $  5,559   $  3,922
Other                                             216        153
                                  --------   --------   --------
                                  $  5,202   $  5,775   $  4,075
TOTAL COMPANY SALES
Industrial                        $ 60,448   $ 51,703   $ 43,127
Recreation                          32,262     32,691     28,880
Agriculture                         33,100     31,615     28,572
Automotive                          18,607     17,657     15,790
Defense                              5,202      5,775      4,075
                                  --------   --------   --------
        Total                     $149,619   $139,441   $120,444
                                  ========   ========   ========


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...17


<PAGE>


ELEVEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)      1998           1997         1996          1995
======================================================================================================
<S>                                             <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>      
OPERATIONS FOR YEAR
Net sales.....................................  $ 149,619      $ 139,441    $ 120,444     $ 121,720
Gross profit..................................     24,929         25,287       22,660        23,968
Operating income..............................     10,562         11,971        9,561         9,136(b)
Income before income taxes....................     12,540(a)      11,915        9,566         9,372
Net income....................................      8,062          7,688        6,197         6,088
Net income % of sales.........................        5.4%           5.5%         5.1%          5.0%
Net income % of beginning equity..............       14.2%          15.6%        13.6%         14.8%
Cash dividends................................  $   2,709      $   2,367    $   2,130     $   1,843

FINANCIAL POSITION
Current assets................................  $  57,831      $  56,696    $  45,695     $  43,795
Current liabilities...........................     19,375         20,016       14,771        15,078
Working capital...............................     38,456         36,680       30,924        28,717
Current ratio.................................       2.98           2.83         3.09          2.90
Property, plant and equipment.................     19,817         18,142       18,069        18,570
Total assets..................................     82,590         80,662       67,553        65,636
Long-term debt................................      1,128          3,181        2,816         4,179
Shareholders' equity..........................     61,563         56,729       49,151        45,526
Long-term debt/total capitalization...........        1.8%           5.3%         5.4%          8.4%
Inventory turnover (CGS/year-end inventory)...        4.8            4.5          4.1           4.4

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
Operating activities..........................  $   9,274      $   7,088    $   9,687     $   7,452
Investing activities..........................     (4,979)        (5,090)      (4,158)      (10,000)
Financing activities..........................     (4,884)        (2,363)      (4,029)          406
Increase (decrease) in cash...................       (589)          (365)       1,500        (2,142)

COMMON STOCK DATA
Net income per share--basic...................  $    1.66      $    1.62    $    1.31     $    1.29
Net income per share--diluted.................       1.65           1.61         1.30          1.27
Cash dividends per share......................       0.56           0.50         0.45          0.39
Book value per share..........................      12.76          11.73        10.42          9.62
Stock price range during year
    High......................................  $   25.75      $   23.50    $   20.75     $   24.50
    Low.......................................  $   19.63      $   16.00    $   15.50     $   18.00
Shares outstanding, year-end (in thousands)...      4,825          4,836        4,716         4,735
Number of shareholders, year-end..............      3,221          3,011        3,190         3,031

OTHER DATA
Average number of employees...................      1,511          1,387        1,368         1,414
Sales per employee............................  $      99      $     101    $      88     $      86
Backlog                                         $  47,154      $  38,102    $  32,539     $  29,661

</TABLE>

ALL PER-SHARE, SHARES OUTSTANDING AND MARKET PRICE DATA REFLECT THE OCTOBER 1992
THREE-FOR-TWO AND THE JULY 1989 TWO-FOR-ONE STOCK SPLITS. ALL OTHER FIGURES ARE
AS REPORTED.

(a)  INCLUDES THE $1.8 MILLION GAIN ON SALE OF AN INVESTMENT IN AN AFFILIATE
     (SEE NOTE 5).

(b)  INCLUDES A $1.8 MILLION CHARGE AT THE COMPANY'S BETA RAVEN SUBSIDIARY.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...18

<PAGE>


                             [WIDE TABLE CONTINUED]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

           for the years ended January 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1994          1993          1992          1991           1990          1989          1988
================================================================================================
<S>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>      
$ 121,468     $ 111,214     $ 100,609     $  85,502      $  90,973     $  77,563     $  64,305
   23,574        21,048        19,109        17,685         18,177        14,857        14,292
   10,440         9,146         8,138         7,311          7,461         5,127         4,983
   10,638         9,182         8,067         7,071          6,831         4,578         4,390
    6,954         6,030         5,306         4,605          4,235         2,930         2,656
      5.7%          5.4%          5.3%          5.4%           4.7%          3.8%          4.1%
     19.6%         19.7%         20.2%         20.2%          19.7%         15.3%         15.5%
$   1,545     $   1,316     $   1,165     $   1,014      $     849     $     732     $     680

$  45,037     $  42,476     $  34,798     $  33,900      $  30,570     $  24,976     $  21,795
   16,088        15,253        11,284        12,147         11,247         9,633         8,799
   28,949        27,223        23,514        21,753         19,323        15,342        12,997
     2.80          2.78          3.08          2.79           2.72          2.59          2.48
   13,371        10,457         9,947         8,368          7,163         8,702         9,672
   60,597        54,813        46,528        44,103         39,547        35,892        33,920
    2,539         3,224         3,676         4,679          4,966         4,115         5,254
   41,100        35,530        30,601        26,236         22,802        21,448        19,170
      5.8%          8.3%         10.7%         15.1%          17.5%         15.7%         20.9%
      4.4           3.8           4.2           3.4            4.1           4.6           4.1

$  11,257     $   3,475     $   7,489     $   5,583      $   2,404     $   3,908     $   4,108
   (5,908)       (3,107)       (3,886)       (3,113)        (1,308)       (1,331)       (3,598)
   (2,042)       (1,659)       (2,518)       (2,071)        (1,875)       (1,869)          274
    3,307        (1,291)        1,085           399           (779)          708           784

$    1.48     $    1.30     $    1.15     $    1.00      $    0.90     $    0.61     $    0.56
     1.45          1.27          1.13          0.98           0.87          0.61          0.55
     0.33          0.28          0.25          0.22           0.18          0.15          0.14
     8.76          7.60          6.63          5.77           5.01          4.48          4.03

$   23.50     $   21.50     $   15.83     $    9.75      $   10.00     $    5.75     $    7.09
$   18.00     $   13.83     $    8.00     $    6.42      $    5.33     $    4.37     $    4.21
    4,694         4,676         4,629         4,559          4,554         4,785         4,758
    3,173         3,147         2,775         2,526          1,898         1,925         2,000

    1,435         1,316         1,252         1,141          1,234         1,138         1,019
$      85     $      85     $      80     $      75      $      74     $      68     $      63
$  36,403     $  49,033     $  48,200     $  53,587      $  42,078     $  33,436     $  21,424

</TABLE>


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...19

<PAGE>


FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...MARGIN ANALYSIS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     for the years ended January 31,
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1998                            1997                            1996
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per-share data)     AMOUNT   % SALES  % CHANGE      amount   % sales  % change      amount   % sales  % change
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                     <C>         <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales.............................. $ 149,619   100.0   +   7.3     $ 139,441   100.0   +  15.8     $ 120,444   100.0   -   1.0
Gross profit...........................    24,929    16.7   -   1.4        25,287    18.1   +  11.6        22,660    18.8   -   5.5
Operating expenses.....................    14,367     9.6   +   7.9        13,316     9.5   +   1.7        13,099    10.9   +   0.5
Operating income.......................    10,562     7.1   -  11.8        11,971     8.6   +  25.2         9,561     7.9   +   4.7
Income before income taxes.............    12,540     8.4   +   5.2        11,915     8.5   +  24.6         9,566     7.9   +   2.1
Income taxes...........................     4,478     3.0   +   5.9         4,227     3.0   +  25.5         3,369     2.8   +   2.6
Net income............................. $   8,062     5.4   +   4.9     $   7,688     5.5   +  24.1     $   6,197     5.1   +   1.8

Net income per share--diluted.......... $    1.65           +   2.5     $    1.61           +  23.8     $    1.30           +   2.4

Effective income tax rate..............      35.7%          +   0.6          35.5%          +   0.9          35.2%          +   0.6

</TABLE>


LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE

Although the company recorded record sales and net income in fiscal 1998,
operating income declined by almost 12%. Unfavorable operating results were due
primarily to weakness in the Plastics business segment. Net income of $8.1
million, or $1.65 per share on a diluted basis, included a $1.8 million pretax
gain on the sale of an investment in an affiliated company. Absent this gain,
net income would have been $6.9 million or $1.41 per share, the third highest in
company history. The Electronics segment generated higher sales and earnings in
fiscal 1998 as a result of improvements in contract electronics manufacturing.
Plastics segment sales increased because of the acquisition of Norcore Plastics,
Inc., in January 1997, but weakness in the industrial marketplace reduced
profitability. Sewn Products segment results were relatively flat when compared
with fiscal 1997 levels.

Strong operating cash flows, along with the sale of the 50% owned affiliate,
reduced the company's debt to capitalization ratio below 2% at the end of fiscal
1998. The company also returned 14.2% on shareholders equity, and 5.4% on sales;
increased its book value by 8.8% on a per share basis; paid a record per share
dividend and continued to invest in its businesses.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                for the years ended January 31,
                                    -------------------------------------------------------
                                    1998      1997      1996      1995      1994      1993
===========================================================================================
<S>                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C> 
Net income as % of
    Sales........................    5.4%      5.5%      5.1%      5.0%      5.7%      5.4%
    Average assets...............    9.9%     10.4%      9.3%      9.6%     12.1%     11.9%
    Beginning equity.............   14.2%     15.6%     13.6%     14.8%     19.6%     19.7%

</TABLE>


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...20

<PAGE>


FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS


SEGMENT ANALYSIS

The following table summarizes sales and gross profits in the company's three
business segments for each of the past three fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1998                     1997                    1996
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)            AMOUNT    % CHANGE        amount   % change       amount    % change
=======================================================================================================
<S>                             <C>            <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>             <C>
SALES                                                                           
Electronics...................  $  45,947    + 4.8       $  43,861    + 33.1      $  32,962    +  3.1
Plastics......................     68,325    +15.5          59,158    +  7.0         55,281    + 12.9
Sewn Products.................     35,347    - 3.0          36,422    + 13.1         32,201    - 21.1
                                ---------                ---------                ---------
Total.........................  $ 149,619    + 7.3       $ 139,441    + 15.8      $ 120,444    -  1.0
                                =========                =========                =========

                                  AMOUNT    % SALES         amount    % sales       amount     % sales
=======================================================================================================
GROSS PROFITS
Electronics...................  $  10,083     21.9       $   8,617      19.6      $   7,841      23.8
Plastics......................      8,791     12.9          10,154      17.2          9,450      17.1
Sewn Products.................      6,055     17.1           6,516      17.9          5,369      16.7
                                ---------                ---------                ---------
Total.........................  $  24,929     16.7       $  25,287      18.1      $  22,660      18.8
                                =========                =========                =========
</TABLE>


ELECTRONICS SEGMENT
FISCAL 1998 VERSUS FISCAL 1997
Sales in this segment were up 5% compared with fiscal 1997, reaching $45.9
million in fiscal 1998. Sales growth occurred in all of the segment's product
categories, with the largest increase, $1.0 million, coming from the company's
Electronic Systems division as a result of market growth in contract
manufacturing. Sales of flow and position control devices for the agricultural
market increased from $16.7 million in fiscal 1997 to $16.9 million in fiscal
1998 due primarily to higher selling prices. Delays in new product introductions
slowed the solid growth experienced in prior years. At the company's Beta Raven
subsidiary, sales of both feedmill automation and contract electronics
manufacturing increased due to higher market demand and increased market share.
Gross profit rates improved in this segment as a higher percentage of repeat
business lessened the impact of start-up costs in contract electronics
manufacturing.

[BAR CHART]

YEAR        SALES       GROSS PROFITS

'96        32.962           7.841
'97        43.861           8.617
'98        45.947          10.083

ELECTRONICS SEGMENT
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

FISCAL 1997 VERSUS FISCAL 1996
The company successfully broadened its commercial contract electronics offerings
in fiscal 1997. Revenues from contract electronics assembly in the Raven
Electronic Systems division doubled over fiscal 1996 levels and reached $18.0
million. Sales of flow and position control devices for precision farming
applications increased from $13.5 to $16.7 million. Lower contract assembly
revenues from the company's Beta Raven subsidiary partially offset these
increases. The lower gross profit rate in fiscal 1997 was a result of the high
rate of technological and customer start-up costs incurred with the introduction
of new products and transformation from defense orientation to a commercial
customer base.

PROSPECTS
An increased backlog in contract electronics manufacturing orders at the end of
fiscal 1998 supports management's expectation for sales growth in this segment
between 10-15% in the coming year. Sales growth in the flow and position control
markets will depend on the farm economy in the United States and abroad and
acceptance of new product initiatives in the marketplace. Gross profit rates are
expected to be slightly lower in fiscal 1999 than in fiscal 1998 because sales
growth is expected to be in relatively lower margin product lines.

PLASTICS SEGMENT
FISCAL 1998 VERSUS FISCAL 1997

Sales in the Plastics segment rose from $59.2 million in fiscal 1997 to $68.3
million in fiscal 1998 due primarily to the acquisition of Norcore Plastics,
Inc., in January 1997. Norcore sales in fiscal 1998 were $6.3 million, nearly
30% below expectations due to a slowdown in the semiconductor industry. Storage
tank revenues were $22.3 million in fiscal 1998 and $15.7 million in fiscal
1997. The company's industrial plastic tank operations all experienced
unfavorable


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...21

<PAGE>


FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

[BAR CHART]

YEAR        SALES       GROSS PROFITS

'96        55.281           9.450
'97        59.158          10.154
'98        68.325           8.791

PLASTICS SEGMENT
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

market conditions in the second half of fiscal 1998, depressing sales and gross
margins. Sales of engineered films and research balloons were 6% higher in
fiscal 1998 than in fiscal 1997, reaching $27.4 million. Entry into new markets,
such as retail stores, expanded sales opportunities and offset generally lower
selling prices for films. Pickup-truck topper sales increased by 5% due
primarily to higher unit deliveries. Most of the decline in the gross profit
rate resulted from the decline in plastic tank margins, but all product lines
showed some reduction.

FISCAL 1997 VERSUS FISCAL 1996
Continued growth in sales of engineered films in fiscal 1997 was central to the
company's success in this business segment. Engineered Film division sales were
$25.8 million, up 9% over fiscal 1996. Fiscal 1996 sales included emergency
demand for hurricane film. Sales of high-altitude research balloons and
pickup-truck toppers increased by 18% and 15%, respectively. Weakness in
agricultural markets reduced sales of plastic tanks by 4%. Higher sales combined
with improved operations at one of the company's pickup-truck topper plants
increased gross profits in fiscal 1997, compared with fiscal 1996.

PROSPECTS
The gross profit reduction experienced in the second half of fiscal 1998 is
expected to continue into the first half of fiscal 1999. For the full year,
management expects that gross profit percentages will partially recover, but
remain below the level of fiscal 1997 and 1996. Recent negotiations with
suppliers will result in lower raw material costs. With gross profit rate
improvement established as the primary objective for this segment in fiscal
1999, sales growth in the 5-10% range is expected.

SEWN PRODUCTS SEGMENT
FISCAL 1998 VERSUS FISCAL 1997
Sales were $35.3 million in this segment in fiscal 1998; a 3% decline from the
prior fiscal year. Sales of performance outerwear were essentially unchanged, at
$29.8 million, while sales of hot-air balloons and inflatable displays declined
due to lower demand. The change in the gross profit rate, from 18% in fiscal
1997 to 17% in fiscal 1998 was due primarily to lower sales of relatively higher
margin products.

FISCAL 1997 VERSUS FISCAL 1996
Sales of $36.4 million in fiscal 1997 were 13% higher than in fiscal 1996 as a
result of improved market conditions for outerwear sales to catalog
merchandisers and increased sales of severe weather uniforms. Sales of
inflatable display products and hot-air balloons also increased. Raven branded
skiwear and western wear sales declined. Higher sales and production levels
improved plant efficiencies and aided the recovery of the gross profit rate.

[BAR CHART]

YEAR        SALES       GROSS PROFITS

'96        32.201           5.369
'97        36.422           6.516
'98        35.347           6.055

SEWN PRODUCTS SEGMENT
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

PROSPECTS
Management believes the limited growth strategy currently employed in its Sewn
Products businesses will deliver consistent and predictable profits. Management
believes these businesses do have sufficient resources to respond to
opportunities as they arise. Increased order backlog at January 31, 1998
indicates an opportunity for sales growth in excess of 5% in fiscal 1999. If
sales do increase, gross profits are expected to rise commensurately.

EXPENSES, INCOME TAXES
AND OTHER
FISCAL 1998 VERSUS FISCAL 1997
Selling expenses increased by 13% in fiscal 1998 when compared with fiscal 1997
levels. Increased selling effort to penetrate new markets in the Plastics and
Electronics segments contributed to the increase. Administrative and interest
expenses were relatively unchanged. Other income included improved results at
the company's 50% owned affiliate, which was sold in January 1998 for $3.8
million, generating a pretax gain of $1.8 million. The company's effective
income tax rate rose from 35.5% to 35.7% as the goodwill amortization associated
with the Norcore merger was not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

FISCAL 1997 VERSUS FISCAL 1996
Selling and administrative costs increased by 1.7% over fiscal 1996 levels. As a
percent of sales, they were reduced to 9.5% from 10.9% one year earlier. Selling
expenses did not increase over the prior year as a result of declines in
commissionable sales and lower promotional expenses. Administrative expenses did
increase by 3.9% as a result of higher compensation expenses. Interest expense
declined


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...22

<PAGE>


FINANCIAL REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

due to lower borrowing levels. The company's effective income tax rate increased
from 35.2% in fiscal 1996 to 35.5% in fiscal 1997 due primarily to the taxation
of income over $10 million at a higher federal rate.

PROSPECTS
Operating expenses are expected to remain relatively constant as a percentage of
sales in fiscal 1999. Interest costs should decline as total borrowings are
reduced. The company's effective income tax rate is expected to rise slightly,
to the 36% range.

OTHER
The company reports its business segments according to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 14. A new Statement, affecting the company for its
fiscal 1999 year-end reporting, will require changes in the reporting of segment
information. Management has not yet determined the impact of the new Statement
on its financial reporting, but expects additional detail concerning its
business operations to be disclosed.


ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table summarizes cash provided by (used in) the company's business
activities for the past three fiscal years:

(dollars in thousands)                  1998          1997          1996
===========================================================================
Operating activities...............  $   9,274     $   7,088     $   9,687
Investing activities...............     (4,979)       (5,090)       (4,158)
Financing activities...............     (4,884)       (2,363)       (4,029)
Increase (decrease) in cash........  $    (589)    $    (365)    $   1,500

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
The company's cash flow from operations totaled $26.0 million over the past
three years, compared with net income of $21.9 million over the same period.
Accounts receivable and inventory levels increased slightly in fiscal 1998 due
to higher sales. Working capital requirements are projected to grow along with
revenues in fiscal 1999.

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
The company sold its investment in an affiliated company in January 1998 for
$3.8 million. Cash proceeds were $1.3 million and the remainder was in the form
of a note receivable in fiscal 1999 and 2000. Capital expenditures totaled $6.5
million in fiscal 1998, $2.5 million higher than the prior year and $1.4 million
more than depreciation and amortization. Over one-half of the expenditures in
fiscal 1998 were in support of continued growth in the Plastics segment. Capital
spending is expected to exceed depreciation and amortization by approximately $1
million in fiscal 1999.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES AND CREDIT LINES
The company increased its dividend, on a per share basis, for the eleventh
consecutive year. Cash was also used to repurchase 34,000 shares of company
stock at an average price of $20.96 per share and repay $1.7 million of
long-term debt.

The company uses its short-term line of credit to finance its seasonal borrowing
needs. Maximum borrowings under the company's line of credit were $2.0 million
during fiscal 1998 and average daily borrowings were less than $300,000. Higher
levels of short-term borrowing may be required during fiscal 1999 because of the
company's lower opening cash balance and anticipation of higher working capital
requirements. Management believes its existing credit facility will be
sufficient to fund these requirements in the coming fiscal year.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND LONG-TERM FINANCING
The company's long-term debt to total capitalization ratio was 1.8% at January
31, 1998. Refer to Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for types and
sources of long-term debt. Although no new long-term borrowing is planned for
fiscal 1999, additional borrowings may be required if management repurchases any
of the 466,000 additional shares of Raven stock remaining under the
authorization by the board of directors.

The company's solid financial condition and capacity to assume additional
financing, if needed, provide the company a strategic advantage over many of its
competitors. In the opinion of management, the company is well-positioned to
take on new opportunities in its core businesses with emphasis on those that
build on the company's strengths of customer service and quality manufacturing.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 annual report...23

<PAGE>

STOCK AND QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE

WEEKLY STOCK PRICE, VOLUME AND P/E

[PLOT POINTS CHART]

DATE           P/E             PRICE              VOLUME

2/07           14.596          23 1/2             17,200.0
2/14           14.441          23 1/4              8,300.0
2/21           13.820          22 1/4              9,300.0
2/28           13.509          21 3/4             13,700.0
3/07           13.742          22 1/8             23,800.0
3/14           13.665          22                 67,500.0
3/21           14.596          23 1/2             21,500.0
3/28           14.596          23 1/2             13,300.0
4/04           14.286          23                 33,800  
4/11           14.441          23 1/4             33,200  
4/18           14.441          23 1/4             15,900  
4/25           14.441          23 1/4             16,300  
5/02           13.772          23                 13,800  
5/09           13.698          22 7/8             24,500  
5/16           13.922          23 1/4             29,000  
5/23           14.072          23 1/2             29,500  
5/30           14.222          23 3/4             13,500  
6/06           14.222          23 3/4              8,000  
6/13           13.997          23 3/8              6,600  
6/20           14.147          23 5/8             10,700  
6/27           14.521          24 1/4             14,600  
7/04           14.596          24 3/8             11,500  
7/11           14.521          24 1/4             10,900  
7/18           14.371          24                 12,400  
7/25           14.371          24                  4,700  
8/01           14.559          24 3/4             26,100  
8/08           14.412          24 1/2             17,000  
8/15           15.147          25 3/4             33,200  
8/22           14.853          25 1/4             17,100  
8/29           14.706          25                 19,300  
9/05           14.118          24                 24,800  
9/12           14.412          24 1/2              6,900  
9/19           14.265          24 1/4             10,700  
9/26           14.559          24 3/4             46,700  
10/03          14.265          24 1/4             45,100  
10/10          14.706          25                 32,400  
10/17          14.191          24 1/8             87,000  
10/24          13.382          22 3/4             40,400  
10/31          14.516          22 1/2             26,300  
11/07          15.161          23 1/2              9,300  
11/14          14.677          22 3/4             53,100  
11/21          12.661          19 5/8             67,600  
11/28          13.347          20 11/16           23,800  
12/05          13.629          21 1/8             91,000  
12/12          13.548          21                 81,400  
12/19          13.871          21 1/2             14,100  
12/26          14.194          22                  9,000  
1/02           13.790          21 3/8             22,800  
1/09           13.790          21 3/8             13,100  
1/16           14.355          22 1/4             14,600  
1/23           14.274          22 1/8             21,600  
1/30           13.630          22 5/8             15,700  

QUARTERLY SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         net income       common stock
                                                                                        per share(a)      market price
(dollars in thousands,    net         gross    operating     pretax        net       -----------------  -----------------  dividends
except per-share data)   sales        profit    income       income       income      basic    diluted    high       low   per share
====================================================================================================================================
FISCAL 1998                                                                                                                         
<S>                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>    
FIRST QUARTER......... $  35,666   $   6,827   $   3,288   $   3,334    $   2,134    $ 0.44    $ 0.44   $ 24.00    $ 21.75   $ 0.130
SECOND QUARTER........    34,075       6,075       2,407       2,476        1,602      0.33      0.33     24.50      22.38     0.130
THIRD QUARTER.........    41,321       6,113       2,505       2,548        1,641      0.34      0.33     25.75      22.50     0.150
FOURTH QUARTER........    38,557       5,914       2,362       4,182(b)     2,685      0.56      0.55     23.75      19.63     0.150
                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------                        -------
TOTAL YEAR............ $ 149,619   $  24,929   $  10,562   $  12,540    $   8,062    $ 1.66    $ 1.65   $ 25.75    $ 19.63   $ 0.560
                       ==============================================================================                        =======
                                                                                                                                    
FISCAL 1997                                                                                                                         
First Quarter......... $  30,875   $   6,086   $   2,826   $   2,797    $   1,808    $ 0.38    $ 0.38   $ 18.75    $ 16.00   $ 0.120
Second Quarter........    31,270       5,398       2,215       2,191        1,409      0.30      0.30     22.00      16.00     0.120
Third Quarter.........    38,943       7,055       3,598       3,571        2,303      0.49      0.48     22.75      18.25     0.130
Fourth Quarter........    38,353       6,748       3,332       3,356        2,168      0.45      0.45     23.50      20.88     0.130
                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------                        -------
Total Year............ $ 139,441   $  25,287   $  11,971   $  11,915    $   7,688    $ 1.62    $ 1.61   $ 23.50    $ 16.00   $ 0.500
                       ==============================================================================                        =======
                                                                                                                                    
FISCAL 1996                                                                                                                         
First Quarter......... $  27,787   $   5,776   $   2,404   $   2,380    $   1,535    $ 0.32    $ 0.32   $ 20.50    $ 17.25   $ 0.105
Second Quarter........    27,253       4,795       1,675       1,732        1,117      0.24      0.23     20.75      19.50     0.105
Third Quarter.........    35,560       6,400       3,115       3,057        1,972      0.42      0.41     20.50      17.50     0.120
Fourth Quarter........    29,844       5,689       2,367       2,397        1,573      0.34      0.34     19.25      15.50     0.120
                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------                        -------
Total Year............ $ 120,444   $  22,660   $   9,561   $   9,566    $   6,197    $ 1.31    $ 1.30   $ 20.75    $ 15.50   $ 0.450
                       ==============================================================================                        =======

</TABLE>

(a)  NET INCOME PER SHARE IS COMPUTED DISCRETELY BY QUARTER AND MAY NOT ADD TO
     THE FULL YEAR COMPUTATION DUE TO ROUNDING.

(b)  INCLUDES THE $1.8 MILLION GAIN ON SALE OF AN INVESTMENT IN AN AFFILIATE
     (SEE NOTE 5).


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...24

<PAGE>


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 as of January 31
                                                                         ---------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                                                     1998         1997        1996
==========================================================================================================
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>    
ASSETS
Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents .....................................      $ 2,850      $ 3,439      $ 3,804
    Accounts and note receivable, net .............................       26,973       25,637       16,002
    Inventories ...................................................       25,816       25,125       23,897
    Deferred income taxes .........................................        1,686        2,064        1,579
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets .....................          506          431          413
                                                                         ---------------------------------

        Total current assets ......................................       57,831       56,696       45,695

Property, plant and equipment, net ................................       19,817       18,142       18,069
Note receivable, less current portion .............................        1,259
Other assets, net .................................................        3,683        5,824        3,789
                                                                         ---------------------------------

        Total assets ..............................................      $82,590      $80,662      $67,553
                                                                         ---------------------------------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
    Current portion of long-term debt .............................      $ 1,765      $ 1,366      $   813
    Accounts payable ..............................................        7,480        7,849        4,651
    Accrued liabilities ...........................................        9,327       10,197        8,309
    Customer advances .............................................          803          604          998
                                                                         ---------------------------------

        Total current liabilities .................................       19,375       20,016       14,771

Long-term debt, less current portion ..............................        1,128        3,181        2,816
Deferred income taxes .............................................          524          736          815

Stockholders' equity ..............................................       61,563       56,729       49,151
                                                                         ---------------------------------
    Common shares-
    Authorized--100,000,000
    Outstanding--1998: 4,824,429; 1997: 4,835,558; 1996: 4,715,976

    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ....................      $82,590      $80,662      $67,553
                                                                         =================================
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 annual report...25

<PAGE>


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       for the years ended January 31
                                                 -----------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)       1998            1997            1996
==========================================================================================
<S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>      
Net sales .................................      $ 149,619       $ 139,441       $ 120,444
Cost of goods sold ........................        124,690         114,154          97,784
                                                 -----------------------------------------

    Gross profit ..........................         24,929          25,287          22,660

Operating expenses
    Selling ...............................          8,149           7,211           7,223
    Administrative ........................          6,218           6,105           5,876
                                                 -----------------------------------------

        Operating income ..................         10,562          11,971           9,561

    Interest expense ......................           (323)           (310)           (375)
    Gain on sale of investment in affiliate          1,794
    Other income, net .....................            507             254             380
                                                 -----------------------------------------

    Income before income taxes ............         12,540          11,915           9,566

Income taxes ..............................          4,478           4,227           3,369
                                                 -----------------------------------------

    Net income ............................      $   8,062       $   7,688       $   6,197
                                                 =========================================

Net income per common share:
   --basic ................................      $    1.66       $    1.62            1.31
                                                 =========================================
   --diluted ..............................      $    1.65       $    1.61            1.30
                                                 =========================================
</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT..26

<PAGE>


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  $1 par                        treasury stock
                                                  common       paid-in        -------------------        retained
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)     stock        capital        shares      at cost        earnings         total
================================================================================================================================
<S>                                             <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>     
Balance, January 31, 1995....................   $  5,050      $    420       (315,903)    $ (2,334)      $ 42,390      $ 45,526
Net income...................................                                                               6,197         6,197
Cash dividends ($.45 per share)..............                                                              (2,130)       (2,130)
Purchase of stock for treasury...............                                 (36,500)        (576)                        (576)
Purchase and retirement of stock.............         (9)         (172)                                                    (181)
Employees' stock options exercised...........         27           180                                                      207
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options...                      108                                                      108
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance January 31, 1996.....................      5,068           536       (352,403)      (2,910)        46,457        49,151
Net income...................................                                                               7,688         7,688
Cash dividends ($.50 per share)..............                                                              (2,367)       (2,367)
Shares issued for acquisition................         94         1,956                                                    2,050
Purchase and retirement of stock.............        (30)         (624)                                                    (654)
Employees' stock options exercised...........         56           618                                                      674
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options...                      187                                                      187
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance January 31, 1997.....................      5,188         2,673       (352,403)      (2,910)        51,778        56,729
Net income...................................                                                               8,062         8,062
Cash dividends ($.56 per share)..............                                                              (2,709)       (2,709)
Purchase of stock for treasury...............                                 (34,000)        (713)                        (713)
Purchase and retirement of stock.............        (33)         (771)                                                    (804)
Employees' stock options exercised...........         56           742                                                      798
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options...                      200                                                      200
                                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BALANCE JANUARY 31, 1998.....................   $  5,211      $  2,844       (386,403)    $ (3,623)      $ 57,131      $ 61,563
                                                ================================================================================

</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...27

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

consolidated statements of cash flows
                                                                                                      for the years ended January 31
                                                                                                      ------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                                                                                1998        1997        1996
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities
    Net income ..................................................................................   $ 8,062     $ 7,688     $ 6,197
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization ...........................................................     5,137       4,566       4,242
        Provision for losses on accounts receivable .............................................       193          88          86
        Deferred income taxes ...................................................................       166        (514)       (203)
        Equity in earnings of affiliate, net of dividends .......................................      (204)         (6)       (105)
        Gain on sale of investment in affiliate .................................................    (1,794)
        Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition of businesses    (2,254)     (4,808)       (525)
        Other operating activities, net .........................................................       (32)         74          (5)
                                                                                                    -------------------------------

    Net cash provided by operating activities ...................................................     9,274       7,088       9,687

Cash flows from investing activities
    Capital expenditures ........................................................................    (6,541)     (4,009)     (4,186)
    Sale of investment in affiliate .............................................................     1,300
    Acquisition of businesses ...................................................................                (1,105)       (510)
    Other investing activities, net .............................................................       262          24         538
                                                                                                    -------------------------------

    Net cash used in investing activities .......................................................    (4,979)     (5,090)     (4,158)

Cash flows from financing activities
    Issuance of short-term debt .................................................................     2,000                   4,500
    Payment of short-term debt ..................................................................    (2,000)                 (4,500)
    Retire debt of acquired business ............................................................                  (890)
    Long-term debt principal payments ...........................................................    (1,656)       (813)     (1,457)
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt ....................................................                 1,500
    Net proceeds from exercise of stock options .................................................       194         207         134
    Dividends paid ..............................................................................    (2,709)     (2,367)     (2,130)
    Purchase of treasury stock ..................................................................      (713)                   (576)
                                                                                                    -------------------------------

    Net cash used in financing activities .......................................................    (4,884)     (2,363)     (4,029)
                                                                                                    -------------------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ............................................      (589)       (365)      1,500

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..................................................     3,439       3,804       2,304
                                                                                                    -------------------------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ........................................................   $ 2,850     $ 3,439     $ 3,804
                                                                                                    ===============================

</TABLE>

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...28

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1...SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Raven Industries,
Inc. ("Raven") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "company"), Aerostar
International, Inc. ("Aerostar"); Beta Raven Inc. ("Beta"); and Glasstite, Inc.
("Glasstite"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the company's financial statements requires management to
make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash
equivalent balances are principally concentrated in a money market mutual fund
with Norwest Advantage Funds, an affiliate of Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.

INVENTORY VALUATION
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on
the first-in, first-out basis.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and is
depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset using accelerated
methods. The estimated useful lives used for computing depreciation are as
follows:

Buildings and improvements................................7 to 39 years
Machinery and equipment....................................3 to 7 years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense in the year incurred and renewals
and betterments are capitalized. The cost and related accumulated depreciation
of assets sold or disposed of are removed from the accounts and the resulting
gain or loss is reflected in income.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are primarily comprised of goodwill and patents which are
recorded at cost net of accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed on a
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 20 years.

INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS
The company employs large deductible insurance policies covering workers
compensation, employee health care and general liability costs. Costs are
accrued up to the limits of these policies based on claims filed and estimates
for claims incurred but not reported.

CONTINGENCIES
The company may from time to time be involved as a defendant in lawsuits, claims
or disputes in the normal course of business. An estimated loss is charged to
operations when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability
incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development expenditures of $660,000 in fiscal 1998, $678,000 in
fiscal 1997, and $619,000 in fiscal 1996 were charged to cost of goods sold in
the year incurred.

STOCK OPTIONS
The company records compensation expense related to its stock option plan using
the intrinsic value method.

INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences between assets and
liabilities reported on the company's balance sheet and their tax basis. These
differences are measured using enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates
applicable to the periods when the temporary differences will impact taxable
income. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to reflect
realizable value, when necessary. Income tax expense is the tax payable for the
period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...29

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 2...SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Following are the components of selected balance sheet items:

                                                    as of January 31
                                             -----------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                          1998        1997          1996
================================================================================
Accounts and note receivable, net:
    Trade accounts .......................   $ 26,113     $ 25,977     $ 16,342
    Current portion of note receivable ...      1,250
    Allowance for doubtful accounts ......       (390)        (340)        (340)
                                             ----------------------------------
        Total ............................   $ 26,973     $ 25,637     $ 16,002
                                             ==================================
Inventories:
    Finished goods .......................   $  4,133     $  4,275     $  5,236
    In process ...........................      3,882        4,574        5,344
    Materials ............................     17,801       16,276       13,317
                                             ----------------------------------
        Total ............................   $ 25,816     $ 25,125     $ 23,897
                                             ==================================
Property, plant, and equipment:
    Land .................................   $  1,265     $  1,185     $  1,185
    Building and improvements ............     14,742       13,988       13,285
    Machinery and equipment ..............     37,798       33,142       30,550
                                             ----------------------------------
                                               53,805       48,315       45,020
    Accumulated depreciation .............    (33,988)     (30,173)     (26,951)
                                             ----------------------------------
        Total ............................   $ 19,817     $ 18,142     $ 18,069
                                             ==================================
Other assets, net:
    Intangible assets, net of amortization   $  3,447     $  3,732     $  1,746
    Investment in affiliate ..............                   1,802        1,796
    Other non-current assets .............        236          290          247
                                             ----------------------------------
        Total ............................   $  3,683     $  5,824     $  3,789
                                             ==================================
Accrued liabilities:
    Profit sharing .......................   $  1,255     $  1,654     $  1,324
    Vacations ............................      1,941        1,786        1,622
    Salaries and wages ...................      2,407        2,514        2,427
    Insurance obligations ................      2,247        2,070        1,502
    Other ................................      1,477        2,173        1,434
                                             ----------------------------------
        Total ............................   $  9,327     $ 10,197     $  8,309
                                             ==================================


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...30

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 3...SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                                                 for the years ended January 31
                                                --------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                            1998        1997       1996
================================================================================
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable .....................   $  (279)    $(8,112)    $ 1,504
    Inventories .............................      (727)       (393)     (1,785)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets       (76)         53         (31)
    Accounts payable ........................      (369)      2,450        (784)
    Accrued liabilities .....................    (1,003)      1,588         118
    Customer advances .......................       200        (394)        453
                                                --------------------------------
                                                $(2,254)    $(4,808)    $  (525)
                                                ================================
Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest ................................   $   335     $   309     $   395
    Income taxes ............................     4,227       4,201       3,761




NOTE 4...ACQUISITIONS

In January 1997, the company acquired all the outstanding shares of Norcore
Plastics, Inc., a manufacturer of large
industrial storage tanks utilizing "dual laminate" technology. Consideration
paid included $1.1 million of cash and the issuance of 93,701 shares of common
stock. Raven acquired assets of $3.0 million and assumed liabilities of $2.1
million in connection with the merger. In fiscal 1996 the company acquired
certain assets of another company for $510,000.

Both acquisitions were accounted for as purchases. The cost in excess of net
tangible assets acquired resulted in goodwill of $2.7 million. The consolidated
financial statements include the results of operations of these businesses
subsequent to the acquisition dates.

NOTE 5...SALE OF INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE

In January 1998, the company sold its 50 percent equity investment in a
corporation engaged in the manufacture of injection-molded plastic products for
$3.8 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.8 million. The company had
accounted for this investment using the equity method. Under the Stock
Redemption Agreement, the company received cash of $1.3 million in fiscal 1998
and an 8.5% interest bearing note for the remaining $2.5 million. This note
receivable will be collected in two installments; one principal payment in
fiscal 1999 and the balance, including interest, in fiscal 2000.

NOTE 6...BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND MAJOR CUSTOMER
         INFORMATION

The company operates in three reportable business segments consisting of
Electronics, Plastics and Sewn Products. Segment information can be found on
page 3, along with a description of product lines included in each segment. No
customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales in any fiscal year
presented.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...31

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 7...QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly net sales, gross profit, net income and net income per share data are
presented on page 24.

NOTE 8...FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                    as of January 31
                                                                                           --------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                                                                       1998        1997        1996
===========================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>    
Norwest bank notes payable in installments through 2001 with interest at the prime rate    $ 2,560     $ 3,620     $ 2,680
Contracts, notes and mortgages payable in installments through 2003
    with interest from 3.0% to 14.0% ..................................................        212         762         740
Industrial revenue bonds payable in installments through 2001
    with interest at 83% of the prime rate ............................................        121         165         209
                                                                                           --------------------------------
        Total long-term debt ..........................................................      2,893       4,547       3,629
        Current portion ...............................................................     (1,765)     (1,366)       (813)
                                                                                           --------------------------------
                                                                                           $ 1,128     $ 3,181     $ 2,816
                                                                                           ================================

</TABLE>

Certain long-term debt is collateralized by land, buildings and equipment having
an aggregate depreciated cost at January 31, 1998 of $1.4 million. Norwest Bank
South Dakota, N.A. (Norwest) provides the company's unsecured notes payable and
unsecured line of credit. Two members of the company's board of directors are
also on the board of directors of Norwest.

The company had a $5.0 million unsecured line of credit available as of January
31, 1998; no borrowings were outstanding as of that date. Borrowings on the line
bear interest at rates approximating the prime rate. The prime rates at January
31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 were 8.5%, 8.25%, and 8.5%, respectively. In fiscal
1997, there were no borrowings under the credit line. The weighted average
interest rates under short-term credit lines in fiscal 1998 and 1996 were 8.5%
and 8.9%, respectively.

The company leases certain transportation and other equipment and facilities
under operating leases. Total rent expense under these leases was $802,000,
$445,000 and $483,000 in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

NOTE 9...SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS PLAN

The company has a Share Purchase Rights Plan designed to protect the interests
of its stockholders by preventing a potential acquiror from gaining control of
the company without offering a fair price to all stockholders. Under the Plan,
each stockholder has one Right for each share of the company's common stock
owned. Each Right entitles the stockholder to purchase from the company one
share of the company's common stock for a specified price. The Rights are not
exercisable or transferable apart from the common stock until ten days after a
person or group has acquired 20% or more, or makes a tender offer for 30% or
more, of the company's outstanding common stock. The Rights expire in March 1999
and are redeemable by the company at $0.01 per Right prior to the date upon
which they become exercisable, and in certain limited circumstances following
such date.

NOTE 10...STOCK OPTIONS

Officers and key employees of the company have been granted options to purchase
stock under the 1990 Stock Option Plan. The plan, administered by the Board of
Directors, allows for a cash bonus when options are exercised and may grant
either incentive stock options or non-qualified options with terms not to exceed
ten years. The plan reserves 


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...32

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


121,727 shares of the company's common stock at January 31, 1998. Options have
been granted at prices not less than market value at the date of grant, vest
over a four-year period and expire after five years. Compensation expense
related to the cash bonus was $383,000, $343,000 and $298,000 in fiscal 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, the
company has elected to continue to use the intrinsic value method to recognize
compensation expense for stock options. If compensation expense had been
recognized in accordance with the fair value method, the company's net income
and net income per share would have been:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   for the years ended January 31
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1998                      1997                      1996
                             --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             AS REPORTED  PRO FORMA    as reported  pro forma    as reported  pro forma
=======================================================================================================
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      
Net income (in thousands)    $   8,062    $   7,904    $   7,688    $   7,573    $   6,197    $   6,172
Net income per share:
   --basic ..............    $    1.66    $    1.63    $    1.62    $    1.60    $    1.31    $    1.30
   --diluted ............    $    1.65    $    1.61    $    1.61    $    1.59    $    1.30    $    1.29

</TABLE>

The pro forma information above only includes stock options granted after fiscal
1995. Pro forma compensation expense under the fair value method may increase
over the next few years as additional option grants are considered. The fair
value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: Dividend
yield of 2.5-3.0%; expected volatility of 25%; risk-free interest rate of
5.8-5.9%; and expected lives of 4.5 years. The fair value of each option
granted, including the cash bonus, was $7.30 in fiscal 1996, $8.75 in fiscal
1997 and $7.98 in fiscal 1998.

Information regarding option activity follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               for the years ended January 31
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1998                      1997                      1996
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       WEIGHTED                  weighted                    weighted
                                                       AVERAGE                   average                     average
                                                       EXERCISE                  exercise                    exercise
                                        SHARES          PRICE      shares         price      shares           price
====================================================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>      
Outstanding at beginning of year       287,750       $   18.35    280,292       $   16.50    247,581       $   15.17
Granted ........................        68,900           20.00     65,100           21.00     60,000           17.87
Exercised ......................       (55,650)          14.32    (55,642)          12.11    (27,289)           7.57
Forfeited ......................        (2,500)          19.30     (2,000)          18.51
                                       -------                    -------                    -------
Outstanding at end of year .....       298,500           19.47    287,750           18.35    280,292           16.50
                                       =======                    =======                    =======
Options exercisable at year-end        138,775       $   19.14    135,400       $   17.05    134,329       $   14.65

</TABLE>

The following table contains information about stock options outstanding at
January 31, 1998:

                   remaining
 exercise          contractual            number                    number
   price           life (years)         outstanding               exercisable
=============================================================================
$    20.00            0.75                51,700                    51,700
     18.25            1.75                56,500                    42,375
     17.87            2.75                57,400                    28,700
     21.00            3.75                64,000                    16,000
     20.00            4.75                68,900                        --
                                          --------------------------------
                                          298,500                  138,775
                                          ================================


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...33

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


NOTE 11...EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN 

The company has a profit sharing plan covering substantially all employees.
Contributions to the profit sharing plan, not to exceed 15% of total eligible
compensation, are made by Raven and each subsidiary, at the discretion of each
entity's Board of Directors. The company's contribution to the plan was
$1,255,000, $1,654,000, $1,324,000, for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

NOTE 12...INCOME TAXES

Significant components of the company's income tax provision are as follows:

                                                  for the years ended January 31
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                              1998        1997        1996
================================================================================
Income taxes
    Currently payable .........................   $ 4,312    $ 4,741    $ 3,572
    Deferred ..................................       166       (514)      (203)
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  $ 4,478    $ 4,227    $ 3,369
                                                  ==============================

Significant components of the company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are
as follows:

                                                         as of January 31
                                                  ------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)                              1998        1997        1996
================================================================================

Current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
    Accounts receivable .......................   $  (137)   $   119    $   119
    Installment sale of investment in affiliate      (365)
    Inventory valuation methods ...............       335        256        107
    Accrued vacations .........................       513        478        429
    Insurance obligations .....................       779        718        491
    Other accrued liabilities .................       561        493        433
                                                  ------------------------------
        Total .................................     1,686      2,064      1,579
                                                  ------------------------------

Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities):
    Installment sale of investment in affiliate      (510)
    Carrying value of investment in affiliate .                 (626)      (622)
    Depreciation methods ......................       (14)       (76)       (83)
    Safe-harbor lease .........................                  (34)      (110)
                                                  ------------------------------
        Total .................................      (524)      (736)      (815)
                                                  ------------------------------
Net deferred tax asset ........................   $ 1,162    $ 1,328    $   764
                                                  ==============================

The company's effective tax rate was 35.7%, 35.5%, and 35.2%, in fiscal 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. The tax rate varies from the statutory rate of 35%
due primarily to the effect of state income taxes and non-deductible expenses,
partially offset by the impact of graduated income tax rates.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...34

<PAGE>


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 


NOTE 13...NET INCOME PER SHARE COMPUTATION

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by weighted
average common shares outstanding. Common shares outstanding represent common
shares issued less shares purchased and held in treasury. Diluted net income per
share is computed by dividing net income by weighted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding, which includes the dilutive effect of shares
issuable upon exercise of employee stock options (net of shares assumed
purchased with the option proceeds). Details of the computation are presented
below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               for the years ended January 31
                                                           --------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)                 1998           1997          1996
=================================================================================================
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>       
Net income ............................................    $    8,062    $    7,688    $    6,197
                                                           ======================================

Average common shares outstanding .....................     4,842,622     4,738,511     4,735,223

Dilutive impact of stock options ......................        48,778        36,649        46,962
                                                           --------------------------------------

Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding     4,891,400     4,775,160     4,782,185
                                                           ======================================

Net income per share:
   --basic ............................................    $     1.66    $     1.62    $     1.31
                                                           ======================================
   --diluted ..........................................    $     1.65    $     1.61    $     1.30
                                                           ======================================

</TABLE>


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...35

<PAGE>


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Raven
Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998, 1997, 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 31,1998. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Raven Industries,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended January 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.


/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 6, 1998


RAVEN INDUSTRIES 1998 ANNUAL REPORT...36



                                   EXHIBIT 21

                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

                                   ----------




  Name of Subsidiary                            State of Incorporation
  ------------------                            ----------------------

Aerostar International, Inc.                         South Dakota

Beta Raven Inc.                                        Missouri

Glasstite, Inc.                                        Minnesota



                                   EXHIBIT 23




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

                                   ----------



            We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement of Raven Industries, Inc. on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-38614) of
our reports dated March 6, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Raven Industries, Inc. as of
January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended January 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996, which reports are included or incorporated by reference in this Form
10-K.




                                       COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 24, 1998


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1998
<CASH>                                           2,850
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   27,363
<ALLOWANCES>                                       390
<INVENTORY>                                     25,816
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                57,831
<PP&E>                                          53,805
<DEPRECIATION>                                  33,988
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  82,590
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           19,375
<BONDS>                                          1,128
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         5,211
<OTHER-SE>                                      56,352
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    82,590
<SALES>                                        149,619
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               149,619
<CGS>                                          124,690
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  124,690
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 323
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,540
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,478
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,062
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,062
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.66
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.65
        


</TABLE>


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